Electronic device including connector having fastening structure for reducing resistance

Abstract

Provided is an electronic device according to embodiments disclosed herein. The electronic device may include: a flexible printed circuit board including a conductive portion; and a connector including a conductive pin configured to come into contact with the conductive portion of the flexible printed circuit board and thereby be electrically connected to the flexible printed circuit board. The conductive pin may include a hook portion that defines a plurality of contact surfaces configured to come into contact with the conductive portion of the flexible printed circuit board. The hook portion may come into contact with the conductive portion of the flexible printed circuit board via the plurality of contact surfaces, thereby removably interlocking the connector to the flexible printed circuit board.

Description

An electronic device comprising a connector including a fastening structure for reducing resistance.

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an electronic device including a connector including a fastening structure for reducing resistance.

[0002] As electronic devices perform various functions to meet the needs of users, the electronic devices may include a plurality of printed circuit boards (PCBs). Multiple electronic components of the electronic device may be arranged on the same PCB or on different PCBs, thereby forming electrical connections within the electronic device. As electronic devices become smaller, some of the PCBs may be arranged within the electronic device in a deformable state to secure space for arranging the electronic components. The electronic device may include a connector for electrically connecting the multiple PCBs to each other.

[0003] The above information may be provided as background art to aid in understanding the present disclosure. No claim or determination is made as to whether any of the above-described matters constitute prior art related to the present disclosure.

[0004] An electronic device is disclosed. The electronic device may include a flexible printed circuit board including a conductive portion, and a connector including a conductive pin configured to be electrically connected to the flexible printed circuit board by contacting the conductive portion of the flexible printed circuit board. The conductive pin may include a hook portion defining a plurality of contact surfaces configured to be in contact with the conductive portion of the flexible printed circuit board. The hook portion may removably interlock the connector to the flexible printed circuit board by contacting the conductive portion of the flexible printed circuit board through the plurality of contact surfaces.

[0005] An electronic device is disclosed. The electronic device may include a flexible printed circuit board including a conductive portion, and a connector including a conductive pin configured to be electrically connected to the flexible printed circuit board by contacting the conductive portion of the flexible printed circuit board. The conductive pin may include a hook portion defining a plurality of contact surfaces that are inclined with respect to each other and configured to contact the conductive portion of the flexible printed circuit board. The hook portion may be configured to be electrically and mechanically coupled to the flexible printed circuit board by contacting the conductive portion through the plurality of contact surfaces.

[0006] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device within a network environment according to various embodiments.

[0007] Figure 2a illustrates an unfolded state of an exemplary electronic device.

[0008] Figure 2b illustrates a folded state of an exemplary electronic device.

[0009] Figure 2c is an exploded view of an exemplary electronic device.

[0010] Figure 3a illustrates an unfolded state of an exemplary electronic device.

[0011] Figure 3b illustrates a folded state of an exemplary electronic device.

[0012] Figure 4 illustrates a portion of the internal structure of an exemplary electronic device.

[0013] FIG. 5A illustrates a connector and a portion of a flexible printed circuit board of an exemplary electronic device.

[0014] FIG. 5b is a cross-sectional view of a connector and a flexible printed circuit board of an exemplary electronic device taken along line A-A' of FIG. 5a.

[0015] FIG. 6A illustrates a connector and a portion of a flexible printed circuit board of an exemplary electronic device.

[0016] FIGS. 6b and 6c are cross-sectional views of a connector and a flexible printed circuit board of an exemplary electronic device taken along line B-B' of FIG. 6a.

[0017] Figure 7 illustrates a connector and a portion of a flexible printed circuit board of an exemplary electronic device.

[0018] Figure 8 illustrates a connector and a portion of a flexible printed circuit board of an exemplary electronic device.

[0019] FIG. 9A illustrates an exemplary electronic device in a first state.

[0020] Figure 9b illustrates an exemplary electronic device within a second state.

[0021] FIG. 9c is a plan view of an exemplary electronic device in a first state with the flexible display removed.

[0022] FIG. 9d is a rear view of an exemplary electronic device in a first state with the back cover removed.

[0023] The terms used in this disclosure are used only to describe specific embodiments and may not be intended to limit the scope of other embodiments. The singular expression may include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, may have the same meaning as commonly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art described in this disclosure. Terms defined in general dictionaries among the terms used in this disclosure may be interpreted as having the same or similar meaning in the context of the relevant technology, and shall not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless explicitly defined in this disclosure. In some cases, even if a term is defined in this disclosure, it cannot be interpreted to exclude embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0024] The various embodiments of the present disclosure described below illustrate a hardware-based approach as an example. However, since the various embodiments of the present disclosure include techniques utilizing both hardware and software, the various embodiments of the present disclosure do not exclude a software-based approach.

[0025] In the following description, terms referring to components of electronic devices (e.g., substrate, conductive portion, conductive pin, circuit board, connector), terms referring to the shape of components (e.g., pin, hook portion, contact surface), terms referring to connections between structures (e.g., connection portion, contact portion, support portion, contact structure, connector), terms referring to circuits (e.g., printed circuit board (PCB), flexible printed circuit board (FPCB)), etc. are examples for convenience of description. Therefore, the present disclosure is not limited to the terms described below, and other terms having equivalent technical meanings may be used. In addition, terms such as '... part', '... device', '... thing', '... body', etc. used below may mean at least one shape structure or a unit that processes a function.

[0026] In the present disclosure, expressions such as “more than” or “less than” may be used to determine whether a specific condition is satisfied or fulfilled, but this is merely a description for expressing an example and does not exclude descriptions such as “more than” or “less than.” A condition described as “more than” may be replaced with “more than,” a condition described as “less than” may be replaced with “less than,” and a condition described as “more than and less than” may be replaced with “more than and less than.” In addition, hereinafter, “A” to “B” mean at least one of elements from A (including A) to B (including B). hereinafter, “C” and / or “D” mean at least one of “C” or “D,” that is, including {“C,” “D,” “C” and “D”}.

[0027] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device within a network environment according to various embodiments.

[0028] 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 at least one of 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)).

[0029] 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 a secondary 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 less 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.

[0030] 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, on the electronic device (101) itself where the artificial intelligence model is executed, 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.

[0031] 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).

[0032] 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).

[0033] 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).

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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), 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).

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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).

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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).

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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 (104) 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).

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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 (197) 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 through 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).

[0047] According to various embodiments, the antenna module (197) may form a mmWave antenna module. According to one embodiment, the mmWave antenna module may include a printed circuit board, an RFIC disposed on or adjacent 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 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.

[0048] 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)).

[0049] 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.

[0050] Figure 2a illustrates an unfolded state of an exemplary electronic device. Figure 2b illustrates a folded state of an exemplary electronic device. Figure 2c is an exploded view of an exemplary electronic device.

[0051] Referring to FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C, the electronic device (101) may include a housing (200) including a first housing part (210) and a second housing part (220), a display (230), at least one camera (240) (e.g., the camera module (180) of FIG. 1), a hinge structure (250), and / or at least one electronic component (260).

[0052] The first housing part (210) and the second housing part (220) may form at least a portion of an outer surface of the electronic device (101) that can be gripped by a user. At least a portion of the outer surface of the electronic device (101) defined by the first housing part (210) and the second housing part (220) may come into contact with a portion of the user's body when the electronic device (101) is used by the user. According to one embodiment, the first housing part (210) may include a first front surface (211), a first rear surface (212) facing the first front surface (211) and spaced apart from the first front surface (211), and first side surfaces (213) surrounding at least a portion of the first front surface (211) and the first rear surface (212). The first side surfaces (213) can connect the periphery of the first front surface (211) and the periphery of the first back surface (212). The first front surface (211), the first back surface (212), and the first side surfaces (213) can define an internal space of the first housing part (210). According to one embodiment, the first housing part (210) can provide a space formed by the first front surface (211), the first back surface (212), and the first side surfaces (213) as a space for arranging components of the electronic device (101).

[0053] The second housing part (220) may include a second front surface (221), a second rear surface (222) facing the second front surface (221) and spaced apart from the second front surface (221), and second side surfaces (223) surrounding at least a portion of the second front surface (221) and the second rear surface (222). The second side surfaces (223) may connect a periphery of the second front surface (221) and a periphery of the second rear surface (222). The second front surface (221), the second rear surface (222), and the second side surfaces (223) may define an interior space of the second housing part (220). According to one embodiment, the second housing part (220) may provide a space formed by a second front surface (221), a second rear surface (222), and second side surfaces (223) surrounding at least a portion of the second front surface (221) and the second rear surface (222), as a space for mounting components of the electronic device (101). According to one embodiment, the second housing part (220) may be coupled to the first housing part (210) so as to be rotatable with respect to the first housing part (210).

[0054] Each of the first housing part (210) and the second housing part (220) may include a first protective member (214) and a second protective member (224), respectively. The first protective member (214) and the second protective member (224) may be disposed on the first front surface (211) and the second front surface (221) along the periphery of the display (230). According to one embodiment, the first protective member (214) and the second protective member (224) may prevent foreign substances (e.g., dust or moisture) from entering through the gap between the display (230) and the first housing part (210) and the second housing part (220). For example, the first protective member (214) may surround an edge of a first display portion (231) of the display (230), and the second protective member (224) may surround an edge of a second display portion (232) of the display (230). The first protective member (214) may be formed by being attached to the first side surfaces (213) of the first housing part (210), or may be formed integrally with the first side surfaces (213). The second protective member (224) may be formed by being attached to the second side surfaces (223) of the second housing part (220), or may be formed integrally with the second side surfaces (223).

[0055] The first side surfaces (213) and the second side surfaces (223) may include a conductive material, a non-conductive material, or a combination thereof. For example, the second side surfaces (223) may include at least one conductive portion (225) and at least one non-conductive portion (226). The at least one conductive portion (225) may include a plurality of conductive portions that are spaced apart from each other. The at least one non-conductive portion (226) may be positioned between the plurality of conductive portions. The plurality of conductive portions may be isolated from each other by the at least one non-conductive portion (226) positioned between the plurality of conductive portions. According to one embodiment, the plurality of conductive portions and the plurality of non-conductive portions may together form an antenna radiator. The electronic device (101) may be capable of communicating with an external electronic device through the antenna radiator formed by the plurality of conductive portions and the plurality of non-conductive portions.

[0056] The display (230) may be configured to display visual information. According to one embodiment, the display (230) may be disposed on a first front surface (211) of the first housing part (210) and a second front surface (221) of the second housing part (220) across the hinge structure (250). For example, the display (230) may include a first display portion (231) disposed on the first front surface (211) of the first housing, a second display portion (232) disposed on the second front surface (221) of the second housing, and a third display portion (233) disposed between the first display portion (231) and the second display portion (232). The first display portion (231), the second display portion (232), and the third display portion (233) may form a front surface of the display (230). According to one embodiment, the display (230) may further include a sub-display (235) disposed on the second rear surface (222) of the second housing part (220). For example, the display (230) may be referred to as a flexible display. According to one embodiment, the display (230) may include a window exposed toward the outside of the electronic device (101). The window may protect the surface of the display (230) and may include a substantially transparent material to transmit visual information provided by the display (230) to the outside of the electronic device (101). For example, the window may include, but is not limited to, glass (e.g., UTG, ultra-thin glass) and / or a polymer (e.g., PI, polyimide).

[0057] At least one camera (240) may be configured to acquire an image based on receiving light from a subject external to the electronic device (101). According to one embodiment, the at least one camera (240) may include first cameras (241), second cameras (242), and / or third cameras (243). The first cameras (241) may be disposed in the first housing part (210). For example, the first cameras (241) may be disposed inside the first housing part (210) and at least a portion of the first cameras (241) may be visible through the first rear surface (212) of the first housing part (210). The first cameras (241) may be supported by a bracket (not shown) within the first housing part (210). The first housing part (210) may include at least one opening (241a) that overlaps the first cameras (241) when viewed from above on the first rear surface (212). The first cameras (241) may acquire images based on receiving light from the outside of the electronic device (101) through the at least one opening (241a).

[0058] The second camera (242) may be disposed in the second housing part (220). For example, the second camera (242) may be disposed inside the second housing part (220) and may be visible through the sub-display (235). The second housing part (220) may include at least one opening (242a) that overlaps the second camera (242) when the second rear surface (222) is viewed from above. The second camera (242) may acquire an image based on receiving light from the outside of the electronic device (101) through the at least one opening (242a).

[0059] The third camera (243) may be disposed in the first housing part (210). For example, the third camera (243) may be disposed inside the first housing part (210) and at least a portion thereof may be visible through the first front surface (211) of the first housing part (210). As another example, the third camera (243) may be disposed inside the first housing part (210) and at least a portion thereof may be visible through the first display portion (231) of the display (230). The first display portion (231) of the display (230) may include at least one opening (not shown) that overlaps the third camera (243) when the display (230) is viewed from above. The third camera (243) may acquire an image based on receiving light from the outside of the display (230) through the at least one opening.

[0060] The second camera (242) and the third camera (243) may be positioned below the display (230) (e.g., toward the inside of the first housing part (210) or the inside of the second housing part (220). For example, the second camera (242) and the third camera (243) may be under-display cameras (UDCs). When the second camera (242) and the third camera (243) are under-display cameras, an area of ​​the display (230) corresponding to the respective positions of the second camera (242) and the third camera (243) may not be an inactive area. For example, when the second camera (242) and the third camera (243) are under-display cameras, an area of ​​the display (230) corresponding to the respective positions of the second camera (242) and the third camera (243) may have a lower pixel density than the pixel density of other areas of the display (230). The inactive area of ​​the display (230) may refer to an area of ​​the display (230) that does not include pixels or does not emit light outside of the electronic device (101). For another example, the second camera (242) and the third camera (243) may be punch-hole cameras. When the second camera (242) and the third camera (243) are punch-hole cameras, an area of ​​the display (230) corresponding to the respective positions of the second camera (242) and the third camera (243) may be an inactive area. For example, when the second camera (242) and the third camera (243) are punch-hole cameras, an area of ​​the display (230) corresponding to the respective positions of the second camera (242) and the third camera (243) may include an opening that does not include pixels.

[0061] The hinge structure (250) can rotatably connect the first housing part (210) and the second housing part (220). The hinge structure (250) can be positioned between the first housing part (210) and the second housing part (220) of the electronic device (101) so that the electronic device (101) can be bent, curved, or folded. For example, the hinge structure (250) can be positioned between a portion of the first side surfaces (213) and a portion of the second side surfaces (223) that face each other. The hinge structure (250) can change the electronic device (101) into an unfolding state in which the first front surface (211) of the first housing part (210) and the second front surface (221) of the second housing part (220) face each other in substantially the same direction, or into a folding state in which the first front surface (211) and the second front surface (221) face each other. When the electronic device (101) is in a folded state, the first housing part (210) and the second housing part (220) can be folded or overlapped by facing each other.

[0062] When the electronic device (101) is in a folded state, the direction in which the first front surface (211) faces and the direction in which the second front surface (221) faces may be different from each other. For example, when the electronic device (101) is in a folded state, the direction in which the first front surface (211) faces and the direction in which the second front surface (221) faces may be opposite to each other. For another example, when the electronic device (101) is in a folded state, the direction in which the first front surface (211) faces and the direction in which the second front surface (221) faces may be inclined with respect to each other. When the direction in which the first front surface (211) faces is inclined with respect to the direction in which the second front surface (221) faces, the first housing part (210) may be inclined with respect to the second housing part (220). However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, in the folded state of the electronic device (101), the first rear surface (212) of the first housing part (210) may face the second rear surface (222) of the second housing part (220). When the first rear surface (212) and the second rear surface (222) face each other in the folded state of the electronic device (101), the direction in which the first front surface (211) faces and the direction in which the second front surface (221) faces may be opposite to each other. When the first rear surface (212) and the second rear surface (222) face each other in the folded state of the electronic device (101), the display (230) may be directly exposed to the outside in the folded state of the electronic device (101).

[0063] The electronic device (101) may be foldable based on a folding axis (f). The folding axis (f) may refer to an imaginary line extending through the hinge cover (251) in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the electronic device (101), but is not limited thereto. For example, the folding axis (f) may be an imaginary line extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the electronic device (101). When the folding axis (f) extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the electronic device (101), the hinge structure (250) may extend in a direction parallel to the folding axis (f) to connect the first housing part (210) and the second housing part (220). The first housing part (210) and the second housing part (220) may be rotatable by the hinge structure (250) extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the electronic device (101).

[0064] The hinge structure (250) may include a hinge cover (251), a first hinge plate (252), a second hinge plate (253), and a hinge module (254). The hinge cover (251) may surround internal components of the hinge structure (250) and form an outer surface of the hinge structure (250). According to one embodiment, the hinge cover (251) surrounding the hinge structure (250) may be at least partially exposed to the outside of the electronic device (101) through a space between the first housing part (210) and the second housing part (220) when the electronic device (101) is in a folded state. According to an embodiment, when the electronic device (101) is in an unfolded state, the hinge cover (251) may be covered by the first housing part (210) and the second housing part (220) and may not be exposed to the outside of the electronic device (101).

[0065] The first hinge plate (252) and the second hinge plate (253) are coupled to the first housing part (210) and the second housing part (220), respectively, so that the first housing part (210) and the second housing part (220) can be rotatably connected. For example, the first hinge plate (252) can be coupled to the first bracket (215) of the first housing part (210), and the second hinge plate (253) can be coupled to the second bracket (227) of the second housing part (220). As the first hinge plate (252) and the second hinge plate (253) are coupled to the first bracket (215) and the second bracket (227), respectively, the first housing part (210) and the second housing part (220) can be rotated according to the rotation of the first hinge plate (252) and the second hinge plate (253).

[0066] The hinge module (254) can rotate the first hinge plate (252) and the second hinge plate (253). For example, the hinge module (254) can rotate the first hinge plate (252) and the second hinge plate (253) about the folding axis (f) by including gears that are interlocked with each other and can rotate. According to one embodiment, the hinge modules (254) can be plural. For example, the plurality of hinge modules (254) can be arranged spaced apart from each other at both ends of the first hinge plate (252) and the second hinge plate (253), respectively.

[0067] The first housing part (210) may include a first bracket (215) and a first cover (216), and the second housing part (220) may include a second bracket (227) and a second cover (228). The first bracket (215) and the first cover (216) may support components of the electronic device (101). The first bracket (215) may define the first housing part (210) by being coupled with the first cover (216). The first cover (216) may define a portion of the outer surface of the first housing part (210). The second bracket (227) and the second cover (228) may support components of the electronic device (101). The second bracket (227) can define a second housing part (220) by being combined with the second cover (228). The second cover (228) can define a portion of the outer surface of the second housing part (220). For example, the display (230) can be disposed on one side of the first bracket (215) and one side of the second bracket (227). The first cover (216) can be disposed on the other side of the first bracket (215) opposite to the one side of the first bracket (215). The second cover (228) can be disposed on the other side of the second bracket (227) opposite to the one side of the second bracket (227). The sub-display (235) can be disposed between the second bracket (227) and the second cover (228).

[0068] A portion of the first bracket (215) may be surrounded by the first side surfaces (213), and a portion of the second bracket (227) may be surrounded by the second side surfaces (223). For example, the first bracket (215) may be formed integrally with the first side surfaces (213), and the second bracket (227) may be formed integrally with the second side surfaces (223). For another example, the first bracket (215) may be formed separately from the first side surfaces (213), and the second bracket (227) may be formed separately from the second side surfaces (223).

[0069] At least one electronic component (260) may implement various functions to be provided to a user. According to one embodiment, at least one electronic component (260) may include a first printed circuit board (261), a second printed circuit board (262), a flexible printed circuit board (263), a battery (264) (e.g., battery (189) of FIG. 1), and / or an antenna (265) (e.g., antenna module (197) of FIG. 1). The first printed circuit board (261) and the second printed circuit board (262) may each form an electrical connection between components within the electronic device (101). For example, components for implementing the overall function of the electronic device (101) (e.g., the processor (120) of FIG. 1) may be placed on the first printed circuit board (261), and at least one electronic component for implementing a part of the function of the first printed circuit board (261) may be placed on the second printed circuit board (262). As another example, components for the operation of the sub-display (235) placed on the second rear surface (222) may be placed on the second printed circuit board (262).

[0070] A first printed circuit board (261) may be disposed within a first housing part (210). For example, the first printed circuit board (261) may be disposed on one surface of a first bracket (215). According to one embodiment, a second printed circuit board (262) may be disposed within a second housing part (220). For example, the second printed circuit board (262) may be spaced apart from the first printed circuit board (261) and disposed on one surface of a second bracket (227). A flexible printed circuit board (263) may connect the first printed circuit board (261) and the second printed circuit board (262). For example, the flexible printed circuit board (263) may extend from the first printed circuit board (261) to the second printed circuit board (262).

[0071] The battery (264) is a device for supplying power to at least one component of the electronic device (101), and may include, for example, a non-rechargeable primary battery, a rechargeable secondary battery, or a fuel cell. At least a portion of the battery (264) may be arranged substantially on the same plane as the first printed circuit board (261) or the second printed circuit board (262).

[0072] The antenna (265) may be configured to receive power or a signal from outside the electronic device (101). According to one embodiment, the antenna (265) may be positioned between the first cover (216) and the battery (264). The antenna (265) may include, for example, a near field communication (NFC) antenna, an antenna module, and / or a magnetic secure transmission (MST) antenna. The antenna (265) may, for example, perform short-range communication with an external device or wirelessly transmit and receive power required for charging.

[0073] Fig. 3a illustrates an unfolded state of an exemplary electronic device. Fig. 3b illustrates a folded state of an exemplary electronic device.

[0074] The electronic device (101) exemplarily illustrated and described in FIGS. 3A and 3B may include a housing (200) including a first housing part (210) and a second housing part (220) rotatable with respect to the first housing part (210), like the electronic device (101) exemplarily illustrated and described in FIGS. 2A to 2C. The electronic device (101) exemplarily illustrated and described in FIGS. 3A and 3B may be referred to as a foldable electronic device in that it includes a display (230) including a third display portion (233) that is deformable by a hinge structure (250) (or hinge assembly) configured to rotate the second housing part (220) relative to the first housing part (210), like the electronic device (101) exemplarily illustrated and described in FIGS. 2A to 2C. For example, the folding axis (f) of the electronic device (101) exemplarily illustrated and described in FIGS. 3A and 3B may be parallel to the x-axis, as illustrated. The folding axis (f) of the electronic device (101) exemplarily illustrated and described in FIGS. 2A to 2C may be parallel to the y-axis, which is orthogonal to the x-axis, unlike the electronic device (101) exemplarily illustrated and described in FIGS. 3A and 3B. However, the electronic device (101) exemplarily illustrated and described in FIGS. 2A to 3B is exemplary, and the electronic device (101) may have various foldable form factors (e.g., a multi-foldable electronic device exemplarily illustrated in FIGS. 9A to 9D). Hereinafter, the electronic device (101) exemplarily illustrated in FIGS. 3A to 3B will be described with reference to the description of components having the same reference numerals in FIGS. 2A to 2C.

[0075] An electronic device (101) may include a housing (200) including a first housing part (210) and a second housing part (220), and a hinge structure (or hinge assembly) (250). The first housing part (210) may be rotatably connected to the hinge structure (250). The first housing part (210) may be rotatable relative to the second housing part (220) via the hinge structure (250). The second housing part (220) may be rotatably connected to the hinge structure (250). The second housing part (220) may be rotatable relative to the first housing part (210) via the hinge structure (250).

[0076] The first housing part (210) may include a first front surface (211), a first rear surface (212) facing away from the first front surface (211), and first side surfaces (213) surrounding at least a portion of the first front surface (211) and the first rear surface (212). The first housing part (210) may provide a space for arranging components of the electronic device (101). The first housing part (210) may include a conductive material, a non-conductive material, or a combination thereof.

[0077] The second housing part (220) may include a second front surface (221), a second rear surface (222) facing and separated from the second front surface (221), and second side surfaces (223) surrounding at least a portion of the second front surface (221) and the second rear surface (222). The second housing part (220) may provide a space for arranging components of the electronic device (101).

[0078] The hinge structure (250) may be connected to the first housing part (210) and the second housing part (220), respectively. For example, the hinge structure (250) may include a first hinge plate (e.g., the first hinge plate (252) of FIG. 2C) and a second hinge plate (e.g., the second hinge plate (253) of FIG. 2C) configured to be rotatable. The first hinge plate may be connected to the first housing part (210), and the first housing part (210) may be rotated by the first hinge plate. The second hinge plate may be connected to the second housing part (220), and the second housing part (220) may be rotated by the second hinge plate.

[0079] The electronic device (101) can be folded or unfolded based on a folding axis (f) passing through the hinge structure (250) according to the rotation of the first housing part (210) and the second housing part (220). The hinge structure (250) can be positioned between the first housing part (210) and the second housing part (220) so that the electronic device (101) can be folded based on the folding axis (f).

[0080] The hinge structure (250) may include a hinge cover (251) for covering an internal structure constituting the mechanism of the hinge structure. The hinge cover (251) may be exposed to the outside or covered by the first housing part (210) and the second housing part (220) depending on the degree to which the electronic device (101) is folded. For example, while the electronic device (101) is in a folded state (e.g., FIG. 3b), the hinge cover (251) may be at least partially exposed between the first housing part (210) and the second housing part (220). For example, while the electronic device (101) is in an unfolded state (e.g., FIG. 3a), the hinge cover (251) may be covered by the first housing part (210) and the second housing part (220).

[0081] The electronic device (101) may include a display (230) (e.g., the display module (160) of FIG. 1) disposed within a space provided by a first housing part (210) and a second housing part (220). For example, the display (230) may be at least partially accommodated within a recess formed in a first front surface (211) of the first housing part (210) and a second front surface (221) of the second housing part (220). The display (230) may include a first flat portion (231) aligned with respect to the first housing part (210), a second display portion (232) spaced apart from the first display portion (231) and aligned with respect to the second housing part (220), and a third display portion (233) aligned with respect to a hinge structure (250) and extending from the first display portion (231) to the second display portion (232). The display (230) may be referred to as a foldable display or a flexible display. The first display portion (231), the second display portion (232), and the third display portion (233) may form a surface of the display (230). The surface of the display (230) may at least partially form a first front surface (211) of the first housing part (210) and a second front surface (221) of the second housing part (220). The first display portion (231), the second display portion (232), and the third display portion (233) may define a first display area, a second display area, and a third display area of ​​the display (230), respectively, on which visual information may be displayed.

[0082] The electronic device (101) may include a sub-display (235) (e.g., the display module (160) of FIG. 1) disposed within the first housing part (210). The sub-display (235) may be visible through the second rear surface (222) of the first housing part (210).

[0083] The electronic device (101) may include a plurality of cameras (e.g., the camera module (180) of FIG. 1). For example, the electronic device (101) may include cameras (234, 236). The camera (234) may be positioned within the first housing part (210) so as to obtain an image through a portion of the first rear surface (212). The camera (236) may be positioned below the first display portion (231) of the display (230). The camera (236) may be aligned with an opening that at least partially penetrates the first display portion (231) and obtain an image through the hole. The camera (236) may be positioned within a screen display area of ​​the display (230), but is not limited thereto.

[0084] Hereinafter, the states of the electronic device (101) will be described. The electronic device (101) may include a plurality of states including an unfolded state (e.g., FIG. 3a) and a folded state (e.g., FIG. 3b). The electronic device (101) may transform or change in the unfolded state and the folded state. In addition, the electronic device (101) may include a plurality of intermediate states between the unfolded state and the folded state. Depending on the state of the electronic device (101), the angle between the first housing part (210) and the second housing part (220) may vary.

[0085] Referring to FIG. 3A, in the unfolded state, the first housing part (210) and the second housing part (220) may form a first angle. For example, the first angle may be about 180 degrees. The first display portion (231), the second display portion (232), and the third display portion (233) of the display (230) may form a substantially flat surface. The direction in which the first front surface (211) of the first housing part (210) (or the first display portion (231)) faces (e.g., the +z direction) and the direction in which the second front surface (221) of the second housing part (220) (or the second display portion (232)) faces (e.g., the +z direction) may be substantially the same.

[0086] Referring to FIG. 3B, in the unfolded state of the electronic device (101), the first housing part (210) and the second housing part (220) can be folded to face each other by rotating around the folding axis (f). The first housing part (210) and the second housing part (220) can be overlapped to form a second angle smaller than the first angle. For example, the second angle can be about 0 degrees. The third display portion (233) of the display (230) can be bent to correspond to the second angle. The first front surface (211) of the first housing part (210) can face the second front surface (221) of the second housing part (220) or overlap with the second front surface (221). The first housing part (210) and the second housing part (220) can be in at least partial contact, but are not limited thereto. The direction in which the first front surface (211) of the first housing part (210) faces (e.g., +z direction) and the direction in which the second front surface (221) of the second housing part (220) faces (e.g., -z direction) may be opposite to each other. In the unfolded state, at least a portion of the display (230) may not be visible from the outside of the electronic device (101), and the sub-display (235) may be visible from the outside of the electronic device (101).

[0087] Figure 4 illustrates a portion of the internal structure of an exemplary electronic device.

[0088] Referring to FIG. 4, the electronic device (101) may include a housing (200) including a first housing part (210) and a second housing part (220), a hinge structure (e.g., hinge structure (250) of FIG. 2c) that rotatably connects the first housing part (210) and the second housing part (220), a first printed circuit board (410), a second printed circuit board (420), a flexible printed circuit board (430), and a connector (400).

[0089] The hinge structure (250) can rotatably connect the first housing part (210) and the second housing part (220). For example, referring to FIGS. 2A to 2C together, the hinge structure (250) can provide a plurality of states, including a folded state and an unfolded state, of the electronic device (101) by rotatably connecting the first housing part (210) and the second housing part (220). For example, the hinge structure (250) can be at least partially disposed between the first housing part (210) and the second housing part (220). For example, the hinge structure (250) can be configured to deform at least a portion (e.g., the third display portion (233) of FIG. 2A) of a display (e.g., the display (230) of FIG. 2A). For example, the hinge structure (250) may be supported or covered by the first bracket (215) of the first housing part (210) and the second bracket (227) of the second housing part (220). However, the embodiments supported in the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0090] A first printed circuit board (410) may be disposed within a first housing part (210). A second printed circuit board (420) may be disposed within a second housing part (220) and may be spaced apart from the first printed circuit board (410). For example, the first printed circuit board (410) may be fastened to the first housing part (210). The second printed circuit board (420) may be separated from the first printed circuit board (410) by being fastened to the second housing part (220). For example, electronic components within the first housing part (210) may be mounted on the first printed circuit board (410). Other electronic components within the second housing part (220) that are spaced apart from the electronic components within the first housing part (210) may be mounted on the second printed circuit board (420).

[0091] For example, the first printed circuit board (410) and / or the second printed circuit board (420) may be equipped with a processor (e.g., the processor (120) of FIG. 1), a memory (e.g., the memory (130) of FIG. 1), and / or an interface (e.g., the interface (177) of FIG. 1). The processor may 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. The memory may include, for example, a volatile memory (e.g., the volatile memory (132) of FIG. 1) or a nonvolatile memory (e.g., the nonvolatile memory (134) of FIG. 1). 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, and may include a USB connector, an SD card / MMC (multimedia card) connector, or an audio connector. The electronic device (101) may require a structure that connects the first printed circuit board (410) and the second printed circuit board (420) to electrically connect at least some of the electronic components within the first housing part (210) with at least some of the other electronic components within the second housing part (220).

[0092] The flexible printed circuit board (430) can connect the first printed circuit board (410) and the second printed circuit board (420) by extending from the first printed circuit board (410) across the hinge structure (250) to the second printed circuit board (420). For example, the flexible printed circuit board (430) can electrically connect the first printed circuit board (410) and the second printed circuit board (420) by being coupled to the first printed circuit board (410) and the second printed circuit board (420) through the connector (400). For example, the flexible printed circuit board (430) may include a first connection portion (431) connected to a first connector (401) on a first printed circuit board (410), a second connection portion (432) connected to a second connector (402) on a second printed circuit board (420), and a third connection portion (433) extending from the first connection portion (431) to the second connection portion (432). For example, the first connection portion (431) may be disposed within the first housing part (210) for connection with the first printed circuit board (410). The second connection portion (432) may be disposed within the second housing part (220) for connection with the second printed circuit board (420). The third connecting portion (433) may extend from the interior of the first housing part (210), across the hinge structure (250), and into the interior of the second housing part (220). For example, the flexible printed circuit board (430) may be a rigid flexible printed circuit board. The flexible printed circuit board (430) may be referred to as a CTC (connector to connector) FPCB in that it connects the first connector (401) on the first printed circuit board (410) and the second connector (402) on the second printed circuit board (420), but is not limited thereto.

[0093] The housing (200) may include a hole (440) for passing a flexible printed circuit board (430). The hole (440) may include, for example, a first hole (441) formed around a first printed circuit board (410) and a second hole (442) formed around a second printed circuit board (420). For example, the first hole (441) may be formed in a first bracket (215) of a first housing part (210). The second hole (442) may be formed in a second bracket (227) of a second housing part (220). For example, the flexible printed circuit board (430) may extend from the first connector (401) through the first hole (441) and the second hole (442) to the second connector (402). However, the embodiments supported in the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0094] Although not shown, the electronic device (101) may include a waterproof member disposed within the hole (440). The waterproof member may reduce foreign substances from entering the space between the housing (200) and the hinge structure (250) through the hole (440) from the outside of the electronic device (101) by filling or occupying the interior of the hole. For example, the waterproof member may secure the flexible printed circuit board (430) to the housing (200). The waterproof member may be formed to fill the interior of the hole (440) by injecting a waterproof material into the interior of the hole (440), but embodiments supported by the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0095] The connector (400) can be removably connected to a flexible printed circuit board (430). For example, the connector (400) can include a plurality of conductive pins (e.g., a plurality of conductive pins (520) of FIG. 5A) that come into contact with conductive pads (e.g., a conductive portion (510) of FIG. 5A) on the flexible printed circuit board (430). The connector (400) can electrically connect the printed circuit boards (410, 420) to the flexible printed circuit board (430) by coming into contact with the conductive pads of the flexible printed circuit board through the plurality of conductive pins (520). Through the electrical connection between the flexible printed circuit board (430) and the connector (400), the printed circuit boards (410, 420) (or electronic components mounted on each of the printed circuit boards (410, 420)) can be electrically connected to each other.

[0096] For example, the connector (400) may include a socket configured to receive connection portions (431, 432) of a flexible printed circuit board (430), and an actuator (or locking mechanism) that releasably fastens the socket to the flexible printed circuit board. The actuator is configured to fasten the connection portions (431, 432) inserted into the socket, thereby reducing detachment of the connection portions (431, 432) from the connector (400) and reducing damage to the connection portions (431, 432) while the connector (400) and the flexible printed circuit board (430) are connected. The connector (400) may be referred to as a zero-insertion force (ZIF) connector, but embodiments supported in the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0097] For example, the connector (400) may include a first connector (401) coupled on a first printed circuit board (410), and a second connector (402) coupled on a second printed circuit board (420). The first connector (401) may be coupled with a first connecting portion (431) forming one end of a flexible printed circuit board (430) within the first housing part (210). The second connector (402) may be coupled with a second connecting portion (432) forming the other end of the flexible printed circuit board (430) opposite the one end within the second housing part (220). The third connection portion (433) of the flexible printed circuit board (430) extends from the first connection portion (431) across the hinge structure (250) to the second connection portion (432), thereby electrically connecting the first printed circuit board (410) and the second printed circuit board (420) through the connectors (401, 402). For example, a plurality of conductive pins within the first connector (401) may be electrically connected to the flexible printed circuit board (430) by coming into contact with conductive pads within the first connection portion (431). A plurality of conductive pins within the second connector (402) can be electrically connected to the flexible printed circuit board (430) by coming into contact with conductive pads within the second connection portion (432). A structure for connection between the plurality of conductive pins (520) of the connector (400) and the conductive pads (e.g., the conductive portion (510) of FIG. 5A) of the flexible printed circuit board (430) is described through an exemplary diagram below FIG. 5A.

[0098] FIG. 5A illustrates a connector and a portion of a flexible printed circuit board of an exemplary electronic device. FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view of the connector and the flexible printed circuit board of the exemplary electronic device taken along line A-A' of FIG. 5A.

[0099] Referring to FIGS. 5A and 5B, an electronic device (101) may include a flexible printed circuit board (430) including a conductive portion (510), and a connector (400) including a plurality of conductive pins (520).

[0100] The conductive portion (510) may be formed on portions of the flexible printed circuit board (430) that are connected to the connector (400) (e.g., the connecting portions (431, 432) of FIG. 4). The conductive portion (510) may define or form at least a portion of an outer surface of the flexible printed circuit board (430), for example, to make contact with a plurality of conductive pins (520) of the connector (400). For example, the conductive portion (510) may include a first conductive portion (511) defining a first side (430a) of the flexible printed circuit board (430), and a second conductive portion (512) defining a second side (430b) of the flexible printed circuit board (430) opposite to the first side (430a). The first conductive portion (511) may be configured to be in contact with some of the plurality of conductive pins (520) at the first surface (430a). The second conductive portion (512) may be configured to be in contact with some of the remaining plurality of conductive pins (520) at the second surface (430b). However, the embodiments supported by the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0101] The plurality of conductive pins (520) may be configured to be electrically connected to the flexible printed circuit board (430) by each contacting the conductive portion (510) of the flexible printed circuit board (430). For example, the plurality of conductive pins (520) may be brought into contact with the conductive portion (510) or moved away from the conductive portion (510) by an actuator of the connector (400). The connected state of the connector (400) may be a state in which the connector (400) is electrically connected to the flexible printed circuit board (430) by the plurality of conductive pins (520) of the connector (400) coming into contact with the conductive portion (510). The disconnected state of the connector (400) may be a state in which the plurality of conductive pins (520) of the connector (400) are separated from the conductive portion (510), so that the connector (400) is electrically disconnected from the flexible printed circuit board (430). For example, the plurality of conductive pins (520) may press the conductive portion (510) by an actuator of the connector (400) within the connected state of the connector (400). The plurality of conductive pins (520) may be fixed on the conductive portion (510) by pressing the conductive portion (510). However, the embodiments supported in the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0102] For example, a plurality of conductive pins (520) may be arranged along a designated direction within the connector (400). The plurality of conductive pins (520) may include first conductive pins (521) connected to a power line for supplying power to the electronic device (101), and second conductive pins (522) for transmitting data and / or signals. The first conductive pins (521) may be configured to supply power to the electronic device (101) through the flexible printed circuit board (430), for example, by being electrically connected to a power line of the flexible printed circuit board (430). For example, the second conductive pins (521) may be configured to transmit a signal through the flexible printed circuit board (430) or receive a signal from the flexible printed circuit board (430), by being electrically connected to a signal line of the flexible printed circuit board (430). The first conductive pins (521) may be referred to as power pins and the second conductive pins (522) may be referred to as signal pins, but the embodiments supported by the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0103] For example, the first conductive pins (521) may include a first conductive pin (521a) configured to be connected to the first conductive portion (511), and a second conductive pin (521b) configured to be connected to the second conductive portion (512). The first conductive pin (521a) may be electrically connected to the first conductive portion (511) by making contact with the first conductive portion (511) on a first surface (430a) of the flexible printed circuit board (430). The second conductive pin (521b) may be electrically connected to the second conductive portion (512) by making contact with the second conductive portion (512) on a second surface (430b) of the flexible printed circuit board (430). The connector (400) may be referred to as a double-sided ZIF connector in that it includes conductive pins (521a, 521b) configured to be connected to both sides (430a, 430b) of a flexible printed circuit board (430), but the embodiments supported in this disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0104] The flexible printed circuit board (430) may include a plurality of layers (500). For example, the plurality of layers (500) may include a conductive layer (501), an insulating layer (502), and a substrate layer (503).

[0105] For example, the conductive layer (501) may be a layer electrically connected to the conductive portion (510). The conductive layer (501) may be attached, for example, below the conductive portion (510). For example, the conductive portion (510) may be formed on the conductive layer (501). The conductive layer (501) may be covered by the conductive portion (510). For example, the conductive layer (501) may include conductive layers (501a, 501b, 501c) electrically connected to the conductive portion (510). Each of the conductive layers (501a, 501b, 501c) may be connected, for example, to a power line of the flexible printed circuit board (430), or may each be referred to as a power line of the flexible printed circuit board (430). However, the embodiments supported by the present disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, the first conductive layer (501a) may be configured to be electrically connected to the first conductive pin (521a) through the first conductive portion (511) by contacting the first conductive portion (511). The second conductive layer (501b) may be configured to be electrically connected to the second conductive pin (521b) through the second conductive portion (512) by contacting the second conductive portion (512). For example, the conductive portions (511, 512) may each include vias (511a, 512a) for connection with the third conductive layer (501c) disposed on the inner side of the plurality of layers (500). The first conductive portion (511) may be electrically connected to the third conductive layer (501c) through a first via (511a) penetrating at least a portion of the plurality of layers (500). The second conductive portion (512) may be electrically connected to the third conductive layer (501c) through a second via (512a) penetrating at least a portion of the plurality of layers (500). However, the embodiments supported in the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0106] For example, the insulating layer (502) can attach or bond a plurality of layers (500) to each other. The insulating layer (502) can reduce interference between the conductive layers (501a, 501b, 501c) by functioning as an electrical insulator. For example, the insulating layer (502) can include a first insulating layer (502a) disposed between the first conductive layer (501a) and the third conductive layer (501c), and a second insulating layer (502b) disposed between the third conductive layer (501c) and the second conductive layer (501b). The insulating layer (502) can be formed from a prepreg (pre-impregnated material), but the embodiments supported in the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0107] For example, the substrate layer (503) can maintain the stack structure of the plurality of layers (500) and provide flexibility to the flexible printed circuit board (430). For example, the substrate layer (503) can support the conductive portion (510), the conductive layer (501), and the insulating layer (502). The substrate layer (503) can reduce deformation of the flexible printed circuit board (430) due to heat by, for example, having relatively high thermal stability. For example, the substrate layer (503) can include a first substrate layer (503a) supporting the first conductive portion (511) and the first conductive layer (501a), and a second substrate layer (503b) supporting the second conductive portion (512) and the second conductive layer (501b). The substrate layer (503) may be formed from, for example, polyimide, but the embodiments supported by the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0108] The plurality of conductive pins (520) may each include a hook portion configured to be in contact with a conductive portion (510). The hook portion may be a portion at which each of the plurality of conductive pins (520) is in contact with the conductive portion (510). For example, a first conductive pin (521a) may include a first hook portion (531) configured to be in contact with a first conductive portion (511) of a flexible printed circuit board (430). A second conductive pin (521b) may include a second hook portion (532) configured to be in contact with a second conductive portion (512) of the flexible printed circuit board (430). For example, the conductive pins (521a, 521b) may be electrically connected to the conductive portions (511, 512), respectively, through the hook portions (531, 532). The conductive pins (521a, 521b) can be fixed on the conductive parts (511, 512) by the hook parts (531, 532) pressing the conductive parts (511, 512), respectively. However, the embodiments supported in the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0109] The connector (400) may include a locking pin (550) for mating with a flexible printed circuit board (430). For example, since each of the plurality of conductive pins (520) has one contact point with the conductive portion (510), the mating performance of the connector (400) for mating with the conductive portion (510) may be reduced. For example, the locking pin (550) may include a locking portion (555) configured to be locked to the flexible printed circuit board (430) through a slit (435) formed on the flexible printed circuit board (430), thereby mating the connector (400) to the flexible printed circuit board (430) and fixing the positions of the plurality of conductive pins (520) in contact with the conductive portion (510).

[0110] Since the plurality of conductive pins (520) each have one contact point between the conductive portion (510) of the flexible printed circuit board (430), the resistance between the plurality of conductive pins (520) and the conductive portion (510) can be relatively increased. For example, since the first conductive pin (521a) is configured to be in contact with the first conductive portion (511) at one contact point (p) through the first hook portion (531), the resistance between the first conductive portion (511) and the first conductive pin (521a) can be formed to be relatively high while connected to the flexible printed circuit board (430). In addition, since the plurality of conductive pins (520) are simply in contact with the conductive portion (510), the internal space of the electronic device (101) for arranging electronic components may be unnecessarily wasted by a separate locking pin (550) for fixing the positions of the plurality of conductive pins (520). The electronic device (101) may require a structure for fastening the plurality of conductive pins (520) to the conductive portion (510) without a separate locking pin (550) while reducing the resistance between the plurality of conductive pins (520) and the conductive portion (510). The structure is described through an exemplary illustration in FIG. 6A and below.

[0111] FIG. 6A illustrates a connector and a portion of a flexible printed circuit board of an exemplary electronic device. FIGS. 6B and 6C are cross-sectional views of the connector and the flexible printed circuit board of the exemplary electronic device taken along line B-B' of FIG. 6A.

[0112] Referring to FIGS. 6A, 6B, and 6C, the electronic device (101) may include a flexible printed circuit board (430) including a conductive portion (510), and a plurality of conductive pins (520) configured to be electrically connected to the flexible printed circuit board (430) by contacting the conductive portion (510) of the flexible printed circuit board (430). For example, a first conductive pin (521a) of the plurality of conductive pins (520) may include a first hook portion (531) configured to contact the first conductive portion (511). A second conductive pin (521b) may include a second hook portion (532) configured to contact the second conductive portion (512). However, the embodiments supported by the present disclosure are not limited thereto, and for example, the electronic device (101) may include structures and / or configurations (e.g., a first printed circuit board (410), a second printed circuit board (420), a hole (440), a plurality of layers (500)) exemplarily illustrated and described in FIGS. 4 to 5B within a non-contradictory range. Hereinafter, redundant descriptions of structures and / or configurations having the same reference numerals as described in FIGS. 4 to 5B may be omitted.

[0113] The first hook portion (531) of the first conductive pin (521a) may define a plurality of contact surfaces (630) configured to come into contact with the conductive portion (510). For example, the first hook portion (531) may have two or more contact points with the conductive portion (510) within the connected state of the connector (400), unlike as exemplarily illustrated in FIG. 5B . The plurality of contact surfaces (630) of the first hook portion (531) may include, for example, two or more contact surfaces that come into contact with the conductive portion (510). However, the embodiments supported by the present disclosure are not limited thereto, and a structure having two or more contact points with the conductive portion (510) of the flexible printed circuit board (430) may be applied to some of the plurality of conductive pins (520) or to all of the plurality of conductive pins (520). For example, the second hook portion (532) of the second conductive pin (521b) may define a plurality of contact surfaces (640) configured to come into contact with the conductive portion (510). The plurality of contact surfaces (640) may include, for example, two or more contact surfaces that come into contact with the conductive portion (510) in a connected state of the connector (400). However, the embodiments supported by the present disclosure are not limited thereto. The plurality of conductive pins (520) may each include contact surfaces having two or more contact points with the conductive portion (510), thereby reducing the resistance between the plurality of conductive pins (520) and the conductive portion (510).

[0114] The first hook portion (531) of the first conductive pin (521a) can removably interlock the connector (400) to the flexible printed circuit board (430) by making contact with the conductive portion (510) of the flexible printed circuit board (430) through a plurality of contact surfaces (630). For example, referring to FIG. 6B, the first hook portion (531) can be removably interlocked with the flexible printed circuit board (410) by being at least partially inserted into the through hole (610) formed by the conductive portion (510) and making contact with the inner surface (610a) of the through hole (610). For example, referring to FIG. 6c, the first hook portion (531) can be detachably fastened to the flexible printed circuit board (430) by being at least partially inserted into the first recess portion (620) formed by the first conductive portion (511), thereby making contact with the inner surface (620a) of the first recess portion (620). However, the embodiments supported by the present disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, referring to FIG. 6b, the second hook portion (532) of the second conductive pin (521b) can be detachably fastened to the flexible printed circuit board (430) by being at least partially inserted into the through hole (610) formed by the conductive portion (510), thereby making contact with the inner surface (610a) of the through hole (610). For example, referring to FIG. 6c, the second hook portion (532) may be detachably fastened to the flexible printed circuit board (430) through a plurality of contact surfaces (640) that contact the inner surface (650a) of the second recess portion (650) by being at least partially inserted into the second recess portion (650) formed by the second conductive portion (512). However, the embodiments supported in the present disclosure are not limited thereto.Since the connector (400) has a structure in which a plurality of conductive pins (520) and a conductive portion (510) of a flexible printed circuit board (430) are detachably connected to each other, the locking pin (550) can be omitted, unlike the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 5A. By omitting the locking pin (550), the connector (400) can improve space utilization within the connector (400) and / or the electronic device (101).

[0115] Referring to FIG. 6b, the flexible printed circuit board (430) may include a through hole (610) formed by a conductive portion (510) penetrating the plurality of layers (500). For example, the conductive portion (510) may include a first conductive portion (511) forming a first side (430a) of the flexible printed circuit board (430), a second conductive portion (512) forming a second side (430b) of the flexible printed circuit board (430), and a third conductive portion (513) penetrating the plurality of layers (500) from the first conductive portion (511) and extending to the second side. The third conductive portion (513) may form the through hole (610) (or the inner surface (610a) of the through hole (610)).

[0116] For example, the inner surface (610a) of the through hole (610) may be configured to be electrically connected to the first hook portion (531) as the first hook portion (531) is at least partially inserted into the through hole (610) through the first opening (611) of the first conductive portion (511). For example, the inner surface (610a) of the through hole (610) may be electrically connected to the first hook portion (531) by contacting at least some of the plurality of contact surfaces (630) of the first hook portion (531) that are partially inserted into the through hole (610). However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the inner surface (610a) of the through hole (610) may be configured to be electrically connected to the second hook portion (532) when the second hook portion (532) of the second conductive pin (521b) is at least partially inserted into the through hole (610) through the second opening (612) of the second conductive portion (512). For example, the inner surface (610a) of the through hole (610) may be electrically connected to the second hook portion (532) by contacting at least some of the plurality of contact surfaces (640) of the second hook portion (532) that are partially inserted into the through hole (610). However, the embodiments supported by the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0117] For example, the through hole (610) may define a first opening (611) forming one end of the through hole (610). The first opening (611) may be formed on a first surface (430a) of a flexible printed circuit board (430) defined by a first conductive portion (511). The plurality of contact surfaces (630) of the first hook portion (531) may include a first contact surface (631) configured to contact an edge (611a) of the first opening (611) of the through hole (610), and a second contact surface (632) configured to contact the conductive portion (510) at an inner surface (610a) of the through hole (610). For example, the first contact surface (631) can be electrically connected to the conductive portion (510) through contact with the edge (611a) of the first opening (611) within the connected state of the connector (400). The first hook portion (531) can have a first contact point (p1) with the conductive portion (510) at the edge (611a) of the first opening (611). For example, the second contact surface (632) can be electrically connected to the conductive portion (510) through contact with the third conductive portion (513) forming the inner surface (610a) of the through hole (610) within the connected state of the connector (400). The first hook portion (531) can have a second contact point (p2) with the conductive portion (510) at the inner surface (610a) of the through hole (610). The plurality of contact surfaces (630) of the first hook portion (531) can reduce the resistance between the first conductive pin (521a) and the conductive portion (510) by having contact points (p1, p2) with the conductive portion (510). However, the embodiment supported by the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and a structure having two or more contact points between the conductive portion (510) and the first conductive pin (521a) can be applied substantially identically or similarly to the second conductive pin (521b) (or the plurality of conductive pins (520)).

[0118] For example, the through hole (610) may define a first opening (611) forming one end of the through hole (610), and a second opening (612) forming the other end opposite the one end. The second opening (612) may be formed on a second surface (430b) of a flexible printed circuit board (430) defined by a second conductive portion (512). The plurality of contact surfaces (640) of the second hook portion (532) may include a fourth contact surface (641) configured to contact an edge (612a) of the second opening (612) of the through hole (610), and a fifth contact surface (642) configured to contact the conductive portion (510) at an inner surface (610a) of the through hole (610). For example, the fourth contact surface (641) can be electrically connected to the conductive portion (510) through contact with the edge (612a) of the second opening (612) within the connected state of the connector (400). For example, the fifth contact surface (642) can be electrically connected to the conductive portion (510) through contact with the third conductive portion (513) forming the inner surface (610a) of the through hole (610) within the connected state of the connector (400). The plurality of contact surfaces (640) of the second hook portion (532) can reduce the resistance between the second conductive pin (521b) and the conductive portion (510) by having two or more contact points with the conductive portion (510).

[0119] For example, the first hook portion (531) may be configured to be electrically and mechanically coupled to the inner surface (610a) of the through hole (610) via a plurality of contact surfaces (630). For example, the first contact surface (631) of the first hook portion (531) may press the edge (611a) of the first opening (611) when the first hook portion (531) is inserted into the through hole (610). The second contact surface (632) of the first hook portion (531) may press the inner surface (610a) of the through hole (610) when the first hook portion (531) is inserted into the through hole (610). The first hook portion (531) can be mechanically coupled to the conductive portion (510) by the contact surfaces (631, 632) that press the conductive portion (510) at the contact points (p1, p2). The first hook portion (531) can be electrically coupled to the conductive portion (510) by the contact surfaces (631, 632) that come into contact with the conductive portion (510) at the contact points (p1, p2). For example, the contact surfaces (631, 632) can be inclined to each other. By the contact surfaces (631, 632) being inclined to each other, the first hook portion (531) can be configured to maintain the engagement with the conductive portion (510) (or the through hole (610)) within the connected state of the connector (400). However, the embodiments supported by the present disclosure are not limited thereto, and the structure of the first conductive pin (521a) electrically and mechanically coupled to the conductive portion (510) can be applied substantially identically or similarly to the second conductive pin (521b) (or a plurality of conductive pins (520)).

[0120] For example, the fourth contact surface (641) of the second hook portion (532) can press the edge (612a) of the second opening (612) when the second hook portion (532) is inserted into the through hole (610). The fifth contact surface (642) of the second hook portion (532) can press the inner surface (610a) of the through hole (610) when the first hook portion (531) is inserted into the through hole (610). By the contact surfaces (641, 642) pressing the conductive portion (510), the second hook portion (532) can be mechanically coupled with the conductive portion (510). By the contact surfaces (641, 642) that come into contact with the conductive portion (510), the second hook portion (532) can be electrically coupled to the conductive portion (510). For example, the contact surfaces (641, 642) can be inclined to each other. By the contact surfaces (641, 642) being inclined to each other, the second hook portion (532) can be configured to maintain engagement with the conductive portion (510) (or the through hole (610)) within the connected state of the connector (400).

[0121] Referring to FIG. 6c, the flexible printed circuit board (430) may include recessed portions (620, 650) formed by the conductive portion (510). For example, the first recessed portion (620) may be formed in the first conductive portion (511) forming the first side (430a) of the flexible printed circuit board (430). The second recessed portion (650) may be formed in the second conductive portion (512) forming the second side (430b) of the flexible printed circuit board (430). The first recessed portion (620) may provide a space for accommodating the first hook portion (531) of the first conductive pin (521a). The second recessed portion (650) may provide a space for accommodating the second hook portion (532) of the second conductive pin (521b). However, the embodiments supported by the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0122] For example, the inner surface (620a) of the first recessed portion (620) may be configured to be electrically connected to the first hook portion (531) as the first hook portion (531) is inserted into the recess formed by the first recessed portion (620). For example, the inner surface (620a) of the first recessed portion (620) may be electrically connected to the first hook portion (531) by contacting at least some of the plurality of contact surfaces (630) of the first hook portion (531) that are partially inserted into the recess formed by the first recessed portion (620). However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the inner surface (650a) of the second recess portion (650) may be electrically connected to the second hook portion (532) by the second hook portion (532) of the second conductive pin (521b) being brought into contact with at least some of the plurality of contact surfaces (640) of the second hook portion (532) that are partially inserted into the recess formed by the second recess portion (650). However, the embodiments supported in the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0123] For example, the first recessed portion (620) may include a first bottom portion (621), and a first sidewall portion (622) extending from the first bottom portion (621) and defining an edge (620b) of the first recessed portion (620). The plurality of contact surfaces (630) of the first hook portion (531) may include a first contact surface (631), a second contact surface (632) inclined with respect to the first contact surface (631), and a third contact surface (633) extending from the first contact surface (631) to the second contact surface (632). The first contact surface (631) may be configured to contact the first sidewall portion (622) at the edge (620b) of the first recessed portion (620). The third contact surface (633) may be configured to be in contact with the first bottom portion (621). For example, the first contact surface (631) may have a first contact point (p1) with the conductive portion (510) at the edge (620b) of the first recessed portion (620). The third contact surface (633) may be in contact with the first bottom portion (621) of the first recessed portion (620) at the third contact point (p3). For example, the first contact surface (631) may make line contact with the first conductive portion (511) at the edge (620b) of the first recessed portion (620) within the connected state of the connector (400). The third contact surface (633) may make surface contact with the first conductive portion (511) within the connected state of the connector (400). The plurality of contact surfaces (630) of the first hook portion (531) can reduce the resistance between the first conductive pin (521a) and the conductive portion (510) by having contact points (p1, p3). However, the embodiments supported in the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0124] For example, the second recessed portion (650) may include a second bottom portion (651), and a second side wall portion (652) extending from the second bottom portion (622) and defining an edge (650b) of the second recessed portion (650). The plurality of contact surfaces (640) of the second hook portion (532) may include a fourth contact surface (641), a fifth contact surface (642) inclined with respect to the fourth contact surface (641), and a sixth contact surface (643) extending from the fourth contact surface (641) to the fifth contact surface (642). The fourth contact surface (641) may be configured to contact the second side wall portion (652) at the edge (650b) of the second recessed portion (650). The sixth contact surface (643) may be configured to be in contact with the second bottom portion (651). For example, the fourth contact surface (641) may make line contact with the edge (650b) of the second recess portion (650) and the second conductive portion (512) within the connected state of the connector (400). The sixth contact surface (643) may make surface contact with the second conductive portion (512) within the connected state of the connector (400). The plurality of contact surfaces (640) of the second hook portion (532) may have two or more contact points with the conductive portion (510), thereby reducing the resistance between the second conductive pin (521b) and the conductive portion (510).

[0125] For example, the first hook portion (531) can be configured to be electrically and mechanically coupled to the inner surface (620a) of the first recess portion (620) via a plurality of contact surfaces (630). For example, the first contact surface (631) of the first hook portion (531) can press an edge (620b) of the first recess portion (620) when the first hook portion (531) is inserted into the recess formed by the first recess portion (620). A third contact surface (633) of the first hook portion (531) extending from the first contact surface (631) can press an edge (620c) formed between the first bottom portion (621) and the first side wall portion (622) of the first recess portion (620) when the first hook portion (531) is inserted into the recess. The first hook portion (531) can be mechanically coupled to the first conductive portion (511) by the contact surfaces (631, 633) that press the first conductive portion (511) at the contact points (p1, p3). The first hook portion (531) can be electrically coupled to the first conductive portion (511) by the contact surfaces (631, 633) that contact the first conductive portion (511) at the contact points (p1, p3). For example, since the first contact surface (631) and the second contact surface (632) are inclined with respect to each other, the first contact surface (631) and the third contact surface (633) can be configured to maintain engagement with the conductive portion (510) (or the first recess portion (620)) within the connected state of the connector (400). However, the embodiments supported by the present disclosure are not limited thereto, and the structure of the first conductive pin (521a) electrically and mechanically coupled to the conductive portion (510) can be applied substantially identically or similarly to the second conductive pin (521b) (or a plurality of conductive pins (520)).

[0126] For example, the second hook portion (532) can be configured to be electrically and mechanically coupled to the inner surface (650a) of the second recess portion (650) via a plurality of contact surfaces (640). For example, the fourth contact surface (641) of the second hook portion (532) can press an edge (650b) of the second recess portion (650) when the second hook portion (532) is inserted into the recess formed by the second recess portion (650). The sixth contact surface (643) of the second hook portion (532) extending from the fourth contact surface (641) can press an edge formed between the second bottom portion (651) and the second side wall portion (652) of the second recess portion (650) when the second hook portion (532) is inserted into the recess. The second hook portion (532) can be mechanically coupled with the second conductive portion (512) by the contact surfaces (641, 643) that press the second conductive portion (512) at two or more contact points. The second hook portion (532) can be electrically coupled with the second conductive portion (512) by the contact surfaces (641, 643) that come into contact with the second conductive portion (512). For example, since the fourth contact surface (641) and the fifth contact surface (642) are inclined with respect to each other, the fourth contact surface (641) and the sixth contact surface (643) can be configured to maintain engagement with the conductive portion (510) (or the second recess portion (650)) within the connected state of the connector (400).

[0127] According to the above-described embodiment, the connector (400) includes a plurality of conductive pins (520) including a hook portion (e.g., a first hook portion (531)) configured to have two or more contact points (or surfaces) with a conductive portion (510) of a flexible printed circuit board (430), thereby fixing the positions of the plurality of conductive pins (520) in a state in which the connector (400) and the flexible printed circuit board (430) are connected, and reducing resistance between the plurality of conductive pins (520) and the conductive portion (510).

[0128] Figure 7 illustrates a connector and a portion of a flexible printed circuit board of an exemplary electronic device.

[0129] Referring to FIG. 7, the electronic device (101) may include a flexible printed circuit board (430) including a conductive portion (510), and a plurality of conductive pins (520) configured to be electrically connected to the flexible printed circuit board (430) by contacting the conductive portion (510) of the flexible printed circuit board (430). For example, a first conductive pin (521a) among the plurality of conductive pins (520) may include a first hook portion (531) configured to contact the first conductive portion (511). A second conductive pin (521b) may include a second hook portion (532) configured to contact the second conductive portion (512). Each of the hook portions (531, 532) can define a plurality of contact surfaces (630, 640) configured to have two or more contact points with the conductive portion (510). The hook portions (531, 532) can removably interlock the connector (400) to the flexible printed circuit board (430) by contacting the conductive portion (510) of the flexible printed circuit board (430) through the plurality of contact surfaces (630, 640), respectively. However, the embodiments supported by the present disclosure are not limited thereto, and for example, the electronic device (101) may include structures and / or configurations (e.g., a first printed circuit board (410), a second printed circuit board (420), a hole (440), a plurality of layers (500), a through hole (610), recessed portions (620, 650)) exemplarily illustrated and described in FIGS. 4 to 6C, within a non-contradictory range. Hereinafter, redundant descriptions of structures and / or configurations having the same reference numerals as described in FIGS. 4 to 6C may be omitted.

[0130] Referring to FIG. 7, unlike FIG. 6c, the conductive pins (621a, 621b) and / or the recessed portions (620, 650) may have various shapes so as to have two or more contact points with each other. For example, the first hook portion (531) of the first conductive pin (521a) may include a first contact surface (631) that contacts the first conductive portion (511) at an edge (620b) of the first recessed portion (620), and a second contact surface (632) that contacts the first conductive portion (511) at the edge (620b) of the first recessed portion (620) and is inclined with respect to the first contact surface (631). The first hook portion (531) may be inserted into the first recess portion (620) to make point contact with the first bottom portion (621) of the first recess portion (620). However, the embodiments supported by the present disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, the second hook portion (532) of the second conductive pin (521b) may include a fourth contact surface (641) that contacts the second conductive portion (512) at the edge (650b) of the second recess portion (650), and a fifth contact surface (642) that contacts the second conductive portion (512) at the edge (650b) of the second recess portion (650) and is inclined with respect to the fourth contact surface (641). The second hook portion (532) can be inserted into the second recess portion (650) so as to make point contact with the second bottom portion (651) of the second recess portion (650).

[0131] Although FIGS. 6A to 7 illustrate that at least some of the plurality of conductive pins (520) are electrically and mechanically detachably coupled to the conductive portion (510) through two or more contact points, this is merely exemplary and it should be noted that the embodiments supported by the present disclosure are not limited thereto. The conductive portion (510) of the flexible printed circuit board (430) detachably coupled to at least some of the plurality of conductive pins (520) is electrically and mechanically detachably coupled to at least some of the plurality of conductive pins (520) at two or more contact points, thereby reducing the resistance between the plurality of conductive pins (520) and the conductive portion (510) and improving the usability of the internal space of the electronic device (101) (or the connector (400)).

[0132] Figure 8 illustrates a connector and a portion of a flexible printed circuit board of an exemplary electronic device.

[0133] Referring to FIG. 8, the electronic device (101) may include a flexible printed circuit board (430) including a conductive portion (510), and a plurality of conductive pins (520) configured to be electrically connected to the flexible printed circuit board (430) by contacting the conductive portion (510) of the flexible printed circuit board (430). For example, a first conductive pin (521a) among the plurality of conductive pins (520) may include a first hook portion (531) configured to be in contact with the first conductive portion (511). A second conductive pin (521b) may include a second hook portion (532) configured to be in contact with the second conductive portion (512). Each of the hook portions (531, 532) may be configured to have two or more contact points with the conductive portion (510). The above hook portions (531, 532) can removably interlock the connector (400) to the flexible printed circuit board (430) by coming into contact with the conductive portion (510) of the flexible printed circuit board (430). However, the embodiments supported by the present disclosure are not limited thereto, and for example, the electronic device (101) may include structures and / or configurations (e.g., the first printed circuit board (410), the second printed circuit board (420), the hole (440), the plurality of layers (500), the through hole (610), the recessed portions (620, 650)) exemplarily illustrated and described in FIGS. 4 to 7, within a non-contradictory range. Hereinafter, redundant descriptions of structures and / or configurations having the same reference numerals as described in FIGS. 4 to 7 may be omitted.

[0134] Referring to FIG. 8, unlike the examples shown in FIGS. 6A to 7, the first conductive pin (521a) and the second conductive pin (521b) may be configured to be connected to the first conductive portion (511) forming the first side (430a) of the flexible printed circuit board (430). The through hole (610) (or first opening (611)) formed by the conductive portion (510) may be configured to accommodate both the first hook portion (531) of the first conductive pin (521a) and the second hook portion (532) of the second conductive pin (521b). For example, the first hook portion (531) can be electrically and mechanically coupled to the first conductive portion (511) by contacting the edge (611a) of the first opening (611) and the inner surface (610a) of the through hole (610). For example, the second hook portion (532) can be electrically and mechanically coupled to the first conductive portion (511) by contacting the edge (611a) of the first opening (611) and the inner surface (610a) of the through hole (610), like the first hook portion (531). However, the embodiments supported in the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0135] Figure 9a illustrates an exemplary electronic device in a first state. Figure 9b illustrates an exemplary electronic device in a second state.

[0136] Referring to FIGS. 9A and 9B , an electronic device (101) may include a housing (200), a flexible display (940), a first hinge assembly (950), and a second hinge assembly (960). The housing (200) may include a first housing part (910), a second housing part (920), and a third housing part (930). The housing (200) may include multiple housing parts (910, 920, 930) and may be referred to as a multi-foldable housing in that it may be folded multiple times. The electronic device (101) may be referred to as a multi-foldable electronic device in that it includes a housing (200) and / or a flexible display (940) that may be folded multiple times. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto.

[0137] The first housing part (910) can be rotatably coupled to the second housing part (920) by the first hinge assembly (950). The second housing part (920) and the first housing part (910) can be rotated with respect to the first hinge assembly (950). While the first housing part (910) is rotated with respect to the first hinge assembly (950), the second housing part (920) can be rotated with respect to the first hinge assembly (950). For example, when the second housing part (920) and the first housing part (910) are rotated with respect to the first hinge assembly (950), the angular displacement of the second housing part (920) can be substantially equal to the angular displacement of the first housing part (910).

[0138] The third housing part (930) can be rotatably coupled to the second housing part (920) by the second hinge assembly (960). The second housing part (920) and the third housing part (930) can be rotated with respect to the second hinge assembly (960). While the second housing part (920) is rotated with respect to the second hinge assembly (960), the third housing part (930) can be rotated with respect to the second hinge assembly (960). For example, when the second housing part (920) and the third housing part (930) are rotated with respect to the second hinge assembly (960), the angular displacement (or angular change) of the second housing part (920) can be substantially equal to the angular displacement of the third housing part (930).

[0139] The first hinge assembly (950) and the second hinge assembly (960) can change the state of the electronic device. The first hinge assembly (950) and the second hinge assembly (960) can provide (or enable) a first state (101a) of the electronic device (101) (or a first state (101a) of the housing (200)). The first state (101a) of the electronic device (101) (or the first state (101a) of the housing (200)) can be described as an unfolded state of the electronic device (101) (or the housing (200)). Within the first state (101a), the front surface of the first housing part (910), the front surface of the second housing part (920), and the front surface of the third housing part (930) can define the front surface of the electronic device (101). Within the first state (101a), the front surface of the first housing part (910), the front surface of the second housing part (920), and the front surface of the third housing part (930) can face substantially the same direction. Within the first state (101a), the electronic device (101) can provide a large display area of ​​the flexible display (940) to the user.

[0140] The first hinge assembly (950) and the second hinge assembly (960) can provide a second state (101b) of the electronic device (101) (or a second state (101b) of the housing (200)). The second state (101b) of the electronic device (101) (or the second state (101b) of the housing (200)) can be described as a multi-folded state of the electronic device (101) (or the housing (200)). Within the second state (101b), the front surface of the first housing part (910) and the front surface of the second housing part (920) can face in opposite directions, and the front surface of the second housing part (920) and the front surface of the third housing part (930) can face in opposite directions. Within the second state (101b), the front surface of the first housing part (910) and the front surface of the third housing part (930) may face the same direction. For example, within the second state (101b), the front surface of the second housing part (920) may face the front surface of the first housing part (910), and the front surface of the third housing part (930) may face the rear surface of the first housing part (910). Within the second state (101b), the electronic device (101) may be folded to enhance portability.

[0141] The first hinge assembly (950) and the second hinge assembly (960) can provide a third state of the electronic device (101). The third state of the electronic device (101) can be described as a state in which the electronic device (101) is partially folded and partially unfolded (or a single folded state or a half folded state). For example, within the third state, the front surface of the second housing part (920) and the front surface of the third housing part (930) can face the same direction, and the front surface of the first housing part (910) and the front surface of the second housing part (920) can face opposite directions. For example, within the third state, the first housing part (910) and the second housing part (920) can be folded, and the second housing part (920) and the third housing part (930) can be unfolded.

[0142] A flexible display (940) can at least partially define the appearance of the electronic device (101). The flexible display (940) can be partially disposed within the housing (200). The flexible display (940) can define the front surface of the electronic device (101). The flexible display (940) can include a first planar portion (941), a second planar portion (942), a third planar portion (943), a first foldable portion (944), and a second foldable portion (945). The first planar portion (941) of the flexible display (940) can be disposed on the front surface of the first housing part (910). The second planar portion (942) of the flexible display (940) can be disposed on the front surface of the second housing part (920). The third flat portion (943) of the flexible display (940) may be disposed on the front side of the third housing part (930). The first foldable portion (944) of the flexible display (940) may be disposed between the first flat portion (941) and the second flat portion (942) of the flexible display (940). For example, the first foldable portion (944) of the flexible display (940) may be disposed on the first hinge assembly (950) connecting the first housing part (910) and the second housing part (920). The second foldable portion (945) of the flexible display (940) may be disposed between the second flat portion (942) and the third flat portion (943) of the flexible display (940). For example, the second foldable portion (945) of the flexible display (940) may be placed on a second hinge assembly (960) connecting the second housing part (920) and the third housing part (930).

[0143] In the first state (101a), the entire display area of ​​the flexible display (940) can be seen from the front of the housing (200). For example, the first planar portion (941), the second planar portion (942), the third planar portion (943), the first foldable portion (944), and the second foldable portion (945) of the flexible display (940) can be visually exposed. The electronic device (101) can provide a user with a large display area including the first planar portion (941), the second planar portion (942), the third planar portion (943), the first foldable portion (944), and the second foldable portion (945). In the second state (101b), the display area of ​​the flexible display (940) can be invisible. For example, the first planar portion (941), the second planar portion (942), the third planar portion (943), the first foldable portion (944), and the second foldable portion (945) of the flexible display (940) may not be visually exposed. In the third state, the display area of ​​the flexible display (940) may be partially visible from the front of the third housing part (930). For example, the third planar portion (943) may be visually exposed, and the first planar portion (941) and the second planar portion (942) may not be visually exposed.

[0144] As a non-limiting example, when the flexible display (940) is used to display a screen in a first state (101a) of the electronic device (101), all portions (941, 942, 943, 944, 945) of the flexible display (940) can be activated. As a non-limiting example, when the flexible display (940) is used to display a screen in a second state (101b), all portions (941, 942, 943, 944, 945) of the flexible display (940) can be deactivated. As a non-limiting example, when the flexible display (940) is used to display a screen in a third state of the electronic device (101), the third planar portion (943) can be activated, and other portions (941, 942, 944, 945) of the flexible display (940) can be deactivated.

[0145] The first hinge assembly (950) and the second hinge assembly (960) may be arranged so that the first planar portion (941) of the flexible display (940), the second planar portion (942) of the flexible display (940), and the third planar portion (943) of the flexible display (940) may face substantially the same direction. In the first state (101a), the first foldable portion (944) and the second foldable portion (945) may be arranged in substantially the same horizontal plane as the first planar portion (941), the second planar portion (942), and the third planar portion (943).

[0146] The first hinge assembly (950) and the second hinge assembly (960) can provide a second state (101b) of the electronic device (101). Within the second state (101b), the second planar portion (942) of the flexible display (940) can face the first planar portion (941) of the flexible display (940), and the third planar portion (943) of the flexible display (940) can face the back of the first housing part (910). Within the second state (101b), the first foldable portion (944) of the flexible display (940) can be folded such that the first planar portion (941) of the flexible display (940) and the second planar portion (942) of the flexible display (940) face different directions. Within the second state (101b), the second foldable portion (945) of the flexible display (940) can be folded such that the second flat portion (942) of the flexible display (940) and the third flat portion (943) of the flexible display (940) face different directions.

[0147] Within the second state (101b), the first housing part (910) may be disposed between the second housing part (920) and the third housing part (930). Within the second state (101b), the second foldable portion (945) of the flexible display (940) disposed on the second hinge assembly (960) may be partially oriented toward the side surface (910c) of the first housing part (910). For example, a sub-display may be additionally disposed on the rear surface of the second housing part (920) to provide visual information to the user within the second state (101b). However, the embodiments supported by the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0148] FIG. 9C is a top plan view of an exemplary electronic device in a first state with the flexible display removed. FIG. 9D is a rear view of the exemplary electronic device in a first state with the back cover removed.

[0149] Referring to FIGS. 9c and 9d, the electronic device (101) may include a first hinge assembly (950) and a second hinge assembly (960). A first width (w1) of the first hinge assembly (950) may be narrower than a second width (w2) of the second hinge assembly (960). A difference between the first width (w1) of the first hinge assembly (950) and the second width (w2) of the second hinge assembly (960) may be equal to or greater than a thickness of the first housing part (910). For example, the second hinge assembly (960) may have a second width (w2) that is wider than the first width (w1) such that the first housing part (910) is disposed between the second housing part (920) and the third housing part (930) according to the second state (101b). The first hinge assembly (950) may be referred to as a narrow hinge structure in that it has a narrower width than the second hinge assembly (960). The second hinge assembly (960) may be referred to as a wide hinge structure in that it has a wider width than the first hinge assembly (950).

[0150] A first hinge assembly (950) may include a first set of gears (951), a first hinge plate (952), and a second hinge plate (953). The first hinge plate (952) may be coupled to a first support portion (911) of a first housing part (910). The second hinge plate (953) may be coupled to a second support portion (921) of a second housing part (920). The gears included in the first set of gears (951) may be configured to rotate the first hinge plate (952) and the second hinge plate (953). For example, the gears included in the first set of gears (951) can rotate the second hinge plate (953) (or the second housing part (920)) in conjunction with the rotation of the first hinge plate (952) (or the first housing part (910)). After the first hinge plate (952) (or the first housing part (910)) is rotated, the gears included in the first set of gears (951) can rotate in accordance with the rotation of the first hinge plate (952) (or the first housing part (910)). The second hinge plate (953) (or the second housing part (920)) can rotate in conjunction with the rotation of the first hinge plate (952) in accordance with the rotation of the gears included in the first set of gears (951).

[0151] A second hinge assembly (960) may include a second set of gears (961), a third hinge plate (962), a fourth hinge plate (963), and a support plate (964). The third hinge plate (962) may be coupled to a second support portion (921) of a second housing part (920). The fourth hinge plate (963) may be coupled to a third support portion (931) of a third housing part (930). The gears included in the second set of gears (961) may be configured to rotate the third hinge plate (962) and the fourth hinge plate (963). For example, the gears included in the second set of gears (961) can rotate the fourth hinge plate (963) (or the third housing part (930)) in conjunction with the rotation of the third hinge plate (962) (or the second housing part (920)). After the third hinge plate (962) (or the second housing part (920)) is rotated, the gears included in the second set of gears (961) can rotate in accordance with the rotation of the third hinge plate (962) (or the second housing part (920)). The fourth hinge plate (963) (or the third housing part (930)) can rotate in conjunction with the rotation of the third hinge plate (962) in accordance with the rotation of the gears included in the second set of gears (961).

[0152] An electronic device (101) may include a first printed circuit board (971), a second printed circuit board (972), and a third printed circuit board (973). Various hardware components may be mounted on each of the printed circuit boards (971, 972, 973).

[0153] A first printed circuit board (971) may be disposed on a first support portion (911) of a first housing part (910). Hardware components within the first housing part (910) may be disposed on the first printed circuit board (971). A second printed circuit board (972) may be disposed on a second support portion (921) of a second housing part (920). Hardware components within the second housing part (920) may be disposed on the second printed circuit board (972). A third printed circuit board (973) may be disposed on a third support portion (931) of a third housing part (930). Hardware components within the third housing part (930) (e.g., a rear camera (975)) may be disposed on the third printed circuit board (973).

[0154] The hardware components placed on the first printed circuit board (971) can support or operate independently of the hardware components placed on the second printed circuit board (972) and / or the hardware components placed on the third printed circuit board (973).

[0155] The hardware components arranged on the second printed circuit board (972) may support or operate independently of the hardware components arranged on the first printed circuit board (971) or the third printed circuit board (973). The hardware components arranged on the second printed circuit board (972) may include a speaker, a front camera, and / or a display driving circuit.

[0156] Hardware components arranged on the third printed circuit board (973) may include at least one processor including a processing circuit, a memory including one or more storage media, a communication circuit, and a rear camera (975). The rear camera (975) may be exposed through a structure (e.g., an opening) on ​​the rear of the third housing part (930).

[0157] The electronic device (101) may further include batteries. Each of the batteries may be attached to support portions (911, 921, 931) included in the housing parts (910, 920, 930). The support portions (911, 921, 931) may support rechargeable batteries.

[0158] The housing (200) may include frames (915, 925, 935). For example, the frames (915, 925, 935) may form an edge of the electronic device (101) within the first state (101a). For example, the first housing part (910) may include a first frame (915) that at least partially surrounds the first support portion (911). The second housing part (920) may include a second frame (925) that at least partially surrounds the second support portion (912). The third housing part (930) may include a third frame (935) that at least partially surrounds the third support portion (913). The second frame (925) may be positioned between the first frame (915) and the third frame (935) within the first state (101a) of the electronic device (101). The frames (915, 925, 935) may be referred to as a peripheral portion and / or deco of the housing (200) in that they are positioned along the edge of the electronic device (101) to protect the edge of the flexible display (940), but the embodiments supported by the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0159] Although the first housing part (910) and the third housing part (930) are shown as rotating in opposite directions with respect to the second housing part (920), this is not limited thereto. For example, during the change from the first state (101a) to the second state (101b), the first housing part (910) may rotate counterclockwise with respect to the second housing part (920), and the third housing part (930) may rotate counterclockwise with respect to the second housing part (920). As the first housing part (910) and the third housing part (930) rotate in the same direction, a portion of the display area of ​​the flexible display (940) within the second state may be visually exposed. However, the embodiments supported by the present disclosure are not limited thereto, and for example, while changing from the first state (101a) to the second state (101b), the first housing part (910) may rotate clockwise with respect to the second housing part (920), and the third housing part (930) may rotate counterclockwise with respect to the second housing part (920).

[0160] According to the above, an electronic device (e.g., electronic device (101) of FIG. 1) may include a flexible printed circuit board (e.g., flexible printed circuit board (430) of FIG. 4) including a conductive portion (e.g., conductive portion (510), first conductive portion (511) of FIG. 5A), and a connector (e.g., connector (400), first connector (401) of FIG. 4) including a conductive pin (e.g., a plurality of conductive pins (520), first conductive pins (521a) of FIG. 5A) configured to be electrically connected to the flexible printed circuit board by coming into contact with the conductive portion of the flexible printed circuit board. The conductive pin may include a hook portion (e.g., first hook portion (531) of FIG. 5B) defining a plurality of contact surfaces (e.g., a plurality of contact surfaces (630) of FIG. 5B) configured to come into contact with the conductive portion of the flexible printed circuit board. The hook portion can removably interlock the connector to the flexible printed circuit board by making contact with the conductive portion of the flexible printed circuit board through the plurality of contact surfaces.

[0161] For example, the conductive portion may have two or more contact points spaced apart from the conductive pin within a connection state in which the flexible printed circuit board and the connector are electrically connected.

[0162] For example, the plurality of contact surfaces may include a first contact surface configured to make line contact with a portion of the conductive portion (e.g., the first contact surface (631) of FIG. 6B), and a second contact surface (e.g., the second contact surface (632) of FIG. 6B) that is inclined with respect to the first contact surface and configured to make line contact with another portion of the conductive portion.

[0163] For example, the plurality of contact surfaces may further include a third contact surface (e.g., the third contact surface (633) of FIG. 6B) extending from the first contact surface to the second contact surface and making surface contact with the conductive portion.

[0164] For example, the flexible printed circuit board may include a plurality of layers, and a through hole (e.g., a through hole (610) in FIG. 6B) penetrating the plurality of layers and formed by the conductive portion. An inner surface of the through hole (e.g., an inner surface (610a) in FIG. 6B) may be configured to be electrically connected to the hook portion as the hook portion is at least partially inserted into the through hole.

[0165] For example, the hook portion may be configured to be electrically and mechanically coupled to the inner surface of the through hole through the plurality of contact surfaces.

[0166] For example, the through hole may define an opening forming one end of the through hole (e.g., a first opening (611) in FIG. 6b). The plurality of contact surfaces may include a first contact surface configured to contact the conductive portion at an edge of the opening of the through hole (e.g., an edge (611b) in FIG. 6b), and a second contact surface configured to contact the conductive portion at the inner surface of the through hole.

[0167] For example, the second contact surface may be configured to maintain the connection between the conductive portion and the hook portion by pressing the inner surface of the through hole.

[0168] For example, the flexible printed circuit board may further include a recessed portion (e.g., a first recessed portion (620) in FIG. 6C) formed by the conductive portion. An inner surface of the recessed portion (e.g., an inner surface (620a) in FIG. 6C) may be configured to be electrically connected to the hook portion as the hook portion is at least partially inserted into the recess formed by the recessed portion.

[0169] For example, the hook portion may be configured to be electrically and mechanically coupled to the inner surface of the recess portion through the plurality of contact surfaces.

[0170] For example, the recessed portion may include a bottom portion (e.g., a first bottom portion (621) of FIG. 6c), and a sidewall portion (e.g., a sidewall portion (622) of FIG. 6c) extending from the bottom portion and defining an edge of the recessed portion (e.g., an edge (620b) of FIG. 6c). The plurality of contact surfaces may include a first contact surface configured to contact the sidewall portion at the edge of the recessed portion, and a second contact surface configured to contact the bottom portion.

[0171] For example, the second contact surface may be configured to maintain the connection between the conductive portion and the hook portion by pressing an edge (e.g., edge (620c) in FIG. 6c) formed between the bottom portion and the side wall portion.

[0172] For example, the conductive portion may define a portion of a first side of the flexible printed circuit board. The flexible printed circuit board may further include another conductive portion (e.g., a second conductive portion (512) of FIG. 5b) defining a portion of a second side opposite the first side. The connector may further include another conductive pin (e.g., a second conductive pin (521b) of FIG. 5b) including another hook portion (e.g., a second hook portion (532) of FIG. 5b) defining a plurality of contact surfaces (e.g., a plurality of contact surfaces (640) of FIG. 6b) configured to contact the other conductive portion.

[0173] For example, the electronic device may further include a foldable housing (e.g., housing (200) of FIG. 2A) including a first housing part (e.g., first housing part (210) of FIG. 2A) and a second housing part (e.g., second housing part (220) of FIG. 2A), a hinge assembly (e.g., hinge structure (250) of FIG. 2C) that rotatably couples the first housing part and the second housing part, a first printed circuit board (e.g., first printed circuit board (410) of FIG. 4) disposed within the first housing part, a second printed circuit board (e.g., second printed circuit board (420) of FIG. 4) disposed within the second housing part, and another connector (e.g., second connector (402) of FIG. 4) disposed on the second printed circuit board. The flexible printed circuit board may be configured to connect the connector and the other connector by extending from the interior of the first housing part across the hinge assembly into the interior of the second housing part.

[0174] For example, the conductive pin may be electrically connected to a power line of the electronic device.

[0175] According to the above, an electronic device may include a flexible printed circuit board including a conductive portion, and a connector including a conductive pin configured to be electrically connected to the flexible printed circuit board by making contact with the conductive portion of the flexible printed circuit board. The conductive pin may include a hook portion defining a plurality of contact surfaces that are inclined with respect to each other and are configured to make contact with the conductive portion of the flexible printed circuit board. The hook portion may be configured to be electrically and mechanically coupled to the flexible printed circuit board by making contact with the conductive portion through the plurality of contact surfaces.

[0176] For example, the flexible printed circuit board may include a plurality of layers, and a through hole formed by the conductive portion and penetrating the plurality of layers. The inner surface of the through hole may be configured to be electrically connected to the hook portion as the hook portion is at least partially inserted into the through hole.

[0177] For example, the through hole may define an opening forming one end of the through hole. The plurality of contact surfaces may include a first contact surface configured to contact the conductive portion at an edge of the opening of the through hole, and a second contact surface configured to contact the conductive portion at the inner surface of the through hole.

[0178] For example, the flexible printed circuit board may further include a recessed portion formed by the conductive portion. An inner surface of the recessed portion may be configured to be electrically connected to the hook portion as the hook portion is at least partially inserted into the recess formed by the recessed portion.

[0179] For example, the recessed portion may include a bottom portion and a sidewall portion extending from the bottom portion and defining an edge of the recessed portion. The plurality of contact surfaces may include a first contact surface configured to contact the sidewall portion at the edge of the recessed portion, and a second contact surface configured to contact the bottom portion.

[0180] Electronic devices according to the various embodiments disclosed in this document may take various forms. Electronic devices may include, for example, portable communication devices (e.g., smartphones), computer devices, portable multimedia devices, portable medical devices, cameras, electronic devices, or home appliances. Electronic devices according to the embodiments of this document are not limited to the aforementioned devices.

[0181] The various embodiments of this document and the terminology used therein 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 among those phrases, 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.

[0182] 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).

[0183] Various embodiments of the present document may be implemented as software (e.g., a program (140)) including one or more instructions stored in a storage medium (e.g., an internal memory (136) or an external memory (138)) readable by a machine (e.g., an electronic device (101)). For example, a processor (e.g., a processor (120)) of the machine (e.g., an electronic device (101)) 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 called instruction. 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' simply means that the storage medium is a tangible device and does not contain signals (e.g., electromagnetic waves), and the term does not distinguish between cases where data is stored semi-permanently or temporarily on the storage medium.

[0184] According to one embodiment, the method according to various embodiments disclosed in the present document 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., smart phones). 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 an intermediary server.

[0185] According to various 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 various 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 such a 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 various embodiments, the 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

In an electronic device (101), A flexible printed circuit board (430) including a conductive portion (510; 511); and A connector (400; 401) including a conductive pin (520; 521a) configured to be electrically connected to the flexible printed circuit board (430) by contacting the conductive portion (510; 511) of the flexible printed circuit board (430), The above conductive pin (520; 521a) is A hook portion (531) defining a plurality of contact surfaces (630) configured to be in contact with the conductive portion (510; 511) of the flexible printed circuit board (430), The above hook portion (531) is By making contact with the conductive portion (510; 511) of the flexible printed circuit board (430) through the plurality of contact surfaces (630), the connector (400; 401) is removably interlocked to the flexible printed circuit board (430). Electronic device (101). In the first paragraph, The above challenging portion (510; 511) is The flexible printed circuit board (430) and the connector (400; 401) have two or more contact points spaced apart from each other with the conductive pin (520; 521a) in an electrically connected state. Electronic device (101). In claim 1 or 2, The above plurality of contact surfaces (630) are, A first contact surface (631) configured to be in contact with a portion of the above-mentioned conductive portion (510; 511); and A second contact surface (632) is inclined with respect to the first contact surface (631) and is configured to come into contact with another part of the conductive portion (510; 511). Electronic device (101). In the third paragraph, The above plurality of contact surfaces (630) are, Further comprising a third contact surface (633) extending from the first contact surface (631) to the second contact surface (632) and configured to be in contact with the conductive portion (510; 511). Electronic device (101). In any one of the first to fourth paragraphs, The above flexible printed circuit board (430) is multiple layers (500); and Penetrating through the above plurality of layers (500), and including a through hole (610) formed by the conductive portion (510; 511), The inner surface (610a) of the above through hole (610) is The hook portion (531) is configured to be electrically connected to the hook portion (531) as the hook portion (531) is at least partially inserted into the through hole (610). Electronic device (101). In paragraph 5, The above hook portion (531) is It is configured to be electrically and mechanically coupled to the inner surface of the through hole (610) through the plurality of contact surfaces (630). Electronic device (101). In paragraph 5, The above through hole (610) defines an opening (611) forming one end of the above through hole (610), The above plurality of contact surfaces (630) are, A first contact surface (631) configured to be in contact with the conductive portion (510; 511) at the edge (611a) of the opening (611) of the through hole (610); and Including a second contact surface (632) configured to be in contact with the conductive portion (510; 511) on the inner surface of the through hole (610), Electronic device (101). In paragraph 7, The above second contact surface (632) is By pressing the inner surface (610a) of the through hole (610), the connection between the conductive portion (510; 511) and the hook portion (531) is maintained. Electronic device (101). In any one of claims 1 to 8, The above flexible printed circuit board (430) is Further comprising a recessed portion (620) formed by the above-mentioned conductive portion (510; 511), The inner surface (620a) of the above recessed portion (620) is The hook portion (531) is configured to be electrically connected to the hook portion (531) by being inserted at least partially into the recess formed by the recess portion (620). Electronic device (101). In paragraph 9, The above hook portion (531) is configured to be electrically and mechanically coupled to the inner surface of the recessed portion (620) through the plurality of contact surfaces (630). Electronic device (101). In paragraph 9, The above recessed portion (620) is bottom part (621); and extending from the bottom portion (621) and including a side wall portion (622) defining an edge (620b) of the recess portion (620); The above plurality of contact surfaces (630) are, A first contact surface (631) configured to contact the side wall portion (622) at the edge (620b) of the recess portion (620); and Including a second contact surface (633) configured to be in contact with the above-mentioned bottom portion (621); Electronic device (101). In Article 11, The above second contact surface (633) is By pressing the corner (620c) formed between the bottom portion (621) and the side wall portion (622), the connection between the conductive portion (510; 511) and the hook portion (531) is maintained. Electronic device (101). In any one of claims 1 to 12, The above challenging portion (510; 511) is Defining a portion of the first side (430a) of the above flexible printed circuit board (430), The above flexible printed circuit board (430) is Further comprising another conductive portion (510; 512) defining a portion of a second side (430b) opposite to the first side (430a), The above connector (400; 401) is Further comprising another conductive pin (520; 521b) comprising another hook portion (530; 532) defining a plurality of contact surfaces (660) configured to be in contact with the other conductive portion (510; 512). Electronic device (101). In any one of claims 1 to 13, A foldable housing (200) including a first housing part (210) and a second housing part (220); A hinge assembly (250) that rotatably connects the first housing part (210) and the second housing part (220); A first printed circuit board (410) on which the above connector (400; 401) is arranged and which is arranged within the first housing part (210); A second printed circuit board (420) placed within the second housing part (220); and It further includes another connector (400; 402) arranged on the second printed circuit board (420), The above flexible printed circuit board (430) is configured to connect the connector (400; 401) and the other connector (400; 402) by extending from the inside of the first housing part (210) across the hinge assembly (250) to the inside of the second housing part (220). Electronic device (101). In any one of claims 1 to 14, The above conductive pin (520; 521a) is Electrically connected to the power line of the above electronic device (101), Electronic device (101).

Images