Fixing structure for flexible substrates, electronic device, and method for fixing flexible substrates

Abstract

The present invention is to position and fix a flexible substrate. Provided is a fixing structure of a flexible substrate (5) comprising: a body (2) which is a first member; a display panel (3B) which is a second member; a sub-panel (3A) which is a third member; a flexible substrate (5) that electrically connects the body (2) and the display panel (3B); an opening (6A), a hinge member (6B), and protrusions (9), which are temporary fixing means for temporarily fixing a part of the flexible substrate (5) to the body (2); a fixing hole (6C), a fixing hole (10), and fixing screws (4), which are permanently fixing means for permanently fixing the part of the flexible substrate (5) to the body (2); and fixing holes (11) and fixing screws (4), which are the main fixing means for fixing the body (2) and sub-panel (3A) while interposing the flexible substrate (5) therebetween.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a fixing structure for a flexible substrate, an electronic device, and a method for fixing a flexible substrate.

Background Art

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a structure for fixing a flexible substrate to a fixing target. This structure includes a reinforcing plate attached to the back surface of a portion where components of the flexible substrate are mounted, a fixing member having a recess into which the reinforcing plate fits, and an upper fixing member attached so as to sandwich the flexible substrate between the fixing member.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

[0004] For example, in the configuration shown in Patent Document 1, when the reinforcing plate is not supported by the fixing member, there is a risk that the flexible substrate floats and its position shifts due to the reaction force of the flexible substrate when being sandwiched by the upper fixing member. Therefore, it is necessary to manually hold down the reinforcing plate against the fixing member during fixing.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a fixing structure for a flexible substrate, an electronic device, and a method for fixing a flexible substrate that can position and fix the flexible substrate.

[0006] To achieve the above objective, a fixing structure for a flexible substrate according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a first member, a second member, a third member, a flexible substrate electrically connecting the first member and the second member, temporary fixing means for temporarily fixing a part of the flexible substrate to the first member, permanent fixing means for permanently fixing the part of the flexible substrate to the first member, and main fixing means for fixing the first member and the third member by sandwiching the flexible substrate.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, an electronic device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a main body, a display panel, a sub-panel, a flexible substrate electrically connecting the main body and the display panel, temporary fixing means for temporarily fixing a portion of the flexible substrate to the main body, permanent fixing means for permanently fixing the portion of the flexible substrate to the main body, and main fixing means for fixing the main body and the sub-panel by sandwiching the flexible substrate.

[0008] To achieve the above objective, a method for fixing a flexible substrate according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a method for fixing a flexible substrate for electrically connecting a first member and a second member via a flexible substrate, and fixing the first member and a third member by sandwiching the flexible substrate, comprising: a pair of hinge members extending inward from the edge of an opening provided in a reinforcing plate fixed to the flexible substrate side and having opposing ends; and a projection provided protruding from the first member side and inserted into the opening, wherein the projection is inserted into the opening, the tip of the projection causes the hinge member to bend and pass through, and the base end of the projection causes one of the hinge members to contact the other hinge member while locking the other hinge member.

[0009] According to this disclosure, a flexible substrate can be positioned and fixed. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the electronic device of the embodiment. [Figure 2]Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the electronic device of the embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a plan view showing the fixing structure of the flexible substrate according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a perspective view showing the fixing structure of the flexible substrate in the embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the fixing structure of the flexible substrate according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating the method for fixing the flexible substrate in the embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a process diagram illustrating the method for fixing the flexible substrate shown in Figure 6. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a process diagram illustrating the method for fixing the flexible substrate shown in Figure 6. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a flowchart illustrating the method for fixing the flexible substrate in the embodiment. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a process diagram illustrating the method for fixing the flexible substrate shown in Figure 9. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a process diagram illustrating the method for fixing the flexible substrate shown in Figure 9. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a process diagram illustrating the method for fixing the flexible substrate shown in Figure 9. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] The embodiments for implementing this disclosure (hereinafter referred to as "embodiments") will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described below. Furthermore, the components in the embodiments described below include those that are readily conceivable to those skilled in the art, those that are substantially identical, and those that fall within the scope of equivalents. Moreover, the components disclosed in the embodiments described below can be combined as appropriate.

[0012] The fixing structure and fixing method for the flexible substrate 5 of the embodiment are applied, for example, to the electronic device 1 shown in Figure 1. The electronic device 1 is mounted inside the cabin of a vehicle (automobile), which is a mobile object, and is, for example, an in-vehicle device such as a navigation system or an audio system. The electronic device 1 has a main body (also called a first member) 2, a display panel (also called a second member) 3B, and a sub-panel (also called a third member) 3A.

[0013] The main body 2 is a housing structure with its top, bottom, right, left, and rear sides sealed with sheet metal. Therefore, the main body 2 has an upper plate 2A, a lower plate 2B, a right plate 2C, a left plate 2D, and a rear plate 2E, which are outer housing members that constitute its outer shell, and is formed as a rectangular parallelepiped overall. Here, the front, top, bottom, right, left, and rear sides of the electronic device 1 are defined when the electronic device 1 is mounted in front of the driver's seat of the vehicle. That is, the side facing the driver's seat is called the "front side", the side facing the windshield at the front of the vehicle is called the "rear side", and the right and left sides are the directions when the electronic device 1 is viewed from the front. The main body 2 is positioned inside the vehicle cluster (also called the dashboard) so that the front side is exposed to the outside of the vehicle cluster (also called the dashboard).

[0014] Subpanel 3A and display panel 3B constitute panel 3. Panel 3 is installed on the front of the main unit 2 with its panel surface facing forward. Subpanel 3A covers the front of the main unit 2. In this embodiment, subpanel 3A is slightly larger than the main unit 2 in the vertical and horizontal directions. Display panel 3B is smaller than subpanel 3A in the vertical and horizontal directions and is housed inside the vertical and horizontal frame of subpanel 3A. Display panel 3B forms the panel surface of panel 3 and is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD) or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display. Display panel 3B can be configured as a touch panel. Although not explicitly shown in the figure, operation buttons for various operations of the electronic device 1 can be provided on the display panel 3B in the vertical and horizontal directions.

[0015] In the electronic device 1, the display panel 3B of the panel 3 may be configured as a movable panel. During normal use, the display panel 3B is housed and arranged within the frame of the sub-panel 3A such that the display surface faces the front as shown in FIG. 1. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 2, the display panel 3B is configured to be tiltable so that the display surface faces upward from the front during normal use. As shown in FIG. 2, on the front surface of the sub-panel 3A, there are provided a disc slot 3Aa for inserting a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) or a CD (Compact Disc), and a card slot 3Ab for inserting a storage medium such as a memory card. These disc slot 3Aa and card slot 3Ab become accessible when the display panel 3B tilts and moves.

[0016] In the electronic device 1, the display panel 3B of the panel 3 is electrically controlled by the main body 2. Therefore, in the electronic device 1, the main body 2 and the display panel 3B are electrically connected by the flexible printed board 5 shown in FIG. 3.

[0017] The flexible printed board 5 has a strip-shaped base portion 5A that is continuous in the vertical direction in FIG. 3. As shown in FIG. 5, which is a cross-sectional view taken along the line A-A in FIG. 3, the base portion 5A is formed by laminating in the thickness direction a flexible base film 5Aa, a conductive layer 5Ab made of a copper foil having conductivity, and a cover layer 5Ac that electrically, mechanically, chemically, and thermally protects the conductive layer 5Ab. Also, in order to electrically connect the main body 2 and the display panel 3B, as shown in FIG. 3, terminal portions 5B where the conductive layer 5Ab protrudes from the cover layer 5Ac are formed at one end portion and the other end portion of the base portion 5A, respectively. One terminal portion 5B at the one end is connected to the main body 2, and the terminal portion 5B at the other end is connected to the display panel 3B. Therefore, the flexible printed board 5 is configured such that the base portion 5A can be curved freely between the one end and the other end.

[0018] As shown in Figure 3, the flexible substrate 5 of the embodiment has a reinforcing plate 6 provided in the middle of the continuous base portion 5A as a fixing structure for the flexible substrate 5. The reinforcing plate 6 is made of a flexible resin material such as polyethylene terephthalate. The reinforcing plate 6 is attached to the base film 5Aa of the base portion 5A via an adhesive layer 50 such as double-sided adhesive tape. The portion where the reinforcing plate 6 is provided has the conductive layer 5Ab and cover layer 5Ac of the base portion 5A, and a portion of the cover layer 5Ac is removed to expose the conductive layer 5Ab, forming a ground connection portion (conductive portion) 5C. The ground connection portions 5C are provided in a rectangular shape at two locations on both sides in the width direction. As shown in Figure 5, each ground connection portion 5C has an opening 6A formed by penetrating the base film 5Aa, the conductive layer 5Ab, and the adhesive layer 50 in the thickness direction. Therefore, multiple openings 6A are formed (two in the embodiment). Furthermore, the ground connection portion 5C has a pair of hinge members 6B that extend inward from the vertical edges of the opening 6A, with their tips facing each other. The hinge members 6B are composed only of a reinforcing plate 6 and do not have a base film 5Aa, a conductive layer 5Ab, or an adhesive layer 50. Also, the ground connection portion 5C has a pair of protrusions 6Aa that extend inward from the left-right edges of the opening 6A, with their tips facing each other. The tips of the protrusions 6Aa face each other in the left-right direction, which is perpendicular to the vertical direction in which the pair of hinge members face each other. The protrusions 6Aa are composed of a base film 5Aa, a conductive layer 5Ab, an adhesive layer 50, and a reinforcing plate 6. In addition, each ground connection portion 5C has a fixing hole 6C formed adjacent to the opening 6A, penetrating the base film 5Aa, conductive layer 5Ab, adhesive layer 50, and reinforcing plate 6 in the thickness direction. Therefore, multiple fixing holes 6C are formed (two in this embodiment), similar to the opening 6A.

[0019] Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the flexible substrate 5 of the embodiment forms ground connection portions 5D that protrude from two locations on both sides in the width direction near the terminal portion 5B (the lower side in FIG. 3) at the other end connected to the display panel 3B, and the end portions have the cover layer 5Ac removed and the conductive layer 5Ab exposed. The ground connection portion 5D is composed of the base film 5Aa and the conductive layer 5Ab. A locking hole 7A that penetrates the base film 5Aa and the conductive layer 5Ab in the thickness direction is formed in the ground connection portion 5D. Further, a fixing hole 7B that penetrates the base film 5Aa and the conductive layer 5Ab in the thickness direction is formed at a position adjacent to the locking hole 7A in the ground connection portion 5D. The ground connection portion 5D is electrically connected to the above ground connection portion 5C and the conductive layer 5Ab.

[0020] Further, as shown in FIG. 4, the main body 2 of the embodiment is provided with a protrusion 9 and a fixing hole 10 as a fixing structure for the flexible substrate 5. Here, in FIG. 4, the state where the panel 3 is removed is shown, and the front side of the main body 2 is exposed. A bracket (conductive member) 8 made of a conductive sheet metal is fixed to the front side of the main body 2. The protrusion 9 is formed by raising the sheet metal of the bracket 8 so as to protrude forward from the front surface 8A of the bracket 8. The protrusions 9 are formed at a plurality of locations (two locations in the embodiment) so as to be inserted into the respective openings 6A of the flexible substrate 5. As shown in FIG. 5, the protrusion 9 protrudes forward from the front surface 8A of the bracket 8 and has a base end portion 9A and a tip end portion 9B. Further, the protrusion 9 has a stepped portion 9C that slopes downward toward the tip end portion 9B at the upper end of the base end portion 9A. The protrusion 9 has a hook portion 9D that extends downward at the tip end portion 9B between the base end portion 9A and the tip end portion 9B at its lower end. Therefore, the protrusion 9 is formed such that the tip end portion 9B is displaced downward with respect to the base end portion 9A as a whole.

[0021] As shown in Figure 5, the projection 9 is formed so that the vertical dimension T2 of the tip of the tip portion 9B is small compared to the vertical dimension T1 between the opposing tips of each hinge member 6B, allowing the tip portion 9B to be inserted. The projection 9 is also formed so that the vertical dimension T3 between the lower part of the stepped portion 9C and the lower part of the hook portion 9D is large compared to the vertical dimension T1 between the opposing tips of each hinge member 6B, allowing at least one of the hinge members 6B to bend. Furthermore, the projection 9 is also formed so that the vertical dimension T4 of the base portion 9A is large compared to the vertical dimension T1 between the opposing tips of each hinge member 6B, allowing at least one of the hinge members 6B to bend. In addition, the projection 9 is formed so that the protrusion dimension W2 from the front surface 8A of the bracket 8 to the hook portion 9D of the base portion 9A is equal to or greater than the thickness dimension W1 of the ground connection portion 5C, allowing the ground connection portion 5C to be positioned. Furthermore, the projection 9 is positioned such that the center C1 of the base end 9A and the center C2 of the tip end 9B are offset in the direction in which each hinge member 6B faces off. The center C1 of the base end 9A is the part that lies along a straight line passing through the center of the vertical dimension T4 in the direction of projection of the projection 9, and the center C2 of the tip end 9B is the part that lies along a straight line passing through the center of the vertical dimension T2 in the direction of projection of the projection 9. Center C1 is offset above center C2.

[0022] The fixing holes 10 are formed adjacent to the projection 9, penetrating the sheet metal of the bracket 8 in the front-to-back direction. Multiple fixing holes 10 are formed (two in this embodiment) to match each fixing hole 6C of the flexible substrate 5. Fixing screws 4 are tightened into the fixing holes 10 (see Figure 8).

[0023] As shown in Figure 4, the main body 2 has fixing holes 11 that penetrate its front surface. The fixing holes 11 are formed in the bracket 8 and other sheet metal fixed to the main body 2, and are formed in a total of five locations: four at the rectangular front corners of the main body 2 and one in the center of the front of the main body 2. Fixing screws 4 are tightened into the fixing holes 11 (see Figure 8). The lower front part of the main body 2 is covered by the bracket 8, leaving the upper part exposed. In this exposed part of the main body 2, there is a disc insertion section 12 for inserting DVDs or CDs, a card insertion section 13 for inserting storage media such as memory cards, and a connection section 14 into which the terminal section 5B at one end of the flexible circuit board 5 is inserted.

[0024] In this embodiment, the fixing structure of the flexible substrate 5 includes the opening 6A, the pair of hinge members 6B, and the projection 9, which constitute temporary fixing means. The fixing structure of the flexible substrate 5 also includes the fixing hole 6C, the fixing hole 10, and the fixing screw 4, which constitute permanent fixing means. The fixing structure of the flexible substrate 5 also includes the fixing hole 11 and the fixing screw 4, which constitute main fixing means.

[0025] The method for fixing the flexible substrate 5 in this embodiment will be described below with reference to Figures 6 to 8.

[0026] As shown in Figure 6, the method for fixing the flexible circuit board 5 involves temporarily fixing the flexible circuit board 5 to the main body 2 in step S1. In step S1, as shown in Figure 7, the opening 6A of the reinforcing plate 6 of the flexible circuit board 5 is temporarily fixed to the protrusion 9 of the main body 2 by temporary fixing means (opening 6A, hinge member 6B, projection 9). With the flexible circuit board 5 temporarily fixed, the ground connection part 5C located on the part where the reinforcing plate 6 is provided faces the front surface 8A of the bracket 8. Then, with the flexible circuit board 5 temporarily fixed, the method for fixing the flexible circuit board 5 involves connecting the terminal part 5B at one end of the flexible circuit board 5 to the connection part 14 of the main body 2.

[0027] Next, as shown in Figure 6, the method for fixing the flexible substrate 5 involves fixing the sub-panel 3A to the main body 2 in step S2. In step S2, as shown in Figure 8, the main fixing means (fixing holes 11, fixing screws 4) are used to align the through holes (not shown) of the sub-panel 3A with the fixing holes 11, and the fixing screws 4 are tightened to fix it in place. In the fixing structure of the flexible substrate 5, the sub-panel 3A has a notch 3Ac formed therein that exposes and does not interfere with the temporary fixing means (opening 6A, hinge member 6B, projection 9) and the permanent fixing means (fixing holes 10). Also, in the fixing structure of the flexible substrate 5, a part of the periphery of the notch 3Ac is formed to overlap a part of the reinforcing plate 6. Therefore, in the method for fixing the flexible substrate 5, by fixing the sub-panel 3A to the main body 2 with the main fixing means (fixing holes 11, fixing screws 4), the reinforcing plate 6 can be sandwiched between the front surface 8A of the bracket 8 and the sub-panel 3A.

[0028] Next, as shown in Figure 6, the flexible circuit board 5 is fixed to the main body 2 in step S3. In step S3, as shown in Figure 8, the fixing means (fixing hole 6C, fixing hole 10, fixing screw 4) is used to align the fixing hole 6C with the fixing hole 10 and tighten the fixing screw 4 to fix it in place. Therefore, in this method of fixing the flexible circuit board 5, the fixing means (fixing hole 6C, fixing hole 10, fixing screw 4) can be used to fix the ground connection portion 5C facing the front surface 8A of the bracket 8 by pressing it against the front surface 8A of the bracket 8 and making contact with it.

[0029] Subsequently, as shown in Figure 6, the method for fixing the flexible circuit board 5 involves fixing and connecting the flexible circuit board 5 to the display panel 3B in step S4. In step S4, the base portion 5A of the flexible circuit board 5 is curved so that the other end faces upward, and the ground connection portion 5D is pressed against a sheet metal (not shown) of the display panel 3B and brought into contact with it. The locking hole 7A is positioned on the projection of the sheet metal, and the fixing hole 7B is aligned with the fixing hole of the sheet metal and the screw is tightened to fix it in place. Furthermore, in step S4, the terminal portion 5B at the other end of the flexible circuit board 5 is connected to a connection portion (not shown) of the display panel 3B. Thus, with this method of fixing the flexible circuit board 5, the main body 2 and the display panel 3B are electrically connected and grounded via the flexible circuit board 5.

[0030] The method for fixing the flexible substrate 5 of this embodiment will be described below, with reference to Figures 9 to 12, in detail to explain the process of step S1.

[0031] The method for fixing the flexible substrate 5 involves temporarily fixing the flexible substrate 5 to the main body 2 in step S1 described above. In step S1, as shown in Figure 9, the method for fixing the flexible substrate 5 involves inserting the projection 9 into the opening 6A of the temporary fixing means in step S11. In step S11, as shown in Figure 10, when inserting the projection 9 into the opening 6A, the reinforcing plate 6 is tilted slightly downward when viewed from the front. Also, the projection 9 is formed with its tip 9B offset downward relative to its base end 9A. As a result, in step S11, the method for fixing the flexible substrate 5 involves inserting the lower hinge member (the other hinge member) 6B of the opening 6A while bringing it into contact with the lower side of the tip 9B of the projection 9.

[0032] Next, as shown in Figure 9, the method for fixing the flexible substrate 5 involves bending the lower hinge member 6B in step S12 to engage it with the hook portion 9D. In step S12, by further inserting the projection 9 into the opening 6A from step S11, as shown in Figure 11, the lower hinge member 6B, which is in contact with the underside of the tip portion 9B of the projection 9, bends and moves beyond the hook portion 9D towards the base end portion 9A, and the bending returns to its original state. As a result, in step S12, the method for fixing the flexible substrate 5 involves engaging the lower hinge member 6B with the hook portion 9D.

[0033] Next, as shown in Figure 9, the method for fixing the flexible substrate 5 involves, in step S13, bending the upper hinge member (one of the hinge members) 6B to ride up onto the stepped portion 9C. In step S13, the inclination of the reinforcing plate 6 is raised from step S12 so that it is parallel to the front surface 8A of the bracket 8, and the projection 9 is further inserted into the opening 6A. As shown in Figure 12, the upper hinge member 6B comes into contact with the upper side of the tip 9B of the projection 9 and bends as it rides up onto the stepped portion 9C. Thus, in the method for fixing the flexible substrate 5, in step S13, the lower hinge member 6B is locked onto the hook portion 9D, the upper hinge member 6B rides up onto the stepped portion 9C, both hinge members 6B are bent, and they are fitted into the projection 9. As a result, the flexible substrate 5 is prevented from coming off even if the other end of the base 5A connected to the display panel 3B is pulled, because the reinforcing plate 6 is temporarily fixed to the projection 9 and the lower hinge member 6B overlaps and locks onto the hook 9D. In steps S11 to S13, the flexible substrate 5 is guided while its left-right position is restricted by the pair of protrusions 6Aa and projection 9 of the opening 6A.

[0034] To remove the reinforcing plate 6 from the projection 9, simply reverse the steps in the flowchart of Figure 9, starting from step S13, and pull the reinforcing plate 6 out of the projection 9 while tilting it downwards when viewed from the front. Here, since one end of the base 5A of the flexible circuit board 5 is connected to the connection part 14 of the main body 2, one end of the base 5A is not pulled forward, and it is unlikely that such an action will occur that would detach the reinforcing plate 6 from the projection 9.

[0035] Thus, the fixing structure of the flexible substrate 5 in this embodiment includes a main body 2 which is a first member, a display panel 3B which is a second member, a sub-panel 3A which is a third member, a flexible substrate 5 which electrically connects the main body 2 and the display panel 3B, an opening 6A, a hinge member 6B and a projection 9 which are temporary fixing means for temporarily fixing a part of the flexible substrate 5 to the main body 2, a fixing hole 6C, a fixing hole 10 and a fixing screw 4 which are permanent fixing means for permanently fixing the part of the flexible substrate 5 to the main body 2, and a fixing hole 11 and a fixing screw 4 which are main fixing means for sandwiching the flexible substrate 5 and fixing the main body 2 and the sub-panel 3A.

[0036] With this fixing structure for the flexible substrate 5, a portion of the flexible substrate 5 can be temporarily fixed to the main body 2 before fixing the main body 2 and the sub-panel 3A, and then the remaining portion of the flexible substrate 5 can be permanently fixed to the main body 2 when fixing the main body 2 and the sub-panel 3A. Therefore, the fixing structure for the flexible substrate 5 of this embodiment allows the flexible substrate 5 to be positioned and fixed. As a result, the fixing structure for the flexible substrate 5 of this embodiment prevents the flexible substrate 5 from floating due to reaction force and facilitates the fixing of the main body 2 and the sub-panel 3A. Moreover, with the fixing structure for the flexible substrate 5 of this embodiment, the permanent fixing of the flexible substrate 5 can be achieved by an automatic fixing machine along with the fixing of the main body 2 and the sub-panel 3A.

[0037] Furthermore, in the fixing structure of the flexible substrate 5 of the embodiment, the temporary fixing means includes a pair of hinge members 6B that extend inward from the edge of the opening 6A of the reinforcing plate 6 fixed to the flexible substrate 5 side and whose tips face each other, and a projection 9 that protrudes from the main body 2 side and is inserted into the opening 6A. The projection 9 has a tip portion 9B and a base portion 9A. When inserted into the opening 6A, the tip portion 9B bends the hinge member 6B to allow it to pass through, and the base portion 9A contacts one of the hinge members 6B while locking the other hinge member 6B.

[0038] This fixing structure for the flexible substrate 5 allows the flexible substrate 5 to be positioned on the main body 2.

[0039] Furthermore, in the fixing structure of the flexible substrate 5 of the embodiment, there are multiple openings 6A and multiple projections 9, and both are arranged in corresponding positions. The tip 9B and base 9A of the projection 9 are arranged such that their centers C1 and C2 are offset in the direction in which the pair of hinge members 6B face each other.

[0040] With this fixing structure of the flexible substrate 5, when the tip 9B and base 9A of the projection 9 are inserted into the opening 6A, the offset of centers C1 and C2 causes the tip 9B to bend and pass through, and the base 9A reliably causes one side of the hinge member 6B to make contact while the other side of the hinge member 6B is locked.

[0041] Furthermore, in the fixing structure of the flexible substrate 5 of the embodiment, the opening 6A has a pair of protrusions 6Aa whose tips face each other in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the pair of hinge members 6B face each other.

[0042] With this fixing structure for the flexible substrate 5, the relative position between the projection 9 and the flexible substrate 5 is restricted by the pair of protrusions 6Aa, allowing for insertion guidance and thus preventing the flexible substrate 5 from rotating.

[0043] Furthermore, in the fixing structure of the flexible substrate 5 of the embodiment, if there are multiple openings 6A and protrusions 9, there are also multiple fixing holes 6C, fixing holes 10, and fixing screws 4, which are the fixing means.

[0044] This fixing structure for the flexible substrate 5 ensures that the flexible substrate 5 is securely fixed in place.

[0045] Furthermore, in the fixing structure of the flexible substrate 5 of the embodiment, a ground connection portion 5C, which is a conductive portion, is formed in the portion where the reinforcing plate 6 is provided, and when the flexible substrate 5 is temporarily fixed to the main body 2, the ground connection portion 5C is supported in a position where it contacts the bracket 8, which is a conductive member of the main body 2.

[0046] This fixing structure for the flexible substrate 5 allows the ground connection portion 5C of the flexible substrate 5 to be temporarily fixed in contact with the bracket 8. As a result, the fixing structure for the flexible substrate 5 of this embodiment can implement EMC (Electromagnetic Compatibility) countermeasures.

[0047] The electronic device 1 of the embodiment includes a main body 2, a display panel 3B, a sub-panel 3A, a flexible circuit board 5 that electrically connects the main body 2 and the display panel 3B, an opening 6A, a hinge member 6B and a projection 9 which are temporary fixing means for temporarily fixing a part of the flexible circuit board 5 to the main body 2, a fixing hole 6C, a fixing hole 10 and a fixing screw 4 which are permanent fixing means for permanently fixing the part of the flexible circuit board 5 to the main body 2, and a fixing hole 11 and a fixing screw 4 which are main fixing means for sandwiching the flexible circuit board 5 and fixing the main body 2 and the sub-panel 3A.

[0048] According to this electronic device 1, before fixing the main body 2 and the sub-panel 3A, a portion of the flexible substrate 5 can be temporarily fixed to the main body 2, and when fixing the main body 2 and the sub-panel 3A, a portion of the flexible substrate 5 can be permanently fixed to the main body 2. Therefore, the electronic device 1 of this embodiment can position and fix the flexible substrate 5. As a result, the electronic device 1 of this embodiment prevents the flexible substrate 5 from floating due to reaction force, and makes it easier to fix the main body 2 and the sub-panel 3A. Moreover, according to the electronic device 1 of this embodiment, the permanent fixing of the flexible substrate 5 along with the fixing of the main body 2 and the sub-panel 3A can be achieved by an automatic fixing machine.

[0049] The method for fixing the flexible substrate 5 of this embodiment electrically connects the main body 2, which is a first component, and the display panel 3B, which is a second component, via the flexible substrate 5, and is a method for fixing the main body 2 and the sub-panel 3A, which is a third component, by sandwiching the flexible substrate 5. The method comprises a pair of hinge members 6B that extend inward from the edge of an opening 6A provided in a reinforcing plate 6 fixed to the flexible substrate 5 side and whose tips face each other, and a projection 9 that protrudes from the main body 2 side and is inserted into the opening 6A. The projection 9 is inserted into the opening 6A, the tip portion 9B of the projection 9 bends the hinge member 6B to pass through, and the base end portion 9A of the projection 9 contacts one of the hinge member 6B while locking the other of the hinge member 6B.

[0050] According to this method of fixing the flexible substrate 5, a portion of the flexible substrate 5 can be temporarily fixed to the main body 2 before fixing the main body 2 and the sub-panel 3A, and then the portion of the flexible substrate 5 can be permanently fixed to the main body 2 when fixing the main body 2 and the sub-panel 3A. Therefore, the method of fixing the flexible substrate 5 of this embodiment allows the flexible substrate 5 to be positioned and fixed. As a result, the method of fixing the flexible substrate 5 of this embodiment prevents the flexible substrate 5 from floating due to reaction force and makes it easier to fix the main body 2 and the sub-panel 3A. Moreover, according to the method of fixing the flexible substrate 5 of this embodiment, the permanent fixing of the flexible substrate 5 can be achieved by an automatic fixing machine along with the fixing of the main body 2 and the sub-panel 3A. [Industrial applicability]

[0051] This disclosure enables the positioning and fixing of a flexible substrate. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0052] 1 Electronic equipment 2. Main body (first component) 3 Panels 3A Subpanel (Third component) 3B Display Panel (Second Component) 4. Fixing screws (main fixing means, primary fixing means) 5 Flexible circuit board 5C Ground connection (conductive part) 6A Opening (temporary fixing means) 6Aa convex part 6B Hinge member (temporary fixing means) 6C fixing hole (main fixing means) 6. Reinforcement plate 8. Bracket (conductive member) 9. Protrusion (temporary fixing means) 9A Proximal end 9B Tip 10 Fixing hole (main fixing means) 11 Fixing hole (main fixing means)

Claims

1. First component and The second component and The third member and A flexible substrate electrically connects the first member and the second member at their respective ends, A temporary fixing means for temporarily fixing a part of the flexible substrate to the first member, A fixing means for permanently fixing a portion of the flexible substrate to the first member, A main fixing means for sandwiching the flexible substrate and fixing the first member and the third member, Includes, The temporary fixing means is, A pair of hinge members extending inward from the edge of an opening in a reinforcing plate fixed in the middle of the continuous flexible substrate, with their ends facing each other, A projection is provided that protrudes from the conductive member of the first member and is inserted into the opening, Includes, The projection has a tip and a base, and when inserted into the opening, the tip flexes the hinge member to allow it to pass through, and the base contacts one side of the hinge member while locking the other side of the hinge member. The opening has a pair of protrusions whose tips face each other in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the pair of hinge members face each other, The temporary fixing means is The relative position between the projection and the flexible substrate is restricted by the pair of protrusions while guiding insertion. The main fixing means is The notch provided in the third member exposes the temporary fixing means and the permanent fixing means, and brings the periphery of the notch into contact with the reinforcing plate. The aforementioned fixing means is The fixing holes, guided and positioned by the pair of protrusions and projections of the temporary fixing means, are used to permanently fix the object through the notch. Fixing structure for flexible circuit boards.

2. The aforementioned opening and the aforementioned projection are each multiple in number and are arranged in corresponding positions, and the tip and the base are positioned such that their centers are offset in the direction in which the pair of hinge members face each other. The fixing structure for a flexible substrate according to claim 1.

3. The fixing structure for a flexible substrate according to claim 1, wherein if there are multiple openings and multiple protrusions, there are also multiple fixing means.

4. The fixing structure for a flexible substrate according to claim 1, wherein a conductive portion is formed in the portion where the reinforcing plate is provided, and when the flexible substrate is temporarily fixed to the first member, the conductive portion is supported in a position that contacts the conductive member of the first member.

5. The main unit and Display panel and Sub-panel and A flexible circuit board electrically connects the main body and the display panel at each end, A temporary fixing means for temporarily fixing a part of the flexible substrate to the main body, A fixing means for permanently fixing a portion of the flexible substrate to the main body, A main fixing means for securing the main body and the sub-panel by sandwiching the flexible substrate, Includes, The temporary fixing means is A pair of hinge members extending inward from the edge of an opening in a reinforcing plate fixed in the middle of the continuous flexible substrate, with their ends facing each other, A projection is provided that protrudes from the conductive member of the main body and is inserted into the opening, Includes, The projection has a tip and a base, and when inserted into the opening, the tip flexes the hinge member to allow it to pass through, and the base contacts one side of the hinge member while locking the other side of the hinge member. The opening has a pair of protrusions whose tips face each other in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the pair of hinge members face each other, The temporary fixing means is The relative position between the projection and the flexible substrate is restricted by the pair of protrusions while guiding insertion. The main fixing means is The notch provided in the sub-panel exposes the temporary fixing means and the permanent fixing means, and brings the periphery of the notch into contact with the reinforcing plate. The aforementioned fixing means is The fixing holes, guided and positioned by the pair of protrusions and projections of the temporary fixing means, are used to permanently fix the object through the notch. electronic equipment.

6. A method for fixing a flexible substrate, wherein a first member and a second member are electrically connected via a flexible substrate, and the first member and a third member are fixed by sandwiching the flexible substrate, The flexible substrate comprises a pair of hinge members extending inward from the edge of an opening provided in a reinforcing plate fixed in the middle of a continuous section of the flexible substrate, with their ends facing each other, and a projection protruding from the conductive member of the first member and inserted into the opening, The projection has a tip and a base, and when inserted into the opening, the tip flexes the hinge member to allow it to pass through, and the base contacts one side of the hinge member while locking the other side of the hinge member. The opening has a pair of protrusions whose tips face each other in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the pair of hinge members face each other, The relative position between the projection and the flexible substrate is restricted by the pair of protrusions while guiding insertion. The notch provided in the third member exposes a temporary fixing means for temporarily fixing a part of the flexible substrate to the first member and a permanent fixing means for permanently fixing the part of the flexible substrate to the first member, and the periphery of the notch is in contact with the reinforcing plate. The fixing holes, guided and positioned by the pair of protrusions and projections of the temporary fixing means, are used to permanently fix the object through the notch. Method for fixing flexible circuit boards.

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