Electrical connection structure and electronic device

Abstract

To provide a technique capable of suppressing leakage and radiation of electromagnetic noise to the outside while surely securing electrical connection.SOLUTION: A conductive second member including a conductive first member, a first portion, and an elastically deformable second portion, wherein in a state where the first member and the second member are not in contact with each other, the second portion and the first portion are spaced apart from each other, and a minimum distance between the second portion and the first portion is a first distance, in a state where the first member and the second member are in contact with each other, the second portion is elastically deformed, and a minimum distance between the second portion and the first portion is a second distance smaller than the first distance.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an electrical connection structure that is useful in the housing of an electronic device or the like. [Background technology]

[0002] In various electronic devices, such as personal computers and office machines, it is necessary to ensure stable conduction by reducing the electrical resistance of the electrical contacts between components, such as exterior covers and housings. For example, when electrical contacts are formed using plate materials with warped, wavy, or rough surfaces, the reduction in contact area can sometimes cause problems with electrical conduction between the components.

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes a method for electrically connecting a metal sheet holder and a liquid crystal module housed in the holder. That is, a slit is provided in the metal sheet holder to form a leaf spring, and a protrusion on the leaf spring is brought into contact with the side of the liquid crystal module, ensuring electrical connection between the holder and the liquid crystal module. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2017 / 068715 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] According to the method of Patent Document 1, by bringing the protrusion biased by the leaf spring into contact with the side surface of the liquid crystal module, it is expected that the reliability of the electrical connection between the holder and the liquid crystal module will be improved.

[0006] However, in the method of Patent Document 1, slits are provided in the sheet metal holder to form the leaf spring, and electromagnetic noise may leak or be radiated from the electronic device inside the holder to the outside through these slits.

[0007] Therefore, there was a need for technology that could suppress the leakage and radiation of electromagnetic noise to the outside while reliably ensuring electrical connections. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] A first aspect of the present invention is an electrical connection structure comprising a first member having electrical conductivity, a first portion, and a second portion that is elastically deformable, and a second member having electrical conductivity, wherein when the first member and the second member are not in contact, the second portion and the first portion are separated by a space and the minimum distance between the second portion and the first portion is a first distance, and when the first member and the second member are in contact, the second portion elastically deforms and the minimum distance between the second portion and the first portion becomes a second distance that is smaller than the first distance. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a technique that can suppress the leakage and radiation of electromagnetic noise to the outside while reliably ensuring electrical connection. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a partially cutaway perspective view illustrating an example of a housing of the electronic device according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of one of the connection mechanisms according to the first embodiment seen obliquely from above. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the connection mechanism according to the first embodiment in a state where the lid is removed from the container and the two are spaced apart. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the connection mechanism according to the first embodiment in a state in which the lid is fastened to the container. [Figure 5] (a) A cross-sectional view of the connection mechanism of embodiment 1 taken along line DD in Fig. 2 in a state where the lid has been removed from the container and is spaced apart. (b) A cross-sectional view of the connection mechanism of embodiment 1 taken along line DD in Fig. 2 in a state where the lid has been fastened to the container. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the connection mechanism according to the second embodiment in a state where the lid is removed from the container and the two are spaced apart. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the connection mechanism according to the second embodiment in a state where the lid is fastened to the container. [Figure 8] (a) A cross-sectional view of the connection mechanism of the second embodiment taken along line DD in Fig. 2 in a state where the lid has been removed from the container and is spaced apart. (b) A cross-sectional view of the connection mechanism of the second embodiment taken along line DD in Fig. 2 in a state where the lid has been fastened to the container. [Figure 9] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating a method for manufacturing the second member. [Figure 10] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of one of the connection mechanisms according to the third embodiment, seen obliquely from above. [Figure 11] 11 is a cross-sectional view of the connection mechanism of the third embodiment taken along line EE in FIG. 10 in a state in which the lid is fastened to the container. [Figure 12] (a) A cross-sectional view of the connection mechanism of the third embodiment taken along line DD in Fig. 10 in a state where the lid has been removed from the container and is spaced apart. (b) A cross-sectional view of the connection mechanism of the third embodiment taken along line DD in Fig. 10 in a state where the lid has been fastened to the container. [Figure 13] 4 is a cross-sectional view of the connection mechanism of the fourth embodiment taken along line EE in FIG. 2 in a state in which the lid is fastened to the container. [Figure 14] (a) A cross-sectional view of the connection mechanism of the fourth embodiment taken along line DD in Fig. 2 in a state where the lid has been removed from the container and is spaced apart. (b) A cross-sectional view of the connection mechanism of the fourth embodiment taken along line DD in Fig. 2 in a state where the lid has been fastened to the container. [Figure 15] (a) A cross-sectional view of the connection mechanism of a modified example of embodiment 4 taken along line DD in Fig. 2 in a state where the lid has been removed from the container and is spaced apart. (b) A cross-sectional view of the connection mechanism of a modified example of embodiment 4 taken along line DD in Fig. 2 in a state where the lid has been fastened to the container. [Figure 16](a) A cross-sectional view of the connection mechanism of a modified example of embodiment 4 taken along line DD in Fig. 2 in a state where the lid has been removed from the container and is spaced apart. (b) A cross-sectional view of the connection mechanism of a modified example of embodiment 4 taken along line DD in Fig. 2 in a state where the lid has been fastened to the container. [Figure 17] (a) A cross-sectional view of the connection mechanism of a modified example of embodiment 4 taken along line DD in Fig. 2 in a state where the lid has been removed from the container and is spaced apart. (b) A cross-sectional view of the connection mechanism of a modified example of embodiment 4 taken along line DD in Fig. 2 in a state where the lid has been fastened to the container. [Figure 18] (a) A cross-sectional view of the connection mechanism of a modified example of embodiment 4 taken along line DD in Fig. 2 in a state where the lid has been removed from the container and is spaced apart. (b) A cross-sectional view of the connection mechanism of a modified example of embodiment 4 taken along line DD in Fig. 2 in a state where the lid has been fastened to the container. [Figure 19] (a) A cross-sectional view of the connection mechanism of a modified example of embodiment 4 taken along line DD in Fig. 2 in a state where the lid has been removed from the container and is spaced apart. (b) A cross-sectional view of the connection mechanism of a modified example of embodiment 4 taken along line DD in Fig. 2 in a state where the lid has been fastened to the container. [Figure 20] (a) A cross-sectional view of the connection mechanism of embodiment 5 taken along line DD in Fig. 2 in a state where the lid has been removed from the container and is spaced apart. (b) A cross-sectional view of the connection mechanism of embodiment 5 taken along line DD in Fig. 2 in a state where the lid has been fastened to the container. [Figure 21] 1A is a cross-sectional view of the connection mechanism of the reference example in a state where the lid is removed from the container and the two are spaced apart, and FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view of the connection mechanism of the reference example in a state where the lid is fastened to the container. [Figure 22] (a) A diagram showing an elliptical cone as a modified example of the convex portion of the first member, (b) A diagram showing a square prism as a modified example of the convex portion of the first member, (c) A diagram showing a partially turned-over shape of a plate as a modified example of the convex portion of the first member. [Figure 23] (a) A diagram showing a modified example of the convex portion of embodiment 5. (b) A diagram showing another modified example of the convex portion of embodiment 5. (c) A diagram showing another modified example of the convex portion of embodiment 5. [Figure 24]1 is a diagram showing an image forming apparatus to which an electrical connection structure according to the present invention can be applied; [Figure 25] 1 is a table summarizing specifications and evaluation results for Examples and Reference Examples. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] An electrical connection structure according to an embodiment of the present invention, an electronic device including the electrical connection structure, and the like will be described with reference to the drawings. The embodiments and examples shown below are merely illustrative, and those skilled in the art can appropriately modify and implement the detailed configurations, for example, without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0012] In the drawings referred to in the following description, elements denoted by the same reference numerals have the same functions unless otherwise specified. When a plurality of identical elements are arranged in a drawing, the reference numerals and their descriptions may be omitted.

[0013] Furthermore, the drawings may be represented schematically for the convenience of illustration and explanation, and the shape, size, arrangement, etc. of the elements depicted in the drawings may not necessarily be strictly identical to the actual objects.

[0014] In the following description, for example, when "X plus direction" is written, it refers to the same direction as the X axis arrow in the coordinate system shown, and when "X minus direction" is written, it refers to the direction 180 degrees opposite to the direction of the X axis arrow in the coordinate system shown. Also, when simply written as "X direction," it refers to the direction parallel to the X axis, regardless of whether it is different from the direction of the X axis arrow in the drawings. The same applies to directions other than X.

[0015] [Embodiment 1] Fig. 1 is a partially cutaway perspective view illustrating an example of a housing for an electronic device according to an embodiment. The housing 1 for the electronic device has a container 2 formed from a metal plate and a lid 3 that covers an opening of the container 2. The container 2 is provided with an attachment surface 4 formed by bending the edge of the metal plate. Note that Fig. 1 illustrates a portion of the lid 3 cut away so that the attachment surface 4 can be seen.

[0016] The lid 3 is configured to be detachable from the container 2 using, for example, screws. Depending on the type and use of the electronic device, the lid 3 can be removed to, for example, replenish consumables, replace parts, clean the inside of the housing, inspect the inside of the housing, etc., and then the lid 3 can be reattached.

[0017] The lid 3 is placed on and in contact with the mounting surface 4 of the container 2 and fixed at the fastening portion 5 using screws or the like, thereby forming the box-shaped housing 1. To facilitate the assembly of the housing 1, a relief hole is provided in the lid 3, and the structure allows the lid 3 to be moved horizontally on the mounting surface 4 of the container 2, aligned, and fastened by fitting the relief hole with a fastening tool such as a screw attached to the container 2 side of the fastening portion 5.

[0018] To prevent interference caused by static electricity and electromagnetic waves, the container 2 and lid 3 constituting the housing 1 are each made of a conductive material such as metal. The materials constituting the container 2 and the lid 3 may be the same or different, as long as they are conductive.

[0019] An electrical connection structure is configured to ensure electrical continuity between the container 2 and the lid 3 so that when one of the container 2 and the lid 3 is electrically grounded, the other is also grounded. As described above, the lid 3 can be repeatedly attached and detached to the container 2, and the electrical connection structure is configured to easily and reliably establish electrical continuity each time. Specifically, when the lid 3 is fastened to the container 2 by tightening the screws arranged in the fastening portion 5, an electrical connection between the container 2 and the lid 3 is established in each of the multiple connection mechanisms 6 provided on the attachment surface 4. The electrical connection structure will be described in detail later.

[0020] The metal material constituting the container 2 and lid 3 of the housing 1 can be iron or copper, which have low electrical resistance, necessary strength, and excellent workability, but other metals and alloys can also be used. For example, the container 2 and lid 3 can be formed by pressing a metal plate, and from the standpoint of workability and mechanical strength, the thickness of the plate is preferably 0.4 mm to 1.2 mm, for example. The surface of the plate may be coated with a coating such as zinc plating to maintain rust resistance. Furthermore, to maintain a good appearance, a resin coating may be applied, such as a coating made of a resin material such as polyester, vinyl chloride, urethane, or silicone. However, because such resin coatings generally have low electrical conductivity, the resin coating is not provided on the connection mechanism 6.

[0021] (Electrical connection structure) An electrical connection structure for establishing electrical continuity between the container 2 and the lid 3 will now be described. As shown in Fig. 1, the electrical connection structure includes a plurality of connection mechanisms 6. Fig. 2 is a perspective view of one of the connection mechanisms 6 seen obliquely from above to explain the configuration of the connection mechanisms 6.

[0022] The connection mechanism 6 includes a plate-like first member 11 that is part of the container 2, and a plate-like second member 12 that is part of the lid 3. The first member 11 includes a protrusion 7 that protrudes in the positive Z direction. The second member 12 is provided with an opening SL that is a slit-shaped opening that extends along the Y direction.

[0023] Figures 3 and 4 are cross-sectional views of the connection mechanism 6 taken along line EE in Figure 2. Figure 3 shows the connection mechanism 6 in a state where the lid 3 has been removed from the container 2 and is spaced apart, and Figure 4 shows the connection mechanism 6 in a state where the lid 3 has been fastened to the container 2 by tightening the screws disposed in the fastening portions 5. Figures 5(a) and 5(b) are cross-sectional views of the connection mechanism 6 taken along line DD in Figure 2. Figure 5(a) shows the connection mechanism 6 in a state where the lid 3 has been removed from the container 2 and is spaced apart, and Figure 5(b) shows the connection mechanism 6 in a state where the lid 3 has been fastened to the container 2 by tightening the screws disposed in the fastening portions 5.

[0024] 3 and 4, a conductive elastic member 9 extending along the longitudinal direction of the opening SL is provided on the conductive second member 12. Of the second member 12 (second member), the part of the elastic member 9 may be referred to as the second part, and the part excluding the elastic member 9 may be referred to as the first part.

[0025] The elastic member 9 has a width greater than that of the opening SL in the X direction (short side direction of the opening SL) and the Y direction (longitudinal direction of the opening SL), and is disposed so as to cover the opening SL from below when viewed in a plan view from the Z direction. In other words, the elastic member 9 has an area greater than that of the opening SL, and when the opening SL is viewed from the Z direction, the inside of the housing 1 is hidden by the elastic member 9 and cannot be seen.

[0026] The elastic member 9 is fixed at its longitudinal end BD to the second member 12 and is electrically connected to the second member 12 (i.e., the lid 3). The end BD of the elastic member 9 may be fixed to the second member 12 by welding, may be adhered to the second member 12 with a conductive adhesive, or may be joined to the second member 12 by a method such as crimping using plastic processing. The thickness of the elastic member 9 is preferably equal to or smaller than the thickness of the second member 12.

[0027] The protrusion 7 of the first member 11 is a rigid body with electrical conductivity, is mechanically fixed to the first member 11 (i.e., the container 2), and is connected to the first member 11 (i.e., the container 2), which is also electrically conductive.

[0028] As shown in Figures 3 and 5(a), when the lid 3 is removed from the container 2 and the two are separated, the protrusion 7 is separated from the elastic member 9, and no electrical continuity is formed between the lid 3 and the container 2. On the other hand, when the screws arranged in the fastening portion 5 are tightened and the lid 3 is fastened to the container 2, that is, when the surfaces of the first member 11 and the second member 12 are in contact with each other and fastened, as shown in Figures 4 and 5(b), the protrusion 7 biases the elastic member 9 in the positive Z direction, causing the elastic member 9 to elastically deform, and the two are fixed with an appropriate contact force applied. Therefore, an electrical conduit is reliably formed between the lid 3 and the container 2.

[0029] According to this embodiment, when the lid 3 is fastened to the container 2, the elastic member 9 is elastically deformed by being biased by the protrusion 7, thereby narrowing the path through which electromagnetic noise leaks and radiates to the outside. That is, according to this embodiment, an electrical connection structure is configured that can suppress the leakage and radiation of electromagnetic noise to the outside while reliably ensuring electrical connection.

[0030] As shown in Fig. 5(a), when the protrusion 7 is separated from the elastic member 9, the second member 12 and the end of the elastic member 9 in the short direction are separated, and a space 8S exists between them. This space 8S exists along the entire longitudinal length of the opening SL, as shown in Fig. 3. The space 8S communicates with the opening SL, and can be a path for electromagnetic noise to leak and be radiated from the inside of the housing 1 to the outside.

[0031] However, according to this embodiment, when the lid 3 is fastened to the container 2, the elastic member 9 is biased by the protrusion 7 and elastically deforms in the positive Z direction. As a result, near the protrusion 7, as shown in FIG. 5(b), the short-side end of the elastic member 9 abuts against the second member 12, forming an abutment portion 8C, and the space 8S no longer exists. Looking at the longitudinal direction of the elastic member 9, as shown in FIG. 4, although the space 8S remains near the end BD, the elastic deformation of the elastic member 9 significantly reduces the space 8S around the abutment portion 8C. Thus, the space 8S, which communicates with the opening SL and can serve as a path for electromagnetic noise to leak and radiate from the inside of the housing 1 to the outside, is significantly reduced when an electrical conductive path is formed between the lid 3 and the container 2.

[0032] The distance in the Z direction of the space 8S when the protrusion 7 is not biasing the elastic member 9 (i.e., the distance between the second member 12 and the elastic member 9) is desirably equal to or less than the distance at which the elastic member 9 is biased in the positive Z direction by the protrusion 7 when the lid 3 is fastened to the container 2. If the distance in the Z direction of the space 8S is greater than this, there is a possibility that the abutment portion 8C will not be formed even directly above the protrusion 7 when the protrusion 7 biases the elastic member 9, and the space 8S will remain. However, if the elastic member 9 elastically deforms even slightly in the positive Z direction due to the biasing force of the protrusion 7, the minimum distance between the elastic member 9 and the second member 12 will be reduced. Even if the abutment portion 8C is not formed, the space 8S will be reduced, and the effect of suppressing the leakage and radiation of electromagnetic noise can be obtained to some extent.

[0033] If the width of the elastic member 9 in the short-side direction (X direction) is at least twice the plate thickness, it becomes easier to ensure high shape precision (e.g., surface precision) when manufacturing the elastic member 9. However, if the width is too large, the elastic member 9 will be less likely to elastically deform when biased by the convex portion 7. For this reason, it is preferable that the width of the elastic member 9 in the short-side direction (X direction) is approximately twice the plate thickness. Furthermore, it is preferable that the length of the elastic member 9 in the long-side direction (Y direction) is at least five times the plate thickness. This is because if the length is too short, the elastic member 9 will be less likely to elastically deform in the positive Z direction when biased by the convex portion 7.

[0034] In this embodiment, the area of ​​the elastic member 9 in a plan view is larger than the area of ​​the opening SL, and when the opening SL is viewed from the Z direction, the interior of the housing 1 is hidden by the elastic member 9 and cannot be seen. Therefore, electromagnetic noise that attempts to propagate in the positive Z direction from the inside of the container 2 toward the opening SL is blocked by the conductive elastic member 9. Furthermore, because the space 8S between the elastic member 9 and the second member 12 is narrowed due to the elastic deformation of the elastic member 9, electromagnetic noise that passes through the space 8S and enters the opening SL and leaks to the outside is significantly suppressed.

[0035] 1, the connection mechanisms 6 are arranged in multiple locations on the housing 1, thereby ensuring reliable electrical connection between the lid 3 and the container 2. Even if the lid 3 is slightly deformed during repeated attachment and detachment of the lid 3 and the container 2, electrical connection is ensured at multiple locations, and the elastic deformation of the elastic member 9 suppresses leakage of electromagnetic noise.

[0036] [Embodiment 2] The embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the above-described first embodiment. Below, a second embodiment having an electrical connection structure different from that of the first embodiment will be described. Note that the description of matters common to the first embodiment will be simplified or omitted. The description of the housing of the electronic device is the same as that of the first embodiment described with reference to FIG. 1.

[0037] (Electrical connection structure) An electrical connection structure for ensuring electrical continuity between the container 2 and the lid 3 will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, the electrical connection structure includes multiple connection mechanisms 6. When viewed obliquely from above, the electrical connection mechanism according to this embodiment has a configuration similar to that shown in FIG. 2, which was referred to in the description of the first embodiment. However, the width in the short-side direction of the elastic member 9, the shape of the end, and the method of formation are different from those of the first embodiment. The connection mechanism 6 includes a plate-like first member 11 that is part of the container 2, and a plate-like second member 12 that is part of the lid 3. The first member 11 includes a protrusion 7 that protrudes in the positive Z direction. The second member 12 is provided with an opening SL, which is a slit-shaped opening extending along the Y direction.

[0038] Figures 6 and 7 are cross-sectional views of the connection mechanism 6 taken along line EE in Figure 2. Figure 6 shows the connection mechanism 6 in a state where the lid 3 has been removed from the container 2 and is spaced apart, and Figure 7 shows the connection mechanism 6 in a state where the lid 3 has been fastened to the container 2 by tightening the screws disposed in the fastening portions 5. Figures 8(a) and 8(b) are cross-sectional views of the connection mechanism 6 taken along line DD in Figure 2. Figure 8(a) shows the connection mechanism 6 in a state where the lid 3 has been removed from the container 2 and is spaced apart, and Figure 8(b) shows the connection mechanism 6 in a state where the lid 3 has been fastened to the container 2 by tightening the screws disposed in the fastening portions 5.

[0039] 6 and 7, a conductive elastic member 9 extending along the longitudinal direction of the opening SL is provided on the conductive second member 12. Of the second member 12 (second member), the part of the elastic member 9 may be referred to as the second part, and the part excluding the elastic member 9 may be referred to as the first part.

[0040] The elastic member 9 has a width greater than that of the opening SL in the X direction (short side direction of the opening SL) and the Y direction (longitudinal direction of the opening SL), and is disposed so as to cover the opening SL from below when viewed in a plan view from the Z direction. In other words, the elastic member 9 has an area greater than that of the opening SL, and when the opening SL is viewed from the Z direction, the interior of the housing 1 is hidden by the elastic member 9 and cannot be seen. The elastic member 9 is connected to the second member 12 at a connection part BE at the end in the longitudinal direction, and is also electrically connected to the second member 12 (i.e., the lid 3).

[0041] In this embodiment, a metal plate is punched using a die to integrally form the opening SL and the elastic member 9. As shown in FIG. 9 , the metal plate PL is supported by a pair of dies 92 at the positions indicated by the dotted lines, and a punch 91 is used to punch the opening SL. Through the punching process, the opening SL is formed, and a second member 12 is formed with the integrated elastic member 9. As shown in FIG. 8( a), recesses are formed in the portions of the second member 12 on both sides of the opening SL in the short direction (X direction) at the positions supported by the pair of dies 92, thinning the thickness of the second member 12. The metal portion punched out by the punch 91 becomes the elastic member 9. The metal material in the thinned portions on the sides of the opening SL is plastically deformed and moved so as to protrude inward of the opening SL, so that the width of the opening SL in the X direction is smaller than the width of the punched elastic member 9 in the X direction. The thickness of the portions on the sides of the opening SL may be 50% or more and 90% or less of the thickness of the second member 12.

[0042] 6, the portion that becomes the elastic member 9 is not completely separated from the plate PL during punching with the punch 91, and the plastically deformed end in the longitudinal direction (Y direction) becomes the connection part BE, which is connected to the second member 12. The connection part BE that connects the second member 12 and the elastic member 9 has a stepped bent shape, and forms an inclined surface that is at an angle of 30° to 60° with respect to the main surface of the second member 12.

[0043] In this embodiment, the second member 12 and the elastic member 9 are formed from a single metal plate PL, and therefore the thicknesses of the two members are approximately the same. In the example shown in Fig. 9, the hole punching is performed using a pair of a die 92 and a punch 91, but the hole punching may also be performed using, for example, a single die and a single punch.

[0044] In this embodiment, as in embodiment 1, the convex portion 7 of the first member 11 is a rigid body having electrical conductivity, is mechanically fixed to the first member 11 (i.e., the container 2), and is electrically connected to the first member 11 (i.e., the container 2) having electrical conductivity.

[0045] As shown in Figures 6 and 8(a), when the lid 3 is removed from the container 2 and the two are separated, the protrusion 7 is separated from the elastic member 9, and no electrical continuity is formed between the lid 3 and the container 2. On the other hand, when the lid 3 is fastened to the container 2 by tightening the screws arranged in the fastening portion 5, as shown in Figures 7 and 8(b), the protrusion 7 biases the elastic member 9 in the positive Z direction, causing the elastic member 9 to elastically deform, and the two are fixed with an appropriate contact force applied between them. Therefore, an electrical conduit is reliably formed between the lid 3 and the container 2.

[0046] In this embodiment as well, when the lid 3 is fastened to the container 2, the elastic member 9 is elastically deformed by being biased by the protrusion 7, thereby narrowing the path through which electromagnetic noise leaks and radiates to the outside. That is, in this embodiment as well, an electrical connection structure is configured that can suppress the leakage and radiation of electromagnetic noise to the outside while reliably ensuring electrical connection.

[0047] As shown in Fig. 8(a), when the protrusion 7 is separated from the elastic member 9, the second member 12 and the end of the elastic member 9 in the short direction are separated, and a space 8S exists between them. This space 8S exists along the entire longitudinal length of the opening SL, as shown in Fig. 6. The space 8S communicates with the opening SL, and can be a path for electromagnetic noise to leak and be radiated from the inside of the housing 1 to the outside.

[0048] However, according to this embodiment, when the lid 3 is fastened to the container 2, the elastic member 9 is biased by the protrusion 7 and elastically deforms in the positive Z direction. As a result, near the protrusion 7, as shown in FIG. 8(b), the short-side end of the elastic member 9 abuts against the second member 12, forming an abutment portion 8C, and the space 8S no longer exists. Looking at the longitudinal direction of the elastic member 9, as shown in FIG. 7, although the space 8S remains near the end BD, the elastic deformation of the elastic member 9 significantly reduces the space 8S around the abutment portion 8C. Thus, the space 8S, which communicates with the opening SL and can serve as a path for electromagnetic noise to leak and radiate from the inside of the housing 1 to the outside, is significantly reduced when an electrical conductive path is formed between the lid 3 and the container 2.

[0049] The distance in the Z direction of the space 8S when the protrusion 7 is not biasing the elastic member 9 (i.e., the distance between the second member 12 and the elastic member 9) is desirably equal to or less than the distance at which the elastic member 9 is biased by the protrusion 7 in the positive Z direction when the lid 3 is fastened to the container 2. If the distance in the Z direction of the space 8S is greater than this, there is a possibility that the abutment portion 8C will not be formed even directly above the protrusion 7 when the protrusion 7 biases the elastic member 9, and the space 8S will remain. However, if the elastic member 9 elastically deforms even slightly in the positive Z direction due to being biased by the protrusion 7, the minimum distance between the elastic member 9 and the second member 12 will be reduced. Even if the abutment portion 8C is not formed, the space 8S will be reduced, and the effect of suppressing the leakage and radiation of electromagnetic noise can be achieved to some extent.

[0050] If the width of the elastic member 9 in the short-side direction (X direction) is at least twice the plate thickness, it becomes easier to ensure high shape precision (e.g., surface precision) when manufacturing the elastic member 9. However, if the width is too large, the elastic member 9 will be less likely to elastically deform when biased by the protrusions 7. For this reason, it is preferable that the width of the elastic member 9 in the short-side direction (X direction) is approximately twice the plate thickness. Furthermore, it is preferable that the length of the elastic member 9 in the long-side direction (Y direction) is at least five times the plate thickness. This is because if the length is too short, the elastic member 9 will be less likely to elastically deform when biased by the protrusions 7.

[0051] In this embodiment, the elastic member 9 has an area larger than that of the opening SL, and when the opening SL is viewed from the Z direction, the interior of the housing 1 is hidden by the elastic member 9 and cannot be seen. Therefore, electromagnetic noise that attempts to propagate in the positive Z direction from the interior of the container 2 toward the opening SL is blocked by the conductive elastic member 9. Furthermore, because the space 8S between the elastic member 9 and the second member 12 is narrowed due to the elastic deformation of the elastic member 9, electromagnetic noise that passes through the space 8S and enters the opening SL and leaks to the outside is significantly suppressed.

[0052] 1, the connection mechanisms 6 are arranged in multiple locations on the housing 1, thereby ensuring reliable electrical connection between the lid 3 and the container 2. Even if the lid 3 is slightly deformed during repeated attachment and detachment of the lid 3 and the container 2, electrical connection is ensured at multiple locations, and the elastic deformation of the elastic member 9 suppresses leakage of electromagnetic noise.

[0053] [Embodiment 3] The embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the above-described embodiments. Below, a third embodiment having a different electrical connection structure will be described. Note that the description of matters common to the first embodiment will be simplified or omitted. The description of the housing of the electronic device is the same as that of the first embodiment described with reference to FIG. 1.

[0054] (Electrical connection structure) An electrical connection structure for ensuring electrical continuity between the container 2 and the lid 3 will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, the electrical connection structure includes multiple connection mechanisms 6. FIG. 10 is a perspective view of one of the connection mechanisms 6 viewed obliquely from above to explain the configuration of the connection mechanisms 6. The structure of the opening SL of the second member 12 and the elastic member 9 differs from that of the first embodiment. The connection mechanism 6 includes a plate-shaped first member 11 that is part of the container 2, and a plate-shaped second member 12 that is part of the lid 3. The first member 11 includes a protrusion 7 that protrudes in the positive Z direction. The second member 12 is provided with an opening SL that is a slit-shaped opening extending along the Y direction.

[0055] Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the connection mechanism 6 taken along line EE in Fig. 10, showing the connection mechanism 6 in a state in which the lid 3 is fastened to the container 2 by tightening the screws disposed in the fastening portions 5. Figs. 12(a) and 12(b) are cross-sectional views of the connection mechanism 6 taken along line DD in Fig. 10. Fig. 12(a) shows the connection mechanism 6 in a state in which the lid 3 has been removed from the container 2 and is spaced apart, and Fig. 12(b) shows the connection mechanism 6 in a state in which the lid 3 is fastened to the container 2 by tightening the screws disposed in the fastening portions 5.

[0056] 10 and 12(a), the conductive second member 12 has obtuse-angled bent shapes 31 formed on both sides of an opening SL, which is a slit-shaped opening extending along the Y direction. The bent shapes 31 protrude toward the opposite side to the first member 11 (i.e., the positive Z direction) at an angle of, for example, 150° or more and 170° or less with respect to the main surface of the second member 12. The width of the bent shapes 31 in the X direction is preferably three times or more the thickness of the second member 12.

[0057] 11, the second member 12 is provided with a conductive elastic member 9 extending along the longitudinal direction (Y direction) of the opening SL. Of the second member 12 (second member), the part of the elastic member 9 may be called the second part, and the part excluding the elastic member 9 may be called the first part.

[0058] The elastic member 9 is fixed to the second member 12 at its longitudinal end and is electrically connected to the second member 12 (i.e., the lid 3). The thickness of the elastic member 9 is preferably 50% to 90% of the thickness of the second member 12. If the thickness is less than 50%, the strength of the connection between the elastic member 9 and the second member 12 may be insufficient. If the width of the elastic member 9 in the short side direction (X direction) is at least twice the plate thickness of the second member 12, it becomes easier to ensure high shape accuracy (e.g., surface accuracy) when manufacturing the elastic member 9. Furthermore, the length of the elastic member 9 in the longitudinal direction (Y direction) is preferably at least five times the plate thickness of the second member 12. If the length is too short, the elastic member 9 will not easily deform elastically when biased by the protrusions 7.

[0059] As shown in Figure 12(a), when the lid 3 is removed from the container 2 and the two are separated, the protrusion 7 is separated from the elastic member 9, and no electrical conductive path is formed between the lid 3 and the container 2. On the other hand, when the lid 3 is fastened to the container 2 by tightening the screws arranged in the fastening portion 5, as shown in Figures 11 and 12(b), the protrusion 7 biases the elastic member 9 in the positive Z direction, causing the elastic member 9 to elastically deform, and the two are fixed with an appropriate contact force applied between them. Therefore, an electrical conductive path is reliably formed between the lid 3 and the container 2.

[0060] According to this embodiment, when the lid 3 is fastened to the container 2, the elastic member 9 is elastically deformed by being biased by the protrusion 7, thereby narrowing the path through which electromagnetic noise leaks and radiates to the outside. That is, according to this embodiment, an electrical connection structure is configured that can suppress the leakage and radiation of electromagnetic noise to the outside while reliably ensuring electrical connection.

[0061] 12(a), when the protrusion 7 is separated from the elastic member 9, the second member 12 and the end of the elastic member 9 in the short direction are separated, and a space 8S exists between them. This space 8S exists along the entire longitudinal length of the opening SL. The space 8S communicates with the opening SL, and can be a path for electromagnetic noise to leak and radiate from the inside of the housing 1 to the outside.

[0062] However, according to this embodiment, when the lid 3 is fastened to the container 2, the elastic member 9 is biased by the protrusion 7 and elastically deforms in the positive Z direction. As a result, near the protrusion 7, as shown in FIG. 12(b), the short-side end of the elastic member 9 abuts against the second member 12, forming an abutment portion 8C, and the space 8S no longer exists. Looking at the longitudinal direction of the elastic member 9, as shown in FIG. 11, although the space 8S remains near the end, the elastic deformation of the elastic member 9 significantly reduces the space 8S around the abutment portion 8C. Thus, the space 8S, which communicates with the opening SL and can serve as a path for electromagnetic noise to leak and radiate from the inside of the housing 1 to the outside, is significantly reduced when an electrical conductive path is formed between the lid 3 and the container 2.

[0063] The distance in the Z direction of the space 8S when the protrusion 7 is not biasing the elastic member 9 (i.e., the distance between the second member 12 and the elastic member 9) is desirably equal to or less than the distance at which the elastic member 9 is biased by the protrusion 7 in the positive Z direction when the lid 3 is fastened to the container 2. If the distance in the Z direction of the space 8S is greater than this, there is a possibility that the abutment portion 8C will not be formed even directly above the protrusion 7 when the protrusion 7 biases the elastic member 9, and the space 8S will remain. However, if the elastic member 9 elastically deforms even slightly in the positive Z direction due to being biased by the protrusion 7, the minimum distance between the elastic member 9 and the second member 12 will be reduced. Even if the abutment portion 8C is not formed, the space 8S will be reduced, and the effect of suppressing the leakage and radiation of electromagnetic noise can be achieved to some extent.

[0064] In this embodiment, the elastic member 9 has an area larger than that of the opening SL, and when the opening SL is viewed from the Z direction, the interior of the housing 1 is hidden by the elastic member 9 and cannot be seen. Therefore, electromagnetic noise that attempts to propagate in the positive Z direction from the interior of the container 2 toward the opening SL is blocked by the conductive elastic member 9. Furthermore, because the space 8S between the elastic member 9 and the second member 12 is narrowed due to the elastic deformation of the elastic member 9, electromagnetic noise that passes through the space 8S and enters the opening SL and leaks to the outside is significantly suppressed.

[0065] 1, the connection mechanisms 6 are arranged in multiple locations on the housing 1, thereby ensuring reliable electrical connection between the lid 3 and the container 2. Even if the lid 3 is slightly deformed during repeated attachment and detachment of the lid 3 and the container 2, electrical connection is ensured at multiple locations, and the elastic deformation of the elastic member 9 suppresses leakage of electromagnetic noise.

[0066] [Embodiment 4] The embodiments of the present invention are not limited to those described above. Below, a fourth embodiment having a different electrical connection structure will be described. Note that the description of matters common to the first embodiment will be simplified or omitted. The description of the housing of the electronic device is the same as that of the first embodiment described with reference to FIG. 1.

[0067] (Electrical connection structure) An electrical connection structure for ensuring electrical continuity between the container 2 and the lid 3 will now be described. As shown in FIG. 1, the electrical connection structure includes multiple connection mechanisms 6. When viewed obliquely from above, the electrical connection mechanism according to this embodiment has a configuration similar to that shown in FIG. 2, which was referred to in the description of the first embodiment. However, the shape and formation method of the elastic member 9 differ from those of the first embodiment. The connection mechanism 6 includes a plate-like first member 11 that is part of the container 2, and a plate-like second member 12 that is part of the lid 3. The first member 11 includes a protrusion 7 that protrudes in the positive Z direction.

[0068] Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view of the connection mechanism 6 taken along line EE in Figure 2, showing the connection mechanism 6 in a state in which the lid 3 is fastened to the container 2 by tightening the screws disposed in the fastening portions 5. Figures 14(a) and 14(b) are cross-sectional views of the connection mechanism 6 taken along line DD in Figure 2. Figure 14(a) shows the connection mechanism 6 in a state in which the lid 3 has been removed from the container 2 and is spaced apart, and Figure 14(b) shows the connection mechanism 6 in a state in which the lid 3 is fastened to the container 2 by tightening the screws disposed in the fastening portions 5.

[0069] 13, a conductive elastic member 9 is provided on a conductive second member 12, extending along the longitudinal direction thereof. Of the second member 12, the portion of the elastic member 9 may be referred to as the second portion, and the portion excluding the elastic member 9 may be referred to as the first portion.

[0070] As shown in FIG. 14(a), in this embodiment, a space 8S, which is a slit-shaped through-hole inclined with respect to the main surface, is formed in a metal plate that serves as the base material of the second member 12, and an elastically deformable elastic member 9 is defined therein. The space 8S is a space inclined with respect to the plate thickness direction of the second member 12. In FIG. 14(a), the cross-sectional shape of the elastic member 9 is a trapezoid whose upper base is shorter than its lower base. When the second member 12 is viewed from above, the space 8S, which is a through-hole, can be observed as two stripes extending along the Y direction. The space 8S, which is a through-hole, is preferably inclined at an angle of 45° or more and 60° or less with respect to the main surface of the second member 12.

[0071] As shown in Figure 14(a), when the lid 3 is removed from the container 2 and the two are separated, the protrusion 7 is separated from the elastic member 9, and no electrical conduction is formed between the lid 3 and the container 2. On the other hand, when the lid 3 is fastened to the container 2 by tightening the screws arranged in the fastening portion 5, as shown in Figure 14(b), the protrusion 7 biases the elastic member 9 in the positive Z direction, causing the elastic member 9 to elastically deform, and the two are fixed with an appropriate contact force applied between them. Therefore, an electrical conduction path is reliably formed between the lid 3 and the container 2.

[0072] In this embodiment as well, when the lid 3 is fastened to the container 2, the elastic member 9 is elastically deformed by being biased by the protrusion 7, thereby narrowing the path through which electromagnetic noise leaks and radiates to the outside. That is, in this embodiment as well, an electrical connection structure is configured that can suppress the leakage and radiation of electromagnetic noise to the outside while reliably ensuring electrical connection.

[0073] 14(a), when the protrusion 7 is separated from the elastic member 9, the second member 12 and the end of the elastic member 9 in the short direction are separated, and a space 8S exists between them. This space 8S exists along the entire longitudinal area of ​​the elastic member 9. The space 8S can be a path for electromagnetic noise to leak and be radiated from the inside of the housing 1 to the outside.

[0074] However, according to this embodiment, when the lid 3 is fastened to the container 2, the elastic member 9 is biased by the protrusion 7 and elastically deforms in the Z direction. As a result, near the protrusion 7, as shown in FIG. 14(b), the short-side end of the elastic member 9 abuts against the second member 12, forming an abutment portion 8C, and the space 8S no longer exists. Looking at the longitudinal direction of the elastic member 9, as shown in FIG. 13, although the space 8S remains near the end, the elastic deformation of the elastic member 9 has significantly reduced the space 8S around the abutment portion 8C. In this way, the space 8S, which can serve as a path for electromagnetic noise to leak and radiate from the inside of the housing 1 to the outside, is significantly reduced when an electrical conductive path is formed between the lid 3 and the container 2.

[0075] The distance in the Z direction of the space 8S when the protrusion 7 is not biasing the elastic member 9 (i.e., the distance between the second member 12 and the elastic member 9) is desirably equal to or less than the distance at which the elastic member 9 is biased by the protrusion 7 in the positive Z direction when the lid 3 is fastened to the container 2. If the distance in the Z direction of the space 8S is greater than this, there is a possibility that the abutment portion 8C will not be formed even directly above the protrusion 7 when the protrusion 7 biases the elastic member 9, and the space 8S will remain. However, if the elastic member 9 elastically deforms even slightly in the positive Z direction due to being biased by the protrusion 7, the minimum distance between the elastic member 9 and the second member 12 will be reduced. Even if the abutment portion 8C is not formed, the space 8S will be reduced, and the effect of suppressing the leakage and radiation of electromagnetic noise can be achieved to some extent.

[0076] 14(a), the cross-sectional shape of the elastic member 9 is trapezoidal, and the space 8S (inclined slit-shaped through-hole) for defining the elastic member 9 in the metal plate that serves as the base material of the second member 12 has a constant width in the X direction when viewed from any position in the Z direction. In other words, the slope of the trapezoid of the elastic member 9 that defines the space 8S (inclined slit-shaped through-hole) is parallel to the inner surface of the second member 12. However, the fourth embodiment is not limited to this example, and various modifications are possible to the cross-sectional shapes of the space 8S and the elastic member 9.

[0077] For example, cross sections of the connection mechanism 6 taken along line DD in FIG. 2 may be as shown in FIGS. 15(a) and 15(b). FIG. 15(a) shows the connection mechanism 6 in a state where the lid 3 is removed from the container 2 and separated from the container 2, while FIG. 15(b) shows the connection mechanism 6 in a state where the lid 3 is fastened to the container 2 by tightening screws disposed in the fastening portion 5. In this example, minute grooves CG are formed on the lower surface of the elastic member 9 and the upper surface of the second member 12. The grooves CG may be traces of the manufacturing process in which the space 8S, which is a slit-shaped through-hole, and the elastic member 9 are formed in the second member 12. The grooves CG may be formed, for example, when punching a metal plate to form the space 8S, or may be formed during a processing process such as punching, etching, or cutting to form other parts. The grooves CG may be shaped to facilitate elastic deformation of the elastic member 9 when biased by the protrusions 7.

[0078] As another example, cross sections of the connection mechanism 6 taken along line DD in FIG. 2 may be as shown in FIGS. 16(a) and 16(b). FIG. 16(a) shows the connection mechanism 6 in a state where the lid 3 is removed from the container 2 and spaced apart, and FIG. 16(b) shows the connection mechanism 6 in a state where the lid 3 is fastened to the container 2 by tightening screws disposed in the fastening portion 5. In this example, the sloped surfaces of the trapezoid of the elastic member 9 that define the space 8S (the inclined slit-shaped through hole) are not parallel to the inner surface of the second member 12. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 16(b), when the elastic member 9 is elastically deformed by being biased in the positive Z direction by the protrusion 7, the corners at both ends of the trapezoidal lower base abut against the inner surface of the second member 12, forming abutment portions 8C at those positions. 16(a), the trapezoidal slope of the elastic member 9 that defines the space 8S (the inclined slit-shaped through hole) and the inner surface of the second member 12 are inclined so that the distance in the X direction increases as they move in the positive Z direction, but the opposite is also possible. That is, the trapezoidal slope of the elastic member 9 and the inner surface of the second member 12 may be inclined so that the distance in the X direction decreases as they move in the positive Z direction. In any case, the presence of a portion where the distance in the X direction decreases reduces the intensity of the electromagnetic noise leaking and radiating even near the longitudinal end of the elastic member 9 where the abutment portion 8C is not formed.

[0079] As another example, cross sections of the connection mechanism 6 taken along line DD in FIG. 2 may be as shown in FIGS. 17(a) and 17(b). FIG. 17(a) shows the connection mechanism 6 in a state where the lid 3 is removed from the container 2 and spaced apart, while FIG. 17(b) shows the connection mechanism 6 in a state where the lid 3 is fastened to the container 2 by tightening screws disposed in the fastening portion 5. In this example, the inclined surface of the elastic member 9 defining the space 8S (a slanted slit-shaped through hole) and the inner surface of the second member 12 are not flat. In other words, the width of the space 8S (a slit-shaped through hole) defining the elastic member 9 is not constant in the X direction regardless of the position in the Z direction, but the width in the X direction is greatest near the center in the Z direction. In other words, when the first member 11 and the second member 12 are not in contact with each other, the width of the space 8S increases and then decreases from the side closer to the first member 11 to the side farther from the first member 11. Such a shape may depend on the manufacturing process in which spaces 8S, which are through-holes, are formed by cutting from both the front and back sides of a metal plate. Because spaces 8S are tapered on the front and back sides of second member 12, the strength of the leaked and radiated electromagnetic noise is weakened even near the longitudinal ends of elastic member 9 where contact portions 8C are not formed.

[0080] As another example, cross sections of the connection mechanism 6 taken along line DD in FIG. 2 may have the configurations shown in FIGS. 18(a) and 18(b). FIG. 18(a) shows the connection mechanism 6 in a state where the lid 3 is removed from the container 2 and separated from the container 2, while FIG. 18(b) shows the connection mechanism 6 in a state where the lid 3 is fastened to the container 2 by tightening screws disposed in the fastening portions 5. In this example, the side surfaces of the elastic member 9 that define the space 8S (slit-shaped through-hole) and the inner surface of the second member 12 are not flat but have stepped portions. Because the space 8S is bent between the front and back sides of the second member 12, the intensity of the leaked and radiated electromagnetic noise is reduced even near the longitudinal ends of the elastic member 9 where the abutment portions 8C are not formed.

[0081] As another example, cross sections of the connection mechanism 6 taken along line DD in FIG. 2 may have the configuration shown in FIGS. 19(a) and 19(b). FIG. 19(a) shows the connection mechanism 6 in a state where the lid 3 is removed from the container 2 and separated from the container 2, and FIG. 19(b) shows the connection mechanism 6 in a state where the lid 3 is fastened to the container 2 by tightening screws disposed in the fastening portion 5. In this example, a protrusion is formed on the side surface of the elastic member 9 that defines the space 8S (a slanted slit-shaped through-hole), and the inner surface of the second member 12 is a flat surface that is inclined with respect to the main surface of the second member 12. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 19(b), when the elastic member 9 is elastically deformed by being biased in the positive Z direction by the convex portion 7, the protrusion formed on the side surface abuts against the inner surface of the second member 12, forming an abutment portion 8C at that position. Since the width of the space 8S is narrowed by the protrusions, the strength of the leaked and radiated electromagnetic noise is weakened even near the longitudinal ends of the elastic member 9 where the abutting portions 8C are not formed.

[0082] According to this embodiment and its modified examples, when the lid 3 is fastened to the container 2, the elastic member 9 is biased by the protrusion 7 and elastically deforms in the positive Z direction. As a result, the elastic member 9 and the second member 12 come into contact with each other near the protrusion 7, forming a contact portion 8C, and the space 8S no longer exists. Looking at the longitudinal direction of the elastic member 9, as shown in FIG. 13 , although the space 8S remains near the end, the elastic deformation of the elastic member 9 has significantly reduced the space 8S around the contact portion 8C. In this way, the space 8S, which can serve as a path for electromagnetic noise to leak and radiate from the inside of the housing 1 to the outside, is significantly reduced when an electrical conductive path is formed between the lid 3 and the container 2.

[0083] The distance in the Z direction of the space 8S when the protrusion 7 is not biasing the elastic member 9 (i.e., the distance between the second member 12 and the elastic member 9) is desirably equal to or less than the distance at which the elastic member 9 is biased by the protrusion 7 in the positive Z direction when the lid 3 is fastened to the container 2. If the distance in the Z direction of the space 8S is greater than this, there is a possibility that the abutment portion 8C will not be formed even directly above the protrusion 7 when the protrusion 7 biases the elastic member 9, and the space 8S will remain. However, if the elastic member 9 elastically deforms even slightly in the positive Z direction due to being biased by the protrusion 7, the minimum distance between the elastic member 9 and the second member 12 will be reduced. Even if the abutment portion 8C is not formed, the space 8S will be reduced, and the effect of suppressing the leakage and radiation of electromagnetic noise can be achieved to some extent.

[0084] 1, the connection mechanisms 6 are arranged in multiple locations on the housing 1, thereby ensuring reliable electrical connection between the lid 3 and the container 2. Even if the lid 3 is slightly deformed during repeated attachment and detachment of the lid 3 and the container 2, electrical connection is ensured at multiple locations, and the elastic deformation of the elastic member 9 suppresses leakage of electromagnetic noise.

[0085] [Embodiment 5] The embodiments of the present invention are not limited to those described above. Below, a fifth embodiment having a different electrical connection structure will be described. Note that the description of matters common to the first embodiment will be simplified or omitted. The description of the housing of the electronic device is the same as that of the first embodiment described with reference to FIG. 1. When viewed obliquely from above, the electrical connection mechanism according to this embodiment has a configuration similar to that of FIG. 2 referred to in the description of the first embodiment. However, the shape of the elastic member, the arrangement of the protrusions, etc. are different from those of the first embodiment.

[0086] Figures 20(a) and 20(b) are cross-sectional views of the connection mechanism 6 taken along line DD in Figure 2. Figure 20(a) shows the connection mechanism 6 in a state where the lid 3 has been removed from the container 2 and is spaced apart, and Figure 20(b) shows the connection mechanism 6 in a state where the lid 3 has been fastened to the container 2 by tightening the screws disposed in the fastening portions 5.

[0087] (Electrical connection structure) In each of the above-described embodiments, the second member 12 is provided with the elastic member 9, and the first member 11 is provided with the protrusion 7 that protrudes toward the elastic member 9. When the lid 3 is fastened to the container 2, the protrusion 7 of the first member 11 biases the elastic member 9 of the second member 12, causing the elastic member 9 to elastically deform.

[0088] In contrast, in embodiment 5, as shown in FIGS. 20(a) and 20(b), the first member 11 is a plate-like member with a flat upper surface, and is not provided with a protrusion that protrudes toward the second member 12. The conductive second member 12 is provided with a conductive elastic member 9 that extends along its longitudinal direction. That is, the metal plate that serves as the base material of the second member 12 has a space 8S that is a slit-shaped through-hole that is inclined relative to the main surface, and the elastically deformable elastic member 9 is provided therein. The portion of the second member 12 that contains the elastic member 9 may be referred to as the second portion, and the portion excluding the elastic member 9 may be referred to as the first portion.

[0089] In this embodiment, the elastic member 9 has a protrusion 7A that protrudes in the negative Z direction toward the first member 11. As shown in FIG. 20(a), when the lid 3 is removed from the container 2 and the two are separated, the protrusion 7A and the first member 11 are separated, and no electrical continuity is formed between the lid 3 and the container 2. On the other hand, when the lid 3 is fastened to the container 2 by tightening the screws disposed in the fastening portion 5, the flat first member 11 biases the protrusion 7A in the positive Z direction, as shown in FIG. 20(b). This causes elastic deformation of the elastic member 9, and the two are fixed with an appropriate contact force applied between them. Therefore, an electrical conduction path is reliably formed between the lid 3 and the container 2.

[0090] According to this embodiment, when the lid 3 is fastened to the container 2, the elastic member 9 integrated with the protrusion 7A biased by the first member 11 is elastically deformed, thereby narrowing the path through which electromagnetic noise leaks and radiates to the outside. That is, according to this embodiment, an electrical connection structure is configured that can suppress the leakage and radiation of electromagnetic noise to the outside while reliably ensuring electrical connection.

[0091] 20(a), when the protrusion 7A integrated with the elastic member 9 is separated from the first member 11, the second member 12 and the elastic member 9 are separated, and a space 8S exists between them. This space 8S exists along the entire longitudinal length of the elastic member 9. The space 8S can be a path for electromagnetic noise to leak and radiate from the inside of the housing 1 to the outside.

[0092] However, according to this embodiment, when the lid 3 is fastened to the container 2, the elastic member 9 is biased by the first member 11 via the protrusion 7A and elastically deforms in the positive Z direction. As a result, as shown in FIG. 20(b), the elastic member 9 and the second member 12 come into contact with each other, forming an abutment portion 8C, and the space 8S disappears. Looking at the longitudinal direction of the elastic member 9, although the space 8S remains near the end, the elastic deformation of the elastic member 9 has significantly reduced the space 8S around the abutment portion 8C. Thus, the space 8S, which could be a path for electromagnetic noise to leak and radiate from the inside of the housing 1 to the outside, is significantly reduced when an electrical conductive path is formed between the lid 3 and the container 2.

[0093] The distance in the Z direction of the space 8S when the first member 11 is not biasing the convex portion 7A (i.e., the distance between the second member 12 and the elastic member 9) is desirably equal to or less than the distance at which the elastic member 9 is biased in the positive Z direction when the lid 3 is fastened to the container 2. If the distance in the positive Z direction of the space 8S is greater than this, the abutment portion 8C may not be formed when the first member 11 biases the convex portion 7A of the elastic member 9, and the space 8S may remain. However, even if the elastic member 9 elastically deforms even slightly in the positive Z direction due to the biasing force of the first member 11, the minimum distance between the elastic member 9 and the second member 12 will be reduced. Even if the abutment portion 8C is not formed, the space 8S will be reduced, thereby achieving a certain degree of effect in suppressing the leakage and radiation of electromagnetic noise.

[0094] In this embodiment, when viewed from the Z direction, the interior of the housing 1 is hidden by the elastic member 9 and cannot be seen. Therefore, electromagnetic noise that attempts to propagate from the inside of the container 2 to the outside of the housing 1 in the positive Z direction is blocked by the conductive elastic member 9. Furthermore, because the space 8S is narrowed by the elastic deformation of the elastic member 9, electromagnetic noise that passes through the space 8S between the elastic member 9 and the second member 12 and leaks to the outside is significantly suppressed.

[0095] 1, the connection mechanisms 6 are arranged in multiple locations on the housing 1, thereby ensuring reliable electrical connection between the lid 3 and the container 2. Even if the lid 3 is slightly deformed during repeated attachment and detachment of the lid 3 and the container 2, the elastic deformation of the elastic member 9 ensures electrical connection and suppresses leakage of electromagnetic noise.

[0096] [Examples and Reference Examples] Specific examples of the embodiments are described below. Examples 1 to 3 are given as specific examples of Embodiments 1, 2, and 4. A connection mechanism shown in FIGS. 21(a) and 21(b) is given as a reference example. FIGS. 21(a) and 21(b) are cross-sectional views of the connection mechanism according to the reference example taken along line DD in FIG. 2. FIG. 21(a) shows the connection mechanism in a state where the lid 3 is removed from the container 2 and separated from the container 2, and FIG. 21(b) shows the connection mechanism in a state where the lid 3 is fastened to the container 2 by tightening the screws disposed in the fastening portion 5. The connection mechanism according to the reference example includes a first member 111, a protrusion 107, a second member 112, and an elastic member 109 electrically connected to the second member.

[0097] In the connection mechanism shown as a reference example, when the lid 3 is fastened to the container 2, the elastically deformed elastic member 109 is not structured to abut against the second member 112, so that an abutment portion 8C is not formed near the convex portion 107 as in the embodiment, and a large space 8S remains.

[0098] The shapes of the convex portions 7 in Examples 1 to 3 and the convex portion 107 in the reference example are the same. The elastic members 9 of Examples 1 to 3 and the elastic member 109 of the reference example have the same length in the longitudinal direction, which is 100 mm.

[0099] The specifications of each part of the examples and reference examples are as follows. (First member 11 and first member 111) Material: SECC (electro-galvanized steel sheet), thickness: 0.6 mm (Second member 12 and second member 112) Material: SECC (electro-galvanized steel sheet), thickness: 0.6 mm

[0100] The evaluation methods for the Examples and Reference Example are as follows. The connection mechanisms of Examples 1 to 3 and Reference Example were provided on the housing 1 shown in FIG. 1, and the amount of electromagnetic waves leaking from inside the housing 1 to the outside was evaluated. The evaluation method involved storing an oscillator that generates fundamental waves from 30 MHz to 1 GHz inside the housing 1, and measuring the amount of electromagnetic noise at a position 10 m away from the housing 1. When fastening at the fastening portion 5, a load meter was used to measure the load that the convex portion exerts on the elastic member, and the relationship between the force exerted by the convex portion and the load was measured. The fastening portion was fastened using non-conductive resin-based screws.

[0101] A table summarizing the specifications and evaluation results for the examples and reference examples is shown in Fig. 25. The evaluation results showed that examples 1 to 3 had lower radiation noise than the reference example.

[0102] In the reference example, the protrusion 107 comes into contact with the elastic member 109 and biases it, but the space 8S is not narrowed, resulting in high radiated noise in the frequency band of 300 MHz to 500 MHz. Generally, the strength of radiated electromagnetic noise allowed by electronic devices is 60 dBuV / m or less, so the connection mechanism of the reference example did not satisfy this.

[0103] In Example 1, the elastic member 9 is biased by the convex portion 7 and elastically deforms in the positive Z direction. As a result, near the convex portion 7, as shown in FIG. 5(b), the short-side end of the elastic member 9 abuts against the second member 12, forming an abutment portion 8C, and the space 8S no longer exists. Looking at the longitudinal direction of the elastic member 9, as shown in FIG. 4, although the space 8S remains near the end BD, the elastic deformation of the elastic member 9 has significantly reduced the space 8S around the abutment portion 8C. Therefore, compared to the reference example, a greater electromagnetic noise shielding effect is exhibited, and the radiation noise is reduced to about half of that of the reference example.

[0104] In Example 2, the elastic member 9 is biased by the protrusion 7 and elastically deforms in the Z positive direction. In particular, as shown in FIG. 7, the elastic member 9 elastically deforms in the Z positive direction over a long distance along the longitudinal direction (Y direction) with the contact portion 8C as the center. As a result, the space 8S around the contact portion 8C is significantly reduced. Example 2 exhibits a greater effect of shielding electromagnetic noise than the reference example, and further reduces radiated noise more than Example 1.

[0105] In Example 3, the elastic member 9 is biased by the convex portion 7 and elastically deforms in the Z positive direction, but as shown in Fig. 14(a), the space 8S is configured to be inclined with respect to the main surface of the second member 12. Looking at the longitudinal direction of the elastic member 9, as shown in Fig. 13, although the space 8S remains near the end, the elastic deformation of the elastic member 9 significantly reduces the space 8S around the abutment portion 8C, and the space 8S is inclined with respect to the main surface of the second member 12. Therefore, a better electromagnetic noise shielding effect is exhibited than in the reference example, and further, the radiation noise is reduced more than in Example 1.

[0106] [Other embodiments] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and examples, and many modifications are possible within the technical spirit of the present invention. For example, the above-described different embodiments and examples may be combined in whole or in part.

[0107] For example, in the above-described embodiment, the container constituting the housing has a first member and the lid has a second member, but the housing may be configured so that each has the opposite member.

[0108] In the first to fourth embodiments, the first member 11 includes a cone-shaped protrusion 7. However, the protrusion 7 is not limited to this example. Essentially, the protrusion 7 may be any type that, when the lid 3 is fastened to the container 2, biases the elastic member 9 of the second member 12 to elastically deform the elastic member 9 and contacts the elastic member to form a good electrical connection. For example, as shown in FIG. 22(a), the protrusion 7 may be an elliptical cone having an elliptical horizontal cross section rather than a circular one. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 22(b), the top of the protrusion may be a flat surface rather than a point, and may be a polygonal prism such as a square prism or a cylinder. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 22(c), the top of the protrusion may be a line rather than a point. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 22(c), a protrusion 7 having a partially turned-up plate shape may be formed by bending a portion of the plate-shaped first member 11.

[0109] In the fifth embodiment, the second member 12 includes a slit-shaped space 8S and a protrusion 7A. However, the configuration of the second member 12 is not limited to that shown in FIGS. 20(a) and 20(b). The key is that the second member 12 may transmit the force exerted by the first member 11 to the elastic member 9 when the lid 3 is fastened to the container 2 and may contact the first member 11 to form a good electrical connection. For example, as shown in FIG. 23(a), the protrusion 7A may be surrounded by a space 8S that is an arc-shaped slit, and the connection portion between the protrusion 7A and the second member 12 may function as the elastic member 9. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 23(b), a plurality of spaces 8S that are linear slits may be formed around the protrusion 7A, and the portion between the protrusion 7A and the space 8S may function as the elastic member 9. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 23(c), a plurality of V-shaped slit spaces 8S may be formed around the protrusion 7A, and the portion between the protrusion 7A and the spaces 8S may function as an elastic member 9.

[0110] The electronic devices to which the electrical connection structure according to the present invention can be applied are not limited to the type of device exemplified in Fig. 1. The electronic devices may be, for example, various office machines such as personal computers and copiers, various household electrical appliances, various manufacturing devices such as processing machines, control devices that control various devices, communication devices, etc., and are not particularly limited in type.

[0111] The housing to which the electrical connection structure according to the present invention can be applied is not limited to the housing 1 configured by a container and a lid as illustrated in FIG. 1. The housing may have various shapes depending on the application of the electronic device. The electrical connection structure according to the present invention can also be applied to a container or housing that stores any electronic component. The electrical connection structure according to the present invention can be applied to any structure that fastens overlapping conductive members together to establish electrical continuity.

[0112] For example, the housing may be that of an image forming apparatus as shown in FIG. 24. Image forming apparatus 600 is, for example, an electrophotographic laser beam printer. Image forming apparatus 600 includes an image forming unit 610 and an image reading unit 620 housed in an exterior cover 601. Image reading unit 620 reads an image from a document placed on the printer. Image forming unit 610 forms an image on a sheet based on image data. The sheet may be a recording medium such as plain paper, special paper such as coated paper, envelopes, paper such as index paper, plastic film for overhead projectors, or cloth. The exterior cover 601 of image forming apparatus 600 is composed of multiple components fastened together in a detachable or openable manner. To suppress electromagnetic noise emitted from image forming apparatus 600, the electrical connection structure according to the present invention can be used between these components.

[0113] This specification discloses at least the following: [Item 1] a first member having electrical conductivity; a second member having electrical conductivity and including a first portion and an elastically deformable second portion; Equipped with When the first member and the second member are not in contact with each other, the second portion and the first portion are separated by a space, and a minimum distance between the second portion and the first portion is a first distance; When the first member and the second member are in contact with each other, the second portion is elastically deformed, and the minimum distance between the second portion and the first portion becomes a second distance that is smaller than the first distance. An electrical connection structure characterized by: [Matter 2] 2. The electrical connection structure described in item 1, further comprising a fastening portion that can fasten the first member and the second member in a contacting state. [Matter 3] When the first member and the second member are in contact with each other, the second portion is elastically deformed, and at least a part of the second portion is in contact with the first portion. 3. The electrical connection structure according to item 1 or 2. [Matter 4] When the first member and the second member are in contact with each other, at least a part of the second portion abuts against the first portion near a position where the first member and the second member are in contact with each other in the longitudinal direction of the first member. 4. The electrical connection structure according to any one of items 1 to 3. [Matter 5] When the first member and the second member are not in contact with each other, the space is inclined with respect to the thickness direction of the second member. 5. The electrical connection structure according to any one of items 1 to 4. [Matter 6] When the first member and the second member are not in contact with each other, the width of the space is constant. 6. The electrical connection structure according to any one of items 1 to 5. [Matter 7] When the first member and the second member are not in contact with each other, the width of the space is larger on the side closer to the first member. 6. The electrical connection structure according to any one of items 1 to 5. [Matter 8] When the first member and the second member are not in contact with each other, the width of the space is smaller on the side closer to the first member. 6. The electrical connection structure according to any one of items 1 to 5. [Matter 9] When the first member and the second member are not in contact with each other, the space is curved. 9. The electrical connection structure according to any one of items 1 to 8. [Matter 10] When the first member and the second member are not in contact with each other, the width of the space increases and then decreases from the side closer to the first member to the side farther from the first member. 6. The electrical connection structure according to any one of items 1 to 5. [Matter 11] When the second member is cut along the short direction of the second member, the cross-sectional shape of the second portion is trapezoidal. 11. The electrical connection structure according to any one of items 1 to 10. [Matter 12] When the second member is cut along a short-side direction of the second member, the cross-sectional shape of the second portion has a convex portion that protrudes toward the first portion. 12. The electrical connection structure according to any one of items 1 to 11. [Matter 13] The second portion has a groove formed along the longitudinal direction of the second member. 13. The electrical connection structure according to any one of items 1 to 12. [Matter 14] The first member has a convex portion, and when the first member and the second member are in contact with each other, the convex portion and the second portion are in contact with each other. 14. The electrical connection structure according to any one of items 1 to 13. [Matter 15] the second member has a protruding portion, and the second portion is disposed between the protruding portion and the first portion; When the first member and the second member are in contact with each other, the protrusion and the first member are in contact with each other. 9. The electrical connection structure according to any one of items 1 to 8. [Matter 16] When the first member and the second member are in contact with each other and fastened together, the end of the second portion in the short side direction and the first portion are in contact with each other. 6. The electrical connection structure according to any one of items 1 to 5. [Matter 17] the first portion has an opening; When viewed in a direction in which the first member and the second member are pressed, the opening and the second portion overlap. 15. The electrical connection structure according to any one of items 1 to 14. [Matter 18] The first member and the second member are members that constitute a housing of an electronic device. 18. The electrical connection structure according to any one of items 1 to 17. [Matter 19] 19. The electrical connection structure according to any one of items 1 to 18, The first member is a container that houses an electronic component, and the second member is a lid for the container. An electronic device characterized by: [Matter 20] 19. The electrical connection structure according to any one of items 1 to 18, The first member and the second member each constitute a part of a housing. An electronic device characterized by: [Explanation of symbols]

[0114] 1···Housing / 2··Container / 3··Lid / 4··Mounting surface / 5··Fastening portion / 6··Connection mechanism / 7··Protruding portion / 7A··Protruding portion / 8C··Contacting portion / 8S··Space / 9··Elastic member / 11··First member / 12··Second member / 31···Bending shape / 91··Punch / 92··Die / 107··Protruding portion / 109··Elastic member / 111··First member / 112···Second member / 600··Image forming apparatus / 601··Outer cover / 610··Image forming unit / 620··Image reading unit / BD··Edge / BE··Connection portion / PL··Plate / SL··Opening

Claims

1. a first member having electrical conductivity; a second member having electrical conductivity and including a first portion and an elastically deformable second portion; Equipped with When the first member and the second member are not in contact with each other, the second portion and the first portion are spaced apart from each other by a space, and a minimum distance between the second portion and the first portion is a first distance; When the first member and the second member are in contact with each other, the second portion is elastically deformed, and the minimum distance between the second portion and the first portion becomes a second distance that is smaller than the first distance. An electrical connection structure characterized by:

2. 2. The electrical connection structure according to claim 1, further comprising a fastening portion that can fasten the first member and the second member in a contact state.

3. When the first member and the second member are in contact with each other, the second portion is elastically deformed, and at least a part of the second portion is in contact with the first portion.

2. The electrical connection structure according to claim 1.

4. When the first member and the second member are in contact with each other, at least a part of the second portion abuts against the first portion near a position where the first member and the second member are in contact with each other in the longitudinal direction of the first member.

2. The electrical connection structure according to claim 1.

5. When the first member and the second member are not in contact with each other, the space is inclined with respect to the thickness direction of the second member.

4. The electrical connection structure according to claim 1, wherein the electrical connection structure is a conductor.

6. When the first member and the second member are not in contact with each other, the width of the space is constant.

4. The electrical connection structure according to claim 1, wherein the electrical connection structure is a conductor.

7. When the first member and the second member are not in contact with each other, the width of the space is larger on the side closer to the first member.

4. The electrical connection structure according to claim 1, wherein the electrical connection structure is a conductor.

8. When the first member and the second member are not in contact with each other, the width of the space is smaller on the side closer to the first member.

4. The electrical connection structure according to claim 1, wherein the electrical connection structure is a conductor.

9. When the first member and the second member are not in contact with each other, the space is curved.

4. The electrical connection structure according to claim 1, wherein the electrical connection structure is a conductor.

10. When the first member and the second member are not in contact with each other, the width of the space increases and then decreases from the side closer to the first member to the side farther from the first member.

4. The electrical connection structure according to claim 1, wherein the electrical connection structure is a conductor.

11. When the second member is cut along a short direction of the second member, the cross-sectional shape of the second portion is trapezoidal.

4. The electrical connection structure according to claim 1, wherein the electrical connection structure is a conductor.

12. When the second member is cut along a short-side direction of the second member, the cross-sectional shape of the second portion has a convex portion that protrudes toward the first portion.

4. The electrical connection structure according to claim 1, wherein the electrical connection structure is a conductor.

13. The second portion has a groove formed along the longitudinal direction of the second member.

4. The electrical connection structure according to claim 1, wherein the electrical connection structure is a conductor.

14. the first member has a protruding portion, and when the first member and the second member are in contact with each other, the protruding portion and the second portion are in contact with each other; 4. The electrical connection structure according to claim 1, wherein the electrical connection structure is a conductor.

15. the second member has a protrusion, and the second portion is disposed between the protrusion and the first portion; When the first member and the second member are in contact with each other, the protrusion and the first member are in contact with each other.

4. The electrical connection structure according to claim 1, wherein the electrical connection structure is a conductor.

16. When the first member and the second member are in contact with each other and fastened together, an end portion of the second portion in the short side direction and the first portion are in contact with each other.

4. The electrical connection structure according to claim 1, wherein the electrical connection structure is a conductor.

17. the first portion has an opening; When viewed in a direction in which the first member and the second member are pressed, the opening and the second portion overlap.

4. The electrical connection structure according to claim 1, wherein the electrical connection structure is a conductor.

18. the first member and the second member are members constituting a housing of an electronic device, 4. The electrical connection structure according to claim 1, wherein the electrical connection structure is a conductor.

19. The electrical connection structure according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The first member is a container that houses an electronic component, and the second member is a lid for the container. An electronic device characterized by:

20. The electrical connection structure according to any one of claims 1 to 3, the first member and the second member each constitute a part of a housing; An electronic device characterized by:

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