Connector including support portion for supporting at least part of conductive pin, and electronic device including same

Disclosed is a connector. The connector comprises: an insulation member including a first sidewall portion, a second sidewall portion facing the first sidewall portion, and a bottom portion connecting the first sidewall portion to the second sidewall portion and having an opening formed between the first sidewall portion and the second sidewall portion; and a conductive pin including a fastening portion arranged on the first sidewall portion, a variable portion facing the fastening portion, and a connecting portion connecting the fastening portion to the variable portion and arranged in the opening formed on the bottom portion, wherein the bottom portion further includes a support portion extending inwardly of the opening to support the connecting portion, and the thickness of the support portion may be smaller than the thickness of the bottom portion. In addition, various embodiments understood from the specification can be implemented.

PRIORITY

This application is a National Phase Entry of PCT International Application No. PCT/KR2019/009424 which was filed on Jul. 29, 2019, and claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2018-0088511, which was filed on Jul. 30, 2018, the entire contents of each of which is incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The disclosure relates to a connector including a support portion for supporting at least part of a conductive pin, and an electronic device including the connector.

BACKGROUND ART

PCBs having electronic parts mounted thereon may be contained in an electronic device. The PCBs may be electrically connected. Connectors may be mounted on the electrically-connected PCBs and may be connected through cables including corresponding connectors. In general, connectors may be referred to as sockets, and corresponding connectors may be referred to as headers. With the compactness of electronic devices, connectors contained in the electronic devices are made compact. In particular, compact connectors are required to efficiently use the areas of PCBs. Connectors, when fastened with corresponding connectors, may provide a feeling of being fastened (a feeling of clicking).

DISCLOSURE

Technical Problem

When a header of a corresponding connector is inserted into a socket of a connector, conductive pins constituting the socket of the connector may be permanently deformed beyond the elastic limit. The permanently deformed connector may fail to apply a sufficient coupling force when coupled with the corresponding connector.

Accordingly, an aspect of the disclosure is to provide a connector having a structure for ensuring a sufficient effective coupling length and preventing damage to a conductive pin.

Technical Solution

In various embodiments, a connector includes an insulating member is including a first sidewall portion, a second sidewall portion that faces the first sidewall portion, and a bottom portion that connects the first sidewall portion and the second sidewall portion and that has an opening formed between the first sidewall portion and the second sidewall portion, and a conductive pin including a fastening portion disposed on the first sidewall portion, a variable portion that faces the fastening portion, and a connecting portion that connects the fastening portion and the variable portion and that is disposed in the opening formed in the bottom portion. The bottom portion further includes a support portion extending into the opening to support the connecting portion, and the support portion has a smaller thickness than the bottom portion.

In various embodiments, a connector includes an insulating housing including a first surface, a second surface that faces the first surface, and a third surface that surrounds a space between the first surface and the second surface, the insulating housing having an insertion hole formed through the first surface and the second surface, and a conductive pin, at least part of which is inserted into the insertion hole, the conductive pin including a first portion disposed on an inner surface of the insertion hole, a second portion that faces the first portion, and a third portion that connects the first portion and the second portion. The third portion of the conductive pin is disposed in an opening of the insertion hole formed in the second surface. The insulating housing further includes a support surface extending from the second surface to support the third portion of the conductive pin, and the support surface covers part of the opening. The support surface has a smaller thickness than the third surface.

In various embodiments, an electronic device includes a first PCB that is disposed in the electronic device and that includes one or more pieces of first wiring, a first connector mounted on the first PCB and electrically connected with the first wiring, a second PCB that is disposed in the electronic device and that includes one or more pieces of second wiring, a second connector mounted on the second PCB and electrically connected with the second wiring, and a cable that electrically connects the first wiring of the first PCB and the second wiring of the second PCB. The cable includes a first corresponding connector coupled to the first connector and a second corresponding connector coupled to the second connector. Each of the first connector and the second connector includes an insulating member including a first sidewall portion, a second sidewall portion that faces the first sidewall portion, a bottom portion that connects the first sidewall portion and the second sidewall portion and that has an opening formed between the first sidewall portion and the second sidewall portion, and a support portion extending from the bottom portion into the opening to cover part of the opening, and a conductive pin including a fastening portion disposed on the first sidewall portion, a variable portion that faces the fastening portion, and a connecting portion that connects the fastening portion and the variable portion and that is supported by the support portion. The support portion has a smaller thickness than the bottom portion, and the first corresponding connector and the second corresponding connector are inserted between the fastening portions and the variable portions of the first connector and the second connector, respectively.

Advantageous Effects

According to the embodiments of the disclosure, the connectors may stably support the conductive pins while ensuring effective coupling lengths. In addition, the disclosure may provide various effects that are directly or indirectly recognized.

MODE FOR INVENTION

Hereinafter, various embodiments of the disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that modifications, equivalents, and/or alternatives on the various embodiments described herein can be variously made without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosure.

FIG.1is a view illustrating a connector assembly1according to an embodiment.FIG.2is a perspective view illustrating a rear surface of the connector assembly1according to an embodiment.FIG.3is a rear view illustrating the rear surface of the connector assembly1according to an embodiment.

Referring toFIG.1, in an embodiment, the connector assembly1may include an insulating frame10and conductive pins20disposed in the insulating frame10. Unlike the conductive pins20, the insulating frame10may be formed of an insulating material and may be electrically insulated from the conductive pins20. The insulating frame10may include a pair of first frames11extending in the x-axis direction and facing each other, a pair of second frames12that extend in the y-axis direction and face each other and that are connected with the pair of first frames11, and partition wall frames13formed between the pair of first frames11and the pair of second frames12. The insulating frame10may further include insulating brackets that are coupled to the pair of first frames11, respectively.

in an embodiment, the partition wall frames13may be formed between the pair of first frames111and may extend in a direction parallel to the first frames111to divide a space formed by the first frames11and the second frames112with respect to the y-axis. The partition wall frames13may protrude in the x-axis direction at predetermined intervals along the y-axis direction.

Referring toFIG.1, the entire space formed by the pair of first frames11and the pair of second frames12may be divided into a plurality of sub-spaces19by the partition wall frames13, and the conductive pins20may be disposed in the sub-spaces19, respectively. The conductive pins20disposed in the respective sub-spaces19may be insulated from one another by the partition wall frames13.

Referring toFIGS.2and3, the connector assembly1may include a support surface15that is formed on the insulating frame10and that faces in the z-axis direction. Likewise to the insulating frame10, the support surface15may be formed of an insulating material and may be electrically insulated from the conductive pins20. The support surface15may be separately coupled to the insulating frame10, or may be integrally formed with the insulating frame10. The support surface15may support the conductive pins20, which are disposed in the insulating frame10, in the z-axis direction.

One conductive pin20may be disposed in each of the sub-spaces19formed by the partition wall frames13. The support surface15may cover at least part of the sub-space19when viewed from below. The support surface15may extend from one end portion to an opposite end portion of the sub-space19in the x-axis direction.

In an embodiment, recesses17may be formed on an end portion of the support surface15that faces in the x-axis direction, and the support surface15may include protruding areas16formed on opposite sides of each of the recesses17. The protruding areas16may extend in the x-axis direction and may support the periphery of the conductive pin20. In an embodiment, the protruding areas16may have a smaller thickness than the other areas of the support surface15. Referring toFIGS.2and3, when the connector assembly1is viewed from the rear, part of the conductive pin20not supported by the support surface15may be exposed through the recess17.

In another embodiment, the connector assembly1may include an insulating housing (e.g., the insulating frame10ofFIG.1and the support surface15ofFIG.2) and a plurality of connectors. The insulating housing (e.g., the insulating frame10ofFIG.1and the support surface15ofFIG.2) may include a bottom portion (e.g., the support surface15ofFIG.2), sidewall portions (e.g., the first frames11and the second frames12ofFIG.1) that are formed on end portions of the bottom portion in the x-axis direction and that face each other, and a partition wall portion (e.g., the partition wall frames13ofFIG.1) that is disposed between the sidewall portions. The partition wall portion may extend in the y-axis direction, and as illustrated inFIG.1, the connectors may be symmetrically disposed to face each other with the partition wall portion extending in the y-axis direction therebetween. Furthermore, the connectors may be arranged in the y-axis direction.

In another embodiment, a connector may include one conductive pin20and an insulating member surrounding at least part of the one conductive pin20. Here, the insulating member may include part of a partition wall portion (e.g., the partition wall frames13ofFIG.1) and part of a sidewall portion (e.g., the first frames11and the second frames12ofFIG.1) that surround the one conductive pin20.

Hereinafter, connectors included in the connector assembly will be described in detail with reference toFIGS.4to6. Here, as illustrated inFIG.3, a connector100may include one illustrated conductive pin20and part of an insulating frame (e.g., the insulating frame10ofFIG.1) that surrounds at least part of the conductive pin20.

FIG.4Ais a sectional perspective view of one of the connectors according to an embodiment.FIG.4Bis a sectional view of the connector according to an embodiment.FIG.4Ais a sectional perspective view taken along line A-A′ illustrated inFIG.2.

In an embodiment, the connector100may include an insulating member102and a conductive pin20at least partially surrounded by the insulating member102.

In an embodiment, the insulating member1102may include a bottom portion130having an opening131formed therein, a first sidewall portion110formed on the bottom portion130, and a second sidewall portion120facing the first sidewall portion110. A fastening space101in which part of the conductive pin20is disposed may be formed between the first sidewall portion110and the second sidewall portion120. The first sidewall portion110may have a through-hole111into which part of the conductive pin20is inserted. The second sidewall portion120may have a receiving recess121formed thereon for receiving part of the conductive pin20. The insulating member102may further include a support portion132that covers part of the opening131formed in the bottom portion130.

In an embodiment, the conductive pin20may include a fastening portion210including a fastening protrusion212, a variable portion220facing the fastening portion210, a connecting portion230connecting the fastening portion210and the variable portion220, and extending portions240and250extending to face away from the connecting portion230with respect to the fastening portion210. The extending portions240and250may include the insertion portion240inserted into the through-hole111formed in the first sidewall portion110and the connection portion250that extends from the insertion portion240and that is connected to a PCB.

In an embodiment, the fastening portion210may be disposed on one surface of the first sidewall portion110, and the variable portion220may face the fastening portion210and may be disposed in the receiving recess121formed on the second sidewall portion120. Part of the connecting portion230may be disposed in the opening131formed in the bottom portion130, and part of the connecting portion230may be supported by the support portion132.

In an embodiment, the fastening protrusion212protruding toward the fastening space101formed between the first sidewall portion110and the second sidewall portion120may be formed on the fastening portion210. When a corresponding connector corresponding to the connector100is coupled, the fastening protrusion212may be coupled with a corresponding fastening protrusion formed on the corresponding connector and may firmly fix the connector100and the corresponding connector that are coupled with each other.

In an embodiment, the variable portion220may include a protruding portion222that at least part of the variable portion220convexly protrudes toward the fastening space101to form. The protruding portion222may face the fastening protrusion212and may preferably be formed in a position corresponding to the fastening protrusion212. The protruding portion222may be moved to the outside of the fastening space101by the corresponding connector inserted into the fastening space101, and thus part of the variable portion220may be received in the receiving recess121formed on the second sidewall portion120. At this time, the variable portion220received in the receiving recess121may apply an elastic force toward the inside of the fastening space101. The elastic force may firmly maintain electrical contact between the corresponding connector and the conductive pin20.

In an embodiment, the insertion portion240may fix the conductive pin20to the insulating member102. For example, the insertion portion240may be inserted into the through-hole111formed in the first sidewall portion110of the insulating member102, and thus the conductive pin20and the insulating member102may be coupled. A portion of the insertion portion240that is connected with the fastening portion210may be curved. A portion112of the insulating member102may be formed between the insertion portion240and the fastening portion210.

The connection portion250may be connected with wiring of the PCB on which the connector100is mounted. The connection portion250may extend from the insertion portion240and may be disposed in a recess113formed on the bottom portion130. The connection portion250may be coupled with the wiring of the PCB by soldering.

Referring toFIG.4A, in an embodiment, one side of the support portion132may be connected with the first sidewall portion110. An area of the support portion132that is close to the first sidewall portion110may have a greater thickness than an area of the support portion132that is relatively far away from the first sidewall portion110.

Referring toFIG.4B, the support portion132may include a first support portion1321and second support portions1322further extending beyond the first support portion1321in the x-axis direction. Specifically, the distance between the first sidewall portion110and the second sidewall portion120of the insulating member102may be L1, the first support portion1321may extend from the first sidewall portion110by L2, and the second support portions1322may extend from the first sidewall portion110by L3. The distances L1, L2, and L3may be distances measured from a first end portion of the opening131. In various embodiments, the ratio (L3/L1) of L3to L1may be about 0.6. According to an embodiment, the thickness d2of the second support portions1322may be smaller than the thickness d1of the first support portion1321.

In some embodiments, the connector100may include an insulating housing (e.g., the insulating member102) that includes a first surface, a second surface facing the first surface, and a third surface surrounding a space between the first surface and the second surface and that has a fastening hole (e.g., the fastening space101) that is formed through the first surface and the second surface, and a conductive pin20, at least part of which is inserted into the fastening hole, the conductive pin20including a first portion (e.g., the fastening portion210) that is disposed on an inner surface of the fastening hole, a second portion (e.g., the variable portion220) that faces the first portion, and a third portion (e.g., the connecting portion230) that connects the first portion and the second portion. Here, based on the drawings, the first surface may include an upper surface, the second surface may include a lower surface, and the third surface may include a side surface formed between the upper surface and the lower surface. Partial areas extending from opposite sides of the fastening hole (e.g., the fastening space101) in the y-axis direction may be open through the third surface. The fastening hole may be a space into which a corresponding connector is inserted and may be formed by the first sidewall portion110, the second sidewall portion120, the bottom portion130, and the support portion132. Meanwhile, the third portion (e.g., the connecting portion230) of the conductive pin20may be disposed in the opening131of the fastening hole formed in the second surface, and the insulating housing (e.g., the insulating member102) may further include a support surface (e.g., the support portion132) that extends from the second surface and covers part of the opening131.

In some embodiments, the third portion (e.g., the connecting portion130) of the conductive pin20may extend in a lengthwise direction (e.g., the x-axis direction in the drawings). The opening131may extend in the x-axis direction, and the support surface may extend from a first end portion (e.g., an end portion located on a left side with respect to the drawings) to a second end portion (e.g., an end portion located on a right side with respect to the drawings) of the opening131in the x-axis direction. The support surface (e.g., the support portion132) may have an increasing thickness toward the first end portion. In various embodiments, the support surface (e.g., the support portion132) may be formed by stretching the second surface (e.g., the bottom portion130) in the x-axis direction.

FIG.5Ais a rear view of part of the connector according to an embodiment.FIG.5Bis a plan view of part of the connector according to an embodiment. Hereinafter, the support portion of the insulating member in an embodiment will be described in detail with reference toFIGS.5A and5B.

Referring toFIG.5A, the opening131may be formed in the bottom portion130of the insulating member102. The opening131may be formed in an area illustrated by a dotted line, and the support portion132may be formed in part of the opening131. Part of the connecting portion230may be disposed in the opening131. The support portion132may be disposed under the connecting portion230to prevent the connecting portion230from sagging downward depending on insertion of a corresponding connector.

A recess133may be formed on the support portion132, When the connector100is viewed from below, part of a connecting member may be exposed through the recess133. The support portion132may extend from the bottom portion130along a lengthwise direction of part of the connecting portion230. Opposite portions in the y-axis direction with respect to the recess133formed on the support portion132may support opposite lateral end portions of the conductive pin20. For example, the support portion132may include the first support portion1321and the second support portions1322formed on opposite sides of the first support portion1321. The first support portion1321may extend the second distance L2from an end portion of the opening131that faces in the x-axis direction, the second support portions1322may extend the third distance L3from the end portion of the opening131that faces in they-axis direction, and the second distance L2may be smaller than the second distance L3.

In an embodiment, the first support portion1321and the second support portions1322may be stretched from the bottom portion130of the insulating member102by the predetermined distances L2and L3, respectively. Accordingly, as described above with reference toFIG.4B, the thickness d2of the second support portions1322may be smaller than the thickness d1of the first support portion1321.

Referring toFIG.5B, part of the conductive pin20may be disposed between the first sidewall portion110and the second sidewall portion120. The fastening portion210of the conductive pin20may be disposed on the first sidewall portion110, and the variable portion220may be disposed on the second sidewall portion120. The fastening protrusion212may be formed on the fastening portion210, and the variable portion220may include the protruding portion222that part of the variable portion220protrudes to form. The connecting portion230may be disposed over the opening131formed in the bottom portion130, and the support portion132for supporting the connecting portion230may be formed in the opening131. As described above, the first support portion1321may extend so as to be shorter than the second support portions1322in the lengthwise direction of the connecting portion230. The second support portions1322may be formed to support only opposite lateral end portions of the connecting portion230.

In various embodiments, the connector100may preferably have a sufficient effective coupling length so as to be stably coupled with the corresponding connector. As the effective coupling length increases, a coupling area of the conductive pin20of each of the connector100and the corresponding connector may increase. The effective coupling length, when viewed inFIG.4B, may be recognized as the length of the fastening portion210and the variable portion220in the z-axis direction. In other words, the effective coupling length may be proportional to the height of the connector100.

Meanwhile, the connector100for connecting a PCB may be generally used to connect PCBs in an electronic device. Because electronic devices, such as smartphones, have a small thickness and/or include a plurality of different parts therein, the height of the connector100may be limited.

Accordingly, to increase the effective coupling length to the maximum in the connector100having a constant height, it may be considered to reduce the thickness of the support portion132. However, there may be a limitation in the reduction of the thickness of the support portion132through a general process of forming the insulating member. In another example, it may be considered to omit or shorten the support portion132. In this case, the corresponding connector inserted into the fastening space may not be supported with sufficient strength, and therefore the connecting portion230may sag downward.

The sagging of the connecting portion230may mean that the connecting portion230is permanently deformed beyond the elastic limit. In the case where the connecting portion230is permanently deformed, the variable portion220extending from the connecting portion230may be farther away from the corresponding connector. Therefore, the variable portion220may fail to apply a sufficient elastic force for fixing the corresponding connector.

In consideration of the aforementioned problems, the bottom portion130may be stretched toward the opening131in which the connecting portion230is disposed, and thus the connector100according to an embodiment may provide the support portion132having a small thickness. In various embodiments, the support portion having the small thickness may be formed by forming and then stretching the bottom portion, or by adding a thin rib. In various embodiments, to limit an increase in the height of the connector at the same time as preventing the connecting portion230from sagging downward, the support portion132may further include the second support portions1322that support only the opposite lateral end portions of the connecting portion230.

In an embodiment, considering the above premise, the ratio of the length of the support portion132to the gap between the first sidewall portion110and the second sidewall portion120may be at least about 0.6 or more. The connector100, to which the ratio is applied, may prevent permanent deformation of the connecting portion230of the conductive pin20despite insertion of the corresponding connector.

FIG.6is a illustrating a coupling of the connector and the corresponding connector according to an embodiment.

Referring toFIG.6, the connector100may be fastened with the corresponding connector300as the corresponding connector300is inserted into the fastening space101. The fastening space101may be formed between the fastening portion210and the variable portion220. Depending on the insertion of the corresponding connector300, at least part of the variable portion220may be varied within the elastic limit. For example, at least part of the variable portion220may move into the receiving recess121formed on the second sidewall portion120of the insulating member. The protruding portion222that part of the variable portion220protrudes to form may press a corresponding conductive pin320of the corresponding connector300, and thus the corresponding connector300and the connector100may be firmly fastened with each other. Meanwhile, the fastening protrusion212formed on the fastening portion210may be fastened with a corresponding fastening protrusion322formed on the corresponding connector300.

Referring toFIG.6, the height of the connector100may be h1, and the effective coupling length may be h2that is a length from an upper surface of the connector100to the connecting portion230of the conductive pin. The height of the connector may be limited depending on an electronic device in which the connector is included, and as the effective coupling length increases, electrical connection between the connector and the corresponding connector may be stable. Accordingly, to increase the effective coupling length h2under the assumption that the connector height h1is fixed, it may be considered to remove the support portions1321and1322. However, in the case of removing the support portions1321and1322, the connecting portion230by which the corresponding connector300is supported may sag downward, or may be permanently deformed beyond the elastic limit. Accordingly, to form the support portions1321and1322of the connector100as thin as possible, the second support portions1322may be formed by stretching the first support portion1321, or the second support portions1322may be formed by adding a thin rib to part of the first support portion1321. To this end, the thickness of the second support portions1322may be smaller than the thickness of the first support portion1321.

FIG.7is a front perspective view of a mobile electronic device according to an embodiment,FIG.8is a rear perspective view of the electronic device ofFIG.7.FIG.9is an exploded perspective view of the electronic device ofFIG.7.

Referring toFIGS.7and8, the electronic device700according to an embodiment may include a housing710that includes a first surface (or, a front surface)710A, a second surface (or, a rear surface)710B, and side surfaces7100surrounding a space between the first surface710A and the second surface710B. In another embodiment (not illustrated), a housing may refer to a structure that forms some of the first surface710A, the second surface710B and the side surfaces710C ofFIG.7. According to an embodiment, the first surface710A may be formed by a front plate702, at least part of which is substantially transparent (e.g., a glass plate including various coating layers, or a polymer plate). The second surface710B may be formed by a back plate711that is substantially opaque. The back plate711may be formed of, 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 aforementioned materials. The side surfaces710C may be formed by a side bezel structure (or, a “side member”)718that is coupled with the front plate702and the back plate711and that contains metal and/or a polymer. In some embodiments, the back plate711and the side bezel structure718may be integrally formed with each other and may contain the same material (e.g., a metallic material such as aluminum).

In the illustrated embodiment, the front plate702may include, at opposite long edges of the front plate702, two first areas110D that curvedly and seamlessly extend from the first surface710A toward the back plate711. In the illustrated embodiment (refer toFIG.8), the back plate711may include, at opposite long edges thereof, two second areas710E that curvedly and seamlessly extend from the second surface710B toward the front plate702. In some embodiments, the front plate702(or, the back plate711) may include only one of the first areas710D (or, the second areas710E). In another embodiment, a part of the first areas710D or the second areas710E may not be included. In the embodiments, when viewed from a side of the electronic device700, the side bezel structure718may have a first thickness (or, width) at sides not including the first areas710D or the second areas710E and may have a second thickness smaller than the first thickness at sides including the first areas710D or the second areas710E.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device700may include at least one of a display701, audio modules703,707, and714, sensor modules704,716, and719, camera modules705,712, and713, key input devices717, a light emitting element706, and connector holes708and709. In some embodiments, the electronic device700may omit at least one component (e.g., the key input devices717or the light emitting element706) among the aforementioned components, or may additionally include other component(s).

The display701, for example, may be exposed through most of the front plate702. In some embodiments, at least part of the display701may be exposed through the front plate702that forms the first surface710A and the first areas710D of the side surfaces7100. In some embodiments, the periphery of the display701may be formed to be substantially the sane as the shape of the adjacent periphery of the front plate702. In another embodiment (not illustrated), the gap between the periphery of the display701and the periphery of the front plate702may be substantially constant to expand the area by which the display701is exposed.

In another embodiment (not illustrated), recesses or openings may be formed in part of a screen display area of the display701, and the electronic device700may include at least one of the audio module714the sensor module704, the camera module705, and the light emitting element706that are aligned with the recesses or the openings. In another embodiment (not illustrated), the electronic device700may include, on a rear surface of the screen display area of the display701, at least one of the audio module714, the sensor module704, the camera module705, the fingerprint sensor716, and the light emitting element706. In another embodiment (not illustrated), the display701may be combined with, or disposed adjacent to, touch detection circuitry, a pressure sensor for measuring the intensity (pressure) of a touch, and/or a digitizer for detecting a stylus pen of a magnetic field type. In some embodiments, at least a part of the sensor modules704and719and/or at least a part of the key input devices717may be disposed in the first areas710D and/or the second areas710E.

The audio modules703,707, and714may include the microphone hole703and the speaker holes707and714. A microphone for obtaining a sound from the outside may be disposed in the microphone hole703, and in some embodiments, a plurality of microphones may be disposed in the microphone hole103to detect the direction of a sound. The speaker holes707and714may include the external speaker hole707and the receiver hole714for a telephone call. In some embodiments, the speaker holes707and714and the microphone hole703may be implemented with a single hole, or a speaker (e.g., a piezo speaker) may be included without the speaker holes707and714.

The sensor modules704,716, and719may generate an electrical signal or a data value that corresponds to an operational state inside the electronic device700or an environmental state external to the electronic device700. The sensor modules704,716, and719may include, for example, the first sensor module704(e.g., a proximity sensor) and/or the second sensor module (not illustrated) (e.g., a fingerprint sensor) that is disposed on the first surface710A of the housing710, and/or the third sensor module719(e.g., an HRM sensor) and/or the fourth sensor module716(e.g., a fingerprint sensor) that is disposed on the second surface710B of the housing710. The fingerprint sensor may be disposed not only on the first surface710A of the housing710(e.g., the display701) but also on the second surface710B. The electronic device700may further include a non-illustrated sensor module, which may be, for example, at least one of a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, an atmospheric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a grip sensor, a color sensor, an infrared (IR) sensor, a biosensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or the illuminance sensor704.

The camera modules705,712, and713may include the first camera device705disposed on the first surface710A of the electronic device700, and the second camera device712and/or the flash713disposed on the second surface710B. The camera devices705and112may include one or more lenses, an image sensor, and/or an image signal processor. The flash713may include, for example, a light emitting diode or a xenon lamp. In some embodiments, two or more lenses (an IR camera lens, a wide angle lens, and a telephoto lens) and image sensors may be disposed on one surface of the electronic device700.

The key input devices717may be disposed on the side surfaces710C of the housing710. In another embodiment, the electronic device700may not include all or some of the aforementioned key input devices717, and the key input devices717not included may be implemented in a different form such as a soft key on the display701. In some embodiments, the key input devices may include the sensor module716disposed on the second surface710B of the housing710.

The light emitting element706, for example, may be disposed on the first surface710A of the housing710. For example, the light emitting element706may provide state information of the electronic device700in the form of light. In another embodiment, the light emitting element706may provide, for example, a light source that operates in conjunction with operation of the camera module705. The light emitting element706may include, for example, an LED, an IR LED, and a xenon lamp.

The connector holes708and709may include the first connector hole708for receiving a connector (e.g., a USB connector) for transmitting and receiving electric power and/or data with an external electronic device, and/or the second connector hole709(e.g., an earphone jack) for receiving a connector for transmitting and receiving audio signals with an external electronic device.

Referring toFIG.9, an electronic device900may include a side bezel structure910, a first support member911(e.g., a bracket), a front plate920, a display930, a printed circuit board940, a battery950, a second support member960(e.g., a rear case), an antenna970, and a back plate980. In some embodiments, the electronic device900may omit at least one component (e.g. the first support me member911or the second support member960) among the aforementioned components, or may additionally include other component(s). At least one of the components of the electronic device900may be the same as, or similar to, at least one of the components of the electronic device700ofFIG.7or8, and repetitive descriptions will hereinafter be omitted.

The first support member911may be disposed inside the electronic device900and may be connected with the side bezel structure910, or may be integrally formed with the side bezel structure910. The first support member911may be formed of, for example, a metallic material and/or a nonmetallic (e.g., polymer) material. The display930may be coupled to one surface of the first support member911, and the printed circuit board940may be coupled to an opposite surface of the first support member911. The printed circuit board940may have a processor, a memory, and/or an interface mounted thereon. The processor may include, for example, one or more of a central processing unit, an application processor, a graphic processing unit, an image signal processor, a sensor hub processor, or a communication processor.

In various embodiments, the second support member960may include a printed circuit board having one or more electrical elements mounted thereon or an antenna PCB having an antenna module mounted thereon.

In various embodiments, the electronic device900(e.g., the electronic device700ofFIG.7) may include a connector (e.g., the connector assembly1ofFIG.1or the connector100ofFIG.4A) for electrically connecting PCBs. For example, the connector may electrically connect a first PCB (e.g., the printed circuit board940) and a second PCB (e.g., the second support member960), or may electrically connect one of the processor, the memory, and/or the interface mounted on the printed circuit board with another one.

In various embodiments, the first PCB may include first wiring and a first connector (e.g., the connector assembly1ofFIG.1or the connector100ofFIG.4A) that is connected with the first wiring, and the second PCB may include second wiring and a second connector (e.g., the connector assembly1ofFIG.1or the connector100ofFIG.4A) that is connected with the second wiring. The electronic device900(e.g., the electronic device700ofFIG.7) may include a cable for connecting the first connector (e.g., the connector assembly1ofFIG.1or the connector100ofFIG.4A) and the second connector (e.g., the connector assembly1ofFIG.1or the connector100ofFIG.4A), and the cable may include a first corresponding connector (e.g., the corresponding connector300ofFIG.6) that corresponds to the first connector and a second corresponding connector (e.g., the corresponding connector300ofFIG.6) that corresponds to the second connector. The first corresponding connector may be coupled to the first connector, and the second corresponding connector may be coupled to the second connector. Accordingly, the first PCB and the second PCB may be electrically connected.

The memory may include, for example, a volatile memory or a nonvolatile memory.

The battery950, which is a device for supplying electric power to at least one component of the electronic device900, may include, for example, a primary cell that is not rechargeable, a secondary cell that is rechargeable, or a fuel cell. At least part of the battery950, for example, may be disposed on substantially the same plane as the printed circuit board940. The battery950may be integrally disposed inside the electronic device900, or may be disposed so as to be detachable from the electro device900.

The antenna970may be disposed between the back plate980and the battery950. The antenna970may include, for example, a near field communication (NFC) antenna, a wireless charging antenna, and/or a magnetic secure transmission (MST) antenna. For example, the antenna970may perform short-range communication with an external device, or may wirelessly transmit and receive electric power required for charging. In another embodiment, an antenna structure may be formed by part of the side bezel structure910and/or part of the support member911, or a combination thereof.

FIG.10is a block diagram illustrating an electronic device1001in a network environment1000according to various embodiments. Referring toFIG.10, the electronic device1001in the network environment1000may communicate with an electronic device1002via a first network1098(e.g., a short-range wireless communication network), or an electronic device1004or a server1008via a second network1099(e.g., a long-range wireless communication network). According to an embodiment, the electronic device1001may communicate with the electronic device1004via the server1008. According to an embodiment, the electronic device1001may include a processor1020, memory1030, an input device1050, a sound output device1055, a display device1060, an audio module1070, a sensor module1076, an interface1077, a haptic module1079, a camera module1080, a power management module1088, a battery1089, a communication module1090, a subscriber identification module (SIM)1096, or an antenna module1097. In some embodiments, at least one (e.g., the display device1060or the camera module1080) of the components may be omitted from the electronic device1001, or one or more other components may be added in the electronic device1001. In some embodiments, some of the components may be implemented as single integrated circuitry. For example, the sensor module1076(e.g., a fingerprint sensor, an iris sensor, or an illuminance sensor) may be implemented as embedded in the display device1060(e.g., a display).

The processor1020may execute, for example, software (e.g., a program1040) to control at least one other component (e.g., a hardware or software component) of the electronic device1001coupled with the processor1020, and may perform various data processing or computation. According to one embodiment, as at least part of the data processing or computation, the processor1020may load a command or data received from another component (e.g., the sensor module1076or the communication module1090) in volatile memory1032, process the command or the data stored in the volatile memory1032, and store resulting data in non-volatile memory1034. According to an embodiment, the processor1020may include a main processor1021(e.g., a central processing unit (CPU) or an application processor (AP)), and an auxiliary processor1023(e.g., a graphics processing unit (GPU), an image signal processor (ISP), a sensor hub processor, or a communication processor (CP)) that is operable independently from, or in conjunction with, the main processor1021. Additionally or alternatively, the auxiliary processor1023may be adapted to consume less power than the main processor1021, or to be specific to a specified function. The auxiliary processor1023may be implemented as separate from, or as part of the main processor1021.

The auxiliary processor1023may control at least some of functions or states related to at least one component (e.g., the display device1060, the sensor module1076, or the communication module1090) among the components of the electronic device1001, instead of the main processor1021while the main processor1021is in an inactive (e.g., sleep) state, or together with the main processor1021while the main processor1021is in an active state (e.g., executing an application). According to an embodiment, the auxiliary processor1023(e.g., an image signal processor or a communication process may be implemented as part of another component (e.g., the camera module1080or the communication module1090) functionally related to the auxiliary processor1023.

The memory1030may store various data used by at least one component (e.g., the processor1020or the sensor module1076) of the electronic device1001. The various data may include, for example, software (e.g., the program1040) and input data or output data for a command related thererto. The memory1030may include the volatile memory1032or the film-volatile memory1034.

The program1040may be stored in the memory1030as software, and may include, for example, an operating system (OS)1042, middleware1044, or an application1046.

The input device1050may receive a command or data to be used by other component (e.g., the processor1020) of the electronic device1001, from the outside (e.g., a user) of the electronic device1001. The input device1050may include, for example, a microphone, a mouse, a keyboard, or a digital pen (e.g., a stylus pen).

The sound output device1055may output sound signals to the outside of the electronic device1001. The sound output device1055may include, for example, a speaker or a receiver. The speaker may be used for general purposes, such as playing multimedia or playing record, and the receiver may be used for an incoming calls. According to an embodiment, the receiver may be implemented as separate from, or as part of the speaker.

The display device1060may visually provide information to the outside (e.g., a user) of the electronic device1001. The display device1060may include, for example, a display, a hologram device, or a projector and control circuitry to control a corresponding one of the display, hologram device, and projector. According to an embodiment, the display device1060may include touch circuitry adapted to detect a touch, or sensor circuitry (e.g., a pressure sensor) adapted to measure the intensity of force incurred by the touch.

The audio module1070may convert a sound into an electrical signal and vice versa. According to an embodiment the audio module1070may obtain the sound via the input device1050, or output the sound via the sound output device1055or a headphone of an external electronic device (e.g., an electronic device1002) directly (e.g., wiredly) or wirelessly coupled with the electronic device1001.

The interface1077may support one or more specified protocols to be used for the electronic device1001to be coupled with the external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device1002) directly (e.g., wiredly) or wirelessly. According to an embodiment, the interface1077may include, for example, a high definition multimedia interface (HDMI), a universal serial bus (USB) interface, a secure digital (SD) card interface, or an audio interface.

A connecting terminal1078may include a connector via which the electronic device1001may be physically connected with the external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device1002). According to an embodiment, the connecting terminal1078may include, for example, a HDMI connector, a USB connector, a SD card connector, or an audio connector (e.g., a headphone connector).

The camera module1080may capture a still image or moving images. According to an embodiment, the camera module1080may include one or more lenses, image sensors, image signal processors, or flashes.

The power management module1088may manage power supplied to the electronic device1001. According to one embodiment, the power management module1088may be implemented as at least part of, for example, a power management integrated circuit (PMIC).

The battery1089may supply power to at least one component of the electronic device1001. According to an embodiment, the battery1089may include, for example, a primary cell which is not rechargeable, a secondary cell which is rechargeable, or a fuel cell.

The communication module1090may support establishing a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between the electronic device1001and the external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device1002, the electronic device1004, or the server1008) and performing communication via the established communication channel. The communication module1090may include one or more communication processors that are operable independently from the processor1020(e.g., the application processor (AP)) and supports a direct (e.g., wired) communication or a wireless communication. According to an embodiment, the communication module1090may include a wireless communication module1092(e.g., a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) communication module) or a wired communication module1094(e.g., a local area network (LAN) communication module or a power line communication (PLC) module). A corresponding one of these communication modules may communicate with the external electronic device via the first network1098(e.g., a short-range, communication network, such as Bluetooth™, wireless-fidelity (Wi-Fi) direct, or infrared data association (IrDA)) or the second network1099(e.g., a long-range communication network, such as a cellular network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., LAN or wide area network (WAN)). These various types of communication modules may be implemented as a single component (e.g., a single chip), or may be implemented as multi components (e.g., multi chips) separate from each other. The wireless communication module1092may identify and authenticate the electronic device1001in a communication network, such as the first network1098or the second network1099, rising subscriber information (e.g., international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI)) stored in the subscriber identification module1096.