Patent Description:
An electronic device, for example, a portable electronic device, has been released with various sizes in accordance with its functions and user's preference, and may include a large-screen touch display for wide visibility securing and convenience of operations. The electronic device may include at least one camera module. For example, the electronic device may include at least one camera module disposed around a display or disposed to overlap at least a part of the display.

An electronic device may include a display that can be seen from outside through at least a part of a cover member (e.g., front plate, glass window, or front cover). To meet the demand for a large screen, the display area may be gradually extended so that the display can be realistically viewed through the overall area of the cover member (e.g., front cover). In response to the extension of the display area, the disposition structure of various electronic components disposed through the cover member, for example, the disposition structure of at least one camera module, may be changed accordingly. If the camera module is disposed in an area (e.g., black matrix (BM) area or inactive area) excluding the display area of the cover member, the extension of the display area may be restricted.

In order to accommodate the extension of the display area and to smoothly dispose the electronic components, the display may include an opening (e.g., punch hole or perforated hole) that is formed in a location facing the camera module. The camera module may perform its function through the opening of the display and through a camera exposure area (formed by a printing area) formed on the cover member. The size of the camera exposure area may be determined by the size of an outer diameter of a barrel member of the camera module including a plurality of lenses. However, the barrel member supporting the lenses may be limited in reducing the overall outer diameter of the barrel member due to the limited design structure of the thickness supporting the lens, and as a result, it may be difficult to reduce the camera exposure area formed on the cover member.

<CIT> in the name of Oppo Guangdong Mobile Telecommunications Co Ltd discloses an electronic device comprising a transparent cover plate, a diaphragm, a display screen and a camera module. The transparent cover plate comprises a first surface and a second surface which are arranged back to back; the diaphragm is a silk-screen printing ink layer arranged on the first surface of the transparent cover plate, and a first through hole is formed in the diaphragm. The display screen and the diaphragm are arranged on the same side of the transparent cover plate. A second through hole is formed in the display screen. The camera module and the diaphragm are arranged on the same side of the transparent cover plate. The diaphragm is used for limiting the range of light entering the camera module, and the light passes through the transparent cover plate, the first through hole and the second through hole in sequence and enters the camera module. The electronic device is small in screen black edge width and high in screen-to-body ratio.

<CIT> in the name of Sharp KK discloses a frame which is widened due to a functional element such as a camera disposed on a display surface side. A display device is provided with a display panel including a first substrate. In the display panel, a translucent part (TS) that does not emit display light is formed to include a partial region of the first substrate, the translucent part larger than a pixel (PX) is disposed inside the edge of a display area, so as to notch the display area in a plan view. On the back surface of the display panel, a functional element (FD) for performing light reception and/or light emission is provided so as to overlap the translucent part (TS).

<CIT> in the name of Japan Display Inc. discloses a display device which includes a substrate, a plurality of pixels above the substrate, each of the pixels including a light emitting element, a display region including the plurality of pixels, a thin film transistor which each of the plurality of pixels includes, a protective film including a first inorganic insulating material and located between the thin film transistor and the light emitting element, a sealing film including a second inorganic insulating material and covering the light emitting element. At least one through hole is located in the display region and passes through the substrate, the protective film, and the sealing film, wherein the second inorganic insulating material is in direct contact with the protective film in a first region located between the through hole and the pixels.

<CIT> in the name of Oppo Guangdong Mobile Telecommunications Co Ltd discloses a display screen and a terminal device. The display screen comprises a display module, a cover plate and a shading unit. The cover plate covers the surface of the display module. The display module is provided with a display module through hole. The shading unit comprises a shading ring and a shading layer, the shading layer is attached to the surface of the display module through hole, the shading ring is arranged between the cover plate and the display module and corresponds to the display module through hole in position, and the diameter of the inner ring of the shading ring is smaller than that of the display module through hole. Through the blocking effect of the shading layer, light generated by the display module cannot pass through the surface of the through hole of the display module, so that the imaging effect of the camera is not influenced, and the imaging quality of the camera is effectively guaranteed. By arranging the shading layer, the diameter of the outer ring of the shading ring is reduced, and the imaging quality of the camera cannot be influenced, so that the size of the shading ring can be further reduced, and the screen-to-body ratio of the display screen is increased.

<CIT> in the name of Oppo Guangdong Mobile Telecommunications Co Ltd discloses a display apparatus comprising a display screen, a camera module and a shielding layer, wherein the display screen comprises a display portion and a non-display portion adjacent to the display portion, wherein the display portion is provided with a transparent area, the camera module is fixed at one side, which is away from a user, of the transparent area, the shielding layer is fixed between the transparent area and the camera module so as to shield the camera module, the shielding layer is provided with an opening, the camera module comprises a lens assembly, and the lens assembly is right opposite to the opening. Further provided is a mobile terminal. According to the invention, the camera module is installed below the display portion such that the problems of color aberration of the appearance of the display portion and low visual aesthetic beauty due to the camera module below the display portion are solved.

<CIT> in the name of LG Display Co. , Ltd discloses a display device which can include a cover substrate; a display module disposed on a rear surface of the cover substrate and configured to display an image; a heat dissipation film disposed on a rear surface of the display module; a hole disposed in the heat dissipation film; a flexible circuit board covering the hole in the heat dissipation film and configured to block light; and a fingerprint scanner mounted on the flexible circuit board, disposed in the hole of the heat dissipation film, and separated from the heat dissipation film by a space, in which the flexible circuit board covers the space between the heat dissipation film and the fingerprint scanner. <CIT>, being an intermediate document according to Article <NUM>(<NUM>) EPC, discloses an electronic device comprising a display and a camera module underneath.

The invention is set out in the accompanying claims.

Embodiments of the disclosure provide an electronic device including a camera module.

Embodiments of the disclosure provide an electronic device including a camera module configured to have a relatively small camera exposure area even with the same viewing angle.

Embodiments of the disclosure provide an electronic device including a camera module capable of helping the extension of the display area through the relatively small camera exposure area.

According to various example embodiments, an electronic device may include: a housing; a display disposed in an internal space of the housing to be viewable from an outside and including a display area; and a camera module disposed under the display and overlapping at least a part of the display area, the camera module not including an aperture structure, the camera module including: a lens housing; a plurality of lenses disposed on the lens housing; and an image sensor disposed under the plurality of lenses, and wherein the display includes a display panel and a light blocking member comprising a light blocking material including a light transmission aperture disposed on an inside and/or an outside of the display panel and overlapping at least parts of the plurality of lenses as viewed from an above the display.

Effects that can be obtained in the disclosure are not limited to the above-described effects, and other effects can be clearly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the disclosure pertains from the following detailed description.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, because the camera module is disposed under the display panel and the opening is not formed on the corresponding area, it may be advantageous in manufacturing the display panel, and because the light blocking member performing an aperture function is disposed in the display and the printing area (BM area) disposed on the cover member is excluded, the camera exposure area can be reduced.

The above and other aspects, features and advantages of certain embodiments of the disclosure will be more apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:.

The following description is made with reference to the accompanying drawings and is provided to assist in a comprehensive understanding of various embodiments of the disclosure. It includes various specific details to assist in that understanding but these are to be regarded as merely examples. Accordingly, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that various changes and modifications of the various example embodiments described herein can be made without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

The terms and words used in the following description and claims are not limited to the bibliographical meanings, but are merely used to enable a clear and consistent understanding of the disclosure. Accordingly, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the following description of various example embodiments of the disclosure is provided for illustration purpose only and not for the purpose of limiting the disclosure.

<FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG> (e.g., <FIG>), discussed below, and the various example embodiments used to describe various example embodiments of the disclosure are by way of illustration only and should not be construed in any way to limit the scope of the disclosure. Those skilled in the art will understand that the principles of the disclosure may be implemented in any suitably arranged system or device.

Hereinafter, example embodiments of the disclosure are described in greater detail with reference to accompanying drawings.

<FIG> is a front perspective view of an example mobile electronic device according to an embodiment of the disclosure, and <FIG> is a rear perspective view of the mobile electronic device illustrated in <FIG> according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, a mobile electronic device <NUM> may include a housing <NUM> that includes a first surface (or front surface) 110A, a second surface (or rear surface) 110B, and a lateral surface 110C that surrounds a space between the first surface 110A and the second surface 110B. The housing <NUM> may refer to a structure that forms a part of the first surface 110A, the second surface 110B, and the lateral surface 110C. The first surface 110A may be formed of a front plate <NUM> (e.g., a glass plate or polymer plate coated with a variety of coating layers) at least a part of which is substantially transparent. The second surface 110B may be formed of a rear plate <NUM> which is substantially opaque. The rear plate <NUM> may be formed of, for example, coated or colored glass, ceramic, polymer, metal (e.g., aluminum, stainless steel (STS), or magnesium), or any combination thereof. The lateral surface 110C may be formed of a lateral bezel structure (or "lateral member") <NUM> which is combined with the front plate <NUM> and the rear plate <NUM> and includes a metal and/or polymer. The rear plate <NUM> and the lateral bezel structure <NUM> may be integrally formed and may be of the same material (e.g., a metallic material such as aluminum).

The front plate <NUM> may include two first regions 110D disposed at long edges thereof, respectively, and bent and extended seamlessly from the first surface 110A toward the rear plate <NUM>. Similarly, the rear plate <NUM> may include two second regions 110E disposed at long edges thereof, respectively, and bent and extended seamlessly from the second surface 110B toward the front plate <NUM>. The front plate <NUM> (or the rear plate <NUM>) may include only one of the first regions 110D (or of the second regions 110E). The first regions 110D or the second regions 110E may be omitted in part. When viewed from a lateral side of the mobile electronic device <NUM>, the lateral bezel structure <NUM> may have a first thickness (or width) on a lateral side where the first region 110D or the second region 110E is not included, and may have a second thickness, being less than the first thickness, on another lateral side where the first region 110D or the second region 110E is included.

The mobile electronic device <NUM> may include at least one of a display <NUM>, audio modules <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM>, sensor modules <NUM> and <NUM>, camera modules <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM>, a key input device <NUM>, a light emitting device, and connector holes <NUM> and <NUM>. The mobile electronic device <NUM> may omit at least one (e.g., the key input device <NUM> or the light emitting device) of the above components, or may further include other components.

The display <NUM> may be viewable through a substantial portion of the front plate <NUM>, for example. At least a part of the display <NUM> may be viewable through the front plate <NUM> that forms the first surface 110A and the first region 110D of the lateral surface 110C. Outlines (e.g., edges and corners) of the display <NUM> may have substantially the same form as those of the front plate <NUM>. The spacing between the outline of the display <NUM> and the outline of the front plate <NUM> may be substantially unchanged in order to enlarge the viewable area of the display <NUM>.

A recess or opening may be formed in a portion of a display area of the display <NUM> to accommodate at least one of the audio module <NUM>, the sensor module <NUM>, the camera module <NUM>, and the light emitting device. At least one of the audio module <NUM>, the sensor module <NUM>, the camera module <NUM>, a fingerprint sensor (not shown), and the light emitting element may be disposed on the back of the display area of the display <NUM>. The display <NUM> may be combined with, or adjacent to, a touch sensing circuit, a pressure sensor capable of measuring the touch strength (pressure), and/or a digitizer for detecting a stylus pen. At least a part of the sensor modules <NUM> and <NUM> and/or at least a part of the key input device <NUM> may be disposed in the first region 110D and/or the second region 110E.

The audio modules <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> may correspond to a microphone hole <NUM> and speaker holes <NUM> and <NUM>, respectively. The microphone hole <NUM> may contain a microphone disposed therein for acquiring external sounds and, in a case, contain a plurality of microphones to sense a sound direction. The speaker holes <NUM> and <NUM> may be classified into an external speaker hole <NUM> and a call receiver hole <NUM>. The microphone hole <NUM> and the speaker holes <NUM> and <NUM> may be implemented as a single hole, or a speaker (e.g., a piezo speaker) may be provided without the speaker holes <NUM> and <NUM>.

The sensor modules <NUM> and <NUM> may generate electrical signals or data corresponding to an internal operating state of the mobile electronic device <NUM> or to an external environmental condition. The sensor modules <NUM> and <NUM> may include a first sensor module <NUM> (e.g., a proximity sensor) and/or a second sensor module (e.g., a fingerprint sensor) disposed on the first surface 110A of the housing <NUM>, and/or a third sensor module <NUM> (e.g., a heart rate monitor (HRM) sensor) and/or a fourth sensor module (e.g., a fingerprint sensor) disposed on the second surface 110B of the housing <NUM>. The fingerprint sensor may be disposed on the second surface 110B as well as the first surface 110A (e.g., the display <NUM>) of the housing <NUM>. The electronic device <NUM> may further include at least one of a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, an air pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a grip sensor, a color sensor, an infrared (IR) sensor, a biometric sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or an illuminance sensor.

The camera modules <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> may include a first camera device <NUM> disposed on the first surface 110A of the electronic device <NUM>, and a second camera device <NUM> and/or a flash <NUM> disposed on the second surface 110B. The camera module <NUM> or the camera module <NUM> may include one or more 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. Two or more lenses (infrared cameras, wide angle and telephoto lenses) and image sensors may be disposed on one side of the electronic device <NUM>.

The key input device <NUM> may be disposed on the lateral surface 110C of the housing <NUM>. The mobile electronic device <NUM> may not include some or all of the key input device <NUM> described above, and the key input device <NUM> which is not included may be implemented in another form such as a soft key on the display <NUM>. The key input device <NUM> may include the sensor module disposed on the second surface 110B of the housing <NUM>.

The light emitting device may be disposed on the first surface 110A of the housing <NUM>. For example, the light emitting device may provide status information of the electronic device <NUM> in an optical form. The light emitting device may provide a light source associated with the operation of the camera module <NUM>. The light emitting device may include, for example, a light emitting diode (LED), an IR LED, or a xenon lamp.

The connector holes <NUM> and <NUM> may include a first connector hole <NUM> adapted for a connector (e.g., a universal serial bus (USB) connector) for transmitting and receiving power and/or data to and from an external electronic device, and/or a second connector hole <NUM> adapted for a connector (e.g., an earphone jack) for transmitting and receiving an audio signal to and from an external electronic device.

Some sensor modules <NUM> of camera modules <NUM> and <NUM>, some sensor modules <NUM> of sensor modules <NUM> and <NUM>, or an indicator may be arranged to be visually exposed through a display <NUM>. For example, the camera module <NUM>, the sensor module <NUM>, or the indicator may be arranged in the internal space of an electronic device <NUM> so as to be brought into contact with an external environment through an opening of the display <NUM>, which is perforated up to a front plate <NUM>. In another embodiment, some sensor modules <NUM> may be arranged to perform their functions without being visually exposed through the front plate <NUM> in the internal space of the electronic device. For example, in this case, an area of the display <NUM> facing the sensor module may not require a perforated opening.

<FIG> is an exploded perspective view of a mobile electronic device shown in <FIG> according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, a mobile electronic device <NUM> may include a lateral bezel structure <NUM>, a first support member <NUM> (e.g., a bracket), a front plate <NUM>, a display <NUM>, an electromagnetic induction panel (not shown), a printed circuit board (PCB) <NUM>, a battery <NUM>, a second support member <NUM> (e.g., a rear case), an antenna <NUM>, and a rear plate <NUM>. The mobile electronic device <NUM> may omit at least one (e.g., the first support member <NUM> or the second support member <NUM>) of the above components or may further include another component. Some components of the electronic device <NUM> may be the same as or similar to those of the mobile electronic device <NUM> shown in <FIG>, thus, descriptions thereof may not be repeated below.

The first support member <NUM> is disposed inside the mobile electronic device <NUM> and may be connected to, or integrated with, the lateral bezel structure <NUM>. The first support member <NUM> may be formed of, for example, a metallic material and/or a non-metal (e.g., polymer) material. The first support member <NUM> may be combined with the display <NUM> at one side thereof and also combined with the printed circuit board (PCB) <NUM> at the other side thereof. On the PCB <NUM>, a processor, a memory, and/or an interface may be mounted. The processor may include, for example, one or more of a central processing unit (CPU), an application processor (AP), a graphics processing unit (GPU), an image signal processor (ISP), a sensor hub processor, or a communications processor (CP).

The memory may include, for example, one or more of a volatile memory and a nonvolatile 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 mobile electronic device <NUM> with an external electronic device and may include a USB connector, an SD card/multimedia card (MMC) connector, or an audio connector.

The battery <NUM> is a device for supplying power to at least one component of the mobile electronic device <NUM>, and may include, for example, a non-rechargeable primary battery, a rechargeable secondary battery, or a fuel cell. At least a part of the battery <NUM> may be disposed on substantially the same plane as the PCB <NUM>. The battery <NUM> may be integrally disposed within the mobile electronic device <NUM>, and may be detachably disposed from the mobile electronic device <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, a first support member <NUM> of a side member (e.g., bezel) <NUM> may include a first surface <NUM> directed towards a front plate <NUM> and a second surface <NUM> directed in an opposite direction (e.g., rear plate direction) to the first surface <NUM>. According to an embodiment, a camera module <NUM> (e.g., camera module <NUM> of <FIG>) may be disposed between a first support member <NUM> and a rear plate <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the camera module <NUM> may be disposed to project or to be seen in a direction of the front plate <NUM> through a through-hole <NUM> connected from the first surface <NUM> to the second surface <NUM> of the first support member <NUM>. According to an embodiment, a portion projecting through the through-hole <NUM> of the camera module <NUM> may be disposed to detect an external environment in a location corresponding to a display <NUM>. As another embodiment, if the camera module <NUM> is disposed between the display <NUM> and the first support member <NUM>, the through-hole <NUM> may be unnecessary.

Hereinafter, the disposition relationship between the display <NUM> and the camera module <NUM> in an electronic device <NUM> will be described in greater detail.

<FIG> is an exploded perspective view of a display <NUM> according to various embodiments of the disclosure.

The display <NUM> of <FIG> may be at least partly similar to the display <NUM> of <FIG>, or may further include another embodiment of the display.

With reference to <FIG>, the display <NUM> may include a polarizer (POL) <NUM> (e.g., polarizing film) disposed on a rear surface of a front cover <NUM> (e.g., front plate, glass plate, first cover member, or cover member) through an adhesive member (e.g., adhesive member <NUM> of <FIG>), and at least one subsidiary material layer <NUM> attached to a rear surface of the display panel <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the adhesive member may include an optical clear adhesive (OCA), a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA), a thermo-reactive adhesive, a general adhesive, or a double sided tape. According to an embodiment, the display panel <NUM> and the POL <NUM> may be integrally formed.

According to various embodiments, the display <NUM> may include a control circuit (not illustrated). According to an embodiment, the control circuit may include a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) electrically connecting a main printed circuit board (e.g., printed circuit board <NUM> of <FIG>) of an electronic device (e.g., electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>) and the display panel <NUM> with each other, and a display driver IC (DDI) mounted on the FPCB. According to an embodiment, the display <NUM> may additionally include a touch panel <NUM>. According to an embodiment, in case that the display <NUM> operates as an in-cell type or on-cell type touch display in accordance with the disposition location of the touch panel <NUM>, the control circuit may include a touch display driver IC (TDDI). As another embodiment, the display <NUM> may include a fingerprint sensor (not illustrated) disposed around the control circuit. According to an embodiment, the fingerprint sensor may include an ultrasonic or optical fingerprint sensor capable of recognizing the fingerprint of a finger contacting or approaching from an outer surface of the front cover <NUM> through a hole formed at least partly on some constituent elements of the display <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the at least one subsidiary material layer <NUM> may include at least one polymer member <NUM> and <NUM> disposed on the rear surface of the display panel <NUM>, at least one functional member <NUM> disposed on a rear surface of the at least one polymer member <NUM> and <NUM>, and a conductive member <NUM> disposed on a rear surface of the at least one functional member <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the at least one polymer member <NUM> and <NUM> may include a shading layer <NUM> (e.g., black layer including an uneven pattern) for removing bubbles that may be generated between the display panel <NUM> and its lower attachments and blocking light created from the display panel <NUM> or incident from an outside and/or a buffer layer <NUM> disposed to buffer impacts. According to an embodiment, the at least one functional member <NUM> may include a heat dissipation sheet (e.g., graphite sheet) for heat dissipation, an added display, a force touch FPCB, a fingerprint sensor FPCB, an antenna radiator for communication, conductive/non-conductive tape, or an open cell sponge. According to an embodiment, the conductive member <NUM>, may include, for example, a metal plate, may be used to provide stiffness reinforcement of the electronic device (e.g., electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>), to shield surrounding noises, and to disperse heat emitted from surrounding heat emission components. According to an embodiment, the conductive member <NUM> may include Cu, Al, Mg, SUS, CLAD, or the like (e.g., lamination member on which SUS and Al are alternately disposed). As another embodiment, the display <NUM> may further include a detection member <NUM> to detect an input by an electromagnetic induction type writing member (e.g., electronic pen). According to an embodiment, the detection member <NUM> may include a digitizer. According to an embodiment, the detection member <NUM> may be disposed between the at least one polymer member <NUM> and the functional member <NUM>. As another embodiment, the detection member <NUM> may be disposed between the display panel <NUM> and the at least one polymer member <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the display <NUM> may be disposed inside the display panel <NUM>, between the display panel <NUM> and the POL <NUM>, or between the display panel <NUM> and the subsidiary material layer <NUM>, and may include a light blocking member (e.g., light blocking member <NUM> of <FIG>) serving as an aperture. According to an embodiment, the light blocking member <NUM> is disposed closer to the camera module (e.g., camera module <NUM> of <FIG>) than the existing printing area to minimize and/or reduce the viewing angle, and thus the size of a camera exposure area (e.g., circular BM area), which is seen from the outside of the front cover <NUM> through the light blocking member <NUM> serving as the aperture, may be reduced.

According to various embodiments, the subsidiary material layer <NUM> may include openings <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> formed in a location corresponding to the camera module (e.g., camera module <NUM> of <FIG>). According to an embodiment, the camera module <NUM> may be disposed close to the rear surface of the display panel <NUM> through the openings <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the POL <NUM> or the touch panel <NUM> disposed on the upper portion of the display panel <NUM> may also include openings <NUM> and <NUM> formed by perforating the corresponding location in order to prevent and/or reduce the performance of the camera module <NUM> from deteriorating due to the refractive index. As another embodiment, the POL <NUM> and/or the touch panel <NUM> may be processed so that the corresponding location to the camera module <NUM> becomes transparent or the polarizing characteristic thereof is removed. As another embodiment, the layers having no opening (e.g., display panel <NUM> or touch panel <NUM>) may include coatings capable of being index-matched to minimize and/or reduce a difference in refractive index between the layers. According to various embodiments, the display <NUM> includes an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display, and in examples not forming part of the claimed invention, a liquid crystal display (LCD), or the like.

<FIG> is a partial cross-sectional view of an electronic device, taken along line A-A' of <FIG> according to various embodiments of the disclosure.

In describing <FIG>, an unbreakable (UB) type OLED display (e.g., curved display) will be used but the display, in examples not forming part of the claimed invention, is not limited thereto. For example, on-cell touch active matrix organic light-emitting diode (AOLED) (OCTA) type flat display, or the like, may be applied. With reference to <FIG>, an electronic device <NUM> may include a front cover <NUM> (e.g., cover member, front plate, front window, or first plate) directed in a first direction (① direction), a rear cover <NUM> (e.g., rear cover member, rear plate, rear window, or second plate) directed in an opposite direction to the front cover <NUM>, and a side member (e.g., bezel) <NUM> surrounding a space <NUM> between the front cover <NUM> and the rear cover <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may include a first waterproof member <NUM> disposed between the subsidiary material layer <NUM> of the display <NUM> and the side member <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may include a second waterproof member <NUM> disposed between the side member <NUM> and the rear plate <NUM>. The first waterproof member <NUM> and the second waterproof member <NUM> may prevent and/or reduce external foreign substances or moisture from flowing into the internal space <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM>. As another embodiment, the waterproof member may be disposed on at least a part of a mount support structure between the camera module <NUM> and the side member <NUM>. As another embodiment, the first waterproof member <NUM> and/or the second waterproof member <NUM> may be replaced by cohesive members.

According to various embodiments, the side member <NUM> may further include a first support member <NUM> at least partly extending in the internal space <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the first support member <NUM> may be formed by a structural coupling to the side member <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the first support member <NUM> may support the camera module <NUM> so that the camera module <NUM> is aligned and disposed around the rear surface of the display panel <NUM> through the opening (e.g., opening (OP) of <FIG>) of the subsidiary material layer <NUM> of the display <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the camera module <NUM> includes a camera housing <NUM>, a lens housing <NUM> disposed in an internal space <NUM> of the camera housing <NUM> and projecting at least partly in a display direction (e.g., ① direction), a plurality of lenses <NUM>: <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> disposed at predetermined intervals in an internal space <NUM> of the lens housing <NUM>, and at least one image sensor <NUM> disposed to acquire at least a part of light having passed through the plurality of lenses <NUM>: <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> in the internal space <NUM> of the camera housing <NUM>. According to an embodiment, in case the camera module <NUM> includes an autofocus (AF) function, the lens housing <NUM> may move to vary the distance from the display panel <NUM> through a specific driving unit in the camera housing <NUM>. According to an embodiment, in order for the camera module <NUM> to perform the AF function, a separate driving unit may be disposed to change the location of at least one of the plurality of lenses <NUM>. According to the camera module <NUM> as another embodiment, the camera housing <NUM> may be omitted, and the lens housing <NUM> may be directly disposed on the first support member <NUM> through a specific alignment process. According to an embodiment, in case of being directly disposed on the first support member <NUM>, the camera housing <NUM> may be omitted to reduce the camera disposition space, and the lens housing <NUM> may be disposed to be attached to one side surface of the first support member <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the camera module <NUM> may be aligned through a through-hole <NUM> of the first support member <NUM>, and may be attached to the rear surface of the first support member <NUM> through an adhesive member <NUM> (e.g., bonding member or tape member).

According to various embodiments, the display <NUM> may include the touch panel (e.g., touch panel <NUM> of <FIG>), the POL <NUM>, the display panel <NUM>, the shading layer <NUM>, the buffer layer (e.g., buffer layer <NUM> of <FIG>), the digitizer (e.g., digitizer <NUM> of <FIG>), the functional member (e.g., functional member <NUM> of <FIG>), and/or the conductive member (e.g., conductive member <NUM> of <FIG>). According to an embodiment, the camera module <NUM> may be supported by a second support member <NUM> (e.g., rear case) additionally disposed in the internal space of the electronic device.

<FIG> is an enlarged view of an area B of <FIG> according to various embodiments of the disclosure. <FIG> is a partial plan view of an electronic device <NUM> as seen from above a front cover <NUM> according to various embodiments of the disclosure.

With reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> may include the adhesive layer <NUM> disposed between the rear surface of the front cover <NUM> and the side member <NUM>, the POL <NUM>, the display panel <NUM>, and the subsidiary material layer <NUM>. According to an embodiment, as seen from above the front plate <NUM>, the POL <NUM> may include the opening <NUM> formed to improve optical permeability of the camera module <NUM>. As another embodiment, a part of the adhesive member <NUM> disposed on the upper portion of the POL <NUM>, which corresponds to the opening <NUM> may also be omitted at least partly. As another embodiment, the opening <NUM> formed on the POL <NUM> may be filled with a material to match the refraction index in accordance with an increase of interfacial reflection.

According to an embodiment, the area of the POL <NUM> corresponding to the plurality of lenses <NUM> may not include the opening <NUM> formed thereon, and may be formed with high permeability. For example, at least a partial area (e.g., area corresponding to the plurality of lenses <NUM>) of the POL <NUM> may be formed of a material having permeability different from the permeability of the other area of the POL <NUM>, or may include another member capable of heightening the permeability. According to an embodiment, a member (not illustrated) for heightening the permeability may be disposed on at least a part (e.g., upper side surface or lower side surface) of the area corresponding to the plurality of lenses <NUM> of the POL <NUM>. According to an embodiment, as seen from above the front cover <NUM>, the subsidiary material layer <NUM> may include an opening OP formed on an area at least partly overlapping the plurality of lenses <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the opening OP may be formed as one opening OP on the subsidiary material layer <NUM> by making the opening (e.g., opening <NUM> of <FIG>) formed on the shading layer <NUM>, the opening (e.g., opening <NUM> of <FIG>) formed on the buffer layer <NUM>, the opening (e.g., opening <NUM> of <FIG>) formed on the functional member <NUM>, and the opening (e.g., opening <NUM> of <FIG>) formed on the conductive member <NUM> overlap one another. According to an embodiment, the respective openings may have different sizes corresponding to the shape of the camera module.

According to various embodiments, the display <NUM> includes at least one light blocking member (e.g., including a light blocking material) <NUM> disposed in the display panel <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the light blocking member <NUM> (e.g., aperture) includes a light transmission region(e.g., a light transmission aperture) AD corresponding to an area overlapping an effective diameter of the lens <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the overall outer diameter OD of the light blocking member <NUM> may be formed corresponding to the light transmission region AD and a blocking area DS (e.g., aperture area) forming the light transmission region AD. For example, the area of the light blocking member <NUM> may be formed as a sum of the light transmission region AD and the blocking area DS forming the light transmission region AD. For example, as seen from one side surface of the light blocking member <NUM>, the outer diameter OD crossing the light blocking member <NUM> may be formed by the sum of the length AD crossing the light transmission region AD and the length DS crossing the blocking area. According to an embodiment, the size of the light transmission region AD or the blocking area DS may be determined by the size, disposition, and location of the lens <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the size of the light transmission region AD of the light blocking member <NUM> may be determined based on a predetermined viewing angle of the lens <NUM> of the camera module <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the blocking area DS of the light blocking member <NUM> may be determined to have a size enough to block the unnecessary light so that at least a part of the light flowing from outside or inside does not flow into the neighborhood of the light transmission region AD of the display panel <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the light transmission region AD may be formed as an opening, and the opening may be formed by the blocking area DS. Through the formed opening, at least a part of external light outside the electronic device may flow in and may be transferred to the image sensor <NUM> through the lens <NUM>. The amount of light flowing into the image sensor may be determined by the aperture, and as the size of the light transmission region AD is increased, a larger amount of light may flow into the image sensor.

According to various embodiments, the display panel <NUM> may be configured so that pixels and/or wirings are not disposed on the area overlapping the light transmission region AD to improve the optical permeability as seen from above the front cover <NUM>. As another embodiment, as seen from above the front cover <NUM>, the display panel <NUM> may be configured so that the area overlapping the light transmission region (AD) has a lower pixel density and/or a lower wiring density than the pixel density and/or the wiring density of a neighboring active area (e.g., active area) to improve the optical permeability.

<FIG> is a partial cross-sectional view of a display panel <NUM> with an area C of <FIG> enlarged according to various embodiments of the disclosure.

With reference to <FIG>, the display panel <NUM> includes a substrate layer 431a, an intermediate layer 431b laminated on the substrate layer 431a, and an encapsulation (encap) layer 431c laminated on the intermediate layer 431b. According to an embodiment, the display panel <NUM> includes a plurality of pixels, each of which may include a first sub-pixel area (pixel red (Pr)), a second sub-pixel area (pixel green (Pg)), and a third sub-pixel area (pixel blue (Pb)). According to an embodiment, the area in which the plurality of pixels are disposed may include the active area of the display panel <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the display panel <NUM> may include a first pixel electrode 4311a, a second pixel electrode 4311b, and a third pixel electrode 4311c being disposed on the substrate layer 431a to correspond to the first sub-pixel area (Pr), the second sub-pixel area (Pg), and the third sub-pixel area (Pb) in the intermediate layer 431b. According to an embodiment, the display panel <NUM> may include a first organic material layer 4312a, a second organic material layer 4312b, and a third organic material layer 4312c respectively disposed on upper portions of the first to third pixel electrodes 4311a, 4311b, and 4311c, respectively, in the intermediate layer 431b. According to an embodiment, the first to third sub-pixel areas (Pr, Pg, and Pb) may be partitioned by a pixel defining layer <NUM> of, for example, an insulation material, and an opposite electrode <NUM> is commonly disposed on the first to third organic material layers 4312a, 4312b, and 4312c. According to an embodiment, the first to third pixel electrodes 4311a, 4311b, and 4311c may be reflective electrodes including reflective layers. For example, the reflective layer may include, for example, and without limitation, at least any one selected from the group including silver (Ag), magnesium (Mg), aluminum (Al), platinum (Pt), palladium (Pd), gold (Au), nickel (Ni), neodymium (Nd), iridium (Ir), chrome (Cr), or the like, and on the reflective layer, a transparent or semi-transparent electrode layer formed, for example, and without limitation, by at least any one selected from the group including indium tin oxide (ITO), indium zinc oxide (IZO), zinc oxide (ZnO), indium oxide (In2O3), indium gallium oxide (IGO), aluminum zinc oxide (AZO), or the like, may be further disposed.

According to various embodiments, each of the first to third organic material layers 4312a, 4312b, and 4312c may include an organic light-emitting layer emitting light of a first color, a second color, and a third color. According to an embodiment, the organic light-emitting layer may be disposed between a pair of common layers vertically laminated. According to an embodiment, one common layer may include a hole injection layer (HIL) and/or a hole transport layer (HTL). According to an embodiment, the other common layer may include an electron transport layer (ETL) and/ or an electron injection layer (EIL). However, the common layers are not limited thereto, but may further include various functional layers while including the organic light-emitting layer. According to an embodiment, the above-described first to third colors may be red, green, and blue, respectively. However, the first to third colors are not limited thereto, but other various color combinations may be used in addition to combinations of red, green, and blue if they can emit a white light.

According to various embodiments, the opposite electrode <NUM> may include a transparent or semi-transparent electrode, and may include, for example, and without limitation, one or more materials selected from silver (Ag), aluminum (Al), magnesium (Mg), lithium (Li), calcium (Ca), copper (Cu), LiF/Ca, LiF/Al, MgAg, CaAg, or the like, and may be formed of a thin film having a thickness of several to several tens of nanometers (nm). According to an embodiment, the light emitted from the first to third organic light-emitting layers included in the first to third organic material layers 4312a, 4312b, and 4312c may be emitted in the direction of the opposite electrode <NUM> directly or after being reflected by the first to third pixel electrodes 4311a, 4311b, and 4311c.

According to various embodiments, the substrate layer 431a may include electrical connection members electrically connected to the first to third pixel electrodes 4311a, 4311b, and 4311c, respectively. According to an embodiment, the electrical connection member may include, for example, and without limitation, a thin film transistor (TFT), a low-temperature passivation transistor (LTPS), or the like. According to an embodiment, the encap layer 431c may be disposed on the upper portion of the opposite electrode <NUM> for the protection thereof.

According to various embodiments, the display panel <NUM> includes the light blocking member <NUM> disposed in the intermediate layer 431b between the substrate layer 431a and the encap layer 431c in the blocking area (e.g., blocking area DS of <FIG>). According to an embodiment, in the blocking area DS, the first to third pixel electrodes 4311a, 4311b, and 4311c, the first to third organic material layers 4312a, 4312b, and 4312c, or the opposite electrode <NUM> may not be disposed in the intermediate layer 431b. As another embodiment, for convenience in the manufacturing process, in the blocking area DS, the intermediate layer 431b may include only a fourth pixel electrode 4311d that is substantially the same as the first to third pixel electrodes 4311a, 4311b, and 4311c. According to an embodiment, in the process of manufacturing the display panel <NUM>, the light blocking member <NUM> may include an organic material or sealant of an opaque (black) material formed together when the first to third organic material layers 4312a, 4312b, and 4312c are formed. As another embodiment, the light blocking member <NUM> may be replaced by the first to third pixel electrodes 4311a, 4311b, and 4311c disposed on the upper portion of the substrate 431a with a high disposition density on the intermediate layer 431b. As another embodiment, the light blocking member <NUM> may be separately disposed or printed using an opaque material (ink or resin). As another embodiment, the light blocking member <NUM> may be formed using the existing opaque constituent element (electrode or wiring) inside the display.

<FIG> are partial cross-sectional views of an electronic device including light blocking members <NUM> and <NUM> disposed on a display according to various embodiments of the disclosure, not forming part of the claimed invention.

In describing the configuration of the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>, the same reference numerals are given to substantially the same elements of the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>, and the detailed description thereof may not be repeated.

With reference to <FIG>, the light blocking member <NUM> may be disposed between the display panel <NUM> and the POL <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the light blocking member <NUM> may be disposed on the upper surface of the display panel <NUM> or the rear surface of the POL <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG>, the light blocking member <NUM> may be disposed between the display panel <NUM> and the subsidiary material layer <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the light blocking member <NUM> may be disposed on the rear surface of the display panel <NUM> or the upper surface of the subsidiary material layer <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the size of the light transmission region of the light blocking member <NUM> and <NUM> may be determined in accordance with the separation distance from the camera module <NUM> and/or the predetermined viewing angle of the camera module <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the light blocking member <NUM> and <NUM> may include a light blocking material, such as, for example, and without limitation, a black printed layer, a black matrix (BM), an opaque tape member, or the like.

As another embodiment, the light blocking member <NUM> and <NUM> may be disposed to at least partly overlap the opening <NUM> as seen from above the electronic device <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the light blocking member <NUM> and <NUM> may be disposed between various layers. For example, the light blocking member may be disposed between the adhesive member <NUM> and the POL <NUM>. As another embodiment, the light blocking member <NUM> and <NUM> may be disposed to at least partly overlap each other in at least two areas between the display panel <NUM> and the POL <NUM>, between the display panel <NUM> and the subsidiary material layer <NUM>, inside the display panel <NUM>, or between the adhesive member <NUM> and the POL <NUM>.

<FIG> is a partial cross-sectional view of an electronic device <NUM> according to various embodiments of the disclosure, not forming part of the claimed invention.

In describing the configuration of the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>, the same reference numerals are given to substantially the same elements as those of the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>, and the detailed description thereof may not be repeated.

With reference to <FIG>, the light blocking member may be disposed or shaped so that a separate member is not added, and at least one of elements <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> of the subsidiary material layer <NUM> disposed on the rear surface of the display panel <NUM> may serve as the light blocking member. For example, of the subsidiary material layer <NUM>, at least a part of the shading layer <NUM> of the opaque material facing the display panel <NUM> may be used as the light blocking member. In this example, compared with the openings (e.g., openings <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> of <FIG>) formed on other neighboring subsidiary material layers (e.g., the buffer layer <NUM>, functional member <NUM>, and conductive member <NUM>), the opening <NUM> of the shading layer <NUM> may be formed in the shape of the light transmission region (e.g., light transmission region AD of <FIG>) corresponding to the camera module <NUM>. As another embodiment, the light blocking member may be formed through at least two layers of the subsidiary material layers <NUM>.

According to various example embodiments, an electronic device (e.g., electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>) includes: a housing (e.g., housing <NUM> of <FIG>), a display (e.g., display <NUM> of <FIG>) disposed in an internal space (e.g., internal space <NUM> of <FIG>) of the housing to be viewable from an outside and including a display area, and a camera module (e.g., camera module <NUM> of <FIG>) disposed under the display overlapping at least a part of the display area, the camera module not including an aperture structure, wherein the camera module includes: a lens housing (e.g., lens housing <NUM> of <FIG>), a plurality of lenses (e.g., plurality of lenses <NUM> of <FIG>) disposed on the lens housing, and an image sensor (e.g., image sensor <NUM> of <FIG>) disposed under the plurality of lenses, wherein the display includes: a display panel (e.g., display panel <NUM> of <FIG>) and a light blocking member (light blocking member <NUM> of <FIG>) comprising a light blocking material, the light blocking member including a light transmission region (e.g., light transmission region AD of <FIG>) and being disposed inside of the display panel, the light transmission region overlapping at least parts of the plurality of lenses as viewed from above the display.

According to various example embodiments, the display panel includes a substrate layer; an intermediate layer including a plurality of pixel electrodes laminated on an upper portion of the substrate layer, organic light-emitting layers disposed on the plurality of pixel electrodes, respectively, and an opposite electrode disposed on upper portions of the organic light-emitting layers; and an encapsulation layer disposed on an upper portion of the intermediate layer, wherein the light blocking member is disposed in the intermediate layer.

According to various example embodiments, the light blocking member may include an organic material having reflectivity of about <NUM>% or more with respect to light flowing into the light blocking member.

According to various example embodiments, the size of the light transmission region of the light blocking member may be determined based on a viewing angle of the camera module.

According to various example embodiments, an area overlapping the light transmission region of the display panel may not include the organic light-emitting layers as viewed from above the display.

According to various example embodiments, the electrodes may not be disposed in an area overlapping the light transmission region of the display panel as viewed from above the display.

According to various example embodiments, a disposition density of the plurality of electrodes and/or the organic light-emitting layers may be configured to be lower than a disposition density of the neighboring display area in an area overlapping the light transmission region of the display panel as viewed from above the display.

According to various example embodiments, the display may include a polarizing member (POL) including a polarizer laminated on an upper portion of the display panel.

According to various example embodiments, the polarizing member may include an opening corresponding to the light transmission region as viewed from above the display.

According to various example embodiments, the display may include at least one subsidiary material layer laminated on a lower portion of the display panel.

According to various example embodiments, the at least one subsidiary material layer may include an opening corresponding to the light transmission region as viewed from above the display.

According to various example embodiments, the camera module may be at least partially disposed in the opening.

According to various example embodiments, the at least one subsidiary material layer may include at least one polymer layer disposed on a rear surface of the display panel, a functional member comprising a heat dissipating material layer disposed under the at least one polymer layer, and a conductive plate disposed under the functional member layer.

According to various example embodiments, the light transmission region may be formed through the opening having the same center as centers of the plurality of lenses on the at least one polymer layer.

According to various example embodiments, the at least one polymer layer may include a shading layer of an opaque material.

Claim 1:
An electronic device (<NUM>, <NUM>) comprising:
a housing (<NUM>, <NUM>);
a display (<NUM>, <NUM>) disposed in an internal space (<NUM>)of the housing to be viewable from an outside and including a display area; and
a camera module (<NUM>, <NUM>) disposed under the display overlapping at least a part of the display area and not including an aperture structure,
wherein the camera module includes:
a lens housing (<NUM>);
a plurality of lenses (<NUM>) disposed on the lens housing; and
an image sensor (<NUM>)disposed under the plurality of lenses,
wherein the display includes:
a display panel (<NUM>), and
a light blocking member (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>)disposed inside of the display panel, the light blocking member including a light transmission region (AD), the light transmission region overlapping at least parts of the plurality of lenses as viewed from above the display,
wherein the display panel comprises:
a substrate layer (431a);
an intermediate layer (<NUM>1b) including a plurality of pixel electrodes (4311a, 4311b, 4311c) laminated on an upper portion of the substrate layer, organic light-emitting layers (4312a, 4312b, 4312c) disposed on the plurality of pixel electrodes, respectively, and an opposite electrode (<NUM>) disposed on upper portions of the organic light-emitting layers; and
an encapsulation layer (431c) disposed on an upper portion of the intermediate layer, and
wherein the light blocking member is disposed in the intermediate layer directly between the substrate layer and the encapsulation layer and is adjacent to the organic light-emitting layers and the opposite electrode of the intermediate layer in a direction parallel to the upper portion of the substrate layer.