Patent ID: 12256495

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG.1is a block diagram illustrating an example electronic device in a network environment according to various embodiments. Referring toFIG.1, an electronic device101in a network environment100may communicate with an electronic device102via a first network198(e.g., a short-range wireless communication network), or at least one of an electronic device104or a server via a second network199(e.g., a long-range wireless communication network). According to an embodiment, the electronic device101may communicate with the electronic device104via the server108. According to an embodiment, the electronic device101may include a processor120, memory130, an input module150, a sound output module155, a display module160, an audio module170, a sensor module176, an interface177, a connecting terminal178, a haptic module179, a camera module180, a power management module188, a battery189, a communication module190, a subscriber identification module (SIM)196, or an antenna module197. In various embodiments, at least one of the components (e.g., the connecting terminal178) may be omitted from the electronic device101, or one or more other components may be added in the electronic device101. In various embodiments, some of the components (e.g., the sensor module176, the camera module180, or the antenna module197) may be implemented as a single component (e.g., the display module160).

The processor120may execute, for example, software (e.g., a program140) to control at least one other component (e.g., a hardware or software component) of the electronic device101coupled with the processor120, and may perform various data processing or computation. According to an embodiment, as at least part of the data processing or computation, the processor120may store a command or data received from another component (e.g., the sensor module176or the communication module190) in volatile memory132, process the command or the data stored in the volatile memory132, and store resulting data in non-volatile memory134. According to an embodiment, the processor120may include a main processor121(e.g., a central processing unit (CPU) or an application processor (AP)), or an auxiliary processor123(e.g., a graphics processing unit (GPU), a neural processing unit (NPU), an image signal processor (ISP), a sensor hub processor, or a communication processor (CP)) that is operable independently from, or in conjunction with, the main processor121. For example, when the electronic device101includes the main processor and the auxiliary processor123, the auxiliary processor123may be adapted to consume less power than the main processor121, or to be specific to a specified function. The auxiliary processor123may be implemented as separate from, or as part of the main processor121.

The auxiliary processor123may control at least some of functions or states related to at least one component (e.g., the display module160, the sensor module176, or the communication module190) among the components of the electronic device101, instead of the main processor121while the main processor121is in an inactive (e.g., sleep) state, or together with the main processor121while the main processor121is in an active state (e.g., executing an application). According to an embodiment, the auxiliary processor123(e.g., an image signal processor or a communication processor) may be implemented as part of another component (e.g., the camera module180or the communication module190) functionally related to the auxiliary processor123. According to an embodiment, the auxiliary processor123(e.g., the neural processing unit) may include a hardware structure specified for artificial intelligence model processing. An artificial intelligence model may be generated by machine learning. Such learning may be performed, e.g., by the electronic device101where the artificial intelligence is performed or via a separate server (e.g., the server108). Learning algorithms may include, but are not limited to, e.g., supervised learning, unsupervised learning, semi-supervised learning, or reinforcement learning. The artificial intelligence model may include a plurality of artificial neural network layers. The artificial neural network may be a deep neural network (DNN), a convolutional neural network (CNN), a recurrent neural network (RNN), a restricted boltzmann machine (RBM), a deep belief network (DBN), a bidirectional recurrent deep neural network (BRDNN), deep Q-network or a combination of two or more thereof but is not limited thereto. The artificial intelligence model may, additionally or alternatively, include a software structure other than the hardware structure.

The memory130may store various data used by at least one component (e.g., the processor120or the sensor module176) of the electronic device101. The various data may include, for example, software (e.g., the program140) and input data or output data for a command related thereto. The memory130may include the volatile memory132or the non-volatile memory134.

The program140may be stored in the memory130as software, and may include, for example, an operating system (OS)142, middleware144, or an application146.

The input module150may receive a command or data to be used by another component (e.g., the processor120) of the electronic device101, from the outside (e.g., a user) of the electronic device101. The input module150may include, for example, a microphone, a mouse, a keyboard, a key (e.g., a button), or a digital pen (e.g., a stylus pen).

The sound output module155may output sound signals to the outside of the electronic device101. The sound output module155may include, for example, a speaker or a receiver. The speaker may be used for general purposes, such as playing multimedia or playing record. The receiver may be used for receiving incoming calls. According to an embodiment, the receiver may be implemented as separate from, or as part of the speaker.

The display module160may visually provide information to the outside (e.g., a user) of the electronic device101. The display module160may include, for example, a display, a hologram device, or a projector and control circuitry to control a corresponding one of the display, hologram device, and projector. According to an embodiment, the display module160may include a touch sensor adapted to detect a touch, or a pressure sensor adapted to measure the intensity of force incurred by the touch.

The audio module170may convert a sound into an electrical signal and vice versa. According to an embodiment, the audio module170may obtain the sound via the input module150, or output the sound via the sound output module155or a headphone of an external electronic device (e.g., an electronic device102) directly (e.g., wiredly) or wirelessly coupled with the electronic device101.

The sensor module176may detect an operational state (e.g., power or temperature) of the electronic device101or an environmental state (e.g., a state of a user) external to the electronic device101, and then generate an electrical signal or data value corresponding to the detected state. According to an embodiment, the sensor module176may include, for example, a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, an atmospheric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a grip sensor, a proximity sensor, a color sensor, an infrared (IR) sensor, a biometric sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or an illuminance sensor.

The interface177may support one or more specified protocols to be used for the electronic device101to be coupled with the external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device102) directly (e.g., wiredly) or wirelessly. According to an embodiment, the interface177may include, for example, a high definition multimedia interface (HDMI), a universal serial bus (USB) interface, a secure digital (SD) card interface, or an audio interface.

A connecting terminal178may include a connector via which the electronic device101may be physically connected with the external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device102). According to an embodiment, the connecting terminal178may include, for example, a HDMI connector, a USB connector, a SD card connector, or an audio connector (e.g., a headphone connector).

The haptic module179may convert an electrical signal into a mechanical stimulus (e.g., a vibration or a movement) or electrical stimulus which may be recognized by a user via his tactile sensation or kinesthetic sensation. According to an embodiment, the haptic module179may include, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electric stimulator.

The camera module180may capture a still image or moving images. According to an embodiment, the camera module180may include one or more lenses, image sensors, image signal processors, or flashes.

The power management module188may manage power supplied to the electronic device101. According to an embodiment, the power management module188may be implemented as at least part of, for example, a power management integrated circuit (PMIC).

The battery189may supply power to at least one component of the electronic device101. According to an embodiment, the battery189may include, for example, a primary cell which is not rechargeable, a secondary cell which is rechargeable, or a fuel cell.

The communication module190may support establishing a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between the electronic device101and the external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device102, the electronic device104, or the server108) and performing communication via the established communication channel. The communication module190may include one or more communication processors that are operable independently from the processor120(e.g., the application processor (AP)) and supports a direct (e.g., wired) communication or a wireless communication. According to an embodiment, the communication module190may include a wireless communication module192(e.g., a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) communication module) or a wired communication module194(e.g., a local area network (LAN) communication module or a power line communication (PLC) module). A corresponding one of these communication modules may communicate with the external electronic device via the first network198(e.g., a short-range communication network, such as Bluetooth™, wireless-fidelity (Wi-Fi) direct, or infrared data association (IrDA)) or the second network199(e.g., a long-range communication network, such as a legacy cellular network, a 5G network, a next-generation communication network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., LAN or wide area network (WAN)). These various types of communication modules may be implemented as a single component (e.g., a single chip), or may be implemented as multi components (e.g., multi chips) separate from each other. The wireless communication module192may identify and authenticate the electronic device101in a communication network, such as the first network198or the second network199, using subscriber information (e.g., international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI)) stored in the subscriber identification module196.

The wireless communication module192may support a 5G network, after a 4G network, and next-generation communication technology, e.g., new radio (NR) access technology. The NR access technology may support enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), massive machine type communications (mMTC), or ultra-reliable and low-latency communications (URLLC). The wireless communication module192may support a high-frequency band (e.g., the millimeter(mm) Wave band) to achieve, e.g., a high data transmission rate. The wireless communication module192may support various technologies for securing performance on a high-frequency band, such as, e.g., beam-forming, massive multiple-input and multiple-output (massive MIMO), full dimensional MIMO (FD-MIMO), array antenna, analog beam-forming, or large scale antenna. The wireless communication module192may support various requirements specified in the electronic device101, an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device104), or a network system (e.g., the second network199). According to an embodiment, the wireless communication module192may support a peak data rate (e.g., 20 Gbps or more) for implementing eMBB, loss coverage (e.g., 164 dB or less) for implementing mMTC, or U-plane latency (e.g., 0.5 ms or less for each of downlink (DL) and uplink (UL), or a round trip of 1 ms or less) for implementing URLLC.

The antenna module197may transmit or receive a signal or power to or from the outside (e.g., the external electronic device) of the electronic device101. According to an embodiment, the antenna module197may include an antenna including a radiating element including a conductive material or a conductive pattern formed in or on a substrate (e.g., a printed circuit board (PCB)). According to an embodiment, the antenna module197may include a plurality of antennas (e.g., array antennas). In such a case, at least one antenna appropriate for a communication scheme used in the communication network, such as the first network198or the second network199, may be selected, for example, by the communication module190(e.g., the wireless communication module192) from the plurality of antennas. The signal or the power may then be transmitted or received between the communication module190and the external electronic device via the selected at least one antenna. According to an embodiment, another component (e.g., a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC)) other than the radiating element may be additionally formed as part of the antenna module197.

According to various embodiments, the antenna module197may form a mmWave antenna module. According to an embodiment, the mmWave antenna module may include a printed circuit board, a RFIC disposed on a first surface (e.g., the bottom surface) of the printed circuit board, or adjacent to the first surface and capable of supporting a designated high-frequency band (e.g., the mmWave band), and a plurality of antennas (e.g., array antennas) disposed on a second surface (e.g., the top or a side surface) of the printed circuit board, or adjacent to the second surface and capable of transmitting or receiving signals of the designated high-frequency band.

At least some of the above-described components may be coupled mutually and communicate signals (e.g., commands or data) therebetween via an inter-peripheral communication scheme (e.g., a bus, general purpose input and output (GPIO), serial peripheral interface (SPI), or mobile industry processor interface (MIPI)).

According to an embodiment, commands or data may be transmitted or received between the electronic device101and the external electronic device via the server108coupled with the second network199. Each of the electronic devices102or104may be a device of a same type as, or a different type, from the electronic device101. According to an embodiment, all or some of operations to be executed at the electronic device101may be executed at one or more of the external electronic devices102,104, or108. For example, if the electronic device101should perform a function or a service automatically, or in response to a request from a user or another device, the electronic device101, instead of, or in addition to, executing the function or the service, may request the one or more external electronic devices to perform at least part of the function or the service. The one or more external electronic devices receiving the request may perform the at least part of the function or the service requested, or an additional function or an additional service related to the request, and transfer an outcome of the performing to the electronic device101. The electronic device101may provide the outcome, with or without further processing of the outcome, as at least part of a reply to the request. To that end, a cloud computing, distributed computing, mobile edge computing (MEC), or client-server computing technology may be used, for example. The electronic device101may provide ultra low-latency services using, e.g., distributed computing or mobile edge computing. In an embodiment, the external electronic device104may include an internet-of-things (IoT) device. The server108may be an intelligent server using machine learning and/or a neural network. According to an embodiment, the external electronic device104or the server may be included in the second network199. The electronic device101may be applied to intelligent services (e.g., smart home, smart city, smart car, or healthcare) based on 5G communication technology or IoT-related technology.

FIG.2Ais a diagram illustrating an electronic device10including a flexible printed circuit board300according to various embodiments.

FIG.2Bis a diagram illustrating a connector200and the flexible printed circuit board300according to various embodiments.

FIG.2Billustrates the electronic device10included in the box line A ofFIG.2Aaccording to various embodiments.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device101(seeFIG.1) may include the electronic device10shown inFIG.2A. The electronic device10shown inFIG.2Ais illustrated by way of example, and the electronic device (seeFIG.1) may include any other type electronic device (e.g., a notebook PC).

The longitudinal direction of the electronic device10according to various embodiments of the disclosure may refer to a direction in which the length of the electronic device10is relatively long. For example, the longitudinal direction of the electronic device10may refer to the positive y-axis direction. The width direction of the electronic device10may refer to a direction in which the electronic device10extends relatively short. For example, the width direction of the electronic device10may refer to the positive x-axis direction.

With reference toFIGS.2A and2B, the electronic device10may include the connector200, the flexible printed circuit board300, and/or a printed circuit board400.

In various embodiments, the printed circuit board400may include the processor (seeFIG.1) and the memory130(seeFIG.1) in at least a part thereof. The processor120may include, for example, one or more of a central processing unit, an application processor, a graphic processing unit, an image signal processor, a sensor hub processor, and a communication processor. The memory may include, for example, a volatile memory or a non-volatile memory.

With reference toFIG.2B, the electronic device10may include a protective film500for protecting the printed circuit board400. For example, the protective film500may be disposed on one surface of the printed circuit board400and prevents and/or reduces the printed circuit board400from being damaged by an external impact.

In various embodiments, one end and the other end of the flexible printed circuit board300may be electrically connected to the printed circuit board400using the connector200.

In various embodiments, the connector200connected to one end of the flexible printed circuit board300(e.g., the end of the flexible printed circuit board300shown in the box line A) may be a zero insertion force (ZIF) connector. The ZIF connector does not require force to connect or disconnect a connecting device (e.g., the flexible printed circuit board300) to or from the ZIF connector, and the connecting device may be connected to or disconnected from the ZIF connector by a separate device (e.g., a fastening member230, seeFIG.3). The flexible printed circuit board300may be electrically connected at one end thereof to the printed circuit board400using the connector200.

In various embodiments, the connector200connected to the other end of the flexible printed circuit board300(e.g., the end of the flexible printed circuit board300extending in the negative x-axis direction inFIG.2A) may be a board-to-board (BtoB) connector. The BtoB connector may refer, for example, to a device for connecting printed circuit boards to each other and may be a device in which a male connector is inserted into and connected to a female connector. The flexible printed circuit board300may be electrically connected at the other end thereof to the printed circuit board400using the connector200.

In various embodiments, the electronic device10may include a backlight unit and/or a cover glass700. The backlight unit600may supply light to a display (not shown) of the electronic device10. The cover glass700may protect the display (not shown).

In various embodiments, the connector200may be disposed on at least a part of the printed circuit board400. With reference toFIG.2B, the connector200may be disposed on one surface of the printed circuit board400. The printed circuit board400shown inFIG.2Bmay include a display driving circuit (not shown).

In various embodiments, the protective film500may be disposed on at least a part of the printed circuit board400. For example, the protective film500may be disposed on one surface of the printed circuit board400. With reference toFIG.2B, the protective film500may be disposed on one surface of the printed circuit board400excluding the portion where the connector200is disposed.

In various embodiments, the flexible printed circuit board300may be bent in at least a part thereof and extend. For example, with reference toFIG.2B, the flexible printed circuit board300may extend in the negative y-axis direction, then be bent in at least a part thereof, and extend again in the opposite direction (e.g., the positive y-axis direction).

AlthoughFIG.2Bshows that the flexible printed circuit board300is bent and extended from the negative y-axis direction and to the positive y-axis direction, this is merely an example. The extension form of the flexible printed circuit board300may not be limited thereto.

In various embodiments, the flexible printed circuit board300may be connected to the connector200at one end thereof. For example, with reference toFIG.2B, the flexible printed circuit board300may extend in the positive y-axis direction and then connected to the connector200at one end. Being connected to the connector200, the flexible printed circuit board300may be electrically connected to the printed circuit board400.

FIG.3is a diagram illustrating a connector200and a flexible printed circuit board300connected to the connector200according to various embodiments.

In describing the connector200according to various embodiments of the disclosure, a direction in which the length of the connector200is relatively long may refer to the longitudinal direction of the connector200, and a direction in which the length of the connector200is relatively short may refer to the height direction of the connector200. For example, the longitudinal direction of the connector200may be the positive y-axis direction, and the height direction of the connector200may be the negative z-axis direction.

With reference toFIG.3, the connector200according to various embodiments of the disclosure may include a first contact portion210, a second contact portion220, a fastening member230, and/or a fastening space240.

In various embodiments, the first contact portion210and the second contact portion220may be positioned to be spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction of the connector200. The fastening space240may be formed at a position in the height direction (e.g., the negative z-axis direction) of the connector200with respect to the first and second contact portions210and220. The fastening space240may be a space into which the flexible printed circuit board300is inserted. The fastening member230may be positioned in the height direction (e.g., the negative z-axis direction) of the connector200with respect to the fastening space240.

In various embodiments, the flexible printed circuit board300may be inserted into the fastening space240of the connector200. In order for the flexible printed circuit board300to be inserted into the fastening space240, a length in the z-axis direction of the fastening space240may be greater than a length in the z-axis direction of the flexible printed circuit board300.

In various embodiments, the connector200may include the fastening member in at least a part thereof. The fastening member230may fix the flexible printed circuit board300inserted into the connector200. The fastening member may be rotatable based on a central axis231.

In various embodiments, the fastening member230may rotate in a direction toward the flexible printed circuit board300with respect to the central axis231. As the fastening member230rotates, it may come into contact with at least a part of the flexible printed circuit board300, and the position of the flexible printed circuit board300may be fixed. As the position of the flexible printed circuit board300is fixed, at least a part of the flexible printed circuit board300may come into contact with the first and second contact portions210and220of the connector200.

In various embodiments, the connector200may include the first contact portion and/or the second contact portion220in at least a part thereof. At least a part of the first and second contact portions210and220may come into contact with at least a part of the flexible printed circuit board300.

In various embodiments, when at least a part of the first and second contact portions210and220is in contact with at least a part of the flexible printed circuit board300, the connector200and the flexible printed circuit board300may be electrically connected.

In various embodiments, the first contact portion210may have a first contact point211that is to be in contact with at least a part of the flexible printed circuit board300. The first contact point211may be a region of the first contact portion protruding in a direction in which the flexible printed circuit board300is disposed.

In various embodiments, the second contact portion220may have a second contact point221that is to be in contact with at least a part of the flexible printed circuit board300. The second contact point221may be a region of the second contact portion220protruding in a direction in which the flexible printed circuit board300is disposed.

In various embodiments, the first contact point211and the second contact point may be disposed with a contact point distance D1 in the longitudinal direction (e.g., the positive y-axis direction) of the connector200. For example, the first contact point211may be disposed at a position spaced apart from the second contact point221by the contact point distance D1 in the longitudinal direction of the connector200.

In various embodiments, the flexible printed circuit board300may include a first terminal311and/or a second terminal312. The first terminal311may come into contact with the first contact point211of the connector200, and the second terminal312may come into contact with the second contact point221of the connector200.

In various embodiments, the first terminal311may be disposed to be spaced apart from the second terminal312in the longitudinal direction (e.g., the positive y-axis direction) of the connector200. For example, the first terminal may be disposed at a position spaced apart from the second terminal312by a first length L1 in the longitudinal direction of the connector200.

In various embodiments, a gap between the first contact portion210and the second contact portion220may be formed to be greater than the first length L1 and a second length L2 (seeFIG.5). The gap between the first contact portion and the second contact portion220may refer to a distance between the first contact point211included in the first contact portion210and the second contact point221included in the second contact portion220. The contact point distance D1 between the first contact point211and the second contact point221may be greater than the first length L1 and the second length L2 (seeFIG.5).

In various embodiments, the first contact portion210may have a plurality of first contact points211. The plurality of first contact points211may come into contact with the plurality of first terminals311, respectively.

In various embodiments, the second contact portion220may have a plurality of second contact points221. The plurality of second contact points221may come into contact with the plurality of second terminals312, respectively.

FIG.4Ais a diagram illustrating an example flexible printed circuit board300including a first area310and a second area320according to various embodiments.

FIG.4Bis a cross-sectional view illustrating the flexible printed circuit board taken along the cross-section A-A′ shown inFIG.4Aaccording to various embodiments.

FIG.4Cis a cross-sectional view illustrating the flexible printed circuit board taken along the cross-section B-B′ shown inFIG.4Aaccording to various embodiments.

The width direction of the flexible printed circuit board300according to various embodiments of the disclosure may refer to the positive x-axis direction, and the longitudinal direction may refer to the positive y-axis direction.

In various embodiments, the flexible printed circuit board300may have the first area310and/or the second area320.

In various embodiments, the first area310may be a region located adjacent to one side300B or the other side300C of the flexible printed circuit board300on one surface of the flexible printed circuit board300. For example, the first area310may refer to a region formed on one surface of the flexible printed circuit board300and formed to have a certain length in the width direction of the flexible printed circuit board300from one side300B or the other side300C of the one surface of the flexible printed circuit board300.

In various embodiments, the flexible printed circuit board300may have two first areas310. The two first areas310may be positioned adjacent to one side300B and the other side300C of the flexible printed circuit board300, respectively, and formed in a symmetrical shape.

In various embodiments, the second area320may be a region formed between the two first areas310. For example, with reference toFIG.4A, the second area may be formed at a position spaced apart from one side300B and the other side300C of the flexible printed circuit board300in the width direction (e.g., the positive x-axis direction) and its opposite direction of the flexible printed circuit board300.

In various embodiments, the first area310may include a plurality of first terminals311and second terminals312. The plurality of first terminals311may be located in one end portion of the flexible printed circuit board300. For example, the plurality of first terminals311may be positioned to be spaced apart from one end300A of the flexible printed circuit board300by a predetermined (e.g., specified) distance.

In various embodiments, the second terminal312of the first area310may be positioned to be spaced apart from the first terminal311. For example, in the first area310, the first terminal311and the second terminal312may be positioned to be spaced apart by the first length L1 in the longitudinal direction of the flexible printed circuit board300.

In various embodiments, each of the first and second terminals311and312of the first area310may have a rectangular shape extending in the longitudinal direction and the width direction of the flexible printed circuit board300.

In various embodiments, the second area320may include a plurality of first terminals321and second terminals322. The plurality of first terminals321may be located in one end portion of the flexible printed circuit board300. For example, the plurality of first terminals321may be positioned to be spaced apart from one end300A of the flexible printed circuit board300by a predetermined distance.

In various embodiments, the second terminal322of the second area320may be positioned to be spaced apart from the first terminal321. For example, in the second area320, the first terminal321and the second terminal322may be positioned to be spaced apart by the second length L2 in the longitudinal direction of the flexible printed circuit board300.

In various embodiments, each of the first and second terminals321and322of the second area320may have a rectangular shape extending in the longitudinal direction and the width direction of the flexible printed circuit board300.

In various embodiments, at least some of the first terminals321of the second area320may be formed to extend longer in the longitudinal direction (e.g., the positive y-axis direction) of the flexible printed circuit board300compared to the first terminals311of the first area310.

In various embodiments, at least some of the second terminals322of the second area320may be formed to extend longer in the longitudinal direction (e.g., the positive y-axis direction) of the flexible printed circuit board300compared to the second terminals312of the first area310.

In various embodiments, the plurality of first terminals311and321and the second terminals312and322may be disposed at predetermined intervals in the width direction of the flexible printed circuit board300.

In various embodiments, a counterpart terminal may refer to a terminal positioned to be spaced apart from each terminal in the longitudinal direction of the flexible printed circuit board300. For example, the counterpart terminals of the second terminals312and322may refer to the first terminals311and321positioned to be spaced apart from the second terminals312and322in the longitudinal direction of the flexible printed circuit board300.

In various embodiments, the lengths (e.g., lengths in the y-axis direction) of the first and second terminals321and322of the second area320may vary depending on the arrangement positions of the first and second terminals321and322. For example, among the first terminals321of the second area320, a terminal having the same length (e.g., length in the y-axis direction) as the first terminal311of the first area310and a terminal having a greater length than the first terminal311of the first area310may be alternately disposed in the width direction (e.g., the positive x-axis direction) of the flexible printed circuit board300. Also, among the second terminals322of the second area320, a terminal having a greater length than the second terminal312of the first area310and a terminal having the same length (e.g., length in the y-axis direction) as the second terminal312of the first area310may be alternately disposed in the width direction of the flexible printed circuit board300.

With reference toFIG.4A, although the positions of one end (e.g., each end facing the counterpart terminal) of the first terminals321of the second area320are shown to be not the same in the longitudinal direction of the flexible printed circuit board300, this is merely an example, and the arrangement of the first terminals321may not be limited thereto. For example, in the second area320, one ends of the plurality of first terminals321may be formed at the same position in the longitudinal direction of the flexible printed circuit board300. The plurality of second terminals322may be disposed to be spaced apart from the plurality of first terminals321by the second length L2, respectively. One ends of the plurality of second terminals322may also be formed at the same position in the longitudinal direction of the flexible printed circuit board300.

In various embodiments, the first terminals311and321and the second terminals312and322may include a conductive material. The first terminals and321and the second terminals312and322made of a conductive material may come into contact with the first contact point211(seeFIG.3) and the second contact point221(seeFIG.3) of the connector200(seeFIG.3), so that the connector200and the flexible printed circuit board300may be electrically connected.

FIG.4Bis a cross-sectional view of the flexible printed circuit board300in the first area310shown inFIG.4Aaccording to various embodiments.

In various embodiments, the thickness direction of the flexible printed circuit board300may refer to the positive z-axis direction. One surface of the flexible printed circuit board300may refer to a surface of the flexible printed circuit board300facing the positive z-axis.

In various embodiments, the flexible printed circuit board300may include a first layer330and/or a second layer340.

In various embodiments, the second layer340may be stacked on one surface of the first layer330. One surface of the first layer330may refer to a surface facing the positive z-axis direction with respect to the first layer330.

In various embodiments, the first layer330may include a first conductive line331. The first conductive line331may be formed to extend in the longitudinal direction (e.g., the positive y-axis direction) of the flexible printed circuit board300. The first conductive line331may be bent and extended in the thickness direction (e.g., the positive z-axis direction) of the flexible printed circuit board in at least a part thereof. The first conductive line331extended in the thickness direction (e.g., the positive z-axis direction) of the flexible printed circuit board300may be connected to the first terminal311of the first area310at one end thereof.

In various embodiments, the second layer340may include a second conductive line341. The second conductive line341may be formed to extend in the longitudinal direction (e.g., the positive y-axis direction) of the flexible printed circuit board300. The second conductive line341may be bent and extended in the thickness direction (e.g., the positive z-axis direction) of the flexible printed circuit board300in at least a part thereof. The second conductive line341extended in the thickness direction (e.g., the positive z-axis direction) of the flexible printed circuit board300and may be connected to the second terminal of the first area310at one end thereof.

In various embodiments, the first conductive line331and the second conductive line341are spaced apart from each other in the thickness direction (e.g., the positive z-axis direction) of the flexible printed circuit board300and may extend in the longitudinal direction of the flexible printed circuit board300.

With reference toFIG.4B, the first terminal311and the second terminal312of the first area310may be formed on one surface of the flexible printed circuit board300. In the first area310, the first terminal311may be disposed to be spaced apart from the second terminal312by the first length L1 in the longitudinal direction (e.g., the positive y-axis direction) of the flexible printed circuit board300.

FIG.4Cis a cross-sectional view of the flexible printed circuit board300in the second area320shown inFIG.4Aaccording to various embodiments.

In various embodiments, the first layer330may include the first conductive line331. The second layer340may include the second conductive line341.

In various embodiments, the first conductive line331may be connected to the first terminal321of the second area320at one end thereof. The second conductive line341may be connected to the second terminal322of the second area320at one end thereof.

With reference toFIG.4C, the first terminal321and the second terminal322of the second area320may be formed on one surface of the flexible printed circuit board300. In the second area320, the first terminal321may be disposed to be spaced apart from the second terminal322by the second length L2 in the longitudinal direction (e.g., the positive y-axis direction) of the flexible printed circuit board300.

In various embodiments, the first length L1 illustrated inFIG.4Bmay be greater than the second length L2 illustrated inFIG.4C.

In various embodiments, the first conductive line331and the second conductive line341may be formed in plural. The plurality of first conductive lines331may be respectively connected to the plurality of first terminals311and321. The plurality of second conductive lines341may be respectively connected to the plurality of second terminals312and322.

In an embodiment, the plurality of second conductive lines341may be connected to one second terminal312or322. For example, two second conductive lines341may be connected to one second terminal312or322.

FIG.5is a diagram illustrating an example flexible printed circuit board300according to various embodiments.

The width direction of the flexible printed circuit board300according to various embodiments of the disclosure may refer to the positive x-axis direction, and the length direction may refer to the positive y-axis direction.

With reference toFIG.5, the flexible printed circuit board300may include the first area310and/or the second area320.

In various embodiments, the first area310may be a region located adjacent to one side300B or the other side300C of the flexible printed circuit board300on one surface of the flexible printed circuit board300. For example, the first area310may refer to a region formed on one surface of the flexible printed circuit board300and formed to have a certain length in the width direction of the flexible printed circuit board300from one side300B or the other side300C of the one surface of the flexible printed circuit board300.

In various embodiments, the flexible printed circuit board300may have two first areas310. The two first areas310may be positioned adjacent to one side300B and the other side300C of the flexible printed circuit board300, respectively, and formed in a symmetrical shape.

In various embodiments, the second area320may be a region formed between the two first areas310of the flexible printed circuit board300. For example, with reference toFIG.5, the second area320may be formed at a position spaced apart from one side300B and the other side300C of the flexible printed circuit board300in the width direction (e.g., the positive x-axis direction) and its opposite direction of the flexible printed circuit board300.

In various embodiments, the first area310may include a plurality of first terminals311and second terminals312.

In various embodiments, the plurality of first terminals311may be located adjacent to one end300A of the flexible printed circuit board300. For example, the plurality of first terminals311may be positioned to be spaced apart from one end300A of the flexible printed circuit board300by a predetermined distance in the longitudinal direction of the flexible printed circuit board300.

In various embodiments, the second terminal312included in the first area310may be positioned to be spaced apart from the first terminal311. For example, in the first area310, the first terminal311and the second terminal312may be positioned to be spaced apart by the first length L1 in the longitudinal direction of the flexible printed circuit board300.

In various embodiments, each of the plurality of first and second terminals311and312may have a rectangular shape extending in the longitudinal direction and the width direction of the flexible printed circuit board300.

In various embodiments, the plurality of first and second terminals311and312may be disposed at predetermined intervals in the width direction of the flexible printed circuit board300.

In an embodiment, five first terminals311and five second terminals312may be formed in one first area310. With reference toFIG.5, the five first terminals and the five second terminals321may be formed at positions adjacent to one side300B of one surface of the flexible printed circuit board300. AlthoughFIG.5shows that the five first terminals311and the five second terminals312are formed at positions adjacent to one side300B of one surface of the flexible printed circuit board300, the number of the first terminals311and the number of the second terminals312are not limited thereto and may be formed of five or more.

In various embodiments, one ends (e.g., each end facing the second terminal312) of the plurality of first terminals311included in the first area310may be formed at the same position in the longitudinal direction of the flexible printed circuit board300.

In various embodiments, one ends (e.g., each end facing the first terminal311) of the plurality of second terminals312included in the first area310may be formed at the same position in the longitudinal direction of the flexible printed circuit board300.

In various embodiments, in the first area310, a distance between one end of the first terminal311(e.g., an end facing the second terminal312) and one end of the second terminal312(e.g., an end facing the first terminal311) may be formed as the first length L1.

In various embodiments, the second area320may include a plurality of first terminals321and second terminals322.

In various embodiments, the plurality of first terminals321in the second area may be located adjacent to one end300A of the flexible printed circuit board300. For example, the first terminals321may be positioned to be spaced apart from one end300A of the flexible printed circuit board300by a predetermined distance in the longitudinal direction of the flexible printed circuit board300.

In various embodiments, the plurality of second terminals322included in the second area320may be positioned to be spaced apart from the first terminals321. For example, in the second area320, the first terminal321and the second terminal322may be positioned to be spaced apart by the second length L2 in the longitudinal direction of the flexible printed circuit board300.

In various embodiments, each of the plurality of first and second terminals321and322included in the second area320may have a rectangular shape extending in the longitudinal direction and the width direction of the flexible printed circuit board300.

In various embodiments, the plurality of first and second terminals321and322included in the second area320may be disposed at predetermined intervals in the width direction of the flexible printed circuit board300.

In various embodiments, the plurality of first and second terminals321and322included in the second area320may be arranged such that the positions of their one ends are alternately formed in the width direction of the flexible printed circuit board300.

In various embodiments, the first terminal321and the second terminal322included in the second area320may alternately include extension regions321A and322A. The extension region321A or322A may refer to a region in which one end of the first terminal321or the second terminal322extends toward a counterpart terminal (e.g., the second terminal322or the first terminal321). With reference toFIG.5, the first terminal321located on the line P-P′ includes the extension region321A, and the next first terminal321spaced apart from the line P-P′ in the width direction of the flexible printed circuit board300may not include the extension region321A. Also, the next first terminal321spaced apart from the first terminal321not including the extension region321A in the width direction of the flexible printed circuit board300may include the extension region321A again. In this form, the first terminals321including or not including the extension region321A may be alternately disposed at intervals in the width direction of the flexible printed circuit board300.

With reference toFIG.5, the second terminal322located on the line P-P′ does not include the extension region322A, and the next second terminal322spaced apart from the line P-P′ in the width direction of the flexible printed circuit board may include the extension region322A. Also, the next second terminal322spaced apart from the second terminal322including the extension region322A in the width direction of the flexible printed circuit board300may not include the extension region322A again. In this form, the second terminals322including or not including the extension region322A may be alternately disposed at intervals in the width direction of the flexible printed circuit board300.

In various embodiments, the plurality of first and second terminals321and322included in the second area320are disposed at intervals in the width direction of the flexible printed circuit board300and may alternately include the extension region321A or322A. For example, in the case that the first terminal includes the extension region321A, the counterpart second terminal322may not include the extension region322A. In the case that the first terminal does not include the extension region321A, the counterpart second terminal may include the extension region322A. Because the first terminals321and the second terminals322alternately include the extension regions321A and322A, a distance between the first and second terminals321and322in the second area320may be formed to be equal to the second length L2.

In various embodiments, in the case that the first and second terminals321and include the extended regions321A and322A in at least a part thereof, the rigidity of the flexible printed circuit board300may be improved. For example, the flexible printed circuit board300may be bent in a space formed between the first terminal321and the second terminal322. The extension regions321A and322A may prevent/reduce the flexible printed circuit board300from being bent in the space formed between the first and second terminals321and322. As the extension regions321A and322A prevent/reduce bending of the flexible printed circuit board300, the rigidity of the flexible printed circuit board300may be improved.

In various embodiments, the flexible printed circuit board300may include the first area310by a predetermined ratio or more of the entire area. For example, the flexible printed circuit board300may include the first area310such that the ratio of the first area310among the first and second areas310and320is 30% or more. For example, when the ratio of the first area310is formed to be 30%, the first area310of 15% may be formed in a position adjacent to one side300B of the flexible printed circuit board300, and the first area310of the remaining 15% may be formed in a position adjacent to the other side300C of the flexible printed circuit board300.

In various embodiments, the first area310disposed adjacent to one side300B of the flexible printed circuit board300may have the first width W1 in the width direction of the flexible printed circuit board300. The second area320may have the second width W2 in the width direction of the flexible printed circuit board300. The first area310disposed adjacent to the other side300C of the flexible printed circuit board300may have the first width W1 in the width direction of the flexible printed circuit board300. The first width W1 may be 15% or more of the width of the flexible printed circuit board300.

In various embodiments, the first length L1 of the first area310may be greater than the second length L2 of the second area320.

In various embodiments, the first length L1 may be formed to be twice as much as the second length L2. For example, the second length L2 may be formed to be 0.1 mm, and the first length L1 may be formed to be 0.2 mm.

FIG.6Ais a diagram illustrating a state (a first state) in which a flexible printed circuit board300is completely connected to a connector200according to various embodiments.

FIG.6Bis a diagram illustrating, in the first state, a contact relationship between the flexible printed circuit board300and the connector200according to various embodiments.

In various embodiments, at least a part of the flexible printed circuit board300may be inserted into the connector200and connected to the connector200.

In various embodiments, the first state may refer to a state in which the flexible printed circuit board300is completely connected to the connector200.

With reference toFIG.6A, a first direction C1 indicates a direction in which the flexible printed circuit board300is moved to be connected to the connector200in the first state.

With reference toFIG.6A, in the first state, as one end portion of the flexible printed circuit board300is inserted into the connector200, the flexible printed circuit board300may be connected to the connector200. In the first state, the flexible printed circuit board300may be moved in the first direction C1 and connected to the connector200.

In various embodiments, the connector200may be disposed on one surface of the printed circuit board400and connected to the printed circuit board400.

In various embodiments, in the first state, the flexible printed circuit board300may be connected to the connector200and electrically connected to the printed circuit board400connected to the connector200.

FIG.6Bshows a contact relationship between the first and second contact points and221of the connector200and the first and second terminals311and in the first area310of the flexible printed circuit board300.

In various embodiments, a gap between the first and second terminals311and in the first area310of the flexible printed circuit board300may be formed by the first length L1. The first and second contact points211and221of the connector200may have the contact point distance D1. The contact point distance D1 may be formed to be greater than the first length L1.

In various embodiments, in the first state, the first and second contact points211and221of the connector200may come into contact with the first and second terminals311and312of the flexible printed circuit board300. For example, in the first state, the first contact point211may be located at a position corresponding to at least a part of the first terminal311and be in contact with the first terminal311. The second contact point221may be located at a position corresponding to at least a part of the second terminal312and be in contact with the second terminal312.

In the case that the first contact point211of the connector200is in contact with the second terminal312of the flexible printed circuit board300, or the second contact point221of the connector200is in contact with the first terminal311of the flexible printed circuit board300, a short may occur in a part of the flexible printed circuit board300and thereby a component (not shown) connected to the first terminal311or the second terminal312may be damaged.

With reference toFIG.6B, because in the first state the first contact point211of the connector200is not in contact with the second terminal312of the flexible printed circuit board300and the second contact point221of the connector200is not in contact with the first terminal311of the flexible printed circuit board300, a short does not occur in the flexible printed circuit board300and thereby damage to a component (not shown) connected to the first terminal311or the second terminal312may be prevented and/or reduced.

FIG.7Ais a diagram illustrating a state (a second state) in which a flexible printed circuit board300is connected to a connector200in an inclined direction according to various embodiments.

FIG.7Bis a diagram illustrating, in the second state, a contact relationship between the flexible printed circuit board300and the connector200according to various embodiments.

In various embodiments, the second state may refer to a state in which the flexible printed circuit board300is connected to the connector200in an inclined direction.

With reference toFIG.7A, a second direction C2 of the flexible printed circuit board300indicates a direction in which the flexible printed circuit board300is moved to be connected to the connector200in the second state.

With reference toFIG.7A, in the second state, as being inserted into the connector200in an inclined direction with respect to the connector200, the flexible printed circuit board300may be connected to the connector200. For example, in the second state, the flexible printed circuit board300may be moved in the second direction C2 and connected to the connector200.

In the second state, the second direction C2 of the flexible printed circuit board may be a direction inclined from a direction in which the connector200is formed. For example, the connector200may extend in a virtual K-axis direction shown inFIG.7A, but the second direction C2 in which the flexible printed circuit board300moves may be formed in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction (e.g., the positive y-axis direction) of the flexible printed circuit board300.

FIG.7Bshows a contact relationship between the first and second contact points and221of the connector200and the first and second terminals311and in the first area310of the flexible printed circuit board300.

With reference toFIG.7B, in the second state, because the flexible printed circuit board300is inserted into the connector200slantingly in the second direction C2, at least one of the plurality of second contact points221may not be in contact with the second terminal312.

In the case that the first contact point211of the connector200is in contact with the second terminal312of the flexible printed circuit board300, or the second contact point221of the connector200is in contact with the first terminal311of the flexible printed circuit board300, a short may occur in a part of the flexible printed circuit board300and thereby a component (not shown) connected to the first terminal311or the second terminal312may be damaged.

With reference toFIG.7B, in the second state, the plurality of second contact points221do not come into contact with the first terminals311, respectively, while a separation distance is formed. For example, the second contact point located farthest in the positive x-axis direction among the plurality of second contact points221may have a separation distance from the adjacent first terminal311by the third length L3. In the second state, the plurality of first contact points211as well do not come into contact with the second terminals312, respectively, while a separation distance is formed.

Because in the second state the first contact point211of the connector200is not in contact with the second terminal312of the flexible printed circuit board and also the second contact point221of the connector200is not in contact with the first terminal311of the flexible printed circuit board300, a short does not occur in the flexible printed circuit board300and thereby damage to a component (not shown) connected to the first terminal311or the second terminal312may be prevented and/or reduced.

FIG.8Ais a diagram illustrating a state (a third state) in which a flexible printed circuit board300is not completely connected to a connector200according to various embodiments.

FIG.8Bis a diagram illustrating, in the third state, a contact relationship between the flexible printed circuit board300and the connector200according to various embodiments.

In various embodiments, the third state may refer to a state in which the flexible printed circuit board300is not completely connected to the connector200.

With reference toFIG.8A, a third direction C3 of the flexible printed circuit board300indicates a direction in which the flexible printed circuit board300is moved with respect to the connector200in the third state.

With reference toFIG.8A, in the third state, the flexible printed circuit board may not be completely connected to the connector200. For example, in the third state, the flexible printed circuit board300may be disposed at a position moved in the third direction C3 compared to a state (the first state, seeFIG.6A) in which it is completely connected to the connector200.

FIG.8Bshows a contact relationship between the first and second contact points and221of the connector200and the first and second terminals311and of the flexible printed circuit board300in the third state.

With respect toFIG.8B, because the flexible printed circuit board300is not completely inserted into the connector200in the third state, at least some of the plurality of second contact points221may not be in contact with the second terminal312. For example, in the third state, the plurality of first contact points are in contact with the first terminals311, respectively, but all of the plurality of second contact points221may not be in contact with the second terminals312.

In the case that the first contact point211of the connector200is in contact with the second terminal312of the flexible printed circuit board300, or the second contact point221of the connector200is in contact with the first terminal311of the flexible printed circuit board300, a short may occur in a part of the flexible printed circuit board300and thereby a component (not shown) connected to the first terminal311or the second terminal312may be damaged.

With reference toFIG.8B, in the third state, the plurality of second contact points221do not come into contact with the first terminals311, respectively, while a separation distance is formed. For example, each of the plurality of second contact points221may form a separation distance from the adjacent first terminal311by the fourth length L4. In the third state, the plurality of first contact points211as well do not come into contact with the second terminals312, respectively, while a separation distance is formed.

Because in the third state the first contact point211of the connector200is not in contact with the second terminal312of the flexible printed circuit board300and also the second contact point221of the connector200is not in contact with the first terminal311of the flexible printed circuit board300, a short does not occur in the flexible printed circuit board300and thereby damage to a component (not shown) connected to the first terminal311or the second terminal312may be prevented and/or reduced.

The electronic device according to various embodiments of the disclosure may be one of various types of electronic devices. The electronic devices may include, for example, a portable communication device (e.g., a smartphone), a computer device, a portable multimedia device, a portable medical device, a camera, a wearable device, a home appliance, or the like. The electronic devices ac cording to embodiments of the disclosure are not limited to those described above.

It should be appreciated that various embodiments of the disclosure and the terms used therein are not intended to limit the technological features set forth herein to particular embodiments and include various changes, equivalents, or replacements for a corresponding embodiment. With regard to the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used to refer to similar or related elements. It is to be understood that a singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of the things, unless the relevant context clearly indicates other wise. As used herein, each of such phrases as “A or B”, “at least one of A and B”, “at least one of A or B”, “A, B, or C”, “at least one of A, B, and C”, and “at least one of A, B, or C” may include any one of, or all possible combinations of the items enumerated together in a corresponding one of the phrases. As used herein, such terms as “1st” and “2nd”, or “first” and “second” may be used to simply distinguish a corresponding component from another, and does not limit the component s in other aspect (e.g., importance or order). It is to be understood that if an element (e.g., a first element) is referred to, with or without the term “operatively” or “communicatively”, as “coupled with”, “coupled to”, “connected with”, or “connected to” another element (e.g., a second element), the element may be coupled with the other element directly (e.g., wiredly), wirelessly, or via a third element.

As used in connection with various embodiments of the disclosure, the term “module” may include a unit implemented in hardware, software, or firmware, or any combination thereof, and may interchangeably be used with other terms, for example, logic, logic block, part, or circuitry. A module may be a single integral component, or a minimum unit or part thereof, adapted to perform one or more functions. For example, according to an embodiment, the module may be implemented in a form of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

According to various embodiments, each component (e.g., module or program) of the above-described components may include a singular or a plurality of entities, and some of the plurality of entities may be separately disposed in any other component. According to various embodiments, one or more components or operations among the above-described components may be omitted, or one or more other components or operations may be added. Alternatively or additionally, a plurality of components (e.g., module or program) may be integrated into one component. In this case, the integrated component may perform one or more functions of each component of the plurality of components identically or similarly to those performed by the corresponding component among the plurality of components prior to the integration. According to various embodiments, operations performed by a module, program, or other component may be executed sequentially, in parallel, repeatedly, or heuristically, or one or more of the operations may be executed in a different order or omitted, or one or more other operations may be added.

While the disclosure has been illustrated and described with reference to various example embodiments, it will be understood that the various example embodiments are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. It will be further understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made without departing from the true spirit and full scope of the disclosure, including the appended claims and their equivalents. It will also be understood that any of the embodiment(s) described herein may be used in conjunction with any other embodiment(s) described herein.