Electronic device with waterproof structure

An electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes a frame structure, and the frame structure includes an outer metallic portion including a first metallic material and forming at least a portion of an outer surface of the electronic device, and an inner metallic portion including a second metallic material different from the first metallic material and laterally surrounded by the outer metallic portion, and a first inner polymeric portion isolated from the inner metallic portion and at least partially laterally surrounded by the outer metallic portion. The electronic device includes a wireless communication circuit electrically connected to a portion of the outer metallic portion.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application is based on and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 to Korean Patent Application Serial No. 10-2018-0005557, filed on Jan. 16, 2018, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates generally to an electronic device with a waterproof structure.

2. Description of Related Art

With the growth of digital technologies, an electronic device is being provided in various forms such as a smart phone, a tablet personal computer (PC), a personal digital assistant (PDA), etc. The electronic device is being developed even in a form of being wearable on a user to improve portability and user accessibility.

An appearance of the electronic device may have a metallic member and a nonmetallic member. The electronic device including the metallic member can provide a luxurious design peculiar to a metal. Because a metallic material included in the metallic member affects durability, the electronic device employing the metallic member attracts more attention.

To support electronic parts, the electronic device can include an internal support member disposed inside the metallic member. The internal support member can have the same metallic material and can be formed to have a metallic structure integral with the metallic member. However, an interface between this metallic structure and a nonmetallic member can be separated by a shock caused by falling, etc. Due to this, foreign materials, such as water, can be introduced inside the electronic device via a gap between the metallic structure and the nonmetallic member. Also, the metallic structure can be formed of the metallic material which is focused on a design beauty of the metallic member. The internal support member including the metallic material can increase a weight of the electronic device. Besides this, this metallic material may not satisfy various conditions such as thermal conductive characteristics, electrical conductive characteristics, etc. required for the electronic device compared to other metallic materials

SUMMARY

The present disclosure has been made to address at least the disadvantages described above and to provide at least the advantages described below.

In accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure, an electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes a frame structure, and the frame structure includes an outer metallic portion including a first metallic material and forming at least a portion of an outer surface of the electronic device, and an inner metallic portion including a second metallic material different from the first metallic material and laterally surrounded by the outer metallic portion, and a first inner polymeric portion isolated from the inner metallic portion and at least partially laterally surrounded by the outer metallic portion. The electronic device includes a wireless communication circuit electrically connected to a portion of the outer metallic portion.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the disclosure will be described herein below with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the embodiments of the disclosure are not limited to the specific embodiments and should be construed as including all modifications, changes, equivalent devices and methods, and/or alternative embodiments of the present disclosure. In the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals are used for similar elements.

The terms “have,” “may have,” “include,” and “may include” as used herein indicate the presence of corresponding features (for example, elements such as numerical values, functions, operations, or parts), and do not preclude the presence of additional features.

It will be understood that, when an element (for example, a first element) is “(operatively or communicatively) coupled with/to” or “connected to” another element (for example, a second element), the element may be directly coupled with/to another element, and there may be an intervening element (for example, a third element) between the element and another element. To the contrary, it will be understood that, when an element (for example, a first element) is “directly coupled with/to” or “directly connected to” another element (for example, a second element), there is no intervening element (for example, a third element) between the element and another element.

The expression “configured to (or set to)” as used herein may be used interchangeably with “suitable for,” “having the capacity to,” “designed to,” “adapted to,” “made to,” or “capable of” according to a context. The term “configured to (set to)” does not necessarily mean “specifically designed to” in a hardware level. Instead, the expression “apparatus configured to . . . ” may mean that the apparatus is “capable of . . . ” along with other devices or parts in a certain context. For example, “a processor configured to (set to) perform A, B, and C” may mean a dedicated processor (e.g., an embedded processor) for performing a corresponding operation, or a generic-purpose processor (e.g., a central processing unit (CPU) or an application processor (AP)) capable of performing a corresponding operation by executing one or more software programs stored in a memory device.

The terms used in describing the various embodiments of the disclosure are for the purpose of describing particular embodiments and are not intended to limit the disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. All of the terms used herein including technical or scientific terms have the same meanings as those generally understood by an ordinary skilled person in the related art unless they are defined otherwise. Terms defined in a generally used dictionary should be interpreted as having the same or similar meanings as the contextual meanings of the relevant technology and should not be interpreted as having ideal or exaggerated meanings unless they are clearly defined herein. According to circumstances, even the terms defined in this disclosure should not be interpreted as excluding the embodiments of the disclosure.

Hereinafter, an electronic device will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the disclosure, the term “user” indicates a person using an electronic device or a device (e.g., an artificial intelligence electronic device) using an electronic device.

FIG. 1Ais a diagram of a front surface of an electronic device with a waterproof structure, according to an embodiment.FIG. 1Bis a diagram of a rear surface of the electronic device with the waterproof structure ofFIG. 1A.FIG. 2is a diagram of the electronic device with the waterproof structure, according to an embodiment.FIG. 3is a diagram of a support member, according to an embodiment.

Referring toFIGS. 1A and 1B, according to an embodiment, the electronic device100may include a housing110which includes a first surface (or front surface)110A, a second surface (or rear surface)110B, and a side surface110C surrounding a space between the first surface110A and the second surface110B. The housing may denote a structure forming some of the first surface110A, the second surface110B and the side surface110C ofFIG. 1Aas well. The first surface110A may be formed by a first plate (a front plate)102(e.g., a glass plate including various coating layers, or a polymer plate) with at least portion being substantially transparent. The second surface110B may be formed by a second plate (a rear plate)111facing away from the first plate102. The rear plate111may be a glass plate. The rear plate111may be formed substantially opaquely, and may be formed of a coated or colored glass, a ceramic, polymer, a metal (e.g., aluminum (Al), a steel type stainless (STS) or magnesium (Mg)), or a combination of at least two of the materials. The side surface110C may be formed by a frame structure118which is combined with the front plate102and the rear plate111and includes a metal and/or polymer. The rear plate111and the frame structure118may be integrally formed and may include the same material (e.g., a metallic material such as Al).

According to an embodiment, the frame structure118may include an outer metallic portion118A formed of a first metallic material, and an inner metallic portion formed of a second metallic material different from the first metallic material. The outer metallic portion118amay form the side surface110C. The front plate102and the rear plate111may be combined to both sides of the outer metallic portion118A, respectively. The inner metallic portion of the frame structure118may be combined to the outer metallic portion118A of the frame structure118, and may be disposed in a space between the front plate102and the rear plate111.

According to an embodiment, the frame structure118may include at least one inner nonmetallic portion of a nonmetallic material which is disposed in a space between the front plate102and the rear plate111and is combined to the outer metallic portion118A. The inner nonmetallic portion (inner polymeric portion) formed of polymer may be isolated from the inner metallic portion and may be at least partially surrounded by the outer metallic portion118A.

According to an embodiment, the outer metallic portion118A may include at least one first space portion in which the inner metallic portion is combined, and at least one second space portion in which the inner nonmetallic portion is combined. The outer metallic portion118A may include one or more portions (portioning portions or dividers) isolating the first space portion and the second space portion. The first space portion may be defined as a space or region which is limited by a portion of the outer metallic portion118A and at least one portioning portion. The second space portion may be defined as a space or region which is limited by another portion of the outer metallic portion118A and at least one portioning portion.

According to an embodiment, to decrease a deterioration of a radio wave radiation performance of the electronic device100caused by the frame structure118, the frame structure118may be designed to have a structure in which a portion of the frame structure118is physically or electrically isolated from the remaining portion of the frame structure118. The inner nonmetallic portion may get a portion of the outer metallic portion118A maintained in a state of being physically or electrically isolated from the remaining portion of the frame structure118. A portion121of the inner nonmetallic portion may be disposed in gaps of the outer metallic portion118A and form a portion of the side surface110C of the electronic device100.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device100may include at least one or more of a display101, audio modules103,107and114, sensor modules104and119, camera modules105,112and113, key input devices115,116and117, an indicator106or connector holes108and109. The electronic device100may omit at least one (e.g., the key input devices115,116and117or the indicator106) of the components, or may additionally include another component.

For example, the display101may be exposed through a large portion of the front plate102. The display101may be combined with or be disposed adjacent with a touch sensing circuit, a pressure sensor capable of measuring a touch strength (pressure), and/or a digitizer capable of detecting a magnetic-type stylus pen.

The audio modules103,107and114may include a microphone hole103and speaker holes107and114. A microphone for obtaining an external sound may be disposed within the microphone hole103. According to various embodiments, a plurality of microphones may be disposed within the microphone hole103and sense a direction of sound. According to various embodiments, the speaker holes107and114may include an external speaker hole107and a call receiver hole114. The speaker holes107and114and the microphone hole103may be implemented as one hole, or a speaker (e.g., a piezo speaker) may be implemented without the speaker holes107and114.

According to an embodiment, the sensor modules104and119may provide an electric signal or data value corresponding to an operational state of the electronic device100or an environmental state external to the electronic device101. The sensor modules104and119may, for example, include a first sensor module104(e.g., a proximity sensor) and/or a second sensor module (e.g., a fingerprint scanning sensor) that are disposed in the first surface110A of the housing110, and/or a third sensor module119(e.g., a heart rate monitor (HRM) sensor) that is disposed in the second surface110B of the housing110. The fingerprint scanning sensor may be disposed in the second surface110B as well as the first surface110A (e.g., the home key button115). The electronic device100may further include at least one of non-shown sensor modules, such as a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, a barometer, 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.

According to an embodiment, the camera modules105,112and113may include a first camera device105disposed in the first surface110A of the electronic device100, and a second camera device112disposed in the second surface110B, and/or a flash113. The camera modules105and112may include one or a plurality of lenses, an image sensor, and/or an image signal processor. The flash113may, for example, include a light emitting diode or a xenon lamp. Two or more lenses (e.g., wide-angle and telephoto lenses) and image sensors may be disposed in one surface of the electronic device100.

According to an embodiment, the key input devices115,116and117may include a home key button115disposed in the first surface110A of the housing110, a touch pad116disposed around the home key button115, and/or a side key button117disposed in the side surface110C of the housing110. According to various embodiments, the electronic device100may not include some or all of the above-mentioned key input devices115,116and117. The key input devices115,116and117not included may be implemented in another form such as a soft key on the display101.

For example, the indicator106may be disposed in the first surface110A of the housing110. The indicator106may provide state information of the electronic device100in the form of light, and may include an LED.

For example, the connector holes108and109may include a first connector hole108capable of accepting a connector (e.g., a universal serial bus (USB) connector) for transmitting and/or receiving power and/or data with an external electronic device, and/or a second connector hole (e.g., an earphone jack)109capable of accepting a connector for transmitting and/receiving an audio signal with the external electronic device.

Referring toFIG. 2, according to an embodiment, the electronic device200may include a first support member (e.g., the frame structure118ofFIG. 1A or 1B) including a metallic portion210and an inner nonmetallic portion290, a front plate220, a display230, a printed circuit board240, a battery250, a second support member260(e.g., a rear case), an antenna270, and a rear plate280. The electronic device200may omit at least one (e.g., the second support member260) of the components or additionally include another component. According to various embodiments, at least one of the components of the electronic device200may be identical or similar with at least one of the components of the electronic device100ofFIG. 1AorFIG. 1B, and a repeated description is omitted below.

Referring toFIGS. 2 and 3, according to an embodiment, the metallic portion210may include an outer metallic portion210A, and an inner metallic portion210B formed of a metallic material different from that of the outer metallic portion210A. The outer metallic portion210A may be of a form surrounding a space between the front plate220and the rear plate280. The inner metallic portion210B may be combined to the outer metallic portion210A and be disposed in the space between the front plate220and the rear plate280. The inner metallic portion210B may be laterally surrounded by the outer metallic portion210A. The inner metallic portion210B may be combined to an opening of the outer metallic portion210A. An inner surface of the opening is provided along a lateral surface (or side surface) of the inner metallic portion210B and be combined to the lateral surface of the inner metallic portion210B.

According to an embodiment, a second metallic material forming the inner metallic portion210B may have at least one substance characteristic (e.g., a thermal conduction rate, an electrical conduction rate, a specific gravity, a corrosion resistance, etc.) different from that of a first metallic material forming the outer metallic portion210A. The second metallic material may have a melting point not greater than that of the first metallic material. The second metallic material may have a specific gravity not greater than that of the first metallic material. The second metallic material may have a thermal conduction rate or electrical conduction rate different from that of the first metallic material. The first metallic material may provide a stronger gloss than the second metallic material. The outer metallic portion210A formed of the first metallic material may have designing aesthetic characteristics. According to various embodiments, the first metallic material and the second metallic material may provide mutually different mechanical strengths (e.g., tensile strengths, flexural strengths, shear strengths, fatigue strengths, etc.).

According to an embodiment, the outer metallic portion210A may include titanium (Ti), an amorphous alloy, a ceramic substance, a stainless steel, a steel use stainless (SUS) or the like. And, the inner metallic portion210B may include magnesium (Mg), a magnesium alloy, Al, an aluminum alloy, zinc (Zn), a zinc alloy, copper (Cu), a copper alloy or the like.

According to an embodiment, a first junction layer for combination of heterogeneous metals may be interposed in a first interface between the outer metallic portion210A and the inner metallic portion210B. The outer metallic portion210A formed of the first metallic material may be coated with a material of the first junction layer and, through die casting, the inner metallic portion210B of the second metallic material may be formed. The first junction layer may be a material that reacts to heat or pressure generated while the inner metallic portion210B combined to the outer metallic portion210A is formed. The material of the first junction layer may react to heat or pressure, to be tightly combined to the outer metallic portion210A and the inner metallic portion210B. While the inner metallic portion210B is formed, the material of the first junction layer may be fused to the outer metallic portion210A. In response to the second metallic material of a melted state being injected into a mold in which the outer metallic portion210A coated with the material of the first junction layer is disposed, a fusion layer between the material of the first junction layer and the second metallic material may be formed.

According to an embodiment, the first junction layer may include a material capable of increasing a bonding force between the outer metallic portion210A and the inner metallic portion210B formed of mutually different metallic materials, and may be strongly joined to all of the outer metallic portion210A and the inner metallic portion210B. The first junction layer may be chosen as a material capable of increasing all of an interfacial bonding force between the first junction layer and the outer metallic portion210A, and an interfacial bonding force between the first junction layer and the inner metallic portion210B. The interfacial bonding force may be defined as a mechanical strength indicating resistance to damage by an external force, or an environmental strength indicating resistance to damage by the environment (e.g., water, heat, etc.).

According to an embodiment, the first junction layer may include a material having a lower melting point than the first metallic material of the outer metallic portion210A or the second metallic material of the inner metallic portion210B.

According to an embodiment, the first junction layer may include a low-melting-point compound. The first junction layer may be a plating layer. The plating layer may be formed on the outer structure210A in various plating schemes. The first junction layer may be designed as a metallic layer formed of other various different metallic materials.

According to an embodiment, the metallic portion210may include a portion2101to which an edge region221of the front plate220is combined and a portion2102to which an edge region281of the rear plate280is combined. The front plate220and the rear plate280may be combined to the metallic portion210by using an adhesive material such as a double-sided tape.

According to an embodiment, the inner nonmetallic portion290may be combined to the outer metallic portion210A, and may be disposed in a space between the front plate220and the rear plate280. The inner nonmetallic portion290may be physically isolated from the inner metallic portion210B and may be at least partially laterally surrounded by the outer metallic portion210A. The inner nonmetallic portion290may be combined to an opening of the outer metallic portion210A. An inner surface of the opening is provided along at least a portion of a lateral surface (or side surface) of the inner nonmetallic portion290and may be combined to the lateral surface of the inner nonmetallic portion290.

According to an embodiment, a second junction layer may be interposed in a second interface between the outer metallic portion210A and the inner nonmetallic portion290. The outer metallic portion210A formed of the first metallic material may be coated with a material (e.g., organic junction layer) of the second junction layer and, through injection, the inner nonmetallic portion290may be formed. The second junction layer may be a material that reacts to heat or pressure generated while the inner nonmetallic portion290combined to the outer metallic portion210A is formed. The material of the second junction layer may react to heat or pressure, to be tightly combined to the outer metallic portion210A and the inner nonmetallic portion290.

According to an embodiment, a bonding force of the first interface between the outer metallic portion210A and the inner metallic portion210B, and a bonding force (or junction force) of the second interface (e.g., the interface124ofFIGS. 1A and 1B) between the outer metallic portion210A and the inner nonmetallic portion290may be maintained against a shock generated in such a condition as when the electronic device200is fallen.

According to an embodiment, the first junction layer may be a material that does not react to heat or pressure generated while the inner nonmetallic portion290combined to the outer metallic portion210A is formed. Due to this, while the inner nonmetallic portion290combined to the outer metallic portion210A is formed, the first junction layer may be maintained in a state of being tightly combined to the outer metallic portion210A and the inner metallic portion210B.

According to an embodiment, the outer metallic portion210A may include at least one first space portion in which the inner metallic portion210B is combined, and at least one second space portion in which the inner nonmetallic portion290is combined. The outer metallic portion210A may include one or more portioning portions isolating the first space portion and the second space portion. The outer metallic portion210A may be a rectangular ring shaped structure including a first frame311, a second frame312, a third frame313and a fourth frame314. The outer metallic portion210A may include a first portioning portion321and a second portioning portion322which connect the third frame313and the fourth frame314. The first portioning portion321and the second portioning portion322may be of a straight-line form of being extended in a direction (a fourth direction)3004between the third frame313and the fourth frame314. The first portioning portion321and the second portioning portion322may be in parallel to each other. A width (W1) of the first portioning portion321and a width (W2) of the second portioning portion322in a direction (a fifth direction3005) between the first frame311and the second frame312may be designed mutually identically or differently. The first space portion301in which the inner metallic portion210B is combined may be a space that is limited by a portion of the third frame313, a portion of the fourth frame314, the first portioning portion321and the second portioning portion322. The one second space portion302ain which the inner nonmetallic portion290is combined may be a space that is limited by the first frame311, a portion of the third frame313, a portion of the fourth frame314and the first portioning portion321. The other second space portion302ain which the inner nonmetallic portion290is combined may be a space that is limited by the second frame312, a portion of the third frame313, a portion of the fourth frame314and the second portioning portion322. When viewed from above the front plate220, the first space portion301may be disposed between the second space portions302aand302band may be generally rectangular. The inner nonmetallic portion290may include a first inner polymeric portion290adisposed in the one second space portion302a, and a second inner polymeric portion290bdisposed in the other second space portion302b. When viewed from above the front plate220, the inner metallic portion210B may be disposed between the first inner polymeric portion290aand the second inner polymeric portion290b.

According to an embodiment, the first portioning portion321and the second portioning portion322may increase a torsional rigidity or durability of the first support member300.

According to various embodiments, the first portioning portion321or the second portioning portion322may be designed in various different forms. The width (W1) of the first portioning portion321or the width (W2) of the second portioning portion322may be designed to be constant or inconstant along the fourth direction3004. When viewed from an x-y section, an x-z section or a y-z section, the first portioning portion321or the second portioning portion322may have various sectional shapes.

According to various embodiments, the first portioning portion321and the second portioning portion322may be designed not parallel to each other as well.

According to various embodiments, a thickness of the first portioning portion321and a thickness of the second portioning portion322may be designed to be mutually identical or different in a direction (a third direction)3003between the front plate220and the rear plate280. The thickness of the first portioning portion321or the thickness of the second portioning portion322may be designed to be constant or inconstant along the fourth direction3004as well.

According to various embodiments, the first portioning portion321or the second portioning portion322may be designed in various different forms, without being limited to the shown straight-line form. At least a portion of the first portioning portion321or second portioning portion322may be designed in a curved shape.

According to various embodiments, the outer metallic portion210A may be designed to further include an additional portioning portion. The outer metallic portion210A may be designed to further include a portioning portion that connects the first portioning portion321and the second portioning portion322. The first space portion301in which the inner metallic portion210B is combined may be divided into two space portions as well.

According to various embodiments, the outer metallic portion210A may be designed to include one or more portioning portions that connect the first frame311and the second frame312as well.

According to various embodiments, the outer metallic portion210A may be designed to include a plurality of portioning portions of a mutually intersected structure as well.

According to various embodiments, the outer metallic portion210A may be designed to include at least one portioning portion that connects the first frame311and the third frame312, the first frame311and the fourth frame314, the second frame312and the third frame313, or the second frame312and the fourth frame314as well.

According to various embodiments, the inner nonmetallic portion290may get a portion311or312of the outer metallic portion210A maintained in a state of being physically or electrically isolated from the remaining portion of the metallic portion210. This portion311or312of the outer metallic portion210A will be denoted as a metal piece. A portion2901of the inner nonmetallic portion290may be designed as a protrusion portion that is extended to be disposed in a gap of the outer metallic portion210A, and may be exposed outside. The metal pieces311and312of the outer metallic portion210A may be electrically connected to the printed circuit board240and may be used as an antenna component. The portion311or312of the metallic portion210may be used as an antenna radiator or an antenna ground. The outer metallic portion210A may include terminals311aand312athat are extended from the metal pieces311and312to cover the inner nonmetallic portion290. These terminals311aand312amay be electrically connected with the printed circuit board240. The metal pieces311and312of the outer metallic portion210A may be designed to be in an electrical floating state as well. The printed circuit board240may be combined to the one surface of a mid-plate (or bracket)302defined as an inside portion of the outer metallic portion210A among the first support member300. The printed circuit board240may be disposed between the mid-plate302and the rear plate280. An x-z section corresponding to an A-A portion of the first support member300, or a y-z section corresponding to a B-B portion may be of an H shape. The mid-plate302may be surrounded by the outer metallic portion210A. The display230may be combined to the other surface of the mid-plate302, and may be disposed between the mid-plate302and the front plate220. The printed circuit board240may mount electronic components such as a processor, a memory, an interface and/or the like. The processor may include one or more of a central processing device, an application processor, a graphic processing device, am image signal processor, a sensor hub processor, or a communication processor. The memory may include, for example, a volatile memory or a non-volatile memory. The interface may include, for example, a high definition multimedia interface (HDMI), a USB interface, a secure digital (SD) card interface, and/or an audio interface. The interface may electrically or physically connect the electronic device200with an external electronic device. The interface may include a USB connector, an SD card/MMC connector, or an audio connector.

According to an embodiment, the electronic component such as the processor, the battery250, etc., may be disposed to be aligned in the inner metallic portion210B. An electronic component having a relatively large heating value among a plurality of electronic components may be designed to be aligned in the inner metallic portion210B.

According to an embodiment, the inner metallic portion210B may include one or more openings3021and3022. According to various embodiments, the openings3021and3022may be used to decrease a weight of the inner metallic portion210B or mount the electronic component. One opening3021may be provided between the display230and the battery250.

According to an embodiment, the battery250may be swelled up. This may cause an increase of a thickness of at least a portion of the battery250. The opening3021may provide a space occupied by the portion of the battery250of which the thickness is increased due to the swelling. This opening3021may prevent the front plate220combined with the display230from being isolated from the first support member300because of the swelling of the battery250or prevent the display230and the front plate220from being damaged (e.g., being broken by a pressure transferred from the battery250).

According to an embodiment, the battery250, a device for supplying power to at least one component of the electronic device200, may include a non-rechargeable primary cell, a rechargeable secondary cell or a fuel cell. At least a portion of the battery250may be disposed on the substantially same plane as the printed circuit board240. The battery250may be disposed integrally within the electronic device100, and may be disposed detachably with the electronic device200as well.

According to an embodiment, the second support member260may be combined to the first support member300, and may be disposed between the printed circuit board240and the rear plate280. The second support member260may be combined to the first support member300by using bolt connection, etc. together with the printed circuit board240, and may play a role of covering and protecting the printed circuit board240.

According to an embodiment, the antenna270may be disposed between the rear plate280and the battery250. The antenna270may include a near field communication (NFC) antenna, a wireless charging antenna, and/or a magnetic secure transmission (MST) antenna. The antenna270may perform short-range communication with an external device, or may wirelessly transmit and/or receive power required for charging. An antenna structure may be formed by at least a portion of the first support member300. The metal pieces311and312of the outer structure210A may be used as an antenna radiator or an antenna ground.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device200may further include various components (or modules) in accordance with a provision form thereof. These components are so diversely changed according to the convergence trend of a digital device, so all of them may not be enumerated, but components of levels equivalent to those of the above mentioned components may be further included in the electronic device200. Undoubtedly, the electronic device200may exclude specific components from the above components or replace the same with other components in accordance with a provision form thereof.

FIG. 4is a diagram of a combined state of the first support member and the printed circuit board, according to an embodiment.

Referring toFIG. 4, according to an embodiment, the printed circuit board240may be combined to the mid-plate302of the first support member300. Portions241and242of the printed circuit board240may be electrically connected with the metal piece311of the outer structure210A. The other metal piece312of the outer structure210B may be also electrically connected with a non-shown printed circuit board, and this printed circuit board may be a portion of the printed circuit board240or may be designed separately from the printed circuit board240.

Referring toFIGS. 3 and 4, according to an embodiment, a flexible conductive member (or elastic conductive member), such as a C clip, a pogo-pin, a spring, a conductive poron or rubber, a conductive tape, a cooper connector or the like, may be disposed between the printed circuit board240and the terminals311aor312aof the outer structure210A. By the medium of the flexible conductive member, the printed circuit board240may be electrically connected to the metal piece311or312of the outer structure210A. The metal piece311or312may be used as an antenna radiator for wireless communication or an antenna ground.

For example, the printed circuit board240may include one or more wireless communication circuits (or modules) supporting the establishment of a wireless communication channel with an external electronic device and the execution of communication through the established communication channel According to an embodiment, the wireless communication circuits may include a cellular communication circuit, a short-range wireless communication circuit, a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) communication circuit or the like. The cellular communication circuit may be, for example, at least one of long term evolution (LTE), LTE-advanced (LTE-A), code division multiple access (CDMA), wideband CDMA (WCDMA), universal mobile telecommunications system (UMTS), wireless broadband (WiBro), global system for mobile communications (GSM) or the like. For example, the short-range wireless communication circuit may include, for example, at least one of wireless fidelity (WiFi), light fidelity (LiFi), Bluetooth (BT), Bluetooth low energy (BLE), Zigbee, near field communication (NFC), magnetic secure transmission (MST), radio frequency (RF), or body area network (BAN). For example, the GNSS communication circuit may be a global positioning system (GPS), a global navigation satellite system (Glonass), Beidou navigation satellite system (Beidou), or the European global satellite-based navigation system (Galileo). Several kinds of wireless communication circuits may be implemented as one chip or may be each implemented as a separate chip.

According to an embodiment, the wireless communication circuits may include one or more communication processors supporting wireless communication, operating independently from a processor such as an application processor. The wireless communication circuits may transmit a signal to an external electronic device through the antenna radiator such as the metal piece311or312, or receive a signal from the external electronic device. The metal piece312may be used for a first network (e.g., a short-range communication network such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi direct or Infrared Data Association (IrDA)), or a second network (e.g., a long-range communication network such as a cellular network, the Internet or a computer network (e.g., a LAN or a wide area network (WAN)).

According to various embodiments, a leakage current may flow to the first support member300, and the leakage current may flow to the human body of a user who carries the electronic device, via the outer metallic portion210A. This leakage current may induce human body's reaction (or symptom) such as unpleasant sensation, pain, muscle spasm, burn, killing or the like. The electronic device may receive power from an external power supply such as a charging device, etc., to charge a battery. Owing to a defect or damage of the external power supply device, an unintended high-voltage alternating current (AC) may be supplied from the external power supply device to the electronic device. The high-voltage AC may be leaked to the first support member300. The metallic portion210may be designed to include an insulating material coated on a surface thereof, but, because a potential difference is fluctuated, the AC may flow through the insulating material as well. According to various embodiments, an unintended direct-current (DC) overcurrent outputted from the electronic device may be leaked to the first support member300. In response to the outer metallic portion210A being aged or damaged as the insulating material is stripped off due to aging, damage or the like, a possibility in which the leakage current flows to the human body may increase. According to various embodiments, another portion of the first support member300may be electrically connected to a leakage current breaking circuit by using an electrical connection structure (e.g., the flexible conductive member) described inFIG. 4. The leakage current breaking circuit may electrically connect the ground of the printed circuit board240and the first support member300. The leakage current breaking circuit may stop the leakage current from flowing from the ground of the printed circuit board240to the first support member300. The leakage current breaking circuit may be designed to transform a high-voltage AC introduced through a connector, into a low-voltage AC, or eliminate the high-voltage AC. The leakage current breaking circuit may be designed to transform a high-current AC introduced through the connector, into a low-current AC, or eliminate the high-current AC. The leakage current breaking circuit may be designed to transform a high-current AC introduced through the connector, into a low-current DC, or eliminate the high-current AC. The leakage current breaking circuit may be also designed to transform a high-voltage AC introduced through the connector, into a low-current DC, or eliminate the high-voltage AC.

FIG. 5is a flowchart of the manufacturing of a first support member, according to an embodiment.FIGS. 6A, 6B, 6C, 7A, 7B, 7C, 8A, 8B, 9A, 9B and 10are diagrams of an electronic device for explaining a flowchart ofFIG. 5, according to an embodiment. The flowchart ofFIG. 5will be explained below with reference toFIGS. 6A, 6B, 6C, 7A, 7B, 7C, 8A, 8B, 9A, 9B and 10.

At step501, according to an embodiment, a base plate600amay be provided. The base plate600amay be generally rectangular, and may include extension portions601for fixing to a processing device. The base plate600amay be formed of a first metallic material such as Ti, an amorphous alloy, a ceramic substance, a stainless steel, a SUS or the like. The base plate600ais a member for forming the outer metallic portion210A ofFIG. 3. The first metallic material may be chosen such that the outer metallic portion210A has designing aesthetic characteristics such as gloss. The first metallic material may be chosen to further have characteristics such as a mechanical strength, a chemical durability, a corrosion resistance, a heat tolerance, etc.

At step503, according to an embodiment, a first plate600bhaving a first opening (or a hollow portion)602provided in the base plate600amay be formed. The first plate600bmay be a generally rectangular ring shape including a first portion6031, a second portion6032, a third portion6033and a fourth portion6034. Referring toFIGS. 3 and 6B, the frames311,312,313and314of the outer metallic portion210A may be formed from the first portion6031, the second portion6032, the third portion6033and the fourth portion6034.

Referring toFIGS. 3 and 6B, according to an embodiment, the first opening602may correspond to the first space portion301in which the inner metallic portion (e.g.,210B ofFIG. 3) is combined. The first opening602may include a first inner surface6021provided by the first portion6031, a second inner surface6022provided by the second portion6032, a third inner surface6023provided by the third portion6033, and a fourth inner surface6024provided by the fourth portion6034.FIG. 6Cis an x-z section corresponding to a C-C portion of the first plate600bofFIG. 6B. Referring toFIG. 6C, the fourth inner surface6024of the first opening602may be designed to include one or more grooves6024aand6024b. The third inner surface6023opposite the fourth inner surface6024may be also designed to include one or more grooves6023aand6023b. The first inner surface6021of the first opening602may also include one or more grooves6021aand6021b. These grooves6021aand6021bmay connect the grooves6023aand6023bof the third inner surface6023and the grooves6024aand6024bof the fourth inner surface6024. Though not illustrated, the second inner surface6022may include grooves which connect the grooves6023aand6023bof the third inner surface6023and the grooves6024aand6024bof the fourth inner surface6024. According to various embodiments, some of the first inner surface6021, the second inner surface6022, the third inner surface6023or the fourth inner surface6024may be designed to have the grooves as well. A metallic portion for forming the inner metallic portion210B may be combined to the first opening602of the first plate600b. The inner surfaces6021,6022,6023and6024including the above grooves may improve a bonding force of the first plate600band the metallic portion by increasing a junction area between the first plate600band the metallic portion. One of these grooves6023aor6024amay be designed in a form for the dovetail joint of the first plate600band the inner metallic portion. Besides this, the inner surfaces6021,6022,6023and6024of the first opening602may be designed in various forms for a fitting structure between the first plate600band the metallic portion.

According to an embodiment, the first plate600bhaving the above grooves may be formed through computer numerical control (CNC), die casting, pressing, etc. The grooves may be provided in the inner surfaces6021,6022,6023and6024of the first opening602through surface cutting using a laser, a scratcher or the like, etching, or the like as well.

At step505, according to an embodiment, a second plate700combining a metallic portion701of a second metallic material to the first opening602of the first plate600bmay be formed.FIG. 7Bis an x-z section corresponding to a D-D portion of the second plate700ofFIG. 6A. Referring toFIG. 7B, a first junction layer703may be interposed in an interface between the first plate600band the metallic portion701. The first plate600bformed of the first metallic material may be coated with a material of the first junction layer703and, through die casting, the metallic portion701of the second metallic material may be formed. The first junction layer703may be a material that reacts to heat or pressure generated while the metallic portion701combined to the first plate600bis formed. The material of the first junction layer703may react to heat or pressure, to be tightly combined to the first plate600band the metallic portion701. While the metallic portion701is formed, the material of the first junction layer703may be fused to the first plate600b. In response to the second metallic material of a melted state being injected into a mold in which the first plate600bis disposed, a fusion layer between the material of the first junction layer703and the second metallic material may be formed.

According to an embodiment, the first junction layer703may include a material capable of increasing a bonding force between the first plate600band the metallic portion701of mutually different metallic materials, and may be bonded to all of the first plate600band the metallic portion701. The first junction layer703may be chosen as a material capable of increasing all of an interfacial bonding force between the first junction layer703and the first plate600band an interfacial bonding force between the first junction layer703and the metallic portion701.FIG. 7Cillustrates a combined state of the first plate600band the metallic portion701by the medium of the first junction layer703. Referring toFIG. 7C, in the die casting, the first junction layer703may react to heat, to make a junction of the first plate600band the metallic portion701tight.

According to an embodiment, the first junction layer703may include a material having a lower melting point than the first metallic material of the first plate600bor the second metallic material of the metallic portion701.

According to an embodiment, the first junction layer703may include a low-melting-point compound. The first junction layer703may be a plating layer. The plating layer may be formed on the first plate600bin various plating schemes. The first junction layer703may be designed as a metallic layer formed of other various different metallic materials.

Referring toFIG. 7B, according to various embodiments, the metallic portion701may be designed to cover a portion of an upper surface6001or lower surface6002of the first plate600bas well. In this design, the first junction layer703may be interposed even between the upper surface6001or lower surface6002of the first plate600band the metallic portion701.

Referring toFIGS. 7A and 7B, according to an embodiment, the metallic portion701may have an H-shape section structure. This H-shape section structure may improve torsional rigidity, durability or the like. The metallic portion701may include a plate portion7011between portions7013and7014combined to the first opening602of the first plate600b. The plate portion7011may be designed in a form for combining with electronic components (e.g., the printed circuit board240ofFIG. 2) of the electronic device or supporting them. The plate portion7011may include a protrusion7011afor supporting a battery250, etc.

At step507, according to an embodiment, a third plate800having one or more second openings801and802provided in the first plate600bof the second plate700may be provided. The one second opening801is provided by cutting out a portion of the first portion6031of the first plate600b, and the other one second opening802may be provided by cutting out a portion of the second portion6032of the first plate600b. Referring toFIGS. 3 and 8A, the second openings801and802may correspond to the second space portions302aand302bin which the inner nonmetallic portion290is combined. The second plate700may include a first portioning portion803and a second portioning portion804. The first portioning portion803may be disposed between the first opening602and the one second opening801. The second portioning portion804may be disposed between the first opening602and the other one second opening802.

Referring toFIGS. 3 and 8A, according to an embodiment, the second openings801and802may include spaces8011,8012,8021and8022for gaps in which the portions2901of the inner nonmetallic portion290are disposed.

Referring toFIGS. 3 and 8A, according to an embodiment, the third plate800may include terminals8031and8032electrically connected with the printed circuit board.

FIG. 8Bis a y-z section corresponding to an E-E portion of the third plate800ofFIG. 8A. Referring toFIGS. 8A and 8B, according to an embodiment, inner surfaces8011and8021of the second openings801and802may include one or more grooves8011a,8011b,8021aand8021b. A nonmetallic portion for forming the inner nonmetallic portion290may be combined to the second openings801and802. These grooves8011a,8011b,8021aand8021bmay increase a junction area between the metallic portion and the nonmetallic portion, to improve a bonding force between the metallic portion and the nonmetallic portion. According to various embodiments, the grooves8011a,8011b,8021aand8021bmay be designed in a form for a fitting structure such as a dovetail joint as well. According to an embodiment, the grooves8011a,8011b,8021aand8021bof the inner surfaces8011and8021may be provided using CNC, a laser, a scratcher, etching, etc.

According to an embodiment, a step of providing the second openings801and802may be included in step503of providing the first opening602as well.

At step509, according to an embodiment, a fourth plate900having nonmetallic portions901and902of a first polymer combined to the second openings801and802of the third plate800may be formed. The nonmetallic portion901combined to the one second opening801and the nonmetallic portion902combined to the other second opening802may be designed to include mutually different materials as well.FIG. 9Bis a y-z section corresponding to an F-F portion of the fourth plate900ofFIG. 9A. Referring toFIG. 9B, a second junction layer903may be interposed in an interface of inner surfaces8011and8021of the second openings801and802of the third plate800. The nonmetallic portions901and902may be formed by forming the second junction layer903including a second polymer such as triazine thiol, dithio pyrimidine, silane-based compound, etc., in the inner surfaces8011and8021of the second openings801and802and then injecting the fused first polymer through insert injection. The second junction layer903may be a material that reacts to heat or pressure generated while the nonmetallic portions901and902combined to the metallic portion904is formed. The material of the second junction layer903may react to heat or pressure, to be tightly combined to the metallic portion904and the nonmetallic portions901and902. The second junction layer903may be designed as an organic layer including other various different organic matters.

According to an embodiment, the first junction layer703may be a material that does not react to heat or pressure generated while the nonmetallic portions901and902combined to the metallic portion904are formed. While the nonmetallic portions901and902combined to the metallic portion904are formed, the first junction layer703may be maintained in a state of being tightly combined to the two metallic portions904and701.

According to an embodiment, the first polymer of the nonmetallic portions901and902may be a material different from the second polymer of the second junction layer903, and may include, for example, polyether ether ketone, polyphenylene sulfide, polybutylene terephthalate, polyimide, polycarbonate or the like.

Referring toFIG. 9B, according to an embodiment, the nonmetallic portions901and902may be designed to cover a portion of an upper surface9041or lower surface9042of the first metallic portion904as well. In this design, the second junction layer903may be interposed even between the upper surface9041or lower surface9042of the metallic portion904and the inner nonmetallic portion901.

At step511, according to an embodiment, a first support member1000including an outer metallic portion1010A of a first metallic material, an inner metallic portion1010B of a second metallic material, and inner polymeric portions1090of polymer may be formed through post-processing such as cutting, polishing, surface treating (e.g., depositing, anodizing, painting, etc.) of the fourth plate900.

Referring toFIG. 10, according to an embodiment, the outer metallic portion1010A may include a first space portion1001, and second space portions1002aand1002bdivided by portioning portions1021and1022. The inner metallic portion1010B may be combined to the first space portion1001. The first inner polymeric portion1090may be combined to the second space portions1002aand1002b. A first junction layer703may be interposed in a first interface1011between the outer metallic portion1010A and the inner metallic portion1010B. A second junction layer903may be interposed in a second interface1012between the outer metallic portion1010A and the first inner polymeric portion1090. The first interface1011and/or the second interface1012may be designed to have a fitting structure for increasing a bonding force between two members.

According to an embodiment, the first interface1011and the second interface1012may endure, without being separated, a shock of falling due to the fitting structure with the first and second junction layers703and903, so the durability and/or waterproof performance of the first support member1000may be secured. The portioning portions1021and1022may strengthen the torsional rigidity or durability of the first support member1000, and may provide resistance for stopping the first interface1011and the second interface1012from being separated by an external shock.

According to an embodiment, the first support member1000may include the inner metallic portion1010B of the second metallic material having at least one characteristic different from that of the first metallic material of the outer metallic portion1010A forming an appearance of the electronic device and accordingly, compared with a non-shown support member formed integrally with the first metallic material, may make it easy to satisfy various conditions such as a weight, thermal conductive characteristics, electrical conductive characteristics, etc., required for the electronic device. Accordingly, while the second interface1012is stably bonded and maintained, a waterproof performance of satisfying substance characteristics of the first support member1000required for the electronic device may be secured.

According to various embodiments, in response to the outer metallic portion1010A being formed of a difficult-to-cut material such as a SUS and Ti, the inner metallic portion1010B may be designed as a second metallic material whose processing is easier than this difficult-to-cut material. This may be easily processed compared with the non-shown metallic portion integrally formed of the difficult-to-cut material.

Assuming the manufacturing of a support member not having the portioning portions1021and1022, there may be an attempt to bind an interface between an inner metallic portion and an inner nonmetallic portion disposed inside an outer metallic portion so as to secure durability. The inner nonmetallic portion may be combined to a metal structure in a scheme of molding the metal structure consisting of an outer metallic portion and an inner metallic portion formed of a metallic material and then, injecting a fused polymer into the metal structure through injection. There may be an interface between the inner nonmetallic portion and the outer metallic portion, and an interface between the inner nonmetallic portion and the inner metallic portion. In this injection, a junction layer may be interposed in the interfaces but, because the outer metallic portion and the inner metallic portion are formed of mutually different metallic materials, a material of this junction layer may be difficult to secure all of a bonding force of the interface between the inner nonmetallic portion and the outer metallic portion and a bonding force of the interface between the inner nonmetallic portion and the inner metallic portion. In contrast, the portioning portions1021and1022of the outer metallic portion1010A according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may remove the interface between the inner nonmetallic portion1090and the inner metallic portion1010B and therefore, an operation of molding the inner nonmetallic portion1090may be implemented to provide a tight junction between the inner nonmetallic portion1090and the outer metallic portion1010A without considering a junction between the inner nonmetallic portion1090and the inner metallic portion1010B.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the electronic device200may include a frame structure (e.g., the frame structure ofFIG. 1A or 1B, or the first support member300ofFIG. 3), and the frame structure may include an outer metallic portion210A including a first metallic material and forming at least a portion of an outer surface of the electronic device200, and an inner metallic portion210B including a second metallic material different from the first metallic material and laterally surrounded by the outer metallic portion210A, and a first inner polymeric portion (e.g., the inner nonmetallic portion290) isolated from the inner metallic portion210B and at least partially laterally surrounded by the outer metallic portion210A. The electronic device200may include a wireless communication circuit electrically connected to a portion of the outer metallic portion210A.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first metallic material may include a SUS, and the second metallic material may include Al.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first metallic material may be more rigid than the second metallic material.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the electronic device200may further include a first glass plate (e.g., the front plate102ofFIG. 1A), and a second glass plate (e.g., the rear plate111ofFIG. 1B) facing away from the first glass plate. The first glass plate and the second glass plate may be mounted or connected to the outer metallic portion210A.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the inner metallic portion210B and the first inner polymeric portion290may be interposed between the first glass plate (e.g., the front plate102ofFIG. 1A) and the second glass plate (e.g., the rear plate111ofFIG. 1B).

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the inner metallic portion210B may include an opening (e.g., the opening3021or3022ofFIG. 2).

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first inner polymeric portion290may include at least one protrusion portion (e.g., the portion121ofFIG. 1A or 1B) that is extended outside to form a portion of the outer surface of the electronic device200.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the frame structure300may further include a second inner polymeric portion (e.g., the second inner polymeric portion290bofFIG. 3) that is isolated from the inner metallic portion210B and the first inner polymeric portion290aand is at least partially surrounded by the outer metallic portion210A.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, when viewed from above the first glass plate (e.g., the front plate ofFIG. 1A), the inner metallic portion210B may be disposed between the first inner polymeric portion290aand the second inner polymeric portion290b.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the frame structure300may include an organic layer (e.g., the second junction layer903ofFIG. 9B) between the outer metallic portion210A and the first inner polymeric portion290a.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the frame structure300may include a metallic layer (e.g., the first junction layer703ofFIG. 7B) that includes a third metallic material different from the first and second metallic materials and is interposed between the outer metallic portion210A and the inner metallic portion210B.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the metallic layer703may include a material that reacts to heat or pressure generated while the inner metallic portion210B combined to the outer metallic portion210A is formed.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the metallic layer703may include a material that does not react to heat or pressure generated while the first inner polymeric portion290combined to the outer metallic portion210A is formed.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the metallic layer703may include a low-melting compound, or may be a plating layer.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the organic layer903may include a material that reacts to heat or pressure generated while the first inner polymeric portion combined to the outer metallic portion is formed.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the organic layer903may include triazine thiol, dithio pyrimidine, or a silane-based compound.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, an interface between the outer metallic portion210A and the inner metallic portion210B, or an interface between the outer metallic portion210A and the first inner polymeric portion290may include a fitting structure.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the outer metallic portion210A may include a portion (e.g., the portioning portion321of322ofFIG. 3) that is disposed between the inner metallic portion210B and the first inner polymeric portion290and physically isolates the inner metallic portion210B and the first inner polymeric portion290.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the outer metallic portion210A may include a plurality of gaps and a plurality of portions (e.g., the portions311,312ofFIG. 3) physically isolated by the plurality of gaps, and portions (e.g., the portions121ofFIG. 1A or 1B) of the first inner polymeric portion290may be disposed in the gaps and form a portion of the outer surface of the electronic device200.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first inner polymeric portion290may include polyether ether ketone, polyphenylene sulfide, polybutylene terephthalate, polyimide, or polycarbonate.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the inner metallic portion210B may be formed of a metallic material having less specific gravity than a metallic material of the outer metallic portion210A.

FIG. 11is a block diagram illustrating an electronic device1101in a network environment1100according to various embodiments. Referring toFIG. 11, the electronic device1101in the network environment1100may communicate with an electronic device1102via a first network1198(e.g., a short-range wireless communication network), or an electronic device1104or a server1108via a second network1199(e.g., a long-range wireless communication network). The electronic device1101may communicate with the electronic device1104via the server1108. According to an embodiment, the electronic device1101may include a processor1120, memory1130, an input device1150, a sound output device1155, a display device1160, an audio module1170, a sensor module1176, an interface1177, a haptic module1179, a camera module1180, a power management module1188, a battery1189, a communication module1190, a subscriber identification module (SIM)1196, or an antenna module1197. At least one (e.g., the display device1160or the camera module1180) of the components may be omitted from the electronic device1101, or one or more other components may be added in the electronic device1101. In some embodiments, some of the components may be implemented as single integrated circuitry. For example, the sensor module1176(e.g., a fingerprint sensor, an iris sensor, or an illuminance sensor) may be implemented as embedded in the display device1160(e.g., a display).

The processor1120may execute, for example, software (e.g., a program1140) to control at least one other component (e.g., a hardware or software component) of the electronic device1101coupled with the processor1120, and may perform various data processing or computation. According to one embodiment, as at least part of the data processing or computation, the processor1120may load a command or data received from another component (e.g., the sensor module1176or the communication module1190) in volatile memory1132, process the command or the data stored in the volatile memory1132, and store resulting data in non-volatile memory1134. The processor1120may include a main processor1121(e.g., a central processing unit (CPU) or an application processor (AP)), and an auxiliary processor1123(e.g., a graphics processing unit (GPU), an image signal processor (ISP), a sensor hub processor, or a communication processor (CP)) that is operable independently from, or in conjunction with, the main processor1121. Additionally or alternatively, the auxiliary processor1123may be adapted to consume less power than the main processor1121, or to be specific to a specified function. The auxiliary processor1123may be implemented as separate from, or as part of the main processor1121.

The auxiliary processor1123may control at least some of functions or states related to at least one component (e.g., the display device1160, the sensor module1176, or the communication module1190) among the components of the electronic device1101, instead of the main processor1121while the main processor1121is in an inactive (e.g., sleep) state, or together with the main processor1121while the main processor1121is in an active state (e.g., executing an application). According to an embodiment, the auxiliary processor1123(e.g., an image signal processor or a communication processor) may be implemented as part of another component (e.g., the camera module1180or the communication module1190) functionally related to the auxiliary processor1123.

The memory1130may store various data used by at least one component (e.g., the processor1120or the sensor module1176) of the electronic device1101. The various data may include, for example, software (e.g., the program1140) and input data or output data for a command related thereto. The memory1130may include the volatile memory1132or the non-volatile memory1134.

The program1140may be stored in the memory1130as software, and may include, for example, an operating system (OS)1142, middleware1144, or an application1146.

The input device1150may receive a command or data to be used by other component (e.g., the processor1120) of the electronic device1101, from the outside (e.g., a user) of the electronic device1101. The input device1150may include, for example, a microphone, a mouse, a keyboard, or a digital pen (e.g., a stylus pen).

The sound output device1155may output sound signals to the outside of the electronic device1101. The sound output device1155may include, for example, a speaker or a receiver. The speaker may be used for general purposes, such as playing multimedia or playing record, and the receiver may be used for an incoming calls. According to an embodiment, the receiver may be implemented as separate from, or as part of the speaker.

The display device1160may visually provide information to the outside (e.g., a user) of the electronic device1101. The display device1160may include, for example, a display, a hologram device, or a projector and control circuitry to control a corresponding one of the display, hologram device, and projector. According to an embodiment, the display device1160may include touch circuitry adapted to detect a touch, or sensor circuitry (e.g., a pressure sensor) adapted to measure the intensity of force incurred by the touch.

The audio module1170may convert a sound into an electrical signal and vice versa. According to an embodiment, the audio module1170may obtain the sound via the input device1150, or output the sound via the sound output device1155or a headphone of an external electronic device (e.g., an electronic device1102) directly (e.g., wiredly) or wirelessly coupled with the electronic device1101.

The interface1177may support one or more specified protocols to be used for the electronic device1101to be coupled with the external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device1102) directly (e.g., wiredly) or wirelessly. According to an embodiment, the interface1177may include, for example, a high definition multimedia interface (HDMI), a universal serial bus (USB) interface, a secure digital (SD) card interface, or an audio interface.

A connecting terminal1178may include a connector via which the electronic device1101may be physically connected with the external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device1102). According to an embodiment, the connecting terminal1178may include, for example, a HDMI connector, a USB connector, a SD card connector, or an audio connector (e.g., a headphone connector).

The camera module1180may capture a still image or moving images. According to an embodiment, the camera module1180may include one or more lenses, image sensors, image signal processors, or flashes.

The power management module1188may manage power supplied to the electronic device1101. According to one embodiment, the power management module1188may be implemented as at least part of, for example, a power management integrated circuit (PMIC).

The battery1189may supply power to at least one component of the electronic device1101. According to an embodiment, the battery1189may include, for example, a primary cell which is not rechargeable, a secondary cell which is rechargeable, or a fuel cell.

The communication module1190may support establishing a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between the electronic device1101and the external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device1102, the electronic device1104, or the server1108) and performing communication via the established communication channel. The communication module1190may include one or more communication processors that are operable independently from the processor1120(e.g., the AP) and supports a direct (e.g., wired) communication or a wireless communication. According to an embodiment, the communication module1190may include a wireless communication module1192(e.g., a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) communication module) or a wired communication module1194(e.g., a local area network (LAN) communication module or a power line communication (PLC) module). A corresponding one of these communication modules may communicate with the external electronic device via the first network1198(e.g., a short-range communication network, such as Bluetooth™, wireless-fidelity (Wi-Fi) direct, or IrDA) or the second network1199(e.g., a long-range communication network, such as a cellular network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., LAN or wide area network (WAN)). These various types of communication modules may be implemented as a single component (e.g., a single chip), or may be implemented as multi components (e.g., multi chips) separate from each other. The wireless communication module1192may identify and authenticate the electronic device1101in a communication network, such as the first network1198or the second network1199, using subscriber information (e.g., international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI)) stored in the subscriber identification module1196.

According to an embodiment, commands or data may be transmitted or received between the electronic device1101and the external electronic device1104via the server1108coupled with the second network1199. Each of the electronic devices1102and1104may be a device of a same type as, or a different type, from the electronic device1101. All or some of operations to be executed at the electronic device1101may be executed at one or more of the external electronic devices1102,1104, or1108. For example, if the electronic device1101should perform a function or a service automatically, or in response to a request from a user or another device, the electronic device1101, instead of, or in addition to, executing the function or the service, may request the one or more external electronic devices to perform at least part of the function or the service. The one or more external electronic devices receiving the request may perform the at least part of the function or the service requested, or an additional function or an additional service related to the request, and transfer an outcome of the performing to the electronic device1101. The electronic device1101may provide the outcome, with or without further processing of the outcome, as at least part of a reply to the request. To that end, a cloud computing, distributed computing, or client-server computing technology may be used, for example.

Various embodiments as set forth herein may be implemented as software (e.g., the program1140) including one or more instructions that are stored in a storage medium (e.g., internal memory1136or external memory1138) that is readable by a machine (e.g., the electronic device1101). For example, a processor (e.g., the processor1120) of the machine (e.g., the electronic device1101) may invoke at least one of the one or more instructions stored in the storage medium, and execute it, with or without using one or more other components under the control of the processor. This allows the machine to be operated to perform at least one function according to the at least one instruction invoked. The one or more instructions may include a code generated by a complier or a code executable by an interpreter. The machine-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Herein, the term “non-transitory” simply means that the storage medium is a tangible device, and does not include a signal (e.g., an electromagnetic wave), but this term does not differentiate between where data is semi-permanently stored in the storage medium and where the data is temporarily stored in the storage medium.