Patent Description:
As design has emerged as a differentiating factor due to the upward standardization of specifications for electronic devices such as smartphones, there is a trend to implement exterior members (e.g., housing) to have a visually luxurious texture.

<CIT> discloses an electronic device including a front surface, a rear surface, and a conductive side wall, the conductive sidewall includes at least a portion of the metal housing or may be disposed as part of the interior of the metal housing, a pair of conductive patterns are disposed on the first non-conductive member, and the conductive pattern is disposed at a boundary portion of a housing to which a member made of a different material is coupled.

<CIT> discloses an electronic device having a side member, which includes an outer structure formed of a first metal material and an inner structure formed of a second metal material different from the first metal material, the inner structure includes a first polymeric material disposed in the space adjacent the side member.

<CIT> discloses an electronic device including the display, metal plate, and rear cover, the metal plate can take a role of a bracket for the display, the display, rear cover, and metal frame may configure an external housing of the electronic device, the material of the metal frame and the material of the metal plate may include at least one different metallic material, and the metal plate is displaced from the metal frame and combined with the metal frame by the non-conductive bonding member.

<CIT> discloses an electronic device where the rear plate or the side member is in contact with the polymer structure, a larger contact area therebetween may be advantageous for maintaining high bonding strength, the electrical connection may be limited by processing the inner surface of the rear plate, the inner surface of the side member, and the polymer structure may be used so as to limit the electrical connection between the conductive piece, the rear plate, and the side member.

An electronic device may include a metal exterior member, and such a metal exterior member can improve durability as well as provide a luxurious design unique to metal. As the range of usable applications on electronic devices such as smartphones widens, the number of antennas included in electronic devices continues to increase. An electronic device may utilize a metal exterior member as at least a portion of the antenna (e.g., radiator).

Various embodiments of this document may provide an electronic device including a housing having a metal texture and usable as an antenna, and a housing manufacturing method.

The technical objectives to be achieved in this document are not limited to those mentioned above, and other technical objectives not mentioned will be understood by those skilled in the art from the following description.

The invention is set out in the appended set of claims, wherein the figures and respective description relate to advantageous embodiments thereof.

According to the invention, an electronic device includes: a housing that includes a front surface of the electronic device, a rear surface of the electronic device, and a side surface at least partially surrounding a space between the front surface and the rear surface; and a display positioned in the space and at least partially viewed through the front surface, wherein the housing includes: an outer structure including a first metal material and constituting at least a portion of the side surface; an inner structure including a second metal material different from the first metal material and positioned in the space; and a non-conductive structure including a polymer and connected to the outer structure and the inner structure, wherein the outer structure and the inner structure are electrically connected at a position overlapping with an opening formed in the non-conductive structure.

According to the invention, a method for manufacturing a housing of an electronic device includes: forming an outer structure including a first metal material; forming an inner structure including a second metal material different from the first metal material; forming a non-conductive structure including a polymer and coupled to the inner structure; coupling the outer structure to the non-conductive structure; and electrically connecting the outer structure and the inner structure at a position overlapping with an opening formed in the non-conductive structure.

The housing included in the electronic device according to various embodiments of this document may facilitate the implementation of a beautiful exterior appearance having a metal texture, and an antenna, and it can reduce costs due to a simplified manufacturing method.

Other effects that can be obtained or predicted due to various embodiments of this document may be explicitly or implicitly disclosed in the detailed description of the embodiments of this document.

Hereinafter, various embodiments disclosed herein will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

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>).

The auxiliary processor <NUM> may control, for example, at least some of functions or states related to at least one component (e.g., the display module <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 in an active state (e.g., executing an application).

The data may include, for example, software (e.g., the program <NUM>) and input data or output data for a command related thererto.

As used in connection with various embodiments of the disclosure, the term "module" may include a unit implemented in hardware, software, or firmware, and may interchangeably be used with other terms, for example, "logic," "logic block," "part," or "circuitry. " A module may be a single integral component, or a minimum unit or part thereof, adapted to perform one or more functions.

A singular form of a noun corresponding to a specific item may include one or multiple pieces of the item unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise. In this document, each of phrases such as "A or B," "at least one of A and B," "at least one of A or B," "A, B or C," "at least one of A, B and C," and "at least one of A, B or C" may include any one of or all possible combinations of the items enumerated together in the corresponding one of the phrases. Terms such as "1st" and "2nd," or "first" and "second" may be used to simply distinguish a corresponding component from another, and does not limit the components in other aspect (e.g., importance or order).

The electronic devices according to various embodiments disclosed in this document may be devices of various types. The electronic devices may include, for example, a portable communication device (e.g., smartphone), a computer device, a portable multimedia device, a portable medical device, a camera, a wearable device, or a home appliance. The electronic devices according to embodiments of this document are not limited to the above-described devices.

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

With reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, in an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> (e.g., electronic device <NUM> in <FIG>) may include a housing <NUM> that includes a first surface (or, front surface) 210A, a second surface (or, rear surface) 210B, and a side surface 210C surrounding the space between the first surface 210A and the second surface 210B. In a certain embodiment, the housing <NUM> may refer to a structure forming at least some of the first surface 210A, the second surface 210B, and the side surface 210C. The first surface 210A may be formed by a front plate (or, first plate) <NUM> that is substantially transparent at least in part (e.g., glass plate containing various coating layers, or polymer plate). The second surface 210B may be formed by a rear plate (or, second plate) <NUM> that is substantially opaque. The rear plate <NUM> may be made of, for example, coated or colored glass, ceramic, polymer, metal (e.g., aluminum, stainless steel (STS), or magnesium), or a combination thereof. The side surface 210C may be formed by a lateral bezel structure (or, "lateral member") <NUM> that is coupled to the front plate <NUM> and the rear plate <NUM>, and the lateral bezel structure <NUM> may contain a metal and/or a polymer. In a certain embodiment, the rear plate <NUM> and the lateral bezel structure <NUM> may be integrally formed and contain the same material (e.g., metal material such as aluminum).

In an embodiment, the front plate <NUM> may include two first regions 210D that are curved and seamlessly extended from the first surface 210A toward the rear plate <NUM>. The first regions 210D may be formed adjacent respectively to the long edges of the front plate <NUM>. The rear plate <NUM> may include two second regions 210E that are curved and seamlessly extended from the second surface 210B toward the front plate <NUM>. The second regions 210E may be formed adjacent respectively to the long edges of the rear plate <NUM>. The side surface 210C may have a first thickness (or width) on a side where the first regions 210D or the second regions 210E are not present, and may have a second thickness thinner than the first thickness on a side where the first regions 210D and the second regions 210E are present. In a certain embodiment, the front plate <NUM> may be implemented by including one of the first regions 210D or may be implemented without the curved first regions 210D. In a certain embodiment, the rear plate <NUM> may be implemented by including one of the second regions 210E or may be implemented without the curved second regions 210E.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may include at least one of a display <NUM>, a first audio module <NUM>, a second audio module <NUM>, a third audio module <NUM>, a fourth audio module <NUM>, a sensor module <NUM>, a first camera module <NUM>, plural second camera modules <NUM>, a light emitting module <NUM>, an input module <NUM>, a first connection terminal module <NUM>, or a second connection terminal module <NUM>. In a certain embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may be configured to omit at least one of the above components or further include other components.

The display area (e.g., screen display area, or active area) of the display <NUM> may be visually exposed through, for example, the front plate <NUM>. In an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may be implemented to maximize the display area seen through the front plate <NUM> (e.g., large screen or full screen). For example, the display <NUM> may be implemented to have an outer shape substantially identical to that of the front plate <NUM>. As another example, the distance between the outer periphery of the display <NUM> and the outer periphery of the front plate <NUM> may be formed to be substantially the same. In an embodiment, the display <NUM> may include a touch sensing circuit. In a certain embodiment, the display <NUM> may include a pressure sensor capable of measuring the intensity (pressure) of a touch. In a certain embodiment, the display <NUM> may be combined with a digitizer (e.g., electromagnetic induction panel) that detects an electronic pen of a magnetic field type (e.g., stylus pen), or may be positioned adjacent to the digitizer.

The first audio module <NUM> may include, for example, a first microphone located inside the electronic device <NUM> and a first microphone hole formed on the side surface 210C in correspondence to the first microphone. The second audio module <NUM> may include, for example, a second microphone located inside the electronic device <NUM> and a second microphone hole formed on the second surface 210B in correspondence to the second microphone. The position or number of audio modules relative to the microphone may vary without being limited to the illustrated example. In a certain embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may include a plurality of microphones usable for detecting the direction of a sound.

The third audio module <NUM> may include, for example, a first speaker located inside the electronic device <NUM> and a first speaker hole formed on the side surface 210C in correspondence to the first speaker. The fourth audio module <NUM> may include, for example, a second speaker located inside the electronic device <NUM> and a second speaker hole formed on the first surface 210A in correspondence to the second speaker. In an embodiment, the first speaker may include an external speaker. In an embodiment, the second speaker may include a receiver for a call, and the second speaker hole may be referred to as a receiver hole. The location or number of the third audio module <NUM> or the fourth audio module <NUM> may vary without being limited to the illustrated example. In a certain embodiment, the microphone hole and the speaker hole may be implemented as a single hole. In a certain embodiment, the third audio module <NUM> or the fourth audio module <NUM> may include a piezo speaker without a speaker hole.

The sensor module <NUM> may generate an electrical signal or data value corresponding to, for example, an internal operating state of the electronic device <NUM> or an external environmental state. In an embodiment, the sensor module <NUM> may include an optical sensor located inside the electronic device <NUM> in correspondence to the first surface 210A. The optical sensor may include, for example, a proximity sensor or an illuminance sensor. The optical sensor may be aligned with an opening formed in the display <NUM>. External light can reach the optical sensor through the front plate <NUM> and the opening of the display <NUM>. In a certain embodiment, the optical sensor may be disposed at the bottom of the display <NUM>, and may perform a related function without visually revealing (or exposing) its position. For example, the optical sensor may be located on the rear surface of the display <NUM> or located below or beneath the display <NUM>. In a certain embodiment, the optical sensor may be positioned in alignment with a recess formed in the rear surface of the display <NUM>. The optical sensor may be disposed to overlap at least a portion of the screen and perform a sensing function without being exposed to the outside. In this case, a region of the display <NUM> overlapping at least partially with the optical sensor may include a different pixel structure and/or wiring structure in comparison to other regions. For example, the region of the display <NUM> overlapping at least partially with the optical sensor may have a different pixel density in comparison to other regions. In a certain embodiment, a plurality of pixels may be not disposed in the region of the display <NUM> overlapping at least partially with the optical sensor. In a certain embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may include a biometric sensor (e.g., fingerprint sensor) located below the display <NUM>. The biometric sensor may be implemented with an optical or ultrasonic technique, and the location or number thereof may vary. The electronic device <NUM> may further include at least one of various other sensor modules such as gesture sensor, gyro sensor, barometric pressure sensor, magnetic sensor, acceleration sensor, grip sensor, color sensor, infrared (IR) sensor, temperature sensor, or humidity sensor.

The first camera module <NUM> (e.g., front camera module) may be located inside the electronic device <NUM> in correspondence to the first surface 210A. A plurality of second camera modules <NUM> (e.g., rear camera modules) may be located inside the electronic device <NUM> in correspondence to the second surface 210B. The first camera module <NUM> and/or the plural second camera modules <NUM> may include one or plural lenses, an image sensor, and/or an image signal processor. The location or number of the first camera module or the second camera module may vary without being limited to the illustrated example.

According to an embodiment, the display <NUM> may include an opening aligned with the first camera module <NUM>. External light can reach the first camera module <NUM> through the front plate <NUM> and the opening of the display <NUM>. In a certain embodiment, the opening of the display <NUM> may be formed in a notch shape according to the position of the first camera module <NUM>. In a certain embodiment, the first camera module <NUM> may be disposed at the bottom of the display <NUM>, and may perform a related function (e.g., image capture) without visually revealing (or exposing) its position. For example, the first camera module <NUM> may be located on the rear surface of the display <NUM> or located below or beneath the display <NUM>, and may include a hidden under display camera (UDC). In a certain embodiment, the first camera module <NUM> may be positioned in alignment with a recess formed in the rear surface of the display <NUM>. The first camera module <NUM> may be disposed to overlap at least a portion of the screen and may obtain an image of an external subject without being visually exposed to the outside. In this case, a region of the display <NUM> overlapping at least partially with the first camera module <NUM> may include a different pixel structure and/or wiring structure in comparison to other regions. For example, the region of the display <NUM> overlapping at least partially with the first camera module <NUM> may have a different pixel density in comparison to other regions. The pixel structure and/or wiring structure formed in the region of the display <NUM> overlapping at least partially with the first camera module <NUM> may reduce loss of light between the outside and the first camera module <NUM>. In a certain embodiment, pixels may be not disposed in the region of the display <NUM> overlapping at least partially with the first camera module <NUM>. In a certain embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may further include a light emitting module (e.g., light source) located inside the electronic device <NUM> in correspondence to the first surface 210A. The light emitting module may provide, for example, state information of the electronic device <NUM> in the form of light. In a certain embodiment, the light emitting module may provide a light source linked with the operation of the first camera module <NUM>. The light emitting module may include, for example, an LED, an IR LED, or a xenon lamp.

According to an embodiment, the plural second camera modules <NUM> may have different attributes (e.g., angles of view) or functions, and may include, for example, dual cameras or triple cameras. The plural second camera modules <NUM> may include a plurality of camera modules including lenses having different angles of view, and the electronic device <NUM> may control the camera module being operated therein to change the angle of view according to the user's selection. The plural second camera modules <NUM> may include at least one of a wide-angle camera, a telephoto camera, a color camera, a monochrome camera, or an infrared (IR) camera (e.g., time of flight (TOF) camera, structured light camera). In a certain embodiment, the IR camera may be operated as at least a part of the sensor module. The light emitting module <NUM> (e.g., flash) may include a light source for the plural second camera modules <NUM>. The light emitting module <NUM> may include, for example, an LED or a xenon lamp.

The input module <NUM> may include, for example, one or more key input devices. The one or more key input devices may be located, for example, in an opening formed in the side surface 210C. In a certain embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may not include some or all of the above-mentioned key input devices, and a key input device not included may be implemented as a soft key using the display <NUM>. The location or number of input modules <NUM> may vary, and the input module <NUM> may include at least one sensor module in a certain embodiment.

The first connection terminal module <NUM> (e.g., first connector module, or first interface terminal module) may include, for example, a first connector (or, first interface terminal) located inside the electronic device <NUM> and a first connector hole formed on the side surface 210C in correspondence to the first connector. The second connection terminal module <NUM> (e.g., second connector module, or second interface terminal module) may include, for example, a second connector (or, second interface terminal) located inside the electronic device <NUM> and a second connector hole formed on the side surface 210C in correspondence to the second connector. The electronic device <NUM> may transmit and/or receive power and/or data to and/or from an external electronic device electrically connected to the first connector or the second connector. In an embodiment, the first connector may include a universal serial bus (USB) connector or a high definition multimedia interface (HDMI) connector. In an embodiment, the second connector may include an audio connector (e.g., headphone connector, earset connector). The location or number of connection terminal modules may vary without being limited to the illustrated example.

<FIG> is an exploded view of the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG> according to an embodiment.

With reference to <FIG>, in an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may include a front plate <NUM>, a rear plate <NUM>, a lateral bezel structure <NUM>, a first support member <NUM>, a second support member <NUM>, a third support member <NUM>, a display <NUM>, a first substrate assembly <NUM>, a second substrate assembly <NUM>, a battery <NUM>, or an antenna structure <NUM>. In a certain embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may be configured to omit at least one of the above components (e.g., second support member <NUM> or third support member <NUM>) or further include other components.

The first support member <NUM> may be, for example, located inside the electronic device <NUM> and connected to the lateral bezel structure <NUM>, or may be integrally formed with the lateral bezel structure <NUM>. The first support member <NUM> may be made of, for example, a metal material and/or a non-metal material (e.g., polymer). In an embodiment, the conductive portion included in the first support member <NUM> may serve as an electromagnetic shield for the display <NUM>, the first substrate assembly <NUM>, and/or the second substrate assembly <NUM>. The first support member <NUM> and the lateral bezel structure <NUM> may be collectively referred to as a front case <NUM>. The first support member <NUM> is a part of the front case <NUM> on which components such as the display <NUM>, the first substrate assembly <NUM>, the second substrate assembly <NUM>, or the battery <NUM> are disposed, and it may contribute to durability or rigidity (e.g., torsional rigidity) of the electronic device <NUM>. In the following description, the first support member <NUM> may be referred to as a support structure (e.g., bracket, or mounting plate).

The display <NUM> may be positioned, for example, between the support structure <NUM> and the front plate <NUM>, and may be disposed on one surface of the support structure <NUM>. The first substrate assembly <NUM> and the second substrate assembly <NUM> may be positioned, for example, between the support structure <NUM> and the rear plate <NUM>, and may be disposed on the other surface of the support structure <NUM>. The battery <NUM> may be positioned, for example, between the support structure <NUM> and the rear plate <NUM>, and may be disposed on the support structure <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the first substrate assembly <NUM> may include a first printed circuit board <NUM> (e.g., printed circuit board (PCB) or printed circuit board assembly (PBA)). The first substrate assembly <NUM> may include various electronic components electrically connected to the first printed circuit board <NUM>. These electronic components may be disposed on the first printed circuit board <NUM>, or may be electrically connected to the first printed circuit board <NUM> through an electrical path such as a cable or a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB). With reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, the above electronic components may include, for example, second microphone included in the second audio module <NUM>, second speaker included in the fourth audio module <NUM>, sensor module <NUM>, first camera module <NUM>, plural second camera modules <NUM>, light emitting module <NUM>, or input module <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the second substrate assembly <NUM> may be spaced apart from the first substrate assembly <NUM> with the battery <NUM> interposed therebetween when viewed from above the front plate <NUM> (e.g., when viewed in negative z-axis direction). The second substrate assembly <NUM> may include a second printed circuit board <NUM> electrically connected to the first printed circuit board <NUM> of the first substrate assembly <NUM>. The second substrate assembly <NUM> may include various electronic components electrically connected to the second printed circuit board <NUM>. These electronic components may be disposed on the second printed circuit board <NUM> or may be electrically connected to the second printed circuit board <NUM> through an electrical path such as a cable or FPCB. With reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, the above electronic components may include, for example, first microphone included in the first audio module <NUM>, first speaker included in the third audio module <NUM>, first connector included in the first connection terminal module <NUM>, or second connector included in the second connection terminal module <NUM>.

According to a certain embodiment, the first substrate assembly <NUM> or the second substrate assembly <NUM> may include a primary PCB (or, main PCB or master PCB), a secondary PCB (or slave PCB) partially overlapping the primary PCB, and/or an interposer substrate between the master PCB and the secondary PCB.

The battery <NUM> is an equipment for supplying power to at least one component of the electronic device <NUM>, and may include, for example, a non-rechargeable primary battery, a rechargeable secondary battery, or a fuel cell. The battery <NUM> may be integrally disposed inside the electronic device <NUM> or may be disposed detachably from the electronic device <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the second support member <NUM> may be positioned between the support structure <NUM> and the rear plate <NUM>, and may be coupled to the support structure <NUM> by using a fastening element such as a bolt. At least a portion of the first substrate assembly <NUM> may be positioned between the support structure <NUM> and the second support member <NUM>, and the second support member <NUM> may cover and protect the first substrate assembly <NUM>. The third support member <NUM> may be at least partially spaced apart from the second support member <NUM> with the battery <NUM> interposed therebetween when viewed from above the rear plate <NUM> (e.g., when viewed in positive z-axis direction). The third support member <NUM> may be positioned between the support structure <NUM> and the rear plate <NUM>, and may be coupled to the support structure <NUM> by using a fastening element such as a bolt. At least a portion of the second substrate assembly <NUM> may be positioned between the support structure <NUM> and the third support member <NUM>, and the third support member <NUM> may cover and protect the second substrate assembly <NUM>. The second support member <NUM> and/or the third support member <NUM> may be made of a metal material and/or a non-metal material (e.g., polymer). In a certain embodiment, the second support member <NUM> may serve as an electromagnetic shield for the first substrate assembly <NUM>, and the third support member <NUM> may serve as an electromagnetic shield for the second substrate assembly <NUM>. In a certain embodiment, the second support member <NUM> and/or the third support member <NUM> may be referred to as a rear case.

According to a certain embodiment, an integral substrate assembly including the first substrate assembly <NUM> and the second substrate assembly <NUM> may be implemented. For example, when viewed from above the rear plate <NUM> (e.g., when viewed in positive z-axis direction), the substrate assembly may include a first part and a second part spaced apart from each other with the battery <NUM> interposed therebetween, and a third part extended between the battery <NUM> and the lateral bezel structure <NUM> and connecting the first part and the second part. In this case, an integral support member including the second support member <NUM> and the third support member <NUM> may be implemented.

According to an embodiment, the antenna structure <NUM> may be positioned between the second support member <NUM> and the rear plate <NUM>. In a certain embodiment, the antenna structure <NUM> may be positioned between the battery <NUM> and the rear plate <NUM>. The antenna structure <NUM> may be implemented in the form of a film such as FPCB. The antenna structure <NUM> may include at least one conductive pattern utilized as a loop-type radiator. For example, the at least one conductive pattern may include a planar spiral conductive pattern (e.g., planar coil, or pattern coil). In an embodiment, the at least one conductive pattern included in the antenna structure <NUM> may be electrically connected to a wireless communication circuit (or, wireless communication module) included in the first substrate assembly <NUM>. For example, the at least one conductive pattern may be utilized for short-range wireless communication such as near field communication (NFC). As another example, the at least one conductive pattern may be used for magnetic secure transmission (MST) for transmitting and/or receiving a magnetic signal. In a certain embodiment, the at least one conductive pattern included in the antenna structure <NUM> may be electrically connected to a power transceiver circuit included in the first substrate assembly <NUM>. The power transceiver circuit may use at least one conductive pattern to wirelessly receive power from an external electronic device or wirelessly transmit power to an external electronic device. The power transceiver circuit may include a power management module, and may include, for example, a power management integrated circuit (PMIC) or a charger integrated circuit (charger IC). The power transceiver circuit may charge the battery <NUM> by using power wirelessly received through the conductive pattern.

The electronic device <NUM> may further include various components according to its provision form. Although possible variations of the components according to the trend of digital convergence are too numerous to enumerate, the electronic device <NUM> may further include an element comparable to the above-described components. In various embodiments, depending on the form of provision, a specific component may be excluded from the above components or replaced with another component.

<FIG> shows a cross-sectional structure <NUM> of the y-z plane for line A-A' in <FIG> in an embodiment. <FIG> is a plan view of a front case <NUM> in <FIG> when viewed in a positive z-axis direction in one embodiment.

With reference to <FIG>, in an embodiment, the cross-sectional structure <NUM> may include a housing <NUM>, a display <NUM>, a first printed circuit board <NUM>, a flexible conductive member <NUM>, a first adhesive member <NUM>, and/or a second adhesive member <NUM>.

The housing <NUM> may include, for example, a front surface 210A of the electronic device <NUM> (see <FIG>), and a rear surface 210B of the electronic device <NUM>, and a side surface 210C surrounding at least some of the space between the front surface 210A and the rear surface 210B. The housing <NUM> may include a front plate <NUM>, a rear plate <NUM>, and a front case <NUM>. The front plate <NUM> may constitute at least a portion of the front surface 210A. The rear plate <NUM> may constitute at least a portion of the rear surface 210B. The front case <NUM> may include a lateral bezel structure <NUM> constituting at least a portion of the side surface 210C, and a support structure <NUM> positioned between the front plate <NUM> and the rear plate <NUM>. The lateral bezel structure <NUM> (see <FIG> ) may include, for example, a first bezel part <NUM>, a second bezel part <NUM>, a third bezel part <NUM>, or a fourth bezel part <NUM>. The first bezel part <NUM> and the second bezel part <NUM> may be spaced apart from each other and extended in parallel. The third bezel part <NUM> may connect one end of the first bezel part <NUM> and one end of the second bezel part <NUM>. The fourth bezel part <NUM> may connect the other end of the first bezel part <NUM> and the other end of the second bezel part <NUM>, and may be extended parallel to and spaced apart from the third bezel part <NUM>. A first corner portion C1 at which the first bezel part <NUM> and the third bezel part <NUM> are connected, a second corner portion C2 at which the first bezel part <NUM> and the fourth bezel part <NUM> are connected, a third corner portion C3 at which the second bezel part <NUM> and the third bezel part <NUM> are connected, and/or a fourth corner portion C4 at which the second bezel part <NUM> and the fourth bezel part <NUM> are connected may be formed in a round shape. The first bezel part <NUM> and the second bezel part <NUM> may have a first length extended in the x-axis direction, and the third bezel part <NUM> and the fourth bezel part <NUM> may have a second length greater than the first length and extended in the y-axis direction. In a certain embodiment, the first length and the second length may be formed to be substantially the same. The display <NUM> may be disposed on the support structure <NUM> between the support structure <NUM> and the front plate <NUM>. The first printed circuit board <NUM> may be disposed on the support structure <NUM> between the support structure <NUM> and the rear plate <NUM>. The front plate <NUM> may be coupled to the support structure <NUM> by using the first adhesive member <NUM>. The first adhesive member <NUM> may be disposed in a ring shape adjacent to the edge of the front plate <NUM>. The first adhesive member <NUM> may prevent foreign substances such as water or dust from entering the space between the front plate <NUM> and the support structure <NUM> through the space between the front plate <NUM> and the lateral bezel structure <NUM>. The rear plate <NUM> may be coupled to the support structure <NUM> by using the second adhesive member <NUM>. The second adhesive member <NUM> may be disposed in a ring shape adjacent to the edge of the rear plate <NUM>. The second adhesive member <NUM> may prevent foreign substances such as water or dust from entering the space between the rear plate <NUM> and the support structure <NUM> through the space between the rear plate <NUM> and the lateral bezel structure <NUM>. The first adhesive member <NUM> or the second adhesive member <NUM> may include, for example, heat reactive adhesive material, photoreactive adhesive material, general adhesive, or double-sided tape.

With reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, in an embodiment, the front case <NUM> may include an outer structure <NUM>, an inner structure <NUM>, a non-conductive structure <NUM>, or a seal member <NUM>. The outer structure <NUM> (or, outer metal structure, first metal structure) may include a first metal material and may constitute at least some of the side surface 210C. The inner structure <NUM> (or, inner metal structure, second metal structure) may include a second metal material different from the first metal material, and may be located in the space between the front plate <NUM> and the rear plate <NUM>. The first metal material may include, for example, titanium, amorphous alloy, metal-ceramic composite material (e.g., cermet), or stainless steel. The second metal material may include, for example, magnesium, magnesium alloy, aluminum, aluminum alloy, zinc alloy, or copper alloy. In a certain embodiment, the first metal material, as a metal material different from the second metal material, may include, for example, magnesium, magnesium alloy, aluminum, aluminum alloy, zinc alloy, or copper alloy. The first metal material or the second metal material may be various other materials. The outer structure <NUM> or the inner structure <NUM> may be formed by using various processing methods such as computer numerical control (CNC), die casting, or pressing. The non-conductive structure <NUM> may include a polymer and may be connected to the outer structure <NUM> and the inner structure <NUM>. Adhesive materials of various polymers or sealants may be positioned between the non-conductive structure <NUM> (or, polymer structure) and the outer structure <NUM> and/or between the non-conductive structure <NUM> and the inner structure <NUM>. The non-conductive structure <NUM> may include, for example, various polymers such as engineering plastic (e.g., polycarbonate (PC), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA)). As another example, the non-conductive structure <NUM> may include a material (e.g., fiber reinforced plastic (FRP)) obtained by mixing engineering plastic with various reinforcing materials such as glass fiber or carbon fiber. In an embodiment, the non-conductive structure <NUM> may include a polymer resin such as polyether ether ketone, polyphenylene sulfide, polybutylene terephthalate, polyimide, or polycarbonate. The non-conductive structure <NUM> may be formed in a state of being coupled to the inner structure <NUM> by using insert molding.

According to an embodiment, the non-conductive structure <NUM> may include an opening <NUM>. The outer structure <NUM> and the inner structure <NUM> may be electrically connected at a position overlapping with (or aligned with) the opening <NUM>. For example, when viewed from above the rear plate <NUM> (e.g., viewed in positive z-axis direction), a portion <NUM> of the outer structure <NUM> and a portion <NUM> of the inner structure <NUM> may overlap in alignment with the opening <NUM>. The portion <NUM> of the inner structure <NUM> may be positioned between the rear plate <NUM> and the portion <NUM> of the outer structure <NUM>. The portion <NUM> of the outer structure <NUM> and the portion <NUM> of the inner structure <NUM> may be in physical contact and electrically connected. In an embodiment, the portion <NUM> of the outer structure <NUM> and the portion <NUM> of the inner structure <NUM> may be electrically connected by using welding at a position overlapping with (or aligned with) the opening <NUM>. For example, the welding equipment may apply heat to the portion <NUM> of the inner structure <NUM> in the opening <NUM>, and the boundary between the portion <NUM> of the inner structure <NUM> and the portion <NUM> of the outer structure <NUM> may be melted and bonded. The welding between the portion <NUM> of the inner structure <NUM> and the portion <NUM> of the outer structure <NUM> may be performed so as to reduce the influence on the vicinity of the weld zone <NUM>. For example, welding may be performed so as not to cause deterioration of the waterproof function by ensuring that the bonding portion (or joint portion) between the inner structure <NUM> and the non-conductive structure <NUM> and/or between the outer structure <NUM> and the non-conductive structure <NUM> is not deformed or damaged due to heat from welding. For example, the portion <NUM> of the inner structure <NUM> may be formed to have a thickness of about <NUM> to about <NUM> or less (e.g., thickness in z-axis direction), and in this case, a low-power welding equipment (e.g., welding equipment using power of about <NUM> kW or less (e.g., about <NUM> kW)) capable of applying a level of heat necessary for welding between the portion <NUM> of the outer structure <NUM> and the portion <NUM> of the inner structure <NUM> may be used. Welding may be performed under a specific time condition to reduce thermal influence on the vicinity of the weld zone <NUM>. To increase the bonding force (or, binding force) (e.g., mechanical strength resistant to destruction by external forces, or environmental strength resistant to destruction by the environment (e.g., heat)) of the interface between the portion <NUM> of the outer structure <NUM> and the portion <NUM> of the inner structure <NUM>, the first metal material included in the outer structure <NUM> and the second metal material included in the inner structure <NUM> can be determined as materials having binding affinity during welding.

According to a certain embodiment, a conductive adhesive material may be positioned between the portion <NUM> of the outer structure <NUM> and the portion <NUM> of the inner structure <NUM>. The conductive adhesive material may include, for example, a heat reactive conductive adhesive material, and may be melt-bonded with the portion <NUM> of the outer structure <NUM> and the portion <NUM> of the inner structure <NUM> during welding. The conductive adhesive material may contribute to increasing the interfacial bonding force with the outer structure <NUM> and the interfacial bonding force with the inner structure <NUM> between the outer structure <NUM> and the inner structure <NUM>. The conductive adhesive material may have a lower melting point compared with the first metal material included in the outer structure <NUM> and the second metal material included in the inner structure <NUM>. The conductive adhesive material may include at least one of, for example, copper (Cu), silver paste, aluminum, silver-aluminum, carbon paste, or CNT paste (e.g., carbon nanotube paste).

According to a certain embodiment, the portion <NUM> of the outer structure <NUM> and the portion <NUM> of the inner structure <NUM> may be electrically and mechanically connected by using a bolt.

According to an embodiment, the seal member <NUM> may be positioned in the opening <NUM> of the non-conductive structure <NUM>. When a gap is generated between the inner structure <NUM> and the non-conductive structure <NUM> due to an external impact (e.g., impact due to a fall of the electronic device <NUM>), the seal member <NUM> may prevent external foreign substances such as water or dust introduced between the rear plate <NUM> and the side bezel structure <NUM> from moving into the gap. For example, the seal member550 may be formed by filling the opening <NUM> with a liquid or paste sealant such as cured-in-place gasket (CIPG) or an adhesive material and solidification thereafter. In a certain embodiment, the seal member <NUM> may include a heat-reactive material or a photo-reactive material.

According to a certain embodiment, the seal member <NUM> may include an elastic member or flexible member such as rubber elastically coupled to the opening <NUM>.

According to a certain embodiment, the seal member <NUM> may be coupled to the non-conductive structure <NUM> at the opening <NUM> through various woven structures such as a dovetail joint. Such a woven structure may contribute to preventing the sealing member <NUM> from being separated from the opening <NUM> of the non-conductive structure <NUM>.

According to a certain embodiment, when the bonding portion (or joint portion) between the inner structure <NUM> and the non-conductive structure <NUM> is implemented to reduce damage against external impact, the seal member <NUM> may be omitted. For example, an organic adhesive layer may be positioned between the inner structure <NUM> and the non-conductive structure <NUM>. The inner structure <NUM> can be firmly and tightly bonded to the non-conductive structure <NUM> formed by injection molding due to the organic adhesive layer (e.g., tri bonding). The organic adhesive layer may increase bonding strength between the inner structure <NUM> and the non-conductive structure <NUM> and may contribute to waterproofing. The organic adhesive layer may include, for example, various polymers or sealants such as triazine thiol, dithio pyrimidine, or silane-based compounds.

According to various embodiments, the second adhesive member <NUM> may be further expanded without being limited to the illustrated example. For example, the second adhesive member <NUM> may be expanded between the seal member <NUM> and the rear plate <NUM> or between the rear plate <NUM> and the lateral bezel structure <NUM>.

The electronic device <NUM> (see <FIG>) may include, for example, at least one antenna and a wireless communication circuit (e.g., wireless communication module <NUM> in <FIG>) electrically connected to the at least one antenna. The wireless communication circuit may be disposed on the first printed circuit board <NUM>. The antenna may include, for example, at least one antenna radiator, a ground, or a transmission line. The at least one antenna radiator may form an electromagnetic field capable of transmitting and/or receiving signals of at least one frequency in a selected or designated frequency band when a radiation current is supplied by the wireless communication circuit. The at least one antenna radiator may include a conductive pattern located or included in the housing <NUM>, or a conductive pattern located inside the electronic device <NUM> (e.g., laser direct structured (LDS) form, flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) form, form realized by plating or printing, microstrip located on the first printed circuit board <NUM>). The wireless communication circuit may process a transmission signal or a reception signal in at least one designated frequency band through the at least one antenna radiator. The designated frequency band may include, for example, low band (LB, about <NUM> to about <NUM>), middle band (MB, about <NUM> to about <NUM>), high band (HB, about <NUM> to about <NUM>), ultra-high band (UHB, about <NUM> to about <NUM>), or various other frequency bands. The transmission line electrically connects the wireless communication circuit and the at least one antenna radiator, and may transmit a radio frequency (RF) signal (voltage, current). The transmission line may include, for example, electrical paths implemented with various types of conductive structures or wires connecting the wireless communication circuit and the at least one antenna radiator. The ground (or, antenna ground) may include, for example, a ground (e.g., ground plane) located or included in the first printed circuit board <NUM>. The antenna may include a frequency adjustment circuit (e.g., matching circuit) connected to the transmission line between the at least one antenna radiator and the wireless communication circuit. The frequency adjustment circuit may include an electrical element having components such as inductance, capacitance, or conductance acting on the transmission line.

The outer structure <NUM> (see <FIG> ) may include, for example, a first conductive portion <NUM>, a second conductive portion <NUM>, a third conductive portion <NUM>, a fourth conductive portion <NUM>, and a fifth conductive portion <NUM>, which are disposed in the non-conductive structure <NUM> and physically separated from each other. The non-conductive structure <NUM> (see <FIG>) may include a first insulating portion <NUM> extended to a cut-off portion between the first conductive portion <NUM> and the second conductive portion <NUM>, a second insulating portion <NUM> extended to a cut-off portion between the second conductive portion <NUM> and the third conductive portion <NUM>, a third insulating portion <NUM> extended to a cut-off portion between the third conductive portion <NUM> and the fourth conductive portion <NUM>, a fourth insulating portion <NUM> extended to a cut-off portion between the fourth conductive portion <NUM> and the fifth conductive portion <NUM>, and a fifth insulating portion <NUM> extended to a cut-off portion between the fifth conductive portion <NUM> and the first conductive portion <NUM>. The first insulating portion <NUM>, the second insulating portion <NUM>, the third insulating portion <NUM>, the fourth insulating portion <NUM>, and the fifth insulating portion <NUM> may constitute a portion of the side surface 210C (see <FIG> ). The shape or number of conductive portions included in the outer structure <NUM> may vary without being limited to the illustrated example. In an embodiment, at least a portion of the outer structure <NUM> may be electrically connected to the wireless communication circuit (e.g., wireless communication module <NUM> in <FIG>) to operate as an antenna radiator. For example, the cross-sectional structure <NUM> of <FIG> may include a part of the front case <NUM> indicated by reference symbol 'B' in <FIG>, and the antenna radiator electrically connected to the wireless communication circuit may include the first conductive portion <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the flexible conductive member <NUM> may electrically connect the inner structure <NUM> and the first printed circuit board <NUM>. For example, the flexible conductive member <NUM> may include a conductive clip (e.g., conductive member including an elastic structure) and may be disposed on the first printed circuit board <NUM>. As another example, the flexible conductive member <NUM> may be located in the inner structure <NUM>. The flexible conductive member <NUM> may be implemented as various other forms not being limited to the illustrated example, such as pogo pin, spring, conductive poron, conductive rubber, conductive tape, or conductive connector. The wireless communication circuit disposed on the first printed circuit board <NUM> may be electrically connected to the outer structure <NUM> through the flexible conductive member <NUM> and the inner structure <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the inner structure <NUM> may include a first part <NUM> electrically connected to the outer structure <NUM> and the flexible conductive member <NUM>, and a second part <NUM> physically separated from the first part <NUM>. The first part <NUM> may include the portion <NUM> electrically connected to the portion <NUM> of the outer structure <NUM> at a position overlapping with (or, aligned with) the opening <NUM> of the non-conductive structure <NUM>. The flexible conductive member <NUM> may electrically connect the first part <NUM> and the first printed circuit board <NUM>. The wireless communication circuit disposed on the first printed circuit board <NUM> may be electrically connected to the outer structure <NUM> through the first part <NUM>. The first part <NUM> and the flexible conductive member <NUM> may be a part of the transmission line.

According to an embodiment, an oxide layer of a non-conductive material may be formed on the surface of the inner structure <NUM> not covered by the non-conductive structure <NUM> or the outer structure <NUM> by using anodic oxidation or anodizing. An oxide layer of a non-conductive material may be applied to the surface of the inner structure <NUM> by passing an electric current through an electrolyte solution (e.g., sulfuric acid solution, nitric acid solution). The oxide layer of a non-conductive material is a coating layer for protecting the inner structure <NUM> from the outside, and may increase surface strength or prevent corrosion of the inner structure <NUM> for example. In this case, a portion of the oxide layer of a non-conductive material may be removed in correspondence to a region of the first part <NUM> of the inner structure <NUM> with which the flexible conductive member <NUM> comes into physical contact.

According to an embodiment, the second part <NUM> of the inner structure <NUM> may be electrically connected to the first printed circuit board <NUM>. The second part <NUM> may be electrically connected to the ground included in the first printed circuit board <NUM>. Between the second part <NUM> and the first printed circuit board <NUM>, a flexible conductive member (e.g., C-clip, pogo pin, spring, conductive poron, conductive rubber, conductive tape, or conductive connector) or a conductive adhesive material may be positioned. The second part <NUM> of the inner structure <NUM> electrically connected to the ground included in the first printed circuit board <NUM> may serve as an electromagnetic shielding structure (or, ground structure) for reducing electromagnetic influence (e.g., electromagnetic interference (EMI)) on the components included in the electronic device <NUM> (see <FIG>). The second part <NUM> of the inner structure <NUM> may reduce, for example, the influence of electromagnetic noise (e.g., EMI) generated inside the electronic device <NUM> or introduced from the outside of the electronic device <NUM> on the first printed circuit board <NUM> and/or the display <NUM>. The second part <NUM> of the inner structure <NUM> may reduce electromagnetic interference between, for example, the first printed circuit board <NUM> and the display <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, a coating layer may be disposed on the surface of the outer structure <NUM> not covered by the non-conductive structure <NUM> and the inner structure <NUM> (e.g., region of the outer structure <NUM> constituting the side surface 210C). The coating layer may increase surface strength or prevent corrosion of the outer structure <NUM>. The coating layer may improve aesthetics of the outer structure <NUM>. For example, the coating layer may be formed by using plating. As another example, the coating layer may include an oxide layer of a non-conductive material formed through anodic oxidation or anodizing.

According to an embodiment, in the case of surface treatment of the outer structure <NUM> or the inner structure <NUM> by use of anodizing, the non-conductive structure <NUM> may include a material that is not substantially affected by anodizing. For example, the non-conductive structure <NUM> may include a polymer having heat resistance and acid resistance to anodizing. In a certain embodiment, the surface of the non-conductive structure <NUM> may be coated using a paint, and this paint may have heat resistance and acid resistance so as not to be substantially affected during anodizing.

According to an embodiment, the non-conductive structure <NUM> may include a first side border portion <NUM> extended between the outer structure <NUM> and the front plate <NUM> to constitute a portion of the side surface 210C. The first side border portion <NUM> may be disposed in a ring shape along the edge of the front plate <NUM>. The non-conductive structure <NUM> may include a second side border portion <NUM> extended between the outer structure <NUM> and the rear plate <NUM> to constitute a portion of the side surface 210C. The second side border portion <NUM> may be disposed in a ring shape along the edge of the rear plate <NUM>. In a certain embodiment, the first side border portion <NUM> and/or the second side border portion <NUM> may be implemented as a different non-conductive structure separated from the non-conductive structure <NUM>, and may be disposed on the outer structure <NUM>. For example, the side border portion (e.g., first side border portion <NUM> or second side border portion <NUM>) separated from the non-conductive structure <NUM> may be formed in a form coupled to the outer structure <NUM> by using insert injection molding. As another example, the side border portion separated from the non-conductive structure <NUM> may be separately formed and coupled to the outer structure <NUM>. In a certain embodiment, the first side border portion <NUM> may be formed in a form coupled to the front plate <NUM> through insert injection molding, or may be formed separately and coupled to the front plate <NUM>. In a certain embodiment, the second side border portion <NUM> may be formed in a form coupled to the rear plate <NUM> through insert injection molding, or may be formed separately and coupled to the rear plate <NUM>. In a certain embodiment, the first side border portion <NUM> or the second side border portion <NUM> may be omitted, and the outer structure <NUM> may be expanded correspondingly.

According to an embodiment, the current carrying structure shown in <FIG> may be applied to a portion indicated by reference symbol 'C', 'D' or 'E' in <FIG>. According to the above current carrying structure, the first printed circuit board <NUM> may be electrically connected to the outer structure <NUM> through the first part <NUM> of the inner structure <NUM>, and the first part <NUM> of the inner structure <NUM> and the outer structure <NUM> may be electrically connected at a position overlapping with (or, aligned with) the opening <NUM> of the non-conductive structure <NUM>. For example, due to the current carrying structure applied to the portion indicated by reference symbol 'C', the first conductive portion <NUM> of the outer structure <NUM> may be electrically connected to the wireless communication circuit or ground disposed on the first printed circuit board <NUM>. For example, due to one of the current carrying structure applied to the portion indicated by reference symbol 'D' and the current carrying structure applied to the portion indicated by reference symbol 'E', the second conductive portion <NUM> of the outer structure <NUM> may be electrically connected to the wireless communication circuit disposed on the first printed circuit board <NUM> to operate as an antenna radiator. Due to the other of the current carrying structure applied to the portion indicated by reference symbol 'D' and the current carrying structure applied to the portion indicated by reference symbol 'E', the second conductive portion <NUM> of the outer structure <NUM> may be electrically connected to the ground disposed on the first printed circuit board <NUM>. The position or number of current carrying structures presented in <FIG> may vary without being limited to the illustrated example.

<FIG> is an enlarged view of a portion indicated by reference symbol 'B', 'C', 'D' or 'E' in <FIG>, for example. <FIG> is a perspective view of the portion indicated by reference symbol 'B', 'C', 'D' or 'E' in <FIG>, for example. <FIG> shows the outer structure <NUM> and the inner structure <NUM> at the portion indicated by reference symbol 'B', 'C', 'D' or 'E' in <FIG>, for example.

With reference to <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, the inner structure <NUM> may include a first part <NUM> and a second part <NUM> that are physically separated. The portion <NUM> of the first part <NUM> and the portion <NUM> of the outer structure <NUM> may overlap in alignment with the opening <NUM> of the non-conductive structure <NUM>, and may be electrically connected. The portion <NUM> of the first part <NUM> is a portion that receives heat directly from the welding equipment and may be exposed through the opening <NUM> of the non-conductive structure <NUM>. The opening <NUM> of the non-conductive structure <NUM> may contribute to facilitating access of the welding equipment in an operation of electrically and mechanically connecting the portion <NUM> of the first part <NUM> and the portion <NUM> of the outer structure <NUM>, and to forming a firm weld zone <NUM> (see <FIG>). Depending on the location where the welding equipment applies heat to the portion <NUM> of the first part <NUM> exposed through the opening <NUM> of the non-conductive structure <NUM>, the shape of the weld zone <NUM> based on the welding point between the outer structure <NUM> and the first part <NUM> may vary. In the illustrated example, the opening <NUM> is formed in the non-conductive structure <NUM>, and the inner surface of the opening <NUM> may be formed as a non-conductive surface. In a certain embodiment, without being limited to the illustrated example, the opening <NUM> may be formed by at least some of the outer structure <NUM>, the inner structure <NUM>, or the non-conductive structure <NUM> or may be formed by a combination thereof, and the outer structure <NUM>, the inner structure <NUM>, or the non-conductive structure <NUM> may be deformed into a shape different from the illustrated example. In this case, at least a portion of the inner surface of the opening <NUM> may be formed by at least some of the first part <NUM>, the second part <NUM>, or the outer structure <NUM>, or may be formed by a combination thereof. For example, the first part <NUM> may be expanded to include the opening <NUM>. As another example, the outer structure <NUM> may be expanded to include the opening <NUM>, and in this case, the portion <NUM> of the outer structure <NUM> may be positioned between the opening <NUM> and the portion <NUM> of the first part <NUM>.

<FIG> is a perspective view of a portion indicated by reference symbol 'F' in <FIG>, for example. <FIG> shows the outer structure <NUM> and the inner structure <NUM> at the portion indicated by reference symbol 'F' in <FIG>, for example.

With reference to <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, in an embodiment, the inner structure <NUM> may include a third part <NUM> extended from the second part <NUM>. The portion <NUM> of the outer structure <NUM> and the portion <NUM> of the third part <NUM> may overlap in alignment with the opening <NUM> of the non-conductive structure <NUM>. In an embodiment, the portion <NUM> of the third part <NUM> may be inserted into a hole (e.g., side hole) (not shown) formed in the non-conductive structure <NUM>, and the hole may be connected to the opening <NUM>. The portion <NUM> of the outer structure <NUM> and the portion <NUM> of the third part <NUM> may be electrically and mechanically connected at a position overlapping with (or, aligned with) the opening <NUM> by using welding. The mechanical connection of the outer structure <NUM> and the inner structure <NUM> may constitute an integral structure, which can contribute to durability or rigidity (e.g., torsional rigidity) of the front case <NUM> (see <FIG>). The current carrying structure between the outer structure <NUM> and the inner structure <NUM> may be applied to the portion indicated by reference symbol 'G' in <FIG>. The position or number of current carrying structures between the outer structure <NUM> and the inner structure <NUM> presented in <FIG> may vary without being limited to the illustrated example. In various embodiments, the front case <NUM> may include a seal member positioned at the opening <NUM>. When a gap is generated between the inner structure <NUM> and the non-conductive structure <NUM> due to an external impact (e.g., impact due to a fall of the electronic device <NUM>), the seal member (e.g., seal member <NUM> in <FIG>) may prevent foreign substances such as water or dust from moving into the gap.

<FIG> illustrates a manufacturing flow <NUM> of the front case <NUM> in <FIG> according to an embodiment. <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG> are reference drawings for explaining the manufacturing flow <NUM> of <FIG>, for example.

With reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, at operation <NUM>, an outer structure <NUM> may be formed. The outer structure <NUM> may include, for example, at least one of a first conductive portion <NUM>, a second conductive portion <NUM>, a third conductive portion <NUM>, a fourth conductive portion <NUM>, or a fifth conductive portion <NUM>. In the illustrated example, the outer structure <NUM> includes a plurality of conductive portions <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> that are physically separated from each other, but without being limited thereto, the outer structure <NUM> may be implemented in an integral form without a cut-off portion or having one cut-off portion. With reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, at operation <NUM>, an inner structure <NUM> may be formed. The outer structure <NUM> may include a first metal material, and the inner structure <NUM> may include a second metal material different from the first metal material. For operation <NUM> or operation <NUM>, various treatment methods such as CNC, die casting, or pressing may be used.

With reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, at operation <NUM>, a non-conductive structure <NUM> coupled to the inner structure <NUM> may be formed. For operation <NUM>, insert injection molding may be used, for example. In a certain embodiment, an organic adhesive layer may be positioned between the inner structure <NUM> and the non-conductive structure <NUM>. The inner structure <NUM> may be firmly and tightly bonded to the non-conductive structure <NUM> formed by injection molding due to the organic adhesive layer.

With reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, at operation <NUM>, the outer structure <NUM> may be coupled to the non-conductive structure <NUM>. The non-conductive structure <NUM> may include a first insulating portion <NUM>, a second insulating portion <NUM>, a third insulating portion <NUM>, a fourth insulating portion <NUM>, and a fifth insulating portion <NUM>, each of which is extended to the cut-off portion between two adjacent conductive portions of the outer structure <NUM>. An adhesive material of various polymers or a sealant may be positioned between the outer structure <NUM> and the non-conductive structure <NUM>. <FIG> illustrates the first conductive portion <NUM>, the second conductive portion <NUM>, the inner structure <NUM>, and the non-conductive structure <NUM> in an embodiment. <FIG> illustrates the third conductive portion <NUM>, the inner structure <NUM>, and the non-conductive structure <NUM> in an embodiment. With reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, the non-conductive structure <NUM> may include a first recess <NUM> into which the first conductive portion <NUM> can be fitted, a second recess <NUM> into which the second conductive portion <NUM> can be fitted, and a third recess <NUM> into which the third conductive portion <NUM> can be fitted. The non-conductive structure <NUM> may include a fourth recess <NUM> into which the fourth conductive portion <NUM> (see <FIG>) can be fitted. Although not shown, the non-conductive structure <NUM> may include a fifth recess into which the fifth conductive portion <NUM> (see <FIG>) can be fitted. The non-conductive structure <NUM> may include a ring-shaped first side border portion <NUM> that is extended between the outer structure <NUM> and the front plate <NUM> (see <FIG>) to constitute a portion of the side surface 210C (see <FIG>). The non-conductive structure <NUM> may include a ring-shaped second side border portion <NUM> that is extended between the outer structure <NUM> and the rear plate <NUM> (see <FIG>) to constitute a portion of the side surface 210C (see <FIG>).

According to a certain embodiment, the first side border portion <NUM> and/or the second side border portion <NUM> may be disposed on the outer structure <NUM> as a different non-conductive structure separated from the non-conductive structure <NUM>. Compared to an example in which the non-conductive structure <NUM> includes a side border portion (see <FIG>), an example of disposing a side border portion (e.g., first side border portion <NUM>, second side border portion <NUM>) separated from the non-conductive structure <NUM> on the outer structure <NUM> can reduce appearance defects that may cause the side surface 210C (see <FIG> ) not to be smooth due to a positional deviation (or positional tolerance) between the outer structure <NUM> and the non-conductive structure <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, at operation <NUM>, the outer structure <NUM> and the inner structure <NUM> may be electrically connected by using the opening of the non-conductive structure <NUM>. With reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, for example, the non-conductive structure <NUM> may include an opening <NUM> overlapping with a portion <NUM> of the inner structure <NUM> (e.g., first part <NUM> in <FIG>), and the portion <NUM> of the inner structure <NUM> may be exposed through the opening <NUM>. The first conductive portion <NUM> may be fitted into the first recess <NUM> of the non-conductive structure <NUM>. A portion <NUM> of the first conductive portion <NUM> may face the portion <NUM> of the inner structure <NUM>, and the portion <NUM> of the first conductive portion <NUM> and the portion <NUM> of the inner structure <NUM> may overlap each other in alignment with the opening <NUM>. A welding equipment <NUM> can be inserted into the opening <NUM> to apply heat to the portion <NUM> of the inner structure <NUM>, and the boundary between the portion <NUM> of the inner structure <NUM> and the portion <NUM> of the first conductive portion <NUM> may be melted to form electrical and mechanical connections. Although not shown, the second conductive portion <NUM>, the third conductive portion <NUM>, the fourth conductive portion <NUM>, or the fifth conductive portion <NUM> shown in <FIG> may be electrically and mechanically connected to the inner structure <NUM> in a manner substantially identical to the current carrying structure shown in <FIG>.

According to an embodiment, at operation <NUM>, a seal member (e.g., seal member <NUM> in <FIG>) disposed in the opening (e.g., opening <NUM> in <FIG> or <FIG>) of the non-conductive structure <NUM> may be formed. In a certain embodiment, the front case <NUM> may be implemented without a seal member disposed in the opening, in which case operation <NUM> may be skipped.

According to various embodiments, the manufacturing flow <NUM> of <FIG> may further include an operation related to outer shape processing, an operation related to surface treatment such as coating or anodizing, or various other processing operations. For example, the manufacturing flow <NUM> of <FIG> may further include an operation of forming an oxide layer of a non-conductive material by applying anodic oxidation or anodizing to the surface of the inner structure <NUM>. The manufacturing flow <NUM> of <FIG> may further include an operation of removing a portion of the oxide layer of a non-conductive material in correspondence to the region of the first part <NUM> (see <FIG>) of the inner structure <NUM> with which the flexible conductive member <NUM> (see <FIG>) comes into physical contact. For example, the manufacturing flow <NUM> of <FIG> may further include an operation of forming a coating layer on the surface of the outer structure <NUM> (e.g., region of the outer structure <NUM> constituting the side surface 210C). For example, the coating layer may be formed by using plating. As another example, the coating layer may include an oxide layer of a non-conductive material formed through anodic oxidation or anodizing. In a certain embodiment, the outer structure formed at operation <NUM> may require outer shape processing and may be provided in a form different from the outer structure <NUM> shown in <FIG>, in which case operation <NUM> may be differently referred to as an operation of forming a first metal structure, a first metal part, an outer metal structure, or an outer metal part. In a certain embodiment, the inner structure formed at operation <NUM> may require outer shape processing and may be provided in a form different from the inner structure <NUM> shown in <FIG>, in which case operation <NUM> may be differently referred to as an operation of forming a second metal structure, a second metal part, an inner metal structure, or an inner metal part. For example, with reference to <FIG>, outer shape processing may be performed to separate the first part <NUM> and the second part <NUM> of the inner structure <NUM>. In a certain embodiment, the non-conductive structure formed at operation <NUM> may require outer shape processing and may be provided in a form different from the non-conductive structure <NUM> shown in <FIG>, in which case operation <NUM> may be differently referred to as an operation of forming a non-metal structure or a non-metal part.

<FIG> shows a cross-sectional structure <NUM> of a y-z plane for line A-A' in <FIG> in another embodiment.

With reference to <FIG>, the cross-sectional structure <NUM> may include a housing <NUM>, a display <NUM>, a first printed circuit board <NUM>, a flexible conductive member <NUM>, a first adhesive member <NUM>, and/or a second adhesive member <NUM>. The housing <NUM> may include a front plate <NUM>, a rear plate <NUM>, and a front case <NUM>. The front case <NUM> may include an outer structure <NUM>, an inner structure <NUM>, a non-conductive structure <NUM>, or a seal member <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the seal member <NUM> may be coupled to the non-conductive structure <NUM> in a woven structure like a dovetail joint in the opening <NUM> of the non-conductive structure <NUM>. For example, the seal member <NUM> may include a protrusion (e.g., locking portion such as a hook (not shown)), and the opening <NUM> of the non-conductive structure <NUM> may include a shape (e.g., undercut structure <NUM>) corresponding to the protrusion of the seal member <NUM>. The woven structure may contribute to preventing the seal member <NUM> from being separated from the opening <NUM> of the non-conductive structure <NUM>. For example, the non-conductive structure <NUM> may be implemented to include an opening <NUM> having the undercut structure <NUM> by using insert injection molding. As another example, after insert injection molding, outer shape processing may be performed for the undercut structure <NUM>. For example, the seal member <NUM> may be formed by filling the opening <NUM> with a liquid or paste sealant such as CIPG or adhesive material and solidification thereafter. As another example, the seal member <NUM> may be fabricated in a form including a protrusion corresponding to the undercut structure <NUM> and then coupled to the opening <NUM>. In this case, the seal member <NUM> may include an elastic member or flexible member such as rubber elastically coupled to the opening <NUM>.

<FIG> and <FIG> illustrate cross-sectional structures for explaining the manufacturing flow of the front case <NUM> in <FIG> in another embodiment.

With reference to <FIG>, an outer metal part <NUM> for the outer structure <NUM> in <FIG>, an inner metal part <NUM> for the inner structure <NUM> in <FIG>, and a non-metal part <NUM> for the non-conductive structure <NUM> in <FIG> can be combined to form a first structure <NUM>. A portion <NUM> of the outer metal part <NUM> and a portion <NUM> of the inner metal part <NUM> may overlap at a position aligned with the opening <NUM> of the non-metal part <NUM>, and may be electrically and mechanically connected by using a welding equipment <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, a second structure <NUM> may be formed by cutting the outer metal part <NUM> and the non-metal part <NUM> of the first structure <NUM> in a form having the side surface (e.g., side surface 210C in <FIG>) of the electronic device <NUM> by using an outer shape processing equipment <NUM>. Compared to the method in which the outer structure <NUM> is coupled to the non-conductive structure <NUM> according to the example of <FIG>, the example of <FIG> and <FIG> can reduce appearance defects that may cause the side surface 210C not to be smooth due to a positional deviation (or positional tolerance) between the outer structure <NUM> and the non-conductive structure <NUM>. In a certain embodiment, after outer shape processing of the outer metal part <NUM> and the non-metal part <NUM> of the first structure <NUM>, the outer metal part <NUM> and the inner metal part <NUM> may be welded.

<FIG> shows a cross-sectional structure <NUM> of a part of the front case <NUM> in <FIG> in another embodiment.

With reference to <FIG>, the cross-sectional structure <NUM> may include an outer structure <NUM> (e.g., outer structure <NUM> in <FIG>), an inner structure <NUM> (e.g., inner structure <NUM> in <FIG>), a non-conductive structure <NUM>, and a flexible conductive member <NUM>. In an embodiment, the flexible conductive member <NUM> may, in place of the weld zone <NUM> in <FIG>, be positioned between a portion <NUM> of the outer structure <NUM> and the inner structure <NUM>. In this case, compared to the non-conductive structure <NUM> according to the example of <FIG>, the non-conductive structure <NUM> may be implemented without an opening. The flexible conductive member <NUM> is not limited to the illustrated conductive clip (e.g., conductive member including an elastic structure), and may include various other forms such as pogo pin, spring, conductive poron, conductive rubber, conductive tape, or conductive connector. In a certain embodiment, a conductive adhesive material may replace the flexible conductive member <NUM>.

<FIG> or <FIG> shows a cross-sectional structure of ultrasonic welding between the outer structure <NUM> and the inner structure <NUM> as another embodiment modified from the example of <FIG>.

With reference to <FIG>, for example, a part <NUM> of the outer structure <NUM> may include an uneven portion <NUM> facing a part <NUM> of the inner structure <NUM>. When ultrasonic vibration is applied, frictional heat between the uneven portion <NUM> of the outer structure <NUM> and the part <NUM> of the inner structure <NUM> may cause the part <NUM> of the outer structure <NUM> and the part <NUM> of the inner structure <NUM> to be electrically and mechanically connected. The uneven portion <NUM> may contribute to forming a firm weld zone.

As another example, with reference to <FIG>, a part <NUM> of the inner structure <NUM> may include an uneven portion <NUM> facing a part <NUM> of the outer structure <NUM>. When ultrasonic vibration is applied, frictional heat between the part <NUM> of the outer structure <NUM> and the uneven portion <NUM> of the inner structure <NUM> may cause the part <NUM> of the outer structure <NUM> and the part <NUM> of the inner structure <NUM> to be electrically and mechanically connected. The uneven portion <NUM> may contribute to forming a firm weld zone. In a certain embodiment, the uneven portion may be formed in both the part <NUM> of the outer structure <NUM> and the part <NUM> of the inner structure <NUM>.

According to an embodiment of this document, an electronic device (e.g., electronic device <NUM> in <FIG>) may include a housing (e.g., housing <NUM> in <FIG>). The housing may include a front surface (e.g., front surface 210A in <FIG>) of the electronic device, a rear surface (e.g., rear surface 210B in <FIG>) of the electronic device, and a side surface (e.g., side surface 210C in <FIG>) that at least partially surrounds the space between the front surface and the rear surface. The electronic device may include a display (e.g., display <NUM> in <FIG>) positioned in the space, and at least some of the display may be seen through the front surface. The housing may include an outer structure (e.g., outer structure <NUM> in <FIG> constituting at least a portion of the side surface, and the outer structure may include a first metal material. The housing may include an inner structure (e.g., inner structure <NUM> in <FIG>) positioned in the space, and the inner structure may include a second metal material different from the first metal material. The housing may include a non-conductive structure (e.g., non-conductive structure <NUM> in <FIG>) connected to the outer structure and the inner structure, and may include a polymer. The outer structure and the inner structure may be electrically connected at a position overlapping with an opening (e.g., opening <NUM> in <FIG>) formed in the non-conductive structure.

According to an embodiment of this document, the electronic device may further include a seal member (e.g., sealing member <NUM> in <FIG>) positioned in the opening (e.g., opening <NUM> in <FIG>).

According to an embodiment of this document, a portion (e.g., reference numeral <NUM> in <FIG>) of the outer structure and a portion (e.g., reference numeral <NUM> in <FIG>) of the inner structure may overlap in alignment with the opening (e.g., opening <NUM> in <FIG>) and may be electrically connected.

According to an embodiment of this document, the outer structure (e.g., outer structure <NUM> in <FIG>) and the inner structure (e.g., inner structure <NUM> in <FIG>) may be electrically connected by using welding at a position overlapping with the opening (e.g., opening <NUM> in <FIG>).

According to an embodiment of this document, the seal member (e.g., seal member <NUM> in <FIG>) may be coupled to the non-conductive structure (e.g., non-conductive structure <NUM> in <FIG>) through a dovetail joint in the opening (e.g., opening <NUM> in <FIG>).

According to an embodiment of this document, the electronic device (e.g., electronic device <NUM> in <FIG>) may further include a wireless communication circuit (e.g., wireless communication module <NUM> in <FIG>) electrically connected to the outer structure (e.g., outer structure <NUM> in <FIG>) through the inner structure (e.g., inner structure <NUM> in <FIG>).

According to an embodiment of this document, the inner structure (e.g., inner structure <NUM> in <FIG>) may include a first part (e.g., first part <NUM> in <FIG>) electrically connected to the outer structure (e.g., outer structure <NUM> in <FIG>), and a second part (e.g., second part <NUM> in <FIG>) physically separated from the first part.

According to an embodiment of this document, the electronic device (e.g., electronic device <NUM> in <FIG>) may include a wireless communication circuit (e.g., wireless communication module <NUM> in <FIG>) electrically connected to the outer structure (e.g., outer structure <NUM> in <FIG>) through the first part (e.g., first part <NUM> in <FIG>).

According to an embodiment of this document, the electronic device (e.g., electronic device <NUM> in <FIG>) may further include a printed circuit board (e.g., first printed circuit board <NUM> in <FIG>) positioned in the space, and the wireless communication circuit (e.g., wireless communication module <NUM> in <FIG>) may be disposed on the printed circuit board. The electronic device may further include a flexible conductive member (e.g., flexible conductive member <NUM> in <FIG>) electrically connecting the first part (e.g., first part <NUM> in <FIG>) and the printed circuit board (e.g., first printed circuit board <NUM> in <FIG>).

According to an embodiment of this document, the housing (e.g., housing <NUM> in <FIG>) may include a front plate (e.g., front plate <NUM> in <FIG>) constituting the front surface, and a rear plate (e.g., rear plate <NUM> in <FIG>) constituting the rear surface. The non-conductive structure (e.g., non-conductive structure <NUM> in <FIG>) may be extended between the outer structure (e.g., outer structure <NUM> in <FIG>) and the front plate or between the outer structure and the rear plate to constitute a portion of the side surface (e.g., side surface 210C in <FIG>) (e.g., see first side border portion <NUM> or second side border portion <NUM> in <FIG>).

According to another embodiment of this document, the housing may include a front plate constituting the front surface and a rear plate constituting the rear surface. The housing may further include another non-conductive structure that is extended between the outer structure and the front plate or between the outer structure and the rear plate to constitute a portion of the side surface and is disposed on the outer structure.

According to an embodiment of this document, the non-conductive structure (e.g., non-conductive structure <NUM> in <FIG>) may be disposed on the inner structure (e.g., inner structure <NUM> in <FIG>) by using insert injection molding.

According to an embodiment of this document, the electronic device (e.g., electronic device <NUM> in <FIG>) may further include a sealant positioned at least partially between the inner structure (e.g., inner structure <NUM> in <FIG>) and the non-conductive structure (e.g., non-conductive structure <NUM> in <FIG>).

According to an embodiment of this document, the electronic device (e.g., electronic device <NUM> in <FIG>) may further include a sealant positioned at least partially between the outer structure (e.g., outer structure <NUM> in <FIG>) and the non-conductive structure (e.g., non-conductive structure <NUM> in <FIG>).

According to an embodiment of this document, the first metal material or the second metal material may include magnesium, magnesium alloy, aluminum, aluminum alloy, zinc alloy, or copper alloy.

According to an embodiment of this document, the first metal material may include titanium, amorphous alloy, metal-ceramic composite material, or stainless steel.

According to an embodiment of this document, a method for manufacturing a housing of an electronic device (e.g., manufacturing flow <NUM> in <FIG>) may include: forming an outer structure including a first metal material (e.g., operation <NUM> in <FIG>); forming an inner structure including a second metal material different from the first metal material (e.g., operation <NUM> in <FIG>); forming a non-conductive structure including a polymer and coupled to the inner structure (e.g., operation <NUM> in <FIG>); coupling the outer structure to the non-conductive structure (e.g., operation <NUM> in <FIG>); and electrically connecting the outer structure and the inner structure at a position overlapping with an opening formed in the non-conductive structure (e.g., operation <NUM> in <FIG>).

According to an embodiment of this document, the outer structure and the inner structure may be electrically connected through welding at a position overlapping with the opening.

Claim 1:
An electronic device (<NUM>) comprising:
a housing (<NUM>) that includes a front surface (210A) of the electronic device (<NUM>), a rear surface (210B) of the electronic device (<NUM>), and a side surface (210C) at least partially surrounding a space between the front surface (210A) and the rear surface (210B); and
a display (<NUM>) positioned in the space and at least partially viewed through the front surface (210A),
wherein the housing (<NUM>) includes:
an outer structure (<NUM>) including a first metal material and constituting at least a portion of the side surface (210C);
an inner structure (<NUM>) including a second metal material different from the first metal material and positioned in the space; and
a non-conductive structure (<NUM>) including a polymer and connected to the outer structure (<NUM>) and the inner structure (<NUM>),
wherein the outer structure (<NUM>) and the inner structure (<NUM>) are electrically connected at a position overlapping with an opening (<NUM>, <NUM>) formed in the non-conductive structure (<NUM>).