Magnetic shield structure for speaker and electronic device including the same

Provided is an electronic device. The electronic device may include: a housing including a front plate, a rear plate facing away from the front plate, and a side member surrounding a first space between the front plate and the rear plate; a display panel exposed to an exterior of the electronic device through the front plate and configured to detect a pen input using a magnetic field; a speaker structure disposed between the display panel and the rear plate, and including a first surface facing the display panel, a second surface facing in a direction opposite the display panel, a side surface surrounding a second space between the first surface and the second surface, and a yoke facing the first surface; and a first shield structure made of a ferromagnetic material and disposed on the first surface.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application is based on and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2018-0146273, filed on Nov. 23, 2018, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Certain embodiments of the disclosure generally relate to a magnetic shield structure for a speaker and an electronic device including the same.

BACKGROUND

Electronic devices, such as home appliances, electronic organizers, portable multimedia players, mobile communication terminals, tablet personal computers, video/audio devices, desktop or laptop computers, or car navigation systems, may perform various functions according to the programs installed therein. For example, such an electronic device may output stored information as sound or images. As the degree of integration increases and high-speed high-capacity wireless communication becomes popular in recent years, an electronic device may perform an increasingly greater variety of functions. For example, various functions related to communication, entertainment such as games, multimedia such as music/video playback, security for mobile banking, schedule management, and electronic wallets may be integrated into a single electronic device.

In the case of entertainment and multimedia functions, image quality and sound quality of the electronic device may be keys to meeting the user's satisfaction. High image quality can be accomplished using a large-screen high-resolution display panel, and high sound quality can be accomplished using a speaker with even output in the audible frequency range.

Such a speaker may include a diaphragm facing the front surface of the electronic device, and a magnet and coil facing the rear surface of the electronic device. When an alternating current is applied to the coil, the coil becomes an electromagnet and the N and S poles change according to the electrical signal. Then the coil exerts attraction and repulsion on the magnet, and the diaphragm attached to the coil may vibrate up and down, generating sound caused by the vibration.

Due to the intensity of the current applied to the speaker, the coil may generate heat. This may especially be true as the operating time of the speaker increases. Most of the heat generated by the coil is transferred to the magnet with low thermal resistance, and the heat of the magnet can be transferred directly to the rear cover of the electronic device. In the rear cover, a hot spot where heat is concentrated may occur at a portion corresponding to the magnet.

When excessive heat is generated in the speaker, the intensity of the current applied to the coil may be reduced. To reduce heat generation, the frequency of the current may be adjusted to a specific band. However, this may limit the sound output of the speaker and/or reduce audio quality.

In addition, when the speaker coil is disposed in a direction toward the display of the electronic device away from the rear cover, the occurrence of the hot spot in the rear cover can be reduced. But in doing so, the magnetism of the coil can affect the display and components inside the electronic device.

SUMMARY

The instant disclosure is made in view of the above problems. Accordingly, the instant disclosure relates to provision of a magnetic shield structure for a speaker and an electronic device including the same wherein the magnetism of the speaker coil can be shielded even when the speaker coil is facing the display.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, an electronic device is provided. The electronic device may include: a housing including a front plate, a rear plate facing away from the front plate, and a side member surrounding a first space between the front plate and the rear plate; a display panel exposed to an exterior of the electronic device through the front plate and configured to detect a pen input using a magnetic field; a speaker structure disposed between the display panel and the rear plate, and including a first surface facing the display panel, a second surface facing in a direction opposite the display panel, a side surface surrounding a second space between the first surface and the second surface, and a yoke facing the first surface; and a first shield structure made of a ferromagnetic material and disposed on the first surface.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, an electronic device is provided. The electronic device may include: a housing including a front plate, a rear plate facing away from the front plate, and a side member surrounding a first space between the front plate and the rear plate; a display panel exposed to an exterior of the electronic device through the front plate; a speaker box disposed in a second space between the display panel and the rear plate and connected to a through hole penetrating the side member to form an acoustic path; and a speaker housing disposed within the speaker box, wherein the speaker housing may include: a speaker structure including a first surface facing the display panel, a second surface facing in a direction opposite the display panel, a frame surrounding a third space between the first surface and the second surface, a yoke facing the first surface, and a diaphragm disposed on the second surface; and a first shield structure made of a ferromagnetic material and disposed on the first surface.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, in the magnetic shield structure for the speaker and the electronic device including the same, the heat generated in the speaker can be transferred in a direction toward the display and away from the rear cover, preventing generation of a hot spot in the rear cover.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, in the magnetic shield structure for the speaker and the electronic device including the same, the magnetism caused by the speaker can be shielded so as to prevent damage or malfunction in the electronic device due to the magnetism.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, in the magnetic shield structure for the speaker and the electronic device including the same, the quality of the speaker can be improved by shielding the magnetism of the speaker and increasing the magnetic flux density at the same time.

FIG. 1is a perspective view of the front surface of a mobile electronic device according to an embodiment.FIG. 2is a perspective view of the rear surface of the electronic device ofFIG. 1.FIG. 3is an exploded perspective view of the electronic device ofFIG. 1.

Referring toFIG. 1andFIG. 2, an electronic device100according to an embodiment may include a housing110including a first surface (or front surface)110A, a second surface (or rear surface)110B, and a side surface110C surrounding the space between the first surface110A and the second surface110B. In another embodiment (not illustrated), the housing may denote a structure that includes at least a part of the first surface110A, a part of the second surface110B, and a part of the side surface110C illustrated inFIG. 1. According to an embodiment, the first surface110A may be formed by a front plate102, at least a part of which is substantially transparent (for example, a glass plate including various coating layers, or a polymer plate). The second surface110B may be formed by a rear plate111that is substantially opaque. The rear plate111may be made of coated or colored glass, ceramic, polymer, metal (for example, aluminum, stainless steel (STS), or magnesium), or a combination of at least two of the above-mentioned materials. The side surface110C may be formed by a side bezel structure (or “side member”)118which is coupled to the front plate102and to the rear plate111, and which includes metal and/or polymer. In some embodiments, the rear plate111and the side bezel structure118may be formed integrally and may include the same material (for example, a metal material such as aluminum).

In the illustrated embodiment, the front plate102may include two first areas110D on both ends of the long edge of the front plate102such that the two first areas110D bend from the first surface110A toward the rear plate111and extend seamlessly from the flat or central portion of the front plate102. In the illustrated embodiment (seeFIG. 2), the rear plate111may include two second areas110E on both ends of the long edge such that the two second areas110E bend from the second surface110B toward the front plate102and extend seamlessly from the flat or central portion of the rear plate111. In some embodiments, the front plate102(or the rear plate111) may include only one of the first areas110D (or the second areas110E). In another embodiment, a part of the first areas110D or the second areas110E may not be included. In the above embodiments, when seen from the side surface of the electronic device100, the side bezel structure118may have a first thickness (or width) on a part of the side surface which does not include the first areas110D or the second areas110E as described above, and may have a second thickness that is smaller than the first thickness on a part of the side surface which includes the first areas110D or the second areas110E.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device100may include at least one of a display101, audio modules103,107, and114, sensor modules104,116, and119, camera modules105,112, and113, a key input device117, a light-emitting element106, and connector holes108and109. In some embodiments, at least one of the constituent elements (for example, the key input device117or the light-emitting element106) of the electronic device100may be omitted, or the electronic device100may additionally include additional constituent elements.

The display101may be exposed through a corresponding part of the front plate102, for example. In some embodiments, at least a part of the display101may be exposed through the front plate102that forms the first areas110D of the side surface110C and the first surface110A. In some embodiments, the display101may have a corner formed in substantially the same shape as that of the adjacent outer periphery of the front plate102. In another embodiment (not illustrated), in order to increase the area of exposure of the display101, the spacing interval between the outer periphery of the display101and the outer periphery of the front plate102may be minimized.

In another embodiment (not illustrated), a recess or an opening may be formed in a part of the screen display area of the display101, and at least one of an audio module114, a sensor module104, a camera module105, and a light-emitting element106may be included and aligned with the recess or the opening. In another embodiment (not illustrated), on the back surface of the screen display area of the display101, at least one of an audio module114, a sensor module104, a camera module105, a fingerprint sensor116, and a light-emitting element106may be included. In another embodiment (not illustrated), the display101may be coupled to or arranged adjacent to a touch sensing circuit, a pressure sensor capable of measuring the intensity (pressure) of a touch, and/or a digitizer that detects a magnetic field-type stylus pen. In some embodiments, at least a part of the sensor modules104and119and/or at least a part of the key input device117may be arranged in the first areas110D and/or the second areas110E.

The audio modules103,107, and114may include a microphone hole103and speaker holes107and114. A microphone for acquiring external sound may be arranged in the microphone hole103, and a plurality of microphones may be arranged therein such that the direction of the sound can be detected in some embodiments. The speaker holes107and114may include an outer speaker hole107and a speech receiver hole114. In some embodiments, the speaker holes107and114and the microphone hole103may be implemented as a single hole, or a speaker may be included (for example, a piezoelectric speaker) without the speaker holes107and114.

The sensor modules104,116, and119may generate electric signals or data values corresponding to internal operating conditions of the electronic device100or the external environment conditions thereof. The sensor modules104,116, and119may include, for example, a first sensor module104(for example, a proximity sensor) arranged on the first surface110A of the housing110, and/or a second sensor module (not illustrated) (for example, a fingerprint sensor), and/or a third sensor module119(for example, a heart-rate-monitor (HRM) sensor) arranged on the second surface110B of the housing110, and/or a fourth sensor module116(for example, a fingerprint sensor). The fingerprint sensor may be arranged not only on the first surface110A (for example, the display101) of the housing110, but also on the second surface110B thereof. The electronic device100may further include a sensor module not illustrated, such as a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, an atmospheric 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 a luminance sensor.

The camera modules105,112, and113may include a first camera device105arranged on the first surface110A of the electronic device100, a second camera device112arranged on the second surface110B thereof, and/or a flash113. The camera devices105and112may include a single lens or a plurality of lenses, an image sensor, and/or an image signal processor. The flash113may include, for example, a light-emitting diode or a xenon lamp. In some embodiments, two or more lenses (an infrared camera, a wide-angle lens, and a telephoto lens) and image sensors may be arranged on a single surface of the electronic device100.

The key input device117may be arranged on the side surface110C of the housing110. In another embodiment, the electronic device100may not include a part of the above-mentioned key input device117or the entire key input device117, and the key input device117(not included) may be implemented as a soft key, for example, on the display101. In some embodiments, the key input device may include a sensor module116arranged on the second surface110B of the housing110.

The light-emitting element106may be arranged on the first surface110A of the housing110, for example. The light-emitting element106may provide information. For example, the light-emitting element106may flash when a message is received by the electronic device100. In another embodiment, the light-emitting element106may provide a light source that interworks with operation of the camera module105, for example. The light-emitting element106may include, for example, an LED, an IR LED, and a xenon lamp.

The connector holes108and109may include a first connector hole108capable of receiving a connector (for example, a USB connector) for transmitting/receiving power and/or data to/from an external electronic device, and/or a second connector hole (for example, an earphone jack)109capable of receiving a connector for transmitting/receiving an audio signal to/from the external electronic device.

The pen input unit120(e.g., a stylus pen) may be inserted into or removed from the housing110through a hole121formed at the side of the housing110, and may be easily removed. It may include a button for enabling removal from the housing. The pen input unit120may include a separate resonant circuit that works with an electromagnetic induction panel390(e.g., a digitizer) included in the electronic device100. The pen input unit120may work with the electromagnetic induction panel390via the electro-magnetic resonance (EMR) method, active electrical stylus (AES) method, and/or the electric coupled resonance (ECR) method.

With reference toFIG. 3, the electronic device300may include a side bezel structure310, a first support member311(e.g., bracket), a front plate320, a display330, an electromagnetic induction panel390, a sub printed circuit board340, a battery350, a printed circuit board360, a second support member370(e.g., rear case), a pen input unit120, and a rear plate380. In a certain embodiment, at least one of the components of the electronic device300(e.g., first support member311or second support member370) may be omitted, or additional components may be added to the electronic device300. Some of the components of the electronic device300may be the same as or similar to those of the electronic device100ofFIG. 1 or 2, and repeated descriptions thereof will be omitted for the sake of simplicity.

The electromagnetic induction panel390(e.g., digitizer) may be used to detect the input of the pen input unit120. For example, the electromagnetic induction panel390may include a printed circuit board (PCB) (e.g., flexible printed circuit board (FPCB)) and a shield sheet. The shield sheet may prevent electromagnetic fields generated by other components of the electronic device300(e.g., display module) from interfering with the printed circuit board and electromagnetic induction panel and vice versa. The shield sheet may block the electromagnetic fields generated by the other components of the electronic device300so that the input from the pen input unit120may be accurately transmitted to the coil included in the electromagnetic induction panel390. In an embodiment, the electromagnetic induction panel390may include an opening formed at a portion corresponding to the biometric sensor mounted in the electronic device300.

The first support member311may be disposed inside the electronic device300to be connected to the side bezel structure310or may be formed as a single body with the side bezel structure310. The first support member311may be made of, for example, a metal material and/or a non-metal material (e.g., polymer). The first support member311may be coupled to the display330on one surface and may be coupled to the printed circuit board360on the other opposing surface. The processor, memory, and/or interface may be mounted on the printed circuit board360. The processor may include one or more of, for example, a central processing unit, an application processor, a graphics processing unit, an image signal processor, a sensor hub processor, and a communication processor.

The memory may include, for example, a volatile memory or a nonvolatile memory.

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 and/or physically connect the electronic device300to an external electronic device, and may include, for example, a USB connector, an SD card or MMC connector, or an audio connector.

The sub printed circuit board340may be used to mount a camera module, a receiver speaker, and an iris recognition LED.

The battery350supplies power to at least one component of the electronic device300, and may include, for example, a non-rechargeable primary cell, a rechargeable secondary cell, or a fuel cell. At least a portion of the battery350may be disposed substantially coplanar with, for example, the printed circuit board360. The battery350may be integrally disposed in the electronic device300or may be detachably attached to the electronic device300.

The second support member370may be disposed between the rear plate380and the battery350. The second support member370may include an antenna. The antenna may include, for example, a near field communication (NFC) antenna, a wireless charging antenna, or a magnetic secure transmission (MST) antenna. For example, the antenna may perform short-range communication with an external device, or may wirelessly transmit and receive power required for charging. In another embodiment, an antenna structure may be formed by a combination of a portion of the side bezel structure310and/or a portion of the first support member311. The audio module103,107or114, the microphone hole103and the speaker hole107or114may be disposed on the second support member370.

In one embodiment of the disclosure, the electronic device300may include a housing301(e.g., side bezel structure310and first support member311), a speaker structure, and a magnetic shield structure. The speaker structure may be located in a space adjacent to the through hole between the first support member of the housing301and the rear plate380. The second support member370may be disposed under the housing301.

FIG. 4is a block diagram of an electronic device401in a network environment400according to an embodiment. With reference toFIG. 4, in the network environment400, the electronic device401may communicate with an electronic device402through a first network498(e.g., short-range wireless communication network) or may communicate with an electronic device404or a server408through a second network499(e.g., long-distance wireless communication network). In one embodiment, the electronic device401may communicate with the electronic device404through the server408. According to an embodiment, the electronic device401may include a processor420, a memory430, an input unit450, a sound output unit455, a display unit460, an audio module470, a sensor module476, an interface477, a haptic module479, a camera module480, a power management module488, a battery489, a communication module490, a subscriber identification module496, and an antenna module497. In a certain embodiment, at least one component (e.g., display unit460or camera module480) among the components of the electronic device401may be omitted, or other components may be added to the electronic device401. In one embodiment, some of these components may be implemented as an integrated circuit. For example, the sensor module476(e.g., fingerprint sensor, iris sensor, or illuminance sensor) may be embedded in the display unit460(e.g., display).

The processor420may execute, for example, software (e.g., program440) to control at least one of other components (e.g., hardware component or software component) of the electronic device401connected to the processor420, and may process a variety of data or perform various computations. In one embodiment, as part of data processing or computation, the processor420may load a command or data received from other components (e.g., sensor module476or communication module490) into the volatile memory432, process the command or data stored in the volatile memory432, and store the result data in the nonvolatile memory434. In one embodiment, the processor420may include a main processor421(e.g., central processing unit, or application processor), and a secondary processor423(e.g., graphics processing unit, image signal processor, sensor hub processor, or communication processor), which may operate independently of or in cooperation with the main processor421. Additionally or alternatively, the secondary processor423may consume less power or may be more specialized in a specific function compared with the main processor421. The secondary processor423may be implemented separately from or as part of the main processor421.

The secondary processor423may control at least some of the functions or states associated with at least one component (e.g., display unit460, sensor module476, or communication module490) among the components of the electronic device401, for example, instead of the main processor421while the main processor421is in an inactive (e.g., sleep) state, or together with the main processor421while the main processor421is in an active (e.g., application execution) state. In one embodiment, the secondary processor423(e.g., image signal processor or communication processor) may be implemented as a part of another component (e.g., camera module480or communication module490) that is functionally related to the secondary processor423.

The memory430may store a variety of data used by at least one component (e.g., processor420or sensor module476) of the electronic device401. The data may include, for example, software (e.g., program440) and input data or output data for commands associated with the software. The memory430may include a volatile memory432or a nonvolatile memory434.

The programs440may be stored in the memory430as software, and may include, for example, an operating system442, a middleware444, or an application446.

The input unit450may receive a command or data, which can be to be used for a component (e.g., processor420) of the electronic device401, from the outside of the electronic device401(e.g., user). The input unit450may include, for example, a microphone, a mouse, a keyboard, or a digital pen (e.g., stylus pen).

The sound output unit455may output a sound signal to the outside of the electronic device401. The sound output unit455may include, for example, a speaker and a receiver. The speaker may be used for general purposes, such as playback of multimedia or recordings, and the receiver may be used for receiving an incoming call. In one embodiment, the receiver may be implemented separately from or as part of the speaker.

The display unit460may visually present information to the outside of the electronic device401(e.g., user). The display unit460may include, for example, a display, a hologram device, or a projector, and a control circuit for controlling these. In one embodiment, the display unit460may include a touch circuitry configured to sense a touch, or a sensing circuitry (e.g., pressure sensor) configured to measure the strength of a force caused by a touch action.

The audio module470may convert a sound into an electric signal or convert an electric signal into a sound. In one embodiment, the audio module470may obtain a sound signal through the input unit450, and may output a sound signal through the sound output unit455or an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device402(e.g., speaker or headphone)) wiredly or wirelessly connected to the electronic device401.

The sensor module476may generate an electrical signal or a data value corresponding to the operating state (e.g., power or temperature) of the electronic device401or the environmental state (e.g., user state) outside the electronic device401. The sensor module476may include, for example, a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a grip sensor, a proximity sensor, a color sensor, an infrared sensor, a biometric sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or an illuminance sensor.

The interface477may support one or more designated protocols that enable the electronic device401to directly or wirelessly connect to an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device402). In one embodiment, the interface477may include, for example, a high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI), a universal serial bus (USB) interface, an SD card interface, or an audio interface.

The connection terminal478may include a connector through which the electronic device401can be physically connected to an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device402). In one embodiment, the connection terminal478may include, for example, an HDMI connector, a USB connector, an SD card connector, or an audio connector (e.g., headphone connector).

The haptic module479may convert an electrical signal into a mechanical stimulus (e.g., vibration or motion) or an electrical stimulus that can be perceived by the user through tactile or kinesthetic senses. In one embodiment, the haptic module479may include, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electric stimulator.

The camera module480may capture a still image or a moving image. In one embodiment, the camera module480may include one or more lenses, image sensors, image signal processors, or flashes.

The power management module488may manage the power supplied to the electronic device401. The power management module488may be implemented as a part of a power management integrated circuit (PMIC).

The battery489may supply power to at least one component of the electronic device401. In one embodiment, the battery489may include, for example, a non-rechargeable primary cell, a rechargeable secondary cell, or a fuel cell.

The communication module490may establish a wired or wireless communication channel between the electronic device401and the external electronic device (e.g., electronic device402, electronic device404, or server408) and support communication through the established communication channel. The communication module490may include at least one communication processor that can operate separately from the processor420(e.g., application processor) to support wired or wireless communication. In one embodiment, the communication module490may include a wireless communication module492(e.g., cellular communication module, short-range wireless communication module, or global navigation satellite system (GNSS) communication module), or a wired communication module494(e.g., local area network (LAN) communication module, or power line communication module). The corresponding communication module may communicate with an external electronic device through the first network498(e.g., short-range communication network such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi direct, or infrared data association (IrDA)) or through the second network499(e.g., long-distance communication network such as a cellular network, the Internet, or a computer network like a LAN or WAN). The above various communication modules may be implemented as one component (e.g., single chip) or as separate components (e.g., multiple chips). The wireless communication module492may identify and authenticate the electronic device401in the communication network such as the first network498or the second network499by using subscriber information stored in the subscriber identification module496.

The antenna module497may transmit or receive a signal or power to or from the outside (e.g., external electronic device). In one embodiment, the antenna module497may include one antenna having a radiator made of a conductor or conductive pattern formed on a substrate (e.g., PCB). In one embodiment, the antenna module497may include a plurality of antennas. In this case, at least one antenna suitable for the communication scheme used in the communication network such as the first network498or the second network499may be selected from the plurality of antennas by, for example, the communication module490. The signal or power may be transmitted or received between the communication module490and the external electronic device through the selected at least one antenna. In one embodiment, in addition to the radiator, another component (e.g., RFIC) may be further formed as a part of the antenna module497.

At least some of the above components may be connected to each other via a communication scheme between peripherals (e.g., bus, general purpose input and output (GPIO), serial peripheral interface (SPI), or mobile industry processor interface (MIPI)), and may exchange signals (e.g., commands or data) with each other.

Some of the components of the electronic device401may be the same as or similar to those of the electronic device100ofFIG. 1 or 2, and repeated descriptions thereof will be omitted.

In one embodiment, commands or data may be exchanged between the electronic device401and the external electronic device404through the server408connected to the second network499. The electronic devices402and404may be of the same type as or a different type from the electronic device401. In one embodiment, all or some of the operations that can be performed by the electronic device401may be performed by one or more of the external electronic devices402,404and408. For example, to perform a certain function or service automatically or upon request, the electronic device401may, instead of or in addition to executing the function or service, request one or more external electronic devices to execute at least some of the function or service. Upon reception of the request, the external electronic devices may execute at least a portion of the requested function or service or an additional function or service related to the request, and return the execution results to the electronic device401. The electronic device401may further process the received results if necessary and provide the processing results as a response to the requested function or service. To this end, technologies such as cloud computing, distributed computing, and client-server computing may be utilized.

FIG. 5is a cross-sectional view of a speaker505and a magnetic shield structure508of the electronic device500(e.g., electronic device300inFIG. 3) according to an embodiment of the disclosure.FIG. 6is an enlarged view of region601inFIG. 5depicting the speaker505and the magnetic shield structure508according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

With reference toFIG. 5andFIG. 6, in one embodiment of the disclosure, the electronic device500may include a housing501including501aand501b(e.g., housing110inFIG. 1), a speaker505, and a magnetic shield structure508.

In an embodiment, the housing501may include a middle plate501a(e.g., first support member311or second support member370inFIG. 3) and/or a side bezel structure501b(e.g., side bezel structure310inFIG. 3).

The middle plate501aand/or the side bezel structure501bmay be made of a metal material (e.g., aluminum). The side bezel structure501bmay be formed to extend from the middle plate501a.

For example, the side bezel structure501bmay be formed as a single body with the middle plate501ausing die casting. The middle plate501amay be referred to as a cooling member.

In certain embodiments of the disclosure, the heat generated from the speaker505may be discharged away from the speaker505through the middle plate501aand the side bezel structure501b.

In an embodiment, the front plate511, the display512and/or the electromagnetic induction panel (e.g., electromagnetic induction panel390inFIG. 3) may be stacked on the upper surface of the middle plate501a.

In an embodiment, the rear plate540(e.g., rear plate380inFIG. 3) may be disposed below the middle plate501a. The middle plate501amay support various electronic components such as the display512, the battery520(e.g., battery350inFIG. 3) and the speaker505.

In an embodiment, the side bezel structure501bmay extend from the middle plate501a. The side bezel structure501bmay have at least one through hole, and the through hole may include a discharge hole501c.

In an embodiment, the speaker505may include a first magnet552, a second magnet553, a coil554, a diaphragm555, an adhesive member506, a speaker yoke507, a magnetic shield structure508, and/or a frame509.

The magnetic shield structure508and the frame509of the speaker505may form a speaker housing, and the diaphragm555may be disposed at a portion of the speaker housing.

The speaker box551may be made of steel or an injectable material (e.g., plastic). The speaker box551may be bolted or adhered to the middle plate501a.

In various different embodiments, the speaker box551may be coupled to the middle plate501ain various ways using a bolt, an adhesive, or the like. The speaker box551may be a portion of the second support member370.

The first magnet552may be mounted inside the speaker housing. The first magnet552may be a permanent magnet. The second magnet553may be located within the first magnet552, i.e. within a space defined by the first magnet552. For example, the first magnet552may surround the second magnet553. The second magnet553may be a permanent magnet. At least a portion of the second magnet553may be disposed between the speaker plate510and the speaker yoke507. The speaker plate510may be disposed on a first surface of the second magnet553, and the speaker yoke507may be disposed on a second surface of the second magnet553. The speaker plate510and the speaker yoke507may be made of metal materials (e.g., steel) and may be attached to the upper and lower surfaces of the second magnet553. Here, with respect to the surfaces of the second magnet553, the surface facing the diaphragm555may be referred to as the upper surface (first surface) of the second magnet553, and the surface facing the magnetic shield structure508may be referred to as the lower surface (second surface) of the second magnet553.

The coil554is mounted inside the speaker housing and may be disposed between the first magnet552and the second magnet553. The coil554may be a voice coil. The coil554may generate a magnetic force when a current is applied.

The coil554may be moved back and forth (vibrated) by changes in the magnetic force between the first magnet552and the second magnet553. In an embodiment, the diaphragm555may be coupled to the coil554. The diaphragm555may generate a sound due to the vibration of the coil554. The front sound generated by the diaphragm555may move toward the rear plate540, hit the inner wall of the speaker box551, and then move along a passage of the speaker box551. The passage of the speaker box551may lead to the discharge hole501c. The front sound generated by the diaphragm555thus may be emitted to the exterior of the side bezel structure501bvia the passage through the discharge hole501c.

In an embodiment, the rear sound generated by the diaphragm555may move along the opening of the speaker yoke507.

In an embodiment, the magnetic shield structure508can be coupled with a portion of the frame509. The magnetic shield structure508may be shaped like a plate with sides extending in the vertical direction at both ends. The magnetic shield structure508may have a shape of a plate in a first direction (horizontal direction) with sides extending from both ends in a second direction (vertical direction). The magnetic shield structure508may have a shape of a plate with wings at both ends. In one embodiment, the magnetic shield structure508may have a shape of uppercase “C” or lowercase “n”. In one embodiment, the magnetic shield structure508may have a lid-shape.

In an embodiment, the first magnet552and the second magnet553may be mounted within the sides extending in the vertical direction from the ends of the plate of the magnetic shield structure508. The first magnet552and the second magnet553may be mounted in an inner space where the plate of the magnetic shield structure508is coupled with the frame509. The magnetic shield structure508can be coupled with the frame509. At least a portion of the vertically extending sides of the magnetic shield structure508may be coupled with the frame509.

The first surface (i.e. upper surface as shown inFIG. 5) of the speaker housing may face the display512or the electromagnetic induction panel513, the second surface may face in the opposite direction of the display512(e.g., rear plate540), and the frame509may surround the space between the first surface and the second surface. The magnetic shield structure508may be disposed on the first surface of the speaker housing. The magnetic shield structure508disposed on the first surface of the speaker housing may face the speaker yoke507, and the magnetic shield structure508may extend to at least a portion of the side (e.g., frame509) of the speaker housing from the first surface of the speaking housing.

The speaker housing may be a speaker structure located in the space between the display512(or, electromagnetic induction panel513) and the rear plate540. The diaphragm555may be disposed on the second surface (i.e. lower surface as shown inFIG. 5) of the speaker housing.

In an embodiment, at least a portion of the magnetic shield structure508may be coupled with the speaker yoke507using the adhesive member506, and at least a portion of the magnetic shield structure508may be coupled with the middle plate501a.

In an embodiment, the electronic device500may not include the middle plate501a. In this case, at least a portion of the magnetic shield structure508may be coupled to the bottom of the display512or the electromagnetic induction panel513.

In an embodiment, the magnetic shield structure508may be made of a ferromagnetic material (e.g., steel plate cold commercial (SPCC)) or a metal material (e.g., steel).

FIG. 7is an exploded perspective view of region601inFIG. 5according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

The speaker box551includes a box upper cover551aand a box bottom lower cover551b. The box bottom lower cover551bmay be included in at least a portion of the second support member370. At least a portion of the second support member370may be coupled to the speaker hole703of the speaker box551, and the speaker hole703of the speaker box551may be connected to the speaker hole501cof the side bezel structure.

The box upper cover551aand the box bottom lower cover551bmay be combined to form the speaker box551, and the speaker box551may contain the speaker505, the adhesive member506, and the magnetic shield structure508.

The lower support member704may be coupled to a region corresponding to the speaker505in the lower portion of the second support member370(e.g., lower portion of the box bottom lower cover551b).

The speaker505may further include a connector701for electrically connecting the speaker505to the electronic device500.

The frame of the speaker505(frame509inFIG. 5) may be combined with the magnetic shield structure508having a shape of a plate with surfaces extending in the vertical direction at both ends to form the speaker housing.

The speaker505may be coupled to the magnetic shield structure508with the speaker yoke507facing the magnetic shield structure508.

The speaker505and the magnetic shield structure508may be coupled together by using the adhesive member506. The adhesive member506may be made of polyurethane.

In various different embodiments, the magnetic shield structure508may have a shape of a plate with surfaces extending in the vertical direction at both ends. The magnetic shield structure508may have a shape of a plate in a first direction (horizontal direction) with surfaces extending from both ends in a second direction (vertical direction). The magnetic shield structure508may have a shape of a plate with wings at both ends. In one embodiment, the magnetic shield structure508may have a shape of uppercase “C” or lowercase “n”. In one embodiment, the magnetic shield structure508may have a lid-shape.

FIG. 8is a cross-sectional view showing a speaker housing according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

The frame (frame509inFIG. 5) of the speaker505may be combined with the magnetic shield structure508having a shape of a plate with surfaces extending in the vertical direction at both ends to form the speaker housing.

The speaker505may further include a connector701for electrically connecting the speaker505to the electronic device500.

FIG. 9is a cross-sectional view showing the speaker505, a first magnetic shield structure901, and a second magnetic shield structure902of the electronic device500(e.g., electronic device300inFIG. 3) according to an embodiment of the disclosure.FIG. 10is an enlarged view of region1001inFIG. 9depicting the speaker505, the first magnetic shield structure901, and the second magnetic shield structure902according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

With reference toFIGS. 9 and 10, in one embodiment, the electronic device500may include a housing501including501aand501b(e.g., housing110inFIG. 1), a speaker505, and a first magnetic shield structure901. The components of the electronic device500inFIGS. 9 and 10may be the same as or similar to those described in connection withFIG. 5.

In the speaker505, the first magnetic shield structure901and the frame509may form the speaker housing, and a diaphragm555may be disposed on at least a portion of the housing.

At least a portion of the middle plate501amay include a second magnetic shield structure902. The second magnetic shield structure902may be disposed at a region corresponding to the speaker housing on a surface of the middle plate501a. The second magnetic shield structure902may be combined with the middle plate501ato form one housing. For coupling with the second magnetic shield structure902, the middle plate501amay have a recess in the shape of the second magnetic shield structure902.

The second magnetic shield structure902may be disposed on the middle plate501aand may be disposed below the display512or the electromagnetic induction panel513at a location corresponding to the location of the speaker505.

The second magnetic shield structure902may have an area larger than that of the upper surface of the speaker housing. Alternatively, the second magnetic shield structure902may have an area equal to that of the upper surface of the speaker housing.

The first magnet552may be mounted in the speaker housing. The first magnet552may be a permanent magnet. The second magnet553may be placed inside the first magnet552, i.e. within a space defined by the first magnet552. For example, the first magnet552may surround the second magnet553. The second magnet553may be a permanent magnet. The speaker plate510and the speaker yoke507may be disposed on at least a portion of the second magnet553. The speaker plate510may be disposed on a first surface of the second magnet553, and the speaker yoke507may be disposed on a second surface. The speaker plate510and the speaker yoke507may be made of metal materials (e.g., steel) and may be attached to the upper surface and the lower surface of the second magnet553. Here, the surface of the second magnet553facing the diaphragm555may be referred to as the upper surface, and the surface of the second magnet553facing the first magnetic shield structure901may be referred to as the lower surface.

In an embodiment, the first magnetic shield structure901may be coupled with a portion of the frame509. The first magnetic shield structure901may have a shape of a plate. The first magnet552and the second magnet553may be mounted in an inner space where the plate of the first magnetic shield structure901and the frame509are coupled to each other. The first magnetic shield structure901can be coupled with the frame509. At least a portion of the first magnetic shield structure901may be coupled with the frame509.

In an embodiment, at least a portion of the first magnetic shield structure901can be coupled with the speaker yoke507using the adhesive member506, and at least a portion of the first magnetic shield structure901may be coupled with the middle plate501a.

In a certain embodiment, the electronic device500may not include the middle plate501a. In this case, at least a portion of the first magnetic shield structure901may be coupled to the lower portion of the display512or the electromagnetic induction panel513.

In an embodiment, the first magnetic shield structure901and/or the second magnetic shield structure902may be made of a ferromagnetic material (e.g., steel plate cold commercial (SPCC)) or a metal material (e.g., steel).

In a certain embodiment, the electronic device500may not include the second magnetic shield structure902. In this case, the magnetism generated by the speaker505may be shielded only by the first magnetic shield structure901.

In an embodiment, the electronic device500may include the second magnetic shield structure902together with the magnetic shield structure508described inFIGS. 5 to 7. The electronic device500described inFIGS. 5 to 7may include the second magnetic shield structure902at a portion of the middle plate501atogether with the magnetic shield structure508having surfaces extending in the vertical direction at both ends.

The first surface of the speaker housing may face the display512or the electromagnetic induction panel513, the second surface may face in the opposite direction of the display512(e.g., rear plate540), and the frame509may surround the space between the first surface and the second surface. The first magnetic shield structure901may be disposed on the first surface of the speaker housing. The first magnetic shield structure901disposed on the first surface of the speaker housing may face the speaker yoke507. The diaphragm555may be disposed on the second surface of the speaker housing.

The speaker housing may be a speaker structure placed in the space between the display512(or, electromagnetic induction panel513) and the rear plate540.

FIG. 11is a chart showing a comparison in terms of sound pressure between a speaker including the magnetic shield structure according to one or more embodiments of the instant disclosure and a conventional speaker in the related arts.

When the conductor length (voice coil) and the current (current flowing through the coil) are the same, the magnetic shield structure of the instant disclosure can increase the magnetic flux density.

The increase in magnetic flux density can increase the sound pressure according to the equation F=BiL (where F is the force, B is the magnetic flux, i is the current, and L is the conductor length).

Comparing the sound pressure of a speaker including the magnetic shield structure according to one or more embodiments of the instant disclosure with the sound pressure of a conventional speaker, there is an increase of 0.9 dB on average in the range of 100 to 800 Hz, and the same or higher performance is achieved in the range of 800 Hz or higher.

The electronic device according to various embodiments disclosed herein can be one of various types of devices, such as portable communication devices (e.g., smartphones), computers, portable multimedia devices, portable medical instruments, cameras, wearable devices, and home appliances. However, the electronic device is not limited to the above-mentioned devices.

It should be understood that the various embodiments of the disclosure and the terminology used therein are not intended to limit the techniques described herein to specific embodiments but to include various modifications, equivalents, and/or alternatives thereof. In the drawings, the same or similar reference symbols are used to refer to the same or like parts. In the description, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In the description, the expression “A or B”, “at least one of A and/or B”, “A, B or C”, or “at least one of A, B and/or C” may indicate all possible combinations of the listed items. The terms “first” and “second” may refer to various elements regardless of importance and/or order and are used to distinguish one element from another element without limitation. It will be understood that when an element (e.g., first element) is referred to as being (operatively or communicatively) “coupled with/to” or “connected with/to” another element (e.g., second element), it can be coupled or connected with/to the other element directly (wiredly), wirelessly, or via a third element.

In the description, the term “module” may refer to a certain unit that is implemented in hardware, software, firmware, or a combination thereof. The term “module” may be used interchangeably with the term “unit”, “logic”, “logical block”, “component”, or “circuit”, for example. The module may be the minimum unit of a single-bodied component or a part thereof. The module may be the minimum unit, or a part thereof, which performs one or more particular functions. For example, a module may be implemented in the form of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

Various embodiments of the disclosure may be implemented in software (e.g., programs140) including instructions stored in a machine-readable storage medium (e.g., internal memory436or external memory438) readable by a machine (e.g., electronic device401). For example, the machine (e.g., processor420of the electronic device401) can fetch a stored instruction from a storage medium and execute the fetched instruction. When the instruction is executed by the machine, the machine may perform at least one function corresponding to the instruction. The instructions may include a code generated by a compiler and a code executable by an interpreter. The machine-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, “non-transitory” means that the storage medium does not include a signal (e.g. electromagnetic wave) and is tangible, but does not distinguish whether data is stored semi-permanently or temporarily in the storage medium.

The method according to various embodiments disclosed herein may be provided as a computer program product. A computer program product may be traded between a seller and a purchaser as a commodity. A computer program product may be distributed in the form of a machine-readable storage medium (e.g., compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM)) or be distributed online (e.g., download or upload) directly between two user devices (e.g. smartphones) through an application store (e.g., PlayStore™). For on-line distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product may be temporarily stored or temporarily created in a storage medium such as a memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or a relay server.

Each of the components (e.g., modules or programs) according to various embodiments described above may be composed of one or more elements. An existing component may be omitted, and a new component may be added. Alternatively or additionally, some of the components may be combined into one entity while maintaining the same functionality. Operations supported by a module, program, or another component may be carried out in sequence, in parallel, by repetition, or heuristically. Some operations may be executed in a different order or may be omitted, and a new operation may be added.