Patent Description:
As the functional gap between electronic devices of respective manufacturers has been significantly reduced, electronic devices are becoming slimmer in order to satisfy consumers' purchasing desire. Developments are being made in order to increase the rigidity of electronic devices, improve design aesthetics, and make electronic devices slim. In particular, it is important for an electronic device to facilitate an effective electrical connection between electronic components disposed within, and to include a robust structure capable of maintaining the electrical connection between electronic components even if an external impact occurs.

<CIT> discloses a securement device for supporting a connector between a pair of printed circuit boards in spaced parallel relation wherein said connector supports a plurality of resilient contacts thereon for establishing electrical engagement between said boards, said boards and connector each including aligned securement openings, said securement device comprising:.

<CIT> discloses an electronic assembly, comprising: a board having a surface including an array of board contacts; a thermally conductive base having a first surface and a second surface; a first substrate on the first surface of the thermally conductive base including at least one integrated circuit chip and an interconnect structure for the integrated circuit mounted on the first substrate; a second substrate on the first surface of thermally conductive base adjacent the first substrate including an interconnect structure and an array of circuit contacts; conductors connecting the interconnect structure on the first substrate with the interconnect structure on the second substrate; a connector between the board and the second substrate, including conductors between circuit contacts in the array of circuit contacts on the second substrate and board contacts in the array of board contacts on the board; a heat spreader assembly; and a fastener which fastens the thermally conductive base to the board and to the heat spreader assembly such that thermal contact is made between the thermally conductive base and the heat spreader assembly, and electrical contact is made through the connector between the array of circuit contacts and the array of board contacts.

<CIT>discloses a power electronics assembly for an electric motor controller comprising: an insulated metal substrate carrying controllable impedances of the power electronics assembly wherein the insulated metal substrate is thermally coupled to the controllable impedances; a composite material substrate carrying elements of a power provider for providing power to be supplied to an electric motor via the controllable impedances; a bolt comprising a bolt head and a bolt shaft for mechanically coupling the composite material substrate to the insulated metal substrate; an electrically conductive sleeve configured to be held between a first electrical contact carried by the insulated metal substrate and a second electrical contact carried by the composite material substrate and to at least partially surround and be held in place by the bolt; wherein the bolt is configured to clamp the composite material substrate to the insulated metal substrate to force the electrically conductive sleeve against the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact for electrical coupling with the controllable impedances; and an electrically insulating wall arranged to stand proud of the composite material substrate, on a side of the composite substrate that is opposite to the second electrical contact, and to at least partially surround the bolt head.

An electronic device may include one or more electronic components disposed in the internal space thereof. These electronic components may be electrically connected to each other in order to perform a corresponding function of the electronic device. Such electronic components may include at least two printed circuit boards disposed in the inner space of the electronic device. Respective printed circuit boards may be disposed within the device in various ways, including being stacked over each other in order to secure an efficient mounting space, and may be electrically connected to each other by an interposer disposed therebetween. In addition, the printed circuit boards may be fixed to at least one support member (e.g., a housing) provided in the electronic device via a separate fastening member (e.g., a screw). For example, a pair of printed circuit boards may be fixed to each other in a stacked configuration using a fastening member penetrating a support member as well as an interposer disposed therebetween, which may result in the assembly having a significant height.

However, since the stacked configuration of printed circuit boards has a considerably high configuration (and is fastened via a single screw) relative to the entire thickness of the electronic device, a printed circuit board may be displaced relative to the other printed circuit board by an external impact. As a result, the solder provided in the interposer to electrically connect the two printed circuit boards may be damaged, causing electrical disconnection of the two printed circuit boards, and resulting in a malfunction of the electronic device.

The invention is defined by the features of claim <NUM>.

Any embodiment not according to the invention is present for illustration purposes only.

According to certain embodiments, even when two printed circuit boards are stacked using an interposer, it is possible to fix only the support member and one printed circuit board via a fastening member. Thus, it is possible to ensure the reliability of the electronic device by preventing the interposer from being damaged by an external impact.

<FIG>, discussed below, and the certain embodiments used to describe the principles of the present disclosure in this patent document are by way of illustration only and should not be construed in any way to limit the disclosure. Those skilled in the art will understand that the principles of the present disclosure may be implemented in any suitably arranged system or device within the limits of the appended claims.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail with reference to accompanying drawings.

<FIG> illustrates a perspective view showing a front surface of a mobile electronic device <NUM> according to an embodiment, and <FIG> illustrates a perspective view showing a rear surface of the mobile electronic device <NUM> shown in <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, the mobile electronic device <NUM> may include a housing <NUM> that includes a first surface (or front surface) 110A, a second surface (or rear surface) 110B, and a lateral surface 110C that surrounds a space between the first surface 110A and the second surface 110B. The housing <NUM> may refer to a structure that forms a part of the first surface 110A, the second surface 110B, and the lateral surface 110C. The first surface 110A may be formed of a front plate <NUM> (e.g., a glass plate or polymer plate coated with a variety of coating layers) at least a part of which is substantially transparent. The second surface 110B may be formed of a rear plate <NUM> which is substantially opaque. The rear plate <NUM> may be formed of, for example, coated or colored glass, ceramic, polymer, metal (e.g., aluminum, stainless steel (STS), or magnesium), or any combination thereof. The lateral surface 110C may be formed of a lateral bezel structure (or "lateral member") <NUM> which is combined with the front plate <NUM> and the rear plate <NUM> and includes a metal and/or polymer. The rear plate <NUM> and the lateral bezel structure <NUM> may be integrally formed and may be of the same material (e.g., a metallic material such as aluminum).

The front plate <NUM> may include two first regions 110D disposed at long edges thereof, respectively, and bent and extended seamlessly from the first surface 110A toward the rear plate <NUM>. Similarly, the rear plate <NUM> may include two second regions 110E disposed at long edges thereof, respectively, and bent and extended seamlessly from the second surface 110B toward the front plate <NUM>. The front plate <NUM> (or the rear plate <NUM>) may include one of the first regions 110D (or of the second regions 110E). The first regions 110D or the second regions 110E may be omitted in part. When viewed from a lateral side of the mobile electronic device <NUM>, the lateral bezel structure <NUM> may have a first thickness (or width) on a lateral side where the first region 110D or the second region 110E is not included, and may have a second thickness, being less than the first thickness, on another lateral side where the first region 110D or the second region 110E is included.

The mobile electronic device <NUM> may include at least one of a display <NUM>, audio modules operably coupled to the holes <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM>, sensor modules <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM>, camera modules <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM>, a key input device <NUM>, a light emitting device <NUM>, and connector holes <NUM> and <NUM>. The mobile electronic device <NUM> may omit at least one (e.g., the key input device <NUM> or the light emitting device <NUM>) of the above components, or may further include other components.

The display <NUM> may be exposed through a substantial portion of the front plate <NUM>, for example. At least a part of the display <NUM> may be exposed through the front plate <NUM> that forms the first surface 110A and the first region 110D of the lateral surface 110C. Outlines (i.e., edges and corners) of the display <NUM> may have substantially the same form as those of the front plate <NUM>. The spacing between the outline of the display <NUM> and the outline of the front plate <NUM> may be substantially unchanged in order to enlarge the exposed area of the display <NUM>.

A recess or opening may be formed in a portion of a display area of the display <NUM> to accommodate at least one of the audio module (e.g., operably coupled to hole <NUM>), the sensor module <NUM>, the camera module <NUM>, and the light emitting device <NUM>. At least one of the audio module (e.g., operably coupled to whole <NUM>), the sensor module <NUM>, the camera module <NUM>, the fingerprint sensor <NUM>, and the light emitting element <NUM> may be disposed on the back of the display area of the display <NUM>. The display <NUM> may be combined with, or adjacent to, a touch sensing circuit, a pressure sensor capable of measuring the touch strength (pressure), and/or a digitizer for detecting a stylus pen. At least a part of the sensor modules <NUM> and <NUM> and/or at least a part of the key input device <NUM> may be disposed in the first region 110D and/or the second region 110E.

The audio modules operably coupled to the holes <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> may correspond to a microphone hole <NUM> and speaker holes <NUM> and <NUM>, respectively. The microphone hole <NUM> may contain a microphone disposed therein for acquiring external sounds and, in a case, contain a plurality of microphones to sense a sound direction. The speaker holes <NUM> and <NUM> may be classified into an external speaker hole <NUM> and a call receiver hole <NUM>. The microphone hole <NUM> and the speaker holes <NUM> and <NUM> may be implemented as a single hole, or a speaker (e.g., a piezo speaker) may be provided without the speaker holes <NUM> and <NUM>.

The sensor modules <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> may generate electrical signals or data corresponding to an internal operating state of the mobile electronic device <NUM> or to an external environmental condition. The sensor modules <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> may include a first sensor module <NUM> (e.g., a proximity sensor) and/or a second sensor module (e.g., a fingerprint sensor) disposed on the first surface 110A of the housing <NUM>, and/or a third sensor module <NUM> (e.g., a heart rate monitor (HRM) sensor) and/or a fourth sensor module <NUM> (e.g., a fingerprint sensor) disposed on the second surface 110B of the housing <NUM>. The fingerprint sensor may be disposed on the second surface 110B as well as the first surface 110A (e.g., the display <NUM>) of the housing <NUM>. The electronic device <NUM> may further include at least one of a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, an air pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a grip sensor, a color sensor, an infrared (IR) sensor, a biometric sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or an illuminance sensor.

The camera modules <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> may include a first camera device <NUM> disposed on the first surface 110A of the electronic device <NUM>, and a second camera device <NUM> and/or a flash <NUM> disposed on the second surface 110B. The camera module <NUM> or the camera module <NUM> may include one or more lenses, an image sensor, and/or an image signal processor. The flash <NUM> may include, for example, a light emitting diode or a xenon lamp. Two or more lenses (infrared cameras, wide angle and telephoto lenses) and image sensors may be disposed on one side of the electronic device <NUM>.

The key input device <NUM> may be disposed on the lateral surface 110C of the housing <NUM>. The mobile electronic device <NUM> may not include some or all of the key input device <NUM> described above, and the key input device <NUM> which is not included may be implemented in another form such as a soft key on the display <NUM>. The key input device <NUM> may include the sensor module <NUM> disposed on the second surface 110B of the housing <NUM>.

The light emitting device <NUM> may be disposed on the first surface 110A of the housing <NUM>. For example, the light emitting device <NUM> may provide status information of the electronic device <NUM> in an optical form. The light emitting device <NUM> may provide a light source associated with the operation of the camera module <NUM>. The light emitting device <NUM> may include, for example, a light emitting diode (LED), an IR LED, or a xenon lamp.

The connector holes <NUM> and <NUM> may include a first connector hole <NUM> adapted for a connector (e.g., a universal serial bus (USB) connector) for transmitting and receiving power and/or data to and from an external electronic device, and/or a second connector hole <NUM> adapted for a connector (e.g., an earphone jack) for transmitting and receiving an audio signal to and from an external electronic device.

<FIG> illustrates an exploded perspective view showing a mobile electronic device <NUM> shown in <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, the mobile electronic device <NUM> may include a lateral bezel structure <NUM>, a first support member <NUM> (e.g., a bracket), a front plate <NUM>, a display <NUM>, an electromagnetic induction panel (not shown), a printed circuit board (PCB) <NUM>, a battery <NUM>, a second support member <NUM> (e.g., a rear case), an antenna <NUM>, and a rear plate <NUM>. The mobile electronic device <NUM> may omit at least one (e.g., the first support member <NUM> or the second support member <NUM>) of the above components or may further include another component. Some components of the electronic device <NUM> may be the same as or similar to those of the mobile electronic device <NUM> shown in <FIG>, thus, descriptions thereof are omitted below.

According to certain embodiments, the side member <NUM> may be integrally formed with the first support member <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the side member <NUM> may include a first surface <NUM> facing the front plate <NUM>, a second surface <NUM> facing in a direction opposite to that of the first surface <NUM> and facing the rear plate <NUM>, and a side surface <NUM> enclosing a space between the first surface <NUM> and the second surface <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the first support member <NUM> may be formed to extend in an internal space direction of the electronic device <NUM> from the side surface.

The first support member <NUM> is disposed inside the mobile electronic device <NUM> and may be connected to, or integrated with, the lateral bezel structure <NUM>. The first support member <NUM> may be formed of, for example, a metallic material and/or a non-metal (e.g., polymer) material. The first support member <NUM> may be combined with the display <NUM> at one side thereof and also combined with the PCB <NUM> at the other side thereof. On the PCB <NUM>, a processor, a memory, and/or an interface may be mounted. The processor may include, for example, one or more of a central processing unit (CPU), an application processor (AP), a graphics processing unit (GPU), an image signal processor (ISP), a sensor hub processor, or a communications processor (CP).

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

The interface may include, for example, a high definition multimedia interface (HDMI), a USB interface, a secure digital (SD) card interface, and/or an audio interface. The interface may electrically or physically connect the mobile electronic device <NUM> with an external electronic device and may include a USB connector, an SD card/multimedia card (MMC) connector, or an audio connector.

The battery <NUM> is a device for supplying power to at least one component of the mobile electronic device <NUM>, and may include, for example, a non-rechargeable primary battery, a rechargeable secondary battery, or a fuel cell. At least a part of the battery <NUM> may be disposed on substantially the same plane as the PCB <NUM>. The battery <NUM> may be integrally disposed within the mobile electronic device <NUM>, and may be detachably disposed from the mobile electronic device <NUM>.

The antenna <NUM> may perform short-range communication with an external device, or transmit and receive power utilized for charging wirelessly.

<FIG> is a perspective view of an electronic device <NUM> in which a stack structure of printed circuit boards <NUM> and <NUM> according to certain embodiments is illustrated, and <FIG> a perspective view of an electronic device <NUM> in which a stack structure of printed circuit boards <NUM> and <NUM> according to certain embodiments is illustrated.

The electronic device <NUM> of <FIG> may be at least partially similar to the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG> or may further include other embodiments of an electronic device.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> (e.g., the electronic device <NUM> in <FIG>) may include a housing (e.g., the housing <NUM> in FIG. 1A) including a first plate <NUM> (e.g., the front plate <NUM> in <FIG>), a second plate <NUM> (the rear plate <NUM> in <FIG>) facing away from the first plate <NUM>, and a side member <NUM> (e.g., the side member <NUM> in <FIG>) surrounding the space defined between the first plate <NUM> and the second plate <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may include a first support member <NUM> (e.g., the first support member <NUM> in <FIG>) disposed in the inner space thereof. According to an embodiment, the first support member <NUM> may be disposed to extend into the inner space from the side member <NUM>. As another example, the first support member <NUM> may be separately provided in the inner space of the electronic device <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the first support member <NUM> may extend from the side member <NUM>, and may be at least partially formed of a conductive material. According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may include a camera structure <NUM> disposed in a space defined between the first plate <NUM> and the second plate <NUM>.

According to certain embodiments, the electronic device <NUM> may include a pair of printed circuit boards <NUM> and <NUM> disposed between the first plate <NUM> and the second plate <NUM> in the inner space thereof. According to an embodiment, the pair of printed circuit boards <NUM> and <NUM> may be arranged to at least partially overlap each other when the first plate <NUM> is viewed from above. According to an embodiment, the pair of printed circuit boards <NUM> and <NUM> may include a first printed circuit board <NUM> (e.g., a main substrate) disposed between the first support member (or plate) <NUM> and the second plate <NUM>, and a second printed circuit board <NUM> (e.g., a sub-substrate) disposed between the first printed circuit board <NUM> and the second plate <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may include an interposer <NUM> disposed between the first printed circuit board <NUM> and the second printed circuit board <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the interposer <NUM> may electrically interconnect the two printed circuit boards <NUM> and <NUM> by being soldered to the first printed circuit board <NUM> and the second printed circuit board <NUM> via a plurality of conductive vias. According to an embodiment, the interposer <NUM> may have substantially the same shape as at least one of the first printed circuit board <NUM> and the second printed circuit board <NUM>, and may define an opening <NUM> in the center thereof. According to an embodiment, the opening <NUM> may accommodate electronic components (e.g., various electrical elements or shield cans) disposed on at least one of the two printed circuit boards <NUM> and <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may include a second support member <NUM> disposed between the second printed circuit board <NUM> and the second plate <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the second support member <NUM> may be disposed at a position at which the second support member <NUM> at least partially overlaps the second circuit board <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the second support member <NUM> may include a metal plate.

According to certain embodiments, the electronic device <NUM> may include a stack structure in which the first printed circuit board <NUM>, the interposer <NUM>, the second printed circuit board <NUM>, and the second support member <NUM> are stacked on the first support member (or plate) <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may include at least one screw <NUM> that passes through at least a portion of the first printed circuit board <NUM> and the interposer <NUM> so as not to be involved in fastening and is fastened such that the first printed circuit board <NUM> is fixed to the first support member <NUM> via the second support member <NUM> (e.g., in an exclusive sense).

According to certain embodiments, the first support member <NUM> may include at least one screw-fastening part <NUM> including a screw-fastening hole <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the first printed circuit board <NUM> may include at least one screw-fixing portion <NUM> formed at a position facing the at least one screw-fastening portion <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the screw-fixing portion <NUM> may include a recess having a predetermined size formed in a portion of an edge of the first printed circuit board <NUM>. In another embodiment, the screw-fixing portion <NUM> may include a through hole formed in the first printed circuit board <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the second printed circuit board <NUM> may include at least one first screw guide groove <NUM> formed at a position facing the at least one screw-fixing portion <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the interposer <NUM> may include at least one second screw-guide groove <NUM> formed at a position facing the first screw guide groove <NUM> in the second printed circuit board <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the first screw guide groove <NUM> and the second screw guide groove <NUM> may have the same size and shape. The first screw guide groove <NUM> and the second screw guide groove <NUM> may guide the screw to be fastened, but may be formed to a size not involved in fastening. According to an embodiment, each of the first screw guide groove <NUM> and the second screw guide groove <NUM> may include a recess formed in a portion of an edge of one of the second printed circuit board <NUM> and the interposer <NUM>. According to an embodiment, each of the first screw guide groove <NUM> and the second screw guide groove <NUM> may include a through hole formed through one of the second printed circuit board <NUM> and the interposer <NUM>.

According to certain embodiments, the second support member <NUM> may include a screw inlet portion <NUM> formed at a position facing the screw-fixing portion <NUM> of the first printed circuit board <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the screw inlet portion <NUM> may include a through hole <NUM> through which the screw <NUM> passes. According to an embodiment, the screw inlet portion <NUM> may be formed as to be lower than the face of the second support member <NUM>. For example, when the second support member <NUM> includes a metal plate, the screw inlet portion <NUM> may be formed through a pressing or molding process. For example, when the second support member <NUM> is made of a polymer material, the screw inlet portion <NUM> may be formed through a pressing or injection-molding process. According to an embodiment, the screw <NUM> fastened through the second support member <NUM> may not protrude from the outer face of the second support member <NUM> thanks to the screw inlet portion <NUM>.

According to certain embodiments, the electronic device <NUM> may include a washer member <NUM> having a predetermined thickness to press or support the first printed circuit board <NUM> while being accommodated in the first screw guide groove <NUM> and the second screw guide groove <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the washer member <NUM> may be formed to have a thickness compensating for the thicknesses of the second printed circuit board <NUM> and the interposer <NUM>, which are not involved in fastening the screw <NUM>. Accordingly, the screw <NUM> introduced into the screw inlet portion <NUM> in the second support member <NUM> passes through the through hole <NUM> of the washer member <NUM>, and is then fastened to the screw-fastening portion <NUM> in the first support member <NUM>, whereby the first printed circuit board <NUM> may be firmly fixed to the first support member <NUM> via the second support member <NUM>. For example, the second circuit board <NUM> may be fixed to the first printed circuit board <NUM> via the interposer <NUM>. This is due to the fact that the interposer <NUM> is fixed to the first printed circuit board <NUM> and the second printed circuit board <NUM> through a soldering process using solder.

According to certain embodiments, even if the first support member <NUM>, the first printed circuit board <NUM>, the interposer <NUM>, the second printed circuit board <NUM>, and the second support member <NUM> are stacked to have a height via the screw <NUM>, since the first printed circuit board <NUM> is fixed to the first support member <NUM> via the second support member <NUM>, it is possible to prevent the interposer <NUM> from being damaged by an external impact. Furthermore, even if the second printed circuit board <NUM> is not involved in screw fastening, since the peripheral area except for the first screw guide groove <NUM> has an area overlapping the interposer <NUM>, it may be advantageous to secure a wider electrical element mounting space.

As another embodiment, it is possible to replace the role of the washer member by adjusting the height and shape of the screw-fastening portion <NUM> without the washer member <NUM>. For example, the screw-fastening portion <NUM> may extend from the first support member <NUM> to a predetermined height, may pass through the first printed circuit board <NUM>, the interposer <NUM>, and the second printed circuit board <NUM>, and may be then fastened with the screw <NUM> via the second support member <NUM>.

<FIG> is a perspective view partially illustrating the state in which two printed circuit boards <NUM> and <NUM> are stacked via an interposer <NUM> according to various embodiment, and <FIG> is a perspective view partially illustrating the state in which two printed circuit boards <NUM> and <NUM> are stacked via an interposer <NUM> according to certain embodiments.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the first printed circuit board <NUM>, the interposer <NUM>, and the second printed circuit board <NUM> may be sequentially stacked on the first support member <NUM>. In this case, the screw-fastening portion <NUM> in the first support member <NUM> and the screw-fixing portion <NUM> in the first printed circuit board <NUM> may be disposed to face each other. According to an embodiment, the first screw guide groove <NUM> in the second printed circuit board <NUM> and the second screw guide groove <NUM> in the interposer <NUM> may also be disposed at positions facing the screw-fixing portion <NUM>.

According to certain embodiments, the first screw guide groove <NUM> in the second printed circuit board <NUM> and the second screw guide groove <NUM> in the interposer <NUM> may have a size and shape not to be involved in screw fastening. According to an embodiment, the first screw guide groove <NUM> in the second printed circuit board <NUM> and the second screw guide groove <NUM> in the interposer <NUM> may be formed to have a size and/or a shape including the screw-fixing portion <NUM> in the first printed circuit board <NUM> when the first plate (e.g., the first plate <NUM> in <FIG>) is viewed from above. For example, as illustrated, when the first plate (e.g., the first plate <NUM> in <FIG>) is viewed from above, the first screw guide groove <NUM> and the second screw guide groove <NUM> may have the same shape, and may have a predetermined gap g with the screw-fixing portion <NUM>. According to an embodiment, through this gap g, a screw (e.g., the screw <NUM> in <FIG>) may fix the first printed circuit board <NUM> to the first support member <NUM> without coming into contact with the first screw guide groove <NUM> and the second screw guide groove <NUM>.

According to certain embodiments, the first screw guide groove <NUM> and the second screw guide groove <NUM> are not involved in screw fastening, but guide the screw (e.g., the screw <NUM> in <FIG>) and are disposed in the interposer <NUM> and the second printed circuit board <NUM>, which overlap the first printed circuit board <NUM>. Thus, it is possible to compensate for the height used for screw fastening. Accordingly, the electronic device <NUM> may include a washer member <NUM> disposed at a position corresponding to the first screw guide groove <NUM> and the second screw guide groove <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the washer member <NUM> may be disposed to include the screw-fixing portion <NUM> above the first printed circuit board <NUM> while being simultaneously accommodated in the first screw guide groove <NUM> and the second screw guide groove <NUM>.

<FIG> is a perspective view partially illustrating the state in which the first support member <NUM> is disposed via the washer member <NUM> according to certain embodiments, and <FIG> is a perspective view partially illustrating the state in which the first support member <NUM> is disposed via the washer member <NUM> according to certain embodiments.

<FIG> illustrates a cross section of the electronic device <NUM> taken along line A-A' in <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, in the state in which the washer member <NUM> is accommodated in the first screw guide groove <NUM> and the second screw guide groove <NUM> and is disposed on the first printed circuit board <NUM>, the second support member <NUM> may be disposed on the second printed circuit board <NUM>. In this case, the screw inlet portion <NUM> in the second support member <NUM> may be disposed at a position facing the washer member <NUM>. For example, a through hole <NUM> in the screw inlet portion <NUM>, the through hole <NUM> in the washer member <NUM>, and a fastening hole <NUM> in the first support member <NUM> may be aligned to overlap each other. Accordingly, when a screw (e.g., the screw <NUM> in <FIG>) is fastened through the through hole <NUM> in the screw inlet portion <NUM>, the screw may be fastened to the fastening hole <NUM> in the first support member <NUM> through the through hole <NUM> in the washer member <NUM>. In this case, the second support member <NUM> is pressed towards the first support member <NUM> due to the fastening of the screw (e.g., the screw <NUM> in <FIG>), and the washer member <NUM> presses the top face of the first printed circuit board <NUM> by the pressed second support member <NUM>, whereby the first printed circuit board <NUM> can be firmly fixed to the first support member <NUM>. As another embodiment, the screw may be simultaneously fastened to the screw-fixing portion <NUM> in the first printed circuit board <NUM> and the screw-fastening portion <NUM> in the first support member <NUM>.

According to certain embodiments, even if the first printed circuit board <NUM> is fixed to the first support member <NUM> via the washer member <NUM>, the second printed circuit board <NUM> and the interposer <NUM> are capable of being supported in the positions thereof without being involved in screw fastening. Therefore, even when an impact is transmitted from the outside of the electronic device <NUM>, the second printed circuit board <NUM> and the interposer <NUM> may be prevented from being distorted with respect to the first printed circuit board <NUM>.

<FIG> is a perspective view partially illustrating the state in which the first printed circuit board <NUM> is fixed to the first support member <NUM> via the second support member <NUM> according to certain embodiments.

Referring to <FIG>, in order to compensate for the heights of the first screw guide groove <NUM> and the second screw guide groove <NUM>, a separate washer member (e.g., the washer member <NUM> of <FIG>) may be omitted, and the screw inlet portion <NUM> in the second support member <NUM> may also serve as a washer member only by changing the structure change thereof. For example, the screw inlet portion <NUM> may include an extension <NUM> extending to the top face of the first printed circuit board <NUM>, and the through hole <NUM> may be formed in the extension <NUM>. Accordingly, when the second support member <NUM> is disposed on the second printed circuit board <NUM>, the extension <NUM> may be disposed to substantially come into contact with the first printed circuit board <NUM> while being guided by the first screw guide groove <NUM> and the second screw guide groove <NUM>.

<FIG> is a plan view illustrating the configuration of an interposer <NUM> according to certain embodiments. <FIG> is a cross-sectional view illustrating a portion of the interposer <NUM> taken along line B-B' in <FIG>.

The interposer <NUM> in <FIG> may be at least partially similar to the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG> or may further include other embodiments of an interposer.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the interposer <NUM> (e.g., the interposer <NUM> in <FIG>) may include a first face <NUM> facing a first printed circuit board <NUM> (e.g., the first printed circuit board <NUM> in <FIG>), a second face <NUM> (<FIG>) facing away from the first face <NUM> and facing a second printed circuit board <NUM> (e.g., the second printed circuit board <NUM>) in <FIG>), and a side face <NUM> surrounding the space between the first face <NUM> and the second face <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the interposer <NUM> may include a plurality of first connection pads <NUM> disposed on the first face <NUM> and a plurality of second connection pads <NUM> disposed on the second face <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the plurality of first connection pads <NUM> and the plurality of second connection pads <NUM> may be electrically connected to each other via a plurality of conductive vias <NUM> formed to penetrate the interposer <NUM> from the first face <NUM> to the second face <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the plurality of first connection pads <NUM> may be electrically connected to the first printed circuit board <NUM>, and the plurality of second connection pads <NUM> may be electrically connected to the second printed circuit board <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the plurality of first connection pads <NUM> and the plurality of second connection pads <NUM> may be used for transmission of electrical signals (e.g., a data signal and/or a ground signal) between the first printed circuit board <NUM> and the second printed circuit board <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the plurality of first connection pads <NUM> and the plurality of second connection pads <NUM> may include solder applied to the first face <NUM> and the second face <NUM>.

According to certain embodiments, a first unit connection pad <NUM> of each of the plurality of first connection pads <NUM> may be electrically connected to a second unit connection pad <NUM> of each of the plurality of second connection pads <NUM> via at least two conductive vias <NUM>. For example, the first unit connection pads <NUM> are electrically connected to the second unit connection pads <NUM> via the plurality of conductive vias <NUM>. Thus, even if any one of the conductive vias is damaged by an external impact, smooth electrical connection between the first unit connection pads <NUM> and the second unit connection pads <NUM> may be enabled via remaining vias.

According to certain embodiments, the interposer <NUM> may include a screw guide groove <NUM> (e.g., the second screw guide groove <NUM> in <FIG>) disposed at an edge and/or a corner portion. According to an embodiment, the interposer <NUM> may include a first support pad <NUM> and a second support pad <NUM>, which are disposed on the first face <NUM> and the second face <NUM>, respectively, around the screw guide groove <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the first support pad <NUM> and the second support pad <NUM> may be disposed to surround the screw guide groove <NUM> on the first face <NUM> and the second face <NUM>, respectively. According to an embodiment, the first support pad <NUM> and the second support pad <NUM> may be formed in order to prevent breakage due to the contact with the screw and/or washer passing through the screw guide groove <NUM> and to reinforce rigidity. According to an embodiment, the first support pad <NUM> and the second support pad <NUM> may be used for transmission of electrical signals (e.g., a data signal and/or a ground signal) between the first printed circuit board <NUM> and the second printed circuit board <NUM>.

According to certain embodiments, the first support pad <NUM> and the second support pad <NUM> may be electrically connected to each other via a conductive material <NUM> applied to the side face <NUM> of the interposer <NUM> in the screw guide groove <NUM>. In another embodiment, the first support pad <NUM>, the conductive material <NUM>, and the second support pad <NUM> may be formed through solder applied, in a bypass manner, from the first face <NUM> to the second face <NUM> through the side face <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the first support pad <NUM> and the second support pad <NUM> may be formed to have a wider area than the peripheral connection pads <NUM> and <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the first support pad <NUM> and the second support pad <NUM> may be formed to be higher than the peripheral connection pads <NUM> and <NUM>. In this case, the support pads <NUM> and <NUM> may be formed by increasing the introduction of solder by increasing the thickness of a metal mask. According to an embodiment, when the printed circuit boards <NUM> and <NUM> face the interposer <NUM>, since the printed circuit boards <NUM> and <NUM> are supported by the support pads <NUM> and <NUM> formed higher than the connection pads <NUM> and <NUM>, it is possible to prevent the connection pads <NUM> and <NUM> from being pressed and damaged.

<FIG> is a plan view illustrating the configuration of an interposer <NUM> according to certain embodiments. <FIG> is a cross-sectional view illustrating a portion of the interposer <NUM> taken along line C-C' in <FIG>.

In describing <FIG> and <FIG>, the electrical connection structures of a plurality of first connection pads <NUM> and a plurality of first connection pads <NUM> are substantially the same as those of <FIG> and <FIG>, and thus a description thereof will be omitted.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, a first support pad <NUM> and a second support pad <NUM> may be electrically connected to each other via a plurality of conductive vias <NUM> formed to penetrate the interposer <NUM> from the first face <NUM> to the second face <NUM> at regular intervals. According to an embodiment, the plurality of conductive vias <NUM> may be formed of the same material when forming the plurality of conductive vias <NUM> connecting the first connection pads <NUM> and the second connection pads <NUM>.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view illustrating a portion of a modified interposer of that in <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, the interposer <NUM> may include a plurality of first connection pads <NUM> and <NUM>' disposed on the first face <NUM> and a plurality of second connection pads <NUM> and <NUM>' disposed on the second face <NUM>. According to an embodiment, each of at least some connection pads <NUM>' among the plurality of first connection pads <NUM> and <NUM>' and each of at least some connection pads <NUM>' among the plurality of second connection pads <NUM> and <NUM>' may be electrically connected to each other via one conductive via <NUM>. In this case, the one conductive via <NUM> may be formed of a conductive material (e.g., Cu) having a volume larger than each of at least two conductive vias <NUM>, thus helping to reduce a DC resistance (DCR). As another embodiment, each of at least some connection pads <NUM>' among the plurality of first connection pads <NUM> and <NUM>' and each of at least some connection pads <NUM>' among the plurality of second connection pads <NUM> and <NUM>' may be allocated to transmit the same signal, whereby, even if one conductive via <NUM> is damaged or cracked, signal non-transmission risk may be reduced.

According to certain embodiments, each of at least some connection pads <NUM> among the plurality of first connection pads <NUM> and <NUM>' and each of at least some connection pads <NUM> among the plurality of second connection pads <NUM> and <NUM>' may be electrically connected to each other via at least two conductive vias <NUM>. For example, in the case of a signal in which distortion may occur (e.g., a high-speed signal of USB), it may be advantageous to electrically connect the first connection pad <NUM> and the second connection pad <NUM> to each other via at least two conductive vias <NUM>.

According to certain embodiments, an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM> in <FIG>) may include: a first support member (e.g., the first support member <NUM> in <FIG>) disposed in an inner space of the electronic device and including at least one screw-fastening portion (e.g., the screw-fastening portion <NUM> in <FIG>); a first printed circuit board (e.g., the first printed circuit board <NUM> in <FIG>) stacked on the first support member and including at least one screw-fixing portion (e.g., the screw-fixing portion <NUM> in <FIG>) facing the at least one screw-fastening portion; a second printed circuit board (e.g., the second printed circuit in <FIG>) spaced apart from the first printed circuit board and including at least one first screw guide groove (e.g., the at least one first screw guide groove <NUM> in <FIG>) facing the at least one screw-fixing portion; an interposer (e.g., the interposer <NUM> in <FIG>) disposed between the first printed circuit board and the second printed circuit board to electrically connect the first printed circuit board and the second printed circuit board and including at least one second screw guide groove (e.g., the second screw guide groove <NUM> in <FIG>) facing the at least one first screw guide groove; and a second support member (e.g., the second support member <NUM> in <FIG>) disposed between the second printed circuit board and the second plate and including a screw inlet portion (e.g., the screw inlet portion <NUM> in <FIG>) facing the at least one first screw guide groove. The second support member, the first printed circuit board, and the first support member may be fixed to each other via a screw (e.g., the screw <NUM> in <FIG>) applied through the screw inlet portion in the second support member.

According to certain embodiments, the screw-fixing portion may be disposed at a position overlapping the first screw guide groove and/or the second screw guide groove when the second support member is viewed from above.

According to certain embodiments, the screw-fixing portion may be formed to be smaller than the first screw guide groove and/or the second screw guide groove.

According to certain embodiments, the first screw guide groove and the second screw guide groove may be formed to have a same size and/or shape.

According to certain embodiments, the screw inlet portion may include a through hole (e.g., the through hole <NUM> in <FIG>) and may be formed at a position facing the second screw guide groove to be lower than the face of the second support member.

According to certain embodiments, the electronic device may further include a washer member (e.g., the washer member <NUM> in <FIG>) interposed between the screw-fixing portion in the first printed circuit board and the screw-inlet portion in the second support member.

According to certain embodiments, the washer member may be at least partially accommodated in the first screw guide groove and the second screw guide groove, and may be disposed in parallel with the first screw guide groove and the second screw guide groove.

According to certain embodiments, the washer member may be formed to have a thickness that is at least equal to or greater than the sum of thicknesses of the second printed circuit board and the interposer.

According to certain embodiments, the washer member may be placed on a top face including the screw-fixing portion in the first printed circuit board, and may be disposed to be pressed by the screw inlet portion in the second support member.

According to certain embodiments, the electronic device may further include an extension (e.g., the extension <NUM> in <FIG>) extending from the screw inlet portion towards the first support member, and the extension may be disposed so as to be at least partially accommodated in the first screw guide groove and the second screw guide groove.

According to certain embodiments, the extension may be formed to have a depth that comes into contact with the top face of the first printed circuit board when assembled.

According to certain embodiments, the interposer (e.g., the interposer <NUM> in <FIG>) may include a first face (e.g., the first face <NUM> in <FIG>) facing the first support member, a second face (e.g., the second face <NUM> in <FIG>) facing away from the first face, a side face (e.g., the side face <NUM> in <FIG>) surrounding the space between the first face and the second face; and a pair of support pads (e.g., the support pads <NUM> and <NUM> in <FIG>) disposed to surround the second screw guide groove and to be exposed on the first face and the second face.

According to certain embodiments, the pair of support pads may be electrically connected to each other by a conductive material (e.g., the conductive material <NUM> in <FIG>) applied to the side face to extend from the support pad (e.g., the first support pad <NUM> in <FIG>) on the first face to the support pad (e.g., the second support pad <NUM> in <FIG>) on the second face.

According to certain embodiments, the interposer may further include a plurality of connection pads (e.g., the connection pads <NUM> and <NUM> in <FIG>) disposed to be exposed on the first face and the second face, and a plurality of conductive vias (e.g., the conductive vias <NUM> in <FIG>) formed to penetrate the interposer from the first face to the second face and electrically connecting the connection pads, and the support pads may have a larger area than the connection pads.

According to certain embodiments, the interposer may further include a plurality of connection pads disposed to be exposed on the first face and the second face, and a plurality of conductive vias formed to penetrate the interposer from the first face to the second face and electrically connecting the connection pads, and the support pads may have a higher height than the connection pads.

According to certain embodiments, the pair of support pads may be electrically connected to each other via at least one conductive via (e.g., the conductive via <NUM> in <FIG>) formed to penetrate the interposer from the first face to the second face.

According to certain embodiments, the first support member may be formed to extend from a side member of the electronic device to the space.

According to certain embodiments, the electronic device may further include a display (e.g., the display <NUM> in <FIG>) disposed in the inner space to be externally visible through at least a portion of the electronic device.

According to certain embodiments, an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM> in <FIG>) may include: a housing (e.g., the housing <NUM> in FIG. 1A) including a first plate (e.g., the first plate <NUM> in <FIG>), a second plate (e.g., the second plate <NUM> in <FIG>) facing away from the first plate, and a side member (e.g., the side member <NUM> in <FIG>) surrounding a space between the first plate and the second plate; a first support member (e.g., the first support member <NUM> in <FIG>) disposed in the space to be substantially parallel with the first plate and including at least one screw-fastening portion (e.g., the screw-fastening portion <NUM> in <FIG>); a first printed circuit board (e.g., the first printed circuit board <NUM> in <FIG>) disposed between the first support member and the second plate and including at least one screw-fixing portion (e.g., the screw-fixing portion <NUM> in <FIG>) facing the at least one screw-fastening portion; a second printed circuit board (e.g., the second printed circuit <NUM> in <FIG>) disposed between the first printed circuit board and the second plate and including at least one first screw guide groove (e.g., the at least one first screw guide groove <NUM> in <FIG>) facing the at least one screw-fixing portion; an interposer (e.g., the interposer <NUM> in <FIG>) disposed between the first printed circuit board and the second printed circuit board to electrically connect the first printed circuit board and the second printed circuit board and including at least one second screw guide groove (e.g., the second screw guide groove <NUM> in <FIG>) facing the at least one first screw guide groove; and a second support member (e.g., the second support member <NUM> in <FIG>) disposed between the second printed circuit board and the second plate and including a screw inlet portion (e.g., the screw inlet portion <NUM> in <FIG>) facing the at least one first screw guide groove. The second support member, the first printed circuit board, and the first support member may be fixed to each other via a screw (e.g., the screw <NUM> in <FIG>) applied through the screw inlet portion in the second support member.

According to certain embodiments, the screw-fixing portion may be disposed at a position overlapping the first screw guide groove and/or the second screw guide groove when the first plate is viewed from above.

Claim 1:
An electronic device (<NUM>), comprising:
a first support member (<NUM>) disposed in an inner space defined within the electronic device (<NUM>) and including at least one screw-fastening portion (<NUM>);
a first printed circuit board (<NUM>) stacked on the first support member (<NUM>) and including at least one screw-fixing portion (<NUM>) disposed facing the at least one screw-fastening portion (<NUM>);
a second printed circuit board (<NUM>) spaced apart from the first printed circuit board (<NUM>) and including at least one first screw guide groove (<NUM>) facing the at least one screw-fixing portion (<NUM>);
an interposer (<NUM>) disposed between the first printed circuit board (<NUM>) and the second printed circuit board (<NUM>) to electrically connect the first printed circuit board (<NUM>) and the second printed circuit board (<NUM>), and the interposer (<NUM>) including at least one second screw guide groove (<NUM>) facing the at least one first screw guide groove (<NUM>);
a second support member (<NUM>) stacked on the second printed circuit board (<NUM>) and including a screw inlet portion (<NUM>) facing the at least one first screw guide groove (<NUM>); and
an extension member (<NUM>) extending from the screw inlet portion (<NUM>) towards the first support member (<NUM>), the extension member (<NUM>) being at least partially accommodated in the first screw guide groove (<NUM>) and the second screw guide groove (<NUM>),
wherein the extension member (<NUM>) defines a depth such that a portion of the extension member (<NUM>) contacts with a top face of the first printed circuit board (<NUM>) when assembled, and
wherein the second support member (<NUM>), the first printed circuit board (<NUM>), and the first support member (<NUM>) are affixed to each other via a screw (<NUM>) inserted through the screw inlet portion (<NUM>) in the second support member (<NUM>).