Patent Description:
Various features relate to an electronic device that includes a heat dissipating device, but more specifically to an electronic device that includes a thermally conductive connector.

<FIG> illustrates a computer device <NUM> that includes a primary portion <NUM> and a screen portion <NUM>. The primary portion <NUM> is a portion of the computer device <NUM> that includes a keyboard, a printed circuit board (PCB) <NUM>, an integrated device <NUM> and a heat spreader <NUM>. The PCB <NUM>, the integrated device <NUM> and the heat spreader <NUM> may be located inside of the primary portion <NUM>. When the integrated device <NUM> is operating, the integrated device <NUM> may generate heat that is dissipated through the heat spreader <NUM> and the PCB <NUM>. The heat that is generated by the integrated device <NUM> mostly dissipates within the primary portion <NUM>, which can cause one or more surfaces of the primary portion <NUM> of the computer device <NUM> to be hot enough that a user of the computer device <NUM> would feel uncomfortable. Additionally, the configuration shown in <FIG> might not be powerful enough to dissipate heat to prevent the integrated device <NUM> from overheating.

Attention is drawn to document <CIT> which relates to flexible heat spreader design. For example, an electronic device may include a component, a heat dissipation member, and a flexible member. The heat dissipation member may be coupled to the component via a flexible portion of the electronic device, the component located on a first side of the flexible portion and the heat dissipation member located on a second side of the flexible portion. The flexible member may be thermally coupled to the component and the heat dissipation member, wherein the flexible member extends along the flexible portion from the first side to the second side and is to transfer heat from the component to the heat dissipation member. Further attention is drawn to document <CIT> which relates to an electronic device which includes a first body portion, a second body portion movably coupled to the first body portion, a heat source, and a thermal conductor in thermal communication with the heat source. The heat source is disposed within one of the first body portion or the second body portion. The thermal conductor has a first end portion, a second end portion, and a flexible portion between the first end portion and the second end portion. The first end portion of the thermal conductor is disposed within the first body portion. The second end portion of the thermal conductor is disposed within the second body portion. There is an ongoing need to improve the heat dissipating capabilities of a device that includes a component that generates heat.

The present invention is defined by appended independent claim <NUM>. Further embodiments of the present invention are defined by the appended dependent claims. Various features relate to an electronic device that includes a heat dissipating device, but more specifically to an electronic device that includes a thermally conductive connector.

One example provides an electronic device that includes a first device portion comprising a region that includes a component configured to generate heat; a second device portion coupled to the first device portion; and a thermally conductive connector coupled to the first device portion and the second device portion, wherein the thermally conductive connector includes a graphite sheet.

Another example provides an apparatus comprising a first device portion comprising a region that includes a component configured to generate heat; a second device portion coupled to the first device portion; and means for thermal conduction coupled to the first device portion and the second device portion, wherein the means for thermal conduction includes a graphite sheet.

Various features, nature and advantages may become apparent from the detailed description set forth below when taken in conjunction with the drawings in which like reference characters identify correspondingly throughout.

In the following description, specific details are given to provide a thorough understanding of the various aspects of the disclosure. However, it will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the aspects may be practiced without these specific details. For example, circuits may be shown in block diagrams in order to avoid obscuring the aspects in unnecessary detail. In other instances, well-known circuits, structures and techniques may not be shown in detail in order not to obscure the aspects of the disclosure.

The present disclosure describes an electronic device that includes a first device portion, a second device portion coupled to the first device portion, and a thermally conductive connector coupled to the first device portion and the second device portion. The first device portion comprises a region that includes a component configured to generate heat. The thermally conductive connector includes graphite. For example, the thermally conductive connector may include a graphite sheet that includes slits. The slits may define fiber portions of the graphite sheet. The fiber portions of the graphite sheet may be configured as a flexible cable for the connector. The thermally conductive connector is configured to dissipate heat away from the first device portion and towards the second device portion. The thermally conductive connector may extend through at least one cavity of at least one hinge that couples the first device portion and the second device portion. The thermally conductive connector includes a thermally conductive material that primarily dissipates heat along a first direction of the thermally conductive material. The use of the thermally conductive connector enables a more efficient heat dissipation from one region to another region without the need of having a separate insulator around the thermally conductive connector, which can reduce the overall thickness of the connector while still providing effective heat dissipation and heat distribution.

<FIG> and <FIG> illustrate an electronic device <NUM> that includes a thermally conductive connector. <FIG> illustrates a bottom back view of the electronic device <NUM>. <FIG> illustrates a top front view of the electronic device <NUM>. The electronic device <NUM> includes a first device portion <NUM>, a second device portion <NUM> and a connector <NUM>. The connector <NUM> is a thermally conductive connector that includes graphite. As will be further described below, the connector <NUM> may include a graphite sheet with several slits, where portions of the graphite sheet is twisted to form a flexible cable. The slits in the graphite sheet help create graphite fibers (e.g., plurality of graphite fiber portions) that can be twisted and makes at least part of the graphite sheet like a cable. The thermally conductive connector <NUM> is coupled to the first device portion <NUM> and the second device portion <NUM>. The thermally conductive connector <NUM> is configured to dissipate heat away from the first device portion <NUM> and towards the second device portion <NUM>. The thermally conductive connector <NUM> may be configured to dissipate heat away from the second device portion <NUM> and towards the first device portion <NUM>.

The first device portion <NUM> may be the main body of the electronic device <NUM>. The first device portion <NUM> may include several components, including a main body cover, a main body frame. a keyboard <NUM>, a pad, a battery, at least one integrated device (e.g.. processor, memory, modem), a package (e.g., radio frequency front end package) and/or a printed circuit board. The second device portion <NUM> may be configured to provide a display for the electronic device <NUM>. The second device portion <NUM> may include a display body cover, a display body frame and a display <NUM>. However, it is noted that the first device portion <NUM> and the second device portion <NUM> may be configured to include different components and/or other components.

The thermally conductive connector <NUM> includes a first conducting portion <NUM>, a second conducting portion <NUM> and a third conducting portion <NUM>. The first conducting portion <NUM>, the second conducting portion <NUM> and the third conducting portion <NUM> may be contiguous portions. The third conducting portion <NUM> may be folded, twisted, compressed and/or bent. The third conducting portion <NUM> may be twisted and/or braided in a rope like fashion. The third conducting portion <NUM> may be wrapped or surrounded by a tape and/or other similar material. The third conducting portion <NUM> may be configured as a flexible cable (e.g., flexible cable portion). The thermally conductive connector <NUM> may include a thermally conductive material with a thermal conductivity in a range of approximately <NUM>-<NUM> Watts per meter kelvin (W/(mk)). The thermally conductive connector <NUM> may be a means for thermal conduction (e.g., means for anisotropic thermal conduction).

The use of a graphite sheet with slits and fiber portions, provides a very cost effective design to help dissipate and move heat in a device. The graphite sheet may be made to be flexible. which helps the graphite sheet to be easily implemented in tight spaces of a device, including between different components of a device.

As mentioned above, the connector <NUM> is coupled to the first device portion <NUM> and the second device portion <NUM>. The connector <NUM> may be located inside and/or outside of the first device portion <NUM> and the second device portion <NUM>. The connector <NUM> may be coupled to one or more components of the electronic device <NUM>. As will be further described below, the portions of the connector <NUM> may extend through a cavity in one or more hinges of the device <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> includes a printed circuit board (PCB) <NUM>, an integrated device <NUM>, and a heat spreader <NUM>. The integrated device <NUM> may be coupled to the PCB <NUM> (e.g., through solder interconnects). The heat spreader <NUM> may be coupled to the integrated device <NUM>. The integrated device <NUM> may include a radio frequency (RF) device, a passive device, a filter, a surface acoustic wave (SAW) filters, a bulk acoustic wave (BAW) filter, a processor, a memory, and/or combinations thereof. The integrated device <NUM> is an example of a component that is configured to generate heat (e.g., configured to generate heat when the integrated device is operating and/or active).

The PCB <NUM>, the integrated device <NUM> and the heat spreader <NUM> may be located in a region of the first device portion <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM>. The first conducting portion <NUM> of the connector <NUM> is coupled to the PCB <NUM>. The first conducting portion <NUM> may be coupled to the PCB <NUM> through an adhesive. In some implementations, at least some of the heat that is generated by the integrated device <NUM> may travel through the PCB <NUM>, the connector <NUM> (e.g., the first conducting portion <NUM>, the third conducting portion <NUM>, and the second conducting portion <NUM>), and towards the second device portion <NUM>. As will be further described below in at least <FIG>, the connector <NUM> may be coupled to other components of the electronic device <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the first device portion <NUM> and the second device portion <NUM> may be coupled together through at least one hinge <NUM>. The at least one hinge <NUM> is configured to allow the second device portion <NUM> to rotate relative to the first device portion <NUM>. In some implementations, portions of the connector <NUM> may extend through the at least one hinge <NUM> (e.g., through cavity of the at least one hinge <NUM>), and/or may be coupled to the at least one hinge <NUM>. In some implementations, the connector <NUM> and the at least one hinge <NUM> may help dissipate heat away from the first device portion <NUM> and towards the second device portion <NUM>. In some implementations, the connector <NUM> and the at least one hinge <NUM> may help dissipate heat away from the second device portion <NUM> and towards the first device portion <NUM>. Portions of the connector <NUM> may extend through one or more cavities of the at least one hinge <NUM>. Portions of the connector <NUM> may extend through one or more cavities of the first device portion <NUM>, the second device portion <NUM> and/or at least one hinge <NUM>.

As mentioned above, the thermally conductive connector <NUM> may be coupled to various components of the first device portion <NUM> and various components of the second device portion <NUM>. <FIG> illustrate examples of the different components that the connector <NUM> may be coupled to.

<FIG> illustrates the electronic device <NUM> that includes the first device portion <NUM>, the second device portion <NUM>, the hinge 306a and the hinge 306b. The first device portion <NUM> is coupled to the second device portion <NUM> through the hinges 306a-306b. The electronic device <NUM> also includes the thermally conductive connector 210a, a thermally conductive connector 210b, a PCB <NUM>, an integrated device <NUM>, an integrated device <NUM>, a heat spreader <NUM>, and a display (not visible). The PCB <NUM>, the integrated device <NUM>, the integrated device <NUM> and the heat spreader <NUM> are located in the first device portion <NUM> The display may be located in the second device portion <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM>.

The connector 210a and the connector 210b are each coupled to the first device portion <NUM> and the second device portion <NUM>. The connector 210a may extend through the hinge 306a. For example, the third conducting portion 216a may extend through a cavity in the hinge 306a. The connector 210b may extend through the hinge 306b. For example, the third conducting portion 216b may extend through a cavity in the hinge 306b. <FIG> illustrates that the connector 210a is coupled to the PCB <NUM> and a first portion (e.g., component) of the second device portion <NUM>. In some implementations, at least some heat that is generated by the integrated device <NUM> may extend through the PCB <NUM>, through the connector <NUM> and to the second device portion <NUM>. The connector 210b is coupled to the heat spreader <NUM> and a second portion (e.g., component) of the second device portion <NUM>. In some implementations, at least some heat that is generated by the integrated device <NUM> may extend through the heat spreader <NUM>, the connector 210b and to the second device portion <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates the electronic device <NUM> that includes a plurality of hinges (306a, 306b, and 306c) and a plurality of thermally conductive connectors 210c, 210d and 210e. The first device portion <NUM> is coupled to the second device portion <NUM> through the plurality of hinges (306a, 306b, and 306c). The connector 210c and the connector 210d are each coupled to the first device portion <NUM> and the second device portion <NUM>. The connector 210c may extend through the hinge 306a. The connector 210d may extend through the hinge 306b. The connector 210e may be coupled to different device portions of the first device portion <NUM>. For example, the connector 210e may be coupled to the PCB <NUM> and the hinge 306c of the first device portion <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates that the connector 210c is coupled to the integrated device <NUM> and a first portion (e.g., component) of the second device portion <NUM>. In some implementations, at least some heat that is generated by the integrated device <NUM> may extend through the connector <NUM> and to the second device portion <NUM>. The connector 210d is coupled to the PCB <NUM> and a second portion (e.g., component) of the second device portion <NUM>. In some implementations, at least some heat that is generated by the integrated device <NUM> may extend through the heat spreader <NUM>, and at least some of the heat that is generated by the integrated device <NUM> may extend through PCB <NUM>, the connector 210d and to the second device portion <NUM>. The connector 210e is coupled to the PCB <NUM> and the hinge 306c. In some implementations, at least some of the heat that is generated by the integrated device <NUM> may extend through the PCB <NUM>, through the connector 210e, through the hinge 306c, and to the second device portion <NUM>. Similarly, in some implementations, at least some of the heat that is generated by the integrated device <NUM> may extend through the PCB <NUM>, through the connector 210e, through the hinge 306c, and to the second device portion <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates the electronic device <NUM> that includes a plurality of hinges (306a, 306b. and 306c) and a plurality of thermally conductive connectors 210c, 210d and 210f. The first device portion <NUM> is coupled to the second device portion <NUM> through the plurality of hinges (306a, 306b, and 306c). The connector 210c and the connector 210d are each coupled to the first device portion <NUM> and the second device portion <NUM>. The connector 210c may extend through the hinge 306a. The connector 210d may extend through the hinge 306b. The device <NUM> may include one or more batteries. <FIG> illustrates that the device <NUM> includes at least two batteries (e.g., <NUM>, <NUM>). The connector 210f is coupled to the first device portion <NUM>. The connector 210f includes a first conducting portion 212f, a third conducting portion 216f, and a second conducting portion 214f. The first conducting portion 212f is coupled to a device portion (e.g., first device portion) from the device portion <NUM>, and the second conducting portion 214f is coupled to another device portion (e.g., second device portion) from the device portion <NUM>. The connector 210f may extend between the battery <NUM> and the battery <NUM>. The connector 210f may be coupled to any two components, two portions and/or two regions of the first device portion <NUM>. The connector 210f may be configured to allow heat to travel between the battery <NUM> and the battery <NUM> without heat being substantially dissipated to the battery <NUM> and/or the battery <NUM> from the third conducting portion 216f of the connector 210f. This may be the case because, the connector 210f includes material (e.g., graphite, graphite sheet) that is configured to conduct heat primarily along one direction (e.g., along the length of the connector 210f). Such material that conducts heat primarily (e.g., at least <NUM>%) in one direction may be an anisotropic thermally conductive material. The connector 210f may be a means for thermal conduction (e.g., means for anisotropic thermal conduction). In some implementations, the connector 210f may be configured to extend through the hinge 306c, such that the third conducting portion 216f extends through the hinge 306c (e.g., through a cavity of the hinge 306c) and the second conducting portion 214f is coupled to the second device portion <NUM>.

The connectors (e.g., <NUM>, 210a, 210b, 210c, 210d, 210e, 210f) may be coupled to a region that includes one or more components. The connectors (e.g.. 210a, 210b, 210c, 210d, 210c, 210f) may be directly coupled to one or more components, or may be coupled to one or more components through an adhesive. The adhesive may be a double-sided adhesive. The adhesive may include a thermally conductive adhesive. The adhesive may have a thermal conductivity value of approximately <NUM> W/(mk) or higher. However, the adhesive may have a thermal conductivity value that is lower than <NUM> W/(mk).

It is noted that the implementation of the connectors is not limited to electronic devices that include a display and a keyboard. The connectors may be implemented in any devices that include at least two regions and/or at least two portions. For example, the connectors may be implemented in a mobile device that includes a foldable or bendable display, where the bendable display is located in two portions of the mobile device. The use of at least one thermally conductive connector (e.g., <NUM>) may reduce and minimize the amount of heat that is dissipated into the first device portion <NUM>. Thus, more heat is distributed and dissipated into the second device portion <NUM>. This has the effect of increasing the temperature of the second device portion <NUM>. However, since more heat is being dissipated in the second device portion <NUM>, the temperature of the first device portion <NUM> does not increase as much, thus ensuring a more comfortable experience for a user of the electronic device <NUM> because the first device portion <NUM> (which includes a keyboard) is a portion of the electronic device that a user is more likely to use and touch. Examples of heat distribution maps and temperature performances for an electronic device are further illustrated and described in <FIG>.

<FIG> illustrate that at least one of the connectors <NUM> includes a conducting portion (e.g., third conducting portion 216c) that may be optionally twisted and/or braided in a rope like fashion. It is noted that any of the connectors (e.g., 210a, 210b,210d, 210e, 210f) described in the disclosure may include a conducting portion (e.g., <NUM>) that is twisted and/or braided in a rope like fashion. The twisting helps provide a flexible cable (e.g., flexible cable portion) for the connector <NUM>. Different implementations may twist or braid a conducting portion in different manners. Twisting and/or braiding a conducting portion may make a connector more compact, stronger and more resilient.

The connector <NUM> may be coupled to adhesives (not shown). The adhesives may be a double-sided tape. The adhesives may help the connector <NUM> couple to different components of an electronic devices.

As mentioned above, the connector <NUM> may include a thermally conductive material that includes graphite (e.g., graphite sheet). Graphite is an example of a material that includes an anisotropic thermal conductivity value. The graphite sheet may have a thermal conductivity value in a X-Y plane (X-axis/direction, Y axis/direction) in a range of approximately <NUM>-<NUM> W/(mk), and a thermal conductivity value in a Z axis/direction in a range of approximately <NUM>-<NUM> W/(m/k).

<FIG> illustrate heat maps for an electronic device without a thermally conducive connector and an electronic device with a thermally conductive connector. As shown in <FIG>. the electronic device without a thermally conductive connector reaches high temperatures (e.g., hot region) in several parts of the keyboard portion and the back side of the keyboard portion. The keyboard portion is a region that the user touches during an operation of the electronic device, and the back side of the keyboard portion may be a portion that is resting on top of a user (e.g., legs of user). <FIG> illustrates that the region the electronic device is hottest is also the region a user is most likely to touch.

<FIG> illustrates that the electronic device with a thermally conductive connector results in lower temperatures in the keyboard portion, since more heat has been dissipated into the display portion of the electronic device. Although the display portion is hotter, the user of the electronic device is not likely to touch it as much as the keyboard portion. <FIG> illustrates that an electronic device with a thermally conductive connector provides an electronic device that is more comfortable (temperature wise) than an electronic device without the thermally conductive connector.

<FIG> illustrate graphs that show heat dissipating and temperature performances of a device that does not use a thermally conducive connector and a device that uses a thermally conductive connector. The graph <NUM> illustrates a temperature profile (e.g., junction temperature profile) of an integrated device and a top surface temperature profile (e.g., a keyboard surface temperature profile) of the device, when no thermally conductive connector is implemented with a device. The graph <NUM> illustrates a temperature profile (e.g., junction temperature profile) of an integrated device (e.g.. integrated device <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) and top surface temperature profile (e.g., a keyboard surface temperature profile) of the device, when a thermally conductive connector (e.g., <NUM>) is implemented with the device (e.g., <NUM>).

The graph <NUM> illustrates that within about <NUM> seconds, the junction temperature of the integrated device has risen to about <NUM> degrees Celsius. In contrast, as shown in graph <NUM>, when a thermally conductive connector is implemented, the junction temperature of the integrated device has risen to less than <NUM> degrees Celsius. The graph <NUM> illustrates that within about <NUM> seconds, the top surface temperature (e.g., keyboard surface temperature) has reached <NUM> degrees Celsius (which is the normal skin temperature of a human). In contrast, as shown in graph <NUM>, when a thermally conductive connector is implemented, the top surface temperature (e.g.. keyboard surface temperature) does not reach <NUM> degrees Celsius until at least about <NUM> seconds. With the thermally conductive connector, the integrated device may not need to be throttled until <NUM> seconds. At around <NUM> seconds, the temperature of the integrated device in a device without the thermally conductive connector, reaches about <NUM> degrees Celsius. In contrast, at around <NUM> seconds, the temperature of the integrated device that includes a thermally conductive connector, reaches about <NUM> degrees Celsius, a <NUM>-degree Celsius improvement. In addition, the integrated device may be able to operate at "full speed" for a longer period of time, before throttling of the integrated device is necessary. For example, if the integrated device is configured to perform signal processing (e.g., signal processing at <NUM> speeds), the integrated device may operate for longer periods of time (e.g., may process signals at <NUM> speeds for longer periods of time, which means more data transfer (throughput) capabilities), before having to throttle the speed down, when a thermally conductive connector is implemented in an electronic device.

<FIG> illustrates that the use of a thermally conductive connector (e.g., <NUM> provides better heat dissipation of integrated devices (e.g., <NUM>), while also reducing the rate at which the surface temperatures of a devices increases, thereby making the device more comfortable for a user of the device.

It is noted that the illustrations of <FIG> are merely exemplary. Different implementations may provide different results and performances in the heat map and temperature profiles.

<FIG> illustrates an exemplary sequence for providing or fabricating a thermally conductive connector. In some implementations, the sequence of <FIG> may be used to provide or fabricate the thermally conductive connector (e.g., <NUM>. 210b, 210c, 210d, 210e, 210f) described in the disclosure.

It should be noted that the sequence of <FIG> may combine one or more stages in order to simplify and/or clarify the sequence for providing or fabricating a connector. In some implementations, the order of the processes may be changed or modified. In some implementations, one or more of processes may be replaced or substituted in accordance with the appended claims.

Stage <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>, illustrates a state after a thermally conductive material <NUM> is provided. The thermally conductive material <NUM> may include graphite. For example, the thermally conductive material <NUM> may include a graphite sheet. The thermally conductive material <NUM> may be configured to conduct heat primarily along one direction. The material <NUM> may be a thermally conductive material that has a high thermal conductivity value in the first direction (e.g., axial direction, along length), and a low thermal conductivity value in at least a second direction (e.g., radially, along width, along height). The graphite sheet may have a thermal conductivity value in a X-Y plane (X-axis/direction, Y axis/direction, width/length, length/width) in a range of approximately <NUM>-<NUM> W/(mk), and a thermal conductivity value in a Z axis/direction (e.g., sheet thickness) in a range of approximately <NUM>-<NUM> W/(m/k).

Stage <NUM> illustrates a state after a plurality of slits <NUM> is formed in the thermally conductive material <NUM>. The slits <NUM> may be cut into the thermally conductive material <NUM>. For example, the slits <NUM> may be cut into the graphite sheet. Forming the slits <NUM> creates fiber portions (e.g., plurality of fiber portions, plurality of graphite fibers portions) that can be twisted and/or braided. The fiber portions may form a third conducting portion <NUM>. The slits <NUM> may be formed using a scissor and/or a knife. The slits <NUM> may be along the length of the thermally conductive material <NUM>. In some implementations, the slits <NUM> may be formed diagonally along the thermally conductive material <NUM>. The slits <NUM> may have varying lengths. The spacing between neighboring slits may be constant or variable.

Stage <NUM> illustrates a state after the third conducting portions <NUM> of the material <NUM> are twisted and/or braided, forming the third conducting portion <NUM> that includes fiber portions that are twisted and/or braided. The third conducting portion <NUM> may correspond to the third conducting portion <NUM>. The third conducting portion <NUM> may be configured as a flexible cable (e.g., flexible cable portion). The third conducting portion <NUM> is coupled to the first conducting portion <NUM> and the second conducting portion <NUM> of the thermally conductive material <NUM>. The first conducting portion <NUM>, the third conducting portion <NUM> and the second conducting portion <NUM> may be a contiguous portion. The first conducting portion <NUM> may be similar to the first conducting portion <NUM>. The second conducting portion <NUM> may be similar to the second conducting portion <NUM>. Stage <NUM> may illustrate the connector <NUM> that includes the first conducting portion <NUM>. the second conducting portion <NUM> and the third conducting portion <NUM>. The thermally conductive material may have a thermal conductivity value in a first direction (e.g., axial direction, along the length of the third conducting portion <NUM>) that is in a range of approximately <NUM>-<NUM> Watts per meter kelvin (W/(mk)). For example, the third conducting portion <NUM> may have a thermal conductivity value in a first direction (e.g., axial direction, along length of third conducting portion, along length of fiber portions of third conducting portion) that is in a range of approximately <NUM>-<NUM> Watts per meter kelvin (W/(mk)).

In some implementations, a tape (not shown) and/or other material may be used to surround and/or wrap portions (e.g., third conducting portion <NUM>) of the material <NUM>. However, different implementations may use different materials to surround and/or wrap the third conducting portion (e.g., <NUM>, <NUM>). In some implementations, other material may be coupled to the connector <NUM>. For example, an adhesive (not shown) may be coupled to the first conducting portion <NUM>. A base (not shown) may be coupled to the adhesive. The base may include a hard plastic and/or a metal. An adhesive may be coupled to the base. An adhesive (not shown) may be coupled to the second conducting portion <NUM>. A base (not shown) may be coupled to the adhesive. The base may include a hard plastic and/or a metal. An adhesive (not shown) may be coupled to the base. The above components may be considered part of the connector <NUM>. In some implementations, the connector <NUM> may be coupled to components of an electronic devices through the adhesives.

<FIG> illustrates an exemplary flow diagram of a method <NUM> for coupling a thermally conductive connector to an electronic device. In some implementations, the method <NUM> of <FIG> may be used to couple the connector <NUM> to an electronic device <NUM>. However, the method <NUM> may be used to couple a connector to any device described in the disclosure.

It should be noted that the sequence of <FIG> may combine one or more processes in order to simplify and/or clarify the method for coupling a connector to any device. In some implementations, the order of the processes may be changed or modified.

The method provides (at <NUM>) a thermally conductive connector (e.g., <NUM>). <FIG> illustrates and describes an example of fabricating a thermally conductive connector. The thermally conductive connector may include a thermally conductive material (e.g., <NUM>) that may be configured to conduct heat primarily along one or more directions. The material <NUM> may be a composite material. The material <NUM> includes a plurality of carbon fibers that are aligned and/or oriented in a particular direction. The material <NUM> may include pitch-based carbon fiber. The material <NUM> may be a thermally conductive material that has a high thermal conductivity value in the first direction (e.g., axial direction, along length), and a low thermal conductivity value in at least a second direction (e.g., radially, along width, along height). The thermally conductive material <NUM> may have a thermal conductivity value in a first direction (e.g., axial direction) that is in a range of approximately <NUM>-<NUM> Watts per meter kelvin (W/(mk)). The connector may include a first conducting portion (e.g., <NUM>), a second conducting portion (e.g., <NUM>) and a third conducting portion (e.g., <NUM>).

The method couples (at <NUM>) a first conducting portion (e.g., <NUM>) of the thermally conductive connector, to a region that includes at least one component configured to generate heat (e.g., heat generating component). For example, the method may couple the first conducting portion to a region or portion of the first device portion (e.g., <NUM>) of the electronic device <NUM>. A component may include an integrated device, a radio frequency (RF) device, a passive device, a filter, a surface acoustic wave (SAW) filters, a bulk acoustic wave (BAW) filter, a processor, a memory, and/or combinations thereof. An adhesive may be used to couple the first conducting portion to a region and/or a component. The first conducting portion may be coupled to a component of the first device portion <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM>. <FIG> illustrate examples of where the first conducting portion may be coupled.

The method couples (at <NUM>) a second conducting portion (e.g., <NUM>) of the thermally conductive connector, to another region of the electronic device. For example, the method may couple the second conducting portion to a region of the second device portion (e.g., <NUM>) of the electronic device <NUM>. In another example, the method may couple the second conducting portion to another region or another portion of the first device portion (e.g., <NUM>) of the electronic device <NUM>. An adhesive may be used to couple the second conducting portion to a region and/or a component. The second conducting portion may be coupled to a component of the first device portion <NUM> or the second device portion <NUM>. <FIG> and <FIG> illustrate examples of where the second conducting portion may be coupled. It is noted that the method may be repeated several times to couple several connectors to an electronic device.

<FIG> illustrates various electronic devices that may be integrated with any of the aforementioned device, integrated device, integrated circuit (IC) package, integrated circuit (IC) device, semiconductor device, integrated circuit, die, interposer, package, package-on-package (PoP), System in Package (SiP), or System on Chip (SoC). For example, a mobile phone device <NUM>, a laptop computer device <NUM>, a fixed location terminal device <NUM>, a wearable device <NUM>, or automotive vehicle <NUM> may include a device <NUM> as described herein. The device <NUM> may be, for example, any of the devices and/or integrated circuit (IC) packages described herein. The devices <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> and the vehicle <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> are merely exemplary. Other electronic devices may also feature the device <NUM> including, but not limited to, a group of devices (e.g., electronic devices) that includes mobile devices, hand-held personal communication systems (PCS) units, portable data units such as personal digital assistants, global positioning system (GPS) enabled devices, navigation devices, set top boxes, music players, video players, entertainment units, fixed location data units such as meter reading equipment, communications devices, smartphones, tablet computers, computers, wearable devices (e.g., watches, glasses), internet of things (IoT) devices, servers, routers, electronic devices implemented in automotive vehicles (e.g., autonomous vehicles), or any other device that stores or retrieves data or computer instructions, or any combination thereof.

One or more of the components, processes, features, and/or functions illustrated in <FIG> and/or <NUM>-<NUM> may be rearranged and/or combined into a single component, process, feature or function or embodied in several components, processes, or functions. Additional elements, components, processes, and/or functions may also be added without departing from the disclosure. It should also be noted <FIG> and/or <NUM>-<NUM> and its corresponding description in the present disclosure is not limited to dies and/or ICs. In some implementations, <FIG> and/or <NUM>-<NUM> and its corresponding description may be used to manufacture, create, provide, and/or produce devices and/or integrated devices. In some implementations, a device may include a die, an integrated device, an integrated passive device (IPD), a die package, an integrated circuit (IC) device, a device package, an integrated circuit (IC) package, a wafer, a semiconductor device, a package-on-package (PoP) device, a heat dissipating device and/or an interposer.

It is noted that the figures in the disclosure may represent actual representations and/or conceptual representations of various parts, components, objects, devices, packages, integrated devices, integrated circuits, and/or transistors. In some instances, the figures may not be to scale. In some instances, for purpose of clarity, not all components and/or parts may be shown. In some instances, the position, the location, the sizes, and/or the shapes of various parts and/or components in the figures may be exemplary. In some implementations, various components and/or parts in the figures may be optional.

The term "coupled" is used herein to refer to the direct or indirect coupling (e.g., mechanical coupling) between two objects. The term "electrically coupled" may mean that two objects are directly or indirectly coupled together such that an electrical current (e.g., signal, power, ground) may travel between the two objects. Two objects that are electrically coupled may or may not have an electrical current traveling between the two objects. Electromagnetic coupling may mean that a signal from one circuit and/or component affects a signal of another circuit and/or component. Electromagnetic coupling may cause crosstalk. Electromagnetic coupling may be a form of signal coupling. The use of the terms "first", "second", "third" and "fourth" (and/or anything above fourth) is arbitrary. Any of the components described may be the first component, the second component, the third component or the fourth component. For example, a component that is referred to a second component, may be the first component, the second component, the third component or the fourth component. The terms "top" and "bottom" are arbitrary. A component that is located on top may be located over a component that is located on a bottom. A top component may be considered a bottom component, and vice versa. As described in the disclosure, a first component that is located "over" a second component may mean that the first component is located above or below the second component, depending on how a bottom or top is arbitrarily defined. In another example, a first component may be located over (e.g., above) a first surface of the second component, and a third component may be located over (e.g., below) a second surface of the second component, where the second surface is opposite to the first surface. It is further noted that the term "over" as used in the present application in the context of one component located over another component, may be used to mean a component that is on another component and/or in another component (e.g., on a surface of a component or embedded in a component). Thus, for example, a first component that is over the second component may mean that (<NUM>) the first component is over the second component, but not directly touching the second component, (<NUM>) the first component is on (e.g., on a surface of) the second component, and/or (<NUM>) the first component is in (e.g., embedded in) the second component. The term "encapsulating" means that the object may partially encapsulate or completely encapsulate another object. The term "surrounding" means that an object(s) may partially surround or completely surround another object. The term "extends through" means that the object may partially extend or completely extend through another object. It is further noted that the term "over" as used in the present application in the context of one component located over another component, may be used to mean a component that is on another component and/or in another component (e.g., on a surface of a component or embedded in a component). Thus, for example, a first component that is over the second component may mean that (<NUM>) the first component is over the second component, but not directly touching the second component, (<NUM>) the first component is on (e.g., on a surface of) the second component, and/or (<NUM>) the first component is in (e.g., embedded in) the second component. A first component that is located "in" a second component may be partially located in the second component or completely located in the second component. The term "about 'value X'", or "approximately value X", as used in the disclosure means within <NUM> percent of the 'value X'. For example, a value of about <NUM> or approximately <NUM>, would mean a value in a range of <NUM>-<NUM>.

In some implementations, an interconnect is an element or component of a device or package that allows or facilitates an electrical connection between two points, elements and/or components. In some implementations, an interconnect may include a trace, a via, a pad, a pillar, a redistribution metal layer, and/or an under bump metallization (UBM) layer. An interconnect may include one or more metal components (e.g., seed layer + metal layer). In some implementations, an interconnect may include an electrically conductive material that may be configured to provide an electrical path for a signal (e.g., a data signal), ground and/or power. An interconnect may be part of a circuit. An interconnect may include more than one element or component. An interconnect may be defined by one or more interconnects. Different implementations may use different processes and/or sequences for forming the interconnects. In some implementations, a chemical vapor deposition (CVD) process, a physical vapor deposition (PVD) process, a sputtering process, a spray coating, and/or a plating process may be used to form the interconnects.

Also, it is noted that various disclosures contained herein may be described as a process that is depicted as a flowchart, a flow diagram, a structure diagram, or a block diagram. Although a flowchart may describe the operations as a sequential process, many of the operations can be performed in parallel or concurrently. A process is terminated when its operations are completed.

In the following, further examples are described to facilitate the understanding of the invention.

The present invention relates to an electronic device comprising a first device portion comprising a region that includes a component configured to generate heat; a second device portion coupled to the first device portion; and a thermally conductive connector coupled to the first device portion and the second device portion, wherein the thermally conductive connector includes a graphite sheet.

In some embodiments, the graphite sheet comprises a plurality of slits; and a plurality of fiber portions that are defined by the plurality of slits.

In some embodiments, the thermally conductive connector extends through a cavity of a hinge that couples the first device portion and the second device portion.

In some embodiments, the thermally conductive connector includes a thermally conductive material that primarily dissipates heat along a first direction of the thermally conductive material.

In some embodiments, the thermally conductive material includes an anisotropic thermally conductive material, wherein the thermally conductive material has a high thermal conductivity value in the first direction, and wherein the thermally conductive material has a low thermal conductivity value in at least a second direction.

In some embodiments, the thermally conductive material includes a thermal conductivity value in the first direction that is in a range of approximately <NUM>-<NUM> Watts per meter kelvin (W/(mk)).

In some embodiments, the thermally conductive connector is configured to dissipate heat away from the first device portion and towards the second device portion.

In some embodiments, the thermally conductive connector is coupled to the region comprising the component configured to generate heat.

In some embodiments, the thermally conductive connector includes a flexible cable portion.

In some embodiments, the first device portion and the second device portion are physically separate portions.

In some embodiments, the first device portion and the second device portion are coupled together through at least one hinge.

In some embodiments, the first device portion and the second device portion are contiguous portions of the electronic device.

In some embodiments, the thermally conductive connector is coupled to a printed circuit board (PCB).

According to the present invention, the electronic device further comprises a first battery and a second battery, wherein a second conductive connector extends between the first battery and the second battery.

In some embodiments, the graphite sheet is twisted.

In some embodiments, the apparatus includes a device selected from a group consisting of a music player, a video player, an entertainment unit, a navigation device, a communications device, a mobile device, a mobile phone, a smartphone, a personal digital assistant, a fixed location terminal, a tablet computer, a computer, a wearable device, a laptop computer, a server, an internet of things (ToT) device, and a device in an automotive vehicle.

Claim 1:
An electronic device (<NUM>) comprising:
a first device portion (<NUM>) comprising a region that includes a component configured to generate heat;
a second device portion (<NUM>) coupled to the first device portion (<NUM>); and
a first thermally conductive connector (210c) coupled to the first device portion (<NUM>) and the second device portion (<NUM>), wherein the first thermally conductive connector (210c) includes a first graphite sheet;
a second thermally conductive connector (210f) including a second graphite sheet, located on the first device portion (<NUM>); and
a first battery (<NUM>) and a second battery (<NUM>), wherein the second thermally conductive connector (210f) extends between the first battery (<NUM>) and the second battery (<NUM>).