Printed circuit board for mounting in electronic device

Abstract

The invention relates to a printed circuit board for installation in an electronic device, comprising at least one flexible bending section in which a plurality of conductor tracks are arranged such that a first number of conductor tracks are arranged in a first branch of the flexible bending section and a second number of conductor tracks are arranged in a second branch of the flexible bending section. A second number of conductor tracks are arranged in a second branch of the flexible bending section, the first branch being arranged parallel to the second branch, and an open region between the two branches spatially separating the two branches from each other. Furthermore, the printed circuit board comprises at least two rigid interface sections which are arranged and configured to be electrically connected to each other via a plurality of conductor tracks, in which the two branches can be folded to each other about a folding axis present along the open area, such that the width of the flexible bending section in the unfolded state can be reduced in comparison to the width of the flexible bending section in the unfolded state. The mounting width of the flexible bending section for mounting into the electronic device is reduced, in particular substantially halved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a printed circuit board for mounting in an electronic device. Furthermore, the invention also relates to an electronic device and a method for manufacturing a printed circuit board for mounting in an electronic device. Background Technology

[0002] Various structures for printed circuit boards (PCBs) are generally known. In particular, it is known to incorporate flexible bending sections to interconnect rigid sections of the PCB via printed conductors within the bending sections. These bending sections typically consist of a thin plastic layer surrounding the printed conductors. Furthermore, it is known that PCBs can have one or more rigid interface sections to connect the PCB to other components of a corresponding electronic device. Thus, the PCB constitutes at least a portion of the circuitry of the electronic device. In this sense, a PCB can have both rigid and flexible sections, and therefore can be partially folded, bent, or otherwise dynamically altered, for example, to enable movement of components of the electronic device connected via the PCB. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The objective of this invention is to provide an improved printed circuit board, particularly a very compact and robust printed circuit board.

[0004] According to a first aspect of the present invention, in order to solve this task, a printed circuit board, particularly a planar printed circuit board, for mounting in an electronic device is provided, which has: • At least one flexible bend segment, wherein a plurality of printed conductors are arranged in the flexible bend segment such that a first number of printed conductors are arranged in a first branch of the flexible bend segment, and a second number of printed conductors are arranged in a second branch of the flexible bend segment, wherein the first branch and the second branch are arranged parallel to each other, and an open area between the two branches spatially separates the two branches from each other. • At least two rigid interface sections are arranged and configured to be electrically interconnected via a plurality of printed conductors, and provide corresponding interfaces to device components of an electronic device, enabling at least two device components of an electronic device to be electrically interconnected via the printed circuit board. These two branches can be folded together around at least one folding axis existing along the open area, thereby reducing the installation width of the flexible bending section for mounting in electronic devices, especially by essentially halving it, compared to the width of the flexible bending section in its folded state.

[0005] Within the scope of this invention, it is recognized that the housing of a portable electronic device sometimes provides very little space for arranging a printed circuit board, making a compact yet reliable printed circuit board with at least one curved section particularly advantageous for many applications. For example, a compact size can be achieved through folding, and it is further recognized that folding along open areas is particularly advantageous, thereby avoiding unnecessary bending of the printed conductors. Thus, despite the folding within the curved section, a particularly robust printed circuit board can still be advantageously achieved.

[0006] Therefore, the printed circuit board according to the invention can ensure a particularly reliable electrical connection between two movable components of an electronic device. Here, the printed circuit board can advantageously perform control of at least one of the two components and / or support corresponding control, for example, via a power supply.

[0007] Preferably, the printed circuit board is a planar printed circuit board, that is, a printed circuit board having a printed circuit board plane, and substantially all sections of the printed circuit board are arranged along the printed circuit board plane.

[0008] The electronic device is preferably a medical device. For medical devices, the robust structure of the printed circuit board according to the invention and the resulting high functional reliability are particularly advantageous. It is well known that the electronic device has a power supply that can power the printed circuit board. This power supply can be provided, for example, via at least one of at least two rigid interface sections.

[0009] The plurality of printed conductors preferably includes at least two printed conductors in the first branch of the bent section and at least two printed conductors in the second branch of the bent section. Preferably, the printed conductors in the plurality of printed conductors are at least partially interconnected via a plastic material, and thereby preferably form the printed circuit board plane of the printed circuit board. By using a plurality of printed conductors, it is advantageous to achieve parallel transmission of a large number of signals.

[0010] The corresponding rigid interface section forms an interface for the external connection area of ​​the electronic device in the electronic device via a corresponding connection area. In addition, a plug-in connection can also be provided within the circuitry of the electronic device via the corresponding interface section.

[0011] According to the present invention, the printed circuit board consists of rigid and flexible regions and does not constitute a completely rigid board in itself. Therefore, the term "printed circuit board" refers more to the function of this component within the electronic device of an electronic device, in which the printed circuit board has a central task of connecting and / or controlling components. The transition between flexible bending sections and rigid sections (such as rigid interface sections) is known in the manufacture of printed circuit boards, and therefore the details of this manufacture will not be discussed in detail below.

[0012] Preferred embodiments of the printed circuit board according to the present invention will be described below.

[0013] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the printed circuit board according to the invention further comprises a rigid fixing section arranged and configured to connect a first flexible curved section of the printed circuit board having first and second branches to a second flexible curved section of the printed circuit board, such that the first flexible curved section can move independently of the second flexible curved section by fixing the rigid fixing section. In this embodiment, the two flexible curved sections allow for a large degree of mobility between at least two rigid interface sections and the fixing section, preferably located between the two interface sections. Thus, at least two interface sections are preferably electrically connected to each other via the fixing section. Mobility can be achieved between the first interface section and the fixing section, and between the fixing section and the second interface section. Therefore, the printed circuit board for the electronic device can simultaneously achieve rotation about multiple axes. The rigid fixing section also reliably defines the position of at least two curved sections connected to the fixing section within the electronic device, thereby achieving a particularly robust structure of the electronic device, especially a structure without loosely suspended curved sections.

[0014] In a preferred variation of the above embodiment, the first and second flexible bending sections extend from the fixed section in different directions. These different directions are, for example, different directions relative to the direction of the printed conductors within the rigid fixed section. This allows the spatial structure of the printed circuit board to be advantageously adapted to the housing structure of the electronic device.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment, in the planar arrangement of the printed circuit board, at least two rigid interface segments are oriented in at least two different directions. This allows the printed circuit board to advantageously adapt to different environmental geometries surrounding the electronic device. For example, the different orientations can enable folding of the bending segments, thereby changing the orientation of the bending axis of the bending segments, as in... Figure 4 As described in the scope.

[0016] In another preferred embodiment, the first and second branches have different lengths, wherein the resulting length difference can be compensated for by further folding, particularly by further folding substantially perpendicular to the folding axes of the two branches, for installation into an electronic device. An example of such folding is... Figure 4 and Figure 5 The range is shown. Such folding can, for example, cause the corresponding rigid interface section and / or fixed section to be oriented at a fixed angle (e.g., a substantially 90° angle) relative to the partially folded curved section.

[0017] In a particularly preferred embodiment, multiple printed conductors are arranged in a flexible bending section such that the bending of the conductors is substantially perpendicular to the rolling direction of the conductors. This bending orientation is particularly advantageous because the rolling direction of the typically used copper printed conductors has a significant impact on the bending strength and thus the fracture resistance of the bent section of the printed circuit board. When the corresponding bending axis is arranged perpendicular to the rolling direction, the area bearing the bending load becomes more robust.

[0018] In an advantageous variation of the above embodiment, the rolling direction is substantially along the folding axis of the two branches. Thus, the two folded branches can be rolled up in the installed state to allow rotation of the two device components of the electronic device.

[0019] In principle, the printed circuit board may include robust power lines between at least two device components of an electronic device and / or control electronics for controlling at least a portion of the electronic device.

[0020] According to a second aspect of the invention, in order to solve the above-mentioned task, an electronic device having a printed circuit board according to at least one of the foregoing embodiments is provided, wherein at least one flexible bending segment is at least partially bent by relative movement between at least two device components of the electronic device, and wherein the bending is limited by at least one guide rail within the housing of the electronic device.

[0021] The electronic device according to the second aspect of the invention includes a printed circuit board according to the first aspect of the invention, and therefore also includes all the advantages of that printed circuit board. In particular, the printed circuit board, through its folded sections in the mounted state, allows the electronic device to have a particularly compact structural form in the area of ​​the printed circuit board. Furthermore, through flexibility and targeted folding in open areas, a robust mounting arrangement of the printed circuit board in the electronic device is achieved. Finally, within the housing, preferably by arranging guide rails directly on the housing of the electronic device, the area within the housing in which the folded sections of the printed circuit board can be reliably pre-defined is defined.

[0022] In addition to the guide rails, other guiding elements, such as guide pins and guide walls, can also restrict the movement of the flexible bending section within the housing. This allows for advantageous limitation of the bending radius, for example, in... Figure 5 As described in the scope. Guiding the printed wires within the electronic device's housing also ensures a particularly robust structural form, preventing accidental cable pull-out. Particularly preferred are the device components of the electronic device's user interface that connect to the printed circuit board. Thus, the flexibility of the printed circuit board can support the mobility of the user interface, thereby improving user comfort, for example.

[0023] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the relative movement between at least two device components includes rotational movement and / or tilting movement. These types of movement allow for a particularly precise and predetermined form of movement, enabling the printed circuit board to withstand a large number of movement cycles without damage in the bending sections of the movement. Rotational and tilting movements also allow for particularly uniform and reversible movement, making robust electronic devices also capable of such movement. In a variation of the above embodiment, a rigid fixing section is further arranged between two flexible bending sections in the printed circuit board, wherein the first flexible bending section allows the rigid fixing section to rotate relative to the rigid interface section within a range of rotational movement, and wherein the second flexible bending section allows the rigid fixing section to tilt relative to another rigid interface section within a range of tilting movement. In this embodiment, the advantage of arranging two bending sections is demonstrated because different movements can be performed simultaneously through these two bending sections. Thus, device components, such as user interfaces, such as touch displays of electronic devices, can tilt and rotate particularly freely without their power supply via the printed circuit board being compromised over time.

[0024] In a preferred example of the above-described variant, the printed circuit board is arranged such that the axis of rotation for rotational movement is perpendicular to the axis of tilting movement. This arrangement of the rotational and tilting axes allows the corresponding device components to move particularly freely in space, enabling their positions to be advantageously adapted to the personalized needs of the user of the electronic device.

[0025] For example, the electronic device could be a medical device whose user interface, such as its touch display, could be particularly flexible in adapting to the current treatment situation.

[0026] In an advantageous embodiment of the electronic device according to the invention, at at least one flexible bending section, an angle clamp, particularly a reversibly fixable angle clamp, is arranged perpendicular to the corresponding printed conductor to maintain a constant predetermined angle between the printed conductor section leading to the angle clamp and the printed conductor section away from the angle clamp. Using such an angle clamp is advantageous because the predetermined angle can be preset in a single, fixed manner, preventing the printed conductor in that area from continuously bending back and forth, which could lead to breakage. This preset angle can be advantageous for achieving tilting movement between two device components, as only a small angular difference is required during tilting compared to rotational movement. Thus, tilting movement preferably includes an angle range of less than 90°, particularly less than 80°, and especially preferably about 75°, between first and second tilting limits. Rotational movement preferably includes an angle range of less than 360°, particularly less than 270°, and especially preferably about 200°, between first and second rotational limits.

[0027] In a preferred variation, the predetermined angle of the angle clamp is at least 30°, preferably at least 45°, and particularly preferably at least 60°. This predetermined angle protects the remaining area of ​​the printed conductor in the bent section from severe bending. This avoids bending stresses that promote breakage. Thus, within the range of tilting movement, when the angle range is less than 90°, especially less than 80°, and particularly preferably about 75°, this predetermined angle ensures that, at moderate tilting, the printed conductor outside the angle clamp requires only a very small tilt. Therefore, in this variation, the angle clamp can reliably improve the durability of printed circuit boards within electronic devices.

[0028] In another embodiment, at least one flexible bend segment provides a floating support for at least one rigid interface segment connected to the flexible bend segment along the extension direction of the flexible bend segment. During tilting movement, the distance of the rigid interface segment from the tilt axis may change slightly, allowing the floating support implemented by the flexible bend segment to avoid stress within the printed conductors. Thus, in this embodiment, the floating support contributes to a long service life of the electronic device according to the invention.

[0029] According to a third aspect of the present invention, to solve the above-mentioned problem, a method for manufacturing printed circuit boards is provided. The method comprises the following steps: • Arrange multiple printed conductors in a flexible bend section, such that a first number of printed conductors are arranged in a first branch of the flexible bend section, and a second number of printed conductors are arranged in a second branch of the flexible bend section, wherein the first branch and the second branch are arranged in parallel, and the open area between the two branches spatially separates the two branches from each other. • At least two interface segments are arranged on at least one flexible bending segment, such that the at least two interface segments are electrically connected to each other via a plurality of printed conductors, and corresponding interfaces are provided for device components of an electronic device, such that at least two device components of an electronic device can be electrically connected to each other via the printed circuit board; and • Fold the two branches together around at least one folding axis that exists along the open area, so as to reduce the mounting width of the flexible bending section for mounting into the electronic device, in particular by essentially halving, compared to the width of the flexible bending section in its folded state.

[0030] The method according to the invention is performed when providing and mounting a printed circuit board according to the first aspect of the invention, such that the method has the corresponding advantages of the printed circuit board. In particular, the method according to the third aspect of the invention, due to folding along the folding axis for mounting in an electronic device, results in a particularly compact size for the mounted printed circuit board.

[0031] Preferably, the final folding step is performed after the first two steps. Here, the first two steps are performed during the manufacturing process of the printed circuit board, while the final folding step can also be performed during the time-spaced assembly process of the electronic device.

[0032] From the above embodiments of printed circuit boards and electronic devices, it will be disclosed to those skilled in the art that the method according to the invention can be supplemented with other steps, and these steps are still based on the method according to the invention. Thus, for example, the method can be supplemented by arranging angular clamps on the curved sections. Alternatively or supplementarily, the method can, for example, be supplemented by folding on the curved sections of the printed circuit board to compensate for the length of two branches of different lengths in the corresponding curved section. Attached Figure Description

[0033] The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the advantageous embodiments schematically shown in the accompanying drawings.

[0034] Specifically, it shows: Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a first embodiment of a printed circuit board according to a first aspect of the present invention is shown; Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a second embodiment of a printed circuit board according to a first aspect of the present invention is shown; Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a third embodiment of a printed circuit board according to a first aspect of the present invention is shown; Figure 4 A perspective view of a folded printed circuit board according to a third embodiment is shown; Figure 5 A perspective view of a first embodiment of an electronic device according to a second aspect of the present invention is shown, the electronic device having a printed circuit board mounted according to the first aspect of the present invention; Figure 6 A perspective cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of an electronic device according to a second aspect of the present invention is shown; Figure 7 It shows Figure 6 Detailed diagrams of a second embodiment of the electronic device; and Figure 8 A flowchart illustrating an embodiment of the method according to a third aspect of the present invention is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0035] Figure 1A schematic diagram of a first embodiment of a printed circuit board 100 according to a first aspect of the present invention is shown. The printed circuit board 100 is configured as a planar printed circuit board 100 and is arranged for mounting in an electronic device. For this purpose, it includes at least one flexible bending segment 110 and at least two rigid interface segments 120, 130. In the at least one flexible bending segment 110, a plurality of printed conductors 112 are arranged such that a first number of printed conductors 114 are arranged in a first branch 115 of the flexible bending segment 110, and a second number of printed conductors 114' are arranged in a second branch 115' of the flexible bending segment 110. Here, the first branch 115 and the second branch 115' are arranged parallel to each other. The printed circuit board includes exactly one bending segment with both branches 115, 115'. According to the present invention, an open region 116 exists between the two branches 115, 115', which spatially separates the two branches 115, 115' from each other.

[0036] The open area is here configured as an elongated slot. In an embodiment of the invention not shown, the open area may also have other shapes. The embodiments shown with elongated slots share the advantage that such slots can be manufactured particularly simply and economically during the manufacturing process via two branches 115, 115' that need to be manufactured and installed separately.

[0037] exist Figure 1 In this embodiment, three printed conductors 114, 114' are arranged in each branch 115, 115'. These printed conductors 114, 114' are preferably integrated into the bent section 110 such that they are not visible from the outside and / or are covered from the outside. For clarity, these printed conductors are not shown in subsequent embodiments.

[0038] At least two rigid interface sections 120, 130 are arranged and configured to be electrically interconnected via a plurality of printed conductors 112, and provide corresponding interfaces 122, 132 for device components of the electronic device, enabling at least two device components of the electronic device to be electrically connected to each other via the printed circuit board 100. Here, these two rigid interface sections 120, 130 are configured to provide, for clarity, in Figure 1 The corresponding plug-in connections of the device components not shown in the diagram.

[0039] According to the invention, the two branches 115, 115' can be folded together about a folding axis 118 existing along the open region 116. Thus, the mounting width EB of the flexible curved section 110 for installation in the electronic device can be reduced compared to the width B of the flexible curved section 110 in its folded state. Here, due to the rigid interface sections 120, 130, when the curved section 110 droops in the installed state and thus also allows the two branches 115, 115' to be partially folded together, the mounting width can be reduced only partially. Here, the mounting width EB of the curved section 110 can be substantially halved. Alternative examples of folding can be seen, for example... Figure 4 and Figure 5 In the illustrated embodiment of the printed circuit board 100, relative movement between the rigid interface segments 120, 130 can be achieved, for example, by tilting these rigid interface segments 120, 130 relative to each other. During this tilting process, the bending segment 110 will be bent such that the bending of the printed conductors 114, 114' is substantially perpendicular to the rolling direction 140 of the printed conductors 114, 114'. Thus, even under repeated bending, the durability of the printed conductors 114, 114', typically made of copper, can be advantageously guaranteed because the corresponding printed conductors 114, 114' have particularly high bending strength perpendicular to the rolling direction. This is due to the microstructure of the copper lens (Kupferlinsen), which is formed into an elongated ellipse through the rolling process and therefore has a particularly closed structural complex relative to each other in the rolling direction 140. Given the arrangement of the rolling direction 140 of the printed conductors 114, 114', which is formed substantially along the folding axis 118 of the two branches 115, 115'.

[0040] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a second embodiment of a printed circuit board 200 according to a first aspect of the present invention is shown. This printed circuit board 200 is substantially similar to... Figure 1 Corresponding to the printed circuit board 100 shown, the printed circuit board 200 also has a rigid fixing section 250, which is arranged and configured to connect a first flexible bending section 110 of the printed circuit board 200 having first and second branches 115, 115' to a second flexible bending section 110' of the printed circuit board 200. By providing this fixing section 250, after the rigid fixing section 250 is fixed, the first flexible bending section 110 can move independently of the second flexible bending section 110'. Therefore, both movements can be performed simultaneously. Figure 1 Like the printed circuit board 100 shown, the printed circuit board 200 is arranged in a planar manner through two flexible curved sections 110, 110'.

[0041] Figure 3A schematic diagram of a third embodiment of a printed circuit board 300 according to a first aspect of the present invention is shown. Figure 3 Printed circuit board 300 and Figure 2 The printed circuit board 200 shown has a similar configuration, wherein at least two rigid interface segments 120, 130 are oriented in at least two different directions in the planar arrangement of the printed circuit board 300. How does this asymmetry affect the possible spatial arrangement in an electronic device, for example... Figure 4 As shown in [the image / document]. Furthermore, in [the image / document]... Figure 3 The diagram also shows that the first and second branches 115, 115' have different lengths. Furthermore, the printed conductors in both branches are guided around the respective corners of branches 115, 115'.

[0042] Figure 4 A perspective view of a folded printed circuit board 300 according to a third embodiment is shown.

[0043] In the folded state, compensation is provided for installation in electronic devices by further folding 460 degrees, especially by further folding 460 degrees substantially perpendicular to the folding axis 118 of the two branches 115, 115'. Figure 3 The length difference is shown. This further fold of 460 here presents a Z-shape. Through this Z-shape, length compensation can be performed, for example, during rotational movement, as in... Figure 5 As can be seen in the text.

[0044] Finally, Figure 4 As shown, the first bending segment 110 and the second bending segment 110' can extend in different directions from the fixed segment 250. Thus, if it is desired to limit the bending to a direction perpendicular to the rolling direction of the printed conductor to support the durability of the printed circuit board, the first bending segment 110 can be bent in a direction different from the second bending segment 110'. The design of the rigid interface segments 120, 130 and the fixed segment 250 is clearly exemplary in the illustrated embodiment and can always be adapted to the corresponding electronic device. Furthermore, in embodiments not shown, the printed circuit board according to the invention can have more than two interface segments. Moreover, in embodiments not shown, the electronic device according to the invention can connect more than two device components via the printed circuit board.

[0045] Figure 5 A perspective view of a first embodiment of an electronic device 500 according to a second aspect of the present invention is shown, having a printed circuit board 300 according to the first aspect of the present invention mounted thereon. The printed circuit board 300 is already mounted... Figure 3 and Figure 4The printed circuit board 300 is shown in the figure. The electronic device 500 is, in this case, a medical device. The installation shown illustrates the advantages of the two curved sections 110, 110', because two different movements along different axes can be achieved in the present electronic device 500. Thus, the first flexible curved section 110 is limited in its possible movement by at least one guide rail 570 within the housing 505 of the electronic device 500. This guide rail 570 is curved here to ensure that the bending radius of the first flexible curved section 110 is not too small, thereby extending the lifespan of the printed conductors within the flexible curved section. Therefore, the first device assembly 507 of the electronic device 500 can move relative to the second device assembly 509 of the electronic device 500 along multiple axes, and the printed circuit board 300 according to the invention electrically connects these two device assemblies 507, 509 to each other.

[0046] The first movement is achieved here via a rotation axis 580, in which the first flexible bending segment 110 can be at least partially rolled up and unfolded again. Preferably, in this case, a rotation of less than 360°, particularly less than 270°, and especially preferably about 200°, can be achieved about the rotation axis 580 between the first and second rotational limits. The second flexible bending segment 110' can also enable tilting movement of the second device assembly 509 relative to the first device assembly 507 about the tilt axis 585. This tilting will... Figure 6 A similar embodiment is shown in more detail below. Thus, the second device assembly 509 is moved relative to the first device assembly 507 about two different axes by means of the two flexible bending segments 110, 110', wherein the inclined axis 585 is formed perpendicular to the rotation axis 580.

[0047] By arranging the illustrated printed circuit board 300 within the electronic device 500, the bending radius can be limited and / or bending transformations prevented via guide rails 570 (which extend from the housing 505 into the internal space of the device) and other movement limiting devices (e.g., stops). In addition to the guide rails 570, guide pins 572 are also arranged here to further restrict the curling of the first flexible bending segment. Another guiding mechanism in the illustrated electronic device 500 is a guide rib 574 in the region of the rigid fixed segment 250, which is pre-bent, thereby reliably preventing accidental bending transformations of the first flexible bending segment. This guiding mechanism can advantageously support a reduction in the failure risk of the printed circuit board 300.

[0048] The fixing section 250 is fixed here to the intermediate component 508 of the electronic device 500, which is movable relative to the first device component 507 and the second device component 509. When rotating only about the rotation axis 580, the intermediate component 508 does not move relative to the second device component 509. When tilting only about the tilt axis 585, the intermediate component 508 does not move relative to the first device component 507.

[0049] Figure 6 A perspective cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of an electronic device 600 according to a second aspect of the present invention is shown. The electronic device 600 is substantially the same as... Figure 5 Corresponding to the electronic device 500 shown, a second flexible bending segment 110' is shown in detail for electronic device 600. The second flexible bending segment 110' enables the second device assembly 609 to be tilted relative to the first device assembly 607 about an inclined axis 585. To predetermine the bending direction and limit the bending radius, the housing 505 of the electronic device has a guide track 686 at the second flexible bending segment 110' in the region of the rigid fixing segment 250. Furthermore, on the second flexible bending segment 110', angle clamps 688, particularly reversibly fixed angle clamps 688, are arranged perpendicular to the corresponding printed conductors to maintain a predetermined angle constant between the printed conductor segments leading to the angle clamps 688 and those away from the angle clamps 688. In the illustrated embodiment, two such angle clamps 688 are provided. The angle predetermined by the respective angle clamps 688 is at least 30°, preferably at least 45°, and particularly preferably at least 60°. This predetermined angle ensures that the printed conductors in this area are no longer subjected to additional bending, resulting in a very low probability of failure of the printed conductors in the area of ​​the angle clamp. In particular, it avoids changes in bending. This angle clamp 688 is particularly advantageous in cases where there is always strong bending in the normal position of the second device assembly 609, allowing the angle clamp 688 to reduce this bending in the normal position, at least outside the angle clamp. The angle clamp 688 is reversibly closed here via a form-fitting snap-fit ​​mechanism. This simplifies placement during the manufacturing process of the printed circuit board 300 and / or the installation process of the electronic device 600. The possible angles of tilt about the tilt axis 585 preferably include an angle range of less than 90°, especially less than 80°, and particularly preferably about 75°, between the first and second tilt limits.

[0050] Figure 7 It shows Figure 6A detailed diagram of a second embodiment of the electronic device 600 is shown. This detailed diagram illustrates a floating support 790 for the second rigid interface section 130 at the second device assembly 609 along the extension direction 719 of the second flexible curved section 110'. This floating support 790 is advantageous because the distance between the second rigid interface section 130 and the tilt axis 685 may change during tilting, thus additional forces could be applied to the interface section 130 without such support. Therefore, the floating support 790 supports the durability of the electronic device even in cases of frequent tilting and rotation of the second device assembly 609 relative to the first device assembly 607. The electronic devices 500 and 600 shown in principle are merely examples. In particular, it is evident that if the printed circuit board is correspondingly mounted in the electronic device, a single curved section (e.g., as shown in the diagram) would be necessary. Figure 1 The printed circuit board according to the invention (shown in the figure) is also obtained, thereby also obtaining the electronic device according to the invention.

[0051] Figure 8 A flowchart illustrating an embodiment of a method 800 according to a third aspect of the present invention is shown. The method 800 according to the present invention is configured to manufacture a printed circuit board. For this purpose, the method comprises the steps described below.

[0052] The first step 810 includes arranging a plurality of printed conductors in the flexible bending section, such that a first number of printed conductors are arranged in a first branch of the flexible bending section and a second number of printed conductors are arranged in a second branch of the flexible bending section, wherein the first branch and the second branch are arranged in parallel and an open area between the two branches spatially separates the two branches from each other.

[0053] The next step 820 includes arranging at least two interface segments on at least one flexible bending segment such that the at least two interface segments are electrically connected to each other via a plurality of printed conductors, and providing corresponding interfaces to device components of the electronic device such that at least two device components of the electronic device can be electrically connected to each other via the printed circuit board.

[0054] The final step 830 involves folding the two branches together about a folding axis present along the open area, thereby reducing the installation width of the flexible curved section for mounting in the electronic device, particularly by essentially halving, compared to the width of the flexible curved section in its folded state. Steps 810 and 820 are preferably performed in any order during the manufacturing process of the printed circuit board. Step 830, which involves folding the two branches, is performed after steps 810 and 820. Here, step 830 can also be performed when the printed circuit board is mounted into the electronic device, i.e., for example, during the installation process of the electronic device. In principle, the method 800 according to the invention can also be supplemented with other steps, such as arranging at least one fixing section, additionally folding at least one branch of the curved section, and / or arranging at least one angle clamp on the curved section, etc. Such supplements to the method according to the invention are derived directly from the embodiments described for printed circuit boards and electronic devices.

[0055] List of reference numerals 100, 200, 300 Printed Circuit Boards 110 First flexible bending section 110' Second flexible bending section More than 112 printed wires 114 The first quantity of printed conductors 114' Second quantity of printed conductors 115 First Branch 115' Second Branch 116 Open Area 118 Folded Axis 120 First rigid interface section 122 Interface of the First Sensory Interface Section 130 Second rigid interface section 132 Interface of the second rigid interface section 140 Rolling direction 250 Fixed Section 460 Fold further 500 and 600 electronic devices 505 housing 507, 607 First Equipment Components 508 Intermediate Component 509, 609 Second Equipment Components 570 guide rail 572 Guide Pin 574 Guide Rib 580° Rotation axis 585 Inclined axis 686 Guide Track 688 angular clamp 719 Extension direction of the second flexible bending section 790 Floating Support 800 methods Methods and steps for 810, 820, and 830 EB Installation Width B width

Claims

1. A printed circuit board (100), particularly a planar printed circuit board, for mounting in an electronic device (500), comprising: • At least one flexible bend segment (110) in which a plurality of printed conductors (112) are arranged, such that a first number of printed conductors (114) are arranged in a first branch (115) of the flexible bend segment (110), and a second number of printed conductors (114') are arranged in a second branch (115') of the flexible bend segment (110), wherein the first branch (115) and the second branch (115') are arranged parallel to each other, and an open area (116) between the two branches (115, 115') spatially separates the two branches (115, 115') from each other. • At least two rigid interface sections (120, 130) are arranged and configured to be electrically interconnected via a plurality of printed conductors (112) and provide corresponding interfaces (122, 132) with device components (507, 509) of the electronic device (500), enabling at least two device components (507, 509) of the electronic device (500) to be electrically interconnected with each other via the printed circuit board (300). in, These two branches (115, 115') are capable of folding together about at least one folding axis (118) present along the open area (116) to reduce the flexible bending section (110) to a mounting width (EB) in the electronic device (500) by essentially half, compared to the width (B) of the flexible bending section (110) in its folded state.

2. The printed circuit board (100) according to claim 1 further comprises a rigid fixing section (250) arranged and configured to connect a first flexible bending section (110) of the printed circuit board (100) having first and second branches (115, 115') to a second flexible bending section (110') of the printed circuit board (100), such that by fixing the rigid fixing section (250), the first flexible bending section (110) can move independently of the second flexible bending section (110').

3. The printed circuit board (100) according to claim 2, wherein the first and second flexible bending segments (110, 110') extend in different directions from the fixed segment (250).

4. The printed circuit board (100) according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein in the planar arrangement of the printed circuit board (100), the at least two rigid interface segments (120, 130) are oriented in at least two different directions.

5. A printed circuit board (100) according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the first and second branches (115, 115') have different lengths, and the resulting length difference can be compensated by further folding (460), in particular by further folding (460) substantially perpendicular to the folding axis (118) of the two branches (115, 115'), for mounting into the electronic device (500).

6. The printed circuit board (100) according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the plurality of printed conductors (112) are arranged in the flexible bending section (110) such that the bending of the printed conductors (112) is substantially perpendicular to the rolling direction (140) of the printed conductors (112).

7. The printed circuit board (100) according to claim 6, wherein the rolling direction (140) is substantially along the folding axis (118) of the two branches (115, 115').

8. An electronic device (500) having a printed circuit board (100) according to at least one of claims 1 to 7, wherein at least one flexible bending segment (110) is at least partially bent by relative movement between at least two device components (507, 509) of the electronic device (500), and wherein the bending is limited by at least one guide rail (570) within a housing (505) of the electronic device (500).

9. The electronic device (500) of claim 8, wherein the relative movement between the at least two device components (507, 509) comprises rotational movement and / or tilting movement.

10. The electronic device (500) according to claim 9, having a printed circuit board (100) according to claim 2, wherein a first flexible bending segment (110) allows a rigid fixing segment (250) to rotate relative to a rigid interface segment (120) within a range of rotational movement, and wherein a second flexible bending segment (110') allows the rigid fixing segment (250) to tilt relative to another rigid interface segment (130) within a range of tilting movement.

11. The electronic device (500) according to claim 10, wherein the printed circuit board (100) is arranged such that the rotation axis (580) of the rotational movement is perpendicular to the tilt axis (585) of the tilting movement.

12. The electronic device (500) according to at least one of claims 8 to 11, wherein an angle clamp (688), in particular a reversibly fixed angle clamp (688), is arranged perpendicular to the corresponding printed conductor (112) on at least one flexible curved section (110) to maintain a predetermined angle between the printed conductor section leading to the angle clamp (688) and the printed conductor section away from the angle clamp (688).

13. The electronic device (500) according to claim 12, wherein the predetermined angle is at least 30°, preferably at least 45°, and particularly preferably at least 60°.

14. The electronic device (500) according to at least one of claims 8 to 13, wherein the at least one flexible bending segment (110) is capable of providing a floating support (790) for at least one rigid interface segment (130) connected to the flexible bending segment (110) along the extension direction (719) of the flexible bending segment (110).

15. A method (800) for manufacturing a printed circuit board (100) mounted in an electronic device (500), comprising the following steps: • A plurality of printed conductors (112) are arranged in the flexible bending section (110) such that a first number of printed conductors (114) are arranged in a first branch (115) of the flexible bending section (110) and a second number of printed conductors (114') are arranged in a second branch (115') of the flexible bending section (110), wherein the first branch (115) and the second branch (115') are arranged in parallel and an open area (116) between the two branches (115, 115') spatially separates the two branches (115, 115') from each other; • At least two interface segments (120, 130) are arranged on at least one flexible bending segment (110) such that the at least two interface segments (120, 130) are electrically connected to each other via a plurality of printed conductors (112), and corresponding interfaces (122, 132) are provided for device components (507, 509) of the electronic device (500), enabling at least two device components (507, 509) of the electronic device (500) to be electrically connected to each other via the printed circuit board (100); and • Fold the two branches (115, 115') together around at least one folding axis (118) that exists along the open area (116) to reduce the flexible bending section (110) to a mounting width (EB) in the electronic device (500) by essentially halving it, compared to the width (B) of the flexible bending section (110) in its folded state.

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