Patent Description:
An electronic device may include a speaker for providing an audio signal. The speaker may be configured to output the audio signal. The speaker may be connected to a printed circuit board. The speaker may occupy a partial area of the printed circuit board. The audio signal output from the speaker may pass through a duct, and be transmitted to outside of a housing, through an audio hole.

<CIT>, is about an electronic device including a display, a speaker, an inner structure including a front surface on which the display is seated, a rear surface having a searing portion for the speaker formed thereon, and a side surface connecting the front surface and the rear surface, and a housing in which the inner structure is seated. The inner structure includes: a first space formed by indentation of a part of the bottom surface of the seating portion toward the front surface of the inner structure, a second space formed to be open toward the front surface of the inner structure such that the second space is connected to and partially overlaps with the first space in a direction defined toward the front surface of the inner structure, and a duct formed to be open toward the side surface of the inner structure such that the duct is connected to and partially overlaps with the second space in a direction defined toward the rear surface of the inner structure.

<CIT>, is about an electronic device that includes a diaphragm, a speaker module including a speaker configured to output a sound through a vibration of the diaphragm, and a housing accommodating the diaphragm and the speaker module therein and including a first space provided in a first direction from the speaker module and a second space provided in a second direction opposite the first direction. The electronic device further includes an air adsorption member comprising an air adsorbing material disposed in the first space and having a volume ration of <NUM>% or less of the first space, the air adsorption member configured to reduce air resistance to the diaphragm disposed above the speaker module without limiting the vibration of the diaphragm.

<CIT>, is about an electronic device that includes: a first housing; a second housing receiving at least one part of the first housing, and guiding the sliding of the first housing; a flexible display including a first display area placed on the first housing and a second display area extended from the first display area; a speaker module including a speaker unit placed in the second housing, and a speaker enclosure housing the speaker unit and including a vent hole; and a sealing member connected with the first housing and the speaker enclosure, and set to be changed based on the sliding of the first housing. Therefore, the present invention is capable of improving a sound quality by adjusting a sound produced from the speaker module.

<CIT>, is about a portable terminal with a mounting plate for a micro phone holder, relating to a portable terminal, and more particularly, to a structure capable of efficiently utilizing a space inside a portable terminal.

Hereinafter, examples/embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. When describing the examples/embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, like reference numerals refer to like elements and a repeated description related thereto will be omitted. The person skilled in the art will understand that the features described above and/or below may be combined in any way deemed useful. The drawings of the present disclosure show examples/embodiments of the invention, which will be described in detail hereinafter. It is to be understood that one or more of elements / components shown and/or described in one or more of these examples/embodiments and not in others may be used in those others too unless mechanical or other limitations prevent such an implementation. Moreover, describing features of different examples/embodiments in a single passage does not automatically mean that those features are inextricably linked. They may be applied separately from one another.

One or more of the components illustrated in <FIG> and/or described in the following paragraphs may be implemented together with components illustrated in and/or described with references being made to <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> in the network environment <NUM> may communicate with an electronic device <NUM> via a first network <NUM> (e.g., a short-range wireless communication network), or at least one of an electronic device <NUM> or a server <NUM> via a second network <NUM> (e.g., a long-range wireless communication network). According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may include a processor <NUM>, memory <NUM>, an input module <NUM>, a sound output module <NUM>, a display module <NUM>, an audio module <NUM>, a sensor module <NUM>, an interface <NUM>, a connecting terminal <NUM>, a haptic module <NUM>, a camera module <NUM>, a power management module <NUM>, a battery <NUM>, a communication module <NUM>, a subscriber identification module(SIM) <NUM>, or an antenna module <NUM>. In some embodiments, at least one of the components (e.g., the connecting terminal <NUM>) may be omitted from the electronic device <NUM>, or one or more other components may be added in the electronic device <NUM>. In some embodiments, some of the components (e.g., the sensor module <NUM>, the camera module <NUM>, or the antenna module <NUM>) may be implemented as a single component (e.g., the display module <NUM>).

<FIG> is a diagram showing an exemplary electronic device. One or more of the components illustrated in <FIG> and/or described in the following paragraphs may be implemented together with components illustrated in and/or described with references being made to <FIG>, <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, an electronic device <NUM> may include a housing <NUM> forming an exterior of the electronic device <NUM>. For example, the housing <NUM> may include a first surface (or a front surface) 200A, a second surface (or rear surface) 200B, and a third surface (or side surface) 200C surrounding a space between the first surface 200A and the second surface 200B. The housing <NUM> may for instance refer to a structure (e.g., a frame structure <NUM> of <FIG>) that forms at least a portion of the first surface 200A, the second surface 200B, and/or the third surface 200C.

The electronic device <NUM> may include a substantially transparent front plate <NUM>. In an example, the front plate <NUM> may form at least a portion of the first surface 200A. The front plate <NUM> may include, for example, a glass plate or a polymer plate including various coating layers, but is not limited thereto.

The electronic device <NUM> may include a substantially opaque rear plate <NUM>. In an example, the rear plate <NUM> may form at least a portion of the second surface 200B. The rear plate <NUM> may be formed of coated or tinted glass, ceramic, polymer, metal (e.g., aluminum, stainless steel (STS), or magnesium), or a combination of at least two of the above materials.

The electronic device <NUM> may include a side bezel structure (or side member) <NUM> (e.g., a sidewall <NUM> of the frame structure <NUM> of <FIG>). The side bezel structure <NUM> may be coupled to the front plate <NUM> and/or the rear plate <NUM> to form at least a portion of the third surface 200C of the electronic device <NUM>. For example, the side bezel structure <NUM> may form the entire third surface 200C of the electronic device <NUM>, or for another example, the side bezel structure <NUM> may form the third surface 200C of the electronic device <NUM> together with the front plate <NUM> and/or the rear plate <NUM>.

Unlike illustrated in <FIG>, in case that the third surface 200C of the electronic device <NUM> is partially formed by the front plate <NUM> and/or the rear plate <NUM>, the front plate <NUM> and/or the rear plate <NUM> may include an area that is bent from an edge thereof toward the rear plate <NUM> and/or the front plate <NUM> and seamlessly extends. The extending area of the front plate <NUM> and/or the rear plate <NUM> may be positioned at both ends of, for example, a long edge of the electronic device <NUM>, but is not limited by the above-described examples.

The side bezel structure <NUM> may include the metal and/or the polymer. The rear plate <NUM> and the side bezel structure <NUM> may be integrally formed and may include the same material (e.g., a metal material such as aluminum), but are not limited thereto. For example, the rear plate <NUM> and the side bezel structure <NUM> may be formed in a separate configuration and/or may include a different material.

The electronic device <NUM> may include at least one of a display <NUM>, an audio modules <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>, a sensor module (not shown), a camera modules <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>, a key input device <NUM>, a light emitting element (not shown), and/or a connector hole <NUM>. In another embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may omit at least one of the above components (e.g., the key input device <NUM> or the light emitting element (not shown)), or may additionally include another component.

The display <NUM> (e.g., a display module <NUM> of <FIG>) may be visually exposed through a substantial portion of the front plate <NUM>. For example, at least a portion of the display <NUM> may be visible through the front plate <NUM> forming the first surface 200A. The display <NUM> may be disposed on the rear surface of the front plate <NUM>.

The outer shape of display <NUM> may be formed substantially the same as the outer shape of the front plate <NUM> adjacent to the display <NUM>. In order to expand an area where the display <NUM> is visually exposed, the gap between the outer edge of the display <NUM> and the outer edge of the front plate <NUM> may be formed to be substantially the same.

The display <NUM> (or the first surface 200A of the electronic device <NUM>) may include a screen display area 201A. The display <NUM> may for example provide visual information to a user through the screen display area 201A. In <FIG>, it is illustrated that when the first surface 200A is viewed from the front, the screen display area 201A is spaced apart from the outer edge of the first surface 200A and is positioned inside the first surface 200A, but is not limited thereto. In another example, when the first surface 200A is viewed from the front, at least a portion of the edge of the screen display area 201A may substantially coincide with the edge of the first surface 200A (or the front plate <NUM>).

The screen display area 201A may include a sensing area 201B configured to obtain user's biometric information. Here, the meaning of "the screen display area 201A includes the sensing area 201B" may be understood as that at least a portion of the sensing area 201B may overlap the screen display area 201A. For example, the sensing area 201B, like another area of the screen display area 201A, may display the visual information by the display <NUM> and additionally may mean an area that may obtain the user's biometric information (e.g., fingerprints). In another example, the sensing area 201B may be formed in the key input device <NUM>.

The display <NUM> may include an area where the first camera module <NUM> (e.g., a camera module <NUM> of <FIG>) is positioned. An opening may be formed in the area of the display <NUM>, and the first camera module <NUM> (e.g., a punch hole camera) may be at least partially disposed in the opening to face the first surface 200A. In this case, the screen display area 201A may surround at least a portion of an edge of the opening. The first camera module <NUM> (e.g., an under display camera (UDC)) may be disposed under the display <NUM> to overlap the area of the display <NUM>. In this case, the display <NUM> may provide the visual information to the user through the area, and additionally the first camera module <NUM> may obtain an image corresponding to a direction facing the first surface 200A through the area of the display <NUM>.

The display <NUM> may be coupled to or disposed adjacent to a touch sensing circuit, a pressure sensor capable of measuring the intensity (pressure) of a touch, and/or a digitizer that detects a magnetic field-type stylus pen.

The audio modules <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> (e.g., an audio module <NUM> of <FIG>) may include microphone holes <NUM> and <NUM>, and a speaker hole <NUM>.

The microphone holes <NUM> and <NUM> may include a first microphone hole <NUM> formed in a partial area of the third surface 200C and a second microphone hole <NUM> formed in a partial area of the second surface 200B. A microphone (not shown) for obtaining external sound may be disposed inside the microphone holes <NUM> and <NUM>. The microphone may include a plurality of microphones to detect the direction of sound.

In an example, the second microphone hole <NUM> formed in the partial area of the second surface 200B may be disposed adjacent to the camera modules <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>. For example, the second microphone hole <NUM> may obtain sound according to operations of the camera modules <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>. However, it is not limited thereto.

The speaker hole <NUM> may include an external speaker hole <NUM> and a receiver hole for call (not shown). The external speaker hole <NUM> may be formed on a portion of the third surface 200C of the electronic device <NUM>. The external speaker hole <NUM> may be implemented as one hole with the microphone hole <NUM>. Although not shown, the receiver hole for call (not shown) may be formed on another portion of the third surface 200C. For example, the receiver hole for call may be formed on the opposite side of the external speaker hole <NUM> on the third surface 200C. For example, based on the illustration of <FIG>, the external speaker hole <NUM> may be formed on the third surface 200C corresponding to the lower end portion of the electronic device <NUM>, and the receiver hole for call may be formed on the third surface 200C corresponding to the upper end portion of the electronic device <NUM>. However, it is not limited thereto, and in another example, the receiver hole for call may be formed at a position other than the third surface 200C. For example, the receiver hole for call may be formed by a spaced space between the front plate <NUM> (or the display <NUM>) and the side bezel structure <NUM>.

The electronic device <NUM> may include at least one speaker (not shown) configured to output sound to the outside of the housing <NUM> through the external speaker hole <NUM> and/or the receiver hole for call (not shown).

The sensor module (not shown) (e.g., a sensor module <NUM> of <FIG>) may generate an electrical signal or data value corresponding to an internal operating state or an external environmental state of the electronic device <NUM>. For example, the sensor module may include at least one of a proximity sensor, an HRM sensor, a fingerprint sensor, a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, a barometric 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> (e.g., a camera module <NUM> of <FIG>) may include the first camera module <NUM> disposed to face the first surface 200A of the electronic device <NUM>, a second camera module <NUM> disposed to face the second surface 200B, and a flash <NUM>.

The second camera module <NUM> may include a plurality of cameras (e.g., a dual camera, a triple camera, or a quad camera). However, the second camera module <NUM> is not necessarily limited to including the plurality of cameras, and may also include one camera.

The first camera module <NUM> and the second camera module <NUM> may include one or a plurality of lenses, an image sensor, and/or an image signal processor.

The flash <NUM> may include, for example, a light emitting diode or a xenon lamp. In another example, two or more lenses (infrared cameras, wide-angle and telephoto lenses) and image sensors may be disposed on one surface of the electronic device <NUM>.

The key input device <NUM> (e.g., an input module <NUM> of <FIG>) may be disposed on the third surface 200C of the electronic device <NUM>. In another example, the electronic device <NUM> may not include some or all of the key input devices <NUM>, and the key input device <NUM> that is not included may be implemented on the display <NUM> in another form such as a soft key.

The connector hole <NUM> may be formed on the third surface 200C of the electronic device <NUM> to accommodate the connector of an external device. A connecting terminal (e.g., a connecting terminal <NUM> of <FIG>) electrically connected to a connector of the external device may be disposed in the connector hole <NUM>. The electronic device <NUM> may include an interface module (e.g., interface <NUM> of <FIG>) for processing the electrical signal transmitted and received through the connecting terminal.

The electronic device <NUM> may include the light emitting element (not shown). For example, the light emitting element (not shown) may be disposed on the first surface 200A of the housing <NUM>. The light emitting element (not shown) may provide state information of the electronic device <NUM> in the form of light. In another example, the light emitting element (not shown) may provide a light source that interlocks with an operation of the first camera module <NUM>. For example, the light emitting element (not shown) may include an LED, an IR LED, and/or the xenon lamp.

<FIG> is an exploded perspective view of an exemplary electronic device. One or more of the components illustrated in <FIG> and/or described in the following paragraphs may be implemented together with components illustrated in and/or described with references being made to <FIG>, <FIG>.

Hereinafter, redundant descriptions of a component having the same reference numerals as those described above will be omitted.

Referring to <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> may include a frame structure <NUM>, a first printed circuit board <NUM>, a second printed circuit board <NUM>, a cover plate <NUM>, and a battery <NUM>.

The frame structure <NUM> may include a sidewall <NUM> forming an exterior (e.g., a third surface 200C of <FIG>) of the electronic device <NUM> and a support portion <NUM> extending inward from the sidewall <NUM>. The frame structure <NUM> may be disposed between a display <NUM> and a rear plate <NUM>. The sidewall <NUM> of the frame structure <NUM> may surround a space between the rear plate <NUM> and a front plate <NUM> (and/or the display <NUM>), and the support portion <NUM> of the frame structure <NUM> may extend from the sidewall <NUM> within the space.

The frame structure <NUM> may support or accommodate other components included in the electronic device <NUM>. For example, the display <NUM> may be disposed on one surface of the frame structure <NUM> facing one direction (e.g., +z direction), and the display <NUM> may be supported by the support portion <NUM> of the frame structure <NUM>. For another example, the first printed circuit board <NUM>, the second printed circuit board <NUM>, the battery <NUM>, and a second camera module <NUM> may be disposed on the other surface facing the direction (e.g., -z direction) opposite to the one direction of the frame structure <NUM>. The first printed circuit board <NUM>, the second printed circuit board <NUM>, the battery <NUM>, and the second camera module <NUM> may be seated in recesses defined by the sidewall <NUM> and/or the support portion <NUM> of the frame structure <NUM>, respectively.

The first printed circuit board <NUM>, the second printed circuit board <NUM>, and the battery <NUM> may be coupled to the frame structure <NUM>, respectively. For example, the first printed circuit board <NUM> and the second printed circuit board <NUM> may be fixedly disposed on the frame structure <NUM> through a coupling member such as a screw. For example, the battery <NUM> may be fixedly disposed on the frame structure <NUM> through an adhesive member (e.g., double-sided tape). However, it is not limited by the above-described example.

The cover plate <NUM> may be disposed between the first printed circuit board <NUM> and the rear plate <NUM>. The cover plate <NUM> may be disposed for example on the first printed circuit board <NUM>. For example, the cover plate <NUM> may be disposed on a surface of the first printed circuit board <NUM> facing the -z direction.

The cover plate <NUM> may at least partially overlap the first printed circuit board <NUM> with respect to the z-axis. The cover plate <NUM> may cover at least a partial area of the first printed circuit board <NUM>. Through this, the cover plate <NUM> may protect the first printed circuit board <NUM> from physical impact, or may prevent separation of a connector coupled to the first printed circuit board <NUM>.

In an example, the cover plate <NUM> can be fixedly disposed on the first printed circuit board <NUM> through the coupling member (e.g., the screw), or may be coupled to the frame structure <NUM> together with the first printed circuit board <NUM> through the coupling member.

The display <NUM> may be disposed between the frame structure <NUM> and the front plate <NUM>. For example, the front plate <NUM> may be disposed on one side (e.g., the +z direction) of the display <NUM>, and the frame structure <NUM> may be disposed on the other side (e.g., the -z direction) of the display <NUM>.

The front plate <NUM> may be coupled to the display <NUM>. For example, the front plate <NUM> and the display <NUM> may be adhered to each other through an adhesive member for optics (e.g., optically clear adhesive (OCA) or optically clear resin (OCR)) interposed therebetween.

The front plate <NUM> may be coupled to the frame structure <NUM>. For example, the front plate <NUM> may include an outer portion extending outside the display <NUM> when viewed in the z-axis direction and may adhere to the frame structure <NUM> through the adhesive member (e.g., the double-sided tape) disposed between the outer portion of the front plate <NUM> and the frame structure <NUM> (e.g., the sidewall <NUM>). However, it is not limited by the above-described example.

In the first printed circuit board <NUM> and/or the second printed circuit board <NUM>, a processor (e.g., a processor <NUM> of <FIG>), a memory (e.g., a memory <NUM> of <FIG>), and/or an interface (e.g., an interface <NUM> of <FIG>) may be equipped. The processor may include, for example, one or more of a central processing unit, an application processor, a graphics processing unit, an image signal processor, a sensor hub processor, or a communication processor. The memory may include, for example, volatile memory or non-volatile memory. The interface may include, for example, a high definition multimedia interface (HDMI), a universal serial bus (USB) interface, an SD card interface, and/or an audio interface. The interface may electrically or physically connect the electronic device <NUM> to an external electronic device, and may include a USB connector, an SD card/MMC connector, or an audio connector. The first printed circuit board <NUM> and the second printed circuit board <NUM> may be operatively or electrically connected to each other through a connecting member (e.g., a flexible printed circuit board).

The battery <NUM> (e.g., a battery <NUM> of <FIG>) may supply power to at least one component of the electronic device <NUM>. For example, the battery <NUM> may include a rechargeable secondary battery or a fuel cell. At least a portion of the battery <NUM> may be disposed on substantially the same plane as the first printed circuit board <NUM> and/or the second printed circuit board <NUM>.

The electronic device <NUM> may include an antenna module (not shown) (e.g., an antenna module <NUM> of <FIG>). The antenna module may be disposed between the rear plate <NUM> and the battery <NUM>. The antenna module may include, for example, a near field communication (NFC) antenna, a wireless charging antenna, and/or a magnetic secure transmission (MST) antenna. The antenna module may, for example, perform short-range communication with an external device or wirelessly transmit and receive power to and from the external device.

A first camera module <NUM> (e.g., a front camera) may be disposed on at least a portion (e.g., the support portion <NUM>) of the frame structure <NUM> so that the lens may receive external light through a partial area (e.g., a camera area <NUM>) of the front plate <NUM> (e.g., a front surface 200A of <FIG>).

The second camera module <NUM> (e.g., a rear camera) may be disposed between the frame structure <NUM> and the rear plate <NUM>. The second camera module <NUM> may be electrically connected to the first printed circuit board <NUM> through the connecting member (e.g., a connector). The second camera module <NUM> may be disposed so that the lens may receive the external light through a camera area <NUM> of the rear plate <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM>.

The camera area <NUM> may be formed on a surface (e.g., a rear surface 200B of <FIG>) of the rear plate <NUM>. The camera area <NUM> may be formed to be at least partially transparent so that external light may be incident to the lens of the second camera module <NUM>. At least a portion of the camera area <NUM> may protrude from the surface of the rear plate <NUM> to a predetermined height. However, it is not limited thereto, and in another example, the camera area <NUM> may form substantially the same plane as the surface of the rear plate <NUM>.

A housing <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM> may mean the component or structure forming at least a portion of an exterior of the electronic device <NUM>. In this respect, at least a portion of the front plate <NUM>, the frame structure <NUM>, and/or the rear plate <NUM> forming the exterior of the electronic device <NUM> may be referred to as the housing <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a portion of the rear surface of an exemplary electronic device <NUM>. <FIG> is a plan view of a printed circuit board <NUM> and a speaker module <NUM> of the exemplary electronic device <NUM>. One or more of the components illustrated in <FIG>/<FIG> and/or described in the following paragraphs may be implemented together with components illustrated in and/or described with references being made to <FIG>, <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> may include at least one of a housing <NUM>, the printed circuit board <NUM>, a plate (e.g., a plate <NUM> of <FIG>), and the speaker module <NUM>. <FIG> is a diagram in which a rear plate (e.g., a rear plate <NUM> of <FIG>) of the electronic device <NUM> is omitted.

The housing <NUM> may form an exterior of the electronic device <NUM>. The housing <NUM> may include a first surface (e.g., a first surface 200A of <FIG>) and a second surface (e.g., a second surface 200B of <FIG>) opposite to the first surface 200A. The housing <NUM> may form an internal space of the electronic device <NUM>. Various components (e.g., a battery, a camera, and the printed circuit board <NUM>) of the electronic device <NUM> may be disposed in the internal space formed by the housing <NUM>. The housing <NUM> may be referred to as the housing <NUM> of <FIG>.

The housing <NUM> may include a speaker hole <NUM>. An audio signal generated inside the housing <NUM> may be emitted to the outside of the housing <NUM> through the speaker hole <NUM>. The speaker hole <NUM> may be referred to as a sound passage through which the audio signal generated inside the housing <NUM> is emitted to the outside of the housing <NUM>. The speaker hole <NUM> may be formed on a side surface of the housing <NUM>, but is not limited thereto. For example, the speaker hole <NUM> may be formed on the side surface and/or the second surface 200B of the housing <NUM>.

According to an example, the printed circuit board <NUM> may be disposed in the housing <NUM>. The printed circuit board <NUM> may include a plurality of conductive layers and a plurality of non-conductive layers alternately laminated with the plurality of conductive layers. The printed circuit board <NUM> may provide electrical connection between the printed circuit board <NUM> and/or various electronic components disposed outside the printed circuit board <NUM> by using wires and conductive vias formed on the conductive layer.

The speaker module <NUM> may be configured to convert an electrical signal into an audio signal that is an analog signal. The speaker module <NUM> may include a speaker <NUM> configured to output the audio signal and a plate (e.g., the plate <NUM> of <FIG>) surrounding a speaker (e.g., the speaker <NUM> of <FIG>) and a case <NUM>. Referring to <FIG>, the speaker module <NUM> may be disposed on one surface <NUM> of the printed circuit board <NUM>. The speaker module <NUM> may occupy a partial area P of the printed circuit board <NUM>. The speaker module <NUM> may be electrically connected to a processor (e.g., a processor <NUM> of <FIG>) through the printed circuit board <NUM>. For example, the processor may be configured to transmit a signal for requesting output of the audio signal to the speaker module <NUM> through the printed circuit board <NUM>. The speaker <NUM> may be configured to output the audio signal based on receiving the signal from the processor. The output audio signal may be transmitted to the speaker hole <NUM> through a duct (e.g., a second space S2). The audio signal may be transmitted to the outside of the electronic device <NUM> through the speaker hole <NUM>. According to an example, the speaker module <NUM> may be disposed close to the side surface of the housing <NUM> in which the speaker hole <NUM> is disposed so that the audio signal output from the speaker <NUM> may be transmitted to the speaker hole <NUM>. For example, the speaker hole <NUM> may be disposed on the side surface of the -y direction of the housing <NUM>. The speaker module <NUM> may be disposed close to the side surface of the -y direction of the housing <NUM>. However, it is not limited thereto.

The case <NUM> includes a first body <NUM> and/or a second body <NUM>. The first body <NUM> forms a first space S1 that is a space where the audio signal is output from the speaker <NUM>. The second body <NUM> forms a second space S2 that is a space (e.g., the duct) for guiding the audio signal from the first space S1 to the speaker hole <NUM>.

The plate <NUM> is connected to the case <NUM> to form an enclosure surrounding the speaker <NUM>. A portion of the plate <NUM> (e.g., a first portion <NUM> of <FIG>) is in contact with one surface <NUM> of the printed circuit board <NUM>, and the other portion of the plate <NUM> (e.g., a second portion <NUM> of <FIG>) forms a step with respect to the portion of the plate <NUM> (e.g., the first portion <NUM>), as illustrated in <FIG>. For example, the portion and the other portion may be spaced apart relative to a direction, e.g., the z-direction as illustrated in <FIG>. The portion may be formed at a different position than the other portion with respect to the z-axis direction. The direction may be for example a direction in which a surface (e.g., the other surface <NUM> of <FIG>) opposite to the one surface <NUM> of the printed circuit board <NUM> faces. The structure resulting from the different placements/positions may be referred to a stepped structure. The other portion of the plate <NUM> may form the duct (e.g., the second space S2 of <FIG>) for guiding the audio signal to the speaker hole <NUM> together with the case <NUM>.

A portion of the plate <NUM> forming the enclosure of the speaker module <NUM>, by being in contact with one surface <NUM> of the printed circuit board <NUM>, may secure an area of the duct to which the audio signal is transmitted, and may additionally dispose the electronic component on the partial area P of the printed circuit board <NUM> occupied by the speaker module <NUM>. As the area of the duct is secured, the sound quality of the audio signal may be improved. As the electronic component is additionally disposed, the internal space of the electronic device <NUM> may be secured. Hereinafter, the above-described structure(s) will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

<FIG> shows a speaker module <NUM> of an exemplary electronic device <NUM>. <FIG> is a diagram of the X area of <FIG> as viewed from the front. <FIG> is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary speaker module <NUM> cut along line A-A' of <FIG>. One or more of the components illustrated in <FIG>/<FIG>/<FIG> and/or described in the following paragraphs may be implemented together with components illustrated in and/or described with references being made to <FIG>, <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, a speaker module <NUM> includes a plate <NUM>, a speaker (e.g., a speaker <NUM> of <FIG>), a case <NUM>, and/or a sealant (e.g., a sealant <NUM> of <FIG>). <FIG> is a diagram in which a printed circuit board <NUM> is omitted.

The plate <NUM> includes a first portion <NUM>, a second portion <NUM>, and a third portion <NUM>. Referring to <FIG>, the first portion <NUM> contacts one surface (e.g., one surface <NUM> of <FIG>) of a printed circuit board (e.g., the printed circuit board <NUM> of <FIG>). For example, the first portion <NUM> may be in contact with one surface <NUM> of the printed circuit board <NUM> facing the -z direction. The second portion <NUM>, with respect to the first portion <NUM>, may be spaced apart, in a direction (e.g., the +z direction) in which the other surface (e.g., the other surface <NUM> of <FIG>) opposite to the one surface <NUM> of the printed circuit board <NUM> faces. For example, the first portion <NUM> and the second portion <NUM> may be disposed at different points with respect to the z-axis direction. The second portion <NUM> may extend toward a speaker hole (e.g., a speaker hole <NUM> of <FIG>). The third portion <NUM> may be disposed between the first portion <NUM> and the second portion <NUM>. The second portion <NUM> may extend from the first portion <NUM> in a direction (e.g., the +z direction) toward the other surface <NUM>. The plate <NUM> is divided into the first portion <NUM>, the second portion <NUM>, and the third portion <NUM> by being molded to protrude some areas from a plane. The plate <NUM> includes the first portion <NUM> formed of a plane, the second portion <NUM> formed of a plane spaced apart from the first portion, the third portion <NUM> disposed between the first portion <NUM> and the second portion <NUM>. For example, the third portion <NUM> may protrude from the first portion <NUM>. In order to smoothly connect the first portion <NUM> and the second portion <NUM>, the third portion <NUM> has an inclination with respect to the first portion <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the speaker <NUM> may be configured to output an audio signal. For example, the speaker <NUM> may include a diaphragm <NUM>, at least one voice coil providing vibration to the diaphragm <NUM>, and a magnet capable of forming a magnetic field. When a current having audio information flows through the voice coil, the diaphragm <NUM> may vibrate. The speaker <NUM> may be configured to output the audio signal based on the vibration of the diaphragm <NUM>.

The case <NUM> may surround at least a portion of the speaker <NUM> to support the speaker <NUM>. For example, the case <NUM> may include a support portion 331a supporting at least a portion of a surface of the speaker <NUM> facing the -z direction and at least a portion of a side surface of the speaker <NUM>. The speaker <NUM> may be inserted into the support portion 331a. However, it is not limited thereto.

The case <NUM> may be connected to the first portion <NUM> to form a first space S1. The first space S1 may be a space between the surface of the speaker <NUM> facing the +z direction and the plate <NUM>. The audio signal output from the speaker <NUM> may be output to the first space S1. For example, as air in the first space S1 is vibrated by the diaphragm <NUM>, the audio signal may be output.

The case <NUM> may be connected to the second portion <NUM> to form a second space S2. The second space S2 may be a duct for guiding an output audio signal from the first space S1 to the speaker hole (e.g., the speaker hole <NUM> of <FIG>). The second space S2 may be connected to the first space S1. The audio signal output from the speaker <NUM> may be transmitted to the audio hole through the first space S1 and the second space S2.

The case <NUM> may include a first body <NUM> and a second body <NUM>. The first body <NUM> may include the support portion 331a for supporting the speaker <NUM>. The first body <NUM> may be connected to the first portion <NUM> to define the first space S1. For example, the first space S1 may be defined by the first portion <NUM>, the first body <NUM>, and the speaker <NUM>, but is not limited thereto. The second body <NUM> may include a through hole <NUM> connecting the second space S2 and the speaker hole (e.g., the speaker hole <NUM> of <FIG>). The audio signal may be transmitted to the audio hole through the through hole <NUM>. The second body <NUM> may be connected to the second portion <NUM> to define the second space S2. For example, the second space S2 may be defined by the second portion <NUM> and the second body <NUM>, but is not limited thereto.

The second space S2 may be formed at a different position from the first space S1 with respect to the z-axis direction. For example, the second portion <NUM> may be stepped with respect to the first portion <NUM>. The second body <NUM> may be stepped with respect to the first body <NUM>. For example, the second body <NUM> may be spaced apart from the first body <NUM> in the +z direction. As the electronic device <NUM> is miniaturized, the internal space of the housing <NUM> may be limited. The speaker module <NUM> may efficiently use the internal space of the housing <NUM> through the stepped structure. Referring to <FIG>, due to the structure in which the speaker module <NUM> is stacked with at least a portion of the printed circuit board <NUM>, the speaker module <NUM> and the speaker hole (e.g., the speaker hole <NUM> of <FIG>) may not be disposed on the same plane. As the second body <NUM> is stepped with respect to the first body <NUM>, the through hole <NUM> connected to the second space S2 may be disposed on the same plane as the speaker hole <NUM>.

The area of the second space S2, which is a path through which the audio signal is transmitted to the speaker hole <NUM>, may affect the quality of the audio signal. For example, in case that the area of the partial area of the second space S2 is small, the quality of a high-pitched audio signal having a relatively high frequency may be degraded. Since the high-pitched audio signal has a high frequency, it may have a short wavelength. The short wavelength high-pitched audio signal may have weak diffraction. In case that the area of the partial area of the second space S2 is small, the high-pitched audio signal may not pass through the second space S2, and thus the sound pressure level (SPL) of the speaker module <NUM> may be degrade in a relatively high frequency band.

According to an example, the plate <NUM> and the case <NUM> may form an enclosure surrounding the speaker <NUM>. Since the first portion <NUM> of the plate <NUM> may be in contact with one surface <NUM> of the printed circuit board <NUM>, a gap between the plate <NUM> and the printed circuit board <NUM> may be removed. For example, the first portion <NUM> may be soldered to the one surface <NUM> of the printed circuit board <NUM>. Since the first portion <NUM> is in contact with one surface <NUM> of the printed circuit board <NUM>, a distance between the plate <NUM> and the case <NUM> may be increased. For example, a distance d1 between the third portion <NUM> and the second body <NUM> may be increased as the first portion <NUM> contacts one surface <NUM> of the printed circuit board <NUM>.

The minimum distance between the plate <NUM> and the case <NUM> may correspond to the minimum distance d1 between the second body <NUM> and the third portion <NUM>. The second portion <NUM> may be stepped with respect to the first portion <NUM>, and the second body <NUM> may be stepped with respect to the first body <NUM>. The second space S2 may be narrowed in a portion corresponding to the stepped structure. An area of a portion corresponding to the stepped structure may have a minimum area in the second space S2.

As the first portion <NUM> contacts one surface <NUM> of the printed circuit board <NUM>, a gap between the plate <NUM> and the printed circuit board <NUM> may be removed. As the gap is removed, the distance d1 between the third portion <NUM> and the second body <NUM> may be increased. As a consequence of the distance d1 being increased, the area of the portion corresponding to the stepped structure in the second space S2 may be increased, so that the quality of the audio signal can be improved.

In order to increase the distance d1, the third portion <NUM> may contact the corner of an end <NUM> close to the second portion <NUM> of both ends of the printed circuit board <NUM>. For example, the distance d1 between the second body <NUM> and the third portion <NUM> in case that the third portion <NUM> contacts the corner of the end <NUM> of the printed circuit board <NUM> may be longer than the distance d1 between the second body <NUM> and the third portion <NUM> in case that the third portion <NUM> is spaced apart from the end <NUM> of the printed circuit board <NUM>. In an example, as the distance d1 increases, the minimum area in the second space S2 may increase, and thus the quality of the audio signal may be improved.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the first portion <NUM> may include an opening <NUM>. The opening <NUM> may expose a portion 251a of one surface <NUM> of the printed circuit board <NUM> to the first space S1. In <FIG>, the first portion <NUM> is illustrated as including one opening <NUM>, but the number of the opening <NUM> is not limited. For example, the first portion <NUM> may include two or more openings <NUM> spaced apart from each other.

The portion 251a of the printed circuit board <NUM> may be exposed to the first space S1 through the opening <NUM>. The portion 251a of the printed circuit board <NUM> may be an area corresponding to the opening <NUM> among a partial area of the printed circuit board <NUM> (e.g., a partial area P of <FIG>) occupied by the speaker module <NUM>. The electronic device <NUM> may further include at least one electronic component <NUM> connected to the portion 251a of the printed circuit board <NUM> exposed through the opening <NUM>. One or more of the at least one electronic component <NUM> may be positioned and/or may be functionally distinct from the speaker module <NUM>. The at least one electronic component <NUM> may be disposed on the portion 251a of the printed circuit board <NUM>.

The at least one electronic component <NUM> may occupy a portion of the first space S1. The at least one electronic component <NUM> may be connected to the portion 251a of the printed circuit board <NUM> and may be disposed in the first space S1 between the speaker <NUM> and the first portion <NUM>. According to an example, since at least one electronic component <NUM> distinct from the speaker module <NUM> may be disposed in the partial area (e.g., the partial area P of <FIG>) of the printed circuit board <NUM> occupied by the speaker module <NUM>, space in the housing <NUM> may be secured and/or saved, e.g. for other components of the electronic device <NUM>, or for providing an improved sound output.

The at least one electronic component <NUM> distinct from the speaker module <NUM> may be connected to the printed circuit board <NUM> through the portion 251a of the printed circuit board <NUM> exposed through the opening <NUM> of the first portion <NUM>. For example, when the at least one electronic component <NUM> is connected to the partial area (e.g., the partial area P of <FIG>) of the printed circuit board <NUM> occupied by the speaker module <NUM>, the printed circuit board <NUM> may be electrically connected to more electronic components. Since the thickness of the plate <NUM> (e.g., about <NUM>) may be relatively thin, the speaker module <NUM> may secure a space that may be occupied by the at least one electronic component <NUM> between the plate <NUM> and the speaker <NUM>.

The speaker <NUM> may include the diaphragm <NUM>. The diaphragm <NUM> may be vibrated by the magnet and/or the voice coil. The diaphragm <NUM> may generate the audio signal through the vibration. The diaphragm <NUM> may be configured to vibrate in a first direction (e.g., the +z direction) toward one surface <NUM> of the printed circuit board <NUM> and a second direction (e.g., the -z direction) opposite to the first direction. When the diaphragm <NUM> vibrates, the position of the diaphragm <NUM> may change within the first space S1. For example, the position of the diaphragm <NUM> may change from a first position P1, which is a position before vibrating, to a second position P2. The second position P2 may be a maximum movement position of the diaphragm <NUM> in the first direction. In case that the diaphragm <NUM> and the at least one electronic component <NUM> contact each other, noise may be generated due to the contact. In the first space S1, the space occupied by the at least one electronic component <NUM> may be limited based on the position of the diaphragm <NUM>. The length of the at least one electronic component <NUM> in the second direction may be less than a distance d2 between one surface <NUM> of the printed circuit board <NUM> and the second position P2, which is the maximum movement position of the diaphragm <NUM> in the first direction. For example, in case that the distance from one surface <NUM> to the first position P1 is about <NUM> and the distance from the first position P1 to the second position P2 is about <NUM>, the length of the at least one electronic component <NUM> in the second direction may be less than about <NUM>. For example, in case that a gap for the at least one electronic component <NUM> and the second position P2 is added by <NUM>, the length of the at least one electronic component <NUM> in the second direction may be less than about <NUM>. In case that the length of the at least one electronic component <NUM> in the second direction is greater than or equal to the distance d2, when the diaphragm <NUM> vibrates, the diaphragm <NUM> and the at least one electronic component <NUM> may contact each other. The length of the at least one electronic component <NUM> in the second direction may be limited to less than the distance d2 to prevent the contact.

The electronic device <NUM> may further include the sealant <NUM> disposed between the plate <NUM> and the case <NUM>. The sealant <NUM> may be disposed along a circumference around which the plate <NUM> and the case <NUM> contact each other. For example, the sealant <NUM> may be disposed between the first body <NUM> and the first portion <NUM> and between the second body <NUM> and the second portion <NUM>. The sealant <NUM> may separate the first space S1 and the second space S2 from other space in the housing <NUM>. The sealant <NUM> may prevent the audio signal from leaking to the internal space of the housing <NUM> by sealing the space to which the audio signal is transmitted.

<FIG> schematically shows an exemplary connection state between a plate <NUM> and a case <NUM>, of a speaker module <NUM>. <FIG> schematically shows an exemplary connection state between the plate <NUM> of a housing <NUM> and a side bezel member <NUM>. One or more of the components illustrated in <FIG>/<FIG> and/or described in the following paragraphs may be implemented together with components illustrated in and/or described with references being made to <FIG>, <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG> again, a sealant <NUM> may be disposed along a circumference around which the plate <NUM> and the case <NUM> contact each other. The sealant <NUM> may be made of a flexible material. For example, the sealant <NUM> may include a rubber, a poron, a sponge, or urethane that may be compressed based on an external force when pressed by the external force, but is not limited thereto. The sealant <NUM> may be compressed by a coupling force for coupling the plate <NUM> and the case <NUM>. The sealing member <NUM> may isolate the space (e.g., a space S of <FIG> or a space S of <FIG>) between the plate <NUM> and the case <NUM> from other space by sealing the space between the plate <NUM> and the case <NUM>.

The sealant <NUM> may be compressed by the coupling force between the plate <NUM> and the case <NUM>. Referring to <FIG>, the speaker module <NUM> may include a connecting portion for connecting the plate <NUM> and the case <NUM>. For example, the connecting portion may include a first hole h1 penetrating the plate <NUM> and the case <NUM> and to which a screw may be connected. The plate <NUM> and the case <NUM> may be screwed to each other through the screw coupled to the first hole h1. The screw may be inserted into the first hole h1 of the plate <NUM> and may be connected to the first hole h1 of the case <NUM>. By being screwed, the coupling force may be provided between the plate <NUM> and the case <NUM>. By being screwed, the external force from the plate <NUM> toward the case <NUM> may be applied to the sealant <NUM>. The sealant <NUM> may be compressed by the coupling force between the plate <NUM> and the case <NUM>. The sealant <NUM> may be configured to seal the space S between the plate <NUM> and the case <NUM> by being compressed by the coupling force.

Referring to <FIG>, the sealant <NUM> may be compressed by the coupling force between the plate <NUM> of the housing <NUM> and the case <NUM>. The housing <NUM> may include at least one of a first plate <NUM>, a second plate <NUM> opposite to the first plate <NUM>, and the side bezel member <NUM> between the first plate <NUM> and the second plate <NUM>. For example, the first plate <NUM> may form a first surface of the housing <NUM>. A second plate <NUM> may form the second surface of the housing <NUM>. However, it is not limited thereto. The first plate <NUM>, the second plate <NUM>, and the side bezel member <NUM> may form an exterior of the housing <NUM> by being coupled to each other. For example, the first plate <NUM> and the second plate <NUM> may be screwed to the side bezel member <NUM>, but is not limited thereto. For example, the screw may be inserted into a second hole h2 of the side bezel member <NUM> formed outside the speaker module <NUM>. The screw may penetrate the first plate <NUM> and/or the second plate <NUM> and may be connected to the second hole h2 of the side bezel member <NUM>. By being screwed, the coupling force may be provided between the first plate <NUM> and/or the second plate <NUM> and the side bezel member <NUM>. By being screwed, the coupling force from the first plate <NUM> and/or the second plate <NUM> toward the side bezel member <NUM> may be transmitted to the plate <NUM> and the case <NUM> through a printed circuit board <NUM>. The sealant <NUM> may be compressed by the coupling force between the first plate <NUM> and/or the second plate <NUM> and the side bezel member <NUM>. The sealant <NUM> may be configured to seal the space S between the plate <NUM> and the case <NUM> by being compressed by the coupling force.

<FIG> is a graph showing a change in a sound pressure level of an audio signal output from an electronic device. A horizontal axis of the graph of <FIG> is a frequency (unit: Hz), and a vertical axis of the graph is a sound pressure level (SPL) (unit: dB) of transmitted to the outside of a housing (e.g., a housing <NUM> of <FIG>). One or more of the components described in the following paragraphs may be implemented together with components illustrated in and/or described with references being made to <FIG>, <FIG>.

A first graph <NUM> of <FIG> represents the sound pressure level of the audio signal output from the electronic device including a speaker module not including a plate. For example, the speaker module may include an injection molded enclosure, and the enclosure may be disposed on a printed circuit board. A second graph <NUM> of <FIG> represents the sound pressure level of the audio signal output from an electronic device (e.g., an electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>) according to the present description, e.g., the electronic device <NUM> including the speaker module (e.g., a speaker module <NUM> of <FIG>) including the plate (e.g., a plate <NUM> of <FIG>) that is in contact with the printed circuit board (e.g., a printed circuit board <NUM> of <FIG>).

A speaker (e.g., a speaker <NUM> of <FIG>) may output the audio signal through vibration within a limited space. The audio signal may form a standing wave or progressive wave in which the incident wave and the reflected wave are synthesized with each other. A portion of the audio signal output from the speaker <NUM> may be reinforced or offset each other by overlapping the reflected wave reflected by the structure in the space. For example, the standing wave or progressive wave may have a peak or Dip at a specific frequency. The frequency of the dip point of the standing wave or progressive wave may be referred to as the dip frequency.

Referring to <FIG>, the first graph <NUM> and the second graph <NUM> may not show a relatively large difference in a low-pitched audio signal. At a frequency of about <NUM>,<NUM> or more, the second graph <NUM> may have a higher SPL than the first graph <NUM>. At a frequency of about <NUM>,<NUM> or more, the first graph <NUM> may have a low SPL. Since the audio signal of a high frequency has weak diffraction, it may not pass well through a duct of a narrow path. The SPL of the first graph <NUM> may have the low SPL at a relatively high frequency. The second graph <NUM> may have a relatively high SPL at the high frequency. Referring to <FIG>, it may be seen that in a frequency range of about <NUM>,<NUM> to about <NUM>,<NUM>, the SPL of the second graph <NUM> is up to about <NUM> dB higher than the SPL of the first graph <NUM>. In the electronic device <NUM> according to an example of the present description, since the plate <NUM> contacts the printed circuit board <NUM>, a space between the plate <NUM> and a case <NUM> may be expanded. According to an example of the present description, an area of a space (e.g., a second space (e.g., a second space S2 of <FIG>)) in which the audio signal is transmitted to a speaker hole (e.g., a speaker hole <NUM> of <FIG>)) may be expanded. When the area is expanded, the SPL of the high-pitched audio signal may be improved.

The first graph <NUM> may have the dip frequency of about <NUM>,<NUM>. The second graph <NUM> may have the dip frequency of about <NUM>,<NUM>. The dip frequency of the standing wave or progressive wave may be determined based on the area of the space. According to an example of the present description, as the area of the space in which the audio signal is transmitted is secured, the dip frequency may be increased by about <NUM>,<NUM> or more. Since the speaker module <NUM> may have a relatively high dip frequency, the range of the audio signal that may be provided may be extended, e.g., to a mainly used frequency range or a frequency range that is used more frequently. For example, in case that the speaker <NUM> substantially outputs the high-pitched audio signal of about <NUM>,<NUM>, the speaker module <NUM> having a dip frequency of <NUM>,<NUM> may provide the audio signal of up to about <NUM>,<NUM>.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary electronic device <NUM> cut along B-B' of <FIG>. One or more of the components illustrated in <FIG> and/or described in the following paragraphs may be implemented together with components illustrated in and/or described with references being made to <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> may include a housing <NUM>, a printed circuit board <NUM>, a plate <NUM>, and a speaker <NUM>. The electronic device <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> may be substantially the same as the electronic device <NUM> described with reference to <FIG>, except that for example a case (e.g., a case <NUM> of <FIG>) forming an enclosure surrounding the speaker <NUM> is replaced with the plate <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. Hereinafter, the same component is described with the same reference numeral, and a redundant description is excluded.

The housing <NUM> may form an exterior of the electronic device <NUM>. For example, the housing <NUM> may include a first plate <NUM> and a second plate <NUM> opposite to the first plate <NUM>. The housing <NUM> may include a speaker hole <NUM> and a support portion <NUM>. The support portion <NUM> may support at least a portion of the components of the electronic device <NUM>. The support portion <NUM> may extend inward from a sidewall (e.g., a sidewall <NUM> of <FIG>) forming a side surface of the housing <NUM>. The support portion <NUM> may be referred to as the support portion <NUM> of <FIG>. The support portion <NUM> may be disposed between the first plate <NUM> and the second plate <NUM>.

The printed circuit board <NUM> may be disposed in the housing <NUM>. The plate <NUM> may include a first portion <NUM> in contact with one surface <NUM> of the printed circuit board <NUM>, a second portion <NUM> spaced apart from the first portion <NUM> in the direction (e.g., the +z direction) in which the other surface <NUM> of the printed circuit board <NUM> opposite to the one surface <NUM> faces and extending toward the speaker hole <NUM> of the housing <NUM>, and a third portion <NUM> disposed between the first portion <NUM> and the second portion <NUM>. The second portion <NUM> may be stepped with respect to the first portion <NUM>. For example, the second body <NUM> may be spaced apart from the first body <NUM> in the +z direction.

The speaker <NUM> may be configured to output the audio signal. The speaker <NUM> may be supported by the support portion <NUM>.

The support portion <NUM> may surround at least a portion of the speaker <NUM> to support the speaker <NUM>. The support portion <NUM> may be connected to the first portion <NUM> to form a first space S1 in which the audio signal is output. The support portion <NUM> may be connected to the second portion <NUM> to form a second space S2 guiding the audio signal from the first space S1 to the speaker hole <NUM>. The support portion <NUM> may include a first body 243a and a second body 243b. The first body 243a may include a support portion 243a-<NUM> supporting the speaker <NUM>. The second body 243b may include a through hole <NUM> connecting the second space S2 and the speaker hole <NUM>. The second body 243b may be connected to the second portion <NUM>. The second body 243b may be stepped with respect to the first body 243a.

The first portion <NUM> may include an opening <NUM> exposing a portion 251a of one surface <NUM> of the printed circuit board <NUM> to the first space S1. The electronic device <NUM> may further include at least one electronic component <NUM> connected to the portion 251a of the printed circuit board <NUM> exposed through the opening <NUM>. The at least one electronic component <NUM> may occupy the first space S1 between the speaker <NUM> and the printed circuit board <NUM>. Since the at least one electronic component <NUM> may be connected to the printed circuit board <NUM> through the opening <NUM>, the printed circuit board <NUM> may provide electrical connection to the electronic component distinct from the speaker <NUM>. The portion 251a of the printed circuit board <NUM> may be exposed to the first space S1 through the opening <NUM>. The portion 251a of the printed circuit board <NUM> may be an area corresponding to the opening <NUM> among an area of the printed circuit board <NUM> occupied by a speaker module <NUM>. The electronic device <NUM> may further include the at least one electronic component <NUM> connected to the portion 251a of the printed circuit board <NUM> exposed through the opening <NUM>. The at least one electronic component <NUM> may be at least one of components distinct from the speaker module <NUM>. At least one electronic component <NUM> may be disposed on the portion 251a of the printed circuit board <NUM>.

The at least one electronic component <NUM> distinct from the speaker module <NUM> may be connected to the printed circuit board <NUM> through the portion 251a of the printed circuit board <NUM> exposed through the opening <NUM> of the first portion <NUM>. Since the at least one electronic component <NUM> may be connected to the area of the printed circuit board <NUM> occupied by the speaker module <NUM>, the printed circuit board <NUM> may be electrically connected to more electronic components. Since the thickness of the plate <NUM> (e.g., about <NUM>) may be relatively thin, the speaker module <NUM> may secure a space that may be occupied by the at least one electronic component <NUM> between the plate <NUM> and the speaker <NUM>.

The electronic device <NUM> may further include a sealant <NUM>. The sealant <NUM> may be disposed between the support portion <NUM> and the plate <NUM>. The sealant <NUM> may seal the first space S1 and the second space S2. The first space S1 and the second space S2 may be isolated from other space in the housing <NUM> through the sealant <NUM>. The sealant <NUM> may prevent the audio signal from leaking to the internal space of the housing <NUM> by sealing the space to which the audio signal is transmitted.

The plate <NUM> may surround the speaker <NUM> together with a structure (e.g., the support portion <NUM>) inside the housing <NUM>. Without the separate case <NUM> for the speaker <NUM>, the minimum area of the second space S2 for the quality of a high-pitched audio signal may be secured by using the support portion <NUM> in the housing <NUM>. The plate <NUM> may secure the minimum area of the second space S2 by contacting the printed circuit board <NUM> and extending toward the audio hole. Accordingly, the quality of the audio signal output from the speaker <NUM> may be improved.

Various examples illustrated and/or described in the present disclosure may sufficiently secure a transmission space of the audio signal output from a speaker through a plate in contact with the printed circuit board. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described content.

The electronic device may be and/or include one of various types of devices. The electronic device may be and/or include, for example, a portable communication device (e.g., a smartphone), a computer device, a portable multimedia device, a portable medical device, a camera, a wearable device, or a home appliance. The electronic device to the present document is not limited to the above-described devices.

The various embodiments and terms used herein are not intended to limit the technical features described herein to specific embodiments and should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutes of the embodiment. With respect to the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components. The singular form of the noun corresponding to the item may include one or more of the items unless clearly indicated differently in a related context. In this document, each of the phrases such as "A or B", "at least one of A and B", "at least one of A, B and C", "at least one of A, B, or C", and "at least one of A, B, or C" may include any one of the phrases together, or all possible combinations thereof. Terms such as "first", "second", or "second", or "second" may be used simply to distinguish a corresponding component from another corresponding component, and are not limited to other aspects (e.g., importance or order). When some (e.g., the first) component is referred to as "coupled" or "connected" in another (e.g., the second) component, with or without the term "functional" or "communicatively", it means that some of the components can be connected directly (e.g., wired), wirelessly, or through a third component.

The term "module" used in various embodiments of the present document may include a unit implemented in hardware, software, or firmware and be used interchangeably with terms such as logic, logic block, component, or circuitry, for example. The module may be a minimum unit or a part of the integrally configured component or the component that performs one or more functions. For example, according to an embodiment, the module may be implemented in the form of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

Various embodiments of the present document may be implemented as software (e.g., a program) including one or more instructions stored in a storage medium (or external memory) readable by a device (e.g., wearable device <NUM>). For example, a processor (e.g., a processor) of a device (e.g., wearable device <NUM>) may call and execute at least one of the one or more instructions stored from a storage medium. This makes it possible for the device to operate to perform at least one function according to at least one command called. The one or more instructions may include code generated by a compiler or code that may be executed by an interpreter. The device-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, the term 'non-transitory' only means that a storage medium is a device that is tangible and does not include a signal (e.g., electromagnetic wave), and the term does not distinguish between a case where data is semi-permanently stored and a case where it is temporarily stored.

A method may be provided by being included in a computer program product. The computer program products may be traded between sellers and buyers as products. The computer program products may be distributed in the form of device-readable storage media (e.g., compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM), or distributed (e.g., downloaded or uploaded) directly or online through an application store (e.g., Play Store™) or between two user devices (e.g., smartphones). In the case of online distribution, at least some of the computer program products may be temporarily stored or temporarily created on a device-readable storage medium such as a manufacturer's server, a server in an application store, or a memory in a relay server.

Claim 1:
An electronic device (<NUM>) comprising:
a housing (<NUM>) comprising a speaker hole (<NUM>);
a printed circuit board, PCB, (<NUM>) disposed in the housing (<NUM>); and
a speaker module (<NUM>), stacked with at least portion of the PCB, comprising a speaker (<NUM>) and an enclosure surrounding the speaker (<NUM>),
wherein the enclosure of the speaker module (<NUM>) comprises:
a case (<NUM>), supporting the speaker (<NUM>), and
a plate (<NUM>) comprising:
a first horizontal portion (<NUM>), contacted with one surface (<NUM>) of the PCB (<NUM>) facing the speaker (<NUM>),
a second horizontal portion (<NUM>), spaced apart from the one surface of the PCB (<NUM>)
a third inclined portion (<NUM>) connecting the first portion (<NUM>) of the plate (<NUM>) and the second portion (<NUM>) of the plate (<NUM>),
wherein a first portion (<NUM>) of the case (<NUM>) and the first horizontal portion (<NUM>) of the plate (<NUM>) forms a first audio path (S1) between the speaker (<NUM>) and the plate (<NUM>), and
wherein a second portion (<NUM>) of the case (<NUM>) and the second horizontal portion (<NUM>) of the plate (<NUM>) forms a second audio path (S2) connecting the first audio path (S1) to the speaker hole (<NUM>) of the housing (<NUM>).