Patent Publication Number: US-9413128-B2

Title: Connector module having a rotating element disposed within and rotatable relative to a case

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The disclosure relates in general to a connector module, and more particularly to a connector module capable of performing connection by rotating. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Some electronic devices include several electronic modules. These electronic modules are connected to each other and provide a specific function. However, it is possible to make the assembly inconvenient or reliability of electrical connection low after the electronic modules are connected to each other due to the bad design of the connecting mechanisms of these electronic modules. Therefore, how to provide a connecting design capable of promoting assembly and electrical connecting reliability has become a prominent task for the industries. 
     SUMMARY 
     The invention is directed to a connector module capable of promoting assemble and reliability of connecting between several modules. 
     According to one embodiment of the invention, a connecting module is provided. The connecting module includes a case, a rotating element, a fixing element and at least one connector. The rotating element is rotatable with respect to the case and disposed within the case. The fixing element is fixedly disposed within the case, wherein the fixing element and the rotating element maintain electrical contact when the fixing element is rotated with respect to the rotating element. The at least one connector is disposed on the rotating element and electrically connected to the fixing element through the rotating element. 
     The above and other aspects of the invention will become better understood with regard to the following detailed description of the preferred but non-limiting embodiment (s). The following description is made with reference to the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1A  shows a diagram of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 1B  shows a decomposition view of the connecting module of  FIG. 1A ; 
         FIG. 1C  shows a cross-sectional view of the electronic device of  FIG. 1A  along a direction  1 C- 1 C′; and 
         FIG. 2  shows a cross-sectional view of a connecting module according to an embodiment of the invention. 
     
    
    
     In the following detailed description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the disclosed embodiments. It will be apparent, however, that one or more embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are schematically shown in order to simplify the drawing. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Refer to  FIGS. 1A to 1C ,  FIG. 1A  shows a diagram of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the invention,  FIG. 1B  shows a decomposition view of the connecting module of  FIG. 1A , and  FIG. 1C  shows a cross-sectional view of the electronic device of  FIG. 1A  along a direction  1 C- 1 C′. 
     The electronic device  100  includes an electronic module  110  and a connecting module  120 . The electronic module  110  is, such as, an image capturing module (such as, camera, video, etc.), a communication module (such as, cellphone, etc.) or other electronic module having a circuit. The connecting module  120  of the present embodiment takes a power module capable of providing the electronic module  110  with power, for example. In another embodiment, the connecting module  120  may have circuit (not shown) having a specific function which may match, assist or improve the function of the electronic module  110 . For example, the connecting module  120  may be a wireless communication module or a storing module having memory. 
     As shown  FIGS. 1B and 1C , the connecting module  120  includes a case  121 , a rotating element  122 , a fixing element  123 , a first connector  124 , an electronic element  125 , a conductive wire  126 , a second connector  127  and a seal  128 . The case  121  includes a block portion  1211 , and the rotating element  122  has an engaging recess  122   r . When the rotating element  122  is disposed within the case  121 , the block portion  1211  may be limited to the engaging recess  122   r , such that the rotating element  122  is blocked by the block portion  1211  and is not easy to be detached from the case  121 . In addition, as shown in  FIG. 1B , the case  121  includes at least one position-limited portion  1212 , and the fixing portion  123  includes at least one position-limited recess  123   r . The fixing element  123  may be disposed within the case  121  by way of the position-limited recess  123   r  being aligned with the position-limited portion  1212 . Since the position-limited portion  1212  is limited to the position-limited recess  123   r , the fixing element  123  is difficult to rotate with respect to the case  121 . In addition, after the fixing element  123  is disposed on the case  121 , the position-limited portion  1212  may be adhered to or engaged with the position-limited recess  123   r , and accordingly the fixing element  123  is prevented from sliding along an axis of the case  121 . As a result, the fixing element  123  can&#39;t move with respect to the case  121 . 
     In another embodiment, the fixing element  123  may only be limited to the degree of freedom (DOF) of the fixing element  123  rotating with respect to the case  121 , but not to the DOF of the fixing element  123  sliding with respect to the case  121 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 1C , the rotating element  122  is rotatably disposed within the case  121 . The first connector  124  is, for example, various Universal Serial Bus (USB) such as micro USB or USB having other size. The first connector  124  is, for example, a male terminal of USB or a female terminal of USB. The first connector  124  may be inserted into the rotating element  122  and used for connecting to the electronic module  110 . After the electronic module  110  is connected to the first connector  124  of the connecting module  120 , the electronic module  110  may rotate with respect to the connecting module  120 , and accordingly the electronic module  110  and the connecting module  120  may be fixed to each other by way of rotating. Since the fixing element  123  is fixed to the case  121 , the fixing element  123  may be fixed to the electronic module  110  during the electronic module  110  rotating with respect to the connecting module  120 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 10 , the fixing element  123  includes a base  1231 , a fixing bar  1232  and a first conductive portion  1233 . The fixing bar  1232  of the fixing element  123  is connected to the base  1231  and passes through the through hole  122   a  of the rotating element  122 . The fixing bar  1232  includes a fixing end  1236  passing through and projecting from the through hole  122   a . The fixing end  1236  has a thread which may be screwed to the electronic module  110  for fixing the electronic module  110  and the connecting module  120 . In the present embodiment, the fixing end  1236  has a male thread, and the electronic module  110  has a matching female thread. In another embodiment, the fixing end  1236  has a female thread, and the electronic module  110  has a matching male thread. In addition, the thread of the fixing end  1236  may be realized by standard specification, such as a standard thread with a diameter of 0.25 inches. 
     The first conductive portion  1233  is disposed on the base  1231  and exposed from an upper surface  1231   u  of the base  1231 . The rotating element  122  further includes a second conductive portion  1221 . The second conductive portion  1221  contacts with the first conductive portion  1233  for being electrically connected to the first conductive portion  1233 . As a result, the electronic module  110  may be electrically connected to the electronic element  125  through the first connector  124 , the first conductive portion  1233  and the second conductive portion  1221 . 
     In the present embodiment, the first conductive portion  1233  is closed ring-shaped, such that the second conductive portion  1221  and the first conductive portion  1233  maintain electrical contact when the electronic module  110  is rotated with respect to the connecting module  120 . In the present embodiment, the electronic element  125  is, for example, a battery. Since the second conductive portion  1221  and the first conductive portion  1233  maintain electrical contact, the electronic module  110  is powered by the electronic element  125  through the second conductive portion  1221 , the first conductive portion  1233  and the first connector  124 . In addition, the second connector  127  may receive an exterior power. For example, the electronic element  125  may be charged by an exterior power supply (not shown) through the second connector  127 . The type of the second connector  127  may be similar to that of the first connector  124 . The second connector  127  is, for example, a female terminal of USB or a male terminal of USB. In another embodiment, the second connector  127  may be omitted response to the design of the electronic element  125  or the connecting module  120 . 
     In addition, since the second conductive portion  1221  and the first conductive portion  1233  maintain electrical contact, the electrical connection between the rotating element  122  and the fixing element  123  may be not affected by a rotating angle between the electronic module  110  and the connecting module  120 . That is, once the electronic module  110  and the connecting module  120  are fixed, the electronic module  110  may be electrically connected to the connecting module  120  regardless of the relative position between the electronic module  110  and the connecting module  120 . As a result, the electrical reliability of the electronic module  110  and the connecting module  120  may be increased. 
     In the present embodiment, the second conductive portion  1221  is an elastic connector, such as a pogo pin. The second conductive portion  1221  may press against the first conductive portion  1233  through an elastic force for maintaining electrical contact with the first conductive portion  1233 . In another embodiment, the first conductive portion  1233  may be an elastic connector and the first conductive portion  1233  may be closed ring-shaped. 
     In addition, the number of the first conductive portion  1233  and/or the number of the second conductive portion  1221  may be single or several, and/or the number of the first conductive portion  1233  may be equal to or different form the number of the second conductive portion  1221 . The number of the first conductive portion  1233  and/or the number of the second conductive portion  1221  may depend on the design of the first connector  124  or the electronic element  125 , and such exemplification is not meant to be for limiting. 
     The fixing element  123  further includes a pad  1234  and a conductive via  1235 , wherein the pad  1234  is formed on the base  1231  and exposed from a lower surface  1231   b  of the base  1231 . The conductive via  1235  is formed within the base  1231  and electrically connects the pad  1234  and the first conductive portion  1233 , such that the first conductive portion  1233  is electrically connected to the electronic element  125  through the conductive via  1235  and the pad  1234 . In one embodiment, the base  1231 , the first conductive portion  1233 , the second conductive portion  1221 , the pad  1234  and the conductive via  1235  may be formed as a circuit board which may further include the circuit matching the electronic module  110  and/or the connecting module  120 . In addition, the conductive wire  126  connects the fixing element  123  and the electronic element  125 . For example, the conductive wire  126  connects the pad  1234  and the electronic element  125  for electrically connecting the fixing element  123  and the electronic element  125 . 
     Of the manufacturing process, the fixing bar  1232  and the base  1231  may be integrated into one piece. For example, the fixing bar  1232  and the base  1231  may be formed by injection molding. After the base  1231  is completed, the first conductive portion  1233 , the pad  1234  and the conductive via  1235  may be formed on the base  1231  by the semiconductor manufacturing process. In another embodiment, the fixing bar  1232  and the base  1231  may be formed separately and then combined by using a temporary way or a permanent way, wherein the temporary way is such as engaging, screwing, and the permanent way is such as adhering, welding or riveting. In terms of the material, the base  1231  may be made of a material including high polymer or other insulation material, and the fixing bar  1232  may be made of a material including high polymer, metal, other conductive material or other insulation material. In addition, the base  1231  and the fixing bar  1232  may be made of the same material or different materials. Of different materials, the base  1231  may be made of high polymer, and the fixing bar  1232  may be made of metal. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1C , the case  121  has an indentation  121   r , and the seal  128  is disposed within the indentation  121   r . When the electronic module  110  and the connecting module  120  are fixed, the seal  128  is compressed between the case  121  and the electronic module  110 , and accordingly the exterior Impurity (such as, liquid or particle) may be prevented from invading the interior of the electronic device  100 . 
       FIG. 2  shows a cross-sectional view of a connecting module according to an embodiment of the invention, wherein an enlargement view of  FIG. 2  is the enlargement view of the local portion of the connecting module  220 . The connecting module  220  includes the case  121 , a rotating element  222 , a fixing element  223 , the first connector  124 , the electronic element  125 , the conductive wire  126 , the second connector  127  and the seal  128 . 
     The fixing element  223  includes the base  1231 , a fixing bar  2232  and a first conductive portion  2233 , wherein the base  1231  is fixed to the case  121 , and the fixing bar  1232  is connected to the base  1231  and passes through the through hole  122   a  of the rotating element  122 . After the electronic module  110  (as shown in  FIG. 1B ) is connected to the first connector  124  of the connecting module  220 , the electronic module  110  may be rotated with respect to the connecting module  220 . Since the fixing element  223  is fixed with respect to the case  121 , the fixing element  223  may be fixed to the electronic module  110  during the electronic module  110  rotating with respect to the connecting module  220 . 
     As shown in the enlargement view of the local portion of  FIG. 2 , the first conductive portion  2233  is disposed on an outer sidewall of the fixing bar  2232 . The rotating element  222  includes a second conductive portion  2221  disposed on the through hole  122   a  of the rotating element  222  and contacting with the corresponding first conductive portion  2233 . In the present embodiment, the first conductive portion  2233  is closed ring-shaped, such that the first conductive portion  2233  and the second conductive portion  2221  maintain electrical contact when the electronic module  110  is rotated with respect to the connecting module  220 . 
     The fixing bar  2232  has a ring-shaped recess  2232   r , and the first conductive portion  2233  may be accommodated within the ring-shaped recess  2232   r . As a result, the first conductive portion  2233  may be prevented from excessively projecting and being interfered with an inner sidewall of the through hole  122   a . The number of the first conductive portion  2233  may be several, and the number of the ring-shaped recess  2232   r  may be equal to that of the first conductive portion  2233  for accommodating all first conductive portions  2233 . The number of the first conductive portion  2233  may depend on the design of the first connector  124  and/or the electronic element  125 , and such exemplification is not meant to be for limiting. 
     In the present embodiment, the second conductive portion  2221  is, for example, an elastic piece or an elastic connector, wherein the elastic connector may be similar to the second conductive portion  1221  or other suitable connector. The second conductive portion  2221  may press against the first conductive portion  2233  by the elastic force, such that the second conductive portion  2221  and the first conductive portion  2222  maintain electrical contact when the electronic module  110  is rotated with respect to the connecting module  220 . 
     In addition, the fixing bar  2232  has a hollow portion  2232   a , the conductive wire  126  extends to the exterior of the fixing element  223  through the hollow portion  2232   a  and connects to the electronic element  125 . As a result, the first connector  124  may be electrically connected to the electronic element  125  through the second conductive portion  2221 , the first conductive portion  2233  and the conductive wire  126 . In the present embodiment, the number of the conductive wire  126  may be equal to that of the first conductive portion  2233 , wherein each conductive wire  126  is connected to the corresponding first conductive portion  2233 . 
     To summarize, the connecting module and the electronic device using the same disclosed in above embodiments of the invention at least provide have following effects: 
     (1). In an embodiment, the rotating element of the connecting module may rotate with respect to the case, such that the electronic module may rotate with respect to the connecting module and is capable of being fixed to the fixing element after the electronic module is connected to the connector inserted into the rotating element. 
     (2). In an embodiment, one of the first conductive portion and the second conductive portion is closed ring-shaped, such that the first conductive portion and the second conductive portion maintain electrical contact when the electronic module is rotated with respect to the connecting module. 
     (3). In an embodiment, since the second conductive portion and the first conductive portion maintain electrical contact, the electrical connection between the rotating element and the fixing element may be not affected by the rotating angle between the electronic module and the connecting module. 
     It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the disclosed embodiments. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope of the disclosure being indicated by the following claims and their equivalents.