Portable electronic device with auxiliary input device and flex connector therefor

摘要

A portable electronic device includes a lower housing and an upper housing slidable relative to the lower housing between closed and open positions. The upper housing includes an auxiliary input device and a display. A primary flex connector electrically connects the lower and upper housings. At least one secondary flex connector may electrically connect the primary flex connector to the auxiliary input device or the display. The upper housing may include a cover plate that is removable to allow access to at least a portion of the flex connectors.

主权项

1. A portable electronic device, comprising:
a lower housing; an upper housing coupled to the lower housing and slidable relative thereto between a closed position and an open position, the upper housing including a display disposed on a front of the upper housing generally between first and second lateral sides of the upper housing, the upper housing including an auxiliary input device disposed on the front; a primary flex connector configured to electrically connect the lower and upper housings, the primary flex connector comprising: i) a main portion aligned with a longitudinal axis of the portable electronic device, the main portion electrically connecting the upper housing to the lower housing; ii) a first flanking portion extending transverse to the main portion and having at least one electrical connector laterally offset from the main portion between the auxiliary input device and the first lateral side; and iii) a second flanking portion extending transverse to the main portion opposite the first flanking portion and having at least one electrical connector laterally offset from the main portion between the auxiliary input device and the second lateral side; andat least one secondary flex connector located within the upper housing and extending transverse to the longitudinal axis, each secondary flex connector electrically connected to one of the laterally offset electrical connectors and one of the display and the auxiliary input device.