Patent Description:
Electronic devices, for example, portable electronic devices have been released in various sizes according to functions thereof and user preferences, and may include a large-screen touch display for securing wide visibility and convenience of operation. The electronic device may include at least one camera module as seen for example in <CIT>, <CIT> and <CIT>. For example, the electronic device may include at least one camera module disposed around the display or through at least a portion of the display.

An electronic device may include a display that may be viewed from the outside through at least a portion of a cover member (e.g., front plate, glass window, or front cover). In order to meet a demand for a large screen, an area of the display may be gradually expanded so as to be exposed through substantially an entire area of the cover member (e.g., front cover). In response to the expansion of the display area, a disposition structure of various electronic components, for example, at least one camera module disposed through the cover member may also be changed accordingly. When the camera module is disposed in an area (e.g., black matrix (BM) area or inactive area) other than the display area of the cover member, there may be a limitation in expanding the display area.

In order to promote the expansion of the display area and to smoothly dispose electronic components, the display may include an opening (e.g., punch hole or perforation hole) formed at a position facing a camera module. The camera module may perform a function thereof through the opening of the display and through a camera exposure area (formed by a printing area) formed in the cover member. A size of the camera exposure area may be determined by the size of an outer diameter of a barrel member of the camera module including a plurality of lenses. However, the barrel member supporting the lenses may have a limit in reducing an overall outer diameter thereof due to a limited design structure of a thickness thereof supporting the lens, and as a result, it may be difficult to reduce a camera exposure area formed in the cover member.

According to the present invention , there is provided an electronic device including a camera module.

According to various embodiments, there may be provided an electronic device including a camera module configured to have a relatively small camera exposure area (e.g., print area) even with the same angle of view.

According to various embodiments, there may be provided an electronic device including a camera module that can help expand a display area by having a relatively small camera exposure area.

According to to the present invention, an electronic device is provided as defined in independent claim <NUM>, with preferred embodiments set out in the dependent claims <NUM> to <NUM>.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, because a camera module is disposed under a display panel and an opening is not formed in the corresponding area, it may be advantageous for producing the display panel, and a light blocking member for performing an aperture function is disposed in a display, and because a size of the light blocking member is determined through a distance from a camera module and a preset angle of view, a camera exposure area visible from the outside can be reduced.

In connection with the description of the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals may be used for the same or similar components.

<FIG> illustrates a perspective view showing a front surface of a mobile electronic device according to an embodiment of the disclosure, and <FIG> illustrates a perspective view showing a rear surface of the mobile electronic device shown in <FIG> according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

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

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

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

The display <NUM> may be exposed through a substantial portion of the front plate <NUM>, for example. At least a part of the display <NUM> may be exposed through the front plate <NUM> that forms the first surface 110A and the first region 110D of the lateral surface 110C. The display <NUM> may be combined with, or adjacent to, a touch sensing circuit, a pressure sensor capable of measuring the touch strength (pressure), and/or a digitizer for detecting a stylus pen. At least a part of the sensor modules <NUM> and <NUM> and/or at least a part of the key input device <NUM> may be disposed in the first region 110D and/or the second region 110E.

The input device <NUM> may include a microphone <NUM>. The input device <NUM> may contain a plurality of microphones to sense a sound direction. The Audio output device <NUM> and <NUM> may include a plurality of speakers <NUM> and <NUM>. The plurality of speakers <NUM> and <NUM> may be classified into an external speaker <NUM> and a call receiver <NUM>. The microphone hole <NUM> and the speaker holes <NUM> and <NUM> may be implemented as a single hole, or a speaker (e.g., a piezo speaker) may be provided without the speaker holes <NUM> and <NUM>.

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

The camera modules <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> may include a first camera device <NUM> disposed on the first surface 110A of the electronic device <NUM>, and a second camera device <NUM> and/or a flash <NUM> disposed on the second surface 110B. The camera module <NUM> or the camera module <NUM> may include one or more lenses, an image sensor, and/or an image signal processor. The flash <NUM> may include, for example, a light emitting diode or a xenon lamp. Two or more lenses (infrared cameras, wide angle and telephoto lenses) and image sensors may be disposed on one side of the electronic device <NUM>.

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

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

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

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

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

The electronic device <NUM> of <FIG> may include another embodiment of an electronic device that is at least partially similar to or different from the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG> and <FIG>.

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

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

The memory may include, for example, one or more of a volatile memory and a non-volatile memory.

The interface may include, for example, a high definition multimedia interface (HDMI), a USB interface, a secure digital (SD) card interface, and/or an audio interface. The interface may electrically or physically connect the mobile electronic device <NUM> with an external electronic device and may include a USB connector, an SD card/multimedia card (MMC) connector, or an audio connector.

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

According to various embodiments, the first support member <NUM> of the side member <NUM> may include a first surface <NUM> facing the front plate <NUM> and a second surface <NUM> facing in a direction (e.g., rear plate direction) opposite to the first surface <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the camera module <NUM> (e.g., the camera module <NUM> of <FIG>) may be disposed between the first support member <NUM> and the rear plate <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the camera module <NUM> may be disposed to be visible or protruded in a direction of the front plate <NUM> through a through hole <NUM> connected from the first surface <NUM> to the second surface <NUM> of the first support member <NUM>. According to an embodiment, a portion protruded through the through hole <NUM> of the camera module <NUM> may be disposed to detect an external environment at a corresponding position of the display <NUM>. In another embodiment, when the camera module <NUM> is disposed between the display <NUM> and the first support member <NUM>, the through hole <NUM> may be unnecessary.

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

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

The display <NUM> of <FIG> may be at least partially similar to the display <NUM> of <FIG> or may further include other embodiments of the display.

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

According to various embodiments, the display <NUM> may include a control circuit (not illustrated). According to an embodiment, the control circuit may include a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) that electrically connects a main printed circuit board (e.g., the printed circuit board <NUM> of <FIG>) and the display panel <NUM> of the electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>) and a display driver IC (DDI) mounted in the FPCB. According to an embodiment, the display <NUM> may additionally include a touch panel <NUM>. According to an embodiment, when the display <NUM> operates as a display panel of an in-cell type including a touch panel capable of recognizing a touch inside the display panel according to a disposition position of the touch panel <NUM> or when the display <NUM> operates as a touch display of an on-cell type in which a touch panel is positioned outside the display panel, the control circuit may include a touch display driver IC (TDDI). In another embodiment, the display <NUM> may include a fingerprint sensor (not illustrated) disposed around the control circuit. According to an embodiment, the fingerprint sensor may include an ultrasonic type fingerprint sensor in contact with an outer surface of the front cover <NUM> through a hole at least partially formed in some of the components of the display <NUM> or capable of recognizing a shape of a fingerprint of a nearby finger by ultrasonic waves transmitted by a separate ultrasonic sensor or an optical fingerprint capable of emitting light through a separate light source or a light source (e.g., display light source) inside the electronic device, obtaining an image corresponding to a fingerprint through the emitted light, and recognizing a fingerprint based on the obtained image sensor.

According to various embodiments, the at least one auxiliary material layer <NUM> may include at least one polymer member <NUM> and <NUM> disposed at a rear surface of the display panel <NUM>, at least one functional member <NUM> disposed at a rear surface of the at least one polymer member <NUM> and <NUM>, and a conductive member <NUM> disposed at a rear surface of the at least one functional member <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the at least one polymer member <NUM> and <NUM> may include a light blocking layer <NUM> (e.g., a black layer including an uneven pattern) for removing air bubbles that may be generated between the display panel <NUM> and lower attachments thereof, and for blocking light generated in the display panel <NUM> or light incident from the outside and/or a buffer layer <NUM> (e.g., sponge layer) disposed for mitigating an impact. According to an embodiment, the at least one functional member <NUM> may include a heat dissipation sheet (e.g., graphite sheet) for dissipating a heat, an added display, a force touch FPCB, a fingerprint sensor FPCB, an antenna radiator for communication, a conductive/non-conductive tape, or an open cell sponge. According to an embodiment, the conductive member <NUM> is a metal plate, which may help to reinforce rigidity of an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>), may be used for shielding ambient noise, and for dissipating a heat emitted from a heat radiation component of the periphery. According to an embodiment, the conductive member <NUM> may include Cu, Al, Mg, SUS, or CLAD (e.g., a stacked member in which SUS and Al are alternately disposed). In another embodiment, the display <NUM> may further include a detection member <NUM> for detecting an input by an electromagnetic induction type writing member (e.g., electronic pen). According to an embodiment, the detection member <NUM> may include a digitizer. According to an embodiment, the detection member <NUM> may be disposed between the at least one polymer member <NUM> and the functional member <NUM>. In another embodiment, the detection member <NUM> may be disposed between the display panel <NUM> and the at least one polymer member <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the display <NUM> may include a light blocking member (e.g., a light blocking member <NUM> of <FIG>) disposed inside the display panel <NUM>, between the display panel <NUM> and the POL <NUM>, or between the display panel <NUM> and the auxiliary material layer <NUM>, and for performing a function of an aperture. According to an embodiment, as the light blocking member <NUM> is disposed closer to the camera module (e.g., a camera module <NUM> of <FIG>) than the existing printing area, a diameter of an angle of view is minimized, so that a size of a camera exposure area (e.g., circular BM area) visible from the outside of the front cover <NUM> may be reduced through the light blocking member <NUM> that serves as an aperture.

According to various embodiments, the auxiliary material layer <NUM> may include openings <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> formed at positions corresponding to the camera module (e.g., the camera module <NUM> of <FIG>). According to an embodiment, the camera module <NUM> may be disposed adjacent to the rear surface of the display panel <NUM> through the openings <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>. According to an embodiment, in order to prevent a performance of the camera module <NUM> from decreasing due to a refractive index, openings <NUM> and <NUM> may be formed in a corresponding position of a touch panel <NUM> or the POL <NUM> disposed in an upper part of the display panel <NUM>. In another embodiment, a position of the POL <NUM> and/or the touch panel <NUM> corresponding to the camera module <NUM> may be processed to be transparent or a polarization characteristic thereof may be removed. In another embodiment, layers without openings (e.g., the display panel <NUM> or the touch panel <NUM>) may include a coating capable of index matching in order to minimize the refractive index difference. According to various embodiments, the display <NUM> may include an organic light emitting diode (OLED) display or a liquid crystal display (LCD).

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

In describing <FIG>, an unbreakable (UB) type OLED display (e.g., curved display) has been described as an example, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the UB type OLED display may be applied to a flat type display of an on cell touch active (OCTA) matrix organic light-emitting diode (AMOLED) type.

With reference to <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> may include a front cover <NUM> (e.g., cover member, front plate, front window, or first plate) facing in a first direction (direction ①), a rear cover <NUM> (e.g., rear cover member, rear plate, rear window, or second plate) facing in an opposite direction of the front cover <NUM>, and a side member <NUM> enclosing a space <NUM> between the front cover <NUM> and the rear cover <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may include a first waterproof member <NUM> disposed between an auxiliary material layer <NUM> of the display <NUM> and the side member <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may include a second waterproof member <NUM> disposed between the side member <NUM> and the rear plate <NUM>. The first waterproof member <NUM> and the second waterproof member <NUM> may prevent outer foreign substances or moisture from being introduced into the internal space <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM>. In another embodiment, the waterproof member may be disposed in at least a portion of a mounting support structure of the side member <NUM> and the camera module <NUM>. In another embodiment, the first waterproof member <NUM> and/or the second waterproof member <NUM> may be replaced with an adhesive member.

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

According to the present invention, the camera module <NUM> includes a camera housing <NUM>, a lens housing <NUM> disposed in an internal space <NUM> of the camera housing <NUM> and at least partially protruded in the display direction (e.g., direction①), a plurality of lenses <NUM>: <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> disposed at regular intervals in an internal space <NUM> of the lens housing <NUM>, and at least one image sensor <NUM> disposed to obtain at least a portion of light passing through the plurality of lenses <NUM> in the internal space <NUM> of the camera housing <NUM>. According to an embodiment, when the camera module <NUM> includes an auto focus (AF) function, the lens housing <NUM> may be moved to change a distance from the camera housing <NUM> to the display panel <NUM> through a predetermined driving unit. According to an embodiment, in order for the camera module to perform an AF function, a separate driving unit may be disposed to change a position of at least one of the plurality of lenses <NUM>. In another embodiment, in the camera module <NUM>, the camera housing <NUM> may be omitted, and the lens housing <NUM> may be directly disposed in the first support member <NUM> through a predetermined alignment process. According to an embodiment, when the lens housing <NUM> is directly disposed in the first support member <NUM>, in order to reduce a camera disposition space, the camera housing <NUM> may be omitted, and the lens housing <NUM> may be disposed to be attached to one side surface of the first support member <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the camera module <NUM> may be aligned through a through hole <NUM> of the first support member <NUM> and then may be attached to the rear surface of the first support member <NUM> through the adhesive member <NUM> (e.g., bonding member or tape member).

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

<FIG> is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating an enlarged area B of <FIG> according to various embodiments of the disclosure. <FIG> is a partial plan view illustrating an electronic device <NUM> when a front cover <NUM> is viewed from above according to various embodiments of the disclosure.

With reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> may include an adhesive layer <NUM>, a POL <NUM>, a display panel <NUM>, and an auxiliary material layer <NUM> disposed between the rear surface of the front cover <NUM> and the side member <NUM>. According to an embodiment, when the front plate <NUM> is viewed from above, the POL <NUM> may include an opening <NUM> formed to improve an optical transmittance of the camera module <NUM>. In another embodiment, a portion corresponding to the opening <NUM> in the adhesive member <NUM> disposed on the POL <NUM> may be at least partially omitted. In another embodiment, the opening <NUM> formed in the POL <NUM> may be filled with a material for matching a refractive index according to an increase in interfacial reflection.

According to an embodiment, in an area of the POL <NUM> corresponding to the plurality of lenses <NUM>, the opening <NUM> may not be formed, and a transmittance may be high. For example, at least some areas of the POL <NUM> (e.g., areas corresponding to the plurality of lenses <NUM>) may be made of a material having a transmittance different from that of areas of the POL <NUM> or may be configured with other members that can increase a transmittance. According to an embodiment, a member (not illustrated) for increasing a transmittance may be disposed on at least a portion (e.g., upper side surface or lower side surface) of an area corresponding to the plurality of lenses <NUM> of the POL <NUM>. According to an embodiment, when the front cover <NUM> is viewed from above, the auxiliary material layer <NUM> may include an opening OP formed to correspond to an area overlapping the plurality of lenses <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the opening OP formed in the auxiliary material layer <NUM> may be formed as one opening OP in a manner overlapped with an opening formed in the light blocking layer <NUM> (e.g., the opening <NUM> of <FIG>), an opening formed in the buffer layer <NUM> (e.g., the opening <NUM> of <FIG>), an opening formed in the functional member <NUM> (e.g., the opening <NUM> of <FIG>), and an opening formed in the conductive member <NUM> (e.g., the opening <NUM> of <FIG>). According to an embodiment, each of the openings may have different sizes corresponding to a shape of the camera module.

According to the present invention, the display <NUM> includes at least one light blocking member <NUM> (e.g., aperture) disposed in the display panel <NUM>. The light blocking member <NUM> includes a light aperture area AD corresponding to an area overlapping an effective diameter of the lens <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the light aperture area AD may be formed as an opening, and the opening may be formed by a blocking area DS (e.g., aperture area). At least portion among light outside the electronic device may be introduced through the formed opening and transferred to the image sensor <NUM> through the lens <NUM>. An amount of light introduced into the image sensor is determined by the aperture, and as a size of the light aperture area AD increases, more light may be introduced into the image sensor. According to an embodiment, a total outer diameter OD of the light blocking member <NUM> may be formed by the sum of the light aperture area AD and the blocking area DS forming the light aperture area AD. According to an embodiment, a size of the light aperture area AD of the light blocking member <NUM> may be determined based on a preset angle of view θ of the lens <NUM> of the camera module <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, when the front cover <NUM> is viewed from above, the display panel <NUM> may be configured such that pixels and/or wires are not disposed in an area of the display panel <NUM> overlapping the light aperture area AD in order to improve an optical transmittance. In another embodiment, when the front cover <NUM> is viewed from above, the display panel <NUM> may be configured so that the area overlapping the light aperture area AD has a pixel density and/or a wiring density lower than that of a peripheral active area (e.g., active area) in order to improve an optical transmittance. According to various embodiments, when the front cover <NUM> is viewed from above, at least a partial area of the area of the display panel <NUM> overlapping the light aperture area AD may be made of a material having a high transmittance in order to improve an optical transmittance.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure, in the light blocking member <NUM>, in order to block unnecessary light introduced from the outside to the vicinity of the light aperture area AD of the display panel <NUM> and to block a light leakage phenomenon, a blocking width (e.g., minimum size width) of the blocking area DS may be determined. For example, through the blocking area DS determined to the minimum size of the light blocking member <NUM>, a size of the camera exposure area (a BM area formed by the light blocking member) visible from the outside may be reduced. In another embodiment, the light blocking member <NUM> may be separately disposed or printed using an opaque material (ink, resin, etc.). In another embodiment, the light blocking member <NUM> may be formed using an opaque component (electrode or wiring) inside the originally existing display.

<FIG> and <FIG> are partial cross-sectional views illustrating a display panel including a light blocking member according to the present invention.

With reference to <FIG>, the display panel <NUM> may include an active area AA for displaying a screen, a blocking area DS formed through the light blocking member <NUM> extended from the active area AA, and a light aperture area AD formed through the blocking area DS. According to the present invention, external light may be introduced into the lens <NUM> only through the light aperture area AD by the blocking area DS of the light blocking member <NUM>. The display panel <NUM> includes a substrate layer 431a, an encap layer 431c, and an intermediate layer 431b disposed between the substrate layer 431a and the encap layer 431c. According to the present invention, the display panel <NUM> includes a plurality of pixels P disposed in the intermediate layer 431b. According to an embodiment, each of the plurality of pixels P may include a first sub-pixel, a second sub-pixel, and a third sub-pixel, and be driven to display a color with one pixel P using at least one sub-pixel. According to an embodiment, the first sub-pixel, the second sub-pixel, and the third sub-pixel may be defined as one pixel P. According to an embodiment, in the intermediate layer 431a, the display panel <NUM> may include a plurality of pixel electrodes disposed to correspond to each sub-pixel area, a plurality of organic material layers disposed on the pixel electrode, and a common electrode disposed on the plurality of organic material layers. According to the present invention, each of the plurality of organic material layers may include an organic light emitting layer (e.g., organic light emitting material) that emits light of a first color (e.g., red), a second color (e.g., green), and a third color (e.g., blue). According to an embodiment, the organic light emitting layer may be disposed between a pair of stacked common layers. According to an embodiment, one common layer may include a hole injection layer (HIL) and/or a hole transport layer (HTL). According to an embodiment, the other common layer may include an electron transport layer (ETL) and/or an electron injection layer (EIL). However, the disclosure is not limited thereto, and the common layer may further include various functional layers while including the organic light emitting layer.

According to various embodiments, the substrate layer 431a may include an electrical connection member electrically connected to each of the plurality of pixel electrodes. According to an embodiment, the electrical connection member may include a thin film transistor (TFT) or a low temperature passivation transistor (LTPS). According to an embodiment, in order to protect a counter electrode, the encap layer 431c may be disposed thereon.

According to the present invention, the display panel <NUM> includes a light blocking member <NUM> disposed in the intermediate layer 431b between the substrate layer 431a and the encap layer 431c in the blocking area DS. According to an embodiment, in the blocking area DS, a plurality of pixel electrodes and an organic material layer may not be disposed in the intermediate layer 431b. In another embodiment, for convenience of a producing process, in the blocking area DS, the intermediate layer 431b may include only a plurality of pixel electrodes <NUM>. According to an embodiment, when a plurality of organic material layers are formed during a producing process of the display panel <NUM>, the light blocking member <NUM> may include an opaque (black) organic material or sealant formed together in the intermediate layer. In another embodiment, in the intermediate layer 431b, the light blocking member <NUM> may be replaced with a plurality of pixel electrodes disposed on the substrate layer 431a in order to have a high disposition density.

According to the present invention, in the light blocking member <NUM>, in order to block unnecessary light introduced into the plurality of lenses <NUM> and to prevent a light leakage phenomenon, a blocking width (e.g., a blocking width of the minimum size) of the blocking area DS may be determined. For example, a blocking width DS1 of the blocking area DS may be determined through Equation <NUM>. <MAT>
where ha is a vertical distance from an end portion of an effective diameter of the lens <NUM> to a rear surface of the display panel <NUM>, hg is a vertical distance from the rear surface of the display panel <NUM> to the light blocking member <NUM>, ng is a refractive index of a material (e.g., the substrate layer 431a) present between the rear surface of the display panel <NUM> and the light blocking member, and θ may include an angle of view formed by the lens <NUM>. Accordingly, the blocking width DS1 of the blocking area DS of the light blocking member <NUM> may be formed in a size satisfying at least a condition of Equation <NUM>. For example, when the vertical distance from the end portion of the effective diameter of the lens <NUM> to the rear surface of the display panel <NUM> is defined as <NUM>, the vertical distance from the rear surface of the display panel <NUM> to the light blocking member <NUM> is defined as <NUM>, the refractive index of the substrate layer 431a is defined as <NUM>, and the angle of view of the lens <NUM> is defined as <NUM>°, the blocking width DS1 of the blocking area DS of the light blocking member <NUM> may be determined to <NUM> based on Equation <NUM>. Accordingly, the blocking width of the blocking area DS of the light blocking member <NUM> may be at least <NUM>.

Because a minimum size of a blocking width of the blocking area DS of the light blocking member <NUM> according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure may be determined based on a vertical distance from the lens <NUM> to the light blocking member <NUM> and a preset angle of view formed by the lens <NUM>, a size of a camera exposure area visible from the outside through the front cover (e.g., the front cover <NUM> of <FIG>) of the electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>) or a BM area including the camera exposure area may be reduced.

With reference to <FIG>, the light blocking member <NUM> may be disposed at one side surface of the display panel (e.g., in a η direction of <FIG>, the upper surface). For example, at least a portion of the light blocking member may be disposed between the display panel and the POL. In this case, the light blocking member may include a black printed layer (e.g., black resin), a sealant, or an opaque tape member formed to have a reflectivity (e.g., a reflectivity of <NUM>% or more) disposed at the upper surface of the display panel or the rear surface of the POL or to substantially reflect most of incoming light.

According to various embodiments, in order to block at least a portion of light introduced from the outside to the periphery of the light aperture area AD of the display panel <NUM> or light (light that may be applied as noise) that is not required for image acquisition through the lens of the electronic device and to prevent a light leakage phenomenon, a blocking width (e.g., a blocking width of a minimum size) of the blocking area DS of the light blocking member <NUM> may be determined. For example, the blocking width DS1 of the blocking area DS may be determined through Equation <NUM>. <MAT>
where ha is a vertical distance from an end portion of the effective diameter of the lens <NUM> to the rear surface of the display panel <NUM>, hg is a thickness of the substrate layer 431a of the display panel <NUM>, ng is a refractive index of the substrate layer 431a, hg1 is a thickness of the encap layer 431c of the display panel <NUM>, ng1 is a refractive index of the encap layer 431c, and θ may include an angle of view formed by the lens <NUM>. Accordingly, the blocking width DS1 of the blocking area DS of the light blocking member <NUM> may be formed in a size satisfying at least a condition of Equation <NUM> described above. For example, when the vertical distance from the end portion of the effective diameter of the lens <NUM> to the rear surface of the display panel <NUM> is defined as <NUM>, the thickness of the substrate layer 431a is defined as <NUM>, the refractive index of the substrate layer 431a is defined as <NUM>, the thickness of the encap layer is defined as <NUM>, the refractive index of the encap layer is defined as <NUM>, and the angle of view of the lens <NUM> is defined as <NUM>°, the blocking width DS1 of the blocking area DS of the light blocking member <NUM> may be determined to <NUM> based on Equation <NUM>. Accordingly, the blocking width of the blocking area DS of the light blocking member <NUM> may be formed in at least <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, as illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, when it is considered that the distance from the lens <NUM> to the rear surface of the display panel <NUM> is substantially the same and that the light blocking member <NUM> has different disposition positions, it may be seen that as the vertical distance between the light blocking member <NUM> and the lens <NUM> is shorter, the blocking width DS1 of the blocking area DS of may be reduced.

<FIG> are partial cross-sectional views illustrating a display panel including a plurality of light blocking members according to various embodiments of the disclosure.

According to various embodiments, at least two light blocking members may be disposed in different layers inside and/or outside the display panel.

In describing a configuration of the display panel <NUM> of <FIG>, the same reference numerals are given to components substantially the same as those of the display panel <NUM> of <FIG>, and a detailed description thereof may be omitted.

With reference to <FIG>, the display panel <NUM> may include two light blocking members <NUM> and <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the two light blocking members <NUM> and <NUM> may include a first light blocking member <NUM> disposed in the intermediate layer 431b of the display panel <NUM> and a second light blocking member <NUM> disposed on one side surface (e.g., the encap layer 431c) of the display panel <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the first light blocking member <NUM> may be formed in substantially the same manner as the light blocking member <NUM> of <FIG>. According to an embodiment, the second light blocking member <NUM> may be formed in substantially the same manner as the light blocking member <NUM> of <FIG>. According to an embodiment, when the display panel <NUM> is viewed from above, the first light blocking member <NUM> and the second light blocking member <NUM> may be disposed to at least partially overlap. In another embodiment, when the display panel <NUM> is viewed from above, even if the first light blocking member <NUM> and the second light blocking member <NUM> do not overlap at least partially, they may be disposed continuously without substantially disconnection.

With reference to <FIG>, the display panel <NUM> may include three light blocking members <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>. According to an embodiment, two light blocking members <NUM> and <NUM> of the three light blocking members <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may include a first light blocking member <NUM> and a second light blocking member <NUM> disposed to be spaced apart from each other in the intermediate layer 431b of the display panel <NUM>. The other light blocking member <NUM> may include a third light blocking member <NUM> disposed at one side surface of the display panel <NUM> (e.g., an upper surface of the encap layer 431c). According to an embodiment, the first light blocking member <NUM> and the second light blocking member <NUM> may be formed in substantially the same manner as the light blocking member <NUM> of <FIG>. According to an embodiment, the third light blocking member <NUM> may be formed in substantially the same manner as the light blocking member <NUM> of <FIG>. According to an embodiment, when the display panel <NUM> is viewed from above, the first light blocking member <NUM> and/or the second light blocking member <NUM> and the third light blocking member <NUM> may be disposed to overlap at least partially. In another embodiment, when the display panel <NUM> is viewed from above, even if the first light blocking member <NUM> and/or the second light blocking member <NUM>, and the third light blocking member <NUM> are not at least partially overlapped, they may be continuously disposed without substantially disconnection.

With reference to <FIG>, the display panel <NUM> may include a first light blocking member <NUM> and a second light blocking member <NUM> disposed in different layers (e.g., two layers), respectively in the intermediate layer 431b. According to an embodiment, the first light blocking member <NUM> and the second light blocking member <NUM> may be formed in substantially the same manner as the light blocking member <NUM> of <FIG>. According to an embodiment, when the display panel <NUM> is viewed from above, the first light blocking member <NUM> and the second light blocking member <NUM> may be disposed to at least partially overlap. In another embodiment, even if the display panel <NUM> is viewed from above, the first light blocking member <NUM> and the second light blocking member <NUM> do not at least partially overlap, they may be continuously disposed without disconnection.

With reference to <FIG>, the display panel <NUM> may include a first light blocking member <NUM>, a second light blocking member <NUM>, a third light blocking member <NUM>, and a fourth light blocking member <NUM> disposed in different layers (e.g., three layers) included in the intermediate layer 431b. According to an embodiment, the intermediate layer 431b of the display panel <NUM> may include a plurality of layers, and a plurality of blocking members may be disposed in the plurality of layers. According to an embodiment, when the plurality of blocking members are included in different layers, an effect capable of blocking side light by various lights may occur. For example, when a plurality of layers are formed at a predetermined height, there may occur an effect that each blocking member may be disposed to block light entering from the side surface. For example, the first light blocking member <NUM>, the second light blocking member <NUM>, the third light blocking member <NUM>, and the fourth light blocking member <NUM> may be formed in substantially the same manner as that of the light blocking member <NUM> of <FIG>. According to an embodiment, when the display panel <NUM> is viewed from above, the first light blocking member <NUM>, the second light blocking member <NUM>, and the third light blocking member <NUM> may be disposed to at least partially overlap. In another embodiment, when the display panel <NUM> is viewed from above, even if the first light blocking member <NUM>, the second light blocking member <NUM>, the third light blocking member <NUM>, and the fourth light blocking member <NUM> do not overlap at least partially, they may be disposed continuously without disconnection each other.

<FIG> are partial cross-sectional views illustrating a display panel <NUM> including a plurality of light blocking members according to various embodiments of the disclosure.

A disposition configuration of the display panel <NUM> of <FIG> and at least one light blocking member disposed at the inside and/or an upper surface of the display panel is substantially the same as each corresponding drawing of <FIG>; thus, a detailed description thereof may be omitted.

With reference to <FIG>, the display panel <NUM> may include an additional light blocking member <NUM> disposed at the rear surface of the display panel <NUM> including the first light blocking member <NUM> and the second light blocking member <NUM> disposed substantially in the same manner as that of <FIG>. According to an embodiment, the additional light blocking member <NUM> may be disposed between the display panel <NUM> and the auxiliary material layer <NUM>. According to an embodiment, when the display panel <NUM> is viewed from above, the additional light blocking member <NUM> may be disposed to at least partially overlap the first light blocking member <NUM> and/or the second light blocking member <NUM> disposed at the inside and/or the upper surface of the display panel <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the additional light blocking member <NUM> may include a black printed layer, a black matrix (BM), or an opaque tape member disposed at the rear surface of the display panel <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG>, the display panel <NUM> may include an additional light blocking member <NUM> disposed at the rear surface of the display panel <NUM> including a first light blocking member <NUM>, a second light blocking member <NUM>, and a third light blocking member <NUM> disposed substantially the same as that of <FIG>. According to an embodiment, the additional light blocking member <NUM> may be disposed between the display panel <NUM> and the auxiliary material layer <NUM>. According to an embodiment, when the display panel <NUM> is viewed from above, the additional light blocking member <NUM> may be disposed to overlap at least one of the first light blocking member <NUM>, the second light blocking member <NUM>, or the third light blocking member <NUM> disposed at the inside and/or the upper surface of the display panel <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG>, the display panel <NUM> may include an additional light blocking member <NUM> disposed at the rear surface of the display panel <NUM> including a first light blocking member <NUM> and a second light blocking member <NUM> disposed substantially the same as that of <FIG>. According to an embodiment, the additional light blocking member <NUM> may be disposed between the display panel <NUM> and the auxiliary material layer <NUM>. According to an embodiment, when the display panel <NUM> is viewed from above, the additional light blocking member <NUM> may be disposed to overlap with at least one of the first light blocking member <NUM> or the second light blocking member <NUM> disposed inside the display panel <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG>, the display panel <NUM> may include an additional light blocking member <NUM> disposed at the rear surface of the display panel <NUM> including a first light blocking member <NUM>, a second light blocking member <NUM>, a third light blocking member <NUM>, and a fourth light blocking member <NUM> disposed substantially the same as that of <FIG>. According to an embodiment, the additional light blocking member <NUM> may be disposed between the display panel <NUM> and the auxiliary material layer <NUM>. According to an embodiment, when the display panel <NUM> is viewed from above, the additional light blocking member <NUM> may be disposed to overlap at least one of the first light blocking member <NUM>, the second light blocking member <NUM>, the third light blocking member <NUM>, or the fourth light blocking member <NUM> disposed inside the display panel <NUM>.

<FIG> is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating a display panel including a plurality of light blocking members according to various embodiments of the disclosure.

<FIG> illustrates a diagram in which an auxiliary material layer <NUM> is disposed at the rear surface of the display panel <NUM> including the first light blocking member <NUM> and the second light blocking member <NUM> of <FIG>, and in which at least a portion of the auxiliary material layer <NUM> is applied as an additional light blocking member. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto, and the display panel <NUM> of <FIG> and <FIG> may also be applied as an additional light blocking member of the same manner.

With reference to <FIG>, a separate member is not added to the additional light blocking member, and at least one of the components <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, or <NUM> of the auxiliary material layer <NUM> disposed at the rear surface of the display panel <NUM> may be disposed or formed to perform a function of the additional light blocking member. For example, at least a portion of the light blocking layer <NUM> of an opaque material facing the display panel <NUM> among the auxiliary material layers <NUM> may be used as a light blocking member. In this case, the light blocking layer <NUM> may include an opening having the same size as or a different size from that of other peripheral auxiliary material layers (e.g., the buffer layer <NUM>, the functional member <NUM>, and the conductive member <NUM>). In another embodiment, the additional light blocking member may be formed through at least two layers of the auxiliary material layer <NUM>.

Claim 1:
An electronic device, comprising:
a housing (<NUM>);
a display (<NUM>) configured to be visible from the outside through at least a portion of the housing and including a display area;
a camera module (<NUM>) disposed under the display and that overlaps at least a portion of the display area and not including an aperture structure,
wherein the camera module comprises:
a lens housing (<NUM>);
at least one lens (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) disposed in the lens housing; and
at least one image sensor (<NUM>) configured to obtain external light passing through the at least one lens into the camera module,
wherein the display comprises a display panel (<NUM>), the display panel comprising, a substrate layer (431a); an intermediate layer (431b) including a plurality of pixel electrodes, P, stacked on the substrate layer, and organic light emitting layers disposed in each of the plurality of pixel electrodes; and an encap layer (431c) disposed on the intermediate layer,
and at least one light blocking member (<NUM>) including a blocking area (DS) configured to block at least a portion of the external light to be transmitted into the display panel and/or light from leaking out of the display panel, wherein the at least one light blocking member (<NUM>) is disposed in the intermediate layer, and
the at least one light blocking member defines a light aperture area (AD) through which light can be transmitted.