Flexible circuit board and electronic device

Abstract

The present application provides a flexible circuit board and an electronic device. The flexible circuit board comprises at least one movable section arranged in the length direction of the flexible circuit board; a partition groove is formed on the at least one movable section; the partition groove partitions the movable section into a first part and a second part; the partition groove can absorb deformation generated when the flexible circuit board is bent; and the first part and the second part are completely partitioned from each other and do not interfere with each other, such that the deformation of the first part and the second part can be weakened, the overall arching degree of the flexible circuit board is reduced, and the pressure of the flexible circuit board on adjacent devices is reduced, thereby mitigating the problems of unpleasant sounds due to pressing, film creases of the electronic device, and the like.

Description

Flexible circuit boards and electronic devices

[0001] This application claims priority to the Chinese patent application filed with the State Intellectual Property Office of China on July 11, 2023, with application number 202310851357.X and application name “Flexible Circuit Board and Electronic Device”, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference into this application. Technical Field

[0002] The present application relates to the field of electronic equipment, and in particular to a flexible circuit board and electronic equipment. Background Art

[0003] Foldable electronic devices are usually equipped with a through-axis FPC (Flexible Printed Circuit). The through-axis FPC is used to pass through the rotating shaft and connect the devices in the middle frame on both sides of the rotating shaft to realize new signal transmission between the devices in the middle frames on both sides.

[0004] Due to the tolerances inherent in the production and installation of components within electronic devices, a certain amount of redundant length is typically reserved for through-the-axle FPCs to compensate for these component tolerances and accommodate the bending requirements of the through-the-axle FPCs. However, under perfectly aligned component installation conditions, the redundant length of the through-the-axle FPCs is not effectively utilized. Instead, the through-the-axle FPCs can accumulate, bend, and bulge. In severe cases, the through-the-axle FPCs can cling to and squeeze adjacent components, causing problems such as unusual clicks when pressed.

[0005] Summary of the Invention

[0006] The present application provides a flexible circuit board and an electronic device, wherein the flexible circuit board can solve the problems of redundant warping and abnormal pressing noise caused by extrusion components.

[0007] On the one hand, the present application provides a flexible circuit board for installation in an electronic device, wherein the flexible circuit board includes at least one movable segment arranged along the length direction of the flexible circuit board, and the movable segment can move within the electronic device; wherein, at least one movable segment is provided with a separation groove, and along the width direction of the flexible circuit board, the separation groove separates the movable segment into a first part and a second part.

[0008] The flexible circuit board provided in the present application includes at least one movable segment arranged along its length direction. A separation groove is provided on the at least one movable segment, and the separation groove is used to separate the movable segment into a first part and a second part along the width direction of the flexible circuit board. The separation groove can absorb the deformation generated when the flexible circuit board is bent, and the first part and the second part are completely separated and do not affect each other, which can reduce the deformation of the first part and the second part, reduce the overall arching degree of the flexible circuit board, and reduce the pressure of the flexible circuit board on adjacent devices, thereby improving problems such as abnormal pressing noise and film printing in electronic equipment.

[0009] In one possible embodiment, the first portion is an integral portion, and at least a portion of the second portion is a multi-layer segment. The multi-layer segment includes at least two structural layers arranged along the thickness direction of the flexible circuit board, and the structural layers are separated from each other.

[0010] By designing the first portion as a single unit and designing at least a portion of the second portion as a multi-layered region, the multi-layered region comprises at least two sequentially stacked and separated structural layers. A separating groove completely separates the first and second portions. This allows the first portion to have a slightly greater overall hardness and better resistance to deformation, thus reducing the degree of arching. The second portion, due to the multi-layered region, has a lower hardness and higher flexibility. The presence of air spaces between the structural layers of the multi-layered region reduces pressure on adjacent components, thus reducing overall deformation of the flexible printed circuit board and the pressure exerted by the flexible printed circuit board on adjacent components.

[0011] In a possible implementation, at least part of the radio frequency signal lines in the flexible printed circuit board are distributed in the first part.

[0012] By setting part or even all of the RF signal lines in the first part, which is an integrated part, the performance of the RF signal lines can be guaranteed, avoiding RF signal loss, and helping to improve the communication efficiency and call quality of electronic equipment.

[0013] In a possible implementation, the separation groove includes a main groove section, an extension direction of the main groove section forms an angle with a width direction of the flexible circuit board, and the main groove section extends to both ends of the movable section.

[0014] By providing a main groove section having an angle with the width direction of the flexible circuit board, the main groove section is extended to both ends of the movable section, and the movable section is divided into a first part and a second part by the main groove section.

[0015] In a possible implementation, two sides of the flexible circuit board in a width direction are respectively a first side and a second side, the main groove section is close to the first side, and the first portion is located between the first side and the main groove section.

[0016] By making the main groove section of the separation groove close to the first side of the flexible circuit board, the first part is located on the side where the first side of the flexible circuit board is located, so that the first part occupies a smaller width, thereby avoiding excessive hardness of the first part, ensuring the overall bending performance of the movable section, and reducing the pushing force of the first part on the adjacent components.

[0017] In a possible implementation, at least a portion of the main slot section extends along the length direction of the flexible printed circuit board.

[0018] By extending the main slot section along the length direction of the flexible circuit board, the main slot section occupies a very small space in the width direction of the flexible circuit board, and has less interference with the routing path of the wiring in the flexible circuit board, so that the wiring in the flexible circuit board can be kept uniform, signal interference can be reduced, and the signal transmission performance of the flexible circuit board can be improved.

[0019] In a possible embodiment, the separation groove further includes at least one branch groove section, which intersects and communicates with the main groove section.

[0020] By arranging the branch groove section to cross and connect with the main groove section, the area of ​​the separation groove is increased. Moreover, since the branch groove section and the main groove section have an intersection, the ability of the separation groove to absorb the bending deformation of the active section is enhanced, which can better release the stress of the active section, reduce the degree of arching of the active section, and reduce the pushing force of the active section on adjacent devices.

[0021] In a possible implementation, the branch slot section is located in the second portion, one end of the branch slot section is connected to the main slot section, and the other end of the branch slot section extends in a direction away from the main slot section.

[0022] By arranging the branch slot section in the second part, one end of the branch slot section is connected to the main slot section, and the branch slot section does not occupy the space of the first part, thereby avoiding causing the first part to be locally too narrow and ensuring the reliability of the first part.

[0023] In a possible embodiment, the branch trough section is connected to the middle of the main trough section.

[0024] In a possible implementation, the branch slot segment is connected to one end of the main slot segment.

[0025] In a possible embodiment, the main groove segment is an arc segment, and the branch groove segment extends along a tangent direction of the main groove segment.

[0026] In a possible implementation manner, at least one movable section provided with a separation groove is a bent section, and the bent section is bent toward the side where the first portion is located.

[0027] By opening a dividing groove in the movable section formed into a bending section, the dividing groove separates the side where the corner part of the bending section is located to form a first part. The dividing groove can absorb the bending deformation of the corner part. By setting the first part as an integral part, that is, setting the corner part as an integral part, and keeping a certain hardness of the corner part, the degree of arching of the corner part is reduced.

[0028] In a possible embodiment, a crack-stop groove is provided at the corner of the bending section, and the extended shape of the main groove section matches the shape of the crack-stop groove.

[0029] In a possible embodiment, the flexible circuit board further includes at least two fixing portions, each of which is spaced apart along the length direction of the flexible circuit board. The fixing portions are used to be fixedly connected to components of the electronic device, and the movable section is located between adjacent fixing portions.

[0030] Fixing sections are arranged at intervals along the length of the flexible circuit board, securing corresponding sections of the flexible circuit board within the electronic device, thereby fixing the entire flexible circuit board in place. At least two ends of the flexible circuit board serve as fixing sections, each of which is used to connect to a corresponding device.

[0031] In one possible embodiment, the at least two fixing portions include two end fixing portions and at least one intermediate fixing portion, the two end fixing portions are respectively located at two ends of the flexible circuit board, the end fixing portions are used to connect to components in the electronic device, and the intermediate fixing portion is located between the two end fixing portions;

[0032] Wherein, a separation groove is provided in a movable section between at least one end fixing portion and an adjacent middle fixing portion.

[0033] The movable section between the end fixing portion and the adjacent middle fixing portion is close to the end of the flexible circuit board. The movable space of the movable section close to the end of the flexible circuit board is limited, and the distance between the movable section in this area and the adjacent devices is smaller. By opening a separation groove in the movable section in this area, the arch degree of the movable section in this area is reduced, the interference between the movable section in this area and the adjacent devices is improved, and the problems of abnormal pressing noise, film printing, etc. of electronic equipment are improved.

[0034] In a possible embodiment, in the movable section provided with a separation groove and located between the end fixing section and the middle fixing section, the two side areas in the second section are multi-layer sections and the middle area is an integral section.

[0035] In a possible implementation manner, the movable section between adjacent intermediate fixing portions is a multi-layer section.

[0036] The movable space of the movable section between adjacent intermediate fixing parts is usually larger, which can meet the deformation space requirements of the movable section. Therefore, the entire movable section can be designed as a multi-layer section, which can make the movable section softer and reduce the pushing force of the movable section on the adjacent devices.

[0037] In a possible embodiment, along the extension direction of the main slot segment, the main slot segment includes a first segment, a middle segment, and a second segment connected in sequence, and the maximum width of the first segment and the maximum width of the second segment are both smaller than the minimum width of the middle segment.

[0038] By making the maximum width of the first section and the maximum width of the second section of the main groove section smaller than the minimum width of the middle section, the main groove section is designed to be wide in the middle and narrow at both ends, thereby increasing the width of the middle area of ​​the main groove section, enhancing the ability of the main groove section to absorb the bending deformation of the active section, and being able to better release the stress of the active section and reduce the degree of arching of the active section.

[0039] In a possible implementation manner, the width of the main slot section gradually decreases from the center of the main slot section to the edge of the main slot section.

[0040] Based on the structure of the main slot section being wide in the middle and narrow at both ends, by gradually changing the width of the main slot section, step differences at the connection between the first section and the middle section, and at the connection between the second section and the middle section are avoided, thereby avoiding reliability problems such as local tearing and breaking caused by the step differences.

[0041] In a possible implementation, the separation groove passes through both side surfaces of the flexible circuit board in the thickness direction.

[0042] By making the separation groove pass through the two side surfaces of the flexible circuit board in the thickness direction, the separation groove completely separates the first part and the second part, and the bending and deformation of the first part and the second part are completely unaffected. The influence of the harder first part on the multi-layer section of the second part can be completely isolated, so that the multi-layer section of the second part can give full play to its soft characteristics.

[0043] In a possible implementation, in the thickness direction of the flexible circuit board, the movable section is bent toward the first direction;

[0044] Along the first direction, the multi-layer segment includes a bottom layer and at least one laminated layer laminated on the bottom layer, the separation groove runs through each laminated layer, and the bottom layer is connected to the first portion.

[0045] By connecting the bottom layer of the multi-layer segment with the first part, the separation groove only passes through the various stacked layers of the multi-layer segment. Among the various structural layers of the multi-layer segment, only the movement of the bottom layer is affected by the first part, and the first part can also reduce the degree of arching of the bottom layer. The various stacked layers of the multi-layer segment can still move freely, which can ensure that the multi-layer segment fully exerts its soft characteristics and reduces the top force of the multi-layer segment on adjacent devices.

[0046] On the other hand, the present application provides an electronic device, including a housing assembly and the flexible circuit board as described above, wherein the flexible circuit board is located in the housing assembly and is connected to at least two devices in the housing assembly.

[0047] The electronic device provided in the present application includes a shell assembly and a flexible circuit board installed in the shell assembly. The flexible circuit board includes at least one movable segment arranged along its length direction. A separation groove is provided on the at least one movable segment, and the separation groove is used to separate the movable segment into a first part and a second part along the width direction of the flexible circuit board. The separation groove can absorb the deformation generated when the flexible circuit board is bent, and the first part and the second part are completely separated and do not affect each other. The deformation of the first part and the second part can be weakened, the overall arching degree of the flexible circuit board can be reduced, and the pressure of the flexible circuit board on adjacent devices can be reduced, thereby improving the problems of abnormal pressing noise, film printing, etc. of the electronic device.

[0048] In a possible embodiment, the housing assembly includes a first middle frame, a second middle frame, and a rotating shaft, wherein the first middle frame and the second middle frame are movably connected to two sides of the rotating shaft respectively;

[0049] The first end of the flexible circuit board is connected to the device installed on the first middle frame, and the second end of the flexible circuit board passes through the rotating shaft and is connected to the device installed on the second middle frame.

[0050] In a possible implementation, the electronic device further includes a first display screen, and the first display screen is attached to the first middle frame and the first side of the second middle frame.

[0051] In a possible implementation, the electronic device further includes a second display screen, which is attached to a second side of the second middle frame, the second side being opposite to the first side;

[0052] Wherein, a separation groove is provided on the movable section close to the second end of the flexible circuit board.

[0053] By providing a separation groove on the movable segment near the second end of the flexible circuit board, the degree of arching of the movable segment near the second end of the flexible circuit board is reduced, the interference between the movable segment and the second display screen is improved, the pressing force of the movable segment on the second display screen is reduced, and even the movable segment is prevented from contacting the second display screen, thereby improving the problems of abnormal pressing sound and film printing on the second display screen. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0054] FIG1 is a schematic structural diagram of an electronic device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0055] FIG2 is an exploded structural diagram of the electronic device shown in FIG1 ;

[0056] FIG3 is a schematic structural diagram of another electronic device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0057] FIG4 is a schematic structural diagram of the electronic device in FIG3 in an unfolded state;

[0058] FIG5 is a schematic structural diagram of the electronic device in FIG3 in a folded state;

[0059] FIG6 is an exploded structural diagram of the electronic device in FIG3 ;

[0060] FIG7 is a schematic diagram of an electrical connection structure of a foldable electronic device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0061] FIG8 is a partial structural diagram of a foldable electronic device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0062] FIG9 is a schematic diagram of a flexible circuit board installation working condition;

[0063] FIG10 is a schematic structural diagram of a flexible circuit board in the related art;

[0064] FIG11 is a schematic structural diagram of a flexible circuit board provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0065] FIG12 is a schematic structural diagram of the flexible circuit board in FIG11 in an unfolded state;

[0066] FIG13 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the section AA in FIG12;

[0067] FIG14 is a partial enlarged view of another flexible circuit board provided in an embodiment of the present application at the location of the separation groove;

[0068] FIG15 is a schematic structural diagram of a third flexible circuit board in an unfolded state provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0069] FIG16 is a schematic structural diagram of a fourth flexible circuit board in an unfolded state provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0070] FIG17 is a schematic structural diagram of the fifth flexible circuit board in an unfolded state provided in an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0071] The terms used in the implementation section of this application are only used to explain the specific embodiments of this application and are not intended to limit this application.

[0072] An embodiment of the present application provides an electronic device, which may be a consumer electronic product. Exemplary electronic devices include, but are not limited to, mobile phones, tablet computers (portable Android devices, PADs), notebook computers (NoteBook computers, abbreviated as NoteBooks), ultra-mobile personal computers (UMPCs), walkie-talkies, netbooks, POS (Point of Sales) machines, personal digital assistants (PDAs), wearable devices, virtual reality (VR) devices, augmented reality (AR) devices, and the like.

[0073] Figure 1 is a schematic structural diagram of an electronic device provided in an embodiment of the present application. Referring to Figure 1, taking the electronic device 1 as a straight-type electronic device as an example, for example, the electronic device 1 is a straight-type mobile phone, the electronic device 1 may include a shell assembly 100 and a display screen 200. One side surface of the display screen 200 is used to display image information. This side surface of the display screen 200 is usually defined as its front side, and the other side surface opposite to its front side is its back side. The shell assembly 100 is arranged around the side and back of the display screen 200 to support, fix, and protect the display screen 200. The front side of the display screen 200 is exposed outside the shell assembly 100 for the user to view the content displayed on the display screen 200 or to perform input operations on the electronic device 1.

[0074] Taking the straight-type electronic device shown in the figure as an example, the display screen 200 of the electronic device 1 can be a rigid screen, and the display screen 200 can be an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) display screen or an OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diode) display screen.

[0075] FIG2 is a diagram of the exploded structure of the electronic device shown in FIG1 . Referring to FIG2 , taking a straight-type electronic device as an example, the housing assembly 100 of the electronic device 1 may include a middle frame 110 and a back cover 120 . The middle frame 110 is connected between the display screen 200 and the back cover 120 . The display screen 200 is supported on one side surface of the middle frame 110 , and the back cover 120 is connected to the other side surface of the middle frame 110 . The display screen 200 is usually mounted on the middle frame 110 as a whole to ensure the strength and stability of the display screen 200 and meet the use requirements of the display screen 200 . The back cover 120 is usually connected to the middle frame 110 in an overlapping manner. The middle frame 110 and the back cover 120 together form a receiving cavity, which is used to install components such as a circuit board 300, a battery 400, a camera 500, and a microphone (not shown in the figure).

[0076] The middle frame 110 may include a middle plate portion 111 and a frame portion 112. The middle plate portion 111 is located between the display screen 200 and the back cover 120 and is generally arranged parallel to the display screen 200 and the back cover 120. The frame portion 112 is arranged around the periphery of the middle plate portion 111. For example, the frame portion 112 may extend perpendicular to the plate surface of the middle plate portion 111 to both sides of the middle plate portion 111. For example, the frame portion 112 and the middle plate portion 111 may be an integrally formed structure.

[0077] The display screen 200 is typically mounted on the middle plate portion 111 of the middle frame 110 using a monolithic bonding method. For example, the display screen 200 is entirely bonded to the middle plate portion 111. The middle plate portion 111 provides support for the display screen 200, ensuring a stable and secure support for the display screen 200. This provides the display screen 200 with sufficient strength to withstand frequent pressure. The frame portion 112 surrounds the display screen 200, protecting the sides of the display screen 200 and protecting it from damage, such as collisions and falls.

[0078] The edge of the back cover 120 is connected to the frame portion 112 of the middle frame 110. For example, the edge of the back cover 120 and the frame portion 112 are bonded together. A gap is defined between the middle plate portion 111 of the middle frame 110 and the back cover 120. This gap forms a receiving cavity as described above, so that components can be installed in the receiving cavity between the middle plate portion 111 of the middle frame 110 and the back cover 120.

[0079] Figure 3 is a structural schematic diagram of another electronic device provided in an embodiment of the present application; Figure 4 is a structural schematic diagram of the electronic device in Figure 3 when it is in an unfolded state; Figure 5 is a structural schematic diagram of the electronic device in Figure 3 when it is in a folded state.

[0080] 3 to 5 , taking the example of a foldable electronic device 1, such as a foldable mobile phone, the electronic device 1 may include at least two parts that can rotate relative to each other. In different usage scenarios, the electronic device 1 may have different usage states. This embodiment takes the example of a foldable electronic device 1 that can be folded once. The electronic device 1 includes two parts that can rotate relative to each other, and the relative rotation of the two parts changes the usage state of the electronic device 1.

[0081] Among them, the two parts of the electronic device 1 can rotate relative to each other in the direction of the arrow shown in Figure 3. When the two parts are rotated to overlap each other, the electronic device 1 is in the folded state shown in Figure 4. At this time, the electronic device 1 is small in size and easy to carry; the two parts of the electronic device 1 can also rotate relative to each other in the direction opposite to the direction of the arrow in Figure 3. When the two parts are rotated to be coplanar, the electronic device 1 is in the unfolded state shown in Figure 5. The unfolding angle α of the electronic device 1 is, for example, 180°. At this time, the electronic device 1 can achieve large-screen display; in some cases, the electronic device 1 can also be maintained in a semi-expanded state (see Figure 3). At this time, the electronic device 1 hovers at a certain angle between the unfolded state and the folded state. Exemplarily, the hovering angle β of the electronic device 1 can be 120°, 130°, 140° or 150°, etc.

[0082] It should be noted that the angles illustrated in this embodiment are all allowed to have slight deviations. For example, when the unfolded angle α of the electronic device 1 is 180°, it means that the unfolded angle α can be 180° or approximately 180°, such as 170°, 175°, 185°, or 190°. The angles illustrated in the following examples should be understood in the same way.

[0083] In addition, in addition to the electronic device 1 that can be folded once, the electronic device 1 can also be an electronic device 1 that can be folded more than twice. In this case, the electronic device 1 can include multiple parts that are connected by rotating in sequence. Two adjacent parts can be relatively close to each other to fold to a folded state, and the two adjacent parts can also be relatively far away from each other to unfold to an unfolded state.

[0084] Figure 6 is an exploded structural diagram of the electronic device in Figure 3. As shown in Figure 6, for a foldable electronic device, electronic device 1 may also include a display screen 200 and a housing assembly 100. The front of display screen 200 is used to display image information, and housing assembly 100 is disposed around the sides and back of display screen 200 to support, secure, and protect display screen 200. Details thereof will not be repeated here.

[0085] The display screen 200 of the foldable electronic device may include a foldable first display screen 200a. The first display screen 200a may include a first area 210, a second area 220, and a bendable area 230. The bendable area 230 is located between the first area 210 and the second area 220. During use of the electronic device 1, the first area 210 and the second area 220 remain flat, while the bendable area 230 can bend to change the angle between the first area 210 and the second area 220. This allows the first display screen 200a to fold or unfold with the movement of the housing assembly 100, thereby enabling the electronic device 1 to switch between a folded state and an unfolded state.

[0086] For example, in the first display screen 200a, at least the bendable region 230 is made of a flexible material, so that the bendable region 230 is bendable. The first region 210 and the second region 220 can be made of a flexible material, a rigid material, or partially of a rigid material and partially of a flexible material, which is not limited in this embodiment.

[0087] The first display screen 200a includes, but is not limited to, an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display screen, an active-matrix organic light-emitting diode (AMOLED) display screen, a mini organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display screen, a micro organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display screen, a micro organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display screen, or a quantum dot light-emitting diode (QLED) display screen, etc.

[0088] As shown in Figures 4 and 6 , when the first display screen 200a is in a folded state, the first area 210 and the second area 220 are relatively stacked, and the bendable area 230 is in a bent state. The bending angle of the bendable area 230 is, for example, 180°. At this time, the electronic device 1 is small in size and easy to carry and store. As shown in Figures 5 and 6 , when the first display screen 200a is in an unfolded state, the first area 210 and the second area 220 are in an unfolded state relatively far apart, and the bendable area 230 is in a flattened state without bending. The first area 210, the second area 220, and the bendable area 230 are oriented in the same direction and are in a coplanar state. At this time, the angle between the first area 210 and the second area 220 is 180°, and the first display screen 200a can achieve a large-screen display, giving users a better user experience.

[0089] It should be noted that the figure uses an inward-folding foldable electronic device as an example. When the electronic device 1 is in the folded state, the first area 210 and the second area 220 of the first display screen 200a are relatively close together, and the housing assembly 100 is arranged around the first display screen 200a to prevent the first display screen 200a from being scratched by hard objects. Referring to Figure 4, if the inward-folding electronic device needs to provide a display function in the folded state, a second display screen 200b can be added to the back of the housing assembly 100. When the electronic device 1 is in the folded state, this second display screen 200b provides the display function.

[0090] In other words, the display screen 200 of the inward-folding electronic device may include a first display screen 200a and a second display screen 200b. The first display screen 200a may be a folding screen installed on the front of the shell assembly 100, and the first display screen 200a may be switched between an unfolded state and a folded state. The second display screen 200b may be a single screen installed on the back of the shell assembly 100, and the second display screen 200b is displayed when the electronic device 1 is in a folded state.

[0091] In other examples, the foldable electronic device may also have an outward-folding structure. When the electronic device 1 is in the folded state, the first area 210 and the second area 220 of the first display screen 200a face each other, the housing assembly 100 is located between the first area 210 and the second area 220, and the first display screen 200a is disposed outside the housing assembly 100. The first display screen 200a is exposed and visible to the user, and the first display screen 200a can be used to perform display functions. Therefore, there is no need to add a second display screen 200b on the back of the housing assembly 100. In other words, the outward-folding electronic device may include only the first display screen 200a mounted on the front of the housing assembly 100.

[0092] In addition, as shown in conjunction with Figures 3 and 6 , in some embodiments, a foldable electronic device, particularly an inward-folding electronic device, can rely on the damping force provided by the housing assembly 100 to cause the electronic device 1 to hover at an angle between the unfolded and folded states. In other words, the electronic device 1 is in a semi-expanded state. At this point, the bendable region 230 of the first display screen 200a is also in a bent state, and the first region 210 and the second region 220 of the first display screen 200a are relatively inclined. For example, if the hovering angle of the electronic device 1 is 120°, 130°, 140°, or 150°, the angle between the first region 210 and the second region 220 can be 120°, 130°, 140°, or 150°, etc.

[0093] For a foldable electronic device, the housing assembly 100 not only supports and secures the first display screen 200a, but also needs to drive the first display screen 200a to switch between a folded state and an unfolded state. Referring to FIG6 , the housing assembly 100 of the foldable electronic device may include a first middle frame 110a, a second middle frame 110b, and a hinge 130. The hinge 130 is connected between the first middle frame 110a and the second middle frame 110b. The first middle frame 110a and the second middle frame 110b are rotatably connected via the hinge 130, thereby enabling relative rotation between the first middle frame 110a and the second middle frame 110b.

[0094] The first middle frame 110a supports and secures the first area 210 of the first display screen 200a, while the second middle frame 110b supports and secures the second area 220 of the first display screen 200a. In other words, the first area 210 of the first display screen 200a can be mounted on the first middle frame 110a, and the second area 220 of the first display screen 200a can be mounted on the second middle frame 110b. The bendable area 230 of the first display screen 200a is arranged corresponding to the rotation shaft 130. When the rotation shaft 1301 drives the first and second middle frames 110a and 110b to rotate relative to each other, the first and second areas 210 and 220 of the first display screen 200a change their orientation accordingly, and the bendable area 230 of the first display screen 200a bends or flattens as the orientation of the first and second areas 210 and 220 changes.

[0095] Specifically, the first middle frame 110a and the second middle frame 110b can be rotated in a direction approaching each other until the two are relatively stacked. At this time, the shell assembly 100 is in a folded state, and the first display screen 200a is in a folded state as the shell assembly 100 is folded, as shown in Figure 4; the first middle frame 110a and the second middle frame 110b can also be rotated in a direction away from each other until they are coplanar. At this time, the shell assembly 100 is in an unfolded state, and the first display screen 200a is in an unfolded state as the shell assembly 100 is unfolded, as shown in Figure 5; the first middle frame 110a and the second middle frame 110b can also be rotated relative to each other until they stay between the folded state and the unfolded state. At this time, the shell assembly 100 is in a semi-expanded state (hovering state), and the angle between the first middle frame 110a and the second middle frame 110b is, for example, 120°, 130°, 140° or 150°, and the first display screen 200a is in a semi-expanded state with the shell assembly 100.

[0096] Continuing with FIG6 , in this embodiment, the opposing surfaces of the first and second middle frames 110a and 110b are defined as the first and second sides of the first and second middle frames 110a and 110b, respectively. The first display screen 200a can be integrally mounted on the first sides of the first and second middle frames 110a and 110b. For an inward-folding electronic device that is additionally provided with a second display screen 200b, taking the second display screen 200b mounted on the side of the second middle frame 110b as an example, the second display screen 200b can be mounted on the second side of the second middle frame 110b. The housing assembly 100 further includes a first back cover 120a, which is connected to the second side of the first middle frame 110a. For an outward-folding electronic device or an inward-folding electronic device that does not additionally include a second display screen 200b, the electronic device 1 may further include a first back cover 120a and a second back cover 120b, with the first back cover 120a being connected to the second side of the first middle frame 110a and the second back cover 120b being connected to the second side of the second middle frame 110b.

[0097] The first middle frame 110a and the first back cover 120a together form a first receiving cavity, and the second middle frame 110b and the second display screen 200b (the second back cover 120b) together form a second receiving cavity. The internal components of the electronic device 1 can be installed in the first receiving cavity and the second receiving cavity, respectively. For example, a circuit board 300 can be installed in both the first receiving cavity and the second receiving cavity, and other components such as a battery 400 and a camera 500 can also be installed in at least one of the first receiving cavity and the second receiving cavity. These components can be installed on the first middle frame 110a and the second middle frame 110b.

[0098] Exemplarily, among the circuit boards 300 installed in the two receiving cavities, a circuit board 300 installed in the first receiving cavity (second receiving cavity) can be the mainboard 310 of the electronic device 1, and the mainboard 310 can be provided with system-on-a-chip (SOC), memory and other devices. A circuit board 300 installed in the second receiving cavity (first receiving cavity) can serve as a sub-board 320, and the sub-board 320 is used to set devices that cannot be integrated into the mainboard 310. For example, the sub-board 320 can be provided with radio frequency devices, power chips and other devices. At least one of the first receiving cavity and the second receiving cavity can also be provided with other circuit boards 300, and the other circuit boards 300 can be used to set devices such as sockets, microphones and speakers.

[0099] As for the electrical connection between the components in the electronic device 1, since certain errors are inevitable during the production and installation of the components, in order to eliminate the influence of the errors of the components and ensure reliable connection between the components, a flexible circuit board 600 is usually used to connect the corresponding components with a spacing. The bendable and deformable properties of the flexible circuit board 600 are utilized to meet the requirements of the spacing, relative position, etc. of the component installation.

[0100] Taking a bar-style electronic device as an example, a flexible circuit board 600 can be used to electrically connect the camera 500 and the circuit board 300 (sub-board 320) with integrated microphones and speakers to the circuit board 300 (main board 310) with integrated system-on-chips, memory, and other components. Referring to FIG7 , the electrical connection structure of a foldable electronic device is shown. Taking a foldable electronic device as an example, a flexible circuit board 600 can be used to electrically connect components within a first receiving cavity with components within a second receiving cavity. The first end of the flexible circuit board 600 can be connected to the main board 310 (sub-board 320) mounted on the first middle frame 110a, and the second end of the flexible circuit board 600 can be connected to the sub-board 320 (main board 310) mounted on the second middle frame 110b. Although not shown in the figure, it should be understood that other related components within each receiving cavity (such as the camera 500 and other circuit boards 300 with jacks, microphones, speakers, and other components) can also be electrically connected to the main board 310 (sub-board 320) within that cavity via the flexible circuit board 600.

[0101] Whether it is a straight-type electronic device or a foldable electronic device, the flexible circuit board 600 in the electronic device 1 usually reserves a certain redundant length to compensate for errors in the production and installation of related components to ensure stable and reliable connection of the components.

[0102] FIG8 is a partial structural diagram of a foldable electronic device provided in an embodiment of the present application. Referring to FIG8 , the diagram illustrates the structure of a flexible circuit board 600 connected to one of the two relatively rotating parts of the electronic device 1, using the foldable electronic device as an example. Taking the side of the second middle frame 110 b as an example, the second end of the flexible circuit board 600 is connected to a component mounted on the second middle frame 110 b (e.g., the sub-board 320 or the main board 310), and the first end of the flexible circuit board 600 passes through the hinge 130 and connects to a component on the first middle frame 110 a (e.g., the main board 310 or the sub-board 320) (as shown in conjunction with FIG7 ).

[0103] Exemplarily, both ends of the flexible circuit board 600 can be connected to the devices mounted on the first middle frame 110a and the second middle frame 110b through a BTB (Board to Board) connector. For example, both ends of the flexible circuit board 600 are mounted with the female sockets of the BTB connector 700, and the main board 310 mounted on the first middle frame 110a (second middle frame 110b) and the sub-board 320 mounted on the second middle frame 110b (first middle frame 110a) are both mounted with the male sockets of the BTB connector 700 (as shown in Figure 7). The female socket of the BTB connector 700 is plugged into the male socket of the BTB connector 700 to electrically connect the main board 310 and the sub-board 320 through the flexible circuit board 600.

[0104] Among them, the flexible circuit board 600 has at least two fixing parts 610, and each fixing part 610 can be arranged at intervals along the length direction of the flexible circuit board 600. The fixing part 610 is fixedly connected inside the electronic device 1 to fix the overall position of the flexible circuit board 600, realize the connection between the flexible circuit board 600 and related devices, and ensure the stability and reliability of the flexible circuit board 600.

[0105] The section of the flexible circuit board 600 between adjacent fixed portions 610 is a movable section 620. The movable section 620 can move within the electronic device 1. The movable section 620 is used to provide the flexible circuit board 600 with space for deformation and displacement, so as to realize the function of the flexible circuit board 600 to compensate for device errors. In addition, for the flexible circuit board 600 used in a foldable electronic device, the redundant length provided by the movable section 620 is used to compensate for the movable space of the flexible circuit board 600, so as to realize the extension or contraction of the flexible circuit board 600 as the state of the electronic device 1 changes.

[0106] 8 , it can be understood that at least both ends of the flexible circuit board 600 (in the length direction) have a fixing portion 610. For ease of explanation, in this embodiment, the fixing portion 610 located at the end of the flexible circuit board 600 is defined as an end fixing portion 611. The end fixing portions 611 at both ends of the flexible circuit board 600 are respectively used to connect to corresponding devices. Taking the connection of the two ends of the flexible circuit board 600 with the corresponding devices through the BTB connector 700 as an example, the female socket of the BTB connector 700 can be mounted on the end fixing portions 611 at both ends of the flexible circuit board 600.

[0107] For a foldable electronic device, since the flexible circuit board 600 needs to pass through the rotating shaft 130 between the first middle frame 110a and the second middle frame 110b, the length of the flexible circuit board 600 is relatively large. In addition to the end fixing portions 611 at both ends of the flexible circuit board 600, at least one fixing portion 610 can also be provided between the two ends of the flexible circuit board 600. For ease of explanation, this embodiment defines the fixing portion 610 provided between the two ends of the flexible circuit board 600 as an intermediate fixing portion 612. The intermediate fixing portion 612 is used to assist in positioning the section between the two ends of the flexible circuit board 600 and to separate the movable section 620 of the flexible circuit board 600 to avoid stacking, entanglement, wear, jamming, etc. of the flexible circuit board 600 due to the excessive length of the movable section 620, so as not to affect the reliability and service life of the flexible circuit board 600, and also to prevent it from affecting the activity of the electronic device 1.

[0108] For example, referring to FIG8 , three intermediate fixing portions 612 may be spaced apart between the two end fixing portions 610 at both ends of the flexible circuit board 600. Among these three intermediate fixing portions 612, the middle intermediate fixing portion 612 may be fixedly connected to the center portion of the rotating shaft 130 (in the width direction, the X direction in FIG7 ). This intermediate fixing portion 612 serves to position the entire flexible circuit board 600. The intermediate fixing portions 612 on either side may be connected to both sides of the rotating shaft 130 in the width direction, respectively. The movable sections 620 between the intermediate fixing portions 612 on either side and the middle intermediate fixing portion 612 provide sufficient redundant length for the flexible circuit board 600, meeting the length requirements of the flexible circuit board 600 in different states of the electronic device 1. Furthermore, the movable sections 620 between the intermediate fixing portions 612 on either side and the end fixing portions 611 at the corresponding ends may also have a certain redundant length to compensate for assembly errors between the flexible circuit board 600 and the corresponding components.

[0109] Taking a straight-type electronic device as an example, when the distance between the two devices connected by the flexible circuit board 600 is small and the overall length of the flexible circuit board 600 is small, the flexible circuit board 600 can be provided with fixed parts 610 only at its two ends. In other words, the flexible circuit board 600 has end fixing parts 611 only at both ends, and all sections between the two ends of the flexible circuit board 600 are movable sections 620; when the distance between the two devices connected by the flexible circuit board 600 is large and the overall length of the flexible circuit board 600 is large, in addition to the two end fixing parts 610 at both ends of the flexible circuit board 600, at least one intermediate fixing part 612 can be provided between the two ends of the flexible circuit board 600. The intermediate fixing part 612 separates at least two movable sections 620 to limit the range of movement of the flexible circuit board 600 and improve the reliability of the flexible circuit board 600. It will not be repeated here.

[0110] Exemplarily, a support sheet (not shown in the figure) can be mounted on the side surface of these intermediate fixing parts 612 facing the device (such as the rotating shaft 130). The support sheet can be a metal sheet such as an iron sheet, an aluminum sheet, or a copper sheet. The intermediate fixing parts 612 are fixedly connected to the corresponding parts of the corresponding devices by means of the support sheet.

[0111] However, whether the flexible circuit board 600 is used in a foldable electronic device or a straight-type electronic device, when the relevant devices are installed in good working conditions, the redundant length of the flexible circuit board 600 cannot be effectively utilized. On the contrary, due to the redundancy, the flexible circuit board 600 will produce stacking, bending, and arching phenomena, squeezing the adjacent devices and causing problems such as abnormal pressing noise.

[0112] The texture of a conventional flexible circuit board 600 is relatively hard. When the redundant length of the flexible circuit board 600 is too large, the flexible circuit board 600 will bend significantly in the thickness direction of the electronic device 1 (the Z direction in Figure 8). The surface of the flexible circuit board 600 will squeeze the devices adjacent to it. The part of the electronic device 1 squeezed by the flexible circuit board 600 will be under greater pressure, causing problems such as abnormal pressing noise in this part.

[0113] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of the flexible circuit board installation process. Taking the flexible circuit board 600 used in a foldable electronic device as an example, especially the movable segments 620 near the ends of the flexible circuit board 600, because the ends of the flexible circuit board 600 are connected to components within the electronic device 1, the thickness of the components themselves (plus the thickness of the superimposed BTB connector 700) occupies a significant amount of the thickness of the electronic device 1, limiting the movable segment 620's movement space along the thickness direction of the electronic device 1. The two sides of the movable segment 620 squeeze the adjacent components.

[0114] For example, the movable segment 620 near the first end of the flexible circuit board 600 has one side surface pressed against the first rear cover 120a, while the other side surface of the movable segment 620 presses against the main board 310 (sub-board 320) or the battery 400 (sub-battery 410) located next to the main board 310 (sub-board 320). The movable segment 620 near the second end of the flexible circuit board 600 has one side surface pressed against the second display screen 200b (second rear cover 120b), while the other side surface of the movable segment 620 presses against the sub-board 320 (main board 310) or the battery 400 (sub-battery 420) located next to the sub-board 320 (main board 310). This can cause the electronic device 1 to experience problems such as unusual pressing noises, and also affect the reliability and service life of the flexible circuit board 600 during long-term use.

[0115] When the inward-folding electronic device is equipped with a second display screen 200b, the flexible circuit board 600 is squeezed against the second display screen 200b, causing the second display screen 200b to be subjected to greater local stress. The second display screen 200b becomes partially slightly convex and uneven, resulting in film printing defects on the second display screen 200b. Especially in the black screen state, the film printing phenomenon of the second display screen 200b is more obvious.

[0116] Of course, for the section of the flexible circuit board 600 located in the area where the hinge 130 is located, even if the movable segment 620 in this section has a larger movable space, when the redundant length of the movable segment 620 is larger, the movable segment 620 may squeeze the hinge 130 or the first display screen 200a when the bending degree is the largest, causing the electronic device 1 to have abnormal noise (during the switching of use status), abnormal pressing noise, film printing and other adverse phenomena.

[0117] For the flexible circuit board 600 used in a straight-type electronic device, the movable section 620 of the flexible circuit board 600 (especially near its two ends) has limited movable space. When the redundant length of the flexible circuit board 600 is too large, the flexible circuit board 600 may squeeze the adjacent devices, thereby causing the electronic device 1 to have problems such as abnormal pressing sounds. Long-term use also affects the reliability and service life of the flexible circuit board 600, which will not be discussed here.

[0118] In view of this, the embodiment of the present application improves the flexible circuit board 600 by providing a separation groove on at least one movable segment 620 of the flexible circuit board 600, and utilizing the separation groove to separate the movable segment 620 into a first part and a second part along the width direction of the flexible circuit board 600. The separation groove can absorb the deformation generated when the flexible circuit board 600 is bent, and the first part and the second part are completely separated and do not affect each other, which can weaken the deformation of the first part and the second part, reduce the overall arching degree of the flexible circuit board 600, and reduce the pressure of the flexible circuit board 600 on adjacent devices, thereby improving the problems of abnormal pressing noise, film printing, etc. of the electronic device 1.

[0119] The flexible circuit board 600 provided in this embodiment is described in detail below by taking the flexible circuit board 600 applied in a foldable electronic device and passing through the hinge 130 as an example.

[0120] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a flexible circuit board in the related art. Referring to Figure 10 , the conventional structure of a flexible circuit board 600 is shown. As shown in the figure, BTB connectors 700 (e.g., female receptacles) are mounted on end fixing portions 611 at both ends of the flexible circuit board 600 to connect the flexible circuit board 600 to corresponding devices. Three intermediate fixing portions 612 are spaced apart between the end fixing portions 611 at both ends of the flexible circuit board 600. As previously described, these three intermediate fixing portions 612 are respectively used to securely connect to different parts of the rotating shaft 130.

[0121] For example, the figure shows that the end fixing portion 611 at both ends of the flexible circuit board 600 is divided into two parts, and both parts of the end fixing portion 611 are mounted with a BTB connector 700, which can realize a dual-interface connection between the end of the flexible circuit board 600 and the corresponding device to meet the functional requirements of multi-signal transmission between devices.

[0122] In the related art, the movable section 620 between adjacent fixed portions 610 of the flexible circuit board 600 is typically an integral structure. That is, the movable section 620 is an inseparable, single-layer structure in the thickness direction. Based on the fact that the fixed portion 610 of the flexible circuit board 600 is typically an integral, single-layer structure, the entire flexible circuit board 600 is an inseparable, single-layer structure. For a flexible circuit board 600 of a certain thickness, the integral structure of the flexible circuit board 600 is relatively hard, and the arc radius of the flexible circuit board 600 after bending is relatively large. When the flexible circuit board 600 contacts adjacent components (such as the back cover 120 and the display screen 200) in the thickness direction of the electronic device 1 (the Z direction in FIG. 8 ), a large upward force is generated on the corresponding components, causing problems such as abnormal pressing noise and film marks on the electronic device 1.

[0123] Figure 11 is a structural schematic diagram of a flexible circuit board provided in an embodiment of the present application; Figure 12 is a structural schematic diagram of the flexible circuit board in Figure 11 in an unfolded state; and Figure 13 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram at AA in Figure 12.

[0124] 11 and 12 , in this embodiment, at least one of the movable segments 620 of the flexible circuit board 600 may be provided with a separation groove 623 . The separation groove 623 avoids the wiring within the flexible circuit board 600 and does not affect the signal transmission of the flexible circuit board 600 .

[0125] By providing a separation groove 623 in the movable section 620, the separation groove 623 can absorb the bending deformation of the movable section 620 due to length redundancy, release the deformation stress of the movable section 620, weaken the bending deformation of the movable section 620, and improve the interference of the movable section 620 with adjacent devices, thereby improving the problems of abnormal pressing noise, film printing, etc. of the electronic device 1 and improving the performance of the electronic device 1.

[0126] The movable segment 620, which has a separation groove 623, is divided into a first portion 624 and a second portion 625 along its width. The separation groove 623 prevents the first portion 624 and the second portion 625 from interfering with each other. Furthermore, the specific structures of the first portion 624 and the second portion 625 can be designed separately to further reduce interference between the movable segment 620 and adjacent components.

[0127] Continuing with reference to FIG. 11 or FIG. 12 , on the basis of providing a separation groove 623 in at least one movable segment 620 of the flexible circuit board 600, in this embodiment, at least some of the movable segments 620 of the flexible circuit board 600 are provided with a multi-layer segment 621. As shown in FIG. 13 , the multi-layer segment 621 includes at least two structural layers 6211 arranged along the thickness direction of the flexible circuit board 600. Each structural layer 6211 is stacked along the thickness direction of the movable segment 620, and each structural layer 6211 is separated from each other.

[0128] The multilayer segment 621 separates the movable segment 620 into two or more structural layers 6211 along its thickness, effectively forming the entire movable segment 620 from two or more thin structural layers 6211. Because each structural layer 6211 is relatively thin and an air layer forms between adjacent, separated structural layers 6211, each structural layer 6211 can move independently of other structural layers 6211. Furthermore, the presence of the multilayer segment 621 reduces the hardness of the movable segment 620, making it more flexible and easier to bend. This effectively reduces the force exerted by the movable segment 620 on adjacent components, thereby improving issues such as abnormal pressing noise and film marks on the electronic device 1.

[0129] Taking a flexible circuit board 600 used in a foldable electronic device as an example, when the flexible circuit board 600 includes multiple movable segments 620, that is, when at least one intermediate fixing portion 612 is provided between the end fixing portions 611 at both ends of the flexible circuit board 600, some or all movable segments 620 may be provided with multi-layer segments 621. Taking a flexible circuit board 600 used in a bar-type electronic device as an example, when the flexible circuit board 600 includes one movable segment 620, the movable segment 620 may be provided with multi-layer segments 621. When the flexible circuit board 600 has two or more movable segments 620 spaced apart, at least one movable segment 620 may be provided with multi-layer segments 621.

[0130] For example, whether the flexible circuit board 600 is used in a foldable electronic device or a candy-bar electronic device, the active segment 620 located in the middle region of the flexible circuit board 600 along its length generally bends more significantly. Therefore, a multi-layer segment 621 can be provided on the active segment 620 in the middle region to ensure the bending performance of the active segment 620 in the middle region. In addition to providing the multi-layer segment 621 in the active segment 620 in the middle region, the multi-layer segment 621 can also be provided on the active segment 620 near the end of the flexible circuit board 600. The active segment 620 near the end of the flexible circuit board 600 generally has less room for movement. By providing the multi-layer segment 621 in the active segment 620 near the end, the hardness of the active segment 620 is reduced, thereby reducing the pressure exerted by the active segment 620 on adjacent devices.

[0131] Specifically, taking the example of three intermediate fixing portions 612 spaced apart between the end fixing portions 611 at both ends of the flexible circuit board 600, the multilayer segments 621 can be provided only in the movable segment 620 between adjacent intermediate fixing portions 612. The area between the intermediate fixing portions 612 corresponds to the movable region of the shaft 130. The movable segment 620 in this region has a large range of motion as the shaft 130 rotates. By providing the multilayer segments 621 in this region, the movable segment 620 is made more flexible, ensuring the bending performance of the movable segment 620 in this region. Furthermore, due to the large range of motion of the movable segment 620 in this region, the movable segment 620 in this region is typically provided with a greater amount of redundant length to accommodate the required motion of the movable segment 620 in this region. By providing the multilayer segments 621 in this region, the force exerted by the movable segment 620 on adjacent components (e.g., components of the shaft 130) can be reduced when the movable segment 620 in this region presses against the component.

[0132] To compensate for errors in device manufacturing and installation, the movable segment 620 between the end fixing portion 611 and the adjacent intermediate fixing portion 612 of the flexible circuit board 600 is typically designed with a certain amount of redundant length. Furthermore, because at least a portion of the movable segment 620 in this region is supported on the mounting device (e.g., the circuit board 300), the movable segment 620 in this region has less room to maneuver. Therefore, as shown in Figures 12 and 13 , in addition to providing multiple layers of segments 621 in the movable segment 620 between adjacent intermediate fixing portions 612, multiple layers of segments 621 can also be provided in the movable segment 620 between the end fixing portion 611 and the adjacent intermediate fixing portion 612 to enhance the flexibility of the movable segment 620 in this region and reduce the force exerted by the movable segment 620 on the device.

[0133] Among them, for the movable section 620 between the end fixing portion 611 of the flexible circuit board 600 and the adjacent middle fixing portion 612, since the movable section 620 usually only has a redundant length requirement and does not have the activity requirement of bending or unfolding with the movement of the rotating shaft 130, therefore, in the movable section 620 in this area, along the length direction of the movable section 620, only a part of the area of ​​the movable section 620 can be set with a multi-layer section 621, and the rest of the area of ​​the movable section 620 is an integrated section 622, or the multi-layer section 621 can also occupy the entire area of ​​the movable section 620.

[0134] The so-called integral section 622 refers to the movable section 620 of this section being a single unit in the thickness direction, without any layers. Regarding the construction of the integral section 622, in some examples, the integral section 622 can be a one-piece structure, where the integral section 622 and the multi-layer section 621 can be formed using different molding processes and then connected together. In other examples, the integral section 622 can also be composed of multiple structural layers 6211, where adjacent structural layers 6211 can be bonded together to form a single unit.

[0135] 11 or 12 , exemplarily, for the movable segment 620 between the end fixing portion 611 and the adjacent middle fixing portion 612 of the flexible circuit board 600, when the movable segment 620 (along the length direction of the flexible circuit board 600) is narrow, the multi-layer segment 621 can occupy the entire area of ​​the movable segment 620 along the length direction of the flexible circuit board 600; when the movable segment 620 (along the length direction of the flexible circuit board 600) is wide, the multi-layer segment 621 can only occupy a partial area of ​​the movable segment 620 along the length direction of the flexible circuit board 600. For example, the areas of the movable segment 620 close to the fixing portions 610 on both sides are set as the multi-layer segments 621, and the middle area is set as the integral segment 622. The movable segment 620 is composed of the multi-layer segments 621 on both sides and the integral segment 622 in the middle.

[0136] It should be noted that the multi-layer segment 621 occupying a partial area or the entire area of ​​the active segment 620 mentioned here refers to the length direction of the flexible circuit board 600, and does not refer to the entire area of ​​the active segment 620, to indicate the area size of the active segment 620 occupied by the multi-layer segment 621 in the length direction of the flexible circuit board 600.

[0137] As for the movable segment 620 provided with a dividing groove 623, the first portion 624 located on one side of the dividing groove 623 can be an integral portion, which is similar to the aforementioned integral segment 622. The integral portion is a whole in the thickness direction of the movable segment 620 and has no layers. At least a partial area of ​​the second portion 625 located on the other side of the dividing groove 623 is the aforementioned multi-layer segment 621.

[0138] The dividing groove 623 completely separates the movable section 620 (in the width direction) into a first portion 624 and a second portion 625, which do not interfere with each other. By designing the first portion 624 as a single unit, the first portion 624 has a slightly greater overall hardness, better resistance to deformation, and less bulging. This reduces interference between the first portion 624 and adjacent components, and can even prevent the first portion 624 from contacting and squeezing adjacent components. The second portion 625, by providing the multilayered section 621, reduces its hardness and improves its flexibility. Without the constraints of the first portion 624, the multilayered section 621 can fully utilize its softness, reducing pressure on adjacent components.

[0139] Therefore, by providing a separation groove 623 in the movable section 620, the separation groove 623 separates the movable section 620 into a first portion 624 and a second portion 625 along the width direction. By providing the first portion 624 as a single unit and the second portion 625 with multi-layer segments 621, the separation groove 623 can absorb deformation of the movable section 620, reduce the stress generated by deformation of the movable section 620, and reduce the overall bulging of the movable section 620. Furthermore, the separation groove 623 isolates the first portion 624 from the second portion 625, allowing the first portion 624 to utilize its high hardness, low bulging, and minimal interference with adjacent components, while also allowing the multi-layer segments 621 in the second portion 625 to utilize their high flexibility and low pressure on adjacent components. This improves the performance of the electronic device 1, such as abnormal pressing noise and film marks.

[0140] Furthermore, when designing the wiring structure of the flexible circuit board 600, the RF signal lines can be partially or entirely distributed within the first portion 624. Alternatively, the positions of the separation slots 623 can be set based on the distribution area of ​​the RF signal lines, so that most or even all of the RF signal lines are distributed within the first portion 624. By configuring the first portion 624 as an integral part, the performance of the RF signal lines can be guaranteed, RF signal loss can be avoided, and communication efficiency and call quality of the electronic device 1 can be improved.

[0141] As for the distribution of the separation grooves 623 on the flexible circuit board 600, as previously mentioned, the areas near the ends of the flexible circuit board 600 generally have less room for movement, and the spacing between the movable segment 620 near the ends of the flexible circuit board 600 and adjacent components is even smaller. Therefore, the separation grooves 623 can be provided in the movable segment 620 between the end fixing portion 611 and the adjacent middle fixing portion 612 of the flexible circuit board 600 to reduce the degree of arching of the movable segment 620 near the end of the flexible circuit board 600, reduce interference between the movable segment 620 and adjacent components in this area, and alleviate problems such as abnormal pressing noise and film marks on the electronic device 1.

[0142] As shown in FIG11 or FIG12 , the separation groove 623 may be provided only on the movable segment 620 at one end of the flexible circuit board 600. For example, the separation groove 623 may be provided on the wider movable segment 620 (along the length of the flexible circuit board 600), while the narrower movable segment 620 (along the length of the flexible circuit board 600) may not have the separation groove 623 due to its smaller deformation. Of course, the separation groove 623 may also be provided on the movable segments 620 at both ends of the flexible circuit board 600.

[0143] Taking the wider movable section 620 near one end of the flexible circuit board 600 (along the length direction of the flexible circuit board 600) as an example, in the second part 625 formed by the dividing groove 623 on the movable section 620, the areas near both sides of the second part 625 can be set as a multi-layer section 621, and the middle area of ​​the second part 625 can be an integral section 622.

[0144] For the movable segments 620 in the middle region of the flexible circuit board 600, and the movable segments 620 formed between adjacent intermediate fixing portions 612, since these movable segments 620 (e.g., the section of the flexible circuit board 600 corresponding to the rotating shaft 130) generally have a relatively large movable space, which can meet the deformation space requirements of the movable segments 620, these movable segments 620 may not have a separating groove 623 (as shown in FIG. 11 or FIG. 12 ). For example, the entire movable segment 620 may be a multi-layer segment 621. Of course, in some examples, separating grooves 623 may be provided in these movable segments 620, with some of the movable segments 620 being a single-piece segment 622 and others being a multi-layer segment 621. This is not a limitation of this embodiment.

[0145] Continuing with reference to FIG. 11 or FIG. 12 , the partitioning groove 623 includes a main groove section 6231. The extension direction of the main groove section 6231 of the partitioning groove 623 forms an angle with the width direction of the flexible circuit board 600. In other words, the main groove section 6231 extends in a direction oblique to the width direction of the flexible circuit board 600 and extends to both ends of the movable section 620. For example, both ends of the main groove section 6231 extend to the fixed portions 610 at both ends of the movable section 620. In this way, the main groove section 6231 can separate the movable section 620 into a first portion 624 and a second portion 625 along the width direction of the flexible circuit board 600.

[0146] In order to avoid the situation where the hardness of the first part 624 is too high, in this embodiment, the width occupied by the first part 624 along the width direction of the flexible circuit board 600 can be smaller, while the width occupied by the second part 625 can be larger, so as to ensure the overall bending performance of the movable section 620 with the separation groove 623. On the basis of reducing the degree of arching of the first part 624, when the first part 624 squeezes the adjacent device, the first part 624 can maintain a smaller width to reduce the pushing force of the first part 624 on the adjacent device.

[0147] For ease of explanation, in this embodiment, the two sides of the flexible circuit board 600 in the width direction are defined as the first side and the second side, respectively. The main groove section 6231 of the separation groove 623 can be located near the first side of the flexible circuit board 600, and the first portion 624 can be located between the first side of the flexible circuit board 600 and the main groove section 6231 of the separation groove 623. In other words, the first portion 624 occupies a smaller width, while the second portion 625 occupies a larger width. The first side of the flexible circuit board 600 can be the side where the RF signal lines are concentrated, so that some or all of the RF signal lines are located in the first portion 624.

[0148] Based on the consideration that the wiring in the flexible circuit board 600 is roughly along its length, in this embodiment, at least part of the main groove section 6231 of the separation groove 623 can extend along the length direction of the flexible circuit board 600. In this way, in the width direction of the flexible circuit board 600, the main groove section 6231 of the separation groove 623 occupies a very small space, and the interference with the wiring path of the flexible circuit board 600 is relatively small. The wiring in the flexible circuit board 600 can also maintain a routing path roughly along the length direction of the flexible circuit board 600. The wiring in the flexible circuit board 600 is relatively uniform, which can reduce signal interference and improve the signal transmission performance of the flexible circuit board 600.

[0149] For example, the extension shape of the main slot section 6231 of the separating slot 623 can be designed based on the extension shape of the active section 620 (where the separating slot 623 is located) and the wiring structure within the active section 620. A partial section of the main slot section 6231 can extend along the length direction of the flexible circuit board 600, or the entire main slot section 6231 can extend along the length direction of the flexible circuit board 600.

[0150] In addition, referring to Figure 14, the figure shows a local enlarged structure of another flexible circuit board 600 at the location of the separation groove 623. In some embodiments, the width of the main groove section 6231 can be designed to be varied. For example, along the length direction of the main groove section 6231, the main groove section 6231 may include a first section 6231a, a middle section 6231b, and a second section 6231c connected in sequence. The first section 6231a and the second section 6231c are located at both ends of the main groove section 6231, and the middle section 6231b is located between the first section 6231a and the second section 6231c. Among them, the maximum width of the first section 6231a and the maximum width of the second section 6231c are both smaller than the minimum width of the middle section 6231b. The main groove section 6231 is designed to be wide in the middle and narrow at both ends. On the basis of ensuring that the main groove section 6231 has a sufficient area, the width of the middle area of ​​the main groove section 6231 is increased, and the ability of the main groove section 6231 to absorb the bending deformation of the movable section 620 is enhanced, which can better release the stress of the movable section 620 and reduce the arching degree of the movable section 620.

[0151] Illustratively, in the length direction of the main slot segment 6231, the width of the main slot segment 6231 can gradually decrease from the center of the main slot segment 6231 to the edge of the main slot segment 6231. That is, the width of the main slot segment 6231 changes gradually, thereby avoiding step differences at the connection between the first segment 6231a and the middle segment 6231b and at the connection between the second segment 6231c and the middle segment 6231b. During long-term or repeated bending, reliability problems such as local tearing and breaking caused by the step differences can be avoided.

[0152] Figures 12 and 14 illustrate a flexible circuit board 600 having a bending section 620a. At least one of the movable sections 620 of the flexible circuit board 600 is a bending section 620a. This means that the movable section 620 of the flexible circuit board 600 bends toward one side along the plane of the flexible circuit board 600, forming a corner at the bent portion. With respect to the first and second sides of the width of the flexible circuit board 600 defined above, the movable section 620 can bend toward the first side.

[0153] In this regard, the movable segment 620 formed as a bending segment 620a and having a corner can be provided with a separation groove 623. The movable segment 620 is bent toward the first side of the flexible circuit board 600, and the corner portion of the movable segment 620 is located on the first side of the flexible circuit board 600. By setting the first portion 624 between the first side of the flexible circuit board 600 and the separation groove 623 as an integral part, that is, setting the corner portion of the movable segment 620 as an integral part, the separation groove 623 can absorb the bending deformation of the corner portion, and the hardness of the corner portion is slightly greater, which can reduce the degree of arching of the corner portion, thereby reducing the contact area between adjacent devices at the corner portion, and even the corner portion is not in contact with adjacent devices, thereby reducing or even eliminating the pressing force of the corner portion on the adjacent devices, and improving the abnormal pressing sound and film printing problems of the electronic device 1.

[0154] 12 or 14 , for the main groove section 6231 of the separating groove 623 extending roughly along the length direction of the flexible circuit board 600, the extension shape of the main groove section 6231 can match the bending shape of the corner portion of the bending section 620a. Taking the bending angle of the bending section 620a as approximately 90° as an example, the central angle corresponding to the corner portion of the bending section 620a is approximately 90°. Correspondingly, the main groove section 6231 of the separating groove 623 can be roughly formed into an arc-shaped structure of 1 / 4 arc.

[0155] In some embodiments, the corners of the bent section 620a may be designed with a crack-stop groove 626. This groove 626 removes more material from the corners, creating an inward-extending groove structure at the corners. This design removes some material from the corners, helping to reduce material accumulation and preventing cracking of the flexible printed circuit board 600 due to excessive material accumulation at the corners.

[0156] To this end, the portion of the main groove section 6231 of the dividing groove 623 corresponding to the crack stop groove 626 may be offset inward to match the crack stop groove 626 at the corner of the bent section 620a. This ensures sufficient spacing between the main groove section 6231 and the crack stop groove 626, thereby preventing the first portion 624 from being locally too narrow at the location of the crack stop groove 626 and ensuring the reliability of the first portion 624. For example, the middle section of the main groove section 6231 of the dividing groove 623 protrudes away from the corner, forming a C-shaped structure.

[0157] FIG15 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a third flexible circuit board in an unfolded state according to an embodiment of the present application. Referring to FIG15 , the flexible circuit board 600 is shown as having no distinct bend 620a and extending substantially in a straight line. In this case, for the movable segment 620 having a separating groove 623, for example, the movable segment 620 near the end of the flexible circuit board 600, the extending shape of the separating groove 623 can match the shape of the side of the movable segment 620 near the end of the flexible circuit board 600. For the aforementioned arrangement where the separating groove 623 is near the first side of the flexible circuit board 600, the extending shape of the separating groove 623 can match the shape of the side of the first side of the flexible circuit board 600, so that the separating groove 623 separates the first portion 624, which has a uniform width and high reliability.

[0158] Taking Figure 15 as an example, from the end fixing portion 611 of the flexible circuit board 600 to the adjacent middle fixing portion 612, the first side of the flexible circuit board 600 includes a straight section, an inclined section (inclined from the outside to the inside) and a straight section connected in sequence. To match this, the separation groove 623 can also include a straight section, an inclined section (inclined from the outside to the inside) and a straight section connected in sequence.

[0159] Figure 16 is a schematic structural diagram of the fourth flexible circuit board provided in an embodiment of the present application in an unfolded state; Figure 17 is a schematic structural diagram of the fifth flexible circuit board provided in an embodiment of the present application in an unfolded state.

[0160] 16 and 17 , in some embodiments, the partitioning groove 623 is further provided with a branch groove section 6232 on the basis of the main groove section 6231. The branch groove section 6232 intersects with the main groove section 6231 and is connected to the main groove section 6231, together forming the partitioning groove 623. This increases the area of ​​the partitioning groove 623, and the branch groove section 6232 and the main groove section 6231 intersect at a point, thereby enhancing the ability of the partitioning groove 623 to absorb bending deformation of the movable section 620. The main groove section 6231 and the branch groove section 6232 can absorb stress from different directions and disperse the stress, thereby better relieving stress in the movable section 620, reducing the degree of arching of the movable section 620, and alleviating the pressure applied by the movable section 620 on adjacent components, thereby improving problems such as abnormal pressing noise and film marks on the electronic device 1.

[0161] As previously described, if the width of the first portion 624 is relatively small, the branch slot section 6232 can be disposed within the second portion 625. One end of the branch slot section 6232 faces the main slot section 6231 and communicates with the main slot section 6231, while the other end of the branch slot section 6232 extends away from the main slot section 6231. In this manner, the branch slot section 6232 does not occupy space within the first portion 624, thereby preventing the first portion 624 from being partially too narrow and thus impacting the reliability of the first portion 624. Of course, if the first portion 624 is relatively wide, the branch slot section 6232 can also extend from the second portion 625 to the area within the first portion 624, or even completely within the first portion 624, provided this does not impact the reliability of the first portion 624. This embodiment is not limiting in this regard.

[0162] Referring to Figure 16, in some examples, the branch slot section 6232 can be connected to the middle of the main slot section 6231, and the branch slot section 6232 extends in a direction away from the main slot section 6231. The branch slot section 6232 can extend into the multi-layer section 621, or the branch slot section 6232 can also extend into the integral section 622; referring to Figure 17, in other examples, the branch slot section 6232 can be connected to the end of the main slot section 6231. Since the end of the main slot section 6231 extends to the fixed portion 610 on one side of the movable section 620, the branch slot section 6232 can extend into the area where the movable section 620 is located. The branch slot section 6232 can extend into the multi-layer section 621, or the branch slot section 6232 can also extend into the integral section 622.

[0163] In Figures 16 and 17, the dividing groove 623 is formed on the movable section 620, which forms the bent section 620a. The main groove section 6231 of the dividing groove 623 is similar to an arc-shaped section, matching the bent portion of the bent section 620a. In this case, when the branch groove section 6232 is located in the second section 625 and one end of the branch groove section 6232 is connected to the middle of the main groove section 6231, the resulting dividing groove 623 is similar to a "Y" shape (see Figure 16). When the branch groove section 6232 is located in the second section 625 and connected to one end of the main groove section 6231, specifically, for example, when the branch groove section 6232 extends from the end of the main groove section 6231 along a tangential direction of the main groove section 6231, the resulting dividing groove 623 is similar to a "T" shape (see Figure 17).

[0164] As for the depth of the dividing groove 623 in the thickness direction of the flexible circuit board 600, in one embodiment, the dividing groove 623 can extend through both sides of the thickness direction of the flexible circuit board 600. For the multi-layer segment 621, this is equivalent to the dividing groove 623 extending through each structural layer 6211 of the multi-layer segment 621. In this way, the dividing groove 623 completely separates the first portion 624 and the second portion 625, completely unaffecting their respective bending and deformation. This completely isolates the impact of the relatively rigid first portion 624 on the multi-layer segment 621 of the second portion 625, allowing the multi-layer segment 621 of the second portion 625 to fully demonstrate its softness.

[0165] As another embodiment, the separation groove 623 may not completely penetrate both sides of the thickness direction of the flexible circuit board 600. For example, in the case where the multi-layer segment 621 includes N (a positive integer ≥ 2) layers, the separation groove 623 may penetrate the N-1 layer of the multi-layer segment 621, with the bottom layer of the multi-layer segment 621 and the first portion 624 connected together. The bottom layer of the multi-layer segment 621 is defined based on the bending direction of the movable segment 620. For example, in the case where the movable segment 620 bends in a first direction, the bottommost structural layer 6211 of the multi-layer segment 621 along the first direction is defined as the bottom layer, and each structural layer 6211 stacked above the bottom layer is defined as a stack. The separation groove 623 penetrates each stack of the multi-layer segment 621, with the bottom layer and the first portion 624 connected together. For example, the bottom layer and the first portion 624 may be integrally formed.

[0166] Specifically, for the movable segment 620 near the end of the flexible circuit board 600, taking the case where the movable segment 620 is attached to the surface of the circuit board 300 as an example, the movable segment 620 is usually bent in a direction away from the circuit board 300, then the first direction is the direction away from the circuit board 300, the bottom layer of the multi-layer segment 621 is the structural layer 6211 closest to the circuit board 300, and above the bottom layer are the various stacked layers. The structural layer 6211 closest to the circuit board 300 in the multi-layer segment 621 is connected to the first portion 624, and the separation groove 623 runs through the remaining stacked layers.

[0167] By connecting the bottom layer of the multilayer segment 621 to the first portion 624, the separation groove 623 only penetrates the various layers of the multilayer segment 621. Of the various structural layers 6211 of the multilayer segment 621, only the movement of the bottom layer is affected by the first portion 624. Furthermore, due to the slightly greater hardness of the first portion 624, the first portion 624 can also reduce the degree of arching of the bottom layer of the multilayer segment 621. The various layers above the bottom layer of the multilayer segment 621 can move freely, while the various structural layers 6211 of the multilayer segment 621 remain separated from each other. The multilayer segment 621 can still fully utilize its softness, reducing the pressure applied by the multilayer segment 621 on adjacent components, thereby improving the issues of abnormal pressing noise and film marks on the electronic device 1.

[0168] In the description of the embodiments of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, the terms "mounted," "connected," and "connected" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, they may refer to a fixed connection, an indirect connection via an intermediate medium, internal communication between two components, or an interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of the above terms in the embodiments of this application based on specific circumstances.

[0169] The terms "first", "second", "third", "fourth", etc. (if any) in the description and claims of the embodiments of this application and the above-mentioned drawings are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence.

Claims

1. A flexible circuit board for installation in an electronic device, characterized in that: The flexible circuit board includes at least one movable segment arranged along the length direction of the flexible circuit board, and the movable segment can move in the electronic device; wherein, at least one of the movable segments is provided with a separation groove, and along the width direction of the flexible circuit board, the separation groove separates the movable segment into a first part and a second part.

2. The flexible circuit board according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first portion is an integral portion, and at least a portion of the second portion is a multi-layer segment. The multi-layer segment includes at least two structural layers arranged along the thickness direction of the flexible circuit board, and the structural layers are separated from each other.

3. The flexible circuit board according to claim 2, characterized in that: A plurality of radio frequency signal lines are arranged in the flexible circuit board, and at least some of the radio frequency signal lines are distributed in the first part.

4. The flexible circuit board according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The separation groove comprises a main groove section, an extension direction of the main groove section forms an angle with a width direction of the flexible circuit board, and the main groove section extends to both ends of the movable section.

5. The flexible circuit board according to claim 4, characterized in that: The two sides of the flexible circuit board in the width direction are respectively a first side and a second side, the main groove section is close to the first side, and the first portion is located between the first side and the main groove section.

6. The flexible circuit board according to claim 4, characterized in that: At least a portion of the main slot section extends along the length direction of the flexible circuit board.

7. The flexible circuit board according to claim 4, characterized in that: The dividing groove further includes at least one branch groove section, and the branch groove section intersects and communicates with the main groove section.

8. The flexible circuit board according to claim 7, characterized in that: The branch slot section is located in the second portion, one end of the branch slot section is communicated with the main slot section, and the other end of the branch slot section extends in a direction away from the main slot section.

9. The flexible circuit board according to claim 8, characterized in that: The branch slot section is connected to the middle portion of the main slot section.

10. The flexible circuit board according to claim 8, characterized in that: The branch slot section is connected to one end of the main slot section.

11. The flexible circuit board according to claim 10, characterized in that: The main slot section is an arc-shaped section, and the branch slot section extends along the tangent direction of the main slot section.

12. The flexible circuit board according to claim 4, characterized in that: At least one of the movable sections provided with the dividing groove is a bending section, and the bending section is bent toward the side where the first portion is located.

13. The flexible circuit board according to claim 12, characterized in that: A crack-stop groove is provided at the corner of the bending section, and the extended shape of the main groove section matches the shape of the crack-stop groove.

14. The flexible circuit board according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: It also includes at least two fixing parts, each of which is arranged at intervals along the length direction of the flexible circuit board, and the fixing parts are used to be fixedly connected to the components of the electronic device, and the movable section is located between adjacent fixing parts.

15. The flexible circuit board according to claim 14, characterized in that: The at least two fixing parts include two end fixing parts and at least one middle fixing part, the two end fixing parts are respectively located at two ends of the flexible circuit board, the end fixing parts are used to connect with the components in the electronic device, and the middle fixing part is located between the two end fixing parts; Wherein, the movable section between at least one of the end fixing parts and the adjacent middle fixing part is provided with the separation groove.

16. The flexible circuit board according to claim 15, characterized in that: In the movable section provided with the separation groove and located between the end fixing section and the middle fixing section, the two side areas in the second section are multi-layer sections and the middle area is an integral section.

17. The flexible circuit board according to claim 15, characterized in that: The movable section between adjacent intermediate fixing parts is a multi-layer section.

18. The flexible circuit board according to claim 4, characterized in that: Along the extension direction of the main slot section, the main slot section includes a first section, a middle section and a second section connected in sequence, and the maximum width of the first section and the maximum width of the second section are both smaller than the minimum width of the middle section.

19. The flexible circuit board according to claim 18, characterized in that: The width of the main slot section gradually decreases from the center of the main slot section to the edge of the main slot section.

20. The flexible circuit board according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The separation groove passes through both side surfaces of the flexible circuit board in the thickness direction.

21. The flexible circuit board according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: In the thickness direction of the flexible circuit board, the movable section is bent toward a first direction; Along the first direction, the multi-layer segment includes a bottom layer and at least one stacked layer stacked on the bottom layer, the separation groove penetrates each of the stacked layers, and the bottom layer is connected to the first portion.

22. An electronic device, characterized in that: It comprises a housing assembly and the flexible circuit board according to any one of claims 1 to 21, wherein the flexible circuit board is located in the housing assembly and is connected to at least two devices in the housing assembly.

23. The electronic device according to claim 22, characterized in that: The housing assembly comprises a first middle frame, a second middle frame and a rotating shaft, wherein the first middle frame and the second middle frame are movably connected to two sides of the rotating shaft respectively; The first end of the flexible circuit board is connected to the device installed on the first middle frame, and the second end of the flexible circuit board passes through the rotating shaft and is connected to the device installed on the second middle frame.

24. The electronic device according to claim 23, characterized in that: The electronic device further includes a first display screen, which is mounted on first sides of the first middle frame and the second middle frame.

25. The electronic device according to claim 24, characterized in that: The electronic device further includes a second display screen, which is mounted on a second side of the second middle frame, and the second side is opposite to the first side; Wherein, a separation groove is provided at the movable section close to the second end of the flexible circuit board.

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