KR102798995B1 - Eletronic device including flexible printed circuit board equipped with connecting component - Google Patents

Abstract

An electronic device according to one embodiment disclosed in the present document may include a housing, a main circuit board disposed inside the housing, a sub-circuit board disposed inside the housing and spaced apart from the main circuit board, a battery disposed between the main circuit board and the sub-circuit board, the battery including a first side facing the main board and a second side opposite to the first side and facing the sub-board, at least a portion of which is disposed on one surface of the housing, an external interface member for electrically connecting the electronic device with another electronic device, and a flexible circuit board connected to the main circuit board. According to one embodiment, the flexible circuit board may include a main region connected to the main circuit board, a first branch region connected from the main region to the external interface member, and a second branch region connected from the main region to the sub-circuit board, and the first branch region may include a bending portion bent to face the second side of the battery.
In addition to these, various embodiments are possible as identified through the specification.

Description

ELETRONIC DEVICE INCLUDING FLEXIBLE PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARD EQUIPPED WITH CONNECTING COMPONENT

Embodiments disclosed in this document relate to an electronic device including a flexible circuit board having a connecting member.

The electronic device may include a circuit board. For example, the circuit board may include a printed circuit board. The circuit board may include a plurality of electrical elements arranged thereon and a conductive pattern connecting the plurality of electrical elements. The plurality of electrical elements may be electrically connected to the conductive pattern through various means.

The circuit board may include a rigid circuit board and/or a flexible circuit board. The flexible circuit board may be formed using a material that is relatively flexible compared to the rigid circuit board. Since the flexible circuit board can be flexibly bent, it can efficiently connect a plurality of electrical components to each other within a limited space.

An electronic device can be connected to various external electronic devices through a connector, and can provide expanded functions through connection with various external electronic devices. For example, an electronic device can perform data communication with an external electronic device through a wire by using a circuit board including a receptacle, or can be connected to an external power supply to receive power. For example, the receptacle can be formed to satisfy the USB (Universal Serial Bus) standard. The USB standard is implemented in various types. For example, the USB standard includes Type-A USB, Type-B USB, and Type-C USB, and an electronic device can include a circuit board equipped with a receptacle corresponding to each USB standard.

The electrical components may be surface mounted (SMT) onto the surface of the circuit board. Surface mount technology may involve soldering the electrical components to some area of a conductive pattern (e.g., conductive pads) included in the circuit board.

Electronic devices may include multiple components. As the performance of electronic devices improves, there is a need to place more components or larger components inside the electronic device. For example, electronic devices may need to include batteries that are larger than before in order to provide more power.

As electronic devices become larger or contain more components than before, internal space in the electronic devices may become limited.

According to embodiments disclosed in this document, an object is to provide a flexible circuit board capable of efficiently utilizing the internal space of a limited electronic device and an electronic device including the same.

According to embodiments disclosed in this document, an electronic device including a flexible circuit board connecting a plurality of circuit boards inside the electronic device is provided.

According to embodiments disclosed in this document, it is an object to provide a flexible circuit board structure having a bendable structure that can be placed between components included in an electronic device.

According to embodiments disclosed in this document, a substrate disposed inside an electronic device has a bendable structure, thereby attempting to secure free space in a space inside an electronic device having a limited size.

An electronic device according to one embodiment disclosed in the present document may include a housing, a main circuit board disposed inside the housing, a sub-circuit board disposed inside the housing and spaced apart from the main circuit board, a battery disposed between the main circuit board and the sub-circuit board, the battery including a first side facing the main board and a second side opposite to the first side and facing the sub-board, at least a portion of which is disposed on one surface of the housing, an external interface member for electrically connecting the electronic device with another electronic device, and a flexible circuit board connected to the main circuit board. According to one embodiment, the flexible circuit board may include a main region connected to the main circuit board, a first branch region connected from the main region to the external interface member, and a second branch region connected from the main region to the sub-circuit board, and the first branch region may include a bending portion bent to face the second side of the battery.

In addition, an electronic device according to an embodiment disclosed in the present document comprises a housing structure including a first cover, a second cover facing the first cover, and a bracket surrounding an internal space between the first cover and the second cover, the bracket including a first structure connecting the first cover and the second cover, and a second structure extending from the first structure to the internal space, a battery disposed between the second structure and the second cover, a first circuit board disposed between the second structure and the second cover and disposed on one side of the battery, a second circuit board disposed between the second structure and the second cover and disposed on the other side of the battery, a speaker module disposed between the second structure and the second cover and disposed on the other side of the battery, and a flexible circuit board connected to the first circuit board, the flexible circuit board including a first portion disposed between the battery and the second cover, a second portion disposed between the speaker module and the second structure, and a third portion connecting the first portion and the second portion, the third portion comprising: At least a portion may extend from the first portion in a direction toward the second structure.

According to the embodiments disclosed in this document, free space inside an electronic device can be secured. In addition, various effects that are directly or indirectly understood through this document can be provided.

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an electronic device according to one embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of an electronic device according to one embodiment.
Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of an electronic device according to one embodiment.
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a flexible circuit board according to one embodiment.
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the internal structure of an electronic device including a flexible circuit board according to one embodiment.
FIG. 6 is a drawing illustrating the interior of an electronic device including a flexible circuit board according to one embodiment, taken along the line A-A' of FIG. 5.
FIG. 7 is a drawing for explaining the effect of a flexible circuit board according to one embodiment.
FIG. 8 is a drawing illustrating the interior of an electronic device including a flexible circuit board according to one embodiment, taken along the line A-A' of FIG. 5.
FIG. 9 is a drawing illustrating the interior of an electronic device including a flexible circuit board according to one embodiment, taken along the line B-B' of FIG. 5.
FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the internal structure of an electronic device according to one embodiment.
FIG. 11 is a drawing illustrating a flexible circuit board according to another embodiment.
FIG. 12 is a drawing illustrating the internal structure of an electronic device according to another embodiment.
In connection with the description of the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals may be used for identical or similar components.

Hereinafter, various embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the attached drawings. However, this is not intended to limit the present invention to specific embodiments, but should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, and/or alternatives of the embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an electronic device according to one embodiment. FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, an electronic device (100) according to one embodiment may include a housing (110) including a first side (or front side) (110A), a second side (or back side) (110B), and a side surface (110C) surrounding a space between the first side (110A) and the second side (110B).

In another embodiment (not shown), the housing (110) may refer to a structure forming part of the first side (110A), the second side (110B), and the side surface (110C) of FIG. 1.

According to one embodiment, the first side (110A) can be formed by a front plate (102) that is at least partially substantially transparent (e.g., a glass plate including various coating layers, or a polymer plate). The second side (110B) can be formed by a substantially opaque back plate (111). The back plate (111) can be formed by, for example, coated or colored glass, ceramic, polymer, metal (e.g., aluminum, stainless steel (STS), or magnesium), or a combination of at least two of the foregoing materials. The side surface (110C) can be formed by a side bezel structure (or “frame structure”) (118) that is joined to the front plate (102) and the back plate (111) and includes a metal and/or a polymer.

In some embodiments, the back plate (111) and the side bezel structure (118) may be formed integrally and include the same material (e.g., a metal material such as aluminum).

In the illustrated embodiment, the front plate (102) may include two first regions (110D) extending seamlessly from the first side (110A) toward the rear plate (111) at both ends of a long edge of the front plate (102).

In the illustrated embodiment (see FIG. 2), the rear plate (111) may include two second regions (110E) that extend seamlessly from the second surface (110B) toward the front plate (102), at both ends of the long edge of the rear plate (111).

In some embodiments, the front plate (102) (or the back plate (111)) may include only one of the first regions (110D) (or the second regions (110E)). In other embodiments, the front plate (102) (or the back plate (111)) may not include some of the first regions (110D) (or the second regions (110E)).

In the above embodiments, when viewed from the side of the electronic device (100), the side bezel structure (118) may have a first thickness (or width) on a side (e.g., a short side) that does not include the first regions (110D) or the second regions (110E) as described above, and may have a second thickness that is thinner than the first thickness on a side (e.g., a long side) that includes the first regions (110D) or the second regions (110E).

According to one embodiment, the electronic device (100) may include at least one of a display (101), an audio module (103, 104, 107), a sensor module (not shown, for example, positioned under the display (101) or mounted on the display (101) (Under Display)), a camera module (105, 112), a key input device (117), a light-emitting element (not shown, for example, positioned under the display (101) or mounted on the display (101) (Under Display)), and a connector hole (108). In some embodiments, the electronic device (100) may omit at least one of the components (e.g., the key input device (117) or the light-emitting element) or may additionally include other components.

The display (101) may be exposed, for example, through a significant portion of the front plate (102). In some embodiments, at least a portion of the display (101) may be exposed through the front plate (102), including the first surface (110A) and the first areas (110D) of the side surfaces (110C).

In some embodiments, the corners of the display (101) may be formed to be substantially identical to the adjacent outer shape of the front plate (102). In other embodiments (not shown), in order to expand the area exposed to the display (101), the gap between the outer edge of the display (101) and the outer edge of the front plate (102) may be formed to be substantially identical.

In one embodiment, the surface (or front plate (102)) of the housing (110) may include a screen display area formed as the display (101) is visually exposed. As an example, the screen display area may include a first surface (110A) and first areas (110D) of the side surfaces.

In one embodiment, the screen display area (110A, 110D) may include a sensing area (not shown) configured to acquire biometric information of the user. Here, the meaning of “the screen display area (110A, 110D) includes the sensing area” may be understood to mean that at least a portion of the sensing area may overlap the screen display area (110A, 110D). For example, the sensing area may mean an area that can display visual information by the display (101) like other areas of the screen display area (110A, 110D) and additionally acquire biometric information of the user (e.g., a fingerprint).

In one embodiment, the screen display area (110A, 110D) of the display (101) may include an area in which the first camera module (105) (e.g., a punch hole camera) is visually exposed. For example, the area in which the first camera module (105) is exposed may have at least a portion of an edge surrounded by the screen display area (110A, 110D). In various embodiments, the first camera module (105) may include a plurality of camera modules.

In another embodiment (not shown), a part of a screen display area (110A, 110D) of the display (101) may have a recess or opening formed therein, and may include at least one of an audio module (not shown), a first sensor module (not shown), and a light-emitting element (not shown) aligned with the recess or the opening. In various embodiments, the recess may be identical to or correspond to the notch.

In another embodiment (not shown), the display (101) may include at least one of an audio module, a sensor module, and a light-emitting element on the back surface of the screen display area (110A, 110D).

In another embodiment (not shown), the display (101) may be coupled with or disposed adjacent to a touch sensing circuit, a pressure sensor capable of measuring the intensity (pressure) of a touch, and/or a digitizer that detects a magnetic field-type stylus pen.

In some embodiments, at least a portion of the sensor module, and/or at least a portion of the key input device (117), may be positioned on the side (110C) (e.g., the first regions (110D) and/or the second regions (110E)).

The audio module (103, 104, 107) may include a microphone hole (103, 104) and a speaker hole (107). The microphone hole (103, 104) may have a microphone placed inside to acquire external sound, and in some embodiments, multiple microphones may be placed to detect the direction of the sound. The speaker hole (107) may include an external speaker hole (107) and a receiver hole for calls (not shown). In some embodiments, the speaker hole (107) and the microphone hole (103, 104) may be implemented as a single hole. In other embodiments, the microphone hole (104) may be placed under the display (101) or mounted on the display (101) (Under Display).

In one embodiment, the electronic device (100) may include a speaker in communication with the speaker hole (107). In some embodiments, the speaker may include a piezo speaker in which the speaker hole (107) is omitted.

A sensor module (not shown) can generate an electric signal or data value corresponding to an internal operating state of the electronic device (100) or an external environmental state. For example, the sensor module can include a first sensor module (e.g., a proximity sensor) disposed on a first surface (110A) of the housing (110), a second sensor module (e.g., a TOF camera) disposed on a second surface (110B) of the housing (110), a third sensor module (e.g., an HRM sensor) disposed on the second surface (110B) of the housing (110), and/or a fourth sensor module (138) (e.g., a fingerprint sensor) coupled to the display (101).

In various embodiments, the second sensor module (not shown) may include a TOF camera for distance measurement.

In various embodiments, the fourth sensor module (138) may be disposed at least partially below the display area (110A, 110D). For example, the fourth sensor module may be disposed in a recess (139) formed on the back surface of the display (101). For example, the fourth sensor module (138) may not be exposed to the display area (110A, 110D) and may form a sensing area in at least a portion of the display area (110A, 110D). In some embodiments (not shown), the fingerprint sensor may be disposed on the second surface (110B) as well as the first surface (110A) of the housing (110) (e.g., the display area (110A, 110D)).

In various embodiments, the electronic device (100) may further include at least one of a sensor module not shown, for example, a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a grip sensor, a color sensor, an infrared (IR) sensor, a biometric sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or an illuminance sensor.

The camera module (105, 112) may include a first camera module (105) (e.g., a punch hole camera) exposed to the first side (110A) of the electronic device (100), a second camera module (112) exposed to the second side (110B), and/or a flash (113).

In one embodiment, the first camera module (105) may be exposed through a portion of the screen display area (110D) of the first surface (110A). For example, the first camera module (105) may be exposed through a portion of the screen display area (110D) through an opening (not shown) formed in a portion of the display (101).

In one embodiment, the second camera module (112) may include multiple camera modules (e.g., dual cameras or triple cameras). However, the second camera module (112) is not necessarily limited to including multiple camera modules and may include one camera module.

The camera modules (105, 112) may include one or more lenses, an image sensor, and/or an image signal processor. The flash (113) may include, for example, a light emitting diode or a xenon lamp. In some embodiments, two or more lenses (infrared camera, wide-angle and telephoto lenses) and image sensors may be arranged on one side of the electronic device (100).

The key input device (117) may be arranged on a side (110C) of the housing (110). In other embodiments, the electronic device (100) may not include some or all of the above-mentioned key input devices (117), and the key input devices (117) that are not included may be implemented in other forms, such as soft keys, on the display (101). In some embodiments, the key input device may include a sensor module (e.g., a fourth sensor module (138)) forming a sensing area included in the screen display area (110A, 110D).

The light-emitting element may be disposed, for example, on the first surface (110A) of the housing (110). The light-emitting element may provide, for example, status information of the electronic device (100) in the form of light. In another embodiment, the light-emitting element may provide a light source that is linked to the operation of, for example, the first camera module (105). The light-emitting element may include, for example, an LED, an IR LED, and/or a xenon lamp.

The connector hole (108) may include a first connector hole (108) that can accommodate a connector (e.g., a USB connector) for transmitting and receiving power and/or data with an external electronic device, and/or a second connector hole (not shown) that can accommodate a connector (e.g., an earphone jack) for transmitting and receiving audio signals with an external electronic device.

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 3, the electronic device (100) may include a front plate (120) (e.g., the front (110A) and the first region (110D) of FIG. 1), a display (130) (e.g., the display (101) of FIG. 1), a bracket (140) (e.g., a portion of the side (110C) of FIG. 1), a first support structure (142) (e.g., a plate structure), a first printed circuit board (151), a second printed circuit board (152) (e.g., a PCB), a battery (159), a rear case (160), an antenna (170), and a rear plate (180) (e.g., the rear (110B) and the second region (110E) of FIG. 1).

In some embodiments, the electronic device (100) may omit at least one of the components (e.g., the first support structure (142) or the rear case (160)) or may additionally include other components. At least one of the components of the electronic device (100) may be identical to or similar to at least one of the components of the electronic device (100) of FIG. 1 or FIG. 2, and any redundant description will be omitted below.

In one embodiment, the bracket (140) may include a frame structure (141) forming a surface of the electronic device (100) (e.g., a portion of the side surface (110C) of FIG. 1), and a first support structure (142) extending inwardly of the electronic device (100) from the frame structure (141).

The first support structure (142) may be positioned inside the electronic device (100) and connected to the frame structure (141) or formed integrally with the frame structure (141). The first support structure (142) may be formed of, for example, a metal material and/or a non-metallic (e.g., polymer) material. In some embodiments, the first support structure (142) may be positioned inside the electronic device (100) and connected to the bracket (140) or formed integrally with the bracket (140). The first support structure (142) may have a display (130) coupled to one surface and at least one of a first printed circuit board (151) or a second printed circuit board (152) coupled to the other surface. At least one of the first printed circuit board (151) or the second printed circuit board (152) may be equipped with a processor, a memory, and/or an interface. The processor may include, for example, one or more of a central processing unit, an application processor, a graphics processing unit, an image signal processor, a sensor hub processor, or a communications processor.

The memory may include, for example, volatile memory or non-volatile memory.

The interface may include, for example, a high definition multimedia interface (HDMI), a universal serial bus (USB) interface, an SD card interface, and/or an audio interface. The interface may electrically or physically connect the electronic device (100) to an external electronic device, for example, and may include a USB connector, an SD card/MMC connector, or an audio connector.

The battery (159) is a device for supplying power to at least one component of the electronic device (100), and may include, for example, a non-rechargeable primary battery, a rechargeable secondary battery, or a fuel cell. At least a portion of the battery (159) may be arranged substantially on the same plane as, for example, at least one of the first printed circuit board (151) or the second printed circuit board (152). The battery (159) may be arranged integrally within the electronic device (100), or may be arranged to be detachably attached to the electronic device (100).

Antenna (170) may be positioned between the back plate (180) and the battery (159). The antenna (170) may include, for example, a near field communication (NFC) antenna, a wireless charging antenna, and/or a magnetic secure transmission (MST) antenna. The antenna (170) may, for example, perform short-range communication with an external device or wirelessly transmit and receive power required for charging. In another embodiment, the antenna structure may be formed by a portion or a combination of the bracket (140) and/or the first support structure (142).

In various embodiments, the camera module (105) may be positioned inside the housing (110) such that the lens is exposed to the front (110A) of the electronic device (100). For example, the camera module (105) may include a punch hole camera positioned inside a hole or recess (137) formed on the back surface of the display (130).

In various embodiments, the camera module (112) may be positioned inside the housing (110) such that the lens is exposed to the camera area (110H) of the rear (110B) of the electronic device (100). For example, the camera module (112) may be positioned on the first printed circuit board (151).

In one embodiment, the first printed circuit board (151) and the second printed circuit board (152) may be connected to each other through a flexible circuit board (190). Referring to FIG. 3, the first printed circuit board (151) and the second printed circuit board (152) may be spaced apart from each other. A battery (159) may be placed between the first printed circuit board (151) and the second printed circuit board (152).

In one embodiment, the flexible circuit board (190) can electrically connect a first printed circuit board (151), a second printed circuit board (152), and an external interface member (not shown, for example, a USB receptacle). For example, a first end of the flexible circuit board (190) can be connected to the first printed circuit board (151), a second end can be connected to the second printed circuit board (152), and a third end can be connected to the external interface member. For example, the flexible circuit board (190) can connect another electronic device (not shown) connected to the first printed circuit board (151) and the second printed circuit board (152) through the external interface member. The first printed circuit board (151) and the second printed circuit board (152) can exchange electrical and/or electronic signals with another electronic device (not shown) connected through the external interface member.

In one embodiment, the flexible circuit board (190) can extend across the battery (159). For example, two or more spaced apart printed circuit boards (151, 152) can exchange electrical and/or electronic signals (or information) through the flexible circuit board (190). In one embodiment, the flexible circuit board (190) can be formed at least in part to be flexible. For example, the flexible circuit board (190) can include a bend portion that is at least in part flexibly bent. The bend portion according to one embodiment can be bent such that the flexible circuit board (190) extends between components disposed within the electronic device (100) (e.g., between the battery (159) and the first flexible circuit board (151) or between the battery (159) and the second flexible circuit board (152).

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a flexible circuit board of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

In one embodiment, the electronic device (100) may include a flexible circuit board (400) and an external interface member (440) connected to the flexible circuit board (400).

Referring to FIG. 4, the flexible circuit board (400) may include a main region (410), a first branch region (420), and a second branch region (430). According to one embodiment, the main region (410) may include a conductive pattern connected to the first connector (401). According to one embodiment, the first branch region (420) may include a portion of the conductive pattern included in the main region (410). The second branch region (430) may include at least a portion of the conductive pattern included in the main region (410) that is not included in the first branch region (420). Referring to FIG. 4, a direction in which the first branch region (420) extends from the main region (410) (e.g., downward with respect to the drawing) and a direction in which the second branch region (430) extends from the main region (410) (e.g., downward with respect to the drawing) may be the same as each other.

The flexible circuit board (400) may be formed to be flexible so that at least a portion thereof is bendable. The flexible circuit board (400) may be configured to electrically connect components included within the electronic device (100) to each other (e.g., the first printed circuit board (151) and the second printed circuit board (152) of FIG. 3).

In one embodiment, the main region (410) may include a slit portion (411) that is a section divided into a first branch region (420) and a second branch region (430). In one embodiment, the main region (410) may be electrically connected to a first printed circuit board (e.g., the first printed circuit board (151) of FIG. 3). For example, the main region (410) may electrically connect a first printed circuit board and a second printed circuit board (e.g., the second printed circuit board (152) of FIG. 3) that are spaced apart from each other together with the second branch region (430). For example, the main region (410) may include a first connector (401) coupled to the first printed circuit board. For example, the first connector (401) may be disposed at a first end of the main region (410). According to some embodiments, the first connector (401) may include a contact connector that contacts the first end of the main region (410).

In one embodiment, the first branch region (420) may be electrically connected to an external interface member (440). The first branch region (420) may electrically connect a control circuit (not shown) included in a first printed circuit board (e.g., the first printed circuit board (151) of FIG. 3) together with the main region (410) and the external interface member (440). For example, the external interface member (440) may be coupled to a second end of the first branch region (420). For example, the external interface member (440) may include a USB receptacle (USB Type-B or USB Type-C). As another example, the external interface member (440) may include a receptacle that can be connected to a USB earphone. In this case, the external interface member (440) may receive a microphone signal or output an audio signal to the outside. As another example, the external interface member (440) may include a component formed so that an HDMI connector can be connected. For another example, the external interface member (440) may include a component formed to be able to connect a display port. The external interface member (440) according to one embodiment is not limited to the above-described examples and may include a component formed to be able to connect to an external electronic device.

In one embodiment, the first branch region (420) may include a bending portion (421). The flexible circuit board (400) according to one embodiment may be formed with a structure in which at least one layer is laminated. For example, the main region (410), the first branch region (420), and the second branch region (430) may be formed with at least one structure from among a single side layer, a double side layer, or a multi layer. According to one embodiment, the bending portion (421) may be formed with a structure in which at least one of the laminated layers is deleted for efficient bending characteristics in a narrow space. For example, when the main region (410), the first branch region (420), and the second branch region (430) are formed with a multi-layer structure, the bending portion (421) may be formed with either a double side layer or a single side layer structure. The bending portion (421) from which some layers have been deleted can be easily bent, so that the bending characteristics can be improved.

The bending portion (421) may be bent to extend between other structures included in the electronic device (100) (e.g., a battery (159), a speaker module (e.g., a speaker module (500) of FIG. 5)). The first branch region (420) including the bending portion (421) according to one embodiment may be extended to have a gap or differential of a predetermined size. For example, the bending portion (421) may be bent in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the first branch region (420) extends from the main region (410). When the first branch region (420) according to one embodiment is viewed from the side, since the first branch region (420) includes the bending portion (421), it may at least partially include a gap of a predetermined size formed by the bending portion (421).

In one embodiment, the second branch region (430) can be electrically connected to a second printed circuit board (e.g., the second printed circuit board (152) of FIG. 3). The second branch region (430) can electrically connect a first printed circuit board (e.g., the first printed circuit board (151) of FIG. 3) and the second printed circuit board, which are spaced apart from the main region (410). For example, the second branch region (430) can include a second connector (403) coupled to the second printed circuit board. For example, the second connector (403) can be disposed at a third end of the second branch region (430). According to some embodiments, the second connector (403) can include a contact connector that contacts the third end of the second branch region (430).

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the internal structure of an electronic device including a flexible circuit board according to one embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 5, the electronic device (100) may include a housing (110) and a plurality of components arranged inside the housing (110). For example, the plurality of components may include a main circuit board (200) (e.g., the first printed circuit board (151) of FIG. 3), a sub-circuit board (300) (e.g., the second printed circuit board (152) of FIG. 3), a battery (159), a speaker module (500), and a flexible circuit board (400).

According to one embodiment, the main circuit board (200) may be disposed inside the housing (110). The main circuit board (200) may include a control circuit (230). For example, the control circuit (230) may include a processor. For example, the control circuit (230) may include at least one of a communication circuit and a charging circuit. For example, the control circuit (230) may perform wired communication (e.g., data communication using USB) using the communication circuit. For example, the control circuit (230) may perform wireless communication using the communication circuit. For example, the control circuit (230) may charge power to the battery (159) using the charging circuit. According to another embodiment, the control circuit (230) may control a connection circuit (310) included in a sub-circuit board (300).

According to one embodiment, the main circuit board (200) may be disposed spaced apart from the sub-circuit board (300) with the battery (159) therebetween. The main circuit board (200) may be disposed to face the first side (1591) of the battery (159). According to one embodiment, the sub-circuit board (300) may be disposed inside the housing (110). According to one embodiment, the sub-circuit board (300) may be disposed to face the second side (1592) of the battery (159). The sub-circuit board (300) may include a connection circuit (310). In one embodiment, the connection circuit (310) may perform input/output operations for the electronic device (100). For example, the connection circuit (310) may electrically connect an input/output device of the electronic device (100). For example, the connection circuit (310) can electrically connect the speaker module (500), and the control circuit (230) can control the speaker module (500) through the connection circuit (310). For example, the connection circuit (310) can electrically connect a haptic motor (not shown) that provides haptic feedback corresponding to a user input, and the control circuit (230) can control the haptic motor through the connection circuit (310). For example, the connection circuit (310) can electrically connect a keyboard receptacle (not shown) that receives typing or touch input from an external source (e.g., a user or an electronic input device), and the control circuit (230) can control the keyboard receptacle through the connection circuit (310). For example, the connection circuit (310) can electrically connect at least one antenna (e.g., antenna (170) of FIG. 3) used for wireless communication, and the control circuit (230) can control the operation of the at least one antenna through the connection circuit (310). For example, the at least one antenna can include at least one of an LDS antenna (540) or a frame antenna (not shown). Although the electronic device (100) is illustrated as including an LDS antenna (540) in FIG. 5, it is not limited to the illustrated one and can include various types of antennas used for wireless communication.

According to one embodiment, the flexible circuit board (400) can be disposed inside the housing (110). For example, the flexible circuit board (400) can be electrically connected to a plurality of components. For example, the flexible circuit board (400) can transmit electrical and/or electronic signals between the main circuit board (200), the sub-circuit board (300), and the external interface member (440).

According to one embodiment, a first connector (401), a second connector (403), and an external interface member (440) may be connected to a flexible circuit board (400).

According to one embodiment, the first connector (401) may be arranged at a first end of the main region (410) to electrically and/or physically connect the main circuit board (200) and the flexible circuit board (400). For example, the first connector (401) may include a board-to-board connector. In another example, the first connector (401) may include a pin header connector. According to one embodiment, the first connector (401) may transmit and receive data from the sub-circuit board (300), exchange data with an external electronic device (not shown) connected through an external interface member (440), and receive power from a power supply device (not shown), and therefore, may include a greater number of pins than the number of pins included in the second connector (402). According to one embodiment, the main circuit board (200) may further include a connector for a socket corresponding to the first connector (401) so as to be connected to the first connector (401).

According to one embodiment, the second connector (403) may be disposed at the second end of the second branch region (430) to electrically and/or physically connect the sub-circuit board (300) and the flexible circuit board (400). For example, the second connector (403) may include a board-to-board connector. In another example, the second connector (403) may include a pin header connector. According to one embodiment, the sub-circuit board (300) may further include a socket connector corresponding to the second connector (403) so as to be connected to the second connector (403).

According to one embodiment, the external interface member (440) may be disposed at the third end of the first branch region (420). For example, the external interface member (440) may be screw-coupled to a bracket disposed inside the housing (110). Alternatively, the external interface member (440) may be screw-coupled to a bracket disposed inside the housing (110) and a portion of the sub-circuit board (300). As the external interface member (440) is at least partially screw-coupled to the bracket, the external interface member (440) may be fixed so that movement of the external interface member (440) is minimized. According to one embodiment, the external interface member (440) may be connected to the USB earphone electronic device (100). In this case, the external interface member (440) may include a USB receptacle.

According to one embodiment, at least a part of the external interface member (440) may be disposed on one surface of the housing (110) of the electronic device (100). For example, at least a part of the external interface member (440) may be exposed to the outside through an opening formed in the electronic device (100). For example, at least a part of a pin (441) included in the external interface member (400) may be exposed to the outside through the opening. According to one embodiment, when a USB cable is connected to the external interface member (440) through the opening, the electronic device (100) may perform communication to exchange information with another electronic device (not shown) through the USB cable. According to one embodiment, the electronic device (100) may support a Desktop Experience (DeX, hereinafter referred to as ‘DEX’) function. For example, when a portable terminal device (not shown) is connected to a PC (not shown) including a monitor through an external interface member (440), data may be transmitted and received so that the screen of the portable terminal device may be mirrored on the monitor. Or, when touch coordinates are input to the portable terminal device, touch coordinates may be input to the monitor in response thereto. Or, when the portable terminal device is connected to a PC including a monitor through an external interface member (440), a Dex-specific interface different from that of the portable terminal device may be provided to the PC.

According to one embodiment, the flexible circuit board (400) may include a main region (410), a first branch region (420), and a second branch region (430).

According to one embodiment, the main region (410) may include a first connector (401) that electrically and/or physically connects with the main circuit board (200). According to one embodiment, the main region (410) may include a portion (411) that branches into a first branch region (420) and a second branch region (430). The portion (411) that branches into the first branch region (420) and the second branch region (430) may be formed to face at least a portion of a first surface (1593) of the battery (159).

According to one embodiment, the first branch region (420) may extend such that at least a portion thereof faces the first side (1593) of the battery (159), and at least another portion thereof may extend such that it passes between the second side (1592) and the speaker module (500). According to one embodiment, the first branch region (420) may include a bending portion (421). The bending portion (421) may have some layers removed compared to other portions included in the first branch region (420). Accordingly, the thickness of the bending portion (421) may be relatively thinner than the thicknesses of other portions included in the first branch region (420). For example, the bending portion (421) may connect a portion of the first branch region (420) facing the first side (1593) of the battery (159) and a portion facing the second side (1592) of the battery (159). Additionally, the bending portion (421) may connect the extension region (423) positioned below the speaker module (500) and the portion facing the second side (1592) of the battery (159). According to one embodiment, the first branch region (420) may include an external interface member (440) that electrically and/or physically connects with another electronic device (not shown).

According to one embodiment, the second branch region (430) may include a second connector (403) electrically and/or physically connected to the sub-circuit board (300).

According to one embodiment, the battery (159) may be placed inside the housing (110). The battery (159) may supply power to at least one of the main circuit board (200), the sub-circuit board (300), the flexible circuit board (400), and the speaker module (500). For example, when the electronic device (100) and an external charging device (not shown) are wiredly connected through an external interface member (440), the electronic device (100) may receive power from the external charging device and charge the battery (159). For example, the external charging device may include a charger or a USB PD device. For another example, when the electronic device (100) and an external electronic device (not shown) are wiredly connected through the external interface member (400), the electronic device (100) may provide power charged in the battery (159) to the external electronic device.

According to one embodiment, the battery (159) may be placed between the main circuit board (200) and the sub-circuit board (300). According to one embodiment, the battery (159) may be placed between the main circuit board (200) and the speaker module (500).

According to one embodiment, the battery (159) may include a first side (1591), a second side (1592), and a first surface (1593). The first side (1591) of the battery (159) may face the main circuit board (200). At least a portion of the second side (1592) of the battery (159) may face the sub-circuit board (300). At least a portion of the second side (1592) of the battery (159) may face the speaker module (500).

According to one embodiment, the speaker module (500) may include a speaker core (530) and at least one LDS (Laser Direct Structure) antenna. According to one embodiment, the at least one LDS (Laser Direct Structure) antenna may be printed in a pattern shape on the speaker module (500). According to another embodiment, the LDS (Laser Direct Structure) antenna may be arranged on at least a portion of one side of the speaker module (500). According to one embodiment, the extension region (423) extending from the bending portion (421) may be arranged so as not to overlap with the speaker core (530). Alternatively, the extension region (423) extending from the bending portion (421) may be arranged so as not to overlap with a position where the speaker core (530) is arranged, and may be arranged so as not to overlap with a position of an acoustic hole (e.g., speaker hole (107) of FIG. 2) through which sound generated from the speaker module (500) is output to the outside of the electronic device (100).

According to one embodiment, at least one of the main circuit board (200) or the sub-circuit board (300) may be formed using a rigid material for mounting various electrical elements or electronic components. According to one embodiment, the flexible circuit board (500) may be formed using a material that can be relatively flexibly bent. Since the flexible circuit board (400) is bendable, it may be positioned within a limited space within the electronic device (100) to connect the main circuit board (200), the sub-circuit board (300), and the external interface member (440).

FIG. 6 is a drawing illustrating the interior of an electronic device including a flexible circuit board according to one embodiment, taken along the line A-A’ of FIG. 5.

Referring to FIG. 6, in one embodiment, the electronic device may include a main circuit board (200), a battery (159), and a flexible circuit board (400).

According to one embodiment, the main circuit board (200) may include a first main circuit board (210) (or master circuit board) and a second main circuit board (220) (or slave circuit board). Referring to FIG. 6, the main circuit board (200) is illustrated as including only the first main circuit board (210) and the second main circuit board (220), but this is merely an example and the number of circuit boards to be stacked is not limited to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6.

According to one embodiment, the main circuit board (200) may include a first main circuit board (210), a second main circuit board (220), and an interposer (201).

According to one embodiment, the first main circuit board (210) may include a processor (232). For example, the processor (232) may be located in a space formed by an interposer (201) between the first main circuit board (210) and the second main circuit board (220). For example, the first connector (401) may connect the second main circuit board (220) and the main area (410) of the flexible circuit board (400). According to one embodiment, the first main circuit board (210) may be arranged to face the first side (1591) of the battery (159).

According to one embodiment, the second main circuit board (220) may include an RF circuit (231) and a second connector (401). The second main circuit board (220) may be positioned to face the first side (1591) of the battery (159).

According to one embodiment, an interposer (201) may electrically and/or physically connect a first main circuit board (210) and a second main circuit board (220) such that the main circuit board (200) may have a laminated structure.

According to one embodiment, the battery (159) may include a first side (1591), a second side (1592), a first side (1593), and a second side (1594).

According to one embodiment, the first side (1591) may be opposite the second side (1592) and may face the first main circuit board (210) and the second main circuit board (220). The second side (1592) may be opposite the first side (1591) and may face the flexure region (422) of the flexible circuit board (400). The first side (1593) may be opposite the main region (410) of the flexible circuit board (400) and may form an upper (e.g., upper based on the drawing) surface of the battery (159). The second side (1594) may be opposite the first side (1593) and may form a lower (e.g., lower based on the drawing) surface of the battery (159).

According to one embodiment, the flexible circuit board (400) may include a main region (410), a first branch region (420), a bending portion (421), and a bending region (422).

According to one embodiment, the main region (410) may include a portion (411) branching from the main region (410) into a first branch region (420) and a second branch region (not shown) (e.g., the second branch region (430) of FIG. 5). The branching portion (411) may be formed in the main region (410) so as to face at least a portion of the first surface (1593) of the battery (159). According to one embodiment, the main region (410) may have an attachment (202) coupled to one end. For example, the attachment (202) may include a reinforcing plate including a SUS frame.

According to one embodiment, the first branch region (420) may include a bending portion (421) and a bending region (422).

According to one embodiment, the bending portion (421) may be formed to bend in a direction that surrounds the battery (159). In some embodiments, the bending portion (421) may include a portion that bends in a direction perpendicular to a direction in which the first branch region (420) extends to face the first side (1593) of the battery (159). The bending portion (421) may be positioned between the main region (410) and the bending region (422). For example, the bending portion (421) may have one side connected to the main region (410) and the other side connected to the bending region (422).

According to one embodiment, the bending region (422) may be positioned to face the second side (1592) of the battery (159). For example, the size of the bending region (422) may be designed to correspond to the size of the second side (1592) of the battery (159) (e.g., the height or thickness of the battery (159)).

According to one embodiment, the flexible circuit board (400) may include a battery upper extension region (424) extending in the X direction from the main region (410) and facing the first side (1593) of the battery (159), and a bend region (422) extending in the -Y direction from the battery upper extension region (424). The flexible circuit board (400) may include a bend portion (421) connecting the battery upper extension region (424) extending in the X direction and the bend region (422) extending in the -Y direction. For example, the bend portion (421) may include a flexible portion that is bent so that at least a portion of the flexible circuit board (400) changes an extending direction. According to one embodiment, among the first branch regions (420) of the flexible circuit board (400), a portion that is arranged to face the second side (1592) of the battery (159) may be defined as the bend region (422). The size (or height) of the bending region (422) of the flexible circuit board (400) may correspond to the size of the second side (1592) of the battery (159) (e.g., the thickness of the battery). The bending region (422) may extend from the bending portion (421). In some embodiments, the bending region (422) may be positioned to face the second side (1592) which is perpendicular to the first side (1593) of the battery (159).

According to one embodiment, since the flexible circuit board (400) includes a bending portion (421), it can be placed in a narrow space inside an electronic device. According to one embodiment, since the flexible circuit board (400) includes a bendable bending portion (421), the electronic device can allocate more space to components placed inside it (e.g., a battery (159) or a speaker module (e.g., a speaker module (500) of FIG. 5)).

FIG. 7 is a drawing for explaining the effect of a flexible circuit board according to one embodiment.

According to one embodiment, the flexible circuit board (400) can be designed according to the size (or length) of the battery (159).

For example, an electronic device may include a relatively large battery (159) to supply a large amount of power to the electronic device. As illustrated in FIG. 7, when the size of the battery (159) becomes relatively large, the size (or length) of the first branch region (420) or the main region (410) may be designed to increase relatively accordingly. In another example, when the height or thickness (the size or length of the second side (1592)) of the battery (159) becomes relatively large, the size of the refracted region (422) may be designed to increase relatively accordingly.

An electronic device according to an embodiment may have an internal space of a limited size. A plurality of components (e.g., a battery (159) and a speaker module (not shown) (speaker module of FIG. 5)) may be arranged in the internal space of the electronic device. Since a flexible circuit board (400) according to an embodiment includes a bending portion (421), the flexible circuit board (400) may be efficiently arranged in an internal space of an electronic device having a limited size.

FIG. 8 is a drawing illustrating the interior of an electronic device including a flexible circuit board according to one embodiment, taken along the line A-A’ of FIG. 5.

According to one embodiment, the flexible circuit board (400) may include a main region (410), a first branch region (420) extending from a branching portion (411) formed in the main region, and a second branch region (not shown) extending from the branching portion (411) formed in the main region (e.g., the second branch region (430) of FIG. 5).

According to one embodiment, the first branch region (420) may include a bending portion (421) and a bending region (422).

According to one embodiment, the first branch region (420) may be connected to the portion (411) where the first end (4201) branches, and the second end (4202) may be electrically and/or physically connected to the external interface member (440). For example, at least a portion of the first branch region (420) may be formed to face the first side (1593) of the battery (159).

According to one embodiment, the bending portion (421) may be formed on each side of the bending region (422) disposed between the battery (159) and the speaker module (500). For example, the bending portion (421) may include a portion that bends in a direction that surrounds the battery (159). For example, the bending portion (421) may include a portion that bends in a direction that surrounds the speaker lower enclosure (520). According to one embodiment, at least a portion of the speaker lower enclosure (520) may be in physical contact with at least a portion of the external interface member (440). By making contact with at least a portion of the speaker lower enclosure (520), the external interface member (440) may be fixed so that movement of the external interface member (440) is minimized.

According to one embodiment, the refracting region (422) may be positioned between the battery (159) and the speaker module (500). In some examples, the refracting region (422) may be formed to face the second side (1592) of the battery (159), which is formed to be perpendicular to the first side (1593) of the battery (159).

FIG. 9 is a drawing illustrating the interior of an electronic device including a flexible circuit board according to one embodiment, taken along the line B-B’ of FIG. 5.

An electronic device according to one embodiment (e.g., the electronic device (100) of FIGS. 1 to 3, the electronic device (100) of FIG. 5) may include a sub-circuit board (300), a speaker module (500), a bracket (140), a stiffener (121), and an external interface member (440).

According to one embodiment, the sub-circuit board (300) may include a connection circuit (310). The sub-circuit board (300) may be connected to at least a portion of the bracket (140). The connection circuit (310) may be positioned between the speaker upper enclosure (510) and the sub-circuit board (300).

According to one embodiment, the speaker module (500) may include a speaker upper enclosure (510), a speaker lower enclosure (520), and a speaker core (530).

According to one embodiment, the speaker upper enclosure (510) may further include at least one LDS (Laser Direct Structure) antenna (540). The speaker upper enclosure (510) may be connected to the speaker lower enclosure (520) to include a speaker core (530) and a resonant space therein.

In one embodiment, the speaker lower enclosure (520) may be connected to at least a portion of the bracket (140). An external interface member (440) may be disposed between the speaker lower enclosure (520) and the stiffener (121). In one embodiment, the stiffener (121) may be disposed below the flexible circuit board to reinforce the thickness of the relatively thin flexible circuit board. For example, the stiffener (121) may be disposed to be connected to at least a portion of the external interface member (440) to prevent damage to a surrounding structure (e.g., the bracket) when the external interface member (440) moves.

According to one embodiment, the speaker core (530) may include a magnetic material (e.g., a magnet), a coil (531) and a yoke (532). The speaker core (530) may amplify vibrations generated by using the magnetic material and the coil (531) in a resonant space. According to one embodiment, the speaker module (500) may include a resonant volume (Speaker Volume, 550). For example, the resonant volume may be used to adjust the sound pressure and resonance characteristics of audio frequencies of the speaker module (500).

According to one embodiment, the bracket (140) may form an opening that is exposed to the outside. A stiffener (121) may be arranged between the opening and the external interface member (440). According to one embodiment, a sub-circuit board (300) may be arranged on at least a portion of the bracket (140).

According to one embodiment, the stiffener (121) can be connected to at least a portion of the bracket (140). The stiffener (121) can be connected to the external interface member (440). As at least a portion of the stiffener (121) is connected to the opening, the strength of the bracket (140) forming the opening can be increased.

According to one embodiment, the external interface member (440) may be positioned at the bottom (e.g., below with respect to the drawing) of the speaker lower enclosure (520). For example, at least a portion of the external interface member (440) may be exposed to the outside of the electronic device through an opening. For example, a stiffener (121) may be connected to the bottom of the external interface member (440).

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the internal structure of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 10, an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (100) of FIGS. 1 to 3, the electronic device of FIG. 5) may include a front plate (120), a rear plate (180), and a bracket (140). In another embodiment, the front plate (120) may be referred to as a cover layer included in a display (e.g., the display (130) of FIG. 3). In some embodiments, the front plate (120) may be referred to as a first cover, and the rear plate (180) may be referred to as a second cover.

In one embodiment, the bracket (140) may include a frame structure (1401) surrounding the outer surfaces of the front plate (120) and the rear plate (180) between the front plate (120) and the rear plate (180), and a plate structure (1402) extending from the frame structure (1401) toward the inside of the housing (e.g., the housing (110) of FIG. 5). In another embodiment, the plate structure (1402) may be formed of a different material from the frame structure (1401) and may be formed integrally with the frame structure (1401). In one embodiment, the plate structure (1402) and the frame structure (1401) may be formed of different materials and may be welded together.

In one embodiment, the frame structure (1401) can be connected to the front plate (120) and the back plate (180). For example, the frame structure (1401) can be combined with the front plate (120) and the back plate (180). For example, the front plate (120) and the back plate (180) can be respectively mounted on the frame structure (1401). In one embodiment, the frame structure (1401) can have an opening (149) formed therethrough. At least a portion of an external interface member (440) can be disposed inside the opening (149). The external interface member (440) can be electrically connected to another external electronic device through the opening (149).

In one embodiment, a front plate (120) may be arranged on a second side (140b) of the plate structure (1402), and a main circuit board (200), a battery (159), a speaker module (500), and an external interface member (440) may be arranged on a first side (140a).

In one embodiment, the plate structure (1402) may include a frame wall (143) for fixing the battery (159). For example, the frame wall (143) may extend from a first side (140a) of the plate structure (1402).

In one embodiment, the frame wall (143) can surround at least a portion of the battery (159). For example, the frame wall (143) can include a first portion (1431) adjacent the speaker module (500) and a second portion (1432) adjacent the main circuit board (200). In one embodiment, the first portion (1431) can face the flexure region (422) of the flexible circuit board (400). For example, a portion of the flexure region (422) of the flexible circuit board (400) can be positioned between the first portion (1431) and the speaker module (500).

In another embodiment, the frame structure (1401) of the front plate (120), the rear plate (180), and the bracket (140) may form a housing structure (e.g., the housing (110) of FIG. 1) that forms an internal space of the electronic device (100). At this time, the plate structure (1402) may be referred to as a support member (e.g., the first support structure (142) of FIG. 3) that supports the structure of the electronic device (100).

In one embodiment, the speaker module (500) may include an enclosure (510, 520) and a speaker core (530) disposed within the enclosure (510, 520). The enclosure (510, 520) may include an upper enclosure (510) and a lower enclosure (520). In various embodiments, the upper enclosure (510) may further include at least one LDS (Laser Direct Structure) antenna (540).

In one embodiment, the flexible circuit board (400) may include an extension region (423) extending from a bend region (422). The main region (410) may be located on a first side (1593) of the battery (159), and the extension region (423) may be located on a first side (140a) of the plate structure (1402).

In one embodiment, the flexible circuit board (400) can be formed such that at least a portion is positioned between the back plate (180) and the battery (159), and another portion is positioned between the speaker module (500) and the plate structure (1402). For example, a portion of the main region (410) and the first branch region (420) of the flexible circuit board (400) can be positioned between the first side (1593) of the battery (159) and the back plate (180), and an extension region (423) extending from the bend region (422) can extend between the first side (140a) of the plate structure (1402) and the speaker module (500). For example, the extension region (423) can be connected to the external interface member (440). According to one embodiment, the extension region (423) can be positioned to overlap the speaker core (530). Alternatively, the extension region (423) extending from the bending portion (421) may be positioned so as to overlap with the position where the speaker core (530) is positioned, and may be positioned so as not to overlap with the position of the sound hole (not shown) through which sound generated from the speaker module (500) is output to the outside of the electronic device (100).

For example, the bending portion (421) of the flexible circuit board (400) can be bent from an edge of the first side (1593) of the battery (159) toward the first side (140a) of the plate structure (1402). The bending portion (421) of the flexible circuit board (400) can be bent from the bending area (422) toward the opening (149). The bending portion (421) of the flexible circuit board (400) can be bent such that the extension portion (423) extends from the bending area (422) between the first side (140a) of the plate structure (1402) and the speaker module (500).

In one embodiment, the flexible circuit board (400) may include a flexure region (422) connecting a portion of the flexible circuit board (200) and another portion thereof such that a portion thereof extends from the main circuit board (200) through a space between the back plate (180) and the first side (1593) of the battery (159), and another portion thereof extends into a space between the speaker module (500) and the second side (1592) of the battery (159). For example, the flexure region (422) of the flexible circuit board (400) may extend from the main region (410) between the speaker module (500) and the second side (1592) of the battery (159).

In one embodiment, the direction extending from the main circuit board (200) to the external interface member (440) can be defined as the extension direction of the flexible circuit board (400). When viewed in the extension direction of the flexible circuit board (400), the refractive region (422) can extend in a direction from the rear plate (180) toward the front plate (120). In various embodiments, the refractive region (422) can extend in a direction from the rear side of the electronic device (100) toward the front side when viewed in the extension direction of the flexible circuit board (400).

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an electronic device according to another embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 11, a flexible circuit board (e.g., a flexible circuit board (400) of FIG. 4) (1100) may include a main region (1110), a slit region (1111) including a portion branching from the main region (1110) into a first branch region (1120) and a second branch region (1130), a second branch region (1130) extending from the slit region (1111) to a first interface member (1140) and a second interface member (1150), and a first branch region (1120) extending from the slit region (1111) and being distinct from the second branch region (1130). For example, the main region (1110), the first branch region (1120), and the second branch region (1130) may each extend in different directions from the slit region (1111).

In one embodiment, the flexible circuit board (1100) may be formed such that the main region (1110) and the first branch region (1120) are electrically connected to spaced apart components (e.g., the first circuit board (2100), the second circuit board (2200) of FIG. 12) of an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (100) of FIG. 1 to FIG. 3 or the electronic device (100) of FIG. 5 or the electronic device (100) of FIG. 10 or the electronic device (2000) of FIG. 12).

In one embodiment, the main region (1110) may include a first connector (1101). The first connector (1101) may be electrically connected to a component (e.g., a first circuit board (2100) of FIG. 12) disposed inside an electronic device (e.g., an electronic device (2000) of FIG. 12). For example, the first connector (1101) may be electrically connected to a circuit board (e.g., a first circuit board (2100) of FIG. 12) of the electronic device (e.g., an electronic device (2000) of FIG. 12). For example, the first connector (1101) may be disposed at an end of the main region (1110).

In one embodiment, the first branch region (1120) can include a second connector (1102). The second connector (1102) can be electrically connected to a component (e.g., a second circuit board (2200) of FIG. 12) disposed inside an electronic device (e.g., an electronic device (2000) of FIG. 12). For example, the second connector (1102) can be disposed on a circuit board (e.g., a second circuit board (2200) of FIG. 12) of the electronic device (e.g., an electronic device (2000) of FIG. 12). For example, the second connector (1102) can be disposed at an end of the first branch region (1120).

In one embodiment, the second branch region (1130) may be coupled with one or more interface members (1140, 1150). For example, the one or more interface members (1140, 1150) may be coupled with a first interface member (1140) and a second interface member (1150). In one embodiment, the first interface member (1140) and the second interface member (1150) may each include one of a USB receptacle or an HDMI connector. For example, the first interface member (1140) may include a USB receptacle and the second interface member (1150) may include an HDMI connector.

In one embodiment, the second branch region (1130) may include a bending portion (1131) that is positioned in a bent state within an electronic device (e.g., electronic device (2000) of FIG. 12).

FIG. 12 is a drawing illustrating the internal structure of an electronic device according to another embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 12, an electronic device (2000) (e.g., the electronic device (100) of FIGS. 1 to 3 or the electronic device (100) of FIG. 5 or the electronic device (100) of FIG. 10) may include a housing (2010) and components at least partially disposed inside the housing (2010). In one embodiment, the components may include a first circuit board (2100), a second circuit board (2200), a flexible circuit board (1100), a battery (2500), an external interface member (2340) (e.g., a USB receptacle) (e.g., the first interface member (1140), the second interface member (1150) of FIG. 11), and a speaker module (2400) including a speaker core (2410). In one embodiment, the external interface member (2340) may be positioned so that at least a portion of the member is exposed to the outside of the housing (2010) through an opening formed in a surface of the housing (e.g., opening (149) of FIG. 10). In various embodiments, the illustrated electronic device (2000) may include a mobile electronic device in the form of a tablet.

In one embodiment, each of the first circuit board (2100) and the second circuit board (2200) may include electronic circuits (2110, 2210). For example, the electronic circuits (2110, 2210) may include at least one of a communication circuit configured to perform data communication, a charging circuit providing a battery charging function, and a connection circuit electrically connected to an input/output device.

In one embodiment, the battery (2500) may be positioned between the first circuit board (2100) and the second circuit board (2200).

In one embodiment, the flexible circuit board (1100) can extend from the first circuit board (2100) to the second circuit board (2200) such that the slit region (1111) is positioned facing one side of the battery (2500). For example, the flexible circuit board (1100) can extend across the battery (2500) such that the first connector (1101) of the main region (1110) is coupled to the first circuit board (2100) and the second connector (1102) of the first branch region (1120) is coupled to the second circuit board (2200).

In one embodiment, the second branch region (1130) of the flexible circuit board (1100) may include a bending portion (1131) extending into a space between one side of the battery (2500) and one side of the speaker module (2400), and an extension region (1132) extending from the bending portion (1131). The bending portion (1131) may be bent such that at least a portion of the extension region (1132) is positioned below the speaker module (2400). An external interface member (2340) may be disposed at one end of the extension region (1132).

An electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure (e.g., the electronic device (100) of FIGS. 1 to 3 or the electronic device (100) of FIG. 5 or the electronic device (100) of FIG. 10 or the electronic device (2000) of FIG. 12) may include a housing (110), a main circuit board (200) disposed inside the housing, a sub-circuit board (300) disposed inside the housing and spaced apart from the main circuit board, a battery (159) disposed between the main circuit board and the sub-circuit board, the battery including a first side (1591) facing the main board and a second side (1592) opposite to the first side and facing the sub-board, at least a portion of which is disposed on one surface of the housing and for electrically connecting the electronic device with another electronic device, and a flexible circuit board (400) connected to the main circuit board. According to one embodiment, the flexible circuit board includes a main region (410) connected to the main circuit board, a first branch region (420) connected from the main region to the external interface member, and a second branch region (430) connected from the main region to the sub circuit board, wherein the first branch region may include a bending portion (421) bent to face the second side of the battery.

According to one embodiment, the electronic device further includes a speaker module (500), and the bending portion can be disposed between one side of the battery and one side of the speaker module.

According to one embodiment, the electronic device further includes a display (130), and the housing includes a front surface where the display is exposed and a rear surface opposite the front surface and facing the first side surface of the speaker module, and the first branch region can extend between a second side surface of the speaker module opposite the first side surface of the speaker module and the front surface.

According to one embodiment, the speaker module (500) may have an LDS antenna (540) arranged on at least a portion of the first side.

According to one embodiment, the battery (159) includes a third side (1593) surrounding a space between the first side (1591) and the second side (1592) and facing the rear surface of the housing, and a fourth side (1594) opposite the third side and facing the front surface of the housing, and the flexible circuit board (400) may include a slit portion (411) branching from the main region to at least one of the first branch region or the second branch region between the third side and the rear surface of the housing.

According to one embodiment, the battery (159) includes a third side (1593) surrounding a space between the first side (1591) and the second side (1592) and facing the rear surface of the housing, and a fourth side (1594) opposite the third side and facing the front surface of the housing, and the flexible circuit board (400) includes a slit portion (411) branching from the main region into the first branch region and/or the second branch region, and the slit portion can be formed to face at least a portion of the third side (1593) of the battery.

According to one embodiment, the flexible circuit board (400) may further include a first connector (401) electrically connecting the main region and the main circuit board, and a second connector (402) electrically connecting the second branch region and the sub circuit board.

According to one embodiment, the main circuit board (200) may include at least one (230) of a communication circuit for performing data communication or a charging circuit for charging the battery, and the sub-circuit board (200) may include an input/output circuit (310) for performing input/output operations for the electronic device.

According to one embodiment, the first branch region (410) includes a bend region (422) extending from the bending portion (421) and positioned to face the second side (1592), and the external interface member (440) can be connected to one end of the bend region.

An electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure (e.g., the electronic device (100) of FIGS. 1 to 3 or the electronic device (100) of FIG. 5 or the electronic device (100) of FIG. 10 or the electronic device (2000) of FIG. 12) comprises a housing structure (110) including a first cover (120), a second cover (180) facing the first cover, and a bracket (140) surrounding an internal space between the first cover and the second cover, the bracket including a first structure (1401) connecting the first cover and the second cover, and a second structure (1402) extending from the first structure into the internal space, a battery (159) disposed between the second structure and the second cover, a first circuit board (200) disposed between the second structure and the second cover and disposed on one side (1591) of the battery, a second circuit board (200) disposed between the second structure and the second cover and disposed on the other side of the battery. A second circuit board (300) disposed on a side (1592), a speaker module (500) disposed between the second structure and the second cover and disposed on the other side of the battery, and a flexible circuit board (400) connected to the first circuit board, the flexible circuit board including a first portion (424) disposed between the battery and the second cover, a second portion (423) disposed between the speaker module and the second structure, and a third portion (422) connecting the first portion and the second portion, wherein at least a portion of the third portion can extend from the first portion in a direction toward the second structure.

According to one embodiment, the speaker module (500) may have an LDS antenna (540) positioned on at least a portion of one side facing the second cover.

According to one embodiment, the length of the third portion may be formed to correspond to the length of at least one of the one side (1591) or the other side (1592) of the battery.

According to one embodiment, the length of the first portion may be formed to correspond to the length of the side (1593) connecting the one side and the other side of the battery.

According to one embodiment, the flexible circuit board further includes an external interface member (440) for electrically connecting the electronic device with another electronic device, and the external interface member can extend from the second portion (423) and be coupled to one end of the second portion.

According to one embodiment, the interface member may be screw-connected to the bracket.

According to one embodiment, the third portion may include a bending portion connecting the first portion and the bending portion and a bending region (421) positioned between the other side (1592) of the battery and the speaker module.

According to one embodiment, the flexible circuit board (400) may include a fourth portion (430) connected to the second circuit board and a slit portion (411) branching from the first portion to the fourth portion.

According to one embodiment, the slit portion (411) may be located between the second cover (180) and one side (1593) of the battery facing the second cover.

According to one embodiment, the first circuit board may include at least one (230) of a communication circuit for performing data communication or a charging circuit for charging the battery, and the second circuit board may include an input/output circuit (310) for performing input/output operations for the electronic device.

According to one embodiment, the electronic device further includes a display (130), wherein the display is exposed through at least a portion of the first cover (120).

The various embodiments of this document and the terminology used herein are not intended to limit the technology described in this document to the specific embodiments, but should be understood to encompass various modifications, equivalents, and/or substitutes of the embodiments. In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar components. The singular expressions may include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this document, expressions such as "A or B", "at least one of A and/or B", "A, B, or C" or "at least one of A, B and/or C" can include all possible combinations of the items listed together. Expressions such as "first," "second," "first," or "second" can modify the corresponding components, regardless of order or importance, and are only used to distinguish one component from another and do not limit the corresponding components. When it is said that a certain (e.g., a first) component is "(functionally or communicatively) connected" or "connected" to another (e.g., a second) component, said certain component may be directly connected to said other component, or may be connected through another component (e.g., a third component).

In this document, "adapted to or configured to" can be used interchangeably with, for example, "suitable for," "capable of," "modified to," "made to," "capable of," or "designed to," depending on the context, for example, hardware-wise or software-wise. In some contexts, the phrase "a device configured to" can mean that the device is "capable of" doing something together with other devices or components. For example, the phrase "a processor adapted (or configured) to perform A, B, and C" can mean a dedicated processor (e.g., an embedded processor) for performing the operations, or a general-purpose processor (e.g., a CPU or AP) that can perform the operations by executing one or more programs stored in a memory device (e.g., memory 130).

The term "module" as used in this document includes a unit composed of hardware, software or firmware, and can be used interchangeably with terms such as logic, logic block, component, or circuit. A "module" can be an integrally composed component or a minimum unit or a part thereof that performs one or more functions. A "module" can be implemented mechanically or electronically, and can include, for example, application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) chips, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or programmable logic devices, known or to be developed in the future, that perform certain operations.

At least a part of a device (e.g., modules or functions thereof) or a method (e.g., operations) according to various embodiments may be implemented as instructions stored in a computer-readable storage medium (e.g., memory (130)) in the form of a program module. When the instructions are executed by a processor (e.g., processor (120)), the processor may perform a function corresponding to the instructions. The computer-readable recording medium may include a hard disk, a floppy disk, a magnetic medium (e.g., magnetic tape), an optical recording medium (e.g., CD-ROM, DVD, magneto-optical medium (e.g., floptical disk), a built-in memory, etc. The instructions may include a code generated by a compiler or a code executable by an interpreter.

Each of the components (e.g., modules or program modules) according to various embodiments may be composed of a single or multiple entities, and some of the sub-components described above may be omitted, or may further include other sub-components. Alternatively or additionally, some of the components (e.g., modules or program modules) may be integrated into a single entity, which may perform the same or similar functions performed by each of the corresponding components prior to integration. Operations performed by modules, program modules or other components according to various embodiments may be executed sequentially, in parallel, iteratively or heuristically, or at least some of the operations may be executed in a different order, omitted, or other operations may be added.

Claims (20)

In electronic devices,
housing;
A main circuit board disposed inside the housing;
A sub-circuit board disposed inside the housing and spaced apart from the main circuit board;
A battery disposed between the main circuit board and the sub-circuit board, the battery including a first side facing the main circuit board, and a second side opposite to the first side and facing the sub-circuit board;
A speaker module positioned so as to face at least a portion of the second side of the battery;
At least a portion of which is disposed on one surface of the housing, an external interface member for electrically connecting the electronic device to another electronic device; and
A flexible circuit board connected to the main circuit board;
The above flexible circuit board is,
It comprises a main region connected to the main circuit board, a first branch region connected from the main region to the external interface member, and a second branch region connected from the main region to the sub circuit board.
The above first quarter area is
A first part disposed on the upper part of the battery so as to face the battery;
A second part positioned at the bottom of the speaker module so as to face the speaker module;
A third part located between the speaker module and the battery and connecting the first part and the second part; and
An electronic device comprising a bending portion arranged parallel to the external interface member, bent to face the second side of the battery, bent in a direction that wraps the battery between the first portion and the third portion, and bent in a direction that wraps the speaker module between the second portion and the third portion. In paragraph 1,
The above bending part,
An electronic device disposed between the second side of the battery and one side of the speaker module. In the second paragraph,
The electronic device further comprises a display;
The above housing,
The display includes a front surface on which the display is exposed and a rear surface opposite to the front surface and facing the first surface of the speaker module,
An electronic device wherein the first branch region extends between the second side of the speaker module, which faces the first side of the speaker module, and the front side. In the third paragraph, the speaker module,
An electronic device, wherein an LDS antenna is disposed on at least a portion of the first surface. In the third paragraph,
The battery comprises a third side surrounding the space between the first side and the second side, facing the rear surface of the housing, and a fourth side opposite the third side and facing the front surface of the housing,
An electronic device, wherein the flexible circuit board includes a slit portion branching from the main region to at least one of the first branch region or the second branch region between the third side and the rear surface of the housing. In the third paragraph,
The battery comprises a third side surrounding the space between the first side and the second side, facing the rear surface of the housing, and a fourth side opposite the third side and facing the front surface of the housing,
The above flexible circuit board includes a slit portion branching from the main region into the first branch region and/or the second branch region,
An electronic device, wherein the slit portion is formed to face at least a portion of the third side of the battery. In the first paragraph, the flexible circuit board,
A first connector electrically connecting the main area and the main circuit board; and
An electronic device further comprising a second connector electrically connecting the second branch region and the sub-circuit board. In Article 7,
The above main circuit board includes at least one of a communication circuit for performing data communication or a charging circuit for charging the battery,
An electronic device, wherein the sub-circuit board includes an input/output circuit that performs input/output operations for the electronic device. In paragraph 1,
The third part above,
Extending from the above bending portion and positioned to face the second side,
An electronic device, wherein the external interface member is connected to one end of the second portion. In electronic devices,
A housing structure including a first cover, a second cover opposite to the first cover, and a bracket surrounding an internal space between the first cover and the second cover;
The bracket includes a first structure connecting the first cover and the second cover, and a second structure extending from the first structure into the internal space;
A battery disposed between the second structure and the second cover;
A first circuit board disposed between the second structure and the second cover and disposed on one side of the battery;
A second circuit board disposed between the second structure and the second cover and disposed on the other side of the battery;
A speaker module disposed between the second structure and the second cover and disposed on the other side of the battery; and
A flexible circuit board connected to the first circuit board is included,
The above flexible circuit board is,
A first part disposed on the upper part of the battery between the battery and the second cover;
A second part disposed at the lower portion of the speaker module between the speaker module and the second structure;
a third part connecting the first part and the second part; and
A bending portion positioned between the speaker module and the battery, and bent in a direction that surrounds the battery between the first portion and the third portion, and bent in a direction that surrounds the speaker module between the second portion and the third portion,
An electronic device wherein the third portion extends at least in part from the first portion in a direction toward the second structure. delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete

Images