Patent Description:
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.

<CIT>, discloses an electronic that may include a housing including a first surface facing in a first direction, a second surface facing in a second direction, and a third surface, the first and second direction being generally opposed to one another, the third surface being positioned between the first and second surfaces and being generally orthogonal relative to the first and second directions; at least one speaker arranged in at least a part of the housing; and a speaker enclosure protecting the speaker. The speaker enclosure may include an upper speaker enclosure arranged to face the first surface; and a lower speaker enclosure arranged to face the second surface, and confronting the upper speaker enclosure. Rach of the upper and lower speaker enclosures may be at least partially made with magnetic materials that shield a magnetic flux generated in the speaker.

<CIT>, is about a mobile terminal for providing visual and haptic feedback. At least one first touch made to an object displayed on a touch screen is detected. The object is transformed and displayed in response to movement of the first touch. At least one second touch made to the displayed object is detected. Visual feedback is displayed on the touch screen in response to the second touch, and haptic feedback corresponding to a predetermined haptic pattern is output using a vibration motor.

<CIT>, is about a shield cover made of a magnetic material covering yoke in internal magnetic circuit of a speaker so as to reduce magnetic leakage from internal magnetic circuit.

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.

The present disclosure is made in view of the above problems. Accordingly, the present 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 the invention, an electronic device according to claim <NUM> is provided.

The dependent claims thereof define preferred embodiments of the invention.

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.

The following description is useful for understanding the invention which is defined in the appended claims.

<FIG> is a perspective view of the front surface of a mobile electronic device according to an embodiment. <FIG> is a perspective view of the rear surface of the electronic device of <FIG>. <FIG> is an exploded perspective view of the electronic device of <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, an electronic device <NUM> according to an embodiment may include a housing <NUM> including a first surface (or front surface) 110A, a second surface (or rear surface) 110B, and a side surface 110C surrounding the space between the first surface 110A and the second surface 110B. In another embodiment (not illustrated), the housing may denote a structure that includes at least a part of the first surface 110A, a part of the second surface 110B, and a part of the side surface 110C illustrated in <FIG>. According to an embodiment, the first surface 110A may be formed by a front plate <NUM>, at least a part of which is substantially transparent (for example, a glass plate including various coating layers, or a polymer plate). The second surface 110B may be formed by a rear plate <NUM> that is substantially opaque. The rear plate <NUM> may 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 surface 110C may be formed by a side bezel structure (or "side member") <NUM> which is coupled to the front plate <NUM> and to the rear plate <NUM>, and which includes metal and/or polymer. In some embodiments, the rear plate <NUM> and the side bezel structure <NUM> may be formed integrally and may include the same material (for example, a metal material such as aluminum).

In the illustrated embodiment, the front plate <NUM> may include two first areas 110D on both ends of the long edge of the front plate <NUM> such that the two first areas 110D bend from the first surface 110A toward the rear plate <NUM> and extend seamlessly from the flat or central portion of the front plate <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment (see <FIG>), the rear plate <NUM> may include two second areas 110E on both ends of the long edge such that the two second areas 110E bend from the second surface 110B toward the front plate <NUM> and extend seamlessly from the flat or central portion of the rear plate <NUM>. In some embodiments, the front plate <NUM> (or the rear plate <NUM>) may include only one of the first areas 110D (or the second areas 110E). In another embodiment, a part of the first areas 110D or the second areas 110E may not be included. In the above embodiments, when seen from the side surface of the electronic device <NUM>, the side bezel structure <NUM> may have a first thickness (or width) on a part of the side surface which does not include the first areas 110D or the second areas 110E 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 areas 110D or the second areas 110E.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may include at least one of a display <NUM>, audio modules <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>, sensor modules <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>, camera modules <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>, a key input device <NUM>, a light-emitting element <NUM>, and connector holes <NUM> and <NUM>. In some embodiments, at least one of the constituent elements (for example, the key input device <NUM> or the light-emitting element <NUM>) of the electronic device <NUM> may be omitted, or the electronic device <NUM> may additionally include additional constituent elements.

The display <NUM> may be exposed through a corresponding part of the front plate <NUM>, for example. In some embodiments, at least a part of the display <NUM> may be exposed through the front plate <NUM> that forms the first areas 110D of the side surface 110C and the first surface 110A. In some embodiments, the display <NUM> may have a corner formed in substantially the same shape as that of the adjacent outer periphery of the front plate <NUM>. In another embodiment (not illustrated), in order to increase the area of exposure of the display <NUM>, the spacing interval between the outer periphery of the display <NUM> and the outer periphery of the front plate <NUM> may 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 display <NUM>, and at least one of an audio module <NUM>, a sensor module <NUM>, a camera module <NUM>, and a light-emitting element <NUM> may 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 display <NUM>, at least one of an audio module <NUM>, a sensor module <NUM>, a camera module <NUM>, a fingerprint sensor <NUM>, and a light-emitting element <NUM> may be included. In another embodiment (not illustrated), the display <NUM> may 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 modules <NUM> and <NUM> and/or at least a part of the key input device <NUM> may be arranged in the first areas 110D and/or the second areas 110E.

The audio modules <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may include a microphone hole <NUM> and speaker holes <NUM> and <NUM>. A microphone for acquiring external sound may be arranged in the microphone hole <NUM>, and a plurality of microphones may be arranged therein such that the direction of the sound can be detected in some embodiments. The speaker holes <NUM> and <NUM> may include an outer speaker hole <NUM> and a speech receiver hole <NUM>. In some embodiments, the speaker holes <NUM> and <NUM> and the microphone hole <NUM> may be implemented as a single hole, or a speaker may be included (for example, a piezoelectric speaker) without the speaker holes <NUM> and <NUM>.

The sensor modules <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may generate electric signals or data values corresponding to internal operating conditions of the electronic device <NUM> or the external environment conditions thereof. The sensor modules <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may include, for example, a first sensor module <NUM> (for example, a proximity sensor) arranged on the first surface 110A of the housing <NUM>, and/or a second sensor module (not illustrated) (for example, a fingerprint sensor), and/or a third sensor module <NUM> (for example, a heart-rate-monitor (HRM) sensor) arranged on the second surface 110B of the housing <NUM>, and/or a fourth sensor module <NUM> (for example, a fingerprint sensor). The fingerprint sensor may be arranged not only on the first surface 110A (for example, the display <NUM>) of the housing <NUM>, but also on the second surface 110B thereof. The electronic device <NUM> may 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 modules <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may include a first camera device <NUM> arranged on the first surface 110A of the electronic device <NUM>, a second camera device <NUM> arranged on the second surface 110B thereof, and/or a flash <NUM>. The camera devices <NUM> and <NUM> may include a single lens or a plurality of lenses, an image sensor, and/or an image signal processor. The flash <NUM> may 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 device <NUM>.

The key input device <NUM> may be arranged on the side surface 110C of the housing <NUM>. In another embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may not include a part of the above-mentioned key input device <NUM> or the entire key input device <NUM>, and the key input device <NUM> (not included) may be implemented as a soft key, for example, on the display <NUM>. In some embodiments, the key input device may include a sensor module <NUM> arranged on the second surface 110B of the housing <NUM>.

The light-emitting element <NUM> may be arranged on the first surface 110A of the housing <NUM>, for example. The light-emitting element <NUM> may provide information. For example, the light-emitting element <NUM> may flash when a message is received by the electronic device <NUM>. In another embodiment, the light-emitting element <NUM> may provide a light source that interworks with operation of the camera module <NUM>, for example. The light-emitting element <NUM> may include, for example, an LED, an IR LED, and a xenon lamp.

The connector holes <NUM> and <NUM> may include a first connector hole <NUM> capable 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) <NUM> capable of receiving a connector for transmitting/receiving an audio signal to/from the external electronic device.

The pen input unit <NUM> (e.g., a stylus pen) may be inserted into or removed from the housing <NUM> through a hole <NUM> formed at the side of the housing <NUM>, and may be easily removed. It may include a button for enabling removal from the housing. The pen input unit <NUM> may include a separate resonant circuit that works with an electromagnetic induction panel <NUM> (e.g., a digitizer) included in the electronic device <NUM>. The pen input unit <NUM> may work with the electromagnetic induction panel <NUM> via the electro-magnetic resonance (EMR) method, active electrical stylus (AES) method, and/or the electric coupled resonance (ECR) method.

With reference to <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> may include a side bezel structure <NUM>, a first support member <NUM> (e.g., bracket), a front plate <NUM>, a display <NUM>, an electromagnetic induction panel <NUM>, a sub printed circuit board <NUM>, a battery <NUM>, a printed circuit board <NUM>, a second support member <NUM> (e.g., rear case), a pen input unit <NUM>, and a rear plate <NUM>. In a certain embodiment, at least one of the components of the electronic device <NUM> (e.g., first support member <NUM> or second support member <NUM>) may be omitted, or additional components may be added to the electronic device <NUM>. Some of the components of the electronic device <NUM> may be the same as or similar to those of the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>, and repeated descriptions thereof will be omitted for the sake of simplicity.

The electromagnetic induction panel <NUM> (e.g., digitizer) may be used to detect the input of the pen input unit <NUM>. For example, the electromagnetic induction panel <NUM> may 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 device <NUM> (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 device <NUM> so that the input from the pen input unit <NUM> may be accurately transmitted to the coil included in the electromagnetic induction panel <NUM>. In an embodiment, the electromagnetic induction panel <NUM> may include an opening formed at a portion corresponding to the biometric sensor mounted in the electronic device <NUM>.

The first support member <NUM> may be disposed inside the electronic device <NUM> to be connected to the side bezel structure <NUM> or may be formed as a single body with the side bezel structure <NUM>. The first support member <NUM> may be made of, for example, a metal material and/or a non-metal material (e.g., polymer). The first support member <NUM> may be coupled to the display <NUM> on one surface and may be coupled to the printed circuit board <NUM> on the other opposing surface. The processor, memory, and/or interface may be mounted on the printed circuit board <NUM>. 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 device <NUM> to 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 board <NUM> may be used to mount a camera module, a receiver speaker, and an iris recognition LED.

The battery <NUM> supplies power to at least one component of the electronic device <NUM>, and may include, for example, a non-rechargeable primary cell, a rechargeable secondary cell, or a fuel cell. At least a portion of the battery <NUM> may be disposed substantially coplanar with, for example, the printed circuit board <NUM>. The battery <NUM> may be integrally disposed in the electronic device <NUM> or may be detachably attached to the electronic device <NUM>.

The second support member <NUM> may be disposed between the rear plate <NUM> and the battery <NUM>. The second support member <NUM> may 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 structure <NUM> and/or a portion of the first support member <NUM>. The audio module <NUM>, <NUM> or <NUM>, the microphone hole <NUM> and the speaker hole <NUM> or <NUM> may be disposed on the second support member <NUM>.

In one embodiment of the disclosure, the electronic device <NUM> may include a housing <NUM> (e.g., side bezel structure <NUM> and first support member <NUM>), 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 housing <NUM> and the rear plate <NUM>. The second support member <NUM> may be disposed under the housing <NUM>.

<FIG> is a block diagram of an electronic device <NUM> in a network environment <NUM> according to an embodiment. With reference to <FIG>, in the network environment <NUM>, the electronic device <NUM> may communicate with an electronic device <NUM> through a first network <NUM> (e.g., short-range wireless communication network) or may communicate with an electronic device <NUM> or a server <NUM> through a second network <NUM> (e.g., long-distance wireless communication network). In one embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may communicate with the electronic device <NUM> through the server <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may include a processor <NUM>, a memory <NUM>, an input unit <NUM>, a sound output unit <NUM>, a display unit <NUM>, an audio module <NUM>, a sensor module <NUM>, an interface <NUM>, a haptic module <NUM>, a camera module <NUM>, a power management module <NUM>, a battery <NUM>, a communication module <NUM>, a subscriber identification module <NUM>, and an antenna module <NUM>. In a certain embodiment, at least one component (e.g., display unit <NUM> or camera module <NUM>) among the components of the electronic device <NUM> may be omitted, or other components may be added to the electronic device <NUM>. In one embodiment, some of these components may be implemented as an integrated circuit. For example, the sensor module <NUM> (e.g., fingerprint sensor, iris sensor, or illuminance sensor) may be embedded in the display unit <NUM> (e.g., display).

The processor <NUM> may execute, for example, software (e.g., program <NUM>) to control at least one of other components (e.g., hardware component or software component) of the electronic device <NUM> connected to the processor <NUM>, and may process a variety of data or perform various computations. In one embodiment, as part of data processing or computation, the processor <NUM> may load a command or data received from other components (e.g., sensor module <NUM> or communication module <NUM>) into the volatile memory <NUM>, process the command or data stored in the volatile memory <NUM>, and store the result data in the nonvolatile memory <NUM>. In one embodiment, the processor <NUM> may include a main processor <NUM> (e.g., central processing unit, or application processor), and a secondary processor <NUM> (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 processor <NUM>. Additionally or alternatively, the secondary processor <NUM> may consume less power or may be more specialized in a specific function compared with the main processor <NUM>. The secondary processor <NUM> may be implemented separately from or as part of the main processor <NUM>.

The secondary processor <NUM> may control at least some of the functions or states associated with at least one component (e.g., display unit <NUM>, sensor module <NUM>, or communication module <NUM>) among the components of the electronic device <NUM>, for example, instead of the main processor <NUM> while the main processor <NUM> is in an inactive (e.g., sleep) state, or together with the main processor <NUM> while the main processor <NUM> is in an active (e.g., application execution) state. In one embodiment, the secondary processor <NUM> (e.g., image signal processor or communication processor) may be implemented as a part of another component (e.g., camera module <NUM> or communication module <NUM>) that is functionally related to the secondary processor <NUM>.

The memory <NUM> may store a variety of data used by at least one component (e.g., processor <NUM> or sensor module <NUM>) of the electronic device <NUM>. The data may include, for example, software (e.g., program <NUM>) and input data or output data for commands associated with the software. The memory <NUM> may include a volatile memory <NUM> or a nonvolatile memory <NUM>.

The programs <NUM> may be stored in the memory <NUM> as software, and may include, for example, an operating system <NUM>, a middleware <NUM>, or an application <NUM>.

The input unit <NUM> may receive a command or data, which can be to be used for a component (e.g., processor <NUM>) of the electronic device <NUM>, from the outside of the electronic device <NUM> (e.g., user). The input unit <NUM> may include, for example, a microphone, a mouse, a keyboard, or a digital pen (e.g., stylus pen).

The sound output unit <NUM> may output a sound signal to the outside of the electronic device <NUM>. The sound output unit <NUM> may 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 unit <NUM> may visually present information to the outside of the electronic device <NUM> (e.g., user). The display unit <NUM> may include, for example, a display, a hologram device, or a projector, and a control circuit for controlling these. In one embodiment, the display unit <NUM> may 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 module <NUM> may convert a sound into an electric signal or convert an electric signal into a sound. In one embodiment, the audio module <NUM> may obtain a sound signal through the input unit <NUM>, and may output a sound signal through the sound output unit <NUM> or an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device <NUM> (e.g., speaker or headphone)) wiredly or wirelessly connected to the electronic device <NUM>.

The sensor module <NUM> may generate an electrical signal or a data value corresponding to the operating state (e.g., power or temperature) of the electronic device <NUM> or the environmental state (e.g., user state) outside the electronic device <NUM>. The sensor module <NUM> may 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 interface <NUM> may support one or more designated protocols that enable the electronic device <NUM> to directly or wirelessly connect to an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device <NUM>). In one embodiment, the interface <NUM> may 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 terminal <NUM> may include a connector through which the electronic device <NUM> can be physically connected to an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device <NUM>). In one embodiment, the connection terminal <NUM> may include, for example, an HDMI connector, a USB connector, an SD card connector, or an audio connector (e.g., headphone connector).

The haptic module <NUM> may 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 module <NUM> may include, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electric stimulator.

The camera module <NUM> may capture a still image or a moving image. In one embodiment, the camera module <NUM> may include one or more lenses, image sensors, image signal processors, or flashes.

The power management module <NUM> may manage the power supplied to the electronic device <NUM>. The power management module <NUM> may be implemented as a part of a power management integrated circuit (PMIC).

In one embodiment, the battery <NUM> may include, for example, a non-rechargeable primary cell, a rechargeable secondary cell, or a fuel cell.

The communication module <NUM> may establish a wired or wireless communication channel between the electronic device <NUM> and the external electronic device (e.g., electronic device <NUM>, electronic device <NUM>, or server <NUM>) and support communication through the established communication channel. The communication module <NUM> may include at least one communication processor that can operate separately from the processor <NUM> (e.g., application processor) to support wired or wireless communication. In one embodiment, the communication module <NUM> may include a wireless communication module <NUM> (e.g., cellular communication module, short-range wireless communication module, or global navigation satellite system (GNSS) communication module), or a wired communication module <NUM> (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 network <NUM> (e.g., short-range communication network such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi direct, or infrared data association (IrDA)) or through the second network <NUM> (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 module <NUM> may identify and authenticate the electronic device <NUM> in the communication network such as the first network <NUM> or the second network <NUM> by using subscriber information stored in the subscriber identification module <NUM>.

The antenna module <NUM> may transmit or receive a signal or power to or from the outside (e.g., external electronic device). In one embodiment, the antenna module <NUM> may 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 module <NUM> may 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 network <NUM> or the second network <NUM> may be selected from the plurality of antennas by, for example, the communication module <NUM>. The signal or power may be transmitted or received between the communication module <NUM> and 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 module <NUM>.

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 device <NUM> may be the same as or similar to those of the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>, and repeated descriptions thereof will be omitted.

In one embodiment, commands or data may be exchanged between the electronic device <NUM> and the external electronic device <NUM> through the server <NUM> connected to the second network <NUM>. The electronic devices <NUM> and <NUM> may be of the same type as or a different type from the electronic device <NUM>. In one embodiment, all or some of the operations that can be performed by the electronic device <NUM> may be performed by one or more of the external electronic devices <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM>. For example, to perform a certain function or service automatically or upon request, the electronic device <NUM> may, 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 device <NUM>. The electronic device <NUM> may 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> is a cross-sectional view of a speaker <NUM> and a magnetic shield structure <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM> (e.g., electronic device <NUM> in <FIG>) according to an embodiment of the disclosure. <FIG> is an enlarged view of region <NUM> in <FIG> depicting the speaker <NUM> and the magnetic shield structure <NUM> according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

With reference to <FIG>, in one embodiment of the disclosure, the electronic device <NUM> includes a housing <NUM> including 501a and 501b (e.g., housing <NUM> in <FIG>), a speaker <NUM>, and a magnetic shield structure <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the housing <NUM> may include a middle plate 501a (e.g., first support member <NUM> or second support member <NUM> in <FIG>) and/or a side bezel structure 501b (e.g., side bezel structure <NUM> in <FIG>).

The middle plate 501a and/or the side bezel structure 501b may be made of a metal material (e.g., aluminum). The side bezel structure 501b may be formed to extend from the middle plate 501a.

For example, the side bezel structure 501b may be formed as a single body with the middle plate 501a using die casting. The middle plate 501a is referred to as a cooling member.

The heat generated from the speaker <NUM> is discharged away from the speaker <NUM> through the middle plate 501a and the side bezel structure 501b.

In an embodiment, the front plate <NUM>, the display <NUM> and/or the electromagnetic induction panel (e.g., electromagnetic induction panel <NUM> in <FIG>) may be stacked on the upper surface of the middle plate 501a.

In an embodiment, the rear plate <NUM> (e.g., rear plate <NUM> in <FIG>) may be disposed below the middle plate 501a. The middle plate 501a may support various electronic components such as the display <NUM>, the battery <NUM> (e.g., battery <NUM> in <FIG>) and the speaker <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the side bezel structure 501b may extend from the middle plate 501a. The side bezel structure 501b may have at least one through hole, and the through hole may include a discharge hole 501c.

In an embodiment, the speaker <NUM> may include a first magnet <NUM>, a second magnet <NUM>, a coil <NUM>, a diaphragm <NUM>, an adhesive member <NUM>, a speaker yoke <NUM>, a magnetic shield structure <NUM>, and/or a frame <NUM>.

The magnetic shield structure <NUM> and the frame <NUM> of the speaker <NUM> may form a speaker housing, and the diaphragm <NUM> may be disposed at a portion of the speaker housing.

The speaker box <NUM> may be made of steel or an injectable material (e.g., plastic). The speaker box <NUM> may be bolted or adhered to the middle plate 501a.

In various different embodiments, the speaker box <NUM> may be coupled to the middle plate 501a in various ways using a bolt, an adhesive, or the like. The speaker box <NUM> may be a portion of the second support member <NUM>.

The first magnet <NUM> may be mounted inside the speaker housing. The first magnet <NUM> may be a permanent magnet. The second magnet <NUM> may be located within the first magnet <NUM>, i.e. within a space defined by the first magnet <NUM>. For example, the first magnet <NUM> may surround the second magnet <NUM>. The second magnet <NUM> may be a permanent magnet. At least a portion of the second magnet <NUM> may be disposed between the speaker plate <NUM> and the speaker yoke <NUM>. The speaker plate <NUM> may be disposed on a first surface of the second magnet <NUM>, and the speaker yoke <NUM> may be disposed on a second surface of the second magnet <NUM>. The speaker plate <NUM> and the speaker yoke <NUM> may be made of metal materials (e.g., steel) and may be attached to the upper and lower surfaces of the second magnet <NUM>. Here, with respect to the surfaces of the second magnet <NUM>, the surface facing the diaphragm <NUM> may be referred to as the upper surface (first surface) of the second magnet <NUM>, and the surface facing the magnetic shield structure <NUM> may be referred to as the lower surface (second surface) of the second magnet <NUM>.

The coil <NUM> is mounted inside the speaker housing and may be disposed between the first magnet <NUM> and the second magnet <NUM>. The coil <NUM> may be a voice coil. The coil <NUM> may generate a magnetic force when a current is applied.

The coil <NUM> may be moved back and forth (vibrated) by changes in the magnetic force between the first magnet <NUM> and the second magnet <NUM>. In an embodiment, the diaphragm <NUM> may be coupled to the coil <NUM>. The diaphragm <NUM> may generate a sound due to the vibration of the coil <NUM>. The front sound generated by the diaphragm <NUM> may move toward the rear plate <NUM>, hit the inner wall of the speaker box <NUM>, and then move along a passage of the speaker box <NUM>. The passage of the speaker box <NUM> may lead to the discharge hole 501c. The front sound generated by the diaphragm <NUM> thus may be emitted to the exterior of the side bezel structure 501b via the passage through the discharge hole 501c.

In an embodiment, the rear sound generated by the diaphragm <NUM> may move along the opening of the speaker yoke <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the magnetic shield structure <NUM> can be coupled with a portion of the frame <NUM>. The magnetic shield structure <NUM> may be shaped like a plate with sides extending in the vertical direction at both ends. The magnetic shield structure <NUM> may 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 structure <NUM> may have a shape of a plate with wings at both ends. In one embodiment, the magnetic shield structure <NUM> may have a shape of uppercase "C" or lowercase "n". In one embodiment, the magnetic shield structure <NUM> may have a lid-shape.

In an embodiment, the first magnet <NUM> and the second magnet <NUM> may be mounted within the sides extending in the vertical direction from the ends of the plate of the magnetic shield structure <NUM>. The first magnet <NUM> and the second magnet <NUM> may be mounted in an inner space where the plate of the magnetic shield structure <NUM> is coupled with the frame <NUM>. The magnetic shield structure <NUM> can be coupled with the frame <NUM>. At least a portion of the vertically extending sides of the magnetic shield structure <NUM> may be coupled with the frame <NUM>.

The first surface (i.e. upper surface as shown in <FIG>) of the speaker housing faces the display <NUM> or the electromagnetic induction panel <NUM>, the second surface faces in the opposite direction of the display <NUM> (e.g., rear plate <NUM>), and the frame <NUM> surrounds the space between the first surface and the second surface. The magnetic shield structure <NUM> is disposed on the first surface of the speaker housing.

The magnetic shield structure <NUM> disposed on the first surface of the speaker housing may face the speaker yoke <NUM>, and the magnetic shield structure <NUM> may extend to at least a portion of the side (e.g., frame <NUM>) 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 display <NUM> (or, electromagnetic induction panel <NUM>) and the rear plate <NUM>. The diaphragm <NUM> may be disposed on the second surface (i.e. lower surface as shown in <FIG>) of the speaker housing.

In an embodiment, at least a portion of the magnetic shield structure <NUM> may be coupled with the speaker yoke <NUM> using the adhesive member <NUM>, and at least a portion of the magnetic shield structure <NUM> may be coupled with the middle plate 501a.

In an unclaimed embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may not include the middle plate 501a. In this case, at least a portion of the magnetic shield structure <NUM> may be coupled to the bottom of the display <NUM> or the electromagnetic induction panel <NUM>.

The magnetic shield structure <NUM> is made of a ferromagnetic material (e.g., steel plate cold commercial (SPCC)).

<FIG> is an exploded perspective view of region <NUM> in <FIG> according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

The speaker box <NUM> includes a box upper cover 551a and a box bottom lower cover 551b. The box bottom lower cover 551b may be included in at least a portion of the second support member <NUM>. At least a portion of the second support member <NUM> may be coupled to the speaker hole <NUM> of the speaker box <NUM>, and the speaker hole <NUM> of the speaker box <NUM> may be connected to the speaker hole 501c of the side bezel structure.

The box upper cover 551a and the box bottom lower cover 551b may be combined to form the speaker box <NUM>, and the speaker box <NUM> may contain the speaker <NUM>, the adhesive member <NUM>, and the magnetic shield structure <NUM>.

The lower support member <NUM> may be coupled to a region corresponding to the speaker <NUM> in the lower portion of the second support member <NUM> (e.g., lower portion of the box bottom lower cover 551b).

The speaker <NUM> may further include a connector <NUM> for electrically connecting the speaker <NUM> to the electronic device <NUM>.

The frame of the speaker <NUM> (frame <NUM> in <FIG>) may be combined with the magnetic shield structure <NUM> having a shape of a plate with surfaces extending in the vertical direction at both ends to form the speaker housing.

The speaker <NUM> is coupled to the magnetic shield structure <NUM> with the speaker yoke <NUM> facing the magnetic shield structure <NUM>.

The speaker <NUM> and the magnetic shield structure <NUM> may be coupled together by using the adhesive member <NUM>. The adhesive member <NUM> may be made of polyurethane.

In various different embodiments, the magnetic shield structure <NUM> may have a shape of a plate with surfaces extending in the vertical direction at both ends. The magnetic shield structure <NUM> may 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 structure <NUM> may have a shape of a plate with wings at both ends. In one embodiment, the magnetic shield structure <NUM> may have a shape of uppercase "C" or lowercase "n". In one embodiment, the magnetic shield structure <NUM> may have a lid-shape.

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

The frame (frame <NUM> in <FIG>) of the speaker <NUM> may be combined with the magnetic shield structure <NUM> having a shape of a plate with surfaces extending in the vertical direction at both ends to form the speaker housing.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view showing the speaker <NUM>, a first magnetic shield structure <NUM>, and a second magnetic shield structure <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM> (e.g., electronic device <NUM> in <FIG>) according to an embodiment of the disclosure. <FIG> is an enlarged view of region <NUM> in <FIG> depicting the speaker <NUM>, the first magnetic shield structure <NUM>, and the second magnetic shield structure <NUM> according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

With reference to <FIG>, in one embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may include a housing <NUM> including 501a and 501b (e.g., housing <NUM> in <FIG>), a speaker <NUM>, and a first magnetic shield structure <NUM>. The components of the electronic device <NUM> in <FIG> may be the same as or similar to those described in connection with <FIG>.

In the speaker <NUM>, the first magnetic shield structure <NUM> and the frame <NUM> may form the speaker housing, and a diaphragm <NUM> may be disposed on at least a portion of the housing.

At least a portion of the middle plate 501a may include a second magnetic shield structure <NUM>. The second magnetic shield structure <NUM> may be disposed at a region corresponding to the speaker housing on a surface of the middle plate 501a. The second magnetic shield structure <NUM> may be combined with the middle plate 501a to form one housing. For coupling with the second magnetic shield structure <NUM>, the middle plate 501a may have a recess in the shape of the second magnetic shield structure <NUM>.

The second magnetic shield structure <NUM> may be disposed on the middle plate 501a and may be disposed below the display <NUM> or the electromagnetic induction panel <NUM> at a location corresponding to the location of the speaker <NUM>.

The second magnetic shield structure <NUM> may have an area larger than that of the upper surface of the speaker housing. Alternatively, the second magnetic shield structure <NUM> may have an area equal to that of the upper surface of the speaker housing.

The first magnet <NUM> may be mounted in the speaker housing. The first magnet <NUM> may be a permanent magnet. The second magnet <NUM> may be placed inside the first magnet <NUM>, i.e. within a space defined by the first magnet <NUM>. For example, the first magnet <NUM> may surround the second magnet <NUM>. The second magnet <NUM> may be a permanent magnet. The speaker plate <NUM> and the speaker yoke <NUM> may be disposed on at least a portion of the second magnet <NUM>. The speaker plate <NUM> may be disposed on a first surface of the second magnet <NUM>, and the speaker yoke <NUM> may be disposed on a second surface. The speaker plate <NUM> and the speaker yoke <NUM> may be made of metal materials (e.g., steel) and may be attached to the upper surface and the lower surface of the second magnet <NUM>. Here, the surface of the second magnet <NUM> facing the diaphragm <NUM> may be referred to as the upper surface, and the surface of the second magnet <NUM> facing the first magnetic shield structure <NUM> may be referred to as the lower surface.

In an embodiment, the first magnetic shield structure <NUM> may be coupled with a portion of the frame <NUM>. The first magnetic shield structure <NUM> may have a shape of a plate. The first magnet <NUM> and the second magnet <NUM> may be mounted in an inner space where the plate of the first magnetic shield structure <NUM> and the frame <NUM> are coupled to each other. The first magnetic shield structure <NUM> can be coupled with the frame <NUM>. At least a portion of the first magnetic shield structure <NUM> may be coupled with the frame <NUM>.

In an embodiment, at least a portion of the first magnetic shield structure <NUM> can be coupled with the speaker yoke <NUM> using the adhesive member <NUM>, and at least a portion of the first magnetic shield structure <NUM> may be coupled with the middle plate 501a.

In a certain unclaimed embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may not include the middle plate 501a. In this case, at least a portion of the first magnetic shield structure <NUM> may be coupled to the lower portion of the display <NUM> or the electromagnetic induction panel <NUM>.

The first magnetic shield structure <NUM> is made of a ferromagnetic material and/or the second magnetic shield structure <NUM> may 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 device <NUM> may not include the second magnetic shield structure <NUM>. In this case, the magnetism generated by the speaker <NUM> may be shielded only by the first magnetic shield structure <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may include the second magnetic shield structure <NUM> together with the magnetic shield structure <NUM> described in <FIG>. The electronic device <NUM> described in <FIG> may include the second magnetic shield structure <NUM> at a portion of the middle plate 501a together with the magnetic shield structure <NUM> having surfaces extending in the vertical direction at both ends.

The first surface of the speaker housing faces the display <NUM> or the electromagnetic induction panel <NUM>, the second surface faces in the opposite direction of the display <NUM> (e.g., rear plate <NUM>), and the frame <NUM> surrounds the space between the first surface and the second surface. The first magnetic shield structure <NUM> may be disposed on the first surface of the speaker housing. The first magnetic shield structure <NUM> disposed on the first surface of the speaker housing may face the speaker yoke <NUM>. The diaphragm <NUM> may be disposed on the second surface of the speaker housing.

The speaker housing may be a speaker structure placed in the space between the display <NUM> (or, electromagnetic induction panel <NUM>) and the rear plate <NUM>.

<FIG> is 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 present 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 <NUM>. 9dB on average in the range of <NUM> to <NUM>, and the same or higher performance is achieved in the range of <NUM> 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., programs <NUM>) including instructions stored in a machine-readable storage medium (e.g., internal memory <NUM> or external memory <NUM>) readable by a machine (e.g., electronic device <NUM>). For example, the machine (e.g., processor <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM>) 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. 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. 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.

Claim 1:
An electronic device (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) comprising:
a housing (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) including a front plate (<NUM>), a rear plate (<NUM>) facing away from the front plate, and a side member (<NUM>, 501b) surrounding a first space between the front plate (<NUM>) and the rear plate (<NUM>);
a display panel (<NUM>) exposed to an exterior of the electronic device through the front plate (<NUM>) and configured to detect a pen input using a magnetic field;
a speaker structure (<NUM>) disposed between the display panel (<NUM>) and the rear plate (<NUM>), and including:
a first surface facing the display panel (<NUM>), a second surface facing in a direction opposite the display panel (<NUM>), a side surface surrounding a second space between the first surface and the second surface, and a yoke (<NUM>) facing the first surface;
a first shield structure (<NUM>) made of a ferromagnetic material and disposed on the first surface, the first shield structure (<NUM>) being configured to reduce an affect of a magnetic force of the speaker structure (<NUM>) on the display panel (<NUM>);
a cooling member (501a) disposed between the display panel (<NUM>) and the yoke (<NUM>) of the speaker structure (<NUM>), the cooling member (501a) being made of a conductive material, and wherein the first shield structure (<NUM>) is disposed between the cooling member (501a) and the yoke (<NUM>),
wherein the cooling member (501a) is formed as a single body with a side member (<NUM>, 501b), the cooling member (501a) and the side member (<NUM>, 501b) being configured to discharge away heat that is generated from the speaker structure (<NUM>).