Electronic apparatus including circuit for protecting flexible printed circuit board and operating method thereof

The FPCB with a protection circuit addresses the challenge of integrating larger displays in flexible devices by managing power supply and connectivity, ensuring efficient operation and reducing power wastage.

WO2026010117A1PCT designated stage Publication Date: 2026-01-08SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
View PDF 5 Cites 0 Cited by

Patent Information

Application Number
PCT/KR2025/006477
Authority / Receiving Office
WO · WO
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2024-08-30
Filing Date
2025-05-13
Publication Date
2026-01-08

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

The challenge of integrating larger display sizes with miniaturization in electronic devices, particularly those with flexible displays, is a trade-off that existing technologies have not adequately addressed, leading to potential issues with power management and connectivity in foldable or rollable devices.

Method used

A flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) with a protection circuit that includes connectors and switches to manage power supply to the power management circuit based on connection states, ensuring efficient power transfer and preventing power leakage when connectors are not connected.

Benefits of technology

The solution ensures reliable power management and connectivity in flexible electronic devices, allowing for seamless operation of larger displays while maintaining device compactness and reducing power wastage.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

Smart Images

  • Figure KR2025006477_08012026_PF_FP_ABST
    Figure KR2025006477_08012026_PF_FP_ABST
Patent Text Reader

Abstract

According to an embodiment, an electronic apparatus may include: a first housing; a second housing; a first battery disposed in the first housing; a printed circuit board (PCB) including a power management circuit disposed in the second housing; and a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) configured to connect the first battery to the PCB, and including a first connector connected to the first battery, a second connector configured to connect to the PCB, and a protection circuit. The protection circuit may be configured to supply, provide, or apply battery power or battery voltage to the PCB through the second connector only after the first connector of the FPCB is fully connected or fastened to the first battery and the second connector of the FPCB is fully connected or fastened to the PCB.
Need to check novelty before this filing date? Find Prior Art

Description

Electronic device comprising circuitry protecting a flexible printed circuit board and method of operating the same

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an electronic device including a circuit for protecting a flexible printed circuit board and a method of operating the same.

[0002] Advances in information and communication technology and semiconductor technology are integrating diverse functions into a single portable electronic device. For example, electronic devices can implement not only communication functions but also entertainment functions such as gaming, multimedia functions such as music and video playback, communication and security functions for mobile banking, or even calendar management and electronic wallet functions. These electronic devices are becoming smaller and more portable for users.

[0003] As mobile communication services expand into the realm of multimedia services, the display size of electronic devices needs to increase to ensure users can fully utilize multimedia services, beyond just voice calls and text messages. However, display size on electronic devices can be a trade-off with miniaturization.

[0004] As the display sizes of electronic devices increase, electronic devices incorporating flexible displays are being developed to achieve miniaturization. For example, electronic devices incorporating rollable displays or foldable displays are being developed.

[0005] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include a printed circuit board (PCB) (510) including a first housing (501), a second housing (502), a first battery (550) disposed in the first housing, a power management circuit (515) disposed in the second housing, and a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) (530) configured to connect the first battery and the PCB. According to one embodiment, the FPCB may include a first connector (C1) connected to the first battery, a second connector (C2) configured to connect to the PCB, and a protection circuit (540). According to one embodiment, the second connector may include a first pin (521) and a second pin (522) electrically loop-connectable to each other, and a third pin (523) for receiving power from the first battery. In one embodiment, a switch (Q1) included in the protection circuit may form a part of the electrical loop. In one embodiment, the protection circuit may be configured to allow power to be supplied to the power management circuit through the third pin when each of the first pin, the second pin, and the third pin is connected to the PCB. In one embodiment, the protection circuit may be configured to block power from being supplied to the power management circuit through the third pin when at least one of the first pin, the second pin, and the third pin is not connected to the PCB.

[0006] According to one embodiment, in a method of operating an electronic device, the electronic device includes a first battery disposed in a first housing of the electronic device, a power management circuit included in a printed circuit board (PCB) disposed in a second housing of the electronic device, and a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) configured to connect the first battery and the PCB, wherein the FPCB includes a first connector (C1) connected to the first battery, a second connector (C2) configured to connect to the PCB, and a protection circuit (540), wherein the second connector includes a first pin (521) and a second pin (522) connectable by an electrical loop, and a third pin for receiving power from the first battery, and a switch (Q1) included in the protection circuit may form a part of the electrical loop. According to one embodiment, the method of operating the electronic device may include an operation of allowing, by the protection circuit, the power to be supplied to the power management circuit through the third pin when each of the first pin, the second pin, and the third pin is connected to the PCB. According to one embodiment, the method of operating the electronic device may include an operation of blocking, by the protection circuit, the power from being supplied to the power management circuit through the third pin when at least one of the first pin, the second pin, and the third pin is not connected to the PCB.

[0007] According to one embodiment, an electronic device may include a printed circuit board (PCB) including a first housing, a second housing, a first battery disposed in the first housing, a power management circuit disposed in the second housing, and a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) configured to connect the first battery and the PCB. According to one embodiment, the FPCB may include a first connector (C1) connected to the first battery, a second connector (C2) configured to connect to the PCB, and a protection circuit. According to one embodiment, the second connector may include a first pin connected to ground and a second pin for receiving power from the first battery. According to one embodiment, the protection circuit may be configured to allow power from the first battery to be supplied to the power management circuit through the second pin when each of the first pin and the second pin is connected to the PCB. In one embodiment, the protection circuit may be configured to block power from the first battery to the power management circuit through the second pin when at least one of the first pin or the second pin is disconnected from the PCB.

[0008] According to one embodiment, an electronic device may include a printed circuit board (PCB) including a first housing, a second housing, a first battery disposed in the first housing, a second battery disposed in the second housing, a power management circuit disposed in the second housing, and a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) configured to connect the first battery and the PCB. According to one embodiment, the FPCB may include a first connector (C1) connected to the first battery, a second connector (C2) configured to connect to the PCB, and a protection circuit, wherein the second connector may include a first pin connected to the second battery and a second pin for receiving power from the first battery. According to one embodiment, the protection circuit may be configured to allow power from the first battery to be supplied to the power management circuit through the first pin when each of the first pin and the second pin is connected to the PCB. In one embodiment, the protection circuit may be configured to block power from the first battery from being supplied to the power management circuit via the third pin when the first pin or the second pin is not connected to the PCB.

[0009] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device within a network environment according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0010] FIG. 2 is a drawing showing a state in which a second display area of ​​a display is housed within a housing according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0011] FIG. 3 is a drawing showing a state in which a second display area of ​​a display is exposed to the outside of a housing according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0012] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0013] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of an electronic device including a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a protection circuit of an FPCB connecting a battery disposed in a first housing and a printed circuit board (PCB) disposed in a second housing according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a schematic operation of a protection circuit included in an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] FIGS. 8A, 8B, 8C, and 8D are drawings for explaining operations of a protection circuit for connection states between a second connector disposed in a second housing and a PCB according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 9 is a block diagram of an FPCB connecting a plurality of batteries arranged in a first housing and a printed circuit board (PCB) arranged in a second housing according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] FIGS. 10A, 10B, and 10C are drawings of a first battery disposed in a first housing, a printed circuit board (PCB) disposed in a second housing, and an FPCB connecting the second battery according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 11 is a drawing of a first battery disposed in a first housing, a printed circuit board (PCB) disposed in a second housing, and an FPCB connecting the second battery according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] FIGS. 12A and 12B are drawings of an FPCB connecting a battery disposed in a first housing and a printed circuit board (PCB) disposed in a second housing according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 13 is a diagram of a protection circuit included in a battery disposed in a first housing according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] FIG. 14 is a drawing of a protection circuit included in an FPCB connecting a battery disposed in a first housing and a printed circuit board (PCB) disposed in a second housing according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] FIG. 15 is a drawing of electronic devices of various form factors included in a protection circuit according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device within a network environment according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] Referring to FIG. 1, in a network environment (100), an electronic device (101) may communicate with an electronic device (102) via a first network (198) (e.g., a short-range wireless communication network), or may communicate with an electronic device (104) or a server (108) via a second network (199) (e.g., a long-range wireless communication network). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may communicate with the electronic device (104) via the server (108). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include a processor (120), a memory (130), an input module (150), an audio output module (155), a display module (160), an audio module (170), a sensor module (176), an interface (177), a connection terminal (178), a haptic module (179), a camera module (180), a power management module (188), a battery (189), a communication module (190), a subscriber identification module (196), or an antenna module (197). In some embodiments, the electronic device (101) may omit at least one of these components (e.g., the connection terminal (178)), or may have one or more other components added. In some embodiments, some of these components (e.g., the sensor module (176), the camera module (180), or the antenna module (197)) may be integrated into one component (e.g., the display module (160)).

[0026] The processor (120) may, for example, execute software (e.g., a program (140)) to control at least one other component (e.g., a hardware or software component) of the electronic device (101) connected to the processor (120) and perform various data processing or calculations. According to one embodiment, as at least a part of the data processing or calculations, the processor (120) may store commands or data received from other components (e.g., a sensor module (176) or a communication module (190)) in a volatile memory (132), process the commands or data stored in the volatile memory (132), and store result data in a non-volatile memory (134). According to one embodiment, the processor (120) may include a main processor (121) (e.g., a central processing unit or an application processor), or an auxiliary processor (123) (e.g., a graphics processing unit, a neural processing unit (NPU), an image signal processor, a sensor hub processor, or a communication processor) that can operate independently or together therewith. For example, if the electronic device (101) includes a main processor (121) and a secondary processor (123), the secondary processor (123) may be configured to use lower power than the main processor (121) or to be specialized for a specified function. The secondary processor (123) may be implemented separately from the main processor (121) or as a part thereof.

[0027] The auxiliary processor (123) may control at least a portion of functions or states associated with at least one component (e.g., a display module (160), a sensor module (176), or a communication module (190)) of the electronic device (101), for example, on behalf of the main processor (121) while the main processor (121) is in an inactive (e.g., sleep) state, or together with the main processor (121) while the main processor (121) is in an active (e.g., application execution) state. In one embodiment, the auxiliary processor (123) (e.g., an image signal processor or a communication processor) may be implemented as a part of another functionally related component (e.g., a camera module (180) or a communication module (190)). In one embodiment, the auxiliary processor (123) (e.g., a neural network processing unit) may include a hardware structure specialized for processing artificial intelligence models. The artificial intelligence models may be generated through machine learning. This learning can be performed, for example, in the electronic device (101) itself where artificial intelligence is performed, or can be performed through a separate server (e.g., server (108)). The learning algorithm can include, for example, supervised learning, unsupervised learning, semi-supervised learning, or reinforcement learning, but is not limited to the examples described above. The artificial intelligence model can include multiple artificial neural network layers.The artificial neural network may be one of a deep neural network (DNN), a convolutional neural network (CNN), a recurrent neural network (RNN), a restricted Boltzmann machine (RBM), a deep belief network (DBN), a bidirectional recurrent deep neural network (BRDNN), a deep Q-network, or a combination of two or more of the above, but is not limited to the examples described above. In addition to, or alternatively to, a hardware structure, an artificial intelligence model may include a software structure.

[0028] The memory (130) can store various data used by at least one component (e.g., processor (120) or sensor module (176)) of the electronic device (101). The data can include, for example, software (e.g., program (140)) and input data or output data for commands related thereto. The memory (130) can include volatile memory (132) or non-volatile memory (134).

[0029] The program (140) may be stored as software in the memory (130) and may include, for example, an operating system (142), middleware (144), or an application (146).

[0030] The input module (150) can receive commands or data to be used in a component of the electronic device (101) (e.g., a processor (120)) from an external source (e.g., a user) of the electronic device (101). The input module (150) can include, for example, a microphone, a mouse, a keyboard, a key (e.g., a button), or a digital pen (e.g., a stylus pen).

[0031] The audio output module (155) can output audio signals to the outside of the electronic device (101). The audio output module (155) can include, for example, a speaker or a receiver. The speaker can be used for general purposes, such as multimedia playback or recording playback. The receiver can be used to receive incoming calls. In one embodiment, the receiver can be implemented separately from the speaker or as part of the speaker.

[0032] The display module (160) can visually provide information to an external party (e.g., a user) of the electronic device (101). The display module (160) may include, for example, a display, a holographic device, or a projector and a control circuit for controlling the device. In one embodiment, the display module (160) may include a touch sensor configured to detect a touch, or a pressure sensor configured to measure the intensity of a force generated by the touch.

[0033] The audio module (170) can convert sound into an electrical signal, or vice versa, convert an electrical signal into sound. According to one embodiment, the audio module (170) can acquire sound through the input module (150), or output sound through the sound output module (155), or an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (102)) (e.g., speaker or headphone) directly or wirelessly connected to the electronic device (101).

[0034] The sensor module (176) can detect the operating status (e.g., power or temperature) of the electronic device (101) or the external environmental status (e.g., user status) and generate an electrical signal or data value corresponding to the detected status. According to one embodiment, the sensor module (176) can include, for example, a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a grip sensor, a proximity sensor, a color sensor, an IR (infrared) sensor, a biometric sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or an illuminance sensor.

[0035] The interface (177) may support one or more designated protocols that may be used to directly or wirelessly connect the electronic device (101) with an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (102)). In one embodiment, the interface (177) may include, for example, a high definition multimedia interface (HDMI), a universal serial bus (USB) interface, an SD card interface, or an audio interface.

[0036] The connection terminal (178) may include a connector through which the electronic device (101) may be physically connected to an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (102)). According to one embodiment, the connection terminal (178) may include, for example, an HDMI connector, a USB connector, an SD card connector, or an audio connector (e.g., a headphone connector).

[0037] A haptic module (179) can convert electrical signals into mechanical stimuli (e.g., vibration or movement) or electrical stimuli that a user can perceive through tactile or kinesthetic sensations. In one embodiment, the haptic module (179) can include, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

[0038] The camera module (180) can capture still images and videos. According to one embodiment, the camera module (180) may include one or more lenses, image sensors, image signal processors, or flashes.

[0039] The power management module (188) can manage power supplied to the electronic device (101). According to one embodiment, the power management module (188) can be implemented, for example, as at least a part of a power management integrated circuit (PMIC).

[0040] A battery (189) may power at least one component of the electronic device (101). In one embodiment, the battery (189) may include, for example, a non-rechargeable primary battery, a rechargeable secondary battery, or a fuel cell.

[0041] The communication module (190) may support the establishment of a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between the electronic device (101) and an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (102), electronic device (104), or server (108)), and the performance of communication through the established communication channel. The communication module (190) may operate independently from the processor (120) (e.g., application processor) and may include one or more communication processors that support direct (e.g., wired) communication or wireless communication. According to one embodiment, the communication module (190) may include a wireless communication module (192) (e.g., a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) communication module) or a wired communication module (194) (e.g., a local area network (LAN) communication module, or a power line communication module). Among these communication modules, the corresponding communication module can communicate with an external electronic device via a first network (198) (e.g., a short-range communication network such as Bluetooth, wireless fidelity (WiFi) direct, or infrared data association (IrDA)) or a second network (199) (e.g., a long-range communication network such as a legacy cellular network, a 5G network, a next-generation communication network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., a LAN or WAN)). These various types of communication modules can be integrated into a single component (e.g., a single chip) or implemented as multiple separate components (e.g., multiple chips). The wireless communication module (192) can verify or authenticate the electronic device (101) within a communication network such as the first network (198) or the second network (199) by using subscriber information (e.g., an international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI)) stored in the subscriber identification module (196).

[0042] The wireless communication module (192) can support 5G networks and next-generation communication technologies following the 4G network, such as NR access technology (new radio access technology). The NR access technology can support high-speed transmission of high-capacity data (eMBB (enhanced mobile broadband)), minimization of terminal power and connection of multiple terminals (mMTC (massive machine type communications)), or high reliability and low latency (URLLC (ultra-reliable and low-latency communications)). The wireless communication module (192) can support, for example, a high-frequency band (e.g., mmWave band) to achieve a high data transmission rate. The wireless communication module (192) can support various technologies for securing performance in a high-frequency band, such as beamforming, massive multiple-input and multiple-output (MIMO), full dimensional MIMO (FD-MIMO), array antenna, analog beam-forming, or large scale antenna. The wireless communication module (192) can support various requirements specified in the electronic device (101), an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (104)), or a network system (e.g., the second network (199)). According to one embodiment, the wireless communication module (192) can support a peak data rate (e.g., 20 Gbps or more) for eMBB realization, a loss coverage (e.g., 164 dB or less) for mMTC realization, or a U-plane latency (e.g., 0.5 ms or less for downlink (DL) and uplink (UL), or 1 ms or less for round trip) for URLLC realization.

[0043] The antenna module (197) can transmit or receive signals or power to or from an external device (e.g., an external electronic device). In one embodiment, the antenna module may include an antenna including a radiator formed of a conductor or a conductive pattern formed on a substrate (e.g., a PCB). In one embodiment, the antenna module (197) may include a plurality of antennas (e.g., an array antenna). In this case, at least one antenna suitable for a communication method used in a communication network, such as the first network (198) or the second network (199), may be selected from the plurality of antennas by, for example, the communication module (190). A signal or power may be transmitted or received between the communication module (190) and an external electronic device via the selected at least one antenna. In some embodiments, in addition to the radiator, another component (e.g., a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC)) may be additionally formed as a part of the antenna module (197).

[0044] In one embodiment, the antenna module (197) may form a mmWave antenna module. In one embodiment, the mmWave antenna module may include a printed circuit board, an RFIC disposed on or adjacent to a first side (e.g., a bottom side) of the printed circuit board and capable of supporting a designated high-frequency band (e.g., a mmWave band), and a plurality of antennas (e.g., an array antenna) disposed on or adjacent to a second side (e.g., a top side or a side side) of the printed circuit board and capable of transmitting or receiving signals in the designated high-frequency band.

[0045] At least some of the above components can be interconnected and exchange signals (e.g., commands or data) with each other via a communication method between peripheral devices (e.g., a bus, GPIO (general purpose input and output), SPI (serial peripheral interface), or MIPI (mobile industry processor interface)).

[0046] According to one embodiment, commands or data may be transmitted or received between the electronic device (101) and an external electronic device (104) via a server (108) connected to a second network (199). Each of the external electronic devices (102 or 104) may be the same or a different type of device as the electronic device (101). According to one embodiment, all or part of the operations executed in the electronic device (101) may be executed in one or more of the external electronic devices (102, 104, or 108). For example, when the electronic device (101) is to perform a certain function or service automatically or in response to a request from a user or another device, the electronic device (101) may, instead of or in addition to executing the function or service itself, request one or more external electronic devices to perform the function or at least a part of the service. One or more external electronic devices that receive the request may execute at least a portion of the requested function or service, or an additional function or service related to the request, and transmit the result of the execution to the electronic device (101). The electronic device (101) may process the result as is or additionally and provide it as at least a portion of a response to the request. For this purpose, cloud computing, distributed computing, mobile edge computing (MEC), or client-server computing technology may be used, for example. The electronic device (101) may provide an ultra-low latency service by using distributed computing or mobile edge computing, for example. In another embodiment, the external electronic device (104) may include an Internet of Things (IoT) device. The server (108) may be an intelligent server utilizing machine learning and / or a neural network. According to one embodiment, the external electronic device (104) or the server (108) may be included in the second network (199).The electronic device (101) can be applied to intelligent services (e.g., smart home, smart city, smart car, or healthcare) based on 5G communication technology and IoT-related technology.

[0047] FIG. 2 is a drawing showing a state in which a second display area of ​​a display is housed within a housing according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0048] FIG. 3 is a drawing showing a state in which a second display area of ​​a display is exposed to the outside of a housing according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0049] FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate a structure in which a display (203) (e.g., a flexible display or a rollable display) expands in a longitudinal direction (e.g., +Y direction) when viewed from the front of an electronic device (101). However, the expansion direction of the display (203) is not limited to one direction (e.g., +Y direction). For example, the expansion direction of the display (203) may be designed to be expandable in an upward direction (+Y direction), a rightward direction (e.g., +X direction), a leftward direction (e.g., -X direction), and / or a downward direction (e.g., -Y direction).

[0050] The state illustrated in FIG. 2 may be referred to as a slide-in state of the electronic device (101) or a closed state of the second display area (A2) of the display (203).

[0051] The state illustrated in FIG. 3 may be referred to as a slide-out state of the electronic device (101) or a state in which the second display area (A2) of the display (203) is open.

[0052] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the electronic device (101) may include a housing (210). The housing (210) may include a first housing (201) and a second housing (202) that is arranged to be relatively movable with respect to the first housing (201). In one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may be interpreted as having a structure in which the first housing (201) is arranged to be slidably movable with respect to the second housing (202). According to one embodiment, the second housing (202) may be arranged to be reciprocally movable for a predetermined distance in a direction illustrated with respect to the first housing (201), for example, in a direction indicated by arrow ①.

[0053] According to one embodiment, the second housing (202), which may be referred to as a slide portion or slide housing, may be relatively movable with respect to the first housing (201). According to one embodiment, the second housing (202) may accommodate various electrical and electronic components, such as a circuit board or a battery.

[0054] According to one embodiment, the first housing (201) can accommodate a motor, a speaker, a SIM socket, and / or a sub-circuit board (e.g., the second circuit board (249) of FIG. 4) electrically connected to the main circuit board. The second housing (202) can accommodate a main circuit board (e.g., the first circuit board (248) of FIG. 4) equipped with electrical components such as an application processor (AP) and a communication processor (CP).

[0055] According to one embodiment, the first housing (201) may include a first cover member (211). The first cover member (211) may include a first-first side wall (211a), a first-second side wall (211b) extending from the first-first side wall (211a), and a first-third side wall (211c) extending from the first-first side wall (211a) and being substantially parallel to the first-second side wall (211b). According to one embodiment, the first-second side wall (211b) and the first-third side wall (211c) may be formed to be substantially perpendicular to the first-first side wall (211a). According to one embodiment, the first cover member (211) may be referred to as a main case or a cover member.

[0056] According to one embodiment, the first-first side wall (211a), the first-second side wall (211b), and the first-third side wall (211c) of the first cover member (211) may be formed in a shape in which one side (e.g., the front face) is open to accommodate (or surround) at least a portion of the second housing (202). For example, at least a portion of the second housing (202) may be surrounded by the first housing (201) and may slide in a direction parallel to the first surface (e.g., the first surface (F1) of FIG. 4), for example, in the direction of arrow ①, while being guided by the first housing (201). According to one embodiment, the first-first side wall (211a), the first-second side wall (211b), and / or the first-third side wall (211c) of the first cover member (211) may be formed as an integral body. According to an embodiment, the first-first side wall (211a), the first-second side wall (211b) and / or the first-third side wall (211c) of the first cover member (211) may be formed as separate structures and then joined or assembled.

[0057] According to one embodiment, the first cover member (211) may be formed to surround at least a portion of the display (203). For example, at least a portion of the display (203) may be formed to surround by the first-first side wall (211a), the first-second side wall (211b), and / or the first-third side wall (211c) of the first cover member (211).

[0058] In one embodiment, the second housing (202) may include a second cover member (221) (e.g., a slide plate). The second cover member (221) may have a plate shape and include a first surface (e.g., the first surface (F1) of FIG. 4) that supports internal components. For example, the second cover member (221) may support at least a portion of the display (203) (e.g., the first display area (A1)). In one embodiment, the second cover member (221) may be referred to as a front cover.

[0059] According to one embodiment, the second cover member (221) may include a second-first side wall (221a), a second-second side wall (221b) extending from the second-first side wall (221a), and a second-third side wall (221c) extending from the second-first side wall (221a) and being substantially parallel to the second-second side wall (221b). According to one embodiment, the second cover member (221) may be formed to be substantially perpendicular to the second-first side wall (221a). According to one embodiment, the second cover member (221) may be referred to as an auxiliary cover member.

[0060] According to one embodiment, the second housing (202) may form a slide-in state and a slide-out state of the electronic device (101) by moving in a first direction (e.g., direction ①) parallel to the 2-2 side wall (211b) or the 2-3 side wall (211c). In the slide-in state of the electronic device (101), the second housing (202) may be positioned at a first distance from the 1-1 side wall (211a) of the first housing (201), and in the slide-out state of the electronic device (101), the second housing (202) may be positioned at a second distance greater than the first distance from the 1-1 side wall (211a) of the first housing (201). In one embodiment, in the slide-in state of the electronic device (101), the first housing (201) may be formed to surround a portion of the 2-2 side wall (221b) and the 2-3 side wall (221c).

[0061] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may have an intermediate state between the slide-in state (e.g., a fully closed state) of FIG. 2 and the slide-out state (e.g., a fully opened state) of FIG. 3. In the intermediate state of the electronic device (101), the distance between the first-first sidewall (211a) and the second-first sidewall (221a) may be shorter than the distance between the first-first sidewall (211a) and the second-first sidewall (221a) of the electronic device (101) in the fully opened state, and may be longer than the distance between the first-first sidewall (211a) and the second-first sidewall (221a) of the electronic device (101) in the fully closed state.

[0062] According to one embodiment, as at least a portion of the display (203) slides in an intermediate state of the electronic device (101), an area exposed to the outside may vary. For example, in an intermediate state of the electronic device (101), a ratio of the width (length in the X direction) to the height (length in the Y direction) of the display (203) and / or a distance between the first-first side wall (211a) and the second-first side wall (221a) may vary based on the sliding movement of the electronic device (101).

[0063] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include a display (203), a key input device (245), a connector hole (243), an audio module (247a, 247b), or a camera module (249a, 249b). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may further include an indicator (e.g., an LED device) or various sensor modules.

[0064] According to one embodiment, the display (203) may include a first display area (A1) and a second display area (A2) configured to be exposed to the outside of the electronic device (101) based on the sliding movement of the second housing (202). According to one embodiment, the first display area (A1) may be disposed on the second housing (202). For example, the first display area (A1) may be disposed on the second cover member (221) of the second housing (202). According to one embodiment, the second display area (A2) extends from the first display area (A1) and may be accommodated into the inside of the first housing (201) or visually exposed to the outside of the electronic device (101) as the second housing (202) slides relative to the first housing (201). According to one embodiment, as the electronic device (101) changes from a slide-in state to a slide-out state, the display (203) may be extended in a downward direction (e.g., in the -Y direction) of the electronic device (101). For example, in the slide-out state of the electronic device (101), the second display area (A2) may be visually exposed from below (e.g., in the -Y direction) of the display (203). According to one embodiment, as the electronic device (101) changes from a slide-in state to a slide-out state, the display (203) may be extended in an upward direction (e.g., in the +Y direction) of the electronic device (101). For example, in the slide-out state of the electronic device (101), the second display area (A2) may be visually exposed from above (e.g., in the +Y direction) of the display (203).

[0065] According to one embodiment, the second display area (A2) moves substantially under the guidance of an area of ​​the first housing (201) (e.g., the curved surface (213a) of FIG. 4) and may be stored in a space located inside the first housing (201) or exposed to the outside of the electronic device (101). According to one embodiment, the second display area (A2) may move based on the sliding movement of the second housing (202) in the first direction (e.g., the direction indicated by arrow ①). For example, while the second housing (202) slides, a portion of the second display area (A2) may be deformed into a curved shape at a position corresponding to the curved surface (213a) of the first housing (201).

[0066] According to one embodiment, when the electronic device (101) changes from a slide-in state to a slide-out state (e.g., when the second housing (202) slides to extend with respect to the first housing (201) when viewed from the top of the second cover member (221) (e.g., the front cover), the second display area (A2) may be gradually exposed to the outside of the first housing (201) to form a substantially flat surface together with the first display area (A1). According to one embodiment, the display (203) may be coupled to or disposed adjacent to a touch detection circuit, a pressure sensor capable of measuring the intensity (pressure) of a touch, and / or a digitizer capable of detecting a magnetic field-type stylus pen. According to one embodiment, regardless of whether the electronic device (101) is in a slide-in or slide-out state, a portion of the second display area (A2) may be positioned on a portion of the first housing (e.g., the curved surface (213a) of FIG. 4), and a portion of the second display area (A2) may maintain a curved shape at a position corresponding to the curved surface (213a).

[0067] According to one embodiment, the key input device (245) may be located in an area of ​​the housing (210) (e.g., the first housing (201) and / or the second housing (202)). Depending on the appearance and usage state, the illustrated key input device (245) may be omitted, or the electronic device (101) may be designed to include additional key input device(s). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include a key input device not illustrated, for example, a home key button, or a touch pad disposed around the home key button. According to one embodiment, at least a portion of the key input device (245) may be disposed on the first-first side wall (211a), the first-second side wall (211b), and / or the first-third side wall (211c) of the first housing (201). According to one embodiment, at least a portion of the key input device (245) may be disposed on the second-first side wall (221a), the second-second side wall (221b), and / or the second-third side wall (221c) of the second housing (202).

[0068] According to one embodiment, the connector hole (243) may be omitted depending on the embodiment, and may accommodate a connector (e.g., a USB connector) for transmitting and receiving power and / or data with an external electronic device. According to one embodiment (not shown), the electronic device (101) may include a plurality of connector holes (243), and some of the plurality of connector holes (243) may function as connector holes for transmitting and receiving audio signals with an external electronic device. In the illustrated embodiment, the connector hole (243) is located in the second housing (202), but is not limited thereto, and the connector hole (243) or a connector hole not shown may be located in the first housing (201).

[0069] According to one embodiment, the audio module (247a, 247b) may include at least one speaker hole (247a) or at least one microphone hole (247b). One of the speaker holes (247a) may be provided as a receiver hole for voice calls, and the other may be provided as an external speaker hole. The electronic device (101) includes a microphone for acquiring sound, and the microphone may acquire sound from outside the electronic device (101) through the microphone hole (247b). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include a plurality of microphones for detecting the direction of sound. According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include an audio module in which the speaker hole (247a) and the microphone hole (247b) are implemented as a single hole, or may include a speaker from which the speaker hole (247a) is excluded (e.g., a piezo speaker). According to one embodiment, the speaker hole (247a) and the microphone hole (247b) may be located in the first housing (201) and / or the second housing (202).

[0070] According to one embodiment, the camera modules (249a, 249b) may include a first camera module (249a) (e.g., a front camera) and a second camera module (249b) (e.g., a rear camera). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include at least one of a wide-angle camera, a telephoto camera, or a macro camera, and may measure a distance to a subject by including an infrared projector and / or an infrared receiver, depending on the embodiment. The camera modules (249a, 249b) may include one or more lenses, an image sensor, and / or an image signal processor. The first camera module (249a) may be arranged to face substantially the same direction as the display (203). For example, the first camera module (249a) may be disposed around the first display area (A1) or in an area overlapping with the display (203), and when disposed in an area overlapping with the display (203), may capture a subject by passing through the display (203). According to one embodiment, the first camera module (249a) may not be visually exposed to the screen display area (e.g., the first display area (A1)) and may include a hidden under-display camera (UDC). According to one embodiment, the second camera module (249b) may capture a subject from a direction substantially opposite to the first display area (A1). According to one embodiment, the first camera module (249a) and / or the second camera module (249b) may be disposed on the second housing (202). According to one embodiment, the second camera module (249b) may be formed in multiples to provide various arrangements. For example, a plurality of second camera modules (249b) may be arranged along a width direction (X-axis direction) that is substantially perpendicular to the slide movement direction (e.g., Y-axis direction) of the electronic device (101).As another example, a plurality of second camera modules (249b) may be arranged along the slide movement direction (e.g., Y-axis direction) of the electronic device (101). As another example, a plurality of second camera modules (249b) may be arranged along N * M rows and columns like a matrix.

[0071] According to one embodiment, the second camera module (249b) is not visually exposed to the outside of the electronic device (101) when the electronic device (101) is in a slide-in state, and can capture the outside of the electronic device (101) when the electronic device (101) is in a slide-out state. According to one embodiment, the second camera module (249b) can capture the outside of the electronic device (101) in the slide-in state and the slide-out state of the electronic device (101). For example, at least a portion of the housing (210) (e.g., the first rear plate (215) and / or the second rear plate (225) of FIG. 4) is substantially transparent, and the second camera module (249b) can capture the outside of the electronic device (101) by passing through the first rear plate (215) and / or the second rear plate (225).

[0072] According to one embodiment, an indicator (not shown) of the electronic device (101) may be placed in the first housing (201) or the second housing (202), and may provide status information of the electronic device (101) as a visual signal by including a light-emitting diode. A sensor module (not shown) of the electronic device (101) may generate an electrical signal or a data value corresponding to an internal operating state of the electronic device (101) or an external environmental state. The sensor module may include, for example, a proximity sensor, a fingerprint sensor, or a biometric sensor (e.g., an iris / facial recognition sensor or a heart rate monitor (HRM) sensor). In another embodiment, the sensor module may further include at least one of, for example, a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a grip sensor, a color sensor, an infrared (IR) sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or an illuminance sensor. According to one embodiment, the sensor module may be positioned in the first housing (201) and / or the second housing (202). For example, at least a portion of the sensor module may be positioned in the first housing (201) and another portion may be positioned in the second housing (202).

[0073] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0074] Referring to FIG. 4, the electronic device (101) may include a first housing (201), a second housing (202), a display assembly (230), and a driving structure (240). The configurations of the first housing (201), the second housing (202), and the display assembly (230) of FIG. 4 may be all or part of the same as the configurations of the first housing (201), the second housing (202), and the display (203) of FIG. 2 and / or FIG. 3. The embodiment of FIG. 2 and / or FIG. 3 may be partially combined with the embodiment of FIG. 4. According to one embodiment, the first housing (201) may include a first cover member (211) (e.g., the first cover member (211) of FIGS. 2 and 3), a frame (213), and a first rear plate (215).

[0075] According to one embodiment, the first cover member (211) can accommodate at least a portion of the frame (213) and accommodate a component (e.g., a battery (289)) positioned in the frame (213). According to one embodiment, the first cover member (211) can be formed to surround at least a portion of the second housing (202). According to one embodiment, the first cover member (211) can protect a component (e.g., a second circuit board (249) and the frame (213)) positioned in the first housing (201) from external impact. According to one embodiment, the second circuit board (249) that accommodates the electronic component can be connected to the first cover member (211).

[0076] In one embodiment, the frame (213) can be connected to the first cover member (211). For example, the frame (213) can be connected to the first cover member (211), and the second housing (202) can move relatively to the first cover member (211) and / or the frame (213). In one embodiment, the frame (213) can accommodate the battery (289). For example, the frame (213) can include a groove for accommodating the battery (289). The frame (213) can be connected to the battery cover (289a) and, together with the battery cover (289a), can surround at least a portion of the battery (289). In one embodiment, the frame (213) can include a curved portion (213a) that faces the display assembly (230).

[0077] In one embodiment, the first back plate (215) can substantially form at least a portion of the exterior of the first housing (201) or the electronic device (101). For example, the first back plate (215) can be coupled to an outer surface of the first cover member (211). In one embodiment, the first back plate (215) can provide a decorative effect on the exterior of the electronic device (101). The first back plate (215) can be manufactured using at least one of metal, glass, synthetic resin, or ceramic.

[0078] According to one embodiment, the second housing (202) may include a second cover member (221) (e.g., the second cover member (221) of FIGS. 2 and 3), a rear cover (223), and a second rear plate (225).

[0079] According to one embodiment, the second cover member (221) is connected to the first housing (201) through a guide rail (250) and can move linearly back and forth in one direction (e.g., in the direction of arrow ① in FIG. 3) while being guided by the guide rail (250).

[0080] According to one embodiment, the second cover member (221) can support at least a portion of the display (231) (e.g., the display (203) of FIGS. 2 and / or 3). For example, the second cover member (221) includes a first surface (F1), and a first display area (A1) of the display (231) can be substantially positioned on the first surface (F1) and maintained in a flat form. According to one embodiment, the second cover member (221) can be formed of a metallic material and / or a non-metallic (e.g., a polymer) material. According to one embodiment, a first circuit board (248) accommodating electronic components (e.g., the processor (120) and / or the memory (130) of FIG. 1) can be connected to the second cover member (221). According to one embodiment, the second cover member (221) can protect components (e.g., the first circuit board (248) and the rear cover (223)) located in the second housing (202) from external impact.

[0081] In one embodiment, the rear cover (223) may protect a component (e.g., a first circuit board (248)) located on the second cover member (221). For example, the rear cover (223) may be connected to the second cover member (221) and formed to surround at least a portion of the first circuit board (248). In one embodiment, the rear cover (223) may include an antenna pattern for communicating with an external electronic device. For example, the rear cover (223) may include a laser direct structuring (LDS) antenna.

[0082] In one embodiment, the second rear plate (225) can substantially form at least a portion of the exterior of the second housing (202) or the electronic device (101). For example, the second rear plate (225) can be coupled to an outer surface of the second cover member (221). In one embodiment, the second rear plate (225) can provide a decorative effect on the exterior of the electronic device (101). The second rear plate (225) can be manufactured using at least one of metal, glass, synthetic resin, or ceramic.

[0083] According to one embodiment, the display assembly (230) may include a display (231) (e.g., the display (203) of FIGS. 2 and / or 3) and a multi-bar structure (232) supporting the display (231). According to one embodiment, the display (231) may be referred to as a flexible display, a foldable display, and / or a rollable display. According to one embodiment, a first display area (A1) of the display (231) may be supported by a rigid body, and a second display area (A2) may be supported by a bendable structure. For example, the first display area (A1) may be supported by a first surface (F1) of the second cover member (221) or a plate (not shown). The second display area (A2) may be supported by the multi-bar structure (232).

[0084] According to one embodiment, the multi-bar structure (232) can be connected or attached to at least a portion of the display (231) (e.g., the second display area (A2)). According to one embodiment, as the second housing (202) slides, the multi-bar structure (232) can move with respect to the first housing (201). In the slide-in state of the electronic device (101) (e.g., FIG. 2), the multi-bar structure (232) can be mostly accommodated inside the first housing (201) and positioned between the first cover member (211) and the second cover member (221). According to one embodiment, at least a portion of the multi-bar structure (232) can move in response to a curved surface (213a) positioned at the edge of the frame (213). According to one embodiment, the multi-bar structure (232) can be referred to as a display support member or support structure and can be in the form of an elastic plate.

[0085] In one embodiment, the drive structure (240) can move the second housing (202) relative to the first housing (201). For example, the drive structure (240) can include a motor (241) configured to generate a driving force for sliding movement of the second housing (202) relative to the first housing (201). The drive structure (240) can include a gear (244) (e.g., a pinion) connected to the motor (241) and a rack (242) configured to mesh with the gear.

[0086] In one embodiment, the housing in which the rack (242) is positioned and the housing in which the motor (241) is positioned may be different. In one embodiment, the motor (241) may be connected to the second housing (202), and the rack (242) may be connected to the first housing (201). In one embodiment, the motor (241) may be connected to the first housing (201), and the rack (242) may be connected to the second housing (202) (e.g., the second cover member (221)). For example, the motor (241) may be mounted on the frame (213).

[0087] According to one embodiment, the motor (241) may be controlled by a processor (e.g., processor (120) of FIG. 1). For example, the processor (120) may include a motor driver driving circuit and may transmit a pulse width modulation (PWM) signal to the motor (241) for controlling the speed of the motor (241) and / or the torque of the motor (241). According to one embodiment, the motor (241) may be electrically connected to a processor (e.g., processor (120) of FIG. 1) located on a circuit board (e.g., first circuit board (248) or second circuit board (249) of FIG. 4) using a flexible printed circuit board.

[0088] In one embodiment, the second housing (202) can accommodate a first circuit board (248) (e.g., a main board). In one embodiment, a processor, memory, and / or an interface can be mounted on the first circuit board (248). The processor can include, for example, one or more of a central processing unit, an application processor, a graphics processing unit, an image signal processor, a sensor hub processor, or a communication processor. In various embodiments, the first circuit board (248) can include a flexible printed circuit board type radio frequency cable (FRC). The first circuit board (248) can be disposed on at least a portion of the second cover member (221) and can be electrically connected to an antenna module and a communication module.

[0089] According to one embodiment, the memory may include, for example, volatile memory or non-volatile memory.

[0090] According to one embodiment, the interface may include, for example, a high definition multimedia interface (HDMI), a universal serial bus (USB) interface, an SD card interface, and / or an audio interface. The interface may electrically or physically connect the electronic device (101) to an external electronic device, for example, and may include a USB connector, an SD card / MMC connector, or an audio connector.

[0091] In one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include a first circuit board (248) (e.g., a main circuit board) and a second circuit board (249) (e.g., a sub-circuit board) spaced apart from the first circuit board (248) within the first housing (201). The second circuit board (249) may be electrically connected to the first circuit board (248) via a connecting flexible board. The second circuit board (249) may be electrically connected to electrical components disposed at an end region of the electronic device (101), such as a battery (289) or a speaker and / or a SIM socket, to transmit signals and power. In one embodiment, the second circuit board (249) may accommodate or be connected to a wireless charging antenna (e.g., a coil). For example, the battery (289) may receive power from an external electronic device using the wireless charging antenna. As another example, the battery (289) may transmit power to an external electronic device using the wireless charging antenna.

[0092] In one embodiment, the battery (289) is a device for supplying power to at least one component of the electronic device (101), and may include a non-rechargeable primary battery, a rechargeable secondary battery, or a fuel cell. The battery (289) may be integrally disposed within the electronic device (101), or may be detachably disposed with the electronic device (101). In one embodiment, the battery (289) may be formed as a single integral battery or may include multiple detachable batteries. In one embodiment, the battery (289) may be positioned in the frame (213). For example, the battery (289) may be surrounded by the frame (213) and a battery cover (289a). In another embodiment, the battery (289) may be positioned within the second housing (202) and may slide together with the second housing (202).

[0093] In one embodiment, the guide rail (250) can guide the movement of the multi-bar structure (232). For example, the multi-bar structure (232) can slide along a slit (251) formed in the guide rail (250). In one embodiment, the guide rail (250) can be connected to the first housing (201). For example, the guide rail (250) can be connected to the first cover member (211) and / or the frame (213). In one embodiment, the slit (251) can be referred to as a groove or recess formed on the inner surface of the guide rail (250).

[0094] According to one embodiment, the guide rail (250) can provide force to the multi-bar structure (232) based on the driving of the motor (241).

[0095] According to one embodiment, when the electronic device (101) changes from a slide-in state to a slide-open-out state, the inner portion (252) of the guide rail (250) can provide force to the multi-bar structure (232). The multi-bar structure (232) provided with force moves along the slit (251) of the guide rail (250), and the second housing (202) can slide to expand relative to the first housing (201). At least a portion of the display assembly (230) accommodated between the first cover member (211) and the frame (213) can expand toward the front.

[0096] According to one embodiment, when the electronic device (101) changes from a slide-out state to a slide-in state, the outer portion (253) of the guide rail (250) can provide force to the bent multi-bar structure (232). The multi-bar structure (232) provided with force moves along the slit (251) of the guide rail (250), and at least a portion of the second housing (202) can slide so as to be accommodated in the first housing (201). At least a portion of the display assembly (230) can be accommodated between the first cover member (211) and the frame (213).

[0097] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of an electronic device including a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0098] According to one embodiment, a printed circuit board (PCB) (510) (or components included in the PCB) disposed in a specific area of ​​an electronic device (101) may be connected to a battery (550) via a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) (530). For example, components (e.g., a power management integrated circuit (PMIC)) included in the PCB (510) may receive power from the battery (550) via the FPCB (530).

[0099] Referring to (a) of FIG. 5, according to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include a plurality of divided parts (e.g., a first housing (501) and a second housing (502)). For example, the electronic device (101) may include a first housing (501) and a second housing (502). For example, the first housing (501) may move or slide a specified distance in a specified direction (e.g., an up-down direction) (e.g., a Y-axis direction in FIG. 3) with respect to the second housing (502).

[0100] According to one embodiment, components (e.g., a PCB and a battery) included in multiple divided parts (e.g., a first housing (501) and a second housing (502)) may be connected via an FPCB (530). For example, the PCB (510) may be connected to the battery (550) via the FPCB (530). For example, a receptor for accommodating a connector (e.g., a second connector (C2)) included in the FPCB (530) may be arranged on the PCB (510).

[0101] According to one embodiment, the battery (550) may be placed in the first housing (501).

[0102] According to one embodiment, a printed circuit board (PCB) (510) may be disposed in the second housing (502). For example, components (or elements) that perform various functions may be included or disposed on the PCB. For example, a power management integrated circuit (PMIC) may be included or disposed on the PCB (510).

[0103] Referring to (b) of FIG. 5, according to one embodiment, a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) (530) can provide power stored in a battery (550) to elements (e.g., PMIC) included in the PCB (510). The FPCB (530) can include a protection circuit (540) and a bending portion (545). For example, power stored in the battery (550) can be provided to elements (e.g., PMIC) included in the PCB (510) through the protection circuit (540) and the bending portion (545) (or a power transmission line included in the bending portion (545)).

[0104] According to one embodiment, the protection circuit (540) may perform a function of protecting the FPCB (530) during the step of assembling the battery (550) or the step of repairing the battery (550). For example, the protection circuit (540) may prevent carbonization of the FPCB (530) (e.g., the second connector (C2) portion) when the connector of the FPCB (530) (e.g., the second connector (C2)) is not completely connected or fixed to the PCB (510). For example, the protection circuit (540) may be disposed in the first housing (501) or the second housing (502). However, the position at which the protection circuit (540) is disposed may be variously changed, and the features of the present invention may not be limited thereto.

[0105] According to one embodiment, the bending portion (545) can provide or transmit power stored in the battery (550) to elements (e.g., a PMIC) included in the PCB (510). For example, the bending portion (545) can include at least one line (e.g., a power transmission line) through which power can be transmitted or provided. For example, the bending portion (545) can be implemented with a flexible material. For example, the bending portion (545) can be implemented with a material that can be bent.

[0106] In one embodiment, when the electronic device (101) includes a rollable display (or slideable display), the FPCB (530) may be implemented to be longer than a specified length associated with sliding (or sliding movement) of the rollable display (e.g., a length by which the rollable display is extended). For example, the length of the bending portion (545) may be longer than the length by which the rollable display is extended.

[0107] According to one embodiment, when the electronic device (101) includes a foldable display or a rollable display, the FPCB (530) (or the bending portion (545)) may be folded at least once. For example, when the FPCB (530) (or the bending portion (545)) is folded multiple times, the folded axes of the FPCB (530) (or the bending portion (545)) may be orthogonal to each other. At least some of the folded axes of the FPCB (530) (or the bending portion (545)) may be in the same direction or different directions.

[0108] Previously, electronic devices could connect multiple divided mounting areas (e.g., a first housing (501) and a second housing (502)) via FPCBs. However, the FPCB structure may have greater fluidity than a PCB structure without a folding axis. For example, during the manufacturing stage (or assembly process) of an electronic device or a battery repair stage, if the line of the FPCB that provides power from the battery is not completely connected or fixed to the corresponding connector, the power provided from the battery may be short-circuited to the surrounding ground. In this case, carbonization due to overcurrent may occur in the relevant part, which may damage the electronic device.

[0109] According to one embodiment, the protection circuit (540) may be configured to supply, provide or apply battery power or battery voltage to the PCB (510) (or power management circuit (PMIC)) through the second connector (C2) only after the first connector (C1) of the FPCB (530) is fully connected or engaged with the battery (550) and the second connector (C2) of the FPCB (530) is fully connected or engaged with the PCB (510). In addition, the protection circuit (540) may perform the above-described operation without providing a separate power source, unlike the conventional method.

[0110] Through this, according to one embodiment, the FPCB (530) can supply, provide or apply the battery voltage to the PCB (510) (or elements included in the PCB (510)) only when the connectors of the FPCB (530) (e.g., the first connector (C1) and / or the second connector (C2)) are completely (or normally) connected or engaged with the battery and the PCB (510) without separate software control. In addition, according to one embodiment, the FPCB (530) can block the supply, provide or apply the battery voltage to the PCB (510) (or elements included in the PCB (510)) when the corresponding connectors of the FPCB (530) (e.g., the first connector (C1) and / or the second connector (C2)) are not completely connected or engaged with the PCB (510) and / or the battery (550) without separate software control. Accordingly, according to one embodiment, the FPCB (530) can solve a problem (e.g., carbonization) that may occur when power provided from the battery (550) is short-circuited to ground.

[0111] FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a protection circuit of an FPCB connecting a battery disposed in a first housing and a printed circuit board (PCB) disposed in a second housing according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0112] Referring to FIG. 6, an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1) may include a printed circuit board (PCB) (510), a battery (550), and an FPCB (530) connecting the PCB (510) and the battery (550).

[0113] According to one embodiment, a PCB (510) may be placed in a second housing (e.g., the second housing (502) of FIG. 5). The PCB (510) may include a power management circuit (PMIC) (515) and a plurality of loads (a first load (517), a second load (518), and an Nth load (519), where N is a natural number of 3 or greater). For example, the power management circuit (515) may receive power from a battery (550). The power management circuit (515) may supply or provide the received power to the plurality of loads (517, 518, and 519). For example, the plurality of loads (517, 518, and 519) may be elements that require power included in the electronic device (101).

[0114] According to one embodiment, the PCB (510) may include a receptor that can receive or be connected to a second connector (C2). The receptor may include a plurality of pin connection portions that can receive or be connected to a plurality of pins included in the second connector (515), respectively. Based on the plurality of pins included in the FPCB (or the second connector (C2)) being connected to the plurality of pins of the receptor, power provided from the battery (550) may be supplied or provided to the power management circuit (515) through the second connector (C2). For example, a first pin connection portion that receives (or is connected to) a first pin (521) and a second pin connection portion that receives (or is connected to) a second pin (522) may form a part of an electrical loop when connected to the first pin (521) and the second pin (522), respectively. For example, the first pin connection portion and the second pin connection portion of the receptor may be directly connected within the receptor. Alternatively, the first pin connection portion and the second pin connection portion of the receptor may be connected via a path on the PCB (510). For example, the first pin connection portion and the second pin connection portion may form part of an electrical loop within the PCB (510) (or within the receptor).

[0115] According to one embodiment, the FPCB (530) may include a second connector (C2), a protection circuit (540), and a banding portion (e.g., the banding portion (545) of FIG. 5). Depending on the implementation, the protection circuit (540) may not include the first connector (C1). In this case, the FPCB (530) may further include the first connector (C1).

[0116] For convenience of explanation, below, it will be explained that the protection circuit (540) allows or blocks power to be supplied from the battery (550) to the PCB (510) on the assumption that the battery (550) is connected to the first connector (C1).

[0117] According to one embodiment, the second connector (C2) may include a first pin (521), a second pin (522), and a third pin (523). For example, the first pin (521) and the second pin (522) may be pins for applying a voltage to turn on the switch (Q1). For example, the first pin (521) and the second pin (522) may be electrically loop-connectable to each other. For example, when the first pin (521) and the second pin (522) are connected to a PCB (e.g., a receptor of the PCB), the first pin (521) and the second pin (522) may form an electrical loop (or an electrical loop circuit). For example, the electrical loop may be formed at a portion corresponding to the first pin (521) and the second pin (522) of the second connector (C2). At this time, the switch (Q1) included in the protection circuit (540) may form part of an electrical loop with the first pin (521) and the second pin (522). The third pin (523) may be a pin for receiving power from the battery (550) and supplying the received power to elements (e.g., power management circuit (515)) arranged on the PCB (510). For example, the third pin (523) may be arranged outside the electrical loop. For example, the third pin (523) may be connected to the power management circuit (515). Power provided through the battery (550) may be provided to the power management circuit (515) through the third pin (523).

[0118] In one embodiment, the protection circuit (540) may allow power from the battery (550) to be supplied to the PCB (510) (or power management circuit (515)) through the third pin (523) when each of the first pin (521), the second pin (522), and the third pin (523) is connected to the PCB (510).

[0119] In one embodiment, the protection circuit (540) may block power from the battery (550) from being supplied to the PCB (510) (or power management circuit (515)) through the third pin (523) when at least one of the first pin (521), the second pin (522), and the third pin (523) is not connected to the PCB (510).

[0120] In one embodiment, when only the first pin (521) is connected to the PCB (e.g., a receptor of the PCB), the voltage provided from the battery (550) may not be applied to the second pin (522). Alternatively, when only the second pin (522) is connected to the PCB (e.g., a receptor of the PCB), the voltage provided from the battery (550) may not be applied to the first pin (522) and the second pin (522). In this case, a voltage converging to 0 V may be applied as a gate voltage to the switch (Q1).

[0121] In one embodiment, when both the first pin (521) and the second pin (522) are connected to a PCB (e.g., a receptor of the PCB), power (or voltage) provided from the battery (550) may be provided to the third pin (523). At this time, a voltage corresponding to a value of the battery voltage (VBAT) distributed by the first resistor (R1) and the second resistor (R2) may be applied to the switch (Q1) (or the gate of the switch (Q1)).

[0122] According to one embodiment, the banding portion may connect between the protection circuit (540) and the second connector (C2). For example, the banding portion may include a plurality of lines that are respectively connected to pins (522, 523, and 524) of the second connector (C2). For example, a first line may be connected to a first pin (521), a second line may be connected to a second pin (522), and a third line may be connected to a third pin (523).

[0123] According to one embodiment, the protection circuit (540) may include a first resistor (R1), a second resistor (R2), a switch (Q1), and a first connector (C1). Depending on the implementation, the first connector (C1) may not be included in the protection circuit (540). Alternatively, at least one of the first resistor (R1) or the second resistor (R2) may not be included in the protection circuit (540).

[0124] According to one embodiment, the first connector (C1) may be connected to the battery (550). For example, the first connector (C1) may include at least one pin for connection with the battery (550). When the battery (550) is connected to the first connector (C1) (or a corresponding pin of the first connector (C1)), power (or battery voltage (VBAT)) provided from the battery (550) may be transferred (e.g., supplied, provided, or applied) to the switch (Q1).

[0125] According to one embodiment, the first resistor (R1) may be connected in series to a first line of the bending portion, which is configured to be connected to a first pin (521) of the second connector (C2). For example, one end of the first resistor (R1) may be connected to the first pin (521) through the first line, and the other end of the first resistor (R1) may be connected to the first connector (C1). The second resistor may be connected in parallel to a second line of the bending portion, which is configured to be connected to a second pin (522) of the second connector (C2). For example, one end of the second resistor (R2) may be connected to ground, and the other end of the second resistor (R2) may be connected to the second pin (522) and the switch (Q1) (or the gate of the switch (Q1)) through the second line.

[0126] According to one embodiment, the switch (Q1) can be turned on or off based on a gate voltage obtained by dividing a voltage provided (or applied) from the battery (550) by the first resistor (R1) and the second resistor (R2). For example, the gate voltage can be a voltage obtained by dividing (e.g., voltage dividing) a battery voltage (VBAT) by the first resistor (R1) and / or the second resistor (R2). The gate voltage can be applied to the switch (Q1) as a gate signal of the switch (Q1). For example, when the gate voltage is greater than or equal to a threshold voltage (or threshold voltage) of the switch (Q1), the switch (Q1) can be turned on. Alternatively, when the gate voltage is less than the threshold voltage of the switch (Q1), the switch (Q1) can be turned off. For example, the switch (Q1) can include an N-type metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor (MOSFET).

[0127] According to one embodiment, when the first pin (521) of the second connector (C2) is connected to the PCB (510) and the second pin (522) of the second connector (C2) is connected to the PCB (510), a second voltage higher than the threshold voltage of the switch (Q1) may be applied to the switch (Q1). For example, when the first pin (521) of the second connector (C2) is connected to the PCB (510) and the second pin (522) of the second connector (C2) is connected to the PCB (510), the second voltage may be expressed as in Mathematical Expression 1 below. For example, R2 may represent the resistance value of the second resistor (R2), R1 may represent the resistance value of the first resistor (R1), VG may represent the second voltage, and VBAT may represent the battery voltage.

[0128]

[0129] Meanwhile, when the first pin (521) of the second connector (C2) is connected to the PCB (510) and the second pin (522) of the second connector (C2) is connected to the PCB (510), the voltage applied to the first pin (521) can be expressed as in mathematical expression 2. For example, R2 may represent the resistance value of the second resistor (R2), R1 may represent the resistance value of the first resistor (R1), V1 may represent the voltage applied to the first pin (521), and VBAT may represent the battery voltage.

[0130]

[0131] Considering the above mathematical expressions 1 and 2, the first resistor (R1) and the second resistor (R2) can be set so that the second voltage (VG) is greater than the threshold voltage of the switch (Q1). In addition, when the first pin (521) (or the second pin (522)) is not connected or engaged with the PCB (510) (or the receptor of the PCB (510)) (e.g., when the pin is short-circuited to ground), the first resistor (R1) and the second resistor (R2) can be set so that the R1 / R2 value has a sufficiently large value to minimize overcurrent or leakage current to the pin.

[0132] In one embodiment, when the first pin (521) of the second connector (C2) is not connected to the PCB (510) (or the receptor of the PCB (510)) or the second pin (522) of the second connector (C2) is not connected to the PCB (510) (or the receptor of the PCB (510)), a first voltage lower than the threshold voltage (or threshold voltage) of the switch (Q1) may be applied to the switch (Q1). Alternatively, when the first pin (521) of the second connector (C2) is not connected to the PCB (510) (or the receptor of the PCB (510)) and the second pin (522) of the second connector (C2) is not connected to the PCB (510) (or the receptor of the PCB (510)), a first voltage lower than the threshold voltage (or threshold voltage) of the switch (Q1) may be applied to the switch (Q1). For example, the first voltage may be 0 V or a voltage that converges to 0 V.

[0133] According to one embodiment, when the switch (Q1) is turned on, power provided from the battery (550) may be supplied or provided to the second connector (C2) (or the third pin (523)). At this time, the battery voltage (VBAT) applied to the switch (Q1) may be supplied or applied to the second connector (C2) (or the third pin (523)).

[0134] According to one embodiment, when the switch (Q1) is turned off, power provided from the battery (550) may be blocked from being supplied or provided to the second connector (C2) (or the third pin (523)). That is, when the switch (Q1) is turned off, power provided from the battery (550) may not be supplied or applied to the second connector (C2) (or the third pin (523)). At this time, the battery voltage (VBAT) applied to the switch (Q1) may not be provided to the second connector (C2) (or the third pin (523)).

[0135] Based on the above-described method, the electronic device (101) can prevent or minimize the occurrence of carbonization of the pins of the second connector (C2) even when the connection or engagement between the PCB (510) and the second connector (C2) is incorrect, without separate control or separate power, by using the protection circuit (540).

[0136] Meanwhile, at least some of the operations of the electronic device of FIG. 7 described below may be performed by the protection circuit (540). The operations of the protection circuit (540) may be performed without separate control by a processor or control circuit. Furthermore, the operations of the protection circuit (540) may be performed without a separate power supply. That is, the operations of the protection circuit (540) described below may be performed based on circuit characteristics.

[0137] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a schematic operation of a protection circuit included in an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0138] Referring to FIG. 7, according to one embodiment, in operation 701, a battery (e.g., battery (550) of FIG. 5) and a first connector (e.g., first connector (C1) of FIG. 5) may be connected. For example, during an assembly step or a repair step of an electronic device (101), the battery (550) may be connected to the first connector (C1).

[0139] According to one embodiment, in operation 703, an operation may be performed in which all of the first pin (521), the second pin (522), and the third pin (523) of the second connector (e.g., the second connector (C2) of FIG. 5) are connected to a PCB (e.g., the PCB (510) of FIG. 5). For example, at least one of the first pin (521), the second pin (522), and the third pin (523) of the second connector (C2) may be incorrectly connected to the PCB (510). Alternatively, each of the first pin (521), the second pin (522), and the third pin (523) of the second connector (C2) may be normally connected to the PCB (510).

[0140] In one embodiment, when all of the first pin (521), the second pin (522), and the third pin (523) of the second connector (C2) are not connected to the PCB (510) (NO of operation 703), the power may be blocked from being supplied from the first battery (e.g., the battery (550) of FIG. 5) to the power management circuit (e.g., the power management circuit (515) of FIG. 5) based on the switch (Q1) being turned off by a first voltage (e.g., a voltage converging to 0 V) ​​applied to the switch (Q1). For example, the protection circuit (540) may block the supply or provision of the first battery voltage (e.g., the battery voltage VBAT of FIG. 5) from the first battery (e.g., the battery (550) of FIG. 5) to the second connector (C2) (e.g., the third pin (523)). For example, the first voltage may be a voltage applied to the gate of the switch (Q1) when the first pin (521) and / or the second pin (522) of the second connector (C2) is not connected to the PCB (510). For example, the first voltage may be lower than the threshold voltage (or threshold voltage) of the switch (Q1).

[0141] In one embodiment, when the first pin (521), the second pin (522), and the third pin (523) of the second connector (C2) are all connected to the PCB (510) (example of operation 703), power may be allowed to be supplied from the first battery (e.g., the battery (550) of FIG. 5) to the power management circuit (e.g., the power management circuit (515) of FIG. 5) based on the switch being turned on by a second voltage applied from the first battery (550) to the switch (Q1). For example, the protection circuit (540) may supply or provide the first battery voltage from the first battery (550) to the second connector (C2). For example, the second voltage may be a voltage applied to the gate of the switch (Q1) when each of the first pin (521) and the second pin (522) of the second connector (C2) is connected to the PCB (510). For example, the second voltage may be higher than or equal to the threshold voltage (or threshold voltage) of the switch (Q1).

[0142] In one embodiment, when the first pin (521) and the second pin (522) of the second connector (C2) are connected to the PCB (510) and the third pin (523) is not connected to the PCB (510), the switch (Q1) may be turned on, but power (or the first battery voltage (VBAT)) may not be supplied or provided to the third pin (523).

[0143] Based on the above-described method, the electronic device (101) can prevent or minimize the occurrence of carbonization of the pins of the second connector (C2) even when the connection or engagement between the PCB (510) and the second connector (C2) is incorrect, without separate control or separate power, by using the protection circuit (540).

[0144] FIGS. 8A, 8B, 8C, and 8D are drawings for explaining operations of a protection circuit for connection states between a second connector disposed in a second housing and a PCB according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0145] Referring to FIGS. 8A to 8D , according to one embodiment, a battery (e.g., battery (550) of FIG. 5 ) may be connected to a first connector (C1), and a third pin (523) of a second connector (C2) may be connected or bonded to a PCB (e.g., PCB (510) of FIG. 5 ). The following FIGS. 8A to 8D will explain that a switch (Q1) is turned on / off depending on whether the first pin (521) and the second pin (522) of the second connector (C2) and the PCB (510) are connected or bonded.

[0146] Referring to FIG. 8A, according to one embodiment, the first pin (521) and the second pin (522) of the second connector (C2) may not be connected or bonded to the PCB (510). The first pin (521) and the second pin (522) may be short-circuited to ground. As a result, a gate voltage converging to 0 V may be applied to the switch (Q1). As a voltage lower than the threshold voltage of the switch (Q1) is applied to the gate of the switch (Q1), the switch (Q1) may be turned off. The battery voltage (VBAT) may or may not be provided to the third pin (523) as the switch (Q1) is turned off. For example, even if the first pin (521) and the second pin (522) are not connected or incorrectly connected to the PCB (510), the battery voltage (VBAT) may not be applied to the third pin (523). Due to this, even if the first pin (521) and the second pin (522) are not connected or incorrectly connected to the PCB (510), the third pin (523) may not be carbonized.

[0147] Referring to FIG. 8B, according to one embodiment, the first pin (521) and the third pin (523) of the second connector (C2) may be connected (or bonded) to the PCB (510), and the second pin (522) of the second connector (C2) may not be connected (or bonded) to the PCB (510). The second pin (522) may be short-circuited to ground. As a result, a gate voltage converging to 0 V may be applied to the switch (Q1). As a voltage lower than the threshold voltage of the switch (Q1) is applied to the gate of the switch (Q1), the switch (Q1) may be turned off. The battery voltage (VBAT) may or may not be provided to the third pin (523) as the switch (Q1) is turned off. For example, even if the second pin (522) is not connected or incorrectly connected to the PCB (510), the battery voltage (VBAT) may not be applied to the third pin (523). As a result, even if the second pin (522) is not connected or incorrectly connected to the PCB (510), the third pin (523) may not be carbonized.

[0148] Referring to FIG. 8C, according to one embodiment, the first pin (521) of the second connector (C2) may not be connected (or bonded) to the PCB (510), and the second pin (522) and the third pin (523) of the second connector (C2) may be connected (or bonded) to the PCB (510). The first pin (521) may be shorted to ground. As a result, a gate voltage converging to 0 V may be applied to the switch (Q1). As a voltage lower than the threshold voltage of the switch (Q1) is applied to the gate of the switch (Q1), the switch (Q1) may be turned off. The battery voltage (VBAT) may or may not be provided to the third pin (523) as the switch (Q1) is turned off. For example, even if the first pin (521) is not connected or incorrectly connected to the PCB (510), the battery voltage (VBAT) may not be applied to the third pin (523). As a result, even if the first pin (521) is not connected or incorrectly connected to the PCB (510), the third pin (523) may not be carbonized.

[0149] Referring to FIG. 8D, according to one embodiment, the first pin (521), the second pin (522), and the third pin (523) of the second connector (C2) may be connected or bonded to the PCB (510). The first pin (521) and the second pin (522) may form an electrical loop. The first pin (521) and the second pin (522) may be connected to a first line and a second line of a bending portion of the FPCB. The switch (Q1) may form a part of the electrical loop. As a result, a second voltage, which is a battery voltage (VBAT) divided by the first resistor (R1) and the second resistor (R2), may be applied to the gate of the switch (Q1). For example, the second voltage may be higher than a threshold voltage (or threshold voltage) of the switch (Q1). When a voltage higher than the threshold voltage (or threshold voltage) of the switch (Q1) is applied to the gate of the switch (Q1), the switch (Q1) can be turned on. Power (or battery voltage (VBAT)) from the battery can be supplied, provided, or applied to the third pin (523) when the switch (Q1) is turned on. For example, when the first pin (521) and the second pin (522) are normally (or completely) connected or engaged with the PCB (510), the battery voltage (VBAT) can be provided or applied to the third pin (523). Therefore, the battery voltage (VBAT) can be applied to the third pin (523) only when the first pin (521) and the second pin (522) are normally connected or engaged with the PCB (510).

[0150] Based on the above-described method, the electronic device (101) can prevent or minimize the occurrence of carbonization of the pins of the second connector (C2) even when the connection or engagement between the PCB (510) and the second connector (C2) is incorrect, without separate control or separate power, by using the protection circuit (540).

[0151] In the following Figures 9 through 15, embodiments in which a protection circuit is applied in various form factors will be described. However, these are exemplary, and the features of the present invention may not be limited thereto.

[0152] FIG. 9 is a block diagram of an FPCB connecting a plurality of batteries arranged in a first housing and a printed circuit board (PCB) arranged in a second housing according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0153] Referring to FIG. 9, according to one embodiment, a battery (550) of an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (101) of FIG. 5) may include a plurality of batteries (e.g., a first battery (551) and a second battery (552)). Alternatively, the battery (550) of FIG. 5 may be replaced with a plurality of batteries (e.g., a first battery (551) and a second battery (552)). For example, the plurality of batteries (551, 552) may be implemented as a single battery package. Alternatively, the plurality of batteries (551, 552) may be implemented as separate battery packages.

[0154] According to one embodiment, when at least one of the first pin (521) or the second pin (522) of the second connector (C2) is not connected to a PCB (e.g., PCB (510) of FIG. 5), the switch (Q1) may be turned off by a first voltage (e.g., 0 V or a voltage converging to 0 V) ​​provided by the first battery (551). For example, the first voltage may be lower than a threshold voltage of the switch (Q1). Based on the switch (Q1) being turned off, the provision of the first battery voltage (VBAT1) and the second battery voltage (VBAT2) from the first battery (551) and the second battery (552) to the second connector (C2) (or the third pin (523)) through the banding portion (545) may be blocked. For example, the first battery voltage (VBAT1) may be a voltage of power provided by the first battery (551). The second battery voltage (VBAT2) may be the voltage of the power provided by the second battery (552).

[0155] According to one embodiment, when each of the first pin (521) and the second pin (522) of the second connector (C2) is connected to the PCB (510), the switch (Q1) may be turned on by the second voltage provided by the first battery (551). For example, the second voltage may be higher than the threshold voltage of the switch (Q1). Based on the turning on of the switch (Q1), it may be allowed to supply or provide the first battery voltage (VBAT1) and the second battery voltage (VBAT2) from the first battery (551) and the second battery (552) to the second connector (C2) (or the third pin (523)) through the FPCB (520) (or the bending portion (545) of the FPCB (520)).

[0156] Based on the above-described method, the electronic device (101) can prevent or minimize the occurrence of carbonization of pins of the second connector (C2) even when the connection or engagement between the PCB (510) and the second connector (C2) is incorrect, without separate control or separate power, even if it includes multiple batteries (551, 552).

[0157] FIGS. 10A, 10B, and 10C are drawings of a first battery disposed in a first housing, a printed circuit board (PCB) disposed in a second housing, and an FPCB connecting the second battery according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0158] Referring to FIG. 10A, according to one embodiment, an electronic device (e.g., electronic device (101) of FIG. 1) may include a rollable display (or slideable display).

[0159] Referring to (a) of FIG. 10A, according to one embodiment, an electronic device may include a first housing (1001) and a second housing (1002). The first housing (1001) may include a first battery (1051). The second housing (1002) may include a PCB (1010) and a second battery (1052). The FPCB (1030) may be connected to the first battery (1051) via a first connector (C1). The FPCB (1030) may connect the first battery (1051) included (or arranged) in the first housing to the PCB (1010) included (or arranged) in the second housing (1002).

[0160] Referring to (b) of FIG. 10A, according to one embodiment, the FPCB (1030) may include a second connector (C2), a protection circuit (1040), and a bending portion (1045). Depending on the implementation, the protection circuit (1040) may not include the first connector (C1). In this case, the FPCB (1030) may further include the first connector (C1). For example, the protection circuit (1040) may be disposed in the first housing (1001). For example, the FPCB (1030) (e.g., the bending portion (1045)) may be folded multiple times. For example, at least some of the folded axes of the FPCB (1030) (e.g., the bending portion (1045)) may be in the same direction or different directions. Depending on the implementation, the folded axes of the PCB (1030) (e.g., the bending portion (1045)) may be orthogonal to each other. The FPCB (1030) (e.g., the bending portion (1045)) may be implemented to be longer than a specified length related to the sliding movement of the rollable display.

[0161] Referring to FIG. 10b, according to one embodiment, an electronic device may include a foldable display.

[0162] Referring to (a) of FIG. 10B, according to one embodiment, an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1) may include a first housing (1003) and a second housing (1004). The first housing (1003) may include a first battery (1053). The second housing (1004) may include a PCB (1011) and a second battery (1054). The FPCB (1031) may be connected to the first battery (1053) via a first connector (C1). The FPCB (1031) may connect the first battery (1053) included (or arranged) in the first housing to the PCB (1011) (e.g., the second connector (C2)) included (or arranged) in the second housing (1004).

[0163] Referring to (b) of FIG. 10A, according to one embodiment, the FPCB (1031) may include a second connector (C2), a protection circuit (1041), and a bending portion (1046). Depending on the implementation, the protection circuit (1041) may not include the first connector (C1). In this case, the FPCB (1031) may further include the first connector (C1). For example, the protection circuit (1041) may be disposed in the first housing (1003). For example, the FPCB (1030) (e.g., the bending portion (1046)) may be folded multiple times. Depending on the implementation, the FPCB (1030) (e.g., the bending portion (1046)) may be folded at a position corresponding to an area where the foldable display is folded.

[0164] According to one embodiment, the protection circuit (1040 or 1041) described in FIGS. 10a and 10b may be implemented identically or similarly to the protection circuit described in FIG. 10c.

[0165] Referring to FIG. 10C, according to one embodiment, a protection circuit (1040) and a first battery (1050) (e.g., the first battery (1051) of FIG. 10A or the first battery (1053) of FIG. 10B) may be disposed in a first housing (e.g., the first housing (1001) of FIG. 10A or the first housing (1003) of FIG. 10B). A PCB (1010) and a second battery (1060) (e.g., the second battery (1052) of FIG. 10A or the second battery (1054) of FIG. 10B) may be disposed in a second housing (e.g., the second housing (1002) of FIG. 10A or the second housing (1004) of FIG. 10B).

[0166] According to one embodiment, the PCB (1010) may include a power management circuit (515), a plurality of loads (517, 518, 519), a first resistor (R1), and a third connector (C3). For example, the power management circuit (515) and the plurality of loads (517, 517, 519) may be implemented identically or similarly to the power management circuit (515) and the plurality of loads (517, 517, 519) described in FIG. 6.

[0167] In one embodiment, the third connector (C3) may be connected to the second battery (1060). For example, the third connector (C3) may include at least one pin that may be connected to the second battery (1060).

[0168] According to one embodiment, the FPCB (1030) may include a second connector (C2), a protection circuit (1040), and a banding portion (1045). For example, the banding portion (1045) may include a first line connected to a first pin (1021) and a second line connected to a second pin (1022).

[0169] According to one embodiment, the second connector (C2) may include a first pin (1021) and a second pin (1022). For example, the first pin (1021) may be connected to the third connector (C3) via a line including a first resistor (R1). For example, the first resistor (R1) may be connected in series with the line. The first pin (1021) may be a pin for applying a voltage to turn on (or off) the switch (Q1). The second pin (1022) may be a pin for receiving power provided from the first battery (550) and supplying the received power to elements (e.g., a power management circuit (515)) arranged on the PCB (1010). For example, the second pin (1022) may be connected to the power management circuit (515). Power provided through the first battery (1050) can be provided to the power management circuit (515) through the second pin (1022).

[0170] According to one embodiment, when the first pin (1021) is not connected to the PCB (1010), a first voltage may be applied to the switch (Q1) (or the gate of the switch (Q1)). For example, the first voltage may be lower than the threshold voltage of the switch (Q1). For example, the first voltage may be 0 V or a voltage that converges to 0 V. The switch (Q1) may be turned off by the first voltage. Based on the switch (Q1) being turned off, the first battery voltage (VBAT) may be blocked from being provided from the first battery (1050) to the second connector (C2) (or the second pin (1022)) through the bending portion (1045) (or the second line of the bending portion (1045)). That is, power provided from the first battery (1050) may not be provided to the first pin (1021).

[0171] According to one embodiment, when each of the first pin (1021) and the second pin (1022) is connected to the PCB (1010), a second voltage may be applied to the switch (Q1) (or the gate of the switch (Q1)). For example, the second voltage may be higher than or equal to a threshold voltage of the switch (Q1). For example, the second voltage may be a voltage provided by the second battery (1060) divided (or voltage divided) by the first resistor (R1) and the second resistor (R2). The switch (Q1) may be turned on by the second voltage. Based on the turning on of the switch (Q1), the first battery voltage (VBAT) may be provided from the first battery (1050) to the second connector (C2) (or the second pin (1022)) through the bending portion (1045) (or the second line of the bending portion (1045)). That is, power provided from the first battery (1050) can be provided to the second pin (1022). In addition, power provided from the first battery (1050) can be supplied to the power management circuit (515) through the second pin (1022).

[0172] FIG. 11 is a drawing of a first battery disposed in a first housing, a printed circuit board (PCB) disposed in a second housing, and an FPCB connecting the second battery according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0173] Referring to FIG. 11, compared to FIG. 10, the PCB (1110) may not include a third connector (C3). For example, the third connector (C3) may be integrated into the second connector (C2). For example, the second battery (1060) may be connected to the second connector (C2) (e.g., the first pin (1121). In addition, the PCB (1110) may not include a first resistor (R1). For example, the first resistor (R1) may be included in the protection circuit (1140).

[0174] According to one embodiment, the second connector (C2) may include a first pin (1121) and a second pin (1122). For example, the first pin (1121) may be connected to a second battery (1060). In addition, the first pin (1121) may be connected to a switch (Q1) (or a gate of the switch (Q1)) through a first line including a first resistor (R1). For example, the first resistor (R1) may be connected in series with the first line. The first pin (1121) may be a pin for applying a voltage to turn on (or off) the switch (Q1). The second pin (1122) may be a pin for receiving power provided from the first battery (550) and supplying the received power to elements (e.g., a power management circuit (515)) arranged on the PCB (1110). For example, the second pin (1122) may be connected to a power management circuit (515). Power provided through the first battery (1050) may be provided to the power management circuit (515) through the second pin (1122).

[0175] According to one embodiment, the FPCB may include a second connector (C2), a protection circuit (1140), and a banding portion (e.g., 1045 in FIG. 10a). Depending on the implementation, the protection circuit (1140) may not include the first connector (C1). In this case, the FPCB may further include the first connector (C1). For example, the banding portion (e.g., 1045 in FIG. 10a) may include a first line connected to the first pin (1121) and a second line connected to the second pin (1122).

[0176] According to one embodiment, when the first pin (1121) is not connected to the PCB (1110), a first voltage may be applied to the switch (Q1) (or the gate of the switch (Q1)). For example, the first voltage may be lower than a threshold voltage (or threshold voltage) of the switch (Q1). For example, the first voltage may be 0 V or a voltage that converges to 0 V. The switch (Q1) may be turned off by the first voltage. Based on the switch (Q1) being turned off, the supply or provision of power (e.g., the first battery voltage (VBAT)) from the first battery (1050) to the second connector (C2) (or the second pin (1122)) through the bending portion (or the second line of the bending portion) may be blocked. That is, power provided from the first battery (1050) may not be provided to the second pin (1122).

[0177] According to one embodiment, when each of the first pin (1121) and the second pin (1122) is connected to the PCB (1110), a second voltage may be applied to the switch (Q1) (or the gate of the switch (Q1)). For example, the second voltage may be higher than or equal to a threshold voltage (or threshold voltage) of the switch (Q1). For example, the second voltage may be a voltage provided by the second battery (1060) divided (or voltage divided) by the first resistor (R1) and the second resistor (R2). The switch (Q1) may be turned on by the second voltage. Based on the switch (Q1) being turned on, power (e.g., the first battery voltage (VBAT)) may be provided from the first battery (1050) to the second connector (C2) (or the second pin (1122)) through the bending portion (or the second line of the bending portion). That is, power provided from the first battery (1050) can be provided to the second pin (1122). In addition, power provided from the first battery (1050) can be supplied to the power management circuit (515) through the second pin (1122).

[0178] FIGS. 12A and 12B are drawings of an FPCB connecting a battery disposed in a first housing and a printed circuit board (PCB) disposed in a second housing according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0179] Referring to FIG. 12A, according to one embodiment, a protection circuit (1240) of an FPCB (e.g., protection circuit (540) of FIG. 6) may be placed in a second housing of the electronic device (e.g., second housing (502) of FIG. 5). For example, the protection circuit (1240) may be placed near the second connector (C2).

[0180] Referring to FIG. 12b, according to one embodiment, the PCB (510) and the protection circuit (1240) may be placed in a second housing of the electronic device (e.g., the second housing (502) of FIG. 5). For example, the PCB (510) may be implemented in a manner identical to or similar to the PCB (510) described in FIG. 6.

[0181] According to one embodiment, the first connector (C1) and the battery (550) may be disposed in a first housing of the electronic device (e.g., the first housing (501) of FIG. 5). The bending portion of the FPCB (e.g., the bending portion (545) of FIG. 5) may electrically connect the protection circuit (1240) and the second connector (C2). In addition, the bending portion of the FPCB (e.g., the bending portion (545) of FIG. 5) may electrically connect the protection circuit (1240) and the first connector (C1). For example, the battery (550) may be connected to the first connector (C1). In addition, the battery (550) may provide power (or battery voltage (VBAT)) to the switch (Q1) through the first connector (C1) and the bending portion of the FPCB.

[0182] According to one embodiment, when at least one of the first pin (521) or the second pin (522) is not connected to the PCB (510), the switch (Q1) may be turned off by a first voltage applied to the switch (Q1). For example, the first voltage (e.g., 0 V or converging to 0 V) ​​may be lower than a threshold voltage (or threshold voltage) of the switch (Q1). Based on the switch (Q1) being turned off, the battery voltage (VBAT) may be blocked from being provided from the battery (550) to the second connector (C2) (or the third pin (523)). That is, as the switch (Q1) is turned off, the battery voltage (VBAT) may not be applied to the third pin (523). That is, as the switch (Q1) is turned off, 0 V (or a voltage converging to 0 V) ​​may be applied to the third pin (523). Through this, when at least one of the first pin (521) or the second pin (522) is not connected to the PCB (510), the third pin (523) may not be carbonized.

[0183] According to one embodiment, when each of the first pin (521), the second pin (522), and the third pin (523) is connected to the PCB (510), the switch (Q1) may be turned on by a second voltage applied from the battery (550) to the switch (Q1). Based on the turning on of the switch (Q1), the battery voltage (VBAT) may be provided from the battery (550) to the second connector (C2) (or the third pin (523)). That is, as the switch (Q1) is turned on, the power provided from the battery (550) may be provided to the power management circuit (515). Through this, when all of the first pin (521), the second pin (522), and the third pin (523) are connected to the PCB (510), the power (or the battery voltage (VBAT)) provided from the battery (550) may be applied to the third pin (523).

[0184] FIG. 13 is a diagram of a protection circuit included in a battery disposed in a first housing according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0185] Referring to FIG. 13, according to one embodiment, a protection circuit (1340) of an FPCB (e.g., the protection circuit (540) of FIG. 6) may be included in a protection circuit module (PCM) of a battery (550). For example, the battery (550) may be placed in a first housing (e.g., the first housing (501) of FIG. 5) of an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1). The PCB (510) may be placed in a second housing (e.g., the second housing (502) of FIG. 5) of the electronic device. The PCB (510) may be implemented in the same or similar manner as the PCB (510) of FIG. 6.

[0186] According to one embodiment, the first connector (C1) may be arranged in the first housing (e.g., the first housing (501) of FIG. 5). For example, the FPCB (or the bending portion of the FPCB (e.g., the bending portion (545) of FIG. 5)) may connect between the second connector (C2) and the first connector (C1). For example, the first connector (C1) may include a plurality of pins for connecting the protection circuit (1340) and the second connector (C2). The plurality of pins may be connected to a plurality of pins (521, 522, 523) of the second connector (C2), respectively. Depending on the implementation, the first connector (C1) may be omitted.

[0187] According to one embodiment, the protection circuit (1340) may be implemented identically or similarly to the protection circuit (540) described in FIG. 6. Accordingly, the method by which the protection circuit (1340) operates will be omitted as it overlaps with the description of FIG. 6.

[0188] FIG. 14 is a drawing of a protection circuit included in an FPCB connecting a battery disposed in a first housing and a printed circuit board (PCB) disposed in a second housing according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0189] Referring to Fig. 14, the manner in which the switch (Q2) is turned on may be different from that of Fig. 6. For example, the switch (Q2) may be implemented in a low active manner (e.g., turned on at a voltage lower than the threshold voltage and turned off at a voltage higher than the threshold voltage). For example, the switch (Q2) may be implemented as a P-type MOSFET.

[0190] According to one embodiment, the PCB (1410) may include a power management circuit (515) and a plurality of loads (517, 518, 519). For example, the power management circuit (515) and the plurality of loads (517, 517, 519) may be implemented identically or similarly to the power management circuit (515) and the plurality of loads (517, 517, 519) described in FIG. 6.

[0191] According to one embodiment, the FPCB (1420) may include a second connector (C2), a protection circuit (1440), and a banding portion. Depending on the implementation, the protection circuit (1440) may not include the first connector (C1). In this case, the FPCB (1420) may include the first connector (C1).

[0192] According to one embodiment, the second connector (C2) may include a first pin (1421) and a second pin (1423). For example, the first pin (1421) may be a pin for applying a voltage to turn on (or off) the switch (Q2). One end of the first pin (1421) may be connected to the ground (1435). The other end of the first pin (1421) may be connected to the switch (Q2) (e.g., the gate of the switch (Q2)) through a bending portion of the FPCB. The second pin (1423) may be a pin for receiving power provided from the first battery (550) and supplying the received power to elements (e.g., the power management circuit (515)) arranged on the PCB (1410). The second pin (1423) can be connected to a protection circuit (1440) (or switch (Q2)) through the banding portion of the FPCB. For example, the second pin (1423) can be connected to a power management circuit (515). Power provided through the first battery (550) can be provided to the power management circuit (515) through the second pin (1423).

[0193] In one embodiment, the protection circuit (1440) may allow power from the first battery (550) to be supplied to the PCB (1410) (or power management circuit (515)) through the second pin (1423) when each of the first pin (1421) and the second pin (1423) is connected to the PCB (1410).

[0194] In one embodiment, the protection circuit (1440) may block power from the first battery (550) from being supplied to the PCB (1410) (or the power management circuit (515)) through the second pin (1423) when at least one of the first pin (1421) and the second pin (1423) is not connected to the PCB (1410).

[0195] According to one embodiment, the protection circuit (1440) and the battery (550) may be placed in a first housing of the electronic device (e.g., the first housing (501) of FIG. 5). The banding portion of the FPCB may electrically connect the protection circuit (1440) and the first connector (C2). For example, the battery (550) may be connected to the first connector (C1). In addition, the battery (550) may provide power (or battery voltage (VBAT)) to the switch (Q2) through the first connector (C1).

[0196] According to one embodiment, when the first pin (1421) is not connected to the PCB (1410), the switch (Q2) may be turned off by a third voltage applied to the switch (Q2). For example, the third voltage may be a voltage that is higher than or equal to a threshold voltage (or threshold voltage) of the switch (Q2). Based on the switch (Q2) being turned off, the battery voltage (VBAT) may be blocked from being supplied from the battery (550) to the second connector (C2) (or the second pin (1423)). That is, when the switch (Q2) is turned off, the battery voltage (VBAT) may not be applied to the second pin (1423). Accordingly, when the first pin (1421) is not connected to the PCB (1410), the second pin (1423) may not be carbonized.

[0197] According to one embodiment, when each of the first pin (1421) and the second pin (1423) is connected to the PCB (1410), the switch (Q2) may be turned on by a fourth voltage applied from the battery (550) to the switch (Q2). At this time, the fourth voltage may converge to 0V or 0V by the ground (1435) connected to the first pin (1421). That is, the fourth voltage may be lower than the threshold voltage (or threshold voltage) of the switch (Q2). Based on the switch (Q2) being turned on, the battery voltage (VBAT) may be provided from the battery (550) to the second connector (C2) (or the second pin (1423)). That is, as the switch (Q2) is turned on, power provided from the battery (550) may be provided to the power management circuit (515). Through this, when both the first pin (1421) and the second pin (1423) are connected to the PCB (1410), power (or battery voltage (VBAT)) provided from the battery (550) can be applied to the second pin (1423).

[0198] Based on the above-described method, the electronic device can prevent or minimize the pins of the second connector (C2) from being carbonized even when the connection or engagement between the PCB (1410) and the second connector (C2) is incorrect, without separate control or separate power, by using the protection circuit (1440).

[0199] FIG. 15 is a drawing of electronic devices of various form factors included in a protection circuit according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0200] Referring to (a) of FIG. 15, according to one embodiment, an electronic device (201-2) may include a multi-foldable display. For example, the electronic device (201-2) may include a first housing (1501), a second housing (1502), and a third housing (1503). For example, a first battery (1551) may be placed in the first housing (1501), a second battery (1552) may be placed in the third housing (1503), and a PCB (1530) may be placed in the second housing (1502).

[0201] Referring to (b) of FIG. 15, according to one embodiment, the first housing (1501) and the second housing (1502) can be folded or unfolded using the first hinge (1510). Additionally, the second housing (1502) and the third housing (1503) can be folded or unfolded using the second hinge (1520).

[0202] According to one embodiment, the first FPCB (1541) may connect the first battery (1551) and the PCB (1530). The second FPCB (1542) may connect the second battery (1552) and the PCB (1530). The first FPCB (1541) and the second FPCB (1542) may be foldable or made of a flexible material.

[0203] According to one embodiment, a protection circuit (e.g., a protection circuit (540) of FIG. 6, a protection circuit (1040) of FIG. 10, a protection circuit (1140) of FIG. 11, a protection circuit (1240) of FIG. 12, a protection circuit (1340) of FIG. 13, or a protection circuit (1440) of FIG. 14) may be included in or applied to the first FPCB (1541) and the second FPCB (1542). The description of the protection circuit will be omitted as it overlaps with the previous descriptions.

[0204] Meanwhile, the electronic device including the multi-foldable display of FIG. 15 is merely an example, and the features of the present invention may not be limited thereto. For example, the protection circuit according to one embodiment may also be applied to electronic devices including various types of multi-foldable displays.

[0205] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include a printed circuit board (PCB) (510) including a first housing (501), a second housing (502), a first battery (550) disposed in the first housing, a power management circuit (515) disposed in the second housing, and a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) (530) configured to connect the first battery and the PCB. According to one embodiment, the FPCB may include a first connector (C1) connected to the first battery, a second connector configured to connect to the PCB, and a protection circuit (540). According to one embodiment, the second connector may include a first pin (521) and a second pin (522) that are electrically loop-connectable to each other, and a third pin (523) for receiving power from the first battery. In one embodiment, a switch (Q1) included in the protection circuit may form a part of the electrical loop. In one embodiment, the protection circuit may be configured to allow power to be supplied to the power management circuit through the third pin when each of the first pin, the second pin, and the third pin is connected to the PCB. In one embodiment, the protection circuit may be configured to block power from being supplied to the power management circuit through the third pin when at least one of the first pin, the second pin, and the third pin is not connected to the PCB.

[0206] In one embodiment, a receptor for receiving the second connector is disposed on the PCB, and the receptor may include a first pin connection portion, a second pin connection portion, and a third pin connection portion for receiving the first pin, the second pin, and the third pin, respectively. In one embodiment, the first pin connection portion and the second pin connection portion may be configured to form a part of the electrical loop when connected to the first pin and the second pin, respectively.

[0207] According to one embodiment, the electrical loop may be formed in a portion corresponding to the first pin and the second pin of the second connector of the FPCB.

[0208] In one embodiment, when the first pin is not connected to the PCB or the second pin is not connected to the PCB, a first voltage lower than a threshold voltage of the switch may be applied to the switch. In one embodiment, based on the application of the first voltage to the switch, the supply of power to the power management circuit may be cut off.

[0209] In one embodiment, when both the first pin and the second pin are electrically connected to the PCB, a second voltage greater than a threshold voltage of the switch may be applied from the battery to the switch. In one embodiment, based on the application of the second voltage to the switch, power may be supplied to the power management circuit.

[0210] According to one embodiment, the first resistor may be connected in series to a first line of the FPCB that is set to be connected to the first pin, and the second resistor may be connected in parallel to a second line of the FPCB that is set to be connected to the second pin. According to one embodiment, one end of the switch may be connected to the third pin through a third line of the FPCB, and the other end of the switch may be connected to the first battery through the first connector. According to one embodiment, the switch may include an N-type metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor (MOSFET).

[0211] According to one embodiment, the second voltage may correspond to a value obtained by multiplying a value obtained by dividing the second resistance value of the second resistor by the sum of the first resistance value of the first resistor and the second resistance value by the first battery voltage output from the first battery.

[0212] In one embodiment, the electronic device may further include a second battery disposed in the first housing. In one embodiment, when at least one of the first pin or the second pin is not connected to the PCB, the supply of the second battery voltage from the second battery to the third pin may be blocked based on the switch being turned off by the first voltage. In one embodiment, when each of the first pin and the second pin is connected to the PCB, the second battery voltage may be supplied from the second battery to the third pin based on the switch being turned on by the second voltage.

[0213] In one embodiment, when the electronic device includes a rollable display, the FPCB may be characterized as being longer than a specified length associated with sliding of the rollable display.

[0214] According to one embodiment, when the electronic device includes a foldable display or a rollable display, the FPCB may be characterized in that it is folded at least once.

[0215] According to one embodiment, when the FPCB is folded multiple times, the folded axes of the FPCB may be characterized in that they are orthogonal to each other.

[0216] According to one embodiment, when the FPCB is folded multiple times, at least some of the folded axes of the FPCB may be in the same direction or different directions.

[0217] According to one embodiment, the protection circuit may be disposed in the first housing or the second housing.

[0218] According to one embodiment, in a method of operating an electronic device, the electronic device includes a first battery disposed in a first housing of the electronic device, a power management circuit included in a printed circuit board (PCB) disposed in a second housing of the electronic device, and a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) configured to connect the first battery and the PCB, wherein the FPCB includes a first connector (C1) connected to the first battery, a second connector configured to connect to the PCB, and a protection circuit (540), wherein the second connector includes a first pin (521) and a second pin (522) connectable by an electrical loop, and a third pin for receiving power from the first battery, and a switch (Q1) included in the protection circuit can form a part of the electrical loop. According to one embodiment, the method of operating the electronic device may include an operation of allowing, by the protection circuit, the power to be supplied to the power management circuit through the third pin when each of the first pin, the second pin, and the third pin is connected to the PCB. According to one embodiment, the method of operating the electronic device may include an operation of blocking, by the protection circuit, the power from being supplied to the power management circuit through the third pin when at least one of the first pin, the second pin, and the third pin is not connected to the PCB.

[0219] According to one embodiment, an electronic device may include a printed circuit board (PCB) including a first housing, a second housing, a first battery disposed in the first housing, a power management circuit disposed in the second housing, and a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) configured to connect the first battery and the PCB. According to one embodiment, the FPCB may include a first connector (C1) connected to the first battery, a second connector configured to connect to the PCB, and a protection circuit. According to one embodiment, the second connector may include a first pin connected to ground and a second pin for receiving power from the first battery. According to one embodiment, the protection circuit may be configured to allow power from the first battery to be supplied to the power management circuit through the second pin when each of the first pin and the second pin is connected to the PCB. In one embodiment, the protection circuit may be configured to block power from the first battery to the power management circuit through the second pin when at least one of the first pin or the second pin is disconnected from the PCB.

[0220] In one embodiment, when the first pin is not connected to the PCB or the second pin is not connected to the PCB, a third voltage higher than a threshold voltage of the switch included in the protection circuit may be applied. In one embodiment, based on the application of the third voltage to the switch, the supply of power to the power management circuit may be cut off.

[0221] In one embodiment, when both the first pin and the second pin are electrically connected to the PCB, a fourth voltage lower than a threshold voltage of the switch included in the protection circuit may be applied. In one embodiment, based on the application of the fourth voltage to the switch, the power may be supplied to the power management circuit.

[0222] According to one embodiment, an electronic device may include a printed circuit board (PCB) including a first housing, a second housing, a first battery disposed in the first housing, a second battery disposed in the second housing, a power management circuit disposed in the second housing, and a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) configured to connect the first battery and the PCB. According to one embodiment, the FPCB may include a first connector (C1) connected to the first battery, a second connector configured to connect to the PCB, and a protection circuit, wherein the second connector may include a first pin connected to the second battery and a second pin for receiving power from the first battery. According to one embodiment, the protection circuit may be configured to allow power from the first battery to be supplied to the power management circuit through the first pin when each of the first pin and the second pin is connected to the PCB. In one embodiment, the protection circuit may be configured to block power from the first battery from being supplied to the power management circuit via the third pin when the first pin or the second pin is not connected to the PCB.

[0223] The embodiments of this document and the terminology used herein are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments, but should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutes of the embodiments. In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components. The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of the items, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this document, each of the phrases "A or B", "at least one of A and B", "at least one of A or B", "A, B, or C", "at least one of A, B, and C", and "at least one of A, B, or C" can include any one of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase, or all possible combinations thereof. Terms such as "first," "second," or "first" or "second" may be used merely to distinguish one component from another, and do not limit the components in any other respect (e.g., importance or order). When a component (e.g., a first component) is referred to as "coupled" or "connected" to another component (e.g., a second component), with or without the terms "functionally" or "communicatively," it means that the component can be connected to the other component directly (e.g., wired), wirelessly, or through a third component.

[0224] The term "module" used in various embodiments of this document may include a unit implemented in hardware, software, or firmware, and may be used interchangeably with terms such as logic, logic block, component, or circuit. A module may be an integral component, or a minimum unit or part of such a component that performs one or more functions. For example, according to one embodiment, a module may be implemented in the form of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0225] Various embodiments of the present document may be implemented as software (e.g., a program) including one or more instructions stored in a storage medium (e.g., built-in memory or external memory) readable by a machine (e.g., an electronic device). For example, a processor (e.g., a processor) of the machine (e.g., an electronic device) may call at least one instruction among the one or more instructions stored from the storage medium and execute it. This enables the machine to operate to perform at least one function according to the at least one instruction called. The one or more instructions may include code generated by a compiler or code executable by an interpreter. The machine-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, 'non-transitory' only means that the storage medium is a tangible device and does not contain a signal (e.g., electromagnetic waves), and this term does not distinguish between cases where data is stored semi-permanently and cases where it is stored temporarily in the storage medium.

[0226] According to one embodiment, the method according to various embodiments of the present disclosure may be provided as included in a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded as a product between a seller and a buyer. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a machine-readable storage medium (e.g., compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM)), or may be distributed online (e.g., downloaded or uploaded) via an application store (e.g., Play Store™) or directly between two user devices (e.g., smartphones). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product may be temporarily stored or temporarily generated in a machine-readable storage medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or a relay server.

[0227] According to embodiments, each component (e.g., a module or a program) of the above-described components may include one or more entities, and some of the entities may be separated and placed in other components. According to embodiments, one or more components or operations of the aforementioned components may be omitted, or one or more other components or operations may be added. Alternatively or additionally, a plurality of components (e.g., a module or a program) may be integrated into a single component. In this case, the integrated component may perform one or more functions of each of the plurality of components identically or similarly to those performed by the corresponding component among the plurality of components prior to the integration. According to embodiments, operations performed by a module, program, or other component may be executed sequentially, in parallel, iteratively, or heuristically, or one or more of the operations may be executed in a different order, omitted, or one or more other operations may be added.

Claims

1. In an electronic device (101), First housing (501); Second housing (502); A first battery (550) placed in the first housing; A printed circuit board (PCB) (510) including a power management circuit (515) arranged in the second housing; and A flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) (530) configured to connect the first battery and the PCB, wherein the FPCB includes a first connector (C1) connected to the first battery, a second connector configured to connect to the PCB, and a protection circuit (540). The second connector includes a first pin (521) and a second pin (522) that are connectable in an electrical loop, and a third pin (523) for receiving power from the first battery, and a switch (Q1) included in the protection circuit forms a part of the electrical loop, The protection circuit is configured to allow power to be supplied to the power management circuit through the third pin when each of the first pin, the second pin, and the third pin is connected to the PCB. An electronic device wherein the protection circuit is configured to block power from being supplied to the power management circuit through the third pin when at least one of the first pin, the second pin, and the third pin is disconnected from the PCB.

2. In paragraph 1, A receptor for receiving the second connector is arranged on the PCB, and the receptor includes a first pin connection portion, a second pin connection portion, and a third pin connection portion for receiving the first pin, the second pin, and the third pin, respectively (respectively). An electronic device wherein the first pin connection portion and the second pin connection portion are configured to form a part of the electrical loop when connected to the first pin and the second pin, respectively.

3. In any one of paragraphs 1 and 2, An electronic device in which the electrical loop is formed in a portion corresponding to the first pin and the second pin of the second connector of the FPCB.

4. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 3, When the first pin is not connected to the PCB or the second pin is not connected to the PCB, a first voltage lower than the threshold voltage of the switch is applied to the switch, An electronic device in which the supply of power to the power management circuit is cut off based on the first voltage being applied to the switch.

5. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 4, When both the first pin and the second pin are electrically connected to the PCB, a second voltage greater than the threshold voltage of the switch is applied from the battery to the switch, An electronic device in which power is supplied to the power management circuit based on the second voltage being applied to the switch.

6. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 5, The first resistor is connected in series to a first line of the FPCB set to be connected to the first pin, and the second resistor is connected in parallel to a second line of the FPCB set to be connected to the second pin. One end of the switch is connected to the third pin through the third line of the FPCB, and the other end of the switch is connected to the first battery through the first connector, The above switch is an electronic device including an N-type metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor (MOSFET).

7. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 6, The second voltage is an electronic device corresponding to a value obtained by multiplying a value obtained by dividing the second resistance value of the second resistor by the sum of the first resistance value of the first resistor and the second resistance value by the first battery voltage output from the first battery.

8. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 7, The electronic device further comprises a second battery disposed in the first housing, When at least one of the first pin or the second pin is not connected to the PCB, the supply of the second battery voltage from the second battery to the third pin is blocked based on the switch being turned off by the first voltage, An electronic device in which the second battery voltage is supplied from the second battery to the third pin based on the switch being turned on by the second voltage when each of the first pin and the second pin is connected to the PCB.

9. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 8, An electronic device characterized in that when the electronic device includes a rollable display, the FPCB is longer than a specified length related to sliding of the rollable display.

10. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 9, An electronic device characterized in that when the electronic device includes a foldable display or a rollable display, the FPCB is folded at least once.

11. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 10, An electronic device characterized in that when the FPCB is folded multiple times, the folded axes of the FPCB are orthogonal to each other.

12. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 11, An electronic device characterized in that when the FPCB is folded multiple times, at least some of the folded axes of the FPCB are in the same direction or different directions.

13. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 12, An electronic device wherein the protection circuit is disposed in the first housing or the second housing.

14. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 13, An electronic device in which the above protection circuit is set to be included in a protection circuit module (PCM) of the first battery.

15. In the method of operating an electronic device, The electronic device includes a first battery disposed in a first housing of the electronic device, a power management circuit included in a printed circuit board (PCB) disposed in a second housing of the electronic device, and a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) configured to connect the first battery and the PCB, wherein the FPCB includes a first connector (C1) connected to the first battery, a second connector configured to connect to the PCB, and a protection circuit (540), wherein the second connector includes a first pin (521) and a second pin (522) connectable by an electrical loop, and a third pin for receiving power from the first battery, and a switch (Q1) included in the protection circuit forms a part of the electrical loop, An operation allowing power to be supplied to the power management circuit through the third pin when each of the first pin, the second pin and the third pin is connected to the PCB by the protection circuit; and An operating method of an electronic device, comprising an operation of blocking power from being supplied to the power management circuit through the third pin when at least one of the first pin, the second pin, and the third pin is not connected to the PCB by the protection circuit.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • Connector assembly, power supply assembly and mobile terminal

    CN107369933A

  • Method and apparatus for detector of coupling state between PCB

    KR1020100074993A

  • Display module, display device and split type foam tape for display module

    KR1020220021562A

  • Display device and electronic device having the same

    KR1020250051011A

  • KR20220012591A