Electronic device

Abstract

An electronic device is disclosed. The electronic device comprises: a housing including a bendable bending area; a plurality of components mounted in the housing; and a connection device for electrically connecting the plurality of components, wherein the connection device includes at least one flexible area corresponding to the bending area, the at least one flexible area includes a plurality of layers that are sequentially stacked, at least two layers among the plurality of layers each include both an RF signal line and a ground line, and the RF signal lines respectively included in the at least two layers branch from a main RF signal line included in a rigid area adjacent to the flexible area.

Description

electronic devices

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an electronic device.

[0002] As technology advances, electronic devices capable of being deformed into various shapes are also being used. These electronic devices include a bendable housing. Various components are mounted within the housing. To transmit and receive signals and data between these components, a connecting device is used to link multiple components.

[0003] Among these connecting devices, there may be devices for transmitting RF signals between components. If such connecting devices are manufactured in multiple layers, the bending angle is limited, which may reduce the bending range of the housing. Additionally, internal connecting devices may be damaged during the housing bending process.

[0004] On the other hand, if the connection device is manufactured as a single layer, wide signal lines and ground lines are required to have the impedance required for the operation of the electronic device, so the area of ​​the connection device had to be designed to be large. Consequently, there was a problem that it was difficult to implement it as a small electronic device.

[0005] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, an electronic device may include a housing comprising a bendable bending region, a plurality of parts mounted within the housing, and a connecting device electrically connecting the plurality of parts.

[0006] The above connecting device may include at least one flexible region corresponding to the bending region.

[0007] The above at least one flexible region may include a plurality of layers arranged in a sequential stacked configuration.

[0008] At least two of the above plurality of layers may each include both an RF signal line and a ground line.

[0009] The RF signal lines included in each of the above at least two layers may be branched from the main RF signal line included in the rigid region adjacent to the flexible region.

[0010] One of the above at least two layers, the first layer, may include a first RF signal line and a first ground line spaced apart from the first RF signal line.

[0011] The second layer, which is the other of the at least two layers mentioned above, may include a second RF signal line and a second ground line positioned so as to be spaced apart from the second RF signal line.

[0012] The first RF signal line and the second RF signal line may be arranged to face each other.

[0013] The first ground line and the second ground line may be arranged so as not to face each other.

[0014] The above connecting device may include a first connector for connecting to one of the plurality of parts, a second connector for connecting to another of the plurality of parts, and a body portion for connecting between the first connector and the second connector.

[0015] Each of the first connector and the second connector may be composed of the rigid region.

[0016] The above body portion may have the flexible region and the rigid region arranged alternately.

[0017] The above rigid region may include a first number of the above plurality of layers.

[0018] The above flexible region may include a second number of layers smaller than the first number.

[0019] It may further include an air gap provided between at least two layers.

[0020] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, in a connection device for electrically connecting a plurality of parts, the connection device may have a structure in which a flexible region and a rigid region are alternately arranged.

[0021] At least one of the flexible regions may include a plurality of layers and an air gap formed between the plurality of layers.

[0022] At least two of the above plurality of layers may each include both an RF signal line and a ground line.

[0023] The RF signal lines included in each of the above at least two layers may be branched from the main RF signal line included in the rigid region adjacent to the flexible region.

[0024] One of the above at least two layers, the first layer, may include a first RF signal line and a first ground line spaced apart from the first RF signal line.

[0025] The second layer, which is the other of the at least two layers mentioned above, may include a second RF signal line and a second ground line positioned so as to be spaced apart from the second RF signal line.

[0026] The first RF signal line and the second RF signal line may be arranged to face each other.

[0027] The first ground line and the second ground line may be arranged so as not to face each other.

[0028] The above connecting device may include a first connector for connecting to one of the plurality of parts, a second connector for connecting to another of the plurality of parts, and a body portion for connecting between the first connector and the second connector.

[0029] Each of the first connector and the second connector may be composed of the rigid region.

[0030] The above body portion may have a structure in which the flexible region and the rigid region are arranged alternately.

[0031] The rigid region may include a first number of the plurality of layers, and the flexible region may include a second number of the plurality of layers that is smaller than the first number.

[0032] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] FIG. 2 is a drawing for explaining a connecting device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] Figure 3 is an enlarged view of section F of Figure 2.

[0035] Figure 4 is a drawing showing a cross-section along the line A-A' of Figure 3.

[0036] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view along the line B-B' of Figure 3.

[0037] FIG. 6 is a drawing showing a cross-section of a flexible region of a connecting device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0038] FIGS. 7 and 8 are cross-sectional drawings according to various embodiments of a connecting device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] Figure 9 is a drawing to illustrate an example of the detailed configuration of a connection device.

[0040] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram showing a cross-section along the line C-C' of Figure 9.

[0041] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram showing a cross-section along the line D-D' of Figure 9.

[0042] Figure 12 is a diagram illustrating the impedance of an RF signal line according to the thickness of the air gap.

[0043] FIGS. 13 and FIGS. 14 are drawings for explaining insertion loss occurring in an RF signal line of a connection device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0044] FIG. 15 is a diagram for explaining the amount of noise generated in a connection device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0045] FIG. 16 is a drawing showing an example in which an electronic device according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure is implemented as a flip phone.

[0046] FIG. 17 is a drawing showing an example in which an electronic device according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure is implemented as a foldable phone.

[0047] The various embodiments of this document and the terms used therein are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments, and should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutions of said embodiments.

[0048] In relation to the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components.

[0049] The singular form of the noun corresponding to the item may include one or multiple items, unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0050] In this document, each of the phrases such as "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" may include any one of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase, or all possible combinations thereof.

[0051] The term "and / or" includes a combination of multiple related described components or any of the multiple related described components.

[0052] Terms such as "first," "second," or "first" or "second" may be used simply to distinguish a component from another component and do not limit the components in other aspects (e.g., importance or order).

[0053] Where any (e.g., 1st) component is referred to as "coupled" or "connected" to another (e.g., 2nd) component, with or without the terms "functionally" or "communicationly," it means that said any component may be connected to said other component directly (e.g., via a wire), wirelessly, or through a third component.

[0054] Terms such as "include" or "have" are intended to specify the existence of the features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in this document, and do not preclude the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0055] When it is said that a component is "connected," "combined," "supported," or "in contact" with another component, this includes not only cases where the components are directly connected, combined, supported, or in contact, but also cases where they are indirectly connected, combined, supported, or in contact through a third component.

[0056] When it is said that a component is located "on" another component, this includes not only cases where one component is in contact with the other, but also cases where another component exists between the two components.

[0057] Hereinafter, electronic devices according to various embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0058] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The electronic device (1) may be a device that can be modified and used. For example, the electronic device (1) may be implemented as a display device equipped with a display, such as a smartphone, tablet PC, laptop PC, monitor, TV, etc. In this case, the electronic device (1) may also be described as a display device, a terminal device, a flexible device, etc., but in the present disclosure, it is described as an electronic device (1).

[0059] The electronic device (1) does not necessarily have to be equipped with a display and can be implemented as various types of devices that can be modified and used without a display. For example, it may be a transformable remote control or a media player.

[0060] In the present disclosure, "deforming" may be any operation that bends or warps the body of an electronic device. Deforming may include bending a part of the body of the electronic device, folding the body of the electronic device, rolling the body, etc.

[0061] For convenience of explanation, FIG. 1 illustrates a case in which a flip-type smartphone is implemented in which a part of the main body is folded.

[0062] Referring to FIG. 1, the electronic device (1) may include a housing (10).

[0063] The housing (10) forms the exterior of the electronic device (1) and is configured to accommodate various components provided inside the electronic device (1).

[0064] The housing (10) may have a hollow cuboid shape with an empty interior. However, the shape of the housing (10) is not necessarily limited to a cuboid. For example, one side of the housing (10) may be curved.

[0065] Additionally, although it is described that the electronic device (1) in this city includes one housing (10), the number of housings (10) is not necessarily limited to a single number.

[0066] For example, the housing (10) may be composed of two housings, such as a first housing and a second housing. In this case, the housing (10) may have multiple receiving spaces. That is, the housing (10) may be provided from the first housing to the nth housing, and the number of housings (10) may be determined by the manufacturer during the process of designing and manufacturing the electronic device (1).

[0067] The housing (10) can be made of various materials such as aluminum, glass, plastic, and ceramic.

[0068] The housing (10) may include a bending region (10a). That is, the housing (10) may include a bendable bending region (10a).

[0069] The bending area (10a) is configured to allow the shape of the electronic device (1) to be deformed. In other words, the electronic device (1) can be folded or unfolded depending on the position and shape of the bending area (10a). The bending area (10a) can be described in various ways, such as a hinge structure, a deformation structure, or a folding area.

[0070] A bending area (10a) may be provided in a specific part of the housing (10). As shown in the drawing, if the bending area (10a) is formed approximately in the center of the housing (10), the housing (10) can be folded. The number and location of the bending area (10a) may be designed in various ways depending on the type or size of the electronic device. If the bending area (10a) is formed in the vertical direction in an electronic device (1) that is long in the horizontal direction as in FIG. 1, the electronic device (1) will be folded in the horizontal direction with respect to the vertical axis. That is, the bending area (10a) may be formed in a direction that crosses the housing (10).

[0071] The bending region (10a) may be formed of a material different from the rest of the housing region. That is, the housing other than the bending region (10a) may be made of a material that is rigid and has high thermal conductivity to protect the components contained inside the electronic device (1) from external forces such as external impacts and to handle heat generated inside the electronic device (1).

[0072] The bending region (10a) may be formed of a different material and / or structure from the other region (10b) so that the electronic device (1) can be bent, i.e., folded, in a specific direction.

[0073] In this drawing, the electronic device (1) is described on the premise that a bending region (10a) exists in one area of ​​the housing (10) that forms the exterior of the electronic device (1) as in FIG. 1.

[0074] FIG. 2 is a drawing for explaining a connecting device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of portion F of FIG. 2.

[0075] Referring to FIGS. 2 and FIGS. 3, the housing (10) can accommodate a plurality of parts (20) and a connecting device (100) inside.

[0076] A plurality of components (20) may be configurations required for the electronic device (1) to operate. For example, the plurality of components (20) may include a printed circuit board (PCB). Alternatively, the plurality of components (20) may include configurations such as an antenna that enable the electronic device (1) to communicate with an external device.

[0077] Although the plurality of parts (20) are depicted as being cuboids in the drawing, this does not imply the shape of the plurality of parts (20). That is, what is depicted in the drawing means that the plurality of parts (20) can be any configuration.

[0078] As shown in FIG. 1, if the electronic device (1) includes at least one bending region (10a) and can be bent with respect to the bending region (10a), at least some of the plurality of parts (20) may be placed on one side of the bending region (10a), and the remainder may be placed on the opposite side of the bending region (10a). At least some of the plurality of parts (20) need to be used by being interconnected by a connecting device (100) that passes through the bending region (10a).

[0079] The connecting device (100) is a configuration for electrically connecting a plurality of components (20). The connecting device (100) may be implemented as a cable, but is not necessarily limited thereto, and may be composed of a dielectric material in which a thin connecting pattern is integrated. The connecting device (100) may also be described using various terms such as a connecting member, a cable, or a communication interface.

[0080] The connecting device (100) may transmit and receive various analog signals, such as RF signals, as well as digital signals, between multiple components (20). For example, if an antenna element is placed on one side of the bending area (10a) within the housing (10) and a main board is placed on the opposite side, a communication signal received through the antenna element may be transmitted to the main board through the connecting device (100). To this end, the connecting device (100) may be in a form that includes both a connecting line for transmitting and receiving digital signals and a connecting line for transmitting and receiving various RF signals.

[0081] The connecting device (100) may include a flexible region (101) and a rigid region (102).

[0082] The flexible region (101) may be a region of the connecting device (100) that can be deformed together with the shape of the electronic device (1) when the shape of the electronic device (1) is deformed. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, when the connecting device (100) is positioned in a direction across the bending region (10a) within the housing (10), the connecting device (100) must also be deformed together with the electronic device (1) as it is deformed relative to the bending region (10a). The connecting device (100) may be deformed by at least one flexible region (101).

[0083] A flexible region (101) may be provided in a region facing a bending region (10a) within the connecting device (100), but is not limited thereto, and a plurality of flexible regions (101) may be provided along the longitudinal direction of the connecting device (100).

[0084] Additionally, multiple flexible regions (101) may be arranged within a single bending region (10a). That is, the connecting device (100) may include at least one flexible region (101) corresponding to the bending region (10a).

[0085] The rigid region (102) may be a region where the shape is not deformed.

[0086] The rigid region (102) can be formed of a material that is rigid, unlike the flexible region (101).

[0087] For example, the end portion that must be physically joined to a plurality of parts (20) may be formed as a rigid region (102). Specifically, the rigid region (102) may be fastened to the plurality of parts (20) in a clip manner. The method of joining the rigid region (102) to the plurality of parts (20) is not limited to a specific method. The specific shape of the rigid region (102) may be determined by the method of joining to the plurality of parts (20).

[0088] The rigid region (102) may be a region of the connecting device (100) that does not correspond to the bending region (10a).

[0089] The flexible region (101) and the rigid region (102) may be alternately arranged along the longitudinal direction of the connecting device (100). Additionally, the rigid region (102) may be formed in one region of the connecting device (100) corresponding to the bending region (10a).

[0090] The rigid region (102) may be adjacent to a plurality of flexible regions (101). Unlike the adjacent flexible region (101), the rigid region (102) may not have its shape deformed even if the shape of the connecting device (100) is deformed into a specific shape.

[0091] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view along the line A-A' of FIG. 3. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view along the line B-B' of FIG. 3.

[0092] Referring to FIG. 4, the flexible region (101) may include a plurality of layers (101a, 101b). The plurality of layers (101a, 101b) may be stacked sequentially. For example, the plurality of layers (101a, 101b) may be arranged to be stacked in a direction perpendicular to the bending region (10a) of the housing (10).

[0093] The flexible region (101) may include at least two or more layers (101a, 101b). That is, although the drawing shows two layers (101a, 101b) stacked to form the structure, the number of layers in the flexible region (101) is not necessarily limited to this. The multiple layers (101a, 101b) may be provided in various number according to the type or strength of the signal to be transmitted from one part to another part through the connecting device (100). For example, it may be configured to include a total of six layers. The number of layers may differ between the flexible region (101) and the rigid region (102). For example, the rigid region (102) may have a six-layer structure, while the flexible region (101) may have a four-layer structure. In particular, the flexible region (101) corresponding to the bending region (10a) may be implemented as a four-layer structure with an air gap formed so that bending can be performed more easily.

[0094] FIG. 4 illustrates a plurality of layers (101a, 101b) including an RF signal line (110) among the total plurality of layers.

[0095] The RF signal line (110) is configured to ensure that RF signals are transmitted stably and efficiently between a plurality of components (20) interconnected by a connecting device (100).

[0096] The RF signal line (110) may be included in each of the multiple layers (101a, 101b). For convenience of explanation, the upper layer is referred to as the first layer (101a), the line included in the first layer (101a) as the first RF signal line (110-1), and the lower layer and its line as the second layer (101b) and the second RF signal line (110-2). Here, the upper and lower sides are merely terms used based on the direction shown in FIG. 4, and the direction in which they are mounted on the actual electronic device (100) may differ.

[0097] The first RF signal line (110-1) and the second RF signal line (110-2) can be branched from a single RF signal line.

[0098] Referring to FIG. 5, the rigid region (102) may include a main RF signal line (110a). The main RF signal line (110a) provided in the rigid region (102) branches upward or downward through vias (not shown) at the portion in contact with the flexible region (101) and is connected to the first RF signal line (110-1) and the second RF signal line (110-2) within the flexible region (101), respectively.

[0099] At least two of the plurality of layers of the flexible region (101) (e.g., a first layer (101a) and a second layer (101b)) may each include an RF signal line (e.g., a first RF signal line (110-1) and a second RF signal line (110-2)). The first and second RF signal lines (110-1, 110-2) may be branched from a main RF signal line (110a) included in a rigid region (102) adjacent to the flexible region (101).

[0100] In this way, the first RF signal line (110-1) and the second RF signal line (110-2), through which the same signal can be transmitted, are branched from the main RF signal line (110a) in a direction perpendicular to the bending area (10a) of the housing (10), thereby significantly reducing the required value for the minimum width of the connecting device (100) required for the signal between a plurality of components (20) to be efficiently transmitted by the connecting device (100). Here, the width of the connecting device (100) may refer to a direction perpendicular to the direction in which a plurality of layers (101a, 101b) are stacked. For example, the width of one area of ​​the connecting device (100) may be 200 µm.

[0101] As the required value for the minimum width of the connecting device (100) required for efficient transmission of signals between multiple components (20) by the connecting device (100) is reduced, the electronic device (1) can be miniaturized. As the electronic device (1) becomes miniaturized, the usability and portability of the electronic device (1) can be increased. Furthermore, the manufacturing cost of the electronic device (1) can be reduced, and the time required for the manufacturing process can also be shortened.

[0102] FIG. 6 is a drawing showing a cross-section of a flexible region of a connecting device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0103] Referring to FIG. 6, the flexible region (101) may include a plurality of layers (101a, 101b). Each of the plurality of layers (101a, 101b) may include both an RF signal line (110) and a ground line (120).

[0104] The first RF signal line (110-1) placed in the first layer (101a) and the second RF signal line (110-2) placed in the second layer (101b) may be branched from the main RF signal line (101a, see FIG. 5) provided in the rigid area (102) adjacent to the flexible area (101). That is, the first RF signal line (110-1) and the second RF signal line (110-2) may both be configured to transmit the same signal.

[0105] The RF signal line (110) can be positioned so as to be spaced apart from the ground line (120).

[0106] The first layer (101a) may include a first ground line (120-1). The second layer (101b) may include a second ground line (120-2).

[0107] The first ground line (120-1) may be positioned so as to be spaced apart from the first RF signal line (110-1). The second ground line (120-2) may be positioned so as to be spaced apart from the second RF signal line (110-2).

[0108] The distance (D1) at which the ground line (120) is separated from the RF signal line (110) can all be the same. For example, the distance between the first ground line (120-1) and the first RF signal line (110-1) and the distance between the second ground line (120-2) and the second RF signal line (110-2) can all be the same as D1.

[0109] The first RF signal line (110-1) and the second RF signal line (110-2) can be arranged to face each other.

[0110] That is, the center (P1) of the first RF signal line (110-1) and the center (P2) of the second RF signal line (110-2) can be positioned on a virtual same axis.

[0111] Since the first RF signal line (110-1) and the second RF signal line (110-2) are configured to transmit signals of the same frequency, mutual crosstalk may not occur.

[0112] The first ground line (120-1) and the second ground line (120-2) may be positioned so as not to face each other.

[0113] An imaginary axis passing through the center (P3) of the first ground line (120-1) and an imaginary axis passing through the center (P4) of the second ground line (120-2) can be parallel to each other.

[0114] A ground line (120) may be spaced apart from one side of an RF signal line (110). A first ground line (120-1) may be placed on one side of the first RF signal line (110-1). A second ground line (120-2) may be placed on one side of the second RF signal line (110-2). The direction in which the first ground line (120-1) is placed and the direction in which the second ground line (120-2) is placed may be symmetrical with respect to a virtual axis passing through the center (P1, P2) of the first RF signal line (110-1) and the second RF signal line (110-2), respectively.

[0115] That is, the ground line (120) may be positioned unilaterally with respect to the RF signal line (110), and the direction in which the multiple ground lines (120-1, 120-2) included in each of the different multiple layers (101a, 101b) are positioned may be opposite.

[0116] In this way, by positioning the ground line (120) on one side relative to the RF signal line (110), the electrical influence of the RF signal line (110) by the ground line (120) can be reduced. However, this is merely an example, and according to another embodiment, the ground lines may also be positioned opposite each other.

[0117] FIGS. 7 and 8 are cross-sectional drawings according to various embodiments of a connecting device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0118] Referring to FIG. 7, the flexible area (201) of the connection device (200) may include a first RF signal line to a fourth RF signal line (210-1, 210-2, 210-3, 210-4). Additionally, the flexible area (201) may include a first ground line to a fourth ground line (220-1, 220-2, 220-3, 220-4).

[0119] The first RF signal line (210-1) and the second RF signal line (210-2) may be arranged to face each other. The first RF signal line (210-1) and the second RF signal line (210-2) may be arranged in the first layer (201a) and the second layer (201b), respectively. That is, the first RF signal line (210-1) and the second RF signal line (210-2) may be arranged in different layers (e.g., the first layer (201a) and the second layer (201b)) to face each other.

[0120] The arrangement method of the first ground line (220-1) and the second ground line (220-2) is as described in FIG. 6.

[0121] The third RF signal line (210-3) and the fourth RF signal line (210-4) may be spaced apart from the first RF signal line (210-1) and the second RF signal line (210-2).

[0122] The third RF signal line (210-3) can be provided in the first layer (201a) where the first RF signal line (210-1) is placed.

[0123] The fourth RF signal line (210-4) can be provided in the first layer (201b) where the second RF signal line (210-2) is placed.

[0124] The first RF signal line (210-1) and the second RF signal line (210-2) may be configured to transmit signals of the same frequency.

[0125] The third RF signal line (210-3) and the fourth RF signal line (210-4) may be configured to transmit signals of the same frequency.

[0126] The signals transmitted to the first RF signal line (210-1) and the second RF signal line (210-2) and the signals transmitted to the third RF signal line (210-3) and the fourth RF signal line (210-4) may have different frequencies.

[0127] A third ground line (220-3) may be placed between the first ground line (220-1) and the third RF signal line (210-3). The third ground line (220-3) may be provided in the first layer (201a) where the first RF signal line (210-1) is placed.

[0128] In other words, the first RF signal line (210-1), the first ground line (220-1), the third RF signal line (210-3), and the third ground line (220-3) can all be placed on the same layer (e.g., the first layer (201a)).

[0129] For example, the first RF signal line (210-1), the first ground line (220-1), the third RF signal line (210-3), and the third ground line (220-3) may be arranged in parallel at a certain distance apart.

[0130] The fourth ground line (220-4) may be positioned biased to one side of the fourth RF signal line (210-4).

[0131] The fourth ground line (220-4) can be positioned in the opposite direction to where the third ground line (220-3) is positioned.

[0132] That is, the arrangement of the third RF signal line (210-3), the fourth RF signal line (210-4), the third ground line (220-3), and the fourth ground line (220-4) may be mirror-symmetric with respect to the arrangement of the first RF signal line (210-1), the second RF signal line (210-2), the first ground line (220-1), and the second ground line (220-2).

[0133] Accordingly, the distance between the first RF signal line (210-1), the second RF signal line (210-2), the third RF signal line (210-3), and the fourth RF signal line (210-4) that transmit different signals can be spaced apart by more than a certain distance.

[0134] Here, the term "certain distance" may mean the sum of the distance between the first RF signal line (210-1) and the first ground line (220-1), the width of the first ground line (220-1), the distance between the first ground line (220-1) and the third ground line (220-3), the width of the third ground line (220-3), and the distance between the third ground line (220-3) and the third RF signal line (210-3).

[0135] By placing a first ground line (220-1) and a third ground line (220-3) between a first RF signal line (210-1) and a third RF signal line (210-3) for transmitting different signals, it is possible to prevent crosstalk from occurring between the first RF signal line (210-1) and the third RF signal line (210-3) due to mutual radio interference. Alternatively, the degree of crosstalk occurring between the first RF signal line (210-1) and the third RF signal line (210-3) due to mutual radio interference can be reduced.

[0136] Alternatively, crosstalk between the second RF signal line (210-2) and the fourth RF signal line (210-4) can be prevented by a dielectric material filled with a width corresponding to the first ground line (220-1) and the third ground line (220-3) between the second RF signal line (210-2) and the fourth RF signal line (210-4). Alternatively, the degree of crosstalk between the second RF signal line (210-2) and the fourth RF signal line (210-4) can be reduced.

[0137] Although not illustrated in the drawings, the first to fourth RF signal lines (210-1, 210-2, 210-3, 210-4) may be branched from one configuration of an adjacent rigid region. For example, the first and second RF signal lines (210-1, 210-2) may be branched from the first main RF signal line (210a-1), and the third and fourth RF signal lines (210-3, 210-4) may be branched from the second main RF signal line (210a-2).

[0138] In the drawing, the flexible area (201) of the connection device (200) is shown as having four RF signal lines (210) and four ground lines (220), but the number of each component is not necessarily limited to this.

[0139] For example, if an odd number of RF signal lines (210) and ground lines (220) are added to one side of FIG. 7, the arrangement of the added RF signal lines (210) and ground lines (220) may be the same as the arrangement of the first and second RF signal lines (210-1, 210-2) and the first and second ground lines (220-1, 220-2).

[0140] When an RF signal line (210) and a ground line (220) are added an even number of times, the arrangement of the added RF signal line (210) and ground line (220) may be the same as the arrangement of the third and fourth RF signal lines (210-3, 210-3) and the third and fourth ground lines (220-3, 220-4).

[0141] In this way, by arranging multiple RF signal lines (210) for transmitting signals of different frequencies in the shape as shown, crosstalk between multiple RF signals of different types can be prevented.

[0142] Meanwhile, a first main RF signal line (210a) and a second main RF signal line (210b) may be provided in a rigid region (202) adjacent to a flexible region (201).

[0143] The first RF signal line (210-1) and the second RF signal line (210-2) may be branched from the first main RF signal line (210a). The third RF signal line (210-3) and the fourth RF signal line (210-4) may be branched from the second main RF signal line (210b).

[0144] Referring to FIG. 8, the flexible region (301) of the connection device (300) may include first to fourth RF signal lines (310-1, 310-2, 310-3, 310-4) and first to fourth ground lines (320-1, 320-2, 320-3, 320-4).

[0145] The arrangement of the first RF signal line (310-1), the second RF signal line (310-2), the first ground line (320-1), and the second ground line (320-2) may be as shown in FIG. 6.

[0146] The arrangement method of the third RF signal line (310-3), the fourth RF signal line (310-4), the third ground line (320-3), and the fourth ground line (320-4) may be the same as the arrangement method of the first RF signal line (310-1), the second RF signal line (310-2), and the first ground line (320-1) and the second ground line (320-2), respectively.

[0147] The number of RF signal lines (310) and ground lines (320) is not necessarily limited to that shown in the drawing, but the arrangement of the m-th RF signal line (310-m), n-th RF signal line (310-n), m-th ground line (320-m), and n-th ground line (320-n) may be the same as the arrangement of the first RF signal line (310-1), second RF signal line (310-2) and the first ground line (320-1) and second ground line (320-2), respectively. Here, n may mean m+1.

[0148] As such, multiple RF signal lines (310-1, ..., 310-n) and multiple ground lines (320-1, ..., 320-n) are arranged in a 'Z' shape, ground lines (e.g., first ground line (320-1), fourth ground line (320-4)) and dielectrics can be filled between RF signal lines transmitting signals of different frequencies. Accordingly, there is an effect of preventing crosstalk from occurring between RF signal lines transmitting signals of different frequencies.

[0149] Meanwhile, a first main RF signal line (310a) and a second main RF signal line (310b) may be provided in a rigid area (302) adjacent to a flexible area (301).

[0150] The first RF signal line (310-1) and the second RF signal line (310-2) may be branched from the first main RF signal line (310a). The third RF signal line (310-3) and the fourth RF signal line (310-4) may be branched from the second main RF signal line (310b).

[0151] Figure 9 is a drawing to illustrate an example of the detailed configuration of a connection device.

[0152] Referring to FIG. 9, the connecting device (400) may further include a connector (403).

[0153] The connector (403) is configured to allow the connecting device (400) to be electrically connected to each of the multiple different parts (20).

[0154] The connecting device (400) may include a first connector (403-1) and a second connector (403-2). The first connector (403-1) is configured to be connected to one of a plurality of parts (20), and the second connector (403-2) is configured to be connected to another of a plurality of parts (20).

[0155] The connector (403) may be composed of a rigid region. That is, the connector (403) may be formed of a hard material. Alternatively, the connector (403) may be made of a rigid material. The connector (403) may include a connecting member (not shown), such as a pin, to be connected to a plurality of parts (20).

[0156] The connecting device (400) may include a body portion (400A) for connecting between the first connector (403-1) and the second connector (403-2).

[0157] The body portion (400A) may include a flexible region (401) and a rigid region (402). In describing the structure of the flexible region (401) and the rigid region (402), any content that overlaps with that described in FIGS. 1 to 8 will be omitted.

[0158] The body portion (400A) may include a plurality of flexible regions (401) and a plurality of rigid regions (402).

[0159] A plurality of flexible regions (401) and a plurality of rigid regions (402) may be arranged alternately. In other words, the connecting device (400) may include a body portion (400A) in which one end is connected to a first connector (403-1) and the other end is connected to a second connector (403-2), and the body portion (400A) may include a plurality of flexible regions (401-1, 401-2, 401-3, 401-4, 401-5) and a plurality of rigid regions (402-1, 402-2, 402-3, 402-4, 402-5) arranged alternately.

[0160] In the drawing, both one end and the other end of the body part (400A) connected to the connector (403) are shown as flexible regions (e.g., the first flexible region (401-1) and the fifth flexible region (401-5)), but according to various embodiments, a rigid region (402) may be connected to the connector (403).

[0161] In addition, the plurality of flexible regions (401-1, 401-2, 401-3, 401-4, 401-5) and the plurality of rigid regions (402-1, 402-2, 402-3, 402-4, 402-5) may be varied according to the embodiment.

[0162] Meanwhile, although the width of the rigid region (402) in the drawing is shown as being smaller than the width of the flexible region (401), the width of the rigid region (402) may be formed to be larger than the width of the flexible region (401).

[0163] The rigid region (402) may be coupled to the inner surface of the housing (10) by a separate coupling member (not shown). Alternatively, the rigid region (402) may be coupled to a plurality of parts (20) by a separate coupling member.

[0164] As the rigid region (402) is coupled to another configuration (e.g., housing (10) or a plurality of parts (20)), the connecting device (400) may not move out of a fixed position within the housing (10).

[0165] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram showing a cross-section along the line C-C' of Figure 9.

[0166] FIG. 10 is a diagram briefly illustrating the layers of each region to compare and explain the layers of the flexible region (401) and the rigid region (402) of the connecting device (400).

[0167] Referring to FIG. 10, the rigid region (402) may be formed thicker than the flexible region (401). That is, the rigid region (402) may include a greater number of layers stacked than the flexible region (401).

[0168] For example, the rigid region (402) may include a first number of multiple layers (402a, 402b, 402c, 402d, 402e, 402f), and the flexible region (401) may include a second number of multiple layers (401a, 401b, 401c, 401d) that is smaller than the first number. Here, the first number may be 6, and the second number may be 4.

[0169] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram showing a cross-section along the line D-D' of Figure 9.

[0170] Referring to FIG. 11, the flexible region (401) may include a first layer (401a), a second layer (401b), a third layer (401c), and a fourth layer (401d). Additionally, the flexible region (401) may further include an air gap (430).

[0171] The air gap (430) is configured to allow the shape of the flexible region (401) to be deformed by an external force. The air gap (430) can be provided between at least two layers (401).

[0172] As explained in FIG. 2, the flexible region (401) may be formed of a soft material, but there may be a limit to the degree of bending when multiple layers (401a, 401b, 401c, 401d) are included. Accordingly, by providing an air gap (430) between each of the multiple layers (401a, 401b, 401c, 401d), a space can be secured for the multiple layers (401a, 401b, 401c, 401d) to move.

[0173] The thickness of the air gap (430) can be changed as the shape of the flexible region (401) is deformed. For example, if the flexible region (401) has a flat shape, the thickness of the air gap (430) may be 1000 µm. During the process of the shape of the flexible region (401) being deformed, the thickness of one region of the air gap (430) may be reduced to 0 µm.

[0174] That is, the thickness of the air gap (430) may not always be the same and may vary as the positions of the multiple layers (401a, 401b, 401c, 401d) change during the process of changing the shape of the flexible region (401).

[0175] Meanwhile, the flexible region (401) may include first to fourth RF signal lines (410-1, 410-2, 410-3, 410-4) and first to fourth ground lines (420-1, 420-2, 420-3, 420-4).

[0176] The arrangement of the first to fourth RF signal lines (410-1, 410-2, 410-3, 410-4) and the first to fourth ground lines (420-1, 420-2, 420-3, 420-4), respectively, may be as described in FIG. 7. Alternatively, according to one embodiment, the arrangement of the RF signal lines (410) and ground lines (420) may differ, and since this is as described in FIG. 8, redundant details will be omitted.

[0177] Additionally, the third layer (401c) and the fourth layer (401d) may include fifth to eighth RF signal lines (not shown) and fifth to eighth ground lines (not shown), and their arrangement method may be the same as that of the first and second layers (401a, 401b). Alternatively, the arrangement method of the plurality of RF signal lines and the plurality of ground lines arranged in the third and fourth layers (401c, 401d) may be different from that of the first and second layers (401a, 401b). However, even in this case, the arrangement method of the plurality of lines may be the same as the arrangement method mentioned in the description of the preceding drawings.

[0178] Meanwhile, the connecting device (400) may further include a power supply line (440). The power supply line (440) is configured to allow current to flow between a component (20) connected to the first connector (403-1) and another component (20) connected to the second connector (403-2).

[0179] The power supply line (440) may be placed between the first RF signal line (410-1) and the third RF signal line (410-3). The power supply line (440) may be placed in a layer other than the layer (e.g., the first layer (401a) and the second layer (401b)) where the plurality of RF signal lines (410-1, 410-2, 410-3, 410-4) and the plurality of ground lines (420-1, 420-2, 420-3, 420-4) are placed. For example, when a plurality of RF signal lines (410-1, 410-2, 410-3, 410-4) and a plurality of ground lines (420-1, 420-2, 420-3, 420-4) are placed in the first layer (401a) and the second layer (401b), the power supply line (440) may be placed in the third layer (401c) or the fourth layer (401d).

[0180] Figure 12 is a diagram illustrating the impedance of an RF signal line according to the thickness of the air gap.

[0181] Referring to Fig. 12, in one example, when the frequency of the signal transmitted by the RF signal line is 1 GHz, the impedance value of the RF signal line according to the thickness of the air gap can be determined.

[0182] For example, if the thickness of the air gap is 0 µm, the impedance of the RF signal line may be 51.585485 ohms (Ω). Or, if the thickness of the air gap is 25 µm, the impedance of the RF signal line may be 51.938836 ohms. Or, if the thickness of the air gap is 50 µm, the impedance of the RF signal line may be 51.752186 ohms. Or, if the thickness of the air gap is 500 µm, the impedance of the RF signal line may be 52.870436 ohms. Or, if the thickness of the air gap is 1000 µm, the impedance of the RF signal line may be 52.770103 ohms.

[0183] In this way, when the thickness of the air gap is 0 µm to 1000 µm, the impedance of the RF signal line may be 51.5 ohms to 52.8 ohms.

[0184] That is, as described in FIG. 11, when the shape of the flexible area (401) positioned to correspond thereto is deformed as the shape of the bending area (10a) of the housing (10) is deformed, the thickness of the air gap (430) also has various values, and even if the thickness of the air gap (430) is changed to various values, the impedance value of the RF signal line (410) can be maintained within a specific range.

[0185] Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 11, even if RF signal lines for transmitting the same frequency are vertically branched and arranged (e.g., the arrangement of the first RF signal line (410-1) and the second RF signal line (410-2)) and an air gap (430) is provided between the two layers where each RF signal line is arranged (e.g., the first layer (401a) and the second layer (401b)), the impedance values ​​of the first RF signal line (410-1) and the second RF signal line (410-2) can be maintained within 51.5 ohms to 52.8 ohms. Accordingly, an RF signal of a specific frequency can be stably transmitted between a plurality of components (20) through the connection device (400).

[0186] FIGS. 13 and FIGS. 14 are drawings for explaining insertion loss occurring in an RF signal line of a connection device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0187] FIG. 13 is a graph showing the degree of insertion loss of a first RF signal line (e.g., the first RF signal line (410-1) of FIG. 11), and FIG. 14 is a graph showing the degree of insertion loss of a second RF signal line (e.g., the second RF signal line (410-2) of FIG. 11).

[0188] Referring to FIGS. 13 and 14, the horizontal axis represents the frequency of a radio signal transmitted through an RF signal line, and the vertical axis represents the amount of signal attenuation (dB, decibel) when the radio signal is input to a connection device (e.g., the connection device (400) of FIG. 11) and when it is output through the connection device (400). The closer the value of the vertical axis is to 0, the less signal loss there is.

[0189] For example, if the frequency of a radio signal transmitted through a connection device is 13 GHz, the amount of insertion loss of the radio signal can be approximately 4 dB when the connection device is a standard CPW transmission line.

[0190] On the other hand, if the connecting device is a connecting device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure (e.g., the connecting device (400) of FIG. 11), the amount of insertion loss of the radio signal under the same conditions may be approximately 2 dB.

[0191] As can be seen from these experimental data, a connection device (400) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can reduce the amount of insertion loss of a radio signal input to the first cable (403-1) and a radio signal output to the second cable (403-2) by arranging a plurality of RF signal lines (e.g., a first RF signal line (410-1) and a second RF signal line (410-2)) branched from a main RF signal line of an adjacent rigid region (402) to each of at least two layers (e.g., a first layer (401a) and a second layer (401b)) of a flexible region (401), and arranging a ground line on one side of each of the plurality of RF signal lines so as not to face each other.

[0192] FIG. 15 is a diagram for explaining the amount of noise generated in a connection device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0193] Referring to FIG. 15, the horizontal axis represents the frequency of the radio signal transmitted through the connection device (400), and the vertical axis represents the amount of noise generated (dB, decibel).

[0194] Under conditions where the radio signal frequency is 13 GHz, a typical CPW transmission line may generate approximately -25 dB of noise.

[0195] In contrast, in the case of the connection device (400) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, noise of approximately -38dB may occur under the same conditions.

[0196] That is, when a radio signal of the same frequency is transmitted, the amount of noise generated in the connection device (400) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may be approximately 13 dB smaller than the amount of noise generated in a general CPW transmission line.

[0197] As such, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a connection device having a structure in which a plurality of RF signal lines are arranged to face each other can reduce the amount of noise generated, so the clarity of the radio signal transmitted through the connection device (400) is increased and the communication quality can be improved.

[0198] As described above, in the electronic device (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the connection device (100) included therein has RF signal lines (110) arranged so as to face each other in at least two layers included in the flexible region (101), and ground lines (120) arranged so as to face each other, so that the width of the connection device (100) required to have a constant impedance value without crosstalk can be reduced.

[0199] Accordingly, it may be possible to miniaturize the electronic device (1) including the connecting device (100) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0200] In addition, the connecting device (100) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may have sufficient flexibility so that when the shape of the bending region (10a) of the housing (10) is deformed by having an air gap (130) placed between a plurality of layers, it can be deformed into a corresponding shape.

[0201] In addition, the ground line (120) is positioned so that it is deflected and non-facing to both sides relative to the same frequency RF signal line (110), so that the impedance deviation of the RF signal line (110) due to the air gap (130) can be very small.

[0202] Meanwhile, the flexible region (101) may be provided as a single portion in one portion of the connecting device (100), but may also be provided in multiple arbitrary portions. That is, when the bending region (10a) of the housing (10) of the electronic device (1) is divided into multiple portions, the flexible region (101) of the connecting device (100) may be formed in a number corresponding to the number of bending regions (10a).

[0203] For example, if the electronic device (1) includes a housing (10) whose shape is deformed based on a single hinge section, the connecting device (100) may include a single flexible region (101).

[0204] FIG. 16 illustrates a case where an electronic device (1) according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure is implemented as a flip phone (1000). For convenience of explanation, FIG. 16 uses reference numerals different from those used in the other embodiments described above.

[0205] Referring to FIG. 16, the electronic device (1) may be a flip-type electronic device. The electronic device (1) may include a housing structure (1010), a bending area (1010a), a first display (1013), and a second display (1014). The housing structure (1010) may include a first housing part (1011) and a second housing part (1012).

[0206] The bending area (1010a) may include a hinge for rotatably joining the first housing part (1011) and the second housing part (1012) and a hinge housing part for covering the hinge. In the various embodiments described above, the bending area (1010a) is illustrated and described as an area having a certain area, but in FIG. 16 and FIG. 17, it is illustrated as a bending line.

[0207] The first housing part (1011) can be rotatably coupled to the second housing part (1012) by the bending area (1010a). The first housing part (1011) and the second housing part (1012) can be rotated with respect to the bending area (1010a). By the bending area (1010a), the relative position, angle, shape, and / or distance of the first housing part (1011) and the second housing part (1012), which are rigid bodies, can be changed by an external force. While the first housing part (1011) is rotated with respect to the bending area (1010a), the second housing part (1012) can be rotated with respect to the bending area (1010a). For example, when the first housing part (1011) and the second housing part (1012) are rotated with respect to the bending region (1010a), the angular displacement of the first housing part (1011) may be substantially the same as the angular displacement of the second housing part (1012). The folding axis formed in the bending region (1010a) may be the rotation axis of the first housing part (1011) and the second housing part (1012). Although not shown in the drawing, the folding axis may be a single axis formed along the longitudinal direction of the bending region (1010a). As the first housing part (1011) and / or the second housing part (1012) are rotated about the folding axis, the angle between the first housing part (1011) and the second housing part (1012) may change.

[0208] The electronic device (1) may include a first display (1013). The first display (1013) is implemented as a foldable flexible display and may include a touch circuit for detecting touch input.

[0209] The first display (1013) can be placed on the front of the first housing part (1011) and the second housing part (1012).

[0210] For example, the first display (1013) may be positioned across the bending area (1010a) from the first housing part (1011) to the second housing part (1012). The second display (1014) is implemented as a flat display and may include a touch circuit for detecting touch input. The second display (1014) may be positioned on the rear surface of the first housing part (1011).

[0211] In the present disclosure, the surface on which the first display (1013) is placed may be defined as the front surface of the electronic device (1), and the opposite surface of the front surface may be defined as the rear surface of the electronic device (1).

[0212] For example, the first display (1013) may be replaced with a front display or main display, and the second display (1014) may be replaced with a rear display or sub display.

[0213] Additionally, the camera (1016) can be placed on the rear of the first housing part (1011).

[0214] The electronic device (1) may further include a key button (1015).

[0215] A key button (1015) can be placed on the side of the first housing part (1011).

[0216] For example, a key button (1015) may be exposed from a structure (e.g., an opening) formed on the side of the first housing part (1011) and may partially protrude outside the electronic device (1). The key button (1015) may provide physical input to a processing circuit inside the electronic device (1) by pressure transmitted from the outside.

[0217] The key button (1015) is not included in the electronic device (1) and may be implemented in other forms, such as a soft key displayed on the first display (1013) or the second display (1014).

[0218] Based on the bending area (1010a), the electronic device (1) can be modified in various ways.

[0219] For example, the electronic device (1) can be transformed into a first state. The first state of the electronic device (1) may be referred to as a fully unfolded state, an open state, an unfolded state, a flat state, and / or a planar state.

[0220] In the first state, the front of the first housing part (1011) and the front of the second housing part (1012) may define the front of the electronic device (1). In the first state, the front of the first housing part (1011) and the front of the second housing part (1012) face in the same direction, and the angle between the first housing part (1011) and the second housing part (1012) may be substantially a straight angle (e.g., about 180 degrees).

[0221] The angle between the first housing part (1011) and the second housing part (1012) may correspond to the angle between one side of the first housing part (1011) and one side of the second housing part (1012) on which the first display (1013) is disposed, which can be folded by the folding axis of the bending area (1010a). In the first state, the first display (1013) may have a substantially flat shape.

[0222] Alternatively, the electronic device (1) may be deformed into a second state based on the bending area (1010a). The second state of the electronic device (1) may be referred to as a fully folded state, a folded state, and / or a closed state.

[0223] In the second state, the front of the first housing part (1011) and the front of the second housing part (1012) face in opposite directions to each other, and the angle between the first housing part (1011) and the second housing part (1012) may be substantially 0 degrees. In the second state, the first display (1013) may be completely visually obscured by the first housing part (1011) and the second housing part (1012).

[0224] In this structure, an antenna module may be provided in at least one of the upper and lower housing parts.

[0225] The antenna module can transmit a signal or power to an external source (e.g., an external electronic device) or receive it from an external source. According to one embodiment, the antenna module may include an antenna comprising a radiator made of a conductor or a conductive pattern formed on a substrate (e.g., a PCB).

[0226] According to one embodiment, the antenna module may include a plurality of antennas (e.g., array antennas). In this case, at least one antenna suitable for a communication method used in various communication networks may be optionally used. Signals or power may be transmitted or received between the communication module and an external electronic device through the selected at least one antenna. According to some embodiments, in addition to the radiator, other components (e.g., a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC)) may be additionally formed as part of the antenna module.

[0227] According to various embodiments, the antenna module 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 to a first surface (e.g., bottom surface) of the printed circuit board and capable of supporting a specified high frequency band (e.g., mmWave band), and a plurality of antennas (e.g., array antennas) disposed on or adjacent to a second surface (e.g., top surface or side surface) of the printed circuit board and capable of transmitting or receiving a signal of the specified high frequency band.

[0228] RF signals received through such antenna modules or RF signals to be transmitted externally through antenna modules can be transmitted and received through a connection device (1100).

[0229] FIG. 17 shows a case where an electronic device (1) according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure is implemented as a foldable phone (2000).

[0230] A foldable type electronic device (1) may include a housing structure (2010), a bending region (2010a), a first display (2012), and a second display (2012). The housing structure (2010) may include a first housing part (2011) and a second housing part (2012).

[0231] When comparing the electronic device (1) of FIG. 16 with the electronic device (1) of FIG. 17, in FIG. 16, the first housing part (1011) and the second housing part (1012) are rotatably coupled up and down around the bending area (1010a), and in FIG. 17, the first housing part (2011) and the second housing part (2012) are rotatably coupled left and right around the bending area (2010a).

[0232] The bending area (2010a) may include a hinge for rotatably joining the first housing part (2011) and the second housing part (2012) and a hinge housing part for covering the hinge. The first housing part (2011) may be rotatably joined to the second housing part (2012) by the bending area (2010a).

[0233] The first housing part (2011) and the second housing part (2012) can be rotated with respect to the bending area (2010a).

[0234] The relative position, angle, shape, and / or distance of the first housing part (2011) and the second housing part (2012), which are rigid bodies, can be changed by an external force through the bending area (2010a).

[0235] While the first housing part (2011) is rotated with respect to the bending region (2010a), the second housing part (2012) may be rotated with respect to the bending region (2010a). For example, when the first housing part (2011) and the second housing part (2012) are rotated with respect to the bending region (2010a), the angular displacement of the first housing part (2011) may be substantially the same as the angular displacement of the second housing part (2012).

[0236] The folding axis formed in the bending area (2010a) may be the rotation axis of the first housing part (2011) and the second housing part (2012). Although not shown in the drawing, the folding axis may be a single axis formed in the longitudinal direction of the bending area (2010a).

[0237] As the first housing part (2011) and / or the second housing part (2012) are rotated about the folding axis, the angle between the first housing part (2011) and the second housing part (2012) may change.

[0238] The electronic device (1) may include a first display (2013). The first display (2013) may be implemented as a foldable flexible display. The first display (2013) may be placed on the front of the first housing part (2011) and the second housing part (2012).

[0239] For example, the first display (2013) may be positioned across the bending area (2010a) from the first housing part (2011) to the second housing part (2012). The second display (2014) may be positioned on the rear surface of the first housing part (2011).

[0240] In the present disclosure, the surface on which the first display (2013) is placed may be defined as the front surface of the electronic device (1), and the opposite surface of the front surface may be defined as the rear surface of the electronic device (1).

[0241] For example, the first display (2013) may be replaced with a front display or main display, and the second display (2014) may be replaced with a rear display or sub display. Additionally, the camera (2016) may be positioned on the rear of the second housing part (2012).

[0242] The electronic device (1) may further include a key button (2015). The key button (2015) may be positioned on the side of the first housing part (2011). For example, the key button (2015) may be exposed from a structure (e.g., an opening) formed on the side of the second housing part (2012) and may partially protrude to the outside of the electronic device (1).

[0243] The key button (2015) can provide physical input to a processing circuit inside the electronic device (1) by means of pressure transmitted from the outside. The key button (2015) may be implemented in other forms, such as a soft key that is not included in the electronic device (1) but is displayed on the first display (2013) or the second display (2014).

[0244] As described in FIG. 16, in a configuration like FIG. 17, multiple parts may be arranged based on the bending area (2010a), and a connecting device (2100) connecting the parts may be installed. In FIG. 16, a connecting device (1100) connecting the upper and lower sides is used, but in FIG. 17, a connecting device (2100) connecting the left and right sides is used.

[0245] This connecting device (2100) can be manufactured with a structure as described in the various embodiments described above.

[0246] Meanwhile, in addition to this, the connecting device (2100) may also be implemented as a rollable device that rolls up like a scroll.

[0247] In this case, unlike FIGS. 16 and 17, bending is not performed based on a single bending line, but is performed over a wide area. Accordingly, the connecting device (100) mounted on the rollable device may include a plurality of flexible areas (101) so that the shape of the housing (10) can be rolled together when the electronic device is rolled.

[0248] In this case, if multiple rigid regions are also arranged between multiple flexible regions (101), line branching can be performed at the boundaries between the rigid regions and the flexible regions as described above.

[0249] In this case, the rigid region (102) may be formed to have a relatively smaller area compared to the flexible region (101). That is, the rigid region (102) may be placed together with the flexible region (101) in one area of ​​the connecting device (100) to the extent that the shape of the housing (10) is not limited to deformation.

[0250] As described above, the connecting device (100) according to various embodiments of the present disclosure can be applied without limitation to any electronic device that includes a display having a shape deformation by a hinge, such as a portable terminal, laptop, tablet PC, TV, etc.

[0251] At least one electronic device of the present disclosure includes a housing comprising a bendable bending region, a plurality of parts mounted within the housing, and a connecting device electrically connecting the plurality of parts.

[0252] Here, the connecting device includes at least one flexible region corresponding to the bending region, and the at least one flexible region includes a plurality of layers arranged in a stacked manner, and at least two of the plurality of layers each include both an RF signal line and a ground line, and the RF signal lines included in each of the at least two layers can be branched from a main RF signal line included in a rigid region adjacent to the flexible region.

[0253] For example, a first layer, which is one of the at least two layers, may include a first RF signal line and a first ground line positioned so as to be spaced apart from the first RF signal line, and a second layer, which is the other of the at least two layers, may include a second RF signal line and a second ground line positioned so as to be spaced apart from the second RF signal line.

[0254] For example, the first RF signal line and the second RF signal line may be arranged to face each other.

[0255] For example, the first ground line and the second ground line may be arranged so as not to face each other.

[0256] For example, the connecting device may include a first connector for connecting to one of the plurality of parts, a second connector for connecting to another of the plurality of parts, and a body portion for connecting between the first connector and the second connector.

[0257] For example, each of the first connector and the second connector may be composed of the rigid region.

[0258] For example, the body portion may have the flexible region and the rigid region arranged alternately.

[0259] For example, the rigid region may include a first number of the plurality of layers, and the flexible region may include a second number of the plurality of layers that is smaller than the first number.

[0260] For example, it may further include an air gap provided between at least two layers.

[0261] Meanwhile, in a connection device for electrically connecting a plurality of components, the connection device has a structure in which a flexible region and a rigid region are alternately arranged, and at least one of the flexible regions may include a plurality of layers and an air gap formed between the plurality of layers.

[0262] For example, at least two of the plurality of layers may each include both an RF signal line and a ground line.

[0263] For example, each of the RF signal lines included in the at least two layers may be branched from the main RF signal line of the adjacent rigid region.

[0264] For example, a first layer, which is one of the at least two layers, may include a first RF signal line and a first ground line spaced apart from the first RF signal line.

[0265] For example, the other of the at least two layers, the second layer, may include a second RF signal line and a second ground line spaced apart from the second RF signal line.

[0266] For example, the first RF signal line and the second RF signal line may be arranged to face each other.

[0267] For example, the first ground line and the second ground line may be arranged so as not to face each other.

[0268] For example, the connecting device may include a first connector for connecting to one of the plurality of parts, a second connector for connecting to another of the plurality of parts, and a body portion for connecting between the first connector and the second connector.

[0269] For example, each of the first connector and the second connector may be composed of the rigid region, and the body may have a structure in which the flexible region and the rigid region are alternately arranged.

[0270] For example, the rigid region may include a first number of the plurality of layers, and the flexible region may include a second number of the plurality of layers that is smaller than the first number.

[0271] Although various embodiments of the present disclosure have been described individually above, each embodiment is not required to be implemented alone, and the configuration and operation of each embodiment may be implemented in combination with at least one other embodiment.

[0272] Furthermore, although preferred embodiments of the present disclosure have been illustrated and described above, the present disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments described above. It is understood that various modifications can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the essence of the present disclosure as claimed in the claims, and such modifications should not be understood individually from the technical spirit or perspective of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. In an electronic device, Housing including a bendable bending area; A plurality of parts mounted within the above housing; and A connecting device that electrically connects the plurality of parts above; is included, The above connecting device is, It includes at least one flexible region corresponding to the bending region, and The above at least one flexible region is, It includes a plurality of layers stacked sequentially, At least two of the plurality of layers each include both an RF signal line and a ground line, and An electronic device in which the RF signal lines included in each of the above at least two layers branch off from the main RF signal line included in the rigid region adjacent to the flexible region.

2. In Paragraph 1, The first layer, which is one of the above at least two layers, is, It includes a first RF signal line and a first ground line positioned apart from the first RF signal line, The second layer, which is the other of the above at least two layers, is, An electronic device comprising a second RF signal line and a second ground line positioned apart from the second RF signal line.

3. In Paragraph 2, An electronic device in which the first RF signal line and the second RF signal line are arranged to face each other.

4. In Paragraph 3, An electronic device in which the first ground line and the second ground line are arranged so as not to face each other.

5. In Paragraph 1, The above connecting device is, A first connector for connecting to one of the above plurality of parts; A second connector for connecting to another of the plurality of parts above; and An electronic device comprising a body portion for connecting between the first connector and the second connector.

6. In Paragraph 5, An electronic device in which each of the first connector and the second connector is composed of the rigid region.

7. In Paragraph 6, The above body part is, An electronic device in which the flexible region and the rigid region are alternately arranged.

8. In Paragraph 7, An electronic device wherein the rigid region comprises a first number of the plurality of layers, and the flexible region comprises a second number of the plurality of layers smaller than the first number.

9. In Paragraph 1, An electronic device further comprising an air gap provided between at least two layers.

10. In a connecting device for electrically connecting multiple components, The above connecting device is, It is a structure in which flexible regions and rigid regions are arranged alternately, and At least one of the above flexible regions is, Multiple layers; and Includes an air gap formed between the plurality of layers; At least two of the plurality of layers each include both an RF signal line and a ground line, and A connection device in which the RF signal lines included in each of the at least two layers are branched from the main RF signal line included in the rigid region adjacent to the flexible region.

11. In Paragraph 10, The first layer, which is one of the above at least two layers, is, It includes a first RF signal line and a first ground line positioned apart from the first RF signal line, The second layer, which is the other of the above at least two layers, is, A connection device comprising a second RF signal line and a second ground line positioned apart from the second RF signal line.

12. In Paragraph 11, A connecting device in which the first RF signal line and the second RF signal line are arranged to face each other.

13. In Paragraph 11, A connecting device in which the first ground line and the second ground line are arranged so as not to face each other.

14. In Paragraph 9, The above connecting device is, A first connector for connecting to one of the above plurality of parts; A second connector for connecting to another of the plurality of parts above; and A connecting device comprising a body portion for connecting between the first connector and the second connector.

15. In Paragraph 14, Each of the first connector and the second connector is composed of the rigid region, and The above body portion has a structure in which the flexible region and the rigid region are arranged alternately, and A connection device in which the rigid region comprises a first number of the plurality of layers, and the flexible region comprises a second number of the plurality of layers smaller than the first number.

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