Support structure and electronic equipment

Abstract

To improve the ease of attaching and detaching an electronic module.SOLUTION: A support structure supports one end of an electronic module, the other end of which is connected to a connector mounted on a circuit board, on the circuit board, and includes a stud member having a flange fixed to a surface of the circuit board and a cylinder having a screw hole formed therein and standing up from the flange, a screw capable of supporting the other end of the electronic module by being screwed into the screw hole, a stud connecting portion connected to the stud member, a screw holding portion which holds the screw in a state in which the screw can rotate relatively, and a metallic capture member having an elastically deformable arm portion which connects the stud connecting portion and the screw holding portion.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3C

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a support structure for supporting an electronic module on a circuit board and an electronic device including the support structure.

Background Art

[0002] An electronic device such as a notebook PC is used by connecting an electronic module such as an SSD to a connector of a circuit board (motherboard) on which a CPU is mounted (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] As described in Patent Document 1, usually, one end of an electronic module is connected to a connector mounted on a circuit board, and the other end is supported by a screw with respect to the circuit board. By the way, an electronic module may be attached by an operator at a factory or the like, or may be replaced by the user himself / herself. At this time, the screw may fall into the housing, which may be troublesome to collect or may be lost, and the workability of attaching and detaching the electronic module is reduced.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above problems of the prior art, and an object thereof 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.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The support structure according to the first aspect of the present invention is a support structure that supports the other end of an electronic module, one end of which is connected to a connector mounted on a circuit board, to the circuit board, and includes a flange fixed to the surface of the circuit board, a stud member having a cylindrical body that stands up from the flange and has a screw hole formed therein, a screw that can support the other end of the electronic module by being screwed into the screw hole, a stud connection portion connected to the stud member, a screw holding portion that holds the screw in a relatively rotatable state, and an elastic deformable arm portion that connects the stud connection portion and the screw holding portion, and a metal capture member.

[0007] An electronic device according to a second aspect of the present invention includes a circuit board on which a connector is mounted, an electronic module having one end connected to the connector, and a support structure that supports the other end of the electronic module on the circuit board. The support structure includes a flange fixed to the surface of the circuit board, a stud member having a cylindrical body that stands up from the flange and has a screw hole formed therein, a screw that can support the other end of the electronic module by being screwed into the screw hole, a stud connection portion connected to the stud member, a screw holding portion that holds the screw in a relatively rotatable state, and an elastic deformable arm portion that connects the stud connection portion and the screw holding portion, and a metal capture member.

Advantages of the Invention

[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

Figure 2

Figure 3A

Figure 3B

Figure 3C

Figure 4A

Figure 4B

Figure 4C

Figure 5

Figure 6A

Figure 6B

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9A

Figure 9B

Figure 10

Figure 11A

Figure 11B

Figure 11C

Figure 12A

Figure 12B

Figure 13A

Figure 13B

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the electronic device and the support structure according to the present invention will be given, and detailed description will be made with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0011] Figure 1 is a view looking down on the electronic device 10 according to an embodiment from above. As shown in Figure 1, the electronic device 10 of this embodiment is a clamshell type notebook PC. The electronic device 10 has a configuration in which a lid 11 and a housing 12 are relatively rotatably connected by a hinge 14. In this embodiment, the electronic device 10 of the notebook PC is exemplified, but the electronic device may be other than the notebook PC, for example, a desktop PC, a tablet PC, a smartphone, or a portable game machine.

[0012] The lid 11 has a thin and flat box-shaped housing. The lid 11 is equipped with a display 16. The display 16 is, for example, an organic EL display or a liquid crystal display.

[0013] The housing 12 is a thin and flat box. The keyboard device 18 and the touch pad 19 face the upper surface (surface 12a) of the housing 12. Hereinafter, regarding the housing 12 and each component mounted thereon, with the posture of the operator operating the keyboard device 18 as a reference, the width direction (left and right) of the housing 12 is respectively referred to as the X1 and X2 directions, the depth direction (front and back) of the housing 12 is respectively referred to as the Y1 and Y2 directions, and the thickness direction (up and down) of the housing 12 is respectively referred to as the Z1 and Z2 directions for explanation. The X1 and X2 directions may also be collectively referred to as the X direction, and the Y1, Y2 directions and the Z1, Z2 directions may similarly be referred to as the Y direction and the Z direction. These respective directions are directions defined for convenience of explanation and may naturally change depending on the usage state or installation posture of the electronic device 10, etc.

[0014] The housing 12 is formed by overlapping a first cover material 20 and a second cover material 21 in the thickness direction and detachably connecting them to each other. The first cover material 20 forms, for example, the upper surface and the four peripheral side surfaces of the housing 12 and has a substantially bathtub shape. The second cover material 21 forms, for example, the lower surface of the housing 12 and has a substantially flat plate shape. The hinge 14 is installed in a concave hinge arrangement groove 12b formed at the rear edge of the housing 12 and connects the housing 12 and the lid 11.

[0015] FIG. 2 is a plan view schematically showing the internal structure of the housing 12. FIG. 2 is a view of the inside of the first cover material 20 as seen from the lower surface side with the second cover material 21 removed.

[0016] As shown in FIG. 2, inside the housing 12, a circuit board 24, a cooling module 25, and a battery device 26 are accommodated. Inside the housing 12, various electronic components, mechanical components, etc. are further provided.

[0017] The circuit board 24 is a printed circuit board that serves as the motherboard of the electronic device 10. The circuit board 24 is disposed closer to the Y2 side of the housing 12 and extends in the X direction. The circuit board 24 mounts 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 complies with a predetermined connection standard, in this embodiment, the M.2 (M-dot-two) standard. Electronic modules 32, 33 are connected to each of the connectors 30, respectively. The specific configurations of the circuit board 24, the electronic modules 32, 33, and their peripheries will be described later. Various electronic components such as a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) and memory can be mounted on the circuit board 24. For the circuit board 24, for example, the Z1-side surface (the first surface 24a) serves as the mounting surface for the first cover material 20, and the Z2-side surface (the second surface 24b) serves as the mounting surface for the CPU 28 and the connectors 30. Needless to say, the shape, arrangement, and electronic components to be mounted on the circuit board 24 are not limited to the above.

[0018] The cooling module 25 can absorb the heat generated by the CPU 28 and discharge it outside the housing 12. The cooling module 25 includes a heat pipe 34, a pair of heat sinks 35, 35, and a pair of fans 36, 36. The cooling module 25 can transport the heat of the CPU 28 to each heat sink 35 via the heat pipe 34 and promote the heat dissipation of each heat sink 35 by the air blowing from each fan 36.

[0019] The battery device 26 is a rechargeable battery that serves as the power source of the electronic device 10. The battery device 26 is disposed closer to the Y1 side of the circuit board 24 and extends in the X direction.

[0020] Next, a specific configuration example of the circuit board 24 and the electronic modules 32, 33 will be described.

[0021] 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 have a configuration in which conductive patterns are formed on both surfaces 24a, 24b.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 2, the circuit board 24 includes a pair of connectors 30, 30 and a pair of support structures 40, 40, and each connector 30 and each support structure 40 support electronic modules 32, 33. On the second surface 24b of the circuit board 24, a pair of ground pads 41, 41 used for fixing each support structure 40 are provided (see FIGS. 2 and 4A). The ground pad 41 is formed of, for example, a substantially D-shaped metal pattern cut from a part of a circle. The metal pattern is, for example, a copper foil printed by silk screen. The circuit board 24 has, for example, through holes 24c, and ground pads 41 are formed at the peripheral portions on the second surface 24b side.

[0023] 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 an on-board mounting type (Pcie Gen4: PCI Express 4.0) can be used.

[0024] FIG. 3A is an exploded perspective view of the support structure 40. FIG. 3B is a perspective view of the support structure 40. FIG. 3C is a perspective view showing a state in which the electronic module 32 is supported by the support structure 40. FIG. 4A is a schematic side cross-sectional view showing a state in which the electronic module 32 is supported by the support structure 40. FIG. 4B is a side cross-sectional view with the screw 43 loosened from the state shown in FIG. 4A. FIG. 4C is a side cross-sectional view with the screw 43 removed from the state shown in FIG. 4B. Here, a configuration in which one electronic module 32 is supported by the support structure 40 will be typically described, but a configuration in which the other electronic module 33 is supported by the support structure 40 can also be the same or similar to this.

[0025] As shown in FIGS. 3A to 4C, the support structure 40 includes a stud member 42, a screw 43, and a capture member 44. The support structure 40 tightens the screw 43 against the stud member 42 fixed to the circuit board 24 to support the electronic module 32 (33) with respect to the circuit board 24.

[0026] The stud member 42 is a metal part having a flange 42a and a cylindrical body 42b.

[0027] The flange 42a is a metal disc having a shape in which a part of a circle is cut by a cut surface 42a1. As a result, the flange 42a has a substantially D shape in plan view. The cylindrical body 42b is integrally formed with the flange 42a and is a cylinder that stands up in the Z direction from the center of the flange 42a. The cylindrical body 42b is provided with a threaded hole 42b1 having an internal thread formed on its inner peripheral surface. On the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical body 42b, a stopper portion 42b2 is provided on the side opposite to the cut surface 42a1 side in the diameter direction. The stopper portion 42b2 is a rib extending along the axial direction (Z direction) of the cylindrical body 42b. At the leading edge portion of the cylindrical body 42b, a flange-shaped enlarged diameter portion 42b3 having a diameter larger than that of the other outer peripheral surface is provided.

[0028] The surface on the Z1 side of the flange 42a is fixed to the ground pad 41 by, for example, reflow soldering. As a result, the stud member 42 is mounted on the circuit board 24. The fixing of the stud member 42 can be performed simultaneously with the process of mounting the connector 30 and other mounting components on the circuit board 24 by reflow soldering.

[0029] Note that the outer shape of the ground pad 41 is preferably substantially similar to the outer shape of the flange 42a, that is, preferably has a substantially D shape in plan view. As a result, the flange 42a and the ground pad 41 each have a rotationally asymmetric shape in plan view. For this reason, when the circuit board 24 fixes the flange 42a to the ground pad 41 by reflow soldering, the flange 42a receiving the surface tension of the molten solder is always positioned in a constant rotation direction on the ground pad 41. Specifically, the flange 42a is always soldered in a rotation direction in which the cut surface 42a1 coincides with the straight portion of the ground pad 41. As a result, the support structure portion 40 can always arrange the arm portion 48 of the capture member 44 described later on the side opposite to the connector 30 side, and the manufacturing efficiency and the assembly efficiency of the electronic modules 32, 33 are improved.

[0030] The screw 43 is a metal screw having a head 43a with an outer shape substantially the same as that of the flange 42a, and a threaded portion 43b that can be screwed into the threaded hole 42b1. An operation hole 43a1 is formed at the center of the head 43a. The operation hole 43a1 is a cross-shaped hole for fitting and rotating an operation tool such as a plus driver. The screw 43 may be provided with a shaft portion 43c without a thread at the root portion of the threaded portion 43b with respect to the head 43a. The shaft portion 43c is preferably formed to be slightly smaller in diameter than the outer diameter (nominal diameter) of the threaded portion 43b, for example.

[0031] The capture member 44 is a metal part 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 the screw 43 to the stud member 42 in a state where the screw 43 can be tightened into the threaded hole 42b1. The capture member 44 is, for example, a sheet metal part made of stainless steel. The capture member 44 is elastically deformable as a whole between a substantially L shape (see FIG. 3A) and a substantially U shape (see FIG. 3C) in a side view.

[0032] The stud connection portion 46 is a portion connected to the stud member 42. The stud connection portion 46 has a hole portion 46a and a plurality of protrusions 46b, and forms a thin ring shape. The hole portion 46a has an inner diameter larger than the outer diameter of the cylindrical body 42b and can insert the cylindrical body 42b. The protrusion 46b is a plate piece protruding from the inner periphery of the hole portion 46a toward the center direction. A claw-shaped portion curved toward the Z2 side may be provided at the tip of the protrusion 46b. Each protrusion 46b is arranged at a predetermined interval in the circumferential direction of the hole portion 46a. A gap G that is slightly wider than the gap between the other protrusions 46b, 46b is formed between two protrusions 46b, 46b on the side opposite to the arm portion 48 side in the diameter direction of the hole portion 46a. The stopper portion 42b2 of the cylindrical body 42b is disposed in the gap G.

[0033] The screw holding portion 47 is a portion that holds the screw 43 in a relatively rotatable state. The screw holding portion 47 has a hole portion 47a and has a thin ring shape. The outer shape of the screw holding portion 47 may be the same as the outer shape of the head portion 43a of the screw 43, or may be slightly larger or smaller than the outer shape of the head portion 43a. The shaft portion 43c of the screw 43 is engaged with the hole portion 47a in a relatively rotatable manner and is prevented from coming off. Therefore, the hole portion 47a should be able to pass through the screw portion 43b, and the inserted screw portion 43b should not come off easily. For this reason, it is preferable that the inner diameter of the hole portion 47a is slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the screw portion 43b. When the screw 43 does not have the shaft portion 43c, the screw holding portion 47 may insert the hole portion 47a to the root of the screw portion 43b and hold the screw 43 in a relatively rotatable manner here.

[0034] The arm portion 48 is a curved portion that connects the stud connection portion 46 and the screw holding portion 47, and is an elastically deformable leaf spring-like member. The capture member 44 of the present embodiment is a sheet metal part formed by punching a metal plate by pressing or the like. Therefore, one end of the arm portion 48 is integrally formed with the stud connection portion 46, and the other end is integrally formed with the screw holding portion 47. The length of the arm portion 48 and the open / close angle that can be elastically deformed are not limited. However, the arm portion 48 must be able to smoothly move the screw 43 held by at least the screw holding portion 47 between a position where it can be tightened into the screw hole 42b1 (see FIGS. 3C and 4A) and a position where it does not interfere with the attachment / detachment operation of the electronic module 32 (33) (see FIGS. 3B and 4C).

[0035] As one procedure for the assembly work of the capture member 44, first, the cylindrical body 42b is inserted into the hole portion 46a of the stud connection portion 46 (see FIGS. 3A and 3B). At this time, while expanding the protrusion 46b with the enlarged diameter portion 42b3, the stud connection portion 46 passes the hole portion 46a through the cylindrical body 42b. At that time, the stopper portion 42b2 is arranged in the gap G. Thereby, the stud connection portion 46 is attached to the cylindrical body 42b in a state where it can relatively move in the axial direction (ZZ direction) of the cylindrical body 42b between the enlarged diameter portion 42b3 and the flange 42a. On the other hand, the screw 43 is passed through the hole portion 47a before and after the operation of connecting the stud connection portion 46 to the stud member 42 and is held by the screw holding portion 47.

[0036] As described above, the capture member 44 holding the screw 43 is connected to the stud member 42 so as to be vertically movable (see FIGS. 3B to 4B). At this time, in the stud connection portion 46, the protrusions 46b on both sides forming the gap G are locked to the stopper portion 42b2. Thereby, the relative rotation of the stud connection portion 46 with respect to the cylindrical body 42b is restricted. The stopper portion 42b2 also functions to guide the vertical movement of the stud connection portion 46.

[0037] Next, the electronic modules 32 and 33 are card-type module components that can be connected to the connector 30 compliant with the M.2 standard as described above.

[0038] The electronic module 32 is, for example, a storage device. The electronic module 32 of the present embodiment is an SSD (Solid State Drive). As shown in FIG. 2, the electronic module 32 includes a module substrate 32a, terminals 32b formed at one end 32a1 of the module substrate 32a, and semiconductor chips 32c mounted on the module substrate 32a. In a state where the terminals 32b are connected to the connector 30, the other end 32a2 of the module substrate 32a is pressed in the Z direction by the support structure portion 40. Thereby, the electronic module 32 is attached to the circuit board 24. A semi-circular notch 32d in which the cylindrical body 42b of the stud member 42 can be arranged is formed at the center in the longitudinal direction of the other end 32a2 (see FIG. 4).

[0039] Ground portions 32e and 32f are provided on one surface 32a3 and the other surface 32a4 of the module substrate 32a, respectively (see FIG. 4A). The ground portions 32e and 32f are metal patterns provided at the peripheral edge of the notch 32d and are, for example, copper foils printed by silk screen.

[0040] The electronic module 33 is, for example, a communication module. The electronic module 33 of the present embodiment supports WWAN (Wireless Wide Area Network). The communication standard supported by the electronic module 33 may be, for example, WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network) or the like. As shown in FIG. 2, 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. With the terminal 33b 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. Thereby, the electronic module 33 is attached to the circuit board 24. A semi-circular notch 33d capable of arranging the cylindrical body 42b of the stud member 42 is formed at the center in the longitudinal direction of the other end 33a2.

[0041] Ground portions 33e and 33f similar to the ground portions 32e and 32f are also provided on one surface 33a3 and the other surface 33a4 of the module substrate 33a (see the reference numerals shown in parentheses in FIG. 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 silk screen.

[0042] A plurality of connection portions 33g are provided at the other end 33a2 of the electronic module 33. Cables 51 from the antenna elements 50 installed at various locations of the housing 12 and the lid 11 are appropriately connected to the connection portions 33g. In the configuration example shown in FIG. 2, a total of six cables 51 are connected to the electronic module 33. Therefore, a total of six connection portions 33g are arranged in parallel so as to straddle the notch 33d.

[0043] Next, the attachment and detachment operations of the electronic modules 32 and 33 to and from the circuit board 24 will be described. Here too, the attachment and detachment operation of one of the electronic modules 32 will be described as representative, but the attachment and detachment operation of the other electronic module 33 can also have the same or similar configuration.

[0044] First, when attaching the electronic module 32 to the circuit board 24, remove the screw 43 from the screw hole 42b1, open the arm portion 48, and retract the screw 43 from the stud member 42 (see FIG. 3B). After connecting the terminal 32b of the electronic module 32 to the connector 30, place the other end 32a2 immediately beside the cylindrical body 42b. At this time, a stud connection portion 46 is arranged around the cylindrical body 42b. Therefore, when the cylindrical body 42b is arranged in the notch 32d of the electronic module 32, the other surface 32a4 is placed on the Z2-side surface of the stud connection portion 46.

[0045] Subsequently, elastically deform the arm portion 48 and tighten the screw 43 into the screw hole 42b1 from above the electronic module 32. Then, the head 43a presses down the other end 32a2 of the electronic module 32 in the Z1 direction via the screw holding portion 47. At this time, the support structure portion 40 also moves the stud connection portion 46 along the axial direction of the cylindrical body 42b to the Z1 side. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the arm portion 48 from being damaged or plastically deformed due to an excessive closing-direction load. It is also possible to suppress the screw 43 from falling off the screw holding portion 47. When 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 holding portion 47. Thereby, the attachment operation of the electronic module 32 to the circuit board 24 is completed (see FIGS. 3C and 4A).

[0046] Next, when removing the electronic module 32 from the circuit board 24, loosen the screw 43 (see FIG. 4B). Then, since the pressing force by the screw 43 on the electronic module 32 is gradually released, the other end 32a2 floats upward on the Z2 side with one end 32a1 as the rotation fulcrum under the biasing force at the connection portion between the connector 30 and the terminal 32b. That is, the other end 32a2 moves toward the Z2 side along with the screw 43. At this time, the support structure portion 40 also moves the stud connection portion 46 toward the Z2 side along the axial direction of the cylindrical body 42b. For this reason, it is possible to prevent the arm portion 48 from being damaged or plastically deformed by receiving an excessive opening-direction load. Also, it is possible to suppress the screw 43 from falling off the screw holding portion 47. When the removal of the screw 43 is completed, the screw 43 retracts from the other end 32a2 by the elastic force of the arm portion 48 (see FIGS. 3B and 4C). Thereby, the electronic module 32 can be easily removed from the circuit board 24.

[0047] As described above, the support structure portion 40 of the present embodiment includes a stud member 42, a screw 43, and a metal capture member 44. The capture member 44 has 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.

[0048] Therefore, the screw 43 of the support structure 40 is always captured by the stud member 42 fixed to the circuit board 24 via the capture member 44. For this reason, the support structure 40 can prevent the screw 43 from falling or getting lost inside the housing 12 during the attachment / detachment operation of the electronic modules 32 and 33, improving workability. In addition, since the capture member 44 can be installed retrofitted to the stud member 42 fixed to the circuit board 24, its versatility is also high. Moreover, since the capture member 44 is made of metal, it does not affect the ground of the electronic modules 32 and 33 even when intervening between the screw 43, the stud member 42, and the electronic modules 32 and 33. Also, the electronic device 10 including the circuit board 24 that supports the electronic modules 32 and 33 by such a support structure 40 can reduce the risk of the screw 43 falling off or getting lost not only during work in a factory or the like but also when the user himself / herself replaces the electronic modules 32 and 33, etc., improving maintainability and expandability.

[0049] The electronic modules 32 and 33 of the present embodiment have ground portions (first ground portions) 32e and 33e on one surfaces 32a3 and 33a3 of the other ends 32a2 and 33a2. The screw holding portion 47 contacts these ground portions 32e and 33e. Specifically, in the support structure 40, the screw holding portion 47 intervening between the stud member 42 fixed to the ground pad 41 and the screw 43 fastened thereto contacts the ground portions 32e and 33e. For example, when the electronic module 32 is a storage device, usually, the ground portion 32e is provided only on one surface 32a3. The support structure 40 can surely electrically connect the ground portion 32e to the ground pad 41 even for such an electronic module 32.

[0050] In the support structure portion 40, it is preferable that the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical body 42b is provided with a stopper portion 46b2 that restricts the relative rotation of the capture member 44 with respect to the cylindrical body 42b by locking the protrusion 46b of the stud connection portion 46. Then, the capture member 44 (arm portion 48) can control the rotation posture in a certain direction when attached to the stud member 42. Specifically, the capture member 44 can always be arranged on the side opposite to the other ends 32a2 and 33a2 of the electronic modules 32 and 33 with respect to the arm portion 48. As a result, the support structure portion 40 can avoid the interference between the arm portion 48 and the electronic modules 32 and 33, and smooth opening and closing of the arm portion 48 and smooth attachment and detachment of the electronic modules 32 and 33 become possible.

[0051] In the above, a configuration in which two electronic modules 32 and 33 are mounted and supported by the support structure portion 40 is illustrated. However, the electronic device 10 (circuit board 24) may mount only one of the electronic modules 32 and 33, or may mount other types of electronic modules. Further, the support structure portion 40 may be applied only to a part of the mounted electronic modules, and the other electronic modules may be supported by other structures.

[0052] Figs. 5 to 7 are explanatory views of a support structure portion 40A according to the first modification. In Figs. 5 to 7, the same reference numerals as those shown in Figs. 1 to 4C indicate the same or similar configurations. For this reason, detailed descriptions of those having the same or similar functions and effects are omitted, and the same applies to Figs. 8 to 13B hereinafter.

[0053] As described above, the capture member 44 has the screw holding portion 47 in contact with the ground portions 32e, 33e on one surfaces 32a3, 33a3 of the electronic modules 32, 33 attached to the circuit board 24 (see FIG. 4A). Here, the electronic modules 32, 33 of the present embodiment may also have ground portions (second ground portions) 32f, 33f on the other surfaces 32a4, 33a4 of the other ends 32a2, 33a2 (see FIG. 4A). In particular, for example, the electronic module 33 which is a communication module compliant with the WWAN standard requires a double-sided ground. In this case, it is difficult for the support structure portion 40 to stably bring the stud connection portion 46 into contact with the ground portions 32f, 33f on the other surfaces 32a4, 33a4 of the electronic modules 32, 33. If the electronic modules 32, 33 are strongly fastened with the screws 43 and the electronic modules 32, 33 are strongly clamped between the screws 43 (screw holding portions 47) and the stud connection portion 46, there is a concern about breakage or malfunction of the electronic modules 32, 33.

[0054] Therefore, the support structure portion 40A shown in FIGS. 5 to 7 includes a gasket 60 which is a conductive member. The gasket 60 is, for example, a cushioning material having conductivity. The gasket 60 is formed, for example, in a ring shape having a predetermined thickness. The gasket 60 is disposed on the Z2 side of the stud connection portion 46 with the cylindrical body 42b passed through the central hole portion 60a. As shown in FIGS. 6A to 7, the gasket 60 is sandwiched between the electronic module 32 (33) and the stud connection portion 46 and is in contact with both of them. That is, the gasket 60 is in contact with the ground portion 32f (33f) and the stud connection portion 46. Thereby, the support structure portion 40A can also make an electrical connection between the ground portion 32f (33f) and the stud member 42.

[0055] FIGS. 8 to 10 are explanatory views of a support structure portion 40B according to a second modification.

[0056] The support structure 40B shown in FIGS. 8 to 10 is different from the support structure 40A shown in FIGS. 5 to 7 in that, as a conductive member, it includes a metal leaf spring member 62 instead of the gasket 60. The leaf spring member 62 is, for example, a sheet metal part made of stainless steel. The leaf spring member 62 is integrally attached to the capture member 44. The leaf spring member 62 has a ring portion 62a and a fixing portion 62b. In FIG. 8, the illustration of the stud member 42 constituting the support structure 40B is omitted, and only the capture member 44 is illustrated.

[0057] The ring portion 62a has a hole portion 62a1 at the center. The cylindrical body 42b is passed through the hole portion 62a1. The outer peripheral end surface on the side opposite to the fixing portion 62b side (X1 side) of the ring portion 62a is cut by a cut surface 62a2. Thereby, the ring portion 62a has a substantially D shape in plan view.

[0058] The fixing portion 62b is a portion fixed to the capture member 44. The fixing portion 62b is a plate-like member and is integrally formed on the outer peripheral end surface on the side opposite to the cut surface 62a2 side of the ring portion 62a. The fixing portion 62b is fixed to the surface on the Z2 side of the root portion of the stud connection portion 46 of the arm portion 48 by, for example, 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 with respect to the capture member 44. The positioning piece 62b2 is, for example, a plate piece obtained by bending the peripheral edge portion of the fixing portion 62b to the Z1 side. The positioning pieces 62b2 are arranged so as to be respectively caught by both side edge portions of the arm portion 48, an engagement hole 48a formed in the arm portion 48 (see FIG. 9A), and the inner peripheral wall portion of the hole portion 46a. Thereby, the positioning piece 62b2 can prevent the displacement of the fixing portion 62b with respect to the capture member 44.

[0059] The ring portion 62a has an inclined posture that gradually inclines toward the Z2 side from the proximal end side (fixed portion 62b) fixed to the arm portion 48 toward the distal end side (cutting surface 62a2 side). Therefore, there is a slight bend between the fixed portion 62b and the ring portion 62a. The ring portion 62a is disposed on the Z2 side of the stud connection portion 46 with the cylindrical body 42b passed through the hole portion 62a1. When the screw 43 is tightened to the stud member 42, the leaf spring member 62 sandwiches the ring portion 62a between the electronic module 32 (33) and the stud connection portion 46 and contacts the ground portion 32f (33f) (see FIGS. 9B and 10). Since the leaf spring member 62 elastically displaces when the ring portion 62a is pressed against the ground portion 32f (33f), it is pressed more firmly against the ground portion 32f (33f).

[0060] Therefore, even in the support structure portion 40B, an electrical connection can be made between the ground portion 32f (33f) and the stud member 42. Moreover, a cutting surface 62a2 is provided at the tip of the ring portion 62a. For this reason, the ring portion 62a can contact the ground portion 32f (33f) along a line rather than at a point, and the electrical connection state becomes more stable.

[0061] FIGS. 11A to 12B are explanatory views of a support structure portion 40C according to a third modification.

[0062] The support structure portion 40C shown in FIGS. 11A to 12B includes a stud member 42A and a capture member 44A that are different in configuration from the stud member 42 and the capture member 44 of the support structure portions 40, 40A, and 40B described above. That is, in the capture member 44 described above, the protrusion 46b of the stud connection portion 46 is locked to the stopper portion 42b2 of the cylindrical body 42b. Thereby, the relative rotation of the capture member 44 with respect to the stud member 42 is restricted, and the rotational posture of the arm portion 48 when attached to the stud member 42 is controlled in a certain direction. On the other hand, the support structure portion 40C has a configuration that replaces the stopper portion 42b2 and the protrusion 46b.

[0063] The stud member 42A includes a cylinder 64 that is different in configuration from the above-described cylinder 42b. The cylinder 64 has a first portion 64a provided on the root side that stands up from the flange 42a and a second portion 64b provided on the tip side in the standing direction. The cylinder 64 has a stepped rod shape with a smaller diameter on the root side (first portion 64a) than on the tip side (second portion 64b).

[0064] The first portion 64a is a cylinder or a column. The height of the first portion 64a in the Z direction 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.

[0065] The second portion 64b is continuously provided on the Z2 side of the first portion 64a. The second portion 64b has a cylinder with a larger diameter than the first portion 64a, and a pair of flat portions 64b1, 64b1 are formed on its outer peripheral surface. Each flat portion 64b1 is parallel to each other and extends in the axial direction (Z direction) of the cylinder 64. As a result, the second portion 64b has a substantially elliptical shape in which the short diameter side is formed by a straight line (flat portion 64b1) in a plan view. That is, the outer peripheral surface of the second portion 64b is formed by two flat portions 64b1 and two curved portions 64b2. The linear distance between the pair of flat portions 64b1, 64b1 is the same as or slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the first portion 64a.

[0066] The capture member 44A includes a stud connection portion 66 that is different in configuration from the above-described stud connection portion 46. Further, the capture member 44A includes a pair of stopper portions 67, 67 at the root portion of the arm portion 48 with respect to the stud connection portion 66.

[0067] The stud connection part 66 has a hole part 66a and forms a thin ring shape. The hole part 66a is similar to the outer shape of the second part 64b of the cylindrical body 64 and has an outer shape slightly larger than that of the second part 64b. That is, the hole part 66a has a substantially elliptical shape with the short diameter side formed by a pair of straight parts 66a1, 66a1 in plan view. That is, the inner peripheral surface of the hole part 66a is formed by two straight parts 66a1 and two arc parts 66a2. Thereby, the hole part 66a can insert the second part 64b without rattling. On the other hand, the hole part 66a is rotatable relative to the first part 64a around its axis.

[0068] The stopper part 67 is formed on both sides of the root part of the arm part 48 with respect to the stud connection part 66. Each stopper part 67 is a crank-shaped plate piece that protrudes in a direction away from the edge in the width direction of the arm part 48 (outward), bends once toward the Z1 side, and then bends outward again.

[0069] As one procedure of the assembling work of the capture member 44A, first, insert the second part 64b of the cylindrical body 64 into the hole part 66a of the stud connection part 66 (see FIGS. 11A, 11B, and 12A). At this time, the hole part 66a is pushed down until it passes through the second part 64b and engages with the first part 64a. Then, each stopper part 67 abuts against the Z2 side surface of the flange 42a and is in a pressed state.

[0070] Subsequently, rotate the capture member 44A (stud connection part 66) by a predetermined angle around the axis of the first part 64a. This rotation direction is 90 degrees if it is the direction in which the stopper part 67 can reach the cut surface 42a1 of the flange 42a in the shortest way, and 270 degrees in the opposite direction. Then, as shown in FIGS. 11C and 12B, each straight part 66a1 of the hole part 66a is arranged directly below each curved surface part 64b2 of the second part 64b. Thereby, the stud connection part 66 is prevented from coming off in the Z direction from the cylindrical body 64 with the second part 64b serving as a stopper. At the same time, each stopper part 67 drops from the Z2 side surface of the flange 42a and falls to the Z1 side and abuts against the cut surface 42a1.

[0071] As described above, in the stud connection portion 66, each stopper portion 67 is locked to the flange 42a (cut surface 42a1), and further relative rotation around the axis of the cylindrical body 64 is restricted. As a result, the capture member 44A is attached to the stud member 42A with the arm portion 48 in a predetermined rotational direction, that is, a rotational posture facing the side opposite to the connector 30 side.

[0072] Therefore, the capture member 44A of the support structure portion 40C can also always be arranged on the side opposite to the other ends 32a2, 33a2 of the electronic modules 32, 33 with respect to the arm portion 48. As a result, it is also possible to avoid the arm portion 48 of the support structure portion 40C from interfering with the electronic modules 32, 33, and smooth opening and closing of the arm portion 48 and smooth attachment and detachment of the electronic modules 32, 33 become possible. Moreover, since the stopper portion 42b2 is not required for the stud member 42A compared to the above-described stud member 42, the shape can be configured simply. Similarly, since the protrusion 46b is not required for the stud connection portion 46A compared to the above-described stud connection portion 46, the shape can be configured simply. As a result, the support structure portion 40C can suppress the manufacturing cost compared to the above-described support structure portion 40 and the like.

[0073] Note that the capture member 44A does not move up and down in the axial direction with respect to the cylindrical body 64. For this reason, it is preferable to increase the amount of deformation of the arm portion 48 in the capture member 44A compared to the case of the capture member 44. By doing so, smooth operation of the screw 43 becomes possible while suppressing breakage of the arm portion 48 and detachment of the screw 43 from the screw holding portion 47 in the capture member 44A as well.

[0074] FIGS. 13A and 13B are explanatory views of a support structure portion 40D according to a fourth modification.

[0075] The support structure 40D shown in FIGS. 13A and 13B is different in that it includes a capture member 44B configured with a cable guide 68 provided in the screw holding portion 47 as compared with the support structure 40C shown in FIGS. 11A to 12B. 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. The reference numeral 70 in FIGS. 13A and 13B is a heat sink that covers the semiconductor chip 33c of the electronic module 33.

[0076] The cable guide 68 is formed by integrally forming guide plates 68a on both sides of the screw holding portion 47, respectively. Each guide plate 68a is provided in a wing shape protruding along the longitudinal direction from the screw holding portion 47 to the other end 33a2. A plurality of clip portions 68b are formed on each guide plate 68a, for example. In the electronic device 10 of the present embodiment, a total of six cables 51 are connected to the electronic module 33. Therefore, the cable guide 68 has three clip portions 68b on each guide plate 68a, for a total of six clip portions 68b.

[0077] Therefore, when performing the attachment / detachment operation of the electronic module 33, when the screw 43 is removed from the screw hole 42b1 and the arm portion 48 is opened, the cable guide 68 also moves so as to open and close integrally with the screw holding portion 47. For this reason, when each cable 51 is removed from each connection portion 33g, it is possible to prevent the correspondence between each cable 51 and each connection portion 33g from being mixed. Also, when each cable 51 is connected to each connection portion 33g, a predetermined cable 51 and the connection portion 33g can be surely and easily connected. As a result, the efficiency of the attachment / detachment operation between the antenna element 50 and the electronic module 33 of the support structure 40D is also improved. In addition, since the capture member 44B can also be installed retrofitted to the stud member 42A fixed to the circuit board 24, the versatility is also high.

[0078] The support structure 40D shown in FIGS. 13A and 13B illustrates a configuration in which a cable guide 68 is provided in the capture member 44A of the support structure 40C shown in FIGS. 11A to 12B. However, the cable guide 68 may be applied to other support structures 40, 40A, 40B.

[0079] Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and it goes without saying that it can be freely changed without departing from the gist of the present invention.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0080] 10 Electronic device 12 Housing 24 Circuit board 30 Connector 32, 33 Electronic modules 32e, 32f, 33e, 33f Ground portions 40, 40A to 40D Support structure portions 42, 42A Stud members 42a Flange 42b, 64 Cylindrical bodies 43 Screw 44, 44A, 44B Capture members 46, 66 Stud connection portions 47 Screw holding portion 48 Arm portion 50 Antenna element 51 Cable 60 Gasket 62 Leaf spring member 68 Cable guide

Claims

1. A support structure for supporting the other end of an electronic module having one end connected to a connector mounted on a circuit board on the circuit board, comprising: A stud member having a flange fixed to the surface of the circuit board and a cylindrical body formed with a screw hole and rising from the flange; A screw that can support the other end of the electronic module by being screwed into the screw hole; A metal capture member having a stud connection portion connected to the stud member, a screw holding portion that holds the screw in a relatively rotatable state, and an elastically deformable arm portion that connects the stud connection portion and the screw holding portion; The support structure is characterized by comprising the above.

2. The support structure according to claim 1, wherein: The electronic module has a first ground portion on one surface of the other end; The screw holding portion is in contact with the first ground portion; The support structure is characterized by the above.

3. The support structure according to claim 2, wherein: The electronic module has a second ground portion on the other surface opposite to one surface of the other end; Further, a conductive member disposed between the stud connection portion and the electronic module and in contact with the second ground portion is provided; The support structure is characterized by the above.

4. The support structure according to claim 3, wherein: The conductive member is a ring-shaped gasket passed through the cylindrical body; The support structure is characterized by the above.

5. The support structure according to claim 3, wherein: The conductive member is a metal leaf spring member fixed to the capture member; The support structure is characterized by the above.

6. The support structure according to claim 1, wherein the stud connection portion is movable relative to the cylindrical body along the axial direction of the cylindrical body. Support structure characterized by the above.

7. The support structure according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the stud connection portion has a hole portion passed through the cylindrical body and a protrusion protruding from the inner periphery of the hole portion, a stopper portion for restricting relative rotation of the capture member with respect to the cylindrical body by locking the protrusion is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical body. Support structure characterized by the above.

8. The support structure according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the stud connection portion has a hole portion passed through the cylindrical body, the cylindrical body a first portion provided on the root side rising from the flange and inserted into the hole portion so as to be relatively rotatable with respect to the hole portion, a second portion provided continuously on the tip side of the first portion in the rising direction from the flange, capable of inserting through the hole portion and preventing the stud connection portion rotated by a predetermined angle in the first portion from coming out of the cylindrical body, and has the capture member further includes a stopper portion that is locked to the stud member when the stud connection portion is rotated by the predetermined angle in the first portion and is prevented from coming out of the cylindrical body by the second portion, and restricts rotation of the stud connection portion exceeding the predetermined angle. Support structure characterized by the above.

9. The support structure according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein 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. Support structure characterized by the above.

10. An electronic device, a circuit board on which a connector is mounted, an electronic module having one end connected to the connector, a support structure that supports the other end of the electronic module on the circuit board, and the support structure includes a stud member having a flange fixed to the surface of the circuit board and a cylindrical body formed with a screw hole and rising from the flange, a screw that can support the other end of the electronic module by being screwed into the screw hole, a metal capture member having a stud connection portion connected to the stud member, a screw holding portion that holds the screw in a relatively rotatable state, and an elastically deformable arm portion that connects the stud connection portion and the screw holding portion, and is characterized by the above.

11. The electronic device according to claim 10, wherein the electronic module has a first ground portion on one surface of the other end, and the screw holding portion is in contact with the first ground portion. is characterized by the above.

12. The electronic device according to claim 11, wherein the electronic module has a second ground portion on the other surface opposite to the one surface of the other end, and further includes a conductive member disposed between the stud connection portion and the electronic module and in contact with the second ground portion. is characterized by the above.

13. The electronic device according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the electronic module is a storage device. is characterized by the above.

14. The electronic device according to any one of claims 10 to 12, The electronic module is a communication module, and further includes an antenna element connected by a cable to a connection portion provided at the other end of the communication module, The capture member further includes a cable guide integrally provided with the screw holding portion for holding the cable. An electronic device characterized by the above.

Images