Intelligent watch with multi-layer flexible FPC board

Abstract

The utility model belongs to the technical field of intelligent watches, and relates to an intelligent watch with a multi-layer flexible FPC board, which comprises a watch main body. The camera module is hinged to the watch main body; the FPC board is arranged between the watch main body and the camera module; the FPC board comprises a conductive layer used for supplying power to the camera module; and the data transmission layer is used for transmitting signals of the camera module. The conductive layer and the data transmission layer are arranged on the upper side and the lower side of the insulating base layer respectively, and electromagnetic interference of a power supply line to a signal transmission line is reduced through electrical isolation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of smartwatch technology and relates to a smartwatch with a multi-layer flexible FPC board. Background Technology

[0002] In recent years, with the rapid development of smart wearable devices, the functions of smartwatches have been continuously expanding, including various applications such as health monitoring, communication, and entertainment. Among them, smartwatches equipped with camera modules offer users more innovative experiences, such as video calls and portable shooting functions. However, due to the small size of smartwatches, the camera module is usually connected to the watch body through a flexible printed circuit board (FPC) for power supply and signal transmission.

[0003] In existing technologies, FPC boards face the following technical challenges in the application of flip cameras in smartwatches:

[0004] 1. Insufficient bending life: The camera module needs to be flipped frequently. The FPC board is prone to cracking or delamination of the conductive layer during high-frequency dynamic bending, which leads to a shortened service life.

[0005] 2. Signal interference: When the layout design of the power supply layer and signal transmission layer is unreasonable, electromagnetic interference from the power supply circuit will affect the integrity of signal transmission, resulting in unstable performance of the camera module.

[0006] Therefore, optimizing the structural design and material selection of FPC boards to improve their reliability, bending resistance, and signal transmission stability in smartwatch camera modules has become an urgent technical problem to be solved. Utility Model Content

[0007] The purpose of this invention is to address the shortcomings of existing technologies by providing a smartwatch made of multi-layer flexible FPC boards, aiming to solve the problems of insufficient bending life, severe signal interference, and material performance limitations of existing FPC boards.

[0008] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0009] A smartwatch made of a multilayer flexible FPC board includes:

[0010] Watch body;

[0011] A camera module hinged to the watch body;

[0012] An FPC board is disposed between the watch body and the camera module, the FPC board comprising:

[0013] A conductive layer for supplying power to the camera module;

[0014] A data transmission layer used to transmit signals from the camera module.

[0015] Furthermore, the conductive layer and the data transmission layer are respectively disposed on the upper and lower sides of the insulating base layer to achieve electrical isolation between power supply and signal transmission.

[0016] Furthermore, a cover film is provided on the surface of the conductive layer and the signal transmission layer.

[0017] Furthermore, the conductive lines of the conductive layer and the data transmission layer are made of glue-free rolled copper.

[0018] Furthermore, the insulating base layer material is polyimide.

[0019] Furthermore, the bending radius of the FPC board in bending scenarios is greater than 10 times the total thickness of the FPC board.

[0020] Furthermore, a spring hinge is provided at the hinge point between the camera module and the watch body, which is used to assist the camera module in flipping and resetting.

[0021] By applying the technical solution of this utility model, the conductive layer and the data transmission layer are respectively disposed on the upper and lower sides of the insulating base layer, reducing electromagnetic interference from the power supply line to the signal transmission line through electrical isolation. Furthermore, the combination design of the adhesive-free rolled copper conductive layer and the polyimide insulating base layer enables the FPC board to have higher flexibility and fatigue resistance under high-frequency dynamic bending scenarios.

[0022] Other features and advantages of the present invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and will be apparent in part from the description, or may be learned by practicing the invention. The objects and other advantages of the present invention may be realized and obtained by means of the structures particularly pointed out in the written description and the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0023] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, so that the above-mentioned advantages of the present invention will become clearer.

[0024] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the initial position of a smartwatch made of a multilayer flexible FPC board according to this utility model.

[0025] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the flipping of a smartwatch made of a multilayer flexible FPC board according to this utility model;

[0026] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the FPC board for a smartwatch, which is a multi-layer flexible FPC board according to this utility model.

[0027] Figure 4This is an exploded view of a smartwatch made of a multi-layer flexible FPC board according to this utility model. Detailed Implementation

[0028] The embodiments of this utility model are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and intended to explain this utility model, and should not be construed as limiting this utility model.

[0029] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "length", "width", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model.

[0030] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this utility model, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0031] In the embodiments of this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0032] Reference Appendix Figure 1-4 As shown, a smartwatch using a multi-layer flexible FPC board includes:

[0033] Watch body 100;

[0034] A camera module 200 is hinged to the watch body 100;

[0035] An FPC board 300 is disposed between the watch body 100 and the camera module 200, the FPC board 300 comprising:

[0036] A conductive layer 310 for supplying power to the camera module 200;

[0037] Data transmission layer 320 for transmitting signals from the camera module 200.

[0038] This technical solution proposes a smartwatch with a multi-layer flexible FPC board, aiming to solve the power supply and signal transmission requirements between the camera module 200 and the watch body 100, especially in dynamic usage scenarios where the camera module 200 frequently flips, achieving a flexible connection design with high reliability, stable transmission, and excellent bending resistance. The core idea of ​​the design is to utilize the multi-layer structure of the FPC board 300, using the conductive layer 310 and the data transmission layer 320 to realize power supply and signal transmission functions respectively, and to optimize the material and structural layout of the FPC board 300 to improve bending resistance and signal transmission stability.

[0039] The smartwatch based on this technical solution mainly consists of the following parts:

[0040] The watch body 100 is the core control unit of the smartwatch, including a battery module, a processor, and a memory. The battery module provides power to the FPC board 300, and the processor and memory receive image signals from the camera module 200 through the FPC board 300 to complete data processing.

[0041] The camera module 200 is hinged to one side of the watch body 100 and includes an image sensor, a signal processing chip, and a lens assembly. The module flips via the hinge structure for portable shooting or video calls. Its power supply and signal transmission are entirely dependent on the FPC board 300.

[0042] FPC board 300 is the core component connecting the watch body 100 and the camera module 200, including conductive layer 310 and data transmission layer 320.

[0043] The conductive layer 310 is used to transfer electrical energy from the battery module of the watch body 100 to the camera module 200, which powers components such as the image sensor and signal processing chip. The conductive layer 310 is designed with highly flexible materials such as glue-free rolled copper to ensure the continuity of the circuit during dynamic bending.

[0044] The data transmission layer 320 transmits the image signals captured by the camera module 200 to the processor of the watch body 100 for processing. The data transmission layer 320 has high-frequency signal transmission capabilities, ensuring signal integrity and low latency.

[0045] When the camera module 200 flips via the hinge structure, the FPC board 300 bends accordingly and transmits power. However, due to its highly flexible multilayer design, its conductive layer 310 and data transmission layer 320 maintain stable performance. The battery module in the watch body 100 supplies power to the electronic components in the camera module 200 through the conductive layer 310, ensuring its normal operation. After capturing images, the camera module 200 transmits signals to the processor of the watch body 100 via the data transmission layer 320 for data processing and storage. During frequent bending, the FPC board 300, with its flexible structure and excellent material properties, ensures the reliability of the conductive layer 310 and data transmission layer 320 in dynamic scenarios.

[0046] The conductive layer 310 and the data transmission layer 320 are designed separately, which reduces electromagnetic interference and ensures the stability of signal transmission. This achieves the integration of efficient power supply and high-speed signal transmission.

[0047] In this embodiment, the conductive layer 310 and the data transmission layer 320 are respectively disposed on the upper and lower sides of the insulating base layer 330 to achieve electrical isolation between power supply and signal transmission. The conductive layer 310 and the data transmission layer 320 are located on the upper and lower sides of the insulating base layer 330, respectively, and operate independently, reducing direct coupling interference. The insulating base layer 330, as an intermediate isolation layer, can effectively isolate electromagnetic interference from the conductive layer 310, improving the integrity and stability of signal transmission.

[0048] The conductive layer 310 is disposed on the lower side of the insulating base layer 330 and electrically connected to the battery module in the watch body 100, providing stable power to components such as the image sensor and signal processing chip of the camera module 200. The data transmission layer 320 is disposed on the upper side of the insulating base layer 330 and electrically connected to the signal processing chip of the camera module 200, transmitting the acquired image signals to the processor module of the watch body 100. Because the data transmission layer 320 and the conductive layer 310 are separated by the insulating base layer 330, electromagnetic interference in the power supply circuit is effectively reduced, ensuring high-frequency performance and low latency of signal transmission.

[0049] In this embodiment, a cover film 340 is provided on the surfaces of the conductive layer 310 and the signal transmission layer. As a protective layer, the cover film 340 can effectively prevent the conductive layer 310 and the signal transmission layer from being affected by external environmental factors such as moisture, chemical corrosion and physical damage, while enhancing the reliability of the FPC board 300 in dynamic usage scenarios.

[0050] In dynamic flip camera applications, the cover film 340 covers the surfaces of the conductive layer 310 and the signal transmission layer, effectively preventing physical damage to the circuitry caused by external mechanical friction, scratches, or pressure. Especially in dynamic scenarios where the smartwatch camera module 200 frequently flips, the cover film 340 can mitigate the impact of external forces on the circuit layers and extend the lifespan of the FPC board 300.

[0051] In this embodiment, the conductive lines of the conductive layer 310 and the data transmission layer 320 are made of adhesive-free rolled copper. To address the issue of cracking of the conductive layer 310 and degraded signal transmission performance during dynamic bending of the FPC board 300, both the conductive layer 310 and the data transmission layer 320 are made of adhesive-free rolled copper. Adhesive-free rolled copper has a unique grain arrangement, exhibiting excellent flexibility, fatigue resistance, and high conductivity. Compared to traditional electrolytic copper, adhesive-free rolled copper has significant advantages in dynamic bending and high-frequency signal transmission applications.

[0052] In dynamic bending, the adhesive-free rolled copper has a continuous grain structure, resulting in a more uniform stress distribution in its conductive lines during dynamic bending, thus avoiding cracking problems caused by grain boundary fracture. In the flip-up scenario of the smartwatch camera module 200, the flexibility of the adhesive-free rolled copper ensures the long-term reliability of the conductive layer 310 and the data transmission layer 320 under frequent bending conditions.

[0053] Adhesive-free rolled copper has a higher grain density and better conductivity than ordinary electrolytic copper. This ensures that the conductive layer 310 of the FPC board 300 can efficiently transfer electrical energy to meet the power supply requirements of the camera module 200. The data transmission layer 320 uses adhesive-free rolled copper, which effectively reduces the loss caused by resistance during signal transmission and improves signal integrity.

[0054] Adhesive-free rolled copper is directly attached to the substrate, avoiding the delamination problem that occurs in traditional adhesive-bonded copper under high temperature or humid conditions.

[0055] In this embodiment, the insulating base layer 330 is made of polyimide. Polyimide has excellent flexibility and mechanical strength, and its insulating base layer 330 can provide flexible support for the conductive layer 310 and data transmission layer 320 of the FPC board 300, while alleviating stress concentration during dynamic bending. Even in high-frequency bending scenarios, the polyimide material can maintain stable performance.

[0056] Polyimide has high dielectric properties, which can provide effective electrical isolation between the conductive layer 310 and the data transmission layer 320, avoiding electromagnetic interference from the power supply circuit to the signal transmission line and ensuring the integrity and stability of signal transmission.

[0057] Polyimide, as the insulating base layer 330, has high strength and thinness. While providing mechanical support and electrical isolation, it effectively reduces the overall thickness of the FPC board 300, meeting the miniaturization and high integration requirements of smartwatches.

[0058] In this embodiment, the bending radius of the FPC board 300 in a bending scenario is greater than 10 times the total thickness of the FPC board 300. The mechanical stress borne by the FPC board 300 in a bending scenario is directly related to the bending radius. The smaller the bending radius, the higher the stress concentration, and the more easily the conductive layer 310, signal transmission layer, and insulating base layer 330 are to crack or be damaged. By increasing the bending radius, the stress distribution of the FPC board 300 is more uniform, avoiding fatigue cracks or open circuits in the conductive layer 310 and signal transmission layer due to stress concentration.

[0059] In dynamic or static bending scenarios, the FPC board 300 needs to meet both mechanical and electrical performance requirements. The outer layer is subjected to stretching; excessive stretching may reduce the copper foil thickness or tear the cover film 340, leading to a break in the conductive path. The inner layer is subjected to compression; excessive compression may cause permanent deformation or delamination of the material. Therefore, to ensure the long-term reliability of the FPC board 300 in bending scenarios, this implementation scheme adopts a design with a bending radius greater than 10 times the total thickness of the FPC board 300. This design is based on the following physical model and formulas:

[0060] Formula for calculating minimum bending radius R: ;

[0061] Where: R is the minimum bending radius in μm, c is the copper foil thickness in μm, D is the insulation medium thickness, EB is the copper foil ductility % and d is the total cover thickness.

[0062] For rolled copper foil: maximum ductility is 16%. For electrolytic copper foil: ductility requirement is 10%.

[0063] A larger bending radius reduces the stretching or compression of conductive and signal lines, minimizing the risk of mechanical damage. During the dynamic flipping of the smartwatch camera module 200, the FPC board 300 must withstand repeated bending. Increasing the bending radius ensures the integrity of the conductive layer 310 and signal layer during long-term use.

[0064] Reference Appendix Figure 4As shown in this embodiment, a spring hinge 400 is provided at the hinge point between the camera module 200 and the watch body 100. The spring hinge 400 is used to assist the camera module 200 in flipping and resetting. To address the increased flipping resistance caused by the three-layer structure design of the FPC board 300 during the flipping process of the camera module 200, a spring hinge 400 is introduced at the hinge point between the camera module 200 and the watch body 100. The spring hinge 400 assists the camera module 200 in flipping and resetting through elasticity, providing a smooth dynamic operating experience.

[0065] The spring hinge 400 provides elastic assistance when the camera module 200 is flipped, reducing the force required for manual flipping. After the camera module 200 has finished flipping, the spring hinge 400 uses elastic torque to return the module to its initial position, ensuring structural stability.

[0066] Due to the assistance of the spring hinge 400, the resistance during the flipping process is dispersed, reducing the direct force on the FPC board 300 and protecting the integrity of the conductive layer 310 and the data transmission layer 320.

[0067] Finally, it should be noted that the above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this utility model and is not intended to limit the utility model. Although the utility model has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art can still modify the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments or make equivalent substitutions for some of the technical features. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this utility model should be included within the protection scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. A smartwatch made of a multilayer flexible FPC board, characterized in that, include: Watch body (100); A camera module (200) is hinged to the watch body (100); An FPC board (300) is disposed between the watch body (100) and the camera module (200), the FPC board (300) comprising: Conductive layer (310) for powering the camera module (200); Data transmission layer (320) for transmitting signals from the camera module (200).

2. The smartwatch based on the multilayer flexible FPC board according to claim 1, characterized in that, The conductive layer (310) and the data transmission layer (320) are respectively disposed on the upper and lower sides of the insulating base layer (330) to achieve electrical isolation between power supply and signal transmission.

3. The smartwatch based on the multilayer flexible FPC board according to claim 2, characterized in that, The conductive layer (310) and the signal transmission layer are provided with a cover film (340).

4. The smartwatch based on the multilayer flexible FPC board according to claim 2, characterized in that, The conductive lines of the conductive layer (310) and the data transmission layer (320) are made of glue-free rolled copper.

5. The smartwatch based on the multilayer flexible FPC board according to claim 2, characterized in that, The insulating base layer (330) is made of polyimide.

6. The smartwatch based on the multilayer flexible FPC board according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bending radius of the FPC board (300) in the bending scenario is greater than 10 times the total thickness of the FPC board (300).

7. The smartwatch based on the multilayer flexible FPC board according to claim 1, characterized in that, A spring hinge (400) is provided at the hinge point between the camera module (200) and the watch body (100), and the spring hinge (400) is used to assist the camera module (200) in flipping and resetting.

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