METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR A FLEXIBLE CIRCUIT AND HINGE

Abstract

Disclosed is a method and apparatus for routing a flex circuit (102) through a hinge (112). The device includes a first housing (108) having electronic circuitry (104) and a second housing (110) having electronic circuitry (106). A hinge coupling the first housing to the second housing wherein the hinge has a barrel wherein the barrel includes a chamber (114). A flex guide (116) is positioned in the chamber of the hinge barrel and a flexible circuit routed from the first housing into the hinge barrel and the hinge chamber, into the flex guide such that the flexible circuit engages the flex guide creating a dynamic folding region in the first housing that folds upon itself as a result of rotation of the first housing and the second housing.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying figures, where like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally similar elements throughout the separate views and which together with the detailed description below are incorporated in and form part of the specification, serve to further illustrate various embodiments and to explain various principles and advantages all in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 1 is a first exemplary flex circuit hinge routing apparatus.

FIG. 2 is second exemplary flex circuit hinge routing apparatus.

FIG. 3 is a third exemplary flex circuit hinge routing apparatus.

FIG. 4 is a alternative exemplary flex circuit hinge routing apparatus.

Claims

1. An electronic device comprising: a first housing having electronic circuitry and a second housing having electronic circuitry;a hinge coupling the first housing to the second housing, the hinge having a barrel wherein the barrel includes a chamber;a flex guide positioned in the chamber of the hinge barrel; anda flexible circuit routed from the first housing into the hinge barrel and the hinge chamber, into the plug such that the flexible circuit engages the plug creating a dynamic folding region in the first housing.

2. An electronic device comprising: a first housing having a first circuit board and a second housing having a second circuit board;a joint coupling the first housing to eth second housing, allowing the housings to rotate relative to one another about an axis;a flexible circuit carrier positioned in the joint; anda flexible circuit coupled to the first circuit board and the second circuit board, the flexible circuit extending away from the first circuit board into the joint and engaging the flexible circuit carrier such that the flexible circuit folds upon itself substantially inside the first housing as the first housing rotates about the axis.

3. The device of claim 2, wherein the flexi circuit maintains a constant position within the barrel.

4. The device of claim 2, wherein the flex circuit wraps substantially one half turn around the flex circuit carrier and maintain the half turn as the first housing rotates about the axis.

5. The device of claim 2, wherein the flex circuit folds upon itself in the dynamic region.

6. The device of claim 2, wherein the flex circuit folds is an accordion motion.

7. The device of claim 2, wherein the plane of flex at PCB offset from plane of axis such that the flex circuit forms an s-bend between the PCB and the flex guide.