Patent Description:
The development of electronic communication technology has produced the trend of integration, in which various functionalities are all included in a single electronic device. For example, smartphones include the functionalities of a media player, imaging device, and scheduler/organizers, as well as traditional communication functionality, and furthermore may implement additional functions by having any number of applications installed thereon. The use of portable electronic devices such as smart phones is now common, and the functional integration of electronic devices is continually growing more sophisticated to meet the diverse needs of users.

<CIT> describes a mobile terminal including a screen, an earpiece, and a housing, wherein the screen is mounted on the housing, the earpiece is disposed in the housing, and the screen is provided with a sound output hole. The sound output hole corresponds to a first front cavity sound outlet and a second front cavity sound outlet that are independently arranged in the housing. The first front cavity sound outlet is connected to the earpiece through a first sound guide channel, and the second front cavity sound outlet is connected to the earpiece through a second sound guide channel.

<CIT> relates to a proximity illuminance sensor and a mobile terminal using the same and also describes a sound passage for a receiver of the mobile terminal. The receiver is arranged to face a front surface, a first sound passage is be formed by a bracket, and the first sound passage is connected to a second sound passage formed through an upper end of the front case such that a sound is output through an upper surface of the front case.

<CIT>describes an electronic apparatus comprising a panel, a case, a speaker, and a cover member. The speaker is located inside the case and outputs a sound. The cover member comprises a first opening through which the sound output from the speaker is transmitted to the outside of the electronic apparatus.

<CIT> describes a personal media device includes at least a housing, the housing having a plurality of openings at least one of which accommodates a housing port arranged to output a first portion of audible energy generated by an audio generator included in the housing and at least another one of which is an alternative port used to broadcast a second portion of the audible energy generated by the audio generator.

An electronic device such as a smart phone may include a display on its front surface, and various additional devices may be disposed around an active area ("active area" or "view area") of the display (e.g., at the top of the front surface of the electronic device). For example, a receiver for voice calls, a camera for photographing a subject, a sensor for recognizing a user's face or iris, an infrared projector as a light source for measuring depth, and various sensors, such as a proximity sensor or an illuminance sensor, and temperature sensor or atmospheric pressure sensor may be disposed at the top of the front surface of the electronic device. Such electronic devices are increasingly being utilized in entertainment fields such as multimedia and games. For example, user demands for performance of an electronic device, such as a larger memory capacity, more advanced processor performance or communication speed, and improved image or sound quality, may increase. Various sensors or input/output devices of an electronic device may be used to meet such user needs.

Various additional devices mounted on the front surface of the electronic device may provide convenience functions (e.g., functions using the camera), such as taking selfies, security functions (e.g., functions using the infrared projector or face or iris sensor), such as user identification, or operational environment functions (e.g., functions using the proximity sensor, humidity sensor, temperature/humidity or atmospheric pressure sensor), such as for optimizing the operational state. However, in the reality of designing or manufacturing the entire front surface of an electronic device as an active area of the display in order to provide improved image quality, for example, a larger screen and a high-definition image, it may be difficult for such sensors to secure a path through which various pieces of information may be received or acquired.

When the electronic device is equipped with a voice call function, the receiver may be disposed at the top of the front surface of the electronic device. An acoustic path connecting the speaker outputting sound (e.g., voice) of a received call and the receiver may be provided inside the electronic device to provide good call quality. However, it may be difficult to secure an acoustic path connected to the receiver because other additional devices are disposed inside the upper end of the electronic device, as mentioned above. For example, the voice call quality of the electronic device may deteriorate.

According to various embodiments, there may be provided an electronic device delivering good voice call quality.

According to various embodiments, there may be provided an electronic device allowing other additional devices easily arranged while providing an acoustic waveguide for delivering the sound of a received call.

In accordance with the invention, an electronic device is provided according to the appended claims.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device may deliver improved sound quality in a voice call by including a plurality of acoustic waveguides between an acoustic hole provided as a receiver and a speaker outputting the sound of a received call. In one embodiment, another additional device or electronic component may obtain a path for receiving or obtaining various pieces of information from the outside of the electronic device or outputting optical signals through a space or area between the acoustic waveguides. For example, according to various embodiments, the electronic device may have other electronic components easily placed therein and may deliver enhanced call quality by providing a plurality of acoustic waveguides in a voice call.

A more complete appreciation of the disclosure and many of the attendant aspects thereof will be readily obtained as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein:.

The processor <NUM> may execute, for example, software (e.g., a program <NUM>) to control at least one other component (e.g., a hardware or software component) of the electronic device <NUM> coupled with the processor <NUM> and may perform various data processing or computation.

The auxiliary processor <NUM> may control at least some of functions or states related to at least one component (e.g., the display device <NUM>, the sensor module <NUM>, or the communication module <NUM>) among the components of the electronic device <NUM>, 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 an active state (e.g., executing an application).

According to an embodiment, the audio module <NUM> may obtain the sound via the input device <NUM> or output the sound via the sound output device <NUM> or a headphone of an external electronic device (e.g., an electronic device <NUM>) directly (e.g., wiredly) or wirelessly coupled with the electronic device <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the antenna module may include an antenna including a radiating element composed of a conductive material or a conductive pattern formed in or on a substrate (e.g., PCB).

It should be appreciated that various embodiments of the present disclosure and the terms used therein are not intended to limit the technological features set forth herein to particular embodiments and include various changes or replacements for a corresponding embodiment.

<FIG> is a perspective view illustrating an electronic device <NUM> according to an embodiment. <FIG> is a perspective view illustrating the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>, as viewed from the rear.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, according to an embodiment, an electronic device <NUM> may include a housing <NUM> with a first (or front) surface 110A, a second (or rear) surface 110B, and a side surface (or side wall) 110C surrounding a space between the first surface 110A and the second surface 110B. According to another embodiment (not shown), the housing <NUM> may denote a structure forming part of the first surface 110A, the second surface 110B, and the side surface 110C of <FIG>.

According to an embodiment, at least part of the first surface 110A may have a substantially transparent front plate <NUM> (e.g., a glass plate or polymer plate including various coat layers). According to an embodiment, the front plate <NUM> may include a curved portion that is bent from the first surface 110A to the rear surface <NUM> at, at least, one side edge portion and seamlessly extends.

According to an embodiment, the second surface 110B may be formed of a substantially opaque back plate <NUM>. The rear plate <NUM> may be formed of, e.g., laminated or colored glass, ceramic, polymer, metal (e.g., aluminum, stainless steel (STS), or magnesium), or a combination of at least two thereof. According to an embodiment, the rear plate <NUM> may include a curved portion that is bent from the second surface 110B to the front surface <NUM> at, at least, one side edge portion and seamlessly extends.

According to an embodiment, the side surface 110C may be formed by a side surface structure (or a "side member" or "side wall") <NUM> that couples to the front plate <NUM> and the rear plate <NUM> and includes a metal and/or polymer. According to an embodiment, the rear plate <NUM> and the side surface structure <NUM> may be integrally formed together and include the same material (e.g., a metal, such as aluminum).

According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may include at least one or more of a display <NUM>, audio modules <NUM> and <NUM>, a sensor module, an opening area <NUM> (e.g., the optical hole <NUM> of <FIG>), a key input device <NUM>, and a connector hole <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may embed an optical module (e.g., the camera module, a light source, a proximity sensor, or an illuminance sensor) disposed corresponding to the opening area <NUM>. The opening area <NUM> may be positioned at the top of the electronic device <NUM> and may be formed in a central portion of the front surface (e.g., the first surface 110A) in the width direction (e.g., the X direction in <FIG>) or the length direction (e.g., the Y direction in <FIG>). According to an embodiment, the opening area <NUM> may have a hole shape at least partially surrounded by an active area or view area (VA) of the display <NUM>. In another embodiment, the opening area <NUM> may be formed in a notch area (e.g., the notch area NA of <FIG>) formed inside the active area VA of the display <NUM>. For example, the opening area <NUM> may be defined as a part of the notch area or may have a hole shape surrounded by the notch area. In another embodiment, the optical module may be disposed under the display <NUM> to receive light through a portion of the active area VA of the display <NUM> or emit light to the outside of the electronic device <NUM>. In this case, the opening area <NUM> (e.g., the optical hole <NUM> of <FIG>) may be omitted or may be substantially a part of the active area VA of the display <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may exclude at least one (e.g., the key input device <NUM>) of the components or may add other components. For example, the electronic device <NUM> may include a sensor module (not shown). For example, in the area provided by the front plate <NUM>, a proximity sensor or illuminance sensor may be integrated in the display <NUM> or be disposed in a position adjacent to the display <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may further include a light emitting element, and the light emitting element may be disposed in a position adjacent to the display <NUM> in the area provided by the front plate <NUM>. The light emitting element may provide, e.g., information about the state of the electronic device <NUM> in the form of light. According to an embodiment, the light emitting element may provide a light source that interworks with the operation of an optical module (e.g., a camera module) disposed in the opening area <NUM>. The light emitting element may include, e.g., an light emitting device (LED), an infrared (IR) LED, or a xenon lamp.

The display <NUM> may be visually exposed through a significant portion of the front plate <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the edge of the display <NUM> may be formed to be substantially the same in shape as an adjacent outer edge of the front plate <NUM>. According to an embodiment (not shown), the interval between the outer edge of the display <NUM> and the outer edge of the front plate <NUM> may remain substantially even to give a larger area of exposure the display <NUM>. For example, when viewed from the top of the front plate <NUM>, the screen display area VA of the display <NUM> and the peripheral area PA (e.g., a black matrix area) formed around the screen display area VA may substantially form the front surface (e.g., the first surface 110A) of the electronic device <NUM>, and the area of the screen display area VA may be <NUM>% or more, substantially <NUM>%, of the area of the first surface 110A. According to an embodiment, a recess or an opening (e.g., the opening area <NUM>) may be formed in a portion of the screen display area VA of the display <NUM>, and other electronic components, e.g., a camera module, proximity sensor, or illuminance sensor (not shown) may be included which are aligned with the recess or the opening (e.g., the opening area <NUM>). In another embodiment, the other electronic components aligned with the recess or opening may include at least one of an infrared projector, an iris sensor, a gesture sensor, an infrared sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, and an atmospheric pressure sensor.

According to an embodiment, at least one or more of a camera module <NUM> or <NUM>, a fingerprint sensor <NUM>, and a flash <NUM> may be included on the rear surface of the screen display area VA of the display <NUM>. According to an embodiment (not shown), the display <NUM> may be disposed to be coupled with, or adjacent, a touch detecting circuit, a pressure sensor capable of measuring the strength (pressure) of touches, and/or a digitizer for detecting a magnetic field-type stylus pen.

The audio modules <NUM> and <NUM> may include a microphone hole and a speaker hole. The microphone hole may have a microphone inside to obtain external sounds. According to an embodiment, there may be a plurality of microphones to be able to detect the direction of a sound. According to an embodiment, the speaker hole and the microphone hole may be implemented as a single hole, or a speaker may be included without the speaker hole (e.g., a piezo speaker). The speaker holes may include an external speaker hole and a phone receiver hole <NUM> (e.g., the acoustic hole <NUM> of <FIG>).

The electronic device <NUM> may include a sensor module (not shown) and may thus produce an electrical signal or data value corresponding to the internal operation state or external environment state of the electronic device. The sensor modules may include a proximity sensor disposed on the first surface 110A of the housing <NUM>, a fingerprint sensor integrated with, or disposed adjacent to, the display <NUM>, and/or a biometric sensor (e.g., a heartrate monitor (HRM) sensor) disposed on the second surface 110B of the housing <NUM>. The electronic device <NUM> may further include sensor modules (not shown), e.g., at least one of 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 an illuminance sensor.

The camera modules <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may include a first camera device (e.g., a camera module disposed corresponding to the opening area <NUM>) disposed on the first surface 110A of the electronic device <NUM> and a second camera device <NUM> and <NUM> and a flash <NUM> disposed on the second surface 110B. The camera modules <NUM> and <NUM> may include one or more lenses, an image sensor, and/or an image signal processor. The flash <NUM> may include, e.g., a light emitting diode (LED) or a xenon lamp. According to an embodiment, two or more lenses (an infrared (IR) camera, a wide-angle lens, and a telescopic lens) and image sensors may be disposed on one surface of the electronic device <NUM>.

The key input device <NUM> may be disposed on the side surface 110C of the housing <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may exclude all or some of the above-mentioned key input devices <NUM> and the excluded key input devices <NUM> may be implemented in other forms, e.g., as soft keys, on the display <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the key input device may include at least a portion of the fingerprint sensor <NUM> disposed on the second surface 110B of the housing <NUM>.

The connector hole <NUM> may receive a connector for transmitting and receiving power and/or data to/from an external electronic device and/or a connector for transmitting and receiving audio signals to/from an external electronic device. For example, the connector hole <NUM> may include a universal serial bus (USB) connector or an earphone jack.

<FIG> is an exploded perspective view illustrating an electronic device <NUM> (e.g., the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>) according to an embodiment.

Referring to <FIG>, an electronic device <NUM> may include a side surface structure <NUM> (e.g., the side surface structure <NUM> of <FIG>), a middle plate, e.g., a member <NUM> (e.g., a supporting plate or bracket), a front plate <NUM> (e.g., the front plate <NUM> of <FIG>), a display <NUM> (e.g., the display <NUM> of <FIG>), a printed circuit board <NUM>, a battery <NUM>, and a rear plate <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the display <NUM> may be disposed between the front plate <NUM> and the rear plate <NUM>. The printed circuit board <NUM> in the thickness direction Z of the electronic device <NUM> may be disposed behind the display <NUM> (e.g., between the display <NUM> and the rear plate <NUM>). According to an embodiment, the supporting member <NUM> may be disposed between the display <NUM> and the printed circuit board <NUM> to provide an electromagnetic isolation structure between the display <NUM> and the printed circuit board <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may exclude at least one (except the supporting member <NUM>) of the components or may add other components. At least one of the components of the electronic device <NUM> may be the same or similar to at least one of the components of the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG> or <FIG> and no duplicate description is made below.

In one embodiment, when viewed from the top of the front plate <NUM>, the opening area <NUM> (e.g., the opening area <NUM> of <FIG>) formed in the display <NUM> may be positioned at the upper end of the electronic device <NUM>. For example, the opening area <NUM> may be formed in the central portion of the electronic device <NUM> in the width direction X of the electronic device <NUM>. In various embodiments, the term "opening area" may refer to an area formed by a hole passing through the display <NUM> (e.g., the display <NUM> of <FIG>) in the screen display area VA. In some embodiments, the term "opening area" may refer to a transparent area surrounded by the screen display area VA and lacking pixels therein. For example, the opening area <NUM> may provide a path through which light is incident from the outside of the front plate <NUM> to the inside. According to an embodiment, the opening area <NUM> may provide a path along which light travels from the inside of the front plate <NUM> to the outside. In another embodiment, the "open area (e.g., the opening area <NUM> or <NUM> of <FIG> or <FIG>)" may have a structure that transmits light but separates the internal space and the external space of the electronic device <NUM> or <NUM>. In another embodiment, the "opening area" may have a shape of a physical or mechanical hole connecting the internal/external spaces of the electronic device <NUM> or <NUM> while transmitting light. For example, when the electronic device <NUM> or <NUM> includes a temperature sensor or a humidity sensor, information about the ambient environment of the electronic device <NUM> or <NUM> may be detected through the opening area <NUM> or <NUM>.

The supporting member <NUM> may be disposed inside the electronic device <NUM> to be connected with the side surface structure <NUM> or integrated with the side surface structure <NUM>. The supporting member <NUM> may be formed of, e.g., a metal and/or non-metallic material (e.g., polymer). The display <NUM> may be joined onto one surface of the supporting member <NUM>, and the printed circuit board <NUM> may be joined onto the opposite surface of the supporting member <NUM>. A processor, a memory, and/or an interface (e.g., the processor <NUM>, the memory <NUM>, and/or the interface <NUM> of <FIG>) may be mounted on the printed circuit board <NUM>. The processor may include one or more of, e.g., a central processing unit, an application processor, a graphic processing device, an image signal processing, a sensor hub processor, or a communication processor.

The memory may include, e.g., a volatile or non-volatile memory.

The interface may include, e.g., a high definition multimedia interface (HDMI), a universal serial bus (USB) interface, a secure digital (SD) card interface, and/or an audio interface. The interface may electrically or physically connect, e.g., the 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> may be a device for supplying power to at least one component of the electronic device <NUM>. The battery <NUM> (e.g., <NUM> of <FIG>) may include, e.g., a primary cell which is not rechargeable, a secondary cell which is rechargeable, or a fuel cell. At least a portion of the battery <NUM> may be disposed on substantially the same plane as the printed circuit board <NUM>. The battery <NUM> may be integrated or detachably disposed inside the electronic device <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may include a speaker 221a connected to a receiver (e.g., the audio module or phone receiver hole disposed with the modules <NUM> of <FIG>) and an electronic component 221b disposed corresponding to the opening area <NUM>. For example, the speaker 221a may be connected with the receiver (e.g., the acoustic hole <NUM> of <FIG>) through at least one acoustic waveguide (e.g., the acoustic waveguides 415a and 415b of <FIG>) provided inside the electronic device <NUM> (e.g., the housing <NUM> of <FIG>), outputting sound (e.g., the voice or sound of the received call) to the outside of the electronic device <NUM>.

The electronic component 221b received in the housing <NUM> may emit optical signals (e.g., infrared light) or receive or obtain optical signals from the outside through the opening area <NUM>. For example, the electronic component 221b disposed to correspond to the opening area <NUM> may include at least one of an infrared projector, a gesture sensor, a proximity sensor, an illuminance sensor, a camera, an infrared sensor, and a face or iris sensor. According to an embodiment, the electronic component 221b disposed to correspond to the opening area <NUM> may include at least one of a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, and an atmospheric pressure sensor. When the electronic component 221b includes at least one of a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, and an atmospheric pressure sensor, the opening area <NUM> may have a through-hole structure, and the electronic component 221b may detect the external environment (e.g., temperature, humidity or atmospheric pressure) using air as a medium.

The electronic device <NUM> may further include at least one through-hole 211a and 211b formed in the supporting member <NUM>. Among the through holes, the first through hole 211a may be formed to correspond to the speaker 221a. For example, the speaker 221a may be disposed at the rear of the electronic device <NUM>, behind the supporting member <NUM> (e.g., between the supporting member <NUM> and the rear plate <NUM>) and radiate sound to the front of the supporting member <NUM> through the first through hole 211a. Among the through holes, the second through hole 211b may be formed to correspond to the electronic component 221b. For example, the electronic component 221b may be disposed at the rear of the electronic device <NUM>, behind the supporting member <NUM> (e.g., between the supporting member <NUM> and the rear plate <NUM>), between the acoustic hole <NUM> and the speaker 221a, and radiate optical signals to the front of the supporting member <NUM>, or receive or obtain various pieces of information about the external environment from the front of the supporting member <NUM>, through the second through hole 211b.

In describing the following embodiments, the components easy to understand from the description of the electronic devices <NUM> and <NUM> according to the above-described embodiments are denoted with or without the same reference numerals and their detailed description may be skipped. In describing the following embodiments, the figures or configurations related to the above-described embodiments may be referenced for brevity of the detailed description or the drawings.

<FIG> is an exploded perspective view illustrating an electronic device <NUM> (e.g., the electronic devices <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> of <FIG>) according to an embodiment. <FIG> is a plan view illustrating a front surface of an electronic device <NUM> according to an embodiment.

Referring to <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> may include a plurality of acoustic waveguides 415a and 415b connecting a slit (e.g., the acoustic hole <NUM>) and the speaker 221a. In one embodiment, the acoustic hole <NUM> may extend in the X direction and may be formed as a slit having a width that measures approximately <NUM> or less along the Y direction. The acoustic waveguides 415a and 415b may help form an acoustic propagation path from the speaker 221a to the acoustic hole <NUM>, and may be interpreted as including the first through hole 211a according to an embodiment. In one embodiment, the first acoustic waveguide 415a is connected from the first through hole 211a to one side of the acoustic hole <NUM> while bypassing the second through hole 211b, and the second acoustic waveguide 415b may be connected from the first through hole 211a to the other side of the acoustic hole <NUM> while bypassing the second through hole 211b. For example, the sound (e.g., the voice or sound signal of a received telephone call) output from the speaker 221a may propagate through the first through hole 211a and the first acoustic waveguide 415a, or via the first through hole 211a and the second acoustic waveguide 415b, to the acoustic hole <NUM> and thus be radiated to the exterior environment of the device (e.g., in the direction along which the first surface 110A of <FIG> faces) of the electronic device <NUM>. For example, the electronic device <NUM> may include a plurality of acoustic waveguides 415a and 415b, which may deliver a specific volume level (e.g., of an incoming call sound) through the acoustic hole <NUM> despite having a fairly small size (e.g., a width of about <NUM> or less).

According to an embodiment, the acoustic hole <NUM> may be defined at least partially by a first notch portion 313a formed on the inner wall of the side surface structure <NUM>. For example, a portion of the inner wall of the side surface structure <NUM> may at least partially surround the acoustic hole <NUM> by including a notch structure. According to an embodiment, a portion of the acoustic hole <NUM> may be defined by the front plate <NUM> or a display (e.g., the display <NUM> of <FIG>). For example, the acoustic hole <NUM> may be completed by the first notch portion 313a and the front plate <NUM> (or the display <NUM>) as the front plate <NUM> is coupled to the side surface structure <NUM> or the supporting member <NUM>. In one embodiment, the acoustic hole <NUM> may have a slit shape that extends in a width-wise direction (e.g., along the direction X of <FIG>) or a length-wise direction (e.g., along the direction Y of <FIG>) of the electronic device <NUM> (or the housing <NUM> of <FIG>). Advantageously, the acoustic hole <NUM> as disclosed may emit an incoming call sound (e.g., a caller's voice) with a sufficient volume required for a call while substantially having little effect on the size of the electronic device <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the front plate <NUM> (or the display <NUM>) may include a second notch portion 313b corresponding to the first notch portion 313a. For example, the acoustic hole <NUM> may be formed by substantially combining the first notch portion 313a and the second notch portion 313b. Although the acoustic hole <NUM> is completed by combining the side surface structure <NUM> and the front plate <NUM> (or the display <NUM>) according to the instant embodiment, embodiments of the disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, in the embodiments disclosed in <FIG>, the acoustic hole <NUM> or <NUM> may be formed in the side surface structure <NUM> itself or in the front plate <NUM> (or the display <NUM>) itself.

According to an embodiment, a mesh member <NUM> may be coupled to the acoustic hole <NUM>. The mesh member <NUM> may be disposed to close a part of the acoustic hole <NUM>, which may block foreign matter from entering the acoustic hole <NUM>. The mesh member <NUM> includes a mesh structure and/or a plurality of fine or tiny holes, thereby blocking foreign matter of the exterior environment from entry into the acoustic hole <NUM> and interfering with sound transferred through the acoustic waveguide(s) 415a and 415b to the exterior of the electronic device <NUM>. In this embodiment, although the acoustic hole <NUM> and the mesh member <NUM> are illustrated as separate structures, the acoustic hole <NUM> may be interpreted as a structure including the mesh member <NUM>, and in another embodiment, the mesh member <NUM> may be omitted.

The electronic device <NUM> further includes a recessed portion <NUM> formed in the supporting member <NUM> (e.g., the supporting member <NUM> of <FIG>). The recessed portion <NUM> is formed in the supporting member <NUM> on a surface facing the first surface (e.g., the first surface 110A of <FIG>), and a display (e.g., the display <NUM> of <FIG>) or the front plate <NUM> is coupled to the front surface of the supporting member <NUM> to conceal at least a portion of the recessed portion <NUM>. For example, as the front plate <NUM> is coupled to the supporting member <NUM>, the space provided by the recessed portion <NUM> may substantially form at least a part of the first acoustic waveguide 415a or the second acoustic waveguide 415b. The recessed portion <NUM> surrounds at least a portion of the first acoustic waveguide 415a by including a first recessed portion 315a formed on one side of the second through hole 211b, and surrounds at least a portion of the second acoustic waveguide 415b by including the second recessed portion 315b formed on the other side of the second through hole 211b.

According to an embodiment, the first acoustic waveguide 415a may be connected to a first portion P1 of the slit on one side of the acoustic hole <NUM>, and the second acoustic waveguide 415b may be connected to a second portion P2 of the slit on the other side of the acoustic hole <NUM>. In an embodiment, the first portion P1 and the second portion P2 may be positioned symmetrically about the central portion C of the slit. In an embodiment, the first acoustic waveguide 415a and the second acoustic waveguide 415b may have different shapes or sizes, and the lengths of paths through which the sound actually travels may be different. In an embodiment, the difference between the length of the acoustic path provided by the first acoustic waveguide 415a and the length of the acoustic path provided by the second acoustic waveguide 415b may be limited to about <NUM> or less. By limiting the difference in the length of the acoustic path to within a certain degree (e.g., within about <NUM>), it is possible to suppress the interference between the sound reaching the acoustic hole via the first acoustic waveguide 415a and the sound reaching the acoustic hole <NUM> via the second acoustic waveguide 415b.

According to an embodiment, as compared to an electronic device having a single acoustic waveguide, an electronic device having a plurality of acoustic waveguides (e.g., the first acoustic waveguide 415a and the second acoustic waveguide 415b) may deliver enhanced sound quality (e.g., sound pressure level). For example, sound quality according to the alignment of the receiver (e.g., the acoustic hole <NUM>) and the user's body (e.g., ear or ear hole) may be improved. Table <NUM> below shows the results of measurement of the sound quality (e.g., sound pressure level) on different structures or when the performance of the electronic component is the same but the number of acoustic waveguides differs.

In Table <NUM>, "one acoustic waveguide" may refer to a structure including one acoustic waveguide connected to one of the first point P1 and the second point P2 of <FIG>, and "two acoustic waveguides" may refer to a structure including the first acoustic waveguide 415a and the second acoustic waveguide 415b as shown in <FIG>. In Table <NUM>, "center alignment" may refer to a state in which the point indicated by "C" in <FIG> (e.g., the central portion of the acoustic hole <NUM>) is aligned with the user's body (hereinafter, a 'appropriate position'), "left alignment" may refer to a state in which the point indicated by "C" in <FIG> is aligned with the user's body, a few mm off the appropriate position to the left, and "right alignment" may refer to a state in which the point indicated by "C" of <FIG> is aligned with the user's body, several mm off the appropriate position to the right. In Table <NUM> below, the difference in sound pressure level between the left alignment and the right alignment results from the difference in the position where the acoustic waveguide and the acoustic hole are connected or, when a plurality of acoustic waveguides (e.g., the first acoustic waveguide 415a and the second acoustic waveguide 415b are provided, the difference between the shapes of the acoustic waveguides, and the sound level measurement may be slightly different depending on the actually manufactured product.

As shown from the measurements set forth in Table <NUM> above, the electronic device <NUM> (e.g., the electronic devices <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> of <FIG>) according to an embodiment includes a plurality of acoustic waveguides (e.g., the first acoustic waveguide 415a and second acoustic waveguide 415b) and may thus provide an enhanced sound pressure level as compared with the electronic device including a single acoustic waveguide, regardless of alignments. In the electronic device including one acoustic waveguide, a sound pressure level deviation of about <NUM> dB occurs according to the alignment between the acoustic hole and the user's body but, under the same operating performance conditions, the sound pressure level deviation in the electronic device <NUM> according to an embodiment may be improved to about 3dB or less.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may include an adhesive member <NUM> that couples the front plate <NUM> (or the display <NUM>) to the supporting member <NUM> (or the side surface structure <NUM>). The adhesive member <NUM> may include a double-sided tape, for example, a poron tape. In one embodiment, the adhesive member <NUM> typically attaches the edge of the front plate <NUM> (or the display <NUM>) to the supporting member <NUM>, thereby providing a waterproof structure between the front plate <NUM> and the supporting member <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the adhesive member <NUM> may include a first adhesive member <NUM> and a second adhesive member <NUM>. A portion of the first adhesive member <NUM> may be attached to the supporting member <NUM> in an area adjacent to the recessed portion <NUM>. The second adhesive member <NUM> may be attached to the supporting member <NUM> around the second through hole 211b and may be positioned adjacent to the recessed portion <NUM>. For example, when viewed from the front surface (e.g., the first surface 110A of <FIG>) of the electronic device <NUM>, the area between the first adhesive member <NUM> and the second adhesive member <NUM> may at least partially overlap substantially the first recessed portion 315a or the second recessed portion 315b. According to an embodiment, the first adhesive member <NUM> and the second adhesive member <NUM> may be provided as structures defining portions of the first acoustic waveguide 415a and the second acoustic waveguide 415b. For example, the adhesive member <NUM> may be positioned to surround at least a portion of the first acoustic waveguide 415a and the second acoustic waveguide 415b. The structures defining the first acoustic waveguide 415a and the second acoustic waveguide 415b are described below with further reference to <FIG>.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view illustrating an electronic device <NUM>, taken along line S1 of <FIG>. <FIG> is a cross-sectional view illustrating an electronic device <NUM>, taken along line S2 of <FIG>. <FIG> is a cross-sectional view illustrating an electronic device <NUM>, taken along line S3 of <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, the first through hole 211a and the second through hole 211b may be substantially aligned to each other in the length direction (e.g., the Y direction of <FIG>) of the electronic device <NUM>. In one embodiment, the speaker 221a may be connected to the space formed by the recessed portion <NUM> through the first through hole 211a, and the second through hole 211b may be aligned with the opening area (e.g., the opening area <NUM> of <FIG>). For example, the sound radiated from the speaker 221a may be transmitted into a space formed by the recessed portion <NUM> through the first through hole 211a, and the electronic component 221b may detect information pertaining to the external environment of the electronic device <NUM> through the second through hole 211b and/or the optical hole <NUM>. In one embodiment, the electronic component 221b may receive or detect information regarding the external environment of the electronic device <NUM> through an area or space (e.g., the second through hole 211b) between the first acoustic waveguide 415a and the second acoustic waveguide 415b. In another embodiment, the electronic component 221b may include a light source such as an infrared projector, and the electronic component 221b may radiate a signal (e.g., an optical signal) to the exterior of the electronic device <NUM> through an area or space between the first acoustic waveguide 415a and the second acoustic waveguide 415b. According to another embodiment, the second adhesive member <NUM> may include another through hole <NUM> corresponding to the optical hole <NUM> or the second through hole 211b, thereby providing an environment or a path for the electronic component 221b to detect the external environment. Here, the term 'detecting the external environment' may be interpreted as including not only detecting the illuminance, but also detecting the approach of the user's body, the user's gesture, or the movement of the object or object image.

According to an embodiment, the first acoustic waveguide 415a (or second acoustic waveguide 415b) may include a bottom surface provided by the first recessed portion 315a (or second recessed portion 315b), an inner side wall the first recessed portion 315a (or the second recessed portion 315b) and the first adhesive member <NUM> (or the second adhesive member <NUM>), and/or a ceiling surface provided by the front plate <NUM> (or the display <NUM>). For example, the first acoustic waveguide 415a and the second acoustic waveguide 415b may be formed as the recessed portion <NUM> (e.g., the first recessed portion 315a and the second recessed portion 315b) of the supporting member <NUM>, the adhesive member <NUM> (e.g., the first adhesive member <NUM> and the second adhesive member <NUM>), and/or the front plate <NUM> (or the display <NUM>) may be combined. In an embodiment, the first acoustic waveguide 415a and the second acoustic waveguide 415b may be at least partially positioned between the display <NUM> and the supporting member <NUM> and may connect the speaker 221a (or the first through hole 211a) to the slit (e.g., the acoustic hole <NUM>) to thereby transmit the sound output from the speaker 221a to the acoustic hole <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, when the recessed portion <NUM> has a certain depth, the adhesive member <NUM> may have a thickness sufficient to attach the front plate <NUM> (or display <NUM>) to the supporting member <NUM>. For example, the adhesive member <NUM> on the inner wall of the first acoustic waveguide 415a or the second acoustic waveguide 415b may be too thin to be identified with the naked eye. In this case, the inner wall of the first acoustic waveguide 415a or the second acoustic waveguide 415b may be substantially formed by the inner wall of the first recessed portion 315a or the second recessed portion 315b. In another embodiment, the adhesive member <NUM> may have a thickness sufficient to form the first acoustic waveguide 415a or the second acoustic waveguide 415b. When the adhesive member <NUM> has a sufficient thickness required to form the first acoustic waveguide 415a or the second acoustic waveguide 415b, the first recessed portion 315a or the second recessed portion 315b may be formed with a depth that is too small to be identified with the naked eye, or may be omitted entirely. In this case, the inner wall of the first acoustic waveguide 415a or the second acoustic waveguide 415b may be substantially formed by the adhesive member <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, when viewed from the front surface (e.g., the first surface 110A of <FIG>) of the electronic device <NUM>, a portion of the first acoustic waveguide 415a or a portion of the second acoustic waveguide 415b may overlap the electronic component 221b. For example, as shown in <FIG>, a portion of the first acoustic waveguide 415a or a portion of the second acoustic waveguide 415b in the depth-wise direction (e.g., the thickness or Z direction of <FIG>) of the electronic device <NUM> may be positioned between the front plate <NUM> (or display <NUM>) and the electronic component 221b. According to an embodiment, the first acoustic waveguide 415a and the second acoustic waveguide 415b may be formed by forming the recessed portion <NUM> in the supporting member <NUM>, or by the shape of the adhesive member <NUM>, rather than using a separate component or structure. According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may include a plurality of acoustic waveguides (e.g., the first acoustic waveguide 415a and the second acoustic waveguide 415b), with the shape of the supporting member <NUM>, the front plate <NUM> (or display <NUM>), and/or the supporting member <NUM> at least partially changed. For example, no substantial change in structure, size, or shape is made to the electronic device <NUM> according to an embodiment and, as described above, the electronic device <NUM> may provide improved acoustic performance by including a plurality of acoustic waveguides.

As described above, the electronic device <NUM> (e.g., the electronic devices <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> of <FIG>) according to an embodiment may include acoustic waveguides (e.g., the first acoustic waveguide 415a and the second acoustic waveguide 415b) bypassing the optical hole <NUM>, or the opening area <NUM> for the electronic component 221b, although the electronic component 221b is disposed between the speaker 221a and the acoustic hole <NUM>, thereby facilitating good sound quality. According to an embodiment, since the electronic device <NUM> includes a plurality of acoustic waveguides, the electronic device <NUM> may provide superior sound volume as compared with a structure having a single acoustic waveguide, despite the same speaker performance, and the electronic device <NUM> may mitigate the audio deviation (e.g., differences in sound level) by the alignment between the acoustic hole <NUM> and the user's body.

<FIG> is a perspective view illustrating an example duct member <NUM> in an electronic device (e.g., the electronic devices <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> of <FIG>) according to an embodiment.

Referring to <FIG>, the electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>) may further include a duct member <NUM>. The duct member <NUM> may generally include a third recessed portion 515a and a fourth recessed portion 515b corresponding to the recessed portion <NUM> (e.g., the first recessed portion 315a and the second recessed portion 315b of <FIG>). The duct member <NUM> may replace part of the adhesive member <NUM> of <FIG>. For example, the second adhesive member <NUM> may be substantially replaced by a portion of the duct member <NUM>, and a portion of the first adhesive member <NUM>, which is positioned adjacent to, at least, the first recessed portion 315a and the second recessed portion 315b, may be replaced by another portion of the duct member <NUM>. For example, the duct member <NUM> may surround the acoustic waveguide (e.g., the first and second acoustic waveguides 415a and 415b in <FIG>, <FIG>) while replacing at least a portion of the adhesive member <NUM>. In an embodiment, when the electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>) includes the duct member <NUM>, the recessed portion <NUM> (e.g., the first recessed portion 315a and second recessed portion 315b of <FIG>) may be omitted in forming the acoustic waveguide (e.g., the first and second acoustic waveguides 415a and 415b of <FIG>, <FIG>). As described above, in the electronic device <NUM>, upon forming the acoustic waveguide (e.g., the first and second acoustic waveguides 415a and 415b of <FIG>, <FIG>), a separate component (e.g., the duct member <NUM>) may be utilized or, without a separate component, a structure (e.g., the supporting member <NUM>, the adhesive member <NUM>, the display <NUM>, or the front plate <NUM>) disposed around the space or area where the acoustic waveguide is to be formed may be used.

<FIG> are views illustrating variations <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> to, e.g., the electronic device <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, or <NUM> of <FIG>, according to various embodiments.

Referring to <FIG>, the acoustic hole <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM> may include a slit defined by the side surface structure <NUM>. For example, the acoustic hole <NUM> may be formed by the shape or structure of the side surface structure <NUM> itself. Referring to <FIG>, the acoustic hole <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM> may include a slit formed to pass through the front plate <NUM> (or the display <NUM> of <FIG>). For example, the acoustic hole <NUM> may be formed by the shape or structure of the front plate <NUM> (or the display <NUM>) itself. Depending on the position of the acoustic hole <NUM> or <NUM> or the structure having the acoustic hole <NUM> or <NUM>, the structure forming the acoustic waveguides (e.g., the first acoustic waveguide 415a and the second acoustic waveguide 415b of <FIG>, <FIG>), for example, the recessed portion (for example, the recessed portion <NUM> in <FIG>) of the supporting member <NUM> or the adhesive member (for example, the adhesive member <NUM> in <FIG>) may be appropriately deformed.

Referring to <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> may further include a notch area NA formed inside the active area VA of the display (e.g., the display <NUM> of <FIG>). For example, the notch area NA may be defined as an area substantially surrounded by the active area VA of the display and abutting the peripheral area PA (or the acoustic hole <NUM>). According to an embodiment, when the electronic device <NUM> includes the notch area NA, the opening area <NUM> or the optical hole <NUM> may be located in the notch area NA.

<FIG> is a graph illustrating acoustic characteristics of an electronic device (e.g., the electronic devices <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> of <FIG>) according to an embodiment.

<FIG> is a graph showing the results of measuring the sound pressure level of the electronic device in the audible frequency band (e.g., a band ranging from about <NUM> to about <NUM>,<NUM>), where "D1" indicates the sound pressure level of an electronic device provided with one acoustic waveguide, and "D2" indicates the sound pressure level of an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>) including a plurality of (e.g., two) acoustic waveguides. As shown in <FIG>, it may be seen that an electronic device (e.g., an electronic device provided with a plurality of acoustic waveguides) according to an embodiment provides an greater sound pressure level over the entire audible frequency band compared to an electronic device provided with one acoustic waveguide. Although there are some differences depending on the frequency band, it may be identified that the sound pressure is improved by about <NUM> dB at about <NUM>,<NUM> by providing a plurality of acoustic waveguides.

The electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> of <FIG>) comprises a housing (e.g., the housing <NUM> of <FIG>) including a first surface (e.g., the first surface 110A of <FIG>), a second surface (e.g., the second surface 110B of <FIG>) facing away from the first surface, and a side surface structure (e.g., the side surface 110C of <FIG> or the side surface structure <NUM> of <FIG>) at least partially surrounding a space between the first surface and the second surface, an acoustic hole (e.g., the acoustic hole <NUM> of <FIG>) formed in the housing and emitting a sound in a direction in which the first surface faces, a speaker (e.g., the speaker 221a of <FIG>) disposed in the housing, a first acoustic waveguide (e.g., the first acoustic waveguide 415a of <FIG>, <FIG>) providing an acoustic path between the speaker and the acoustic hole, and a second acoustic waveguide (e.g., the second acoustic waveguide 415b of <FIG>, <FIG>) providing an acoustic path between the speaker and the acoustic hole, the second acoustic waveguide different from the first acoustic waveguide.

The electronic device further comprises a display (e.g., the display <NUM> of <FIG>) disposed between the first surface and the second surface and a supporting member (e.g., the supporting member <NUM> of <FIG>) disposed between the display and the second surface. The first acoustic waveguide and the second acoustic waveguide are at least partially positioned between the display and the supporting member.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device may further comprise an adhesive member (e.g., the adhesive member <NUM> of <FIG>) attaching the display to the supporting member. The adhesive member may be positioned to surround at least a portion of the first acoustic waveguide and the second acoustic waveguide.

The supporting member includes a recessed portion <NUM> formed in a surface facing the first surface. The recessed portion is positioned to surround at least a portion of the first acoustic waveguide and the second acoustic waveguide.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device may further comprise an electronic component (e.g., the electronic component 221b of <FIG>) disposed in the housing. The electronic component may be configured to receive or detect information on an external environment of the electronic device through at least a portion of an area between the first acoustic waveguide and the second acoustic waveguide.

According to an embodiment, a portion of the first acoustic waveguide or a portion of the second acoustic waveguide may be positioned between the display and the electronic component.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device may further comprise a notch area (e.g., the notch area NA of <FIG>) formed inside an active area (e.g., the active area VA of <FIG>) of the display, or an optical hole (e.g., the optical hole <NUM> of <FIG>) at least partially surrounded by the active area of the display. The electronic component may be disposed to correspond to the notch area or the optical hole.

According to an embodiment, the electronic component may include at least one of a camera, an infrared projector, a proximity sensor, an illuminance sensor, an iris sensor, a gesture sensor, an infrared sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, and an atmospheric pressure sensor.

According to an embodiment, the acoustic hole may include a slit extending in a length direction (e.g., the length direction Y of <FIG>) or a width direction (e.g., the width direction X of <FIG>) of the housing.

According to an embodiment, the first acoustic waveguide may be connected to a first portion (e.g., the first portion P1 of <FIG>) of the slit, and the second acoustic waveguide may be connected to a second portion (e.g., the second portion P2 of <FIG>) of the slit. The first portion and the second portion may be positioned symmetrically around a central portion (e.g., the central portion C of <FIG>) of the slit.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device may further comprise an electronic component disposed in the housing. The first acoustic waveguide may be connected to a first portion of the slit, and the second acoustic waveguide may be connected to a second portion of the slit. The electronic component may be configured to receive or detect information on an external environment of the electronic device through an area between the first acoustic waveguide and the second acoustic waveguide.

According to an embodiment, a portion of the first acoustic waveguide or a portion of the second acoustic waveguide may be positioned between the first surface and the electronic component.

According to an embodiment, the side surface structure may be formed to surround at least a portion of the slit.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device may further comprise a front plate (e.g., the front plate <NUM> of <FIG>) coupled to the side surface structure to form the first surface. The front plate may be formed to surround at least a portion of the slit.

According to an embodiment, the front plate may be formed to surround a portion of the slit, and the side surface structure may be formed to surround a remaining portion of the slit.

According to an embodiment, an electronic device comprises a housing including a first surface, a second surface facing away from the first surface, and a side surface structure at least partially surrounding a space between the first surface and the second surface, an acoustic hole formed in the housing and emitting a sound in a direction in which the first surface faces, a speaker disposed in the housing, an electronic component disposed between the acoustic hole and the speaker inside the housing, a first acoustic waveguide formed to bypass the electronic component and providing an acoustic path between the speaker and the acoustic hole, and a second acoustic waveguide formed to bypass the electronic component and providing an acoustic path between the speaker and the acoustic hole, the second acoustic waveguide different from the first acoustic waveguide.

According to an embodiment, the electronic component may be configured to receive or detect information on an external environment of the electronic device through an area between the first acoustic waveguide and the second acoustic waveguide.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device may further comprise a notch area formed inside an active area of the display, or an optical hole at least partially surrounded by the active area of the display. The electronic component may be disposed to correspond to the notch area or the optical hole.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device may further comprise a display disposed between the first surface and the second surface, a supporting member disposed between the display and the second surface, and an adhesive member attaching the display to the supporting member. The adhesive member may be positioned to surround at least a portion of the first acoustic waveguide and the second acoustic waveguide, between the display and the supporting member.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device may further comprise a mesh member mounted on the acoustic hole and exposed to the first surface.

Claim 1:
An electronic device (<NUM>), comprising:
a housing (<NUM>) including a first surface (110A), a second surface (110B) facing away from the first surface, and a side surface structure (110C) at least partially surrounding a space formed between the first surface and the second surface;
an acoustic hole (<NUM>) formed in the housing and configured to emit a sound in a direction the first surface faces;
a speaker (<NUM>) disposed in the housing;
a first acoustic waveguide (415a) and a second acoustic waveguide (415b) together providing an acoustic path between the speaker and the acoustic hole (<NUM>), wherein the second acoustic waveguide is different from the first acoustic waveguide;
a display (<NUM>) disposed between the first surface and the second surface;
a supporting member (<NUM>) disposed between the display and the second surface,
wherein the first acoustic waveguide and the second acoustic waveguide are at least partially disposed between the display and the supporting member,
characterized in that,
wherein the supporting member includes a recessed portion (<NUM>) formed in a surface facing the first surface, and wherein the recessed portion (<NUM>) surrounds at least a portion of the first acoustic waveguide (415a) and the second acoustic waveguide (415b), and
the display (<NUM>) is coupled to the front surface of the supporting member (<NUM>) to conceal at least a portion of the recessed portion (<NUM>), wherein as the display (<NUM>) is coupled to the supporting member, a space provided by the recessed portion (<NUM>) forms at least a part of the first acoustic waveguide (415a) or the second acoustic waveguide (415b).