Electronic device including vapor chamber

An electronic device may include: a housing, a support member disposed in an internal space of the housing and including a first surface and a second surface facing a direction opposite the first surface, wherein the support member includes a through hole in at least a portion thereof, and a vapor chamber disposed through at least a portion of the through-hole, wherein the vapor chamber may include: a first plate including a first plate portion including a plurality of pillars and a first flange portion extending along an edge of the first plate portion to have a first width, a second plate having a size corresponding to the first plate portion and including a second plate portion including a recess and a second flange portion extending along an edge of the second plate portion to have a second width less than the first width, and at least one wick disposed in the recess, wherein the wick may be accommodated through a closed space defined through coupling of the first plate and the second plate.

BACKGROUND

Field

The disclosure relates to an electronic device including a vapor chamber.

Description of Related Art

While electronic devices are gradually becoming smaller, functions thereof are gradually being diversified. According to the miniaturization and slimming of electronic devices, electrical elements embedded in an electronic device may be arranged such that the distances of the electronic elements from a surrounding structure are reduced or the electronic elements are concentrated, and may generate high-temperature heat due to the implementation of various functions. Such high-temperature heat may cause malfunction of the electronic device and may cause discomfort to a user. Accordingly, the electronic device may need a heat dissipation structure capable of effectively dissipating heat generated from the electrical elements to the surroundings.

An electronic device may include at least one board (e.g., a printed circuit board (PCB)) disposed in the internal space thereof and at least one electrical element (e.g., an application processor (AP)) as a heat generation source disposed on the board. At least one electrical element may generate heat, and the generated heat may be diffused to the surroundings through a heat dissipation structure disposed in the internal space of the electronic device. Such a heat dissipation structure may include a vapor chamber disposed to be adjacent to or at least partially in contact with the electrical element in the internal space of the electronic device. In the vapor chamber, two metal plates are bonded to each other to define a closed space, and a wick structure containing a working fluid (e.g., water) may be accommodated in the closed space, and the working fluid may lower high-temperature heat generated in the surroundings or diffuse the high-temperature heat to the surroundings via a pillar structure in the closed space while being repeatedly vaporized and liquefied.

However, since the vapor chamber is configured to have a relatively large volume through a bonding structure of the two plates, the vapor chamber may act counter to the slimming of the electronic device. For example, the vapor chamber may be disposed to at least partially penetrate a through hole provided in an inner bracket (e.g., a support member), but the bonding thickness of the two metal plates may act counter to the slimming of the electronic device. When such a bonding thickness is accommodated inside the through hole, the space in which the inner bracket is omitted is increased, and thus the rigidity of the electronic device may be reduced. In addition, since pillars are formed on the metal plate through a chemical process (e.g., an etching process), corrosion, perforation, or cracking may occur in the metal plate having a predetermined thickness or less. Therefore, the vacuum degree of the closed space may be lowered, and the performance of the vapor chamber may be degraded.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of the disclosure provide an electronic device including a vapor chamber.

Embodiments of the disclosure provide an electronic device including a vapor chamber that is capable of contributing to reduction in rigidity and slimming of the electronic device.

Embodiments of the disclosure provide an electronic device including a vapor chamber that is capable of increasing a yield and reducing a manufacturing cost.

An electronic device according to various example embodiments may include: a housing, a support member disposed in an internal space of the housing and including a first surface and a second surface facing a direction opposite the first surface, wherein the support member may include a through hole in at least a portion thereof, and a vapor chamber disposed through at least a portion of the through-hole, wherein the vapor chamber may include: a first plate including a first plate portion including a plurality of pillars and a first flange portion extending along an edge of the first plate portion and having a first width, a second plate having a size corresponding to the first plate portion and including a second plate portion including a recess and a second flange portion extending along an edge of the second plate portion and having a second width less than the first width, and at least one wick disposed in the recess, wherein the wick may be accommodated through a closed space defined through coupling of the first plate and the second plate, wherein the first plate and the second plate may be coupled to each other through bonding of the first flange portion and the second flange portion, and wherein the vapor chamber may be disposed in a manner in which at least a portion of the first flange portion that does not overlap the second flange portion is disposed on the first surface when the first plate is viewed from above.

The electronic device according to various example embodiments of the disclosure includes a vapor chamber having an improved bonding structure, and the vapor chamber is disposed on a support member via a bonding structure. Therefore, it is possible to suppress a decrease in rigidity of the electronic device and to be helpful in sliming the electronic device. In addition, the plates in the vapor chamber are provided through a mechanical process (e.g., a stamping process, a pressing process, or a beading process) so that the plates can be helpful in reinforcing mechanical strength.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG.1is a perspective view illustrating a front surface of a mobile electronic device according to various embodiments, andFIG.2is a rear a perspective view illustrating a rear surface of the mobile electronic device shown inFIG.1according to various embodiments.

Referring toFIGS.1and2, a mobile electronic device100may include a housing110that includes a first surface (or front surface)110A, a second surface (or rear surface)110B, and a lateral surface110C that surrounds a space between the first surface110A and the second surface110B. The housing110may refer to a structure that forms a part of the first surface110A, the second surface110B, and the lateral surface110C. The first surface110A may be formed of a front plate102(e.g., a glass plate or polymer plate coated with a variety of coating layers) at least a part of which is substantially transparent. The second surface110B may be formed of a rear plate111which is substantially opaque. The rear plate111may be formed of, for example, coated or colored glass, ceramic, polymer, metal (e.g., aluminum, stainless steel (STS), or magnesium), or any combination thereof. The lateral surface110C may be formed of a lateral bezel structure (or “lateral member”)118which is combined with the front plate102and the rear plate111and includes a metal and/or polymer. The rear plate111and the lateral bezel structure118may be integrally formed and may be of the same material (e.g., a metallic material such as aluminum).

The front plate102may include two first regions110D disposed at long edges thereof, respectively, and bent and extended seamlessly from the first surface110A toward the rear plate111. Similarly, the rear plate111may include two second regions110E disposed at long edges thereof, respectively, and bent and extended seamlessly from the second surface110B toward the front plate102. The front plate102(or the rear plate111) may include only one of the first regions110D (or of the second regions110E). The first regions110D or the second regions110E may be omitted in part. When viewed from a lateral side of the mobile electronic device100, the lateral bezel structure118may have a first thickness (or width) on a lateral side where the first region110D or the second region110E is not included, and may have a second thickness, being less than the first thickness, on another lateral side where the first region110D or the second region110E is included.

The mobile electronic device100may include at least one of a display101, audio modules103,107and114, sensor modules104and119, camera modules105,112and113, a key input device117, a light emitting device, and connector hole108. The mobile electronic device100may omit at least one (e.g., the key input device117or the light emitting device) of the above components, or may further include other components.

The display101may be exposed through a substantial portion of the front plate102, for example. At least a part of the display101may be exposed through the front plate102that forms the first surface110A and the first region110D of the lateral surface110C. The display101may be combined with, or adjacent to, a touch sensing circuit, a pressure sensor capable of measuring the touch strength (pressure), and/or a digitizer for detecting a stylus pen. At least a part of the sensor modules104and119and/or at least a part of the key input device117may be disposed in the first region110D and/or the second region110E.

The audio modules103,107and114may correspond to a microphone hole103and speaker holes107and114, respectively. The microphone hole103may contain a microphone disposed therein for acquiring external sounds and, in a case, contain a plurality of microphones to sense a sound direction. The speaker holes107and114may be classified into an external speaker hole107and a call receiver hole114. The microphone hole103and the speaker holes107and114may be implemented as a single hole, or a speaker (e.g., a piezo speaker) may be provided without the speaker holes107and114.

The sensor modules104and119may generate electrical signals or data corresponding to an internal operating state of the mobile electronic device100or to an external environmental condition. The sensor modules104and119may include a first sensor module104(e.g., a proximity sensor) and/or a second sensor module (e.g., a fingerprint sensor) disposed on the first surface110A of the housing110, and/or a third sensor module119(e.g., a heart rate monitor (HRM) sensor) and/or a fourth sensor module (e.g., a fingerprint sensor) disposed on the second surface110B of the housing110. The fingerprint sensor may be disposed on the second surface110B as well as the first surface110A (e.g., the display101) of the housing110. The electronic device100may further include at least one of a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, an air pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a grip sensor, a color sensor, an infrared (IR) sensor, a biometric sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or an illuminance sensor.

The camera modules105,112and113may include a first camera device105disposed on the first surface110A of the electronic device100, and a second camera device112and/or a flash113disposed on the second surface110B. The camera module105or the camera module112may include one or more lenses, an image sensor, and/or an image signal processor. The flash113may include, for example, a light emitting diode or a xenon lamp. Two or more lenses (infrared cameras, wide angle and telephoto lenses) and image sensors may be disposed on one side of the electronic device100.

The key input device117may be disposed on the lateral surface110C of the housing110. The mobile electronic device100may not include some or all of the key input device117described above, and the key input device117which is not included may be implemented in another form such as a soft key on the display101. The key input device117may include the sensor module disposed on the second surface110B of the housing110.

The light emitting device may be disposed on the first surface110A of the housing110. For example, the light emitting device may provide status information of the electronic device100in an optical form. The light emitting device may provide a light source associated with the operation of the camera module105. The light emitting device may include, for example, a light emitting diode (LED), an IR LED, or a xenon lamp.

The connector hole108may include a first connector hole108adapted for a connector (e.g., a universal serial bus (USB) connector) for transmitting and receiving power and/or data to and from an external electronic device. The connector hole108may include a second connector hole (not shown) adapted for a connector (e.g., an earphone jack) for transmitting and receiving an audio signal to and from an external electronic device.

Some sensor modules105of camera modules105and212, some sensor modules104of sensor modules104and119, or an indicator may be arranged to be exposed through a display101. For example, the camera module105, the sensor module104, or the indicator may be arranged in the internal space of an electronic device100so as to be brought into contact with an external environment through an opening of the display101, which is perforated up to a front plate102. According to an embodiment, an area corresponding to some camera module105of the display101is a part of an area in which content is displayed, and may be formed as a transmission area having designated transmittance. For example, the transmission area may be formed to have transmittance having a range of about 5% to about 30%. For example, the transmission area may be formed to have transmittance having a range of about 30% to about 50%. For example, the transmission area may be formed to have transmittance having a range of over 50%. The transmission area may include an area overlapped with a valid area (e.g., a field of view (FOV)) of the camera module105through which light imaged by an image sensor and for generating an image passes. For example, a transmission area of the display101may include an area in which the density of pixels and/or a wiring density are lower than that of surroundings.

The camera module305may include, for example, under display camera (UDC). In an embodiment, some sensor modules104may be arranged to perform their functions without being visually exposed through the front plate102in the internal space of the electronic device. For example, in this case, an area of the display101facing the sensor module may not require a perforated opening.

According to various embodiments, an electronic device100has a bar-type or plate-type appearance, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the illustrated electronic device100may be a part of a foldable electronic device, a slidable electronic device, a stretchable electronic device, and/or a rollable electronic device. The “foldable electronic device”, the “slidable electronic device”, the “stretchable electronic device”, and/or the “rollable electronic device” may be an electronic device at least a part of which is folded thanks to a bendable display (e.g., the display330inFIG.3) may refer, for example, to an electronic device in which the display (e.g., the display330inFIG.3) is bendable and thus at least partially folded, an electronic device in which at least a portion of the display is wound or rolled, an electronic device in which a region of the display is at least partially expandable, and/or an electronic device in which the display is capable of being received in the inside of a housing (e.g., the housing (e.g., the housing110inFIGS.1and2). In the case of the foldable electronic device, the slidable electronic device, the stretchable electronic device, and/or the rollable electronic device, a user may use a screen display region in an expanded state by unfolding the display or exposing a greater area of the display to the outside if necessary.

FIG.3is an exploded perspective view of the electronic device100ofFIG.1according to various embodiments.

The electronic device300ofFIG.3may include an example embodiment of an electronic device that is at least partially similar to or different from the electronic device100ofFIGS.1and2.

Referring toFIG.3, the electronic device300(e.g., the electronic device100inFIG.1orFIG.2) may include a side member310(e.g., a side bezel structure), a support member (e.g. a support)311(e.g., a bracket or a support structure), a front cover320(e.g., the front plate102inFIG.1), a display330(e.g., the display101inFIG.1), at least one board341and/or342(e.g., a printed circuit board (PCB), a flexible PCB (FPCB), or a rigid-flex PCB (R-FPCB)), a battery350, an additional support member360(e.g., a rear case), an antenna370, and a rear cover380(e.g., the rear plate111inFIG.2). In various embodiments, in the electronic device300, at least one of the components (e.g., the second support member311or the additional support member360) may be omitted, or other components may be additionally included. At least one of the components of the electronic device300may be the same as or similar to at least one of the components of the electronic device100ofFIG.1or2, and a redundant description may be omitted below.

According to various embodiments, the side member310may include a first surface3101facing a first direction (e.g., z-axis direction), a second surface3102facing a direction opposite to the first surface3101, and a side surface3103surrounding a space (e.g., the internal space3001inFIG.9) between the first surface3101and the second surface3102. According to an embodiment, at least a portion of the side surface3103may define an exterior of the electronic device. According to an embodiment, the support member311may be disposed in a manner of extending from the side member310toward the internal space (e.g., the internal space3001ofFIG.9) of the electronic device300. In various embodiments, the support member311may be disposed separately from the side member310. According to an embodiment, the side member310and/or the support member311may be made of, for example, a metal material and/or a non-metal material (e.g., a polymer). According to an embodiment, the support member311may support at least a portion of the display330via the first surface3101, and may be disposed to support at least one board341or342and/or at least a portion of a battery350via the second surface3102. According to an embodiment, the at least one board341or342may include a first board341(e.g., a main board) disposed at one side in the internal space (e.g., the internal space3001inFIG.9) of the electronic device300with respect to the battery350and a second board342(e.g., a sub-board) disposed on at the other side. According to an embodiment, the first board341and/or the second board342may include a processor, a memory, and/or an interface. According to an embodiment, the processor may include one or more of, for example, a central processing unit, an application processor, a graphics processor, an image signal processor, a sensor hub processor, or a communication processor. According to an embodiment, the memory may include, for example, a volatile memory or a nonvolatile memory. According to an embodiment, the interface may include, for example, a high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI), a universal serial bus (USB) interface, an SD card interface, and/or an audio interface. The interface may electrically or physically connect, for example, the electronic device300to an external electronic device and may include a USB connector, an SD card/an MMC connector, or an audio connector. According to an embodiment, the battery350is a device for supplying power to at least one component of the electronic device300, and may include, for example, a non-rechargeable primary battery, a rechargeable secondary battery, or a fuel cell. At least a portion of the battery350may be disposed on, for example, a plane substantially coplanar with the at least one board341or342. According to an embodiment, the battery350may be disposed in a manner of being embedded in the electronic device300. In various embodiments, the battery350may be disposed to be detachable from/attachable to the electronic device300.

According to various embodiments, the antenna370may be disposed between the rear plate380and the battery350. The antenna370may include, for example, a near field communication (NFC) antenna, a wireless charging antenna, and/or a magnetic secure transmission (MST) antenna. The antenna370is capable of, for example, performing short-range communication with an external device or transmitting/receiving power required for charging to/from an external device in a wireless manner. In various embodiments, an antenna structure may be configured by a portion of the side member310, a portion of the support member311, or a combination thereof. In various embodiments, the electronic device300may further include a digitizer for detecting an external electronic pen.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device300may include a vapor chamber400disposed in the internal space thereof (e.g., the internal space3001inFIG.9) to rapidly diffuse, to the surroundings of the support member311, heat generated from an electrical element (e.g., the electrical element3411inFIG.9) disposed on the board341and acting as a heat generation source. According to an embodiment, the vapor chamber400may be configured to have a closed space (e.g., the closed space4203inFIG.6) through a bonding structure of two plates (e.g., the first plate410and the second plate420inFIG.4A). According to an embodiment, the vapor chamber400may be disposed in a manner of at least partially penetrating the through hole3104provided in the support member311or being at least partially accommodated in the through hole3104(as used herein, the “through hole” may include, but is not limited to, a hole, a recess, a cut out, or the like). In this case, through an example arrangement structure of the disclosure in which at least a portion of the improved bonding structure of the two plates (e.g., the first plate410and the second plate420inFIG.4A) is disposed on the first surface3101of the support member311, the vapor chamber400can be helpful in sliming the electronic device300. In an embodiment, since the two metal plates (e.g., the first plate410and the second plate420ofFIG.4A) of the vapor chamber400are provided through a mechanical process (e.g., a stamping process, a pressing process, or a beading process), the metal plates can have excellent mechanical strength, and can be helpful in reinforcing the rigidity of the electronic device300.

Hereinafter, the vapor chamber400disposed in the electronic device300will be described in greater detail with reference to various drawings.

FIG.4Ais an exploded perspective view of a vapor chamber400according to various embodiments.FIG.4Bis a diagram illustrating a bottom view of a first plate410according to various embodiments.

Referring toFIGS.4A and4B, the vapor chamber400may include a first plate410, a second plate420coupled to the first plate410in a manner of being at least partially bonded to the first plate410, and a wick structure (e.g., wick)430disposed in a closed space (e.g., the closed space4203inFIG.6) defined through the coupling of the410and the second plate420. According to an embodiment, the wick structure430may, for example, include a copper screen mesh and may include water as a working fluid. In various embodiments, the wick structure430may be configured in a woven wired form. In various embodiments, the wick structure430may include a porous structure (e.g., a laminate of metal powder) chemically provided in the closed space (e.g., the closed space4203ofFIG.6). According to an embodiment, the first plate410and the second plate420may be made of a metal material that can be easily processed through a mechanical process (e.g., a stamping process, a pressing process, or a beading process). For example, the first plate410and the second plate420may, for example, and without limitation, be made of at least one of a copper alloy, a low-carbon stainless steel (e.g.,304L or316L), or a titanium alloy. According to an embodiment, in the case of manufacturing the first plate410and/or the second plate420through a mechanical process (e.g., a stamping process, a pressing process, or a beading process), when the plates are made of a copper alloy material, a plate material having a thickness of about 50 μm or more may be used, and when the plates are made of a stainless steel or titanium alloy material, a plate material having a thickness of about 30 μm or more may be used.

According to various embodiments, the first plate410may include a first plate portion411and a first flange portion412extending at least partially along an edge of the first plate portion411to have a predetermined first width W1. According to an embodiment, the second plate420may include a second plate portion421having a size substantially corresponding to the first plate portion411and a second flange portion422at least partially extending along an edge of the second plate portion421to have a second width W2smaller (e.g., less than) than the first width W1. According to an embodiment, the second plate420may include a recess421aprovided through the second plate portion421and the second flange portion422and having a predetermined depth. According to an embodiment, the recess421amay be configured to a depth that is capable of accommodating the wick structure430.

According to various embodiments, the first plate410may include a first plate surface4101facing a first direction (e.g., the z-axis direction) and a second plate surface4102facing a second direction (e.g., the −z-axis direction) opposite to the first direction. According to an embodiment, the second plate420may include a third plate surface4201facing the first direction (e.g., the z-axis direction) and corresponding to the second plate surface4102and a fourth plate surface4202facing the second direction (e.g., the −z axis direction) opposite to the third plate4201. According to an embodiment, when the first plate410and the second plate420are bonded to each other, a closed space (e.g., the closed space4203inFIG.6) may be defined by the second surface4102and the third surface4201. For example, the second plate420may be bonded in a manner in which the second flange portion422is in plane contact with a portion of the first flange portion412of the first plate410. According to an embodiment, the first plate410and the second plate420may be bonded through a process such as brazing, diffusion bonding, soldering, or ultrasonic welding such that the closed space (e.g., the closed space4203inFIG.6) including the recess421asubstantially maintains a vacuum state.

According to various embodiments, the first plate410may include a plurality of pillars4111provided on the first plate part411to have a predetermined interval and/or protrusion amount. According to an embodiment, the plurality of pillars4111may be provided on the first plate410made of a metal material through a mechanical process (e.g., a stamping process, a pressing process, or a beading process). According to an embodiment, the plurality of pillars4111may be provided to protrude from the second plate surface4102of the first plate410toward the closed space (e.g., the −z-axis direction). According to an embodiment, the plurality of pillars4111may be provided to have a staggered type arrangement structure to reduce the flowing resistance of the working fluid. In various embodiments, the plurality of pillars4111may be provided to have an inline type arrangement structure. According to an embodiment, the plurality of pillars4111may have a protrusion amount that is capable of at least partially coming into contact with the wick structure430when the first plate410and the second plate420are bonded to each other.

According to various embodiments, the vapor chamber400may have an alignment structure capable of maintaining a temporarily assembled state before the first plate410and the second plate420are bonded to each other. For example, the vapor chamber400may include one or more seating grooves4121provided at the first flange portion412in the second surface4102of the first plate410to be lower than the outer surface. According to an embodiment, the vapor chamber400may include seating protrusions4221extending from the second flange portion422of the second plate420and provided at positions corresponding to the seating grooves4121. Therefore, when the first plate410and the second plate420are temporarily assembled before being bonded to each other, the seating protrusions4221of the second plate420are seated in the seating grooves4121in the first plate410so that assembly positions can be aligned.

According to various embodiments, the vapor chamber400may include one or more alignment grooves4122provided along the edge of the first flange portion412of the first plate410and configured to accommodate alignment protrusions (e.g., the alignment protrusions520inFIGS.8B and8C) provided on a jig (e.g., the jig500inFIG.8A) to be described in greater detail below. Accordingly, when the vapor chamber400is assembled through the through hole (e.g., the through hole3104inFIG.3) in the support member (e.g., the support member311inFIG.3), the position of the vapor chamber400is aligned in a manner in which the alignment protrusions (e.g., the alignment protrusions520inFIGS.8B and8C) penetrate the alignment grooves4122or are seated in the alignment grooves4122.

FIG.5Ais diagram illustrating a top view of a vapor chamber according to various embodiments.FIG.5Bis a diagram illustrating a bottom view of the vapor chamber according to various embodiments.

Referring toFIGS.5A and5B, in the vapor chamber400, when the first plate410and the second plate420are bonded to each other, the seating protrusions4221of the second plate420are seated in the seating grooves4121in the first plate410so that the temporary assembly state can be maintained and correct bonding can be aided. According to an embodiment, in the vapor chamber400, a portion of the first flange portion412of the first plate410may be in plane contact with the second flange portion422of the second plate420and may be plane-bonded through a process such as brazing or welding. According to an embodiment, when the first plate410is viewed from above, at least a portion of the first flange portion412may not overlap the second flange portion422of the second plate420.

FIG.6is a cross-sectional view of the vapor chamber taken along line6-6ofFIG.5Aaccording to various embodiments.

Referring toFIG.6, the vapor chamber400may include a first plate410including a plurality of pillars4111and a second plate420coupled to the first plate410. According to an embodiment, when the first flange portion412of the first plate410and the second flange portion422of the second plate420are bonded to each other, the vapor chamber400may include a closed space4203defined by the first plate portion411of the first plate410and the second plate portion421including the recess421ain the second plate420. According to an embodiment, the vapor chamber400may include a wick structure430disposed in the closed space4203and including a working fluid (e.g., water). According to an embodiment, the first flange portion412having a first width W1may at least partially overlap the second flange portion422having a second width W2smaller (e.g., less) than the first width W1when the first plate410is viewed from above, and may include a first portion412awhich is a bonded region and a second portion412bextending from the first portion412aand does not overlap the second flange portion422. According to an embodiment, in the vapor chamber400, the bonded portion in which the first portion412aof the first flange portion412and the second flange portion422are bonded to each other and which has a first thickness t1is accommodated in the hole3104, and only the second portion412bof the first flange portion412having a second thickness t2smaller (e.g., less) than the first thickness t1may be seated on the stepped surface3105provided along the edge of the through hole3104of the support member311to be lower than the first surface3101. Through this arrangement structure, since the second plate420and the second flange portion422of the vapor chamber400are accommodated in the through hole3104, and only the second portion412bof the first flange portion412is arranged on the stepped surface3105, the overall thickness of the electronic device can be reduced. In this case, since the first flange portion412and the first surface3101of the support member311are arranged to have a substantially flat surface, smooth arrangement of electronic components (e.g., a display) disposed thereon can be guided.

According to various embodiments, the plurality of pillars4111may be provided to have a predetermined protrusion amount from the first plate portion411to the closed space4203and/or a predetermined interval T. According to an embodiment, the plurality of pillars4111may be provided to have a protrusion amount to be at least partially in contact with the wick structure430. According to an embodiment, the plurality of pillars4111may be provided as circular protrusions having a diameter D of about 1 mm or less. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto, and the plurality of pillars4111may be provided in various shapes such as a quadrangle or a polygon. According to an embodiment, the plurality of pillars4111may be arranged to have an interval in the range of about 2.5 mm to about 3.5 mm. According to an embodiment, the plurality of pillars4111may be provided through a mechanical process (a stamping process, a pressing process, or a beading process) of the first plate portion411made of a metal material. According to an embodiment, the outer surface of the first plate portion411may include grooves4111aprovided to be lower than the outer surface to correspond to the shape of the plurality of pillars4111. These grooves4111amay provide an expanded heat dissipation area. In various embodiments, the plurality of pillars4111may be provided through a chemical process (e.g., an etching process) of the first plate portion411made of a metal material.

FIG.7Ais a diagram illustrating a front view of a side member according to various embodiments, andFIG.7Bis a diagram illustrating a rear view of the side member according to various embodiments.

Referring toFIGS.7A and7B, an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device300inFIG.3) may include a side member310and a support member311extending to the internal space (e.g., the internal space3001inFIG.9) of the electronic device (e.g., the electronic device300inFIG.3) from the side member3100. According to an embodiment, the side member311may include a conductive portion310a(e.g., a metal material) and a non-conductive portion310b(e.g., a polymer) coupled to the conductive portion310a. According to an embodiment, the conductive portion310amay be arranged to have excellent rigidity based on an efficient arrangement design of electronic components disposed in the internal space (e.g., the internal space3001inFIG.9) of the electronic device (e.g., the electronic device300ofFIG.3).

According to various embodiments, the side member310may include a first surface3101facing a predetermined direction (e.g., the z-axis direction), a second surface3102facing a direction (e.g., the −z-axis direction) opposite to the first surface3101, and a side surface3103surrounding the space between the first side3101and the second side3102. According to an embodiment, the side surface3103may include a first side surface3103ahaving a first length in a predetermined direction (e.g., the y-axis direction), a second side surface3103bextending from the first side surface3103ato a direction (e.g., the −x-axis direction) perpendicular to the first side surface3103a, a third surface3103cextending from the second side surface3103bsubstantially parallel to the first side surface3103a, and a fourth side surface3103dextending from the third side surface3103csubstantially parallel to the second side surface3103b, connected to the first side surface3103a, and having a second length. Accordingly, the electronic device (e.g., the electronic device300ofFIG.3) may have a length in a direction (e.g., the y-axis direction) parallel to the first side surface3103aand the third side surface3103cof the side member310.

According to various embodiments, the side member310may include a through hole (e.g., a through hole may include, for example, and without limitation, a recess, a hole, a cut out or the like)3104provided in at least a portion thereof from the first surface3101to the second surface. According to an embodiment, the through hole3104may have a size substantially corresponding to the size of the second plate portion (e.g., the second plate portion421inFIG.6) of the vapor chamber (e.g., the vapor chamber400inFIG.6). According to an embodiment, the through hole3104may include a stepped surface3105provided along the edge thereof to be lower than the first surface3101to accommodate the second portion (e.g., the second portion412binFIG.6) of the first flange portion (e.g., the first flange portion412ofFIG.6) of the first plate (e.g., the first plate410ofFIG.6). According to an embodiment, the through hole3104may have an at least partially closed end3104a. For example, the closed end3104amay not be penetrated from the first surface3101to the second surface3102. For example, the closed end3104amay be provided in the first surface3101through counter-boring to be lower than the first surface3101. Accordingly, the closed end3104amay accommodate the vapor chamber (e.g., the vapor chamber400inFIG.6) to be in contact with at least a portion of the second plate portion (e.g., the second plate portion421inFIG.6). According to an embodiment, the closed end3104amay be arranged at a position at which the closed end3104aat least partially overlaps an electrical element (e.g., the electrical element3411inFIG.9), which is a heat generation source disposed in the surface between the second surface3102and the rear cover (e.g., the rear cover380inFIG.9), when the first surface3101is viewed from above, whereby the closed end3104may be helpful in preventing and/or reducing the vapor chamber400from being pushed out of the through hole3104by the heat dissipation member (e.g., the heat dissipation member440ofFIG.9).

FIG.8Ais a perspective view illustrating a state in which a vapor chamber is assembled to a side member according to various embodiments,FIG.8Bis a perspective view illustrating a state in which the vapor chamber is assembled to a side member according to various embodiments, andFIG.8Cis a perspective view illustrating a state in which the vapor chamber is assembled to a side member according to various embodiments.

Referring toFIGS.8A,8B and8C, the position of the side member310may be fixed to a separate jig500before the vapor chamber400is fixed. According to an embodiment, the position of the side member310may be aligned through a plurality of jig protrusions510disposed on the jig500. In this case, the jig500may include at least one alignment protrusion520disposed to protrude through a through hole (e.g.,3104inFIGS.7A and7B) provided in the support member311. According to an embodiment, when the vapor chamber400is placed on the side member310aligned with the jig500, at least one alignment groove4122provided in the first plate410of the vapor chamber400penetrates at least one alignment groove4122provided in the first plate410of the vapor chamber400so that the vapor chamber400can be aligned with the through hole (e.g., the through hole3104inFIGS.7A and7B). According to an embodiment, the vapor chamber400may be attached to the side member310using a tape member (e.g., the tape member315inFIG.9) or through a bonding process.

FIG.9is a partial cross-sectional view of an electronic device including a vapor chamber according to various embodiments.

FIG.9is, for example, a partial cross-sectional view of the electronic device taken along line9-9inFIG.1.

Referring toFIG.9, the electronic device300may include a first side member310including a support member311including a first surface3101facing a first direction (e.g., the z-axis direction) and a second surface3102facing a second direction (e.g., the −z-axis direction) opposite to the first surface3101, a front cover320disposed to correspond to the first surface3101, a display330disposed between the front cover320and the first surface3101and visible from the outside through the front cover320, a rear cover380disposed to correspond to the second surface3102, a board341(e.g., the first board341inFIG.3) disposed between the rear cover380and the second surface3102, and a battery disposed near the board341. According to an embodiment, the support member311may include a through hole3104. According to an embodiment, the through hole3104may include a vapor chamber400disposed from the first surface3101to the second surface3102. According to an embodiment, the vapor chamber400may be configured with the first plate410and the second plate420coupled to the first plate410, wherein a portion of the first flange portion412of the first plate410may be disposed in a manner of being seated on a stepped surface provided along the edge of the through hole3104to be lower than the first surface3101. According to an embodiment, the vapor chamber400may be fixed to the stepped surface3105of the support member311via a tape member315. For example, the tape member315may have a thickness of about 50 μm. In this case, the vapor chamber400may be coupled to provide a substantially flat surface with the first surface3101, thereby being helpful in arranging the display330smoothly. According to an embodiment, at least a portion of the vapor chamber400, extending from the through hole3104and may be accommodated through the closed end3104aprovided through counter-boring to be lower than the first surface3101.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device300may include a board341disposed in a space between the support member311and the rear cover380to at least partially overlap the vapor chamber400when the first surface3101is viewed from above, an electrical element3411disposed on the board341, and a heat dissipation member440disposed in a space between the electrical element3411and the support member311. According to an embodiment, the heat dissipation member440may be in contact with the electrical element3411and may be thermally connected to the support member311. For example, the heat dissipation member440may be disposed to be close to or in physical contact with the support member311. According to an embodiment, the heat dissipation member440may include a thermal interface material (TIM) or graphite sheet. According to an embodiment, the electronic device300may include a heat dissipation sheet450disposed between the first surface3101and the display330. According to an embodiment, the heat dissipation sheet450may be disposed to at least partially overlap the vapor chamber400when the first surface3101is viewed from above. According to an embodiment, the heat dissipation sheet450may include a graphite sheet.

According to various example embodiments of the disclosure, heat generated from the electrical element3411may be collected by the heat dissipation member440and may be transferred to the support member311. According to an embodiment, the heat transferred to the support member311may be rapidly diffused to the entire region of the support member311via the vapor chamber400and the heat dissipation sheet450overlapping the same. Moreover, since the vapor chamber400is disposed along the longitudinal direction (e.g., the y-axis direction) in substantially the center of the support member311, and a relatively thick support member is provided through the improved arrangement structure of the vapor chamber400(e.g., the seating structure of the stepped surface3105for the first flange portion412), rigidity can be reinforced and rapid heat diffusion can be assisted.

Referring to Table 1 below, when the same TIM is disposed between the electrical element3411and the support member311as the heat dissipation member440and the electrical element3411generates heat at 1.2 A, it can be seen that, during the same period of time, in the existing structure, the periphery of the front cover320corresponding to the electrical element3411has a temperature of about 44.5 degrees C., the periphery of the rear cover380corresponding to the electrical element3411has a temperature of 43.8 degrees C., and the temperature of the electrical element3411is about 66.5 degrees, whereas, in an improved structure in which the vapor chamber400according to the disclosure is arranged, the periphery of the front cover320corresponding to the electrical elements has a temperature of 42.3 degrees which exhibits an improvement of about 2.2 degrees C., the periphery of the rear cover380corresponding to the electrical element3411has a temperature of about 42.2 degrees which exhibits an improvement of about 1.6 degrees C. is achieved, and the temperature of the electrical element3411is about 64.0 degrees which exhibits an improvement of about 2.5 degrees C.

FIG.10Ais a cross-sectional view of a vapor chamber according to various embodiments,FIG.10Bis a cross-sectional view of a vapor chamber according to various embodiments,FIG.10Cis a cross-sectional view of a vapor chamber according to various embodiments, andFIG.10Dis a cross-sectional view of a vapor chamber according to various embodiments.

In describing the vapor chambers400-1,400-2,400-3, and400-4ofFIGS.10A,10B,10C and10D, respectively, the components substantially the same as those of the vapor chamber400ofFIG.6will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and a detailed description thereof may not be repeated here.

Referring toFIG.10A, the vapor chamber400-1may include a first plate410, a second plate420coupled to the first plate410, and a wick structure430disposed in a closed space4203defined by the first plate410and the second plate420. According to an embodiment, the first plate410may include a first flange portion412including a first portion412abonded to the second flange portion422of the second plate420and a second portion412bextending from the first portion412aand seated on the seated surface (e.g., the seated surface3105inFIG.9) of the support member (e.g., the support member311inFIG.9). According to an embodiment, by passing through a press process, the second portion412bhas a third thickness t2′ thinner than a second thickness t2of the first portion412a, and thus the stepped depth of the stepped surface (e.g., the stepped surface3105inFIG.9) of the support member (e.g., the support member311inFIG.9) is lowered, which can be helpful in reinforcing the rigidity of the support member (e.g., the support member311inFIG.9).

Referring toFIG.10B, in the vapor chamber400-2, the first flange portion412of the first plate410and the second flange portion422of the second plate420having the same length may be formed and then bonded to each other.

Referring toFIG.10C, in the vapor chamber400-3, the first flange portion412of the first plate410may have a bent step. The first flange portion412of the first plate410having the same length as the second flange portion422of the second plate420may be provided and then bonded to the second flange portion422of the second plate420.

According to various embodiments, the first plate410and the plurality of pillars4111integrated with the first plates410inFIGS.10A,10B and10Cmay be provided through a mechanical process (e.g., a stamping process, a pressing process, or a beading process).

Referring toFIG.10D, the vapor chamber400-4may include a bonding portion413provided along the edge of the first plate portion411of the first plate410. According to an embodiment, the first plate410may include a plurality of pillars4111protruding into the internal space4203of the vapor chamber400-4. According to an embodiment, the first plate410and the plurality of pillars4111may be provided through a chemical process (e.g., an etching process). According to an embodiment, the second plate may be provided through a mechanical process (e.g., a stamping process, a pressing process, or a beading process). According to an embodiment, the vapor chamber400-4may be configured by bonding the bonding portion413of the first plate410to the second flange portion422of the second plate420.

According to various embodiments, the first plate410and the plurality of pillars4111may be provided using a plurality of processing methods (e.g., a mechanical process and/or a chemical process) in combination. For example, the first plate410and the plurality of pillars4111may be provided using different or the same processing methods.

According to various example embodiments, an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device300inFIG.9) may include: a housing (e.g., the housing110inFIG.1), a support member (e.g., the support member311inFIG.9) disposed in an internal space (e.g., the internal space3001inFIG.9) of the housing and including a first surface (e.g., the first surface3101inFIG.9) facing a first direction (e.g., the z-axis direction inFIG.9) and a second surface (e.g., the second surface3102inFIG.9) facing a direction (e.g., the −z axis direction inFIG.9) opposite the first surface, wherein the support includes a through hole (e.g., the through hole3104inFIG.9, wherein the through hole may include, for example, and without limitation, a hole, a recess, a cut out, or the like) in at least a portion thereof, a vapor chamber (e.g., the vapor chamber400inFIG.9) disposed through at least a portion of the through hole, wherein the vapor chamber may include a first plate (e.g., the first plate410inFIG.6) including a first plate portion (e.g., the first plate portion411inFIG.6) including a plurality of pillars (e.g., the plurality of pillars4111inFIG.6) and a first flange portion (e.g., the first flange portion412inFIG.6) extending along an edge of the first plate portion to have a first width (e.g., the first width W1inFIG.6), a second plate (e.g., the second plate420inFIG.6) having a size corresponding to the first plate portion and including a second plate portion (e.g., the second plate portion421inFIG.6) including a recess (e.g., the recess421ainFIG.6) and a second flange portion (e.g., the second flange portion422inFIG.6) extending along an edge of the second plate portion to have a second width (e.g., the second width W2inFIG.6) less than the first width, and at least one wick (e.g., the wick structure430inFIG.6) disposed in the recess, wherein the wick may be accommodated in a closed space (e.g., the closed space4203inFIG.6) defined through coupling of the first plate and the second plate, wherein the first plate and the second plate may be coupled to each other through joining of the first flange portion and the second flange portion, and wherein the vapor chamber may be disposed in a manner in which at least a portion of the first flange portion that does not overlap the second flange portion is disposed on the first surface when the first plate is viewed from above.

According to various example embodiments, the second plate may be accommodated in at least a portion of the through hole.

According to various example embodiments, the first surface may include a stepped surface provided along an edge of the through hole to be lower than the first surface, and a portion of the first flange portion may be seated on the stepped surface.

According to various example embodiments, the first plate and the first surface may define a substantially coplanar surface when the vapor chamber is disposed on the support member.

According to various example embodiments, the plurality of pillars may protrude from the first plate portion into the closed space to have a specified protrusion amount and a specified interval therebetween.

According to various example embodiments, the plurality of pillars may comprise circular protrusions having a diameter of 1 mm or less.

According to various example embodiments, the interval between the plurality of pillars may be in a range of about 2.5 mm to 3.5 mm.

According to various example embodiments, the plurality of pillars may be in contact with the wick.

According to various example embodiments, the plurality of pillars may be provided integrally with the first plate comprising a metal material through a stamping, beading, or pressing process, and the outer surface of the first plate portion may include grooves provided to be lower than the outer surface to correspond to a shape of the pillars.

According to various example embodiments, the wick may comprise a copper screen mesh.

According to various example embodiments, the first flange portion may include at least one seating groove provided in a portion thereof, and the first plate and the second plate may be aligned before the bonding in a manner in which at least one seating protrusion provided at a corresponding position of the second flange portion is seated in the at least one seating groove.

According to various example embodiments, the first plate and/or the second plate may comprise at least one of a copper alloy, a low-carbon stainless steel, or a titanium alloy.

According to various example embodiments, the sealing member may be made of a metal material.

According to various example embodiments, the housing may include: a front cover corresponding to the first surface, a rear cover corresponding to the second surface, and a conductive side surrounding the internal space between the front cover and the rear cover, wherein the support may extend from the conductive side into the internal space.

According to various example embodiments, the electronic device may further include at least one electrical element disposed in a space between the second surface and the rear cover to at least partially overlap the vapor chamber when the first surface is viewed from above.

According to various example embodiments, the vapor chamber may be disposed to overlap the electrical element with the support interposed therebetween when the first surface is viewed from above.

According to various example embodiments, the electronic device may further include a heat dissipation sheet disposed between the electrical element and the support.

According to various example embodiments, the heat dissipation sheet may include a thermal interface material (TIM) or a graphite sheet.

According to various example embodiments, the electronic device may include a battery disposed in a space between the second surface and the rear cover to at least partially overlap the vapor chamber when the first surface is viewed from above.

According to various example embodiments, the electronic device may further include a display disposed in a space between the first surface and the front cover to be visible from outside through the front cover, and a heat dissipation sheet disposed between the first surface and the display to at least partially overlap the vapor chamber when the first surface is viewed from above.