Patent Description:
Electronic devices can output information stored therein using sound or images. As electronic devices are highly integrated and high-speed and large-capacity wireless communication has been popularized, recently, various functions can be integrated in one electronic device such as a mobile communication terminal. For example, not only a communication function, but an entertainment function such as a game, a multimedia function such as playback of music/video, a communication and security function for mobile banking, and the function of schedule manager and an electronic wallet, etc., have been integrated in one electronic device.

Physical keys for controlling the calling volume, controlling the playback volume of multimedia files, or turning on/off the screen while such various functions are performed may be disposed on a side of an electronic device.

When the physical keys disposed on a side of an electronic device are pressed, the physical keys are inserted in the electronic device and brought in contact with a dome switch on a printed circuit board, and the dome switch can generate an electrical signal. The generated electrical signal is transmitted to a processor on the printed circuit board, whereby functions associated with the key input can be performed.

<CIT> discloses a touch button structure for a mobile communications device including a sensor slot with a sensor component inserted within the sensor slot. The sensor component includes a sensor element operable to sense a touch-deflection of the front-side slot wall.

When a physical key disposed on a side of an electronic device is pressed, the physical key protrudes out of an in-out hole formed in the electronic device or is inserted into the electronic device by elasticity of a dome switch. However, according to this structure, when physical keys protrude out of the in-out hole, not only the aesthetic appearance of the product is deteriorated, but also a malfunction may occur when the physical keys are unexpectedly pressed regardless of the user's intention. When the physical keys are physically repeatedly pressed for a long period of time, the elasticity of the dome switch may decrease, so the pressure is not concentrated on the dome switch, which may deteriorate the operational response of the keys.

Embodiments of the invention provide an electronic device including a sensor assembly configured to sense information corresponding to deformation of at least one input area disposed on the outer surface of a housing instead of physical keys.

Embodiments of the invention provide an electronic device having a bridge that prevents and/or reduces bending of the electronic device.

However, the invention is not limited to the example embodiments described and may be expanded in various ways without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

An electronic device according to the invention includes: a housing; at least one input area disposed on an outer surface of the housing that faces a first direction a sensor assembly including at least one pressure sensor disposed on an inner surface of the housing facing a second direction opposite the first direction, the sensor assembly configured to sense pressure applied to the at least one input area; at least one first opening provided at a first portion of the housing adjacent to the sensor assembly and spaced apart from the sensor assembly in the second direction; and a second opening provided at a second portion of the housing spaced apart from the at least one first opening in the second direction, wherein the at least one first opening and the second opening are configured to be deformed based on the pressure applied to the at least one input area.

A bracket of an electronic device according to various examples includes: at least one input area disposed on a side of the bracket facing a first direction; a seating area configured to accommodate a sensor assembly, the sensor assembly configured to sense pressure applied to the at least one input area; at least one first opening spaced apart from the seating area in a second direction opposite the first direction; and a second opening spaced apart from the at least one first opening in the second direction, wherein the at least one first opening and the second opening are configured to be deformed based on pressure being applied to the at least one input area.

An electronic device according to various example embodiments can provide an input area integrally formed on the outer surface of a housing of the electronic device. Accordingly, the aesthetic appearance of the electronic device is increased and the phenomenon that the input area may be unintenionally pressed regardless of the intention of a user, leading to a misoperation of a key, can be prevented and/or reduced.

An electronic device according to various example embodiments can provide an opening that concentrates pressure applied to the input area to the sensor assembly. Accordingly, the sensitivity of the sensor assembly can be improved.

An electronic device according to various example embodiments can provide a bridge that increases the rigidity of the housing. Accordingly, bending of the electronic device can be prevented and/or reduced.

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

<FIG> is a block diagram illustrating an example electronic device <NUM> in a network environment <NUM> according to various embodiments.

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 device <NUM>, the sensor module <NUM>, or the communication module <NUM>) among the components of the electronic device <NUM>, instead of the main processor <NUM> while the main processor <NUM> is in an inactive (e.g., sleep) state, or together with the main processor <NUM> while the main processor <NUM> is in an active (e.g., executing an application) state.

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

The interface <NUM> may support one or more specified protocols to be used for the electronic device <NUM> to be coupled with the external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM>) directly or wirelessly.

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

The electronic devices may include, for example, a portable communication device (e.g., a smartphone), a computer device, a portable multimedia device, a portable medical device, a camera, a wearable device, a home appliance, or the like. According to an embodiment of the invention, the electronic devices are not limited to those described above.

It should be appreciated that various embodiments of the disclosure and the terms used therein are not intended to limit the technological features set forth herein to particular embodiments and allow various changes, equivalents, or replacements for a corresponding embodiment. It is to be understood that if an element (e.g., a first element) is referred to, with or without the term "operatively" or "communicatively", as "coupled with," "coupled to," "connected with," or "connected to" another element (e.g., a second element), the element may be coupled with the other element directly (e.g., wiredly), wirelessly, or via a third element.

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

Referring to <FIG>, an electronic device <NUM> according to an embodiment may include a housing <NUM> (e.g., the housing <NUM> shown in <FIG>) having a first surface (or a front surface) 310A, a second surface (or a rear surface) 310B, and a side (e.g., the side 310C shown in <FIG>) surrounding the space between the first surface 310A and the second surface 310B. In another embodiment (not shown), the housing <NUM> may refer to a structure forming some of a first surface shown in <FIG> (e.g., the first surface 310A shown in <FIG>), a second surface (e.g., the second surface 310B shown in <FIG>), and a side 310C. According to an embodiment, the first surface 310A may be at least partially substantially formed by a transparent front plate <NUM> (e.g., a glass plate or a polymer plate including various coating layers). The second surface 310B may be formed by a substantially opaque rear plate <NUM>. The rear plate <NUM>, for example, may be made of coated or colored glass, ceramic, a polymer, metal (e.g., aluminum, stainless steel (STS), or magnesium), or a combination of at least two of these materials. The side 310C is combined with a front plate <NUM> and a rear plate <NUM> and may be formed by a lateral bezel structure <NUM> (or a "lateral member") including metal and/or a polymer. In an embodiment, the rear plate <NUM> and the lateral bezel structure <NUM> may be integrated and may include the same material (e.g., a metallic material such as aluminum).

In the embodiment shown in the figures, the front plate <NUM> may have two first regions 310D, which bend toward the rear plate <NUM> from the first surface 310A and seamlessly extend, at both long edges of the front plate <NUM>. In the shown embodiment (referring to <FIG>), the rear plate <NUM> may have two second regions 310E, which bend toward the front plate <NUM> from the second surface 310B and seamlessly extend, at both long edges. In an embodiment, the front plate <NUM> (or the rear plate <NUM>) may have only one of the first regions 310D (or the second regions 310E). In another embodiment, some of the first regions 310D or the second regions 310E may not be included. In the embodiments, when seen from a side of the electronic device <NUM>, the lateral bezel structure <NUM> may have a first thickness (or width) at the sides not including the first regions 310D or the second regions 310E and may have a second thickness less than the first thickness at the sides including the first regions 310D or the second regions 310E.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may include at least one or more of a display <NUM>, an audio module <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, a sensor module <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, a camera module <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, a key input device <NUM>, a light emitting element <NUM>, and connector holes <NUM> and <NUM>. In an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may not include at least one (e.g., the key input devices <NUM> or the light emitting element <NUM>) of the components, or may further include other components.

The display <NUM>, for example, may be exposed through a large part of the front plate <NUM>. In an embodiment, at least a portion of the display <NUM> may be exposed through the front plate <NUM> forming the first surface 310A and the first regions 310D of the side 310C. In an embodiment, the edge of the display <NUM> may be formed substantially in the same shape as the adjacent outline shape of the front plate <NUM>. In another embodiment (not shown), in order to enlarge the exposed area of the display <NUM>, the gap between the outline of the display <NUM> and the outline of the front plate <NUM> may be substantially uniform.

In another embodiment (not shown), a recess or an opening may be formed in a portion of a display region of the display <NUM>, and at least one or more of the audio module <NUM>, the sensor module <NUM>, the camera module <NUM>, and the light emitting element <NUM> aligned with the recess or the opening may be included. In another embodiment (not shown), at least one or more of the audio module <NUM>, the sensor module <NUM>, the camera module <NUM>, the fingerprint sensor <NUM>, and the light emitting element <NUM> may be disposed on the rear surface of the display region of the display <NUM>. In another embodiment (not shown), the display <NUM> may be combined with or disposed adjacent to a touch sensing circuit, a pressure sensor that can measure the intensity (pressure) of a touch, and/or a digitizer that detects a magnetic stylus pen. In an embodiment, at least a portion of the sensor module <NUM>, <NUM> and/or at least a portion of the key input device <NUM> may be disposed in the first regions 310D and/or the second regions 310E.

The audio module <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may include a microphone hole <NUM> and speaker holes <NUM> and <NUM>. A microphone for capturing external sounds may be disposed in the microphone hole <NUM>, and in an embodiment, a plurality of microphones may be disposed therein to sense direction of sounds. The speaker holes <NUM> and <NUM> may include an external speaker hole <NUM> and a receiver hole <NUM> for a telephone call. In an embodiment, the speaker holes <NUM> and <NUM> and the microphone hole <NUM> may be integrated into one hole or a speaker (e.g., a piezo speaker) may be included without the speaker holes <NUM> and <NUM>.

The sensor module <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> can generate an electrical signal or a data value corresponding to the internal operation state of the electronic device <NUM> or an external environmental state. The sensor module <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, for example, may include a first sensor module <NUM> (e.g., a proximity sensor) and/or a second sensor module (not shown) (e.g., a fingerprint sensor) disposed on the first surface 310A of the housing <NUM>, and/or a third sensor module <NUM> (e.g., an HRM sensor) and/or a fourth sensor module <NUM> (e.g., a fingerprint sensor) disposed on the second surface 310B of the housing <NUM>. The fingerprint sensor may be disposed not only on the first surface 310A (e.g., the display <NUM>), but also on the second surface 310B of the housing <NUM>. The electronic device <NUM> may further include a sensor module (not shown), for example, at least one of a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, a barometer sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a grip sensor, a color sensor, an IR (Infrared) sensor, a biosensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or an illumination sensor <NUM>.

The camera module <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may include a first camera <NUM> disposed on the first surface 310A of the electronic device <NUM>, and a second camera <NUM> and/or a flash <NUM> disposed on the second surface 310B. The camera modules <NUM> and <NUM> may include one or more lenses, an image sensor, and/or an image signal processor. A flash <NUM>, for example, may include a light emitting diode or a xenon lamp. In an embodiment, two or more lenses (an infrared camera lens, a wide-angle lens, and a telephoto lens) and image sensors may be disposed on one surface of the electronic device <NUM>.

The light emitting element <NUM>, for example, may be disposed on the first surface 310A of the housing <NUM>. The light emitting element <NUM>, for example, may provide state information of the electronic device <NUM> in a light type. In another embodiment, the light emitting element <NUM>, for example, may provide a light source that operates with the operation of the camera module <NUM>. The light emitting element <NUM>, for example, may include an LED, an IR LED, and a xenon lamp.

The connector holes <NUM> and <NUM> may include a first connector hole <NUM> that can accommodate a connector (e.g., a USB connector) for transmitting and receiving power and/or data to and from external electronic devices and/or a second connector hole <NUM> (e.g., an earphone jack) that can accommodate a connector for transmitting and receiving audio signals to and from external electronic devices.

<FIG> is an exploded perspective view illustrating an example electronic device <NUM> according to various embodiments.

Referring to <FIG>, an electronic device <NUM> (e.g., the electronic device <NUM> shown in <FIG>) may include a lateral bezel structure (e.g. a housing) <NUM>, a first supporting member <NUM> (e.g., a bracket), a front plate <NUM>, a display <NUM>, a printed circuit board <NUM>, a battery <NUM>, a second supporting member <NUM> (e.g., a rear case), an antenna <NUM>, and a rear plate <NUM>. In an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may not include at least one (e.g., the first supporting member <NUM> or the second supporting member <NUM>) of the components, or may further include other components. At least one of the components of the electronic device <NUM> may be the same as or similar to at least one of the electronic device <NUM> shown in <FIG>, and repeated description is omitted below.

The first supporting member <NUM> is disposed in the electronic device <NUM> and may be connected with the lateral bezel structure <NUM> or may be integrated with the lateral bezel structure <NUM>. The first supporting member <NUM>, for example, may be made of a metallic material and/or a non-metallic material (e.g., a polymer). The display <NUM> may be coupled to a surface of the first supporting member <NUM> and the printed circuit board <NUM> may be coupled to the other surface of the first supporting member <NUM>. A processor, a memory, and/or an interface may be mounted on the printed circuit board <NUM>. The processor, for example, may include one or more of a CPU, an application processor, a graphic processor, an image signal processor, a sensor hub processor, or a communication processor.

The memory, for example, may include a volatile memory or a nonvolatile memory.

The interface, for example, may include a High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI), a Universal Serial Bus (USB) interface, an SD card interface, and/or an audio interface. The interface, for example, can electrically or physically connect the electronic device <NUM> to external electronic devices and may include an USB connector, an SD card/MMC connector, or an audio connector.

The battery <NUM>, which is a device for supplying power to one or more components of the electronic device <NUM>, for example, may include a primary battery that is not rechargeable, a secondary battery that is rechargeable, or a fuel cell. At least a portion of the battery <NUM>, for example, may be disposed in substantially the same plane as the printed circuit board <NUM>. The battery <NUM> may be integrally disposed in the electronic device <NUM> and may be detachably attached to the electronic device <NUM>.

The antenna <NUM>, for example, may include a Near Field Communication (NFC) antenna, a wireless charging antenna, and/or a Magnetic Secure Transmission (MST) antenna. The antenna <NUM>, for example, can perform near field communication with external devices or can wirelessly transmit and receive power for charging. In another embodiment, an antenna structure may be formed by a portion or a combination of the lateral bezel structure <NUM> and/or the first supporting member <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, an electronic device may include a plurality of communication devices <NUM>. For example, some of the communication devices <NUM> may be implemented to transmit/receive radio waves having different characteristics (temporarily referred to radio waves in frequency bands A and B) to implement MIMO. As another example, some of the communication devices <NUM> may be configured, for example, to simultaneously transmit/receive radio waves (temporarily referred to as radio waves of frequencies A1 and A2 in the frequency band A) having the same characteristics to implement diversity. As another example, other some of the communication devices <NUM> may be configured, for example, to simultaneously transmit/receive radio waves (temporarily referred to as radio waves of frequencies B <NUM> and B2 in the frequency band B) having the same characteristics to implement diversity. Although two communication devices may be included in an embodiment, the electronic device may include four communication devices, thereby being able to implement both MIMO and diversity in another embodiment. In another embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may include only one communication device <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, in consideration of the transmission/reception characteristics of radio waves, when one communication device is disposed at a first position on the printed circuit board <NUM>, another communication device may be disposed at a second position separated from the first position on the printed circuit board <NUM>. As another example, one communication device and another communication device may be disposed in consideration of the gap therebetween according to a diversity characteristic.

According to an embodiment, at least one communication device <NUM> may include a wireless communication circuit that processes radio waves transmitted/received in a superhigh frequency (e.g., <NUM> or more and <NUM> or less). A radiation conductor(s) of the at least one communication device <NUM>, for example, may be a patch type radiation conductor or a radiation conductor having a dipole structure extending in one direction, and a plurality of radiation conductors may be arrayed, thereby being able to form an antenna array. A chip (e.g., an integrated circuit chip), including some of the wireless communication circuit, etc. may be disposed on a side of a region where the radiation conductor is disposed or on a surface opposite to the surface where the radiation conductor is disposed, and for example, the chip may be electrically connected with the radiation conductor(s) through wires in a printed circuit pattern.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating an example sensor assembly disposed in an electronic device according to various embodiments. <FIG> is a perspective view illustrating an example sensor assembly separated from the housing according to various embodiments. <FIG> is a partial perspective view illustrating an example coupled state of the sensor assembly included in the electronic device according to various embodiments. <FIG> is a diagram illustrating an example sensor assembly according to various embodiments. <FIG> is diagram illustrating an example sensor assembly disposed in the electronic device according to various embodiments.

Referring to <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, an electronic device <NUM> may include a housing <NUM>, at least one input area <NUM>, a sensor assembly <NUM>, and at least one first opening <NUM>, second opening <NUM>, and bridge <NUM>. The configuration of the electronic device <NUM> and the housing <NUM> shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG> may be entirely or partially the same as or similar to the configuration of the electronic device <NUM> and the housing <NUM> shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>.

According to various embodiments, the housing <NUM> may form the external shape of the electronic device <NUM>. For example, the housing <NUM> may have a first surface (or front surface) (e.g., the first surface 301A shown in <FIG>), a second surface (or rear surface) (e.g., the second surface 310B shown in <FIG>), and a side 310C (e.g., the side 310C shown in <FIG>) surrounding the space between the first surface 310A and the second surface 310B. The surface facing a first direction (+X direction) of the outer surface of the housing <NUM> may be defined as the side 310C.

According to various embodiments, a seating area <NUM> configured to accommodate the sensor assembly <NUM> to be described below may be formed in the side 310C. According to an embodiment, the seating area <NUM> may be formed in a groove shape on the housing <NUM>. According to another embodiment, the seating area <NUM> may be formed in an open shape through the housing <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, a seating member <NUM> for seating the sensor assembly <NUM> in the seating area <NUM> may be formed around the seating area <NUM>. For example, the sensor assembly <NUM> may be coupled to the seating area <NUM> formed in the side 310C and may be seated in the seating area <NUM> in contact with the seating member <NUM>. Accordingly, the sensor assembly <NUM> may be prevented from and/or reduce separating from the seating area <NUM> by the seating member <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the housing <NUM> may include a first supporting member (e.g., the supporting member <NUM> shown in <FIG>). The first supporting member <NUM> may be connected with the side 301C or may be formed integrally with the side 310C. In an embodiment, the first supporting member <NUM> may be defined as a bracket.

According to embodiments, the at least one input area <NUM> is positioned on the outer surface of the housing <NUM> that faces the first direction (+X direction). For example, the at least one input area <NUM> may be an area formed on the side 310C of the housing <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the input area <NUM> may be exposed to the outside and may obtain input from a user. For example, the input area <NUM> can obtain pressure (e.g., pressure P1 shown in <FIG> AND 10B) applied from the outside (e.g., a finger of a user). The input area <NUM> may be deformed when obtaining the pressure P1.

According to various embodiments, the input area <NUM> may include, for example, and without limitation, at least one of a side key, a volume-up/down key, a function key, a Bixby key, a power key, a camera shutter key, or the like. A side key, a volume-up/down key, a function key, a Bixby key, a power key, and a camera shutter key are illustrated, by way of non-limiting example as the input area <NUM> in the embodiment, but the input area <NUM> is not limited thereto. For example, the input area <NUM> may be applied in various ways as long as it is pressed by pressure P1 applied from the outside.

According to various embodiments, the input area <NUM> may include a first input area <NUM> and a second input area <NUM>. According to an embodiment, when the first input area <NUM> is seen in the first direction (+X direction), at least a portion of the first input area <NUM> may overlap a plurality of first openings <NUM>. According to another embodiment, when the second input area <NUM> is seen in the first direction (+X direction), at least a portion of the second input area <NUM> may overlap one first opening <NUM>. The first input area <NUM> may be a volume-up/down key and the second input area <NUM> may be a Bixby key. The processor (e.g., the processor <NUM> shown in <FIG>) can control the volume-up/down key function and the Bixby key function.

According to various embodiments, the first input area <NUM> may include a third input area 412a and a fourth input area 412b so that the processor (e.g., the processor <NUM> shown in <FIG>) may discriminate and determine pressure P1 from the outside obtained in one input area. For example, the first input area <NUM> may include a third input area 412a formed in a third direction (+Z direction) of the first input area <NUM> and a fourth input area 412b formed in a fourth direction (-Z direction) of the first input area <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the third input area 412a may be used as a volume-up key and the fourth input area 412b may be used as a volume-down key.

According to various embodiments, the sensor assembly <NUM> that may sense pressure on the input area <NUM> may be disposed on an inner surface I1 of the housing <NUM> that faces a second direction (-X direction) that is the opposite direction to the first direction (+X direction). For example, the sensor assembly <NUM> may be disposed on the inner surface I1 of the housing <NUM> formed in the opposite direction to the side 310C of the housing <NUM> where the input area <NUM> is formed, and may sense deformation of the input area <NUM> by pressure P1 applied from the outside (e.g., a finger of a user). When the sensor assembly <NUM> is seen in the first direction (+X direction), at least a portion of the sensor assembly <NUM> may overlap the input area <NUM>. Although only the electronic device <NUM> in which the input area <NUM> is disposed on the outer surface O1 of the housing <NUM> that faces the first direction (+X direction) is described in the embodiment, those skilled in the art may apply the disclosure to an electronic device <NUM> in which the input area <NUM> is disposed on an outer surface O1 of the housing <NUM> facing at least one of the first direction (+X direction) or the second direction (-X direction).

According to various embodiments, the sensor assembly <NUM> may include at least one plate <NUM>, at least one pressure sensor <NUM>, and a flexible printed circuit board <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the at least one plate <NUM> may be deformed by pressure P1 applied from the outside (e.g., a finger of a user). The plate <NUM> may be made of a material that can be deformed by the pressure P1, for example, and without limitation, stainless steel STS. When a plurality of plates <NUM> are provided, the magnitude of deformation of the sensor assembly <NUM> based on the pressure P1 may increase.

According to various embodiments, the at least one pressure sensor <NUM> can sense deformation of the plate <NUM>. For example, the pressure sensor <NUM> may be a strain gauge and may sense a change in electrical resistance based on deformation of the plate <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the flexible printed circuit board <NUM> is electrically connected with the pressure sensor <NUM>, thereby being able to provide a signal path for transmitting a signal sensed by the pressure sensor <NUM> to the processor (e.g., the processor <NUM> shown in <FIG>).

According to various embodiments, the flexible printed circuit board <NUM> may surround the at least one plate <NUM> and the at least one pressure sensor <NUM> to protect the at least one plate <NUM> and the at least one pressure sensor <NUM>. For example, the flexible printed circuit board <NUM> may have a first surface 423a facing the inner surface I1 of the housing <NUM>, a second surface 423b facing the opposite direction to the first surface 423a, a third surface 423c facing the second surface, and a fourth surface 423d facing the opposite direction to the third surface 423c. The plate <NUM> may be disposed on the second surface 423b and the pressure sensor <NUM> may be disposed between the third surface 423c and the plate <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the flexible printed circuit board <NUM> may be disposed in a folded shape. For example, a surface of the flexible printed circuit board may include the first surface 423a and the fourth surface 423d and another surface formed in the opposite direction to the above surface may include the second surface 423b and the third surface 423c.

According to various embodiments, the sensor assembly <NUM> may be electrically connected with the processor <NUM> included in the electronic device <NUM>. The processor <NUM> may be disposed on a printed circuit board (e.g., the printed circuit board <NUM> shown in <FIG>) of the electronic device <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the sensor assembly <NUM> may be electrically connected with the processor <NUM> through a flexible circuit <NUM> electrically connected with the flexible printed circuit board <NUM> and a connection terminal <NUM> disposed at an end of the flexible circuit <NUM>. For example, an end of the flexible circuit <NUM> may be electrically connected with the flexible printed circuit board <NUM> and the other end of the flexible circuit <NUM> may be electrically connected with a terminal (not shown) of the printed circuit board <NUM> through the connection terminal <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the sensor assembly <NUM> may transmit a signal generated based on deformation of the plate <NUM> to the processor <NUM>. For example, when the at least one input area <NUM> is deformed by pressure P1 applied from the outside (e.g., a finger of a user), the at least one plate <NUM> is also deformed, and in this case, the at least one input sensor <NUM> may sense and convert the deformation of the plate <NUM> into a signal. The pressure sensor <NUM> may transmit the signal generated based on deformation of the plate <NUM> to the processor <NUM> through the flexible printed circuit board <NUM>, the flexible circuit <NUM>, and the connection terminal <NUM>. The processor <NUM> may receive the signal from the pressure sensor <NUM> and control the operation of the electronic device <NUM>. For example, the processor <NUM> may sense pressure P1 applied to the input area <NUM> from the outside (e.g., a finger of a user) through the pressure sensor <NUM> and may perform functions configured in the input area <NUM> (e.g., at least one of a side key function, the function of a volume-up/down key, the function of a function key, the function of a Bixby key, the function of a power key, or the function of a camera shutter).

According to various embodiments, the sensor assembly <NUM> may be coupled to the housing <NUM> in various ways. According to an embodiment, the sensor assembly <NUM> may be coupled to the housing <NUM>, based on the seating area <NUM> and the seating member <NUM>. According to another embodiment, the sensor assembly <NUM> may be coupled to the housing <NUM> through an attaching member <NUM> coupled to the flexible circuit board <NUM>. For example, the attaching member <NUM> including an adhesive material (e.g., a bonding tape) may be disposed between the first surface 423a and the inner surface I1 of the housing <NUM>. The attachment member <NUM> can be coupled to the housing <NUM> by pressure that is provided by a jig (not shown) or external wind.

According to embodiments, the at least one first opening <NUM> is formed at the housing <NUM> adjacent to the sensor assembly <NUM>. According to embodiments, the at least one first opening <NUM> is formed at a first portion <NUM> of the housing <NUM> that is adjacent to the sensor assembly <NUM>. The first portion <NUM> may be at least one of a portion of the housing <NUM> spaced in the second direction (-X direction) apart from the seating area <NUM> in which the sensor assembly <NUM> is accommodated or a portion of the housing <NUM> spaced in the second direction (-X direction) apart from the input area <NUM>. According to another embodiment, the at least one first opening <NUM> may be spaced in the second direction (-X direction) apart from the at least one plate <NUM> or the at least one pressure sensor <NUM> disposed in the housing <NUM>. According to an embodiment, when the first opening <NUM> is seen in the first direction (+X direction), the input area <NUM> may overlap at least a portion of the first opening <NUM>.

According to embodiments, the at least one first opening <NUM> is an opening formed at the first portion <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the at least one first opening <NUM> may be formed as a plurality of pieces. For example, the at least one first opening <NUM> may include at least one of a fourth opening <NUM>, a fifth opening <NUM>, or a sixth opening <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the fourth opening <NUM> and the fifth opening <NUM> may be formed to correspond to the first input area <NUM>. For example, when the first input area <NUM> is seen in the first direction (+X direction), at least a portion of the fourth opening <NUM> and at least a portion of the fifth opening <NUM> may overlap the first input area <NUM>. The sixth opening <NUM> may be formed to correspond to the second input area <NUM>. For example, when the second input area <NUM> is seen in the first direction (+X direction), at least a portion of the sixth opening <NUM> may overlap the second input area <NUM>. Although the first opening <NUM> is described by way of non-limiting example as including the fourth opening <NUM>, the fifth opening <NUM>, or the sixth opening <NUM> in the embodiment, it is not limited thereto. For example, if it is an opening formed at the first portion <NUM>, it may be defined as the first opening <NUM> regardless of the number. The opening may, for example, be a through-hole.

According to embodiments, the second opening <NUM> is formed at the housing <NUM> spaced apart from the at least one first opening <NUM> in the second direction (-X). According to embodiments, the second opening <NUM> is a portion of the housing <NUM> spaced apart from the first portion <NUM> in the second direction (-X direction). According to embodiments, the second opening <NUM> is spaced apart from the sensor assembly <NUM> further than the at least one first opening <NUM>. For example, the distance between the second opening <NUM> and the fourth surface 423d of the flexible circuit board <NUM> may be longer than the distance between the at least one first opening <NUM> and the fourth surface 423d of the flexible circuit board <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the second opening <NUM> may be configured to correspond to the first input area <NUM>. According to an embodiment, when the second opening <NUM> is seen in the first direction (+X direction), at least a portion of the second opening <NUM> may overlap the at least one first opening <NUM> configured to correspond to the first input area <NUM>. According to another embodiment, when the second opening <NUM> is seen in the first direction (+X direction), at least a portion of the second opening <NUM> may overlap the fourth opening <NUM> and the fifth opening <NUM>. Although the second opening <NUM> is described as one opening in the embodiment, it is not limited thereto. For example, if it is an opening formed at a second portion <NUM> spaced apart from the first portion <NUM> in the second direction(-X direction), it may be defined as the second opening <NUM> regardless of the number.

According to various embodiments, the bridge <NUM> may be formed between at least one first opening <NUM>. For example, the bridge <NUM> may include a first bridge <NUM> formed between the fourth opening <NUM> and the fifth opening <NUM> and a second bridge <NUM> formed between the fifth opening <NUM> and the sixth opening <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, when the first bridge <NUM> is seen in the first direction (+X direction), at least a portion of the first bridge <NUM> may overlap the first input area <NUM>. For example, the third input area 412a may be disposed in a third direction (+Z) in the first input area <NUM> overlapping the first bridge <NUM> and the fourth input area 412b may be disposed in the fourth direction (-Z) in the first input area <NUM> overlapping the first bridge <NUM>. According to another embodiment, when the second bridge <NUM> is seen in the first direction (+X direction), at least a portion of the second bridge <NUM> may overlap a grip area <NUM>. The grip area <NUM> is a area disposed on the side 310C of the housing <NUM> formed between the first input area <NUM> and the second input area <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the bridge <NUM> can absorb compression stress and tension stress that are generated by external pressure P1. According to an embodiment, when external pressure P1 is applied to the second input area <NUM>, the second bridge <NUM> absorbs compression stress and tension stress generated by the pressure P1, thereby being able to decrease deformation of at least one of the fourth opening <NUM> or the fifth opening <NUM> corresponding to the first input area <NUM> in comparison to deformation of the sixth opening <NUM>. According to another embodiment, when external pressure P1 is applied to the third input area 412a, the first bridge <NUM> absorbs compression stress and tension stress generated by the pressure P1, thereby being able to decrease deformation of at least one of the fifth opening <NUM> or the sixth opening <NUM> in comparison to deformation of the fourth opening <NUM>. According to another embodiment, when external pressure P1 is applied to the fourth input area 412b, the first bridge <NUM> and the second bridge <NUM> absorb compression stress and tension stress generated by the pressure P1, thereby being able to decrease deformation of at least one of the fourth opening <NUM> or the sixth opening <NUM> in comparison to deformation of the fifth opening <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, when external pressure P1 is applied between third input area 412a and the fourth input area 412b, the bridge <NUM> absorbs compression stress and tension stress generated between the third input area 412a and the fourth input area 412b by the pressure P1, thereby being able to decrease deformation of the first input area <NUM>. When deformation of the first input area <NUM> decreases, pressure information obtained by the sensor assembly <NUM> decreases, so the processor (e.g., the processor <NUM> shown in <FIG>) can determine the pressure P1 applied between the third input area 412a and the fourth input area 412b as being a mis-input.

According to various embodiments, the rigidity of the housing <NUM> may be increased by the bridge <NUM>. For example, the input area <NUM> is supported by the bridge <NUM>, so the rigidity of the side 310C of the housing <NUM> is increased and bending of the electronic device <NUM> can be prevented. According to an embodiment, the first bridge <NUM> can prevent the third input area 412a or the fourth input area 412b from being pressed by external pressure P1 applied between the third input area 412a and the fourth input area 412b. According to another embodiment, the second bridge <NUM> can prevent the fourth input area 412b or the second input area <NUM> from being pressed by external pressure applied to the grip area (e.g., the grip area <NUM> shown in <FIG>) positioned between the fourth input area 412b and the second input area <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the thickness of the housing <NUM> in which the bridge <NUM> is formed may be varied. For example, the thickness of the bridge <NUM> may be less than the thickness of a portion of the first supporting member (e.g., the first supporting member <NUM> shown in <FIG>) having a heating sheet (not shown).

<FIG> is a side cross-sectional view illustrating an example operation state of the electronic device according to various embodiments and <FIG> is a side cross-sectional view illustrating an example operation state of the electronic device according to various embodiments. <FIG> is an enlarged side cross-sectional view illustrating an example operation state of the electronic device according to various embodiments.

Referring to <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, an electronic device <NUM> may include a sensor assembly <NUM> configured to sense external input P1 to the input area <NUM>, and a first opening <NUM> and a second opening <NUM> configured to deform based on the external pressure to the input area <NUM>. The configuration of the electronic device <NUM>, the housing <NUM>, the input area <NUM>, the sensor assembly <NUM>, the first opening <NUM>, the second opening <NUM>, and the bridge <NUM> shown in <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG> may be entirely or partially the same as the configuration of the electronic device <NUM>, the housing <NUM>, the input area <NUM>, the sensor assembly <NUM>, the first opening <NUM>, the second opening <NUM>, and the bridge <NUM> shown <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>.

According to various embodiments, the magnitude of deformation of the first opening <NUM> and the magnitude of deformation of the second opening <NUM> may be changed based on at least one of the magnitude of external pressure P1, the direction of the external pressure P1, the position of the external pressure P1 applied to the electronic device <NUM>, the shape of the input area <NUM>, the shape of the first opening <NUM>, the position of the first opening <NUM>, the shape of the second opening <NUM>, or the position of the second opening <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the magnitude of deformation of the first opening <NUM> and the magnitude of deformation of the second opening <NUM> may be less than the level that can be visually recognized. For example, the magnitude of deformation of the first opening <NUM> and the magnitude of deformation of the second opening <NUM> may be in a range of about <NUM> to <NUM>. According to another embodiment, the magnitude of deformation of the first opening <NUM> and the magnitude of deformation of the second opening <NUM> can be visually recognized, but in this case, the electronic device <NUM> may not be actually bent. According to various embodiments, the first opening <NUM> may be deformed by external pressure P1 applied to the input area <NUM>. When the first opening <NUM> is deformed, the pressure P1 may concentrate on the sensor assembly <NUM>. For example, when the input area <NUM> is deformed, at least one of the fourth opening <NUM>, the fifth opening <NUM>, or the sixth opening <NUM> disposed adjacent to the sensor assembly <NUM> is deformed, so the pressure P1 may concentrate on the sensor assembly <NUM>. The sensor assembly <NUM> can precisely obtain user input (e.g., pressure), based on the concentrated pressure P1.

According to various embodiments, the larger the size of the first opening <NUM>, the higher the sensitivity of the sensor assembly <NUM> sensing pressure (e.g., pressure P1 shown in <FIG>) applied to the input area <NUM> corresponding to the first opening <NUM> may be.

According to various embodiments, the fourth opening <NUM>, the fifth opening <NUM>, and/or the sixth opening <NUM> may be disposed to correspond to the third input area 412a, the fourth input area 412b and/or the second input area <NUM>, respectively. For example, the fourth opening <NUM> may be disposed to correspond to the third area 412a that is the volume-up key, the fifth opening <NUM> may be disposed to correspond to the fourth input area 414b that is the volume-down key, and the sixth opening <NUM> may be disposed to correspond to the second input area <NUM> that is the Bixby key.

According to various embodiments, deformation of the first opening <NUM> by the pressure P1 applied to the input area <NUM> may be larger than deformation of the first opening <NUM> by pressure Pa applied to the housing <NUM> except for the input area <NUM>. For example, deformation of the fourth opening <NUM>, the fifth opening <NUM>, and/or the sixth opening <NUM> by pressure P1 applied to the third input area 412a, the fourth input area 412b, and/or the second input area <NUM> may be larger than deformation of the fourth opening <NUM>, the fifth opening <NUM>, and/or the sixth opening <NUM> by pressure P1 applied to the surroundings excluding the third input area 412a, the fourth input area 412b, and/or the second input area <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the second opening <NUM> may be deformed by external pressure P1 applied to the input area <NUM>. For example, the second opening <NUM> may be deformed by the pressure P1 applied to the first input area <NUM>. According to an embodiment, when the pressure P1 is applied to the third input area 412a corresponding to the fourth opening <NUM>, at least a portion of the second opening <NUM> may be deformed. When the second opening <NUM> is deformed, the pressure P1 may concentrate on the sensor assembly <NUM>. According to another embodiment, when the pressure P1 is applied to the fourth input area 412b corresponding to the fifth opening <NUM>, at least a portion of the second opening <NUM> may be deformed. When the second opening <NUM> is deformed, the pressure P1 may concentrate on the sensor assembly <NUM>. The sensor assembly <NUM> can precisely obtain user input (e.g., pressure), based on the concentrated pressure P1.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating an example electronic device having a first opening and a second opening according to various embodiments. <FIG> is a diagram illustrating an example electronic device having the first opening and the second opening according to various embodiments. <FIG> is a diagram illustrating an example electronic device having a first opening, a second opening, and a third opening according to various embodiments.

Referring to <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, an electronic device <NUM> may include a first supporting member <NUM>, an input area <NUM>, a first opening <NUM>, a second opening <NUM>, a third opening <NUM>, and a bridge <NUM>. The configuration of the input area <NUM>, the first opening <NUM>, the second opening <NUM>, the third opening <NUM>, and the bridge <NUM> shown in <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG> may be entirely or partially the same as the configuration of the input area <NUM>, the first opening <NUM>, the second opening <NUM>, and the bridge <NUM> shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, and the configuration of the first supporting member <NUM> may be entirely or partially the same as the configuration of the first supporting member <NUM> shown in <FIG>.

According to various embodiments, the first opening <NUM> may be formed in a structure for concentrating pressure applied to the input area <NUM> to the sensor assembly (e.g., the sensor assembly <NUM> shown in <FIG>). When the first opening <NUM> is seen in the first direction (+X direction), at least a portion of the first opening <NUM> may overlap the first input area <NUM>. For example, at least a portion of the fourth opening <NUM> may overlap at least a portion formed in the third direction (+Z direction) in the first input area <NUM>, at least a portion of the fifth opening <NUM> may overlap a portion formed in the fourth direction (-Z direction) in the first input area <NUM>, and at least a portion of the sixth opening <NUM> may overlap the second input area <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the first opening <NUM> and the second opening <NUM> may be formed at the first supporting member <NUM> to concentrate pressure applied to the input area <NUM> to the sensor assembly <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the first opening <NUM> and the second opening <NUM> may be formed in various shapes. According to an embodiment, the length in the third direction (+Z direction) of the first opening <NUM> may be longer than the length in the third direction (+Z direction) of the second opening <NUM>. For example, the first length L1 that is the length in the third direction (+Z direction) of the fourth opening <NUM> may be longer than the fourth length L4 that is the length in the third direction (+Z direction) of the second opening <NUM>. According to another embodiment, the length in the first direction (+X direction) of the first opening <NUM> may be shorter than the length in the first direction (+X direction) of the second opening <NUM>. For example, the first width W1 that is the length in the first direction (+X direction) of the fourth opening <NUM> may be shorter than the width fourth W4 that is the length in the first direction (+X direction) of the second opening <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device <NUM> may have a first opening <NUM>, a second opening <NUM>, and a third opening <NUM>. The third opening <NUM>, which is an opening configured to deform based on the pressure (e.g., the pressure P1 shown in <FIG>), may be spaced apart from the second opening <NUM> in the second direction (-X direction). For example, when the third opening <NUM> is seen in the first direction (+X direction), at least a portion of the first opening <NUM> may overlap the first input area <NUM> and the second input area <NUM>, the second opening <NUM> may be spaced apart from the first opening <NUM> in the second direction (-X direction), and the third opening <NUM> may be spaced apart from the second opening <NUM> in the second direction (-X direction). When the third opening <NUM> is seen in the first direction (+X direction), at least a portion of the third opening <NUM> may overlap the second opening <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the first opening <NUM>, the second opening <NUM>, and the third opening <NUM> may be variously formed in the first supporting member <NUM>. For example, in <FIG>, when the electronic device <NUM> is seen in the first direction (+X direction), the first opening <NUM>, the second opening <NUM>, and the third opening <NUM> overlapping the first input area <NUM> and the second input area <NUM> are shown, but at least one of the first opening <NUM>, the second opening <NUM>, or the third opening <NUM> may overlap the first input area <NUM> and may not overlap the second input area <NUM>. As another example, at least one of the first opening <NUM>, the second opening <NUM>, or the third opening <NUM> may overlap the second input area <NUM> and may not overlap the first input area <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the second opening <NUM> may include at least one of a seventh opening <NUM> or an eighth opening <NUM>. The seventh opening <NUM> may be defined as the second opening <NUM> formed in the third direction (+Z) of the second opening <NUM> formed in a second portion (e.g., the second portion <NUM> shown in <FIG>) of the housing <NUM>, and the eighth opening <NUM> may be defined as the second opening <NUM> formed in the fourth direction (-Z) of the second opening <NUM> formed in the second portion (e.g., the second portion <NUM> shown in <FIG>) of the housing <NUM>.

According to another embodiment, when the seventh opening <NUM> is seen in the first direction (+X direction), at least a portion of the seventh opening <NUM> may overlap the fourth opening <NUM> and the fifth opening <NUM>. The seventh opening <NUM> may be deformed in correspondence to pressure (e.g., the pressure P1 shown in <FIG>) applied to the first input area <NUM>. For example, the pressure P1 applied to at least one of the third input area 412a or the fourth input area 412b may concentrate on a sensor assembly (e.g., the sensor assembly <NUM> shown in <FIG>), based on the deformed seventh opening <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, when the eighth opening <NUM> is seen in the first direction (+X direction), at least a portion of the eighth opening <NUM> may overlap the fifth opening <NUM> and the sixth opening <NUM>. The eighth opening <NUM> is deformed in correspondence to the pressure P1 applied to the first input area <NUM> or the second input area <NUM> and the pressure P1 may concentrate on the sensor assembly <NUM>, based on the deformed eighth opening <NUM>.

<FIG> is a side cross-sectional view illustrating an example first opening and second opening of the electronic device according to various embodiments, <FIG> is a side cross-sectional illustrating an example first opening and second opening of the electronic device according to various embodiments, and <FIG> is a side cross-sectional illustrating an example first opening and the second opening of the electronic device according to various embodiments.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, an electronic device <NUM> may have an input area <NUM>, a first opening <NUM>, and a second opening <NUM>. The configuration of the input area <NUM>, the first opening <NUM>, and the second opening <NUM> shown in <FIG> and <FIG> may be entirely or partially the same as the configuration of the input area <NUM>, the first opening <NUM>, and the second opening <NUM> shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>.

According to various embodiments, the first opening <NUM> and the second opening <NUM> may be formed in various shapes. The first opening <NUM> and the second opening <NUM> may be formed in slit shapes that are longer in one direction than another direction.

According to various embodiments, the sensitivity of the sensor assembly <NUM> may be changed, based on at least one of the shape of the input area <NUM>, the shape of the first opening <NUM>, the position of the first opening <NUM>, the shape of the second opening <NUM>, or the position of the second opening <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the lengths of the fourth opening <NUM>, the fifth opening <NUM>, and the sixth opening <NUM> may be varied, depending on the use of the input area <NUM>. For example, the fourth opening <NUM> may be disposed to correspond to the third area 412a configured to function as a volume-up key, the fifth opening <NUM> may be disposed to correspond to the fourth input area 412b configured to function as a volume-down key, and the sixth opening <NUM> may be disposed to correspond to the second input area <NUM> configured to function as a Bixby key. A first length L1 of the fourth opening <NUM> or a second length L2 of the fifth opening <NUM> respectively corresponding to the third input area 412a or the fourth input area 412b that are used more frequently than the second input area <NUM> may be larger than a third length L3 of the sixth opening <NUM>. As described above, since the sensitivity of the sensing assembly <NUM> is proportioned to the size of the first opening <NUM> corresponding to the input area <NUM>, the sensitivity for pressure that is applied to at least one of the third input area 412a or the fourth input area 412b may be higher than the sensitivity for pressure that is applied to the second input area <NUM>. An input operation for the first input area <NUM> requires relatively low pressure, so a user can simply and easily perform volume-up or volume-down that is performed through the first input area <NUM>. An input operation for the second input area <NUM> requires relatively high pressure, so misinput of a Bixby function that is performed through the second area <NUM> can be prevented and/or reduced during using.

Referring to <FIG>, the first length L1 of the fourth opening <NUM>, the second length L2 of the fifth opening <NUM>, and the third length L3 of the sixth opening <NUM> may be substantially the same. According to an embodiment, even though the first length L1, the second length L2, and the third length L3 are the same, the sensitivity of the sensor assembly <NUM> may be changed, based on the position of the second opening <NUM>. For example, when the second opening <NUM> is formed at a position corresponding to the first input area <NUM>, the sensitivity of the sensor assembly <NUM> to the pressure that is applied to the first input area <NUM> may be higher than the sensitivity of the sensing assembly <NUM> to the pressure that is applied to the second input area <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the first opening <NUM> may include a fourth opening <NUM> and a fifth opening <NUM>. The fourth opening <NUM> may be formed at the housing <NUM> spaced apart from the sensor assembly <NUM> in the second direction (-X direction) and may be disposed to correspond to the first input area <NUM> configured to perform at least two or more functions (e.g., volume-up and volume-down functions). The fifth opening <NUM> may be spaced apart from the sensor assembly <NUM> in the second direction (-X direction) and formed at the housing <NUM> and may be disposed to correspond to the second input area <NUM> configured to perform one function (e.g., a Bixby function). The second input area <NUM> configured to perform one function is defined as an input area that performs one function for substantially the same time point. For example, even if the input area <NUM> may be changed to perform various functions by input from a user, if it performs one function at substantially the same time point, it may be defined as the second input area <NUM>.

<FIG> is a side cross-sectional view illustrating an example input area according to various embodiments, <FIG> is a side cross-sectional view illustrating an example input area according to various embodiments, and <FIG> is a side cross-sectional view illustrating an example input area according to various embodiments.

Referring to <FIG>, <FIG>, the input area <NUM> may be formed in various shapes on the outer surface of the housing <NUM>. The configuration of the input area <NUM> shown in <FIG>, <FIG> may be entirely or partially the same as the configuration of the input area <NUM> shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>.

According to various embodiments, the input area <NUM> may provide information about the position where the input area <NUM> is formed to a user, using at least one of visual information and tactual information. According to an embodiment, the input area <NUM> includes at least one of an embossed key area 410a, an engraved key area 410c, a curved key area (not shown), a glossy key area (not shown), a matte key area (not shown), a light-emitting area (not shown), a printed area (not shown), or a color area (not shown), thereby being able to provide visual information about the position where the input area <NUM> is formed to a user. According to another embodiment, the input area <NUM> includes at least one of a sandblasted area (not shown), an embossed key area 410a, an engraved key area 410c, or a vibration area (not shown), thereby being able to provide tactual information about the position where the input area <NUM> is formed to a user. According to various embodiments, the input area <NUM> may be disposed on the side 310C of the housing <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the embossed key area 410a protruding outward may be disposed on the side 310C of the housing <NUM>. According to another embodiment, the engraved key area 410c recessed a predetermined depth may be disposed on the side 310C of the housing <NUM>. The engraved key area 410c may be a recessed groove. According to another embodiment, the curved key area (not shown) formed in a curved shape may be disposed on the side 310C of the housing <NUM>. The embossed key area 410a, the engraved key area 410c, and the curved key area (not shown) can provide at least one of visual information and tactual information about the position where the input area <NUM> is formed to a user.

According to various embodiments, the input area <NUM> can provide tactual information about the position where the input area <NUM> is formed, based on the surface roughness. According to an embodiment, the sandblasted key area (not shown) having a rough surface may be disposed on the side 310C of the housing <NUM>. When a finger of a user slides on the surface of the housing <NUM>, the sandblasted key area (not shown) comes in contact with the user's finger, so the degree of recognition of the user for the position of the input area <NUM> can be improved.

According to various embodiments, a non-patterned key area 410b may be disposed in the entire side 310C of the housing <NUM> or a portion including the upper end of the side 310C. The non-patterned key area 410b may be set by a user. For example, a portion of the side 310C that a user grips or swipes may be set as the non-patterned key area 410b by the user giving input through a display (e.g., the display <NUM> shown in <FIG>) of the electronic device <NUM>. The swiping is defined as an input type that a user can give key input by sliding a finger without taking off the finger.

According to various embodiments, the glossy key area (not shown) or the matte key area (not shown) may be disposed on the side 310C of the housing. The matte key area (not shown) is an input area <NUM> less glossier than the side 310C of the housing <NUM>, which is not the input area <NUM>, of the input area <NUM>, and the glossy key area (not shown) is defined as an input area <NUM> glossier than the side 310C of the housing <NUM>, which is not the input area <NUM>, of the input area <NUM>. At least one of the glossy key area (not shown) and the matte key area (not shown) can improve the degree of recognition for the position of the input area <NUM> of a user due to a visual difference.

According to various embodiments, at least one of the light-emitting area (not shown), the printed area (not shown), or the color area (not shown) may be disposed on the side 310C of the housing. The light-emitting area (not shown), which is an input area <NUM> receiving light emitted from a light-emitting element (not shown), can provide visual information about the position where the input area <NUM> is formed to a user. The printed area (not shown) can provide visual information about the position where the input area <NUM> is formed, based on at least one of a character, a symbol, or a number printed in the input area <NUM>. The color area (not shown), which is an input area <NUM> having a different color from the housing <NUM> which is not the color area <NUM>, can provide visual information about the position where the input area <NUM> is formed to a user.

According to various embodiments, the vibration area (not shown) may be disposed on the side 310C of the housing. A processor (e.g., the processor <NUM> shown in <FIG>) may be configured to sense input to the input area <NUM> from a user through a sensor module (e.g., the sensor module <NUM> shown in <FIG>) and generate vibration using a motor (not shown) when a user comes in contact with the vibration area (not shown). The vibration area (not shown) can provide tactual information about the position where the input area <NUM> is formed to a user.

<FIG> is an enlarged side view illustrating an example first opening and second opening according to various embodiments, <FIG> is an enlarged side view illustrating an example first opening and second opening according to various embodiments, and <FIG> is an enlarged side view illustrating an example first opening and second opening according to various embodiments.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, at least one of the first opening <NUM> or the second opening <NUM> may be formed in various shapes. The configuration of the first opening <NUM> and the second opening <NUM> shown in <FIG> and <FIG> may be entirely or partially the same as the first opening <NUM> and the second opening <NUM> shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>.

According to various embodiments, the first opening <NUM> may include a first opening area K1 and a second opening area K2 to be deformed step by step by pressure (e.g., the pressure P1 shown in <FIG> and <FIG>) applied from the outside. The first opening area K1 may be deformed substantially simultaneously with the time point of deformation of the input area <NUM> by the pressure P1 applied to the input area <NUM>. The second opening area K2 may be deformed when additional pressure is applied to the input area <NUM> after the first opening area K1 is deformed by the pressure P1 applied to the input area <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the second opening <NUM> may include a third opening area K3 and a fourth opening area K4 to be deformed step by step by the pressure P1. According to an embodiment, the third opening area K3 may be deformed substantially simultaneously with the time point of deformation of the first opening area K1 and the fourth opening area K4 may be deformed substantially simultaneously with the time point of deformation of the second opening area K2. According to another embodiment, the third opening area K3 may be deformed substantially simultaneously with the time point of deformation of the second opening area K2 and the fourth opening area K4 may be deformed after the third opening area K3 is deformed. According to another embodiment, the third opening area K3 may be deformed after the second opening area K2 is deformed and the fourth opening area K4 may be deformed after the third opening area K3 is deformed.

According to various embodiments, at least one of the first opening <NUM> or the second opening <NUM> may be formed in shapes that can be deformed step by step by pressure P1. According to an embodiment, the first opening <NUM> is flat on the surface facing an oblong opening 430a and the sensor assembly <NUM> and the opposite surface thereof may be formed in at least one shape of openings 430c where a protrusion extending from a convex opening 430b or an oblong opening is formed. According to another embodiment, the second opening <NUM> is flat on the surface facing an oblong opening 440a and the sensor assembly <NUM> and the opposite surface thereof may be formed in at least one shape of openings 440c where a protrusion extending from a convex opening 440b or an oblong opening is formed.

According to various embodiments, the pressure P1 may be applied to at least one input area <NUM> disposed on the outer surface O1 of the housing <NUM>. The sensor assembly <NUM> may be primarily deformed by the pressure P1 applied to the input area <NUM>. The first opening area K1 may be deformed substantially simultaneously with the time point of deformation of the input area <NUM>. The pressure P1 may concentrate on the sensor assembly <NUM> substantially simultaneously with the time point of deformation of the first opening area K1. For example, a pressure sensor (e.g., the pressure sensor <NUM> shown in <FIG>) of the sensor assembly <NUM> can sense and convert the pressure P1 into a signal and can transmit the signal to a processor (e.g., the processor <NUM> shown in <FIG>). The processor <NUM> can perform a first operation in the input area <NUM> in the electronic device <NUM> in response to the signal. The first operation is defined as an operation of the processor <NUM> based on the signal sensed by the sensor assembly <NUM> through deformation of the first opening area K1.

According to various embodiments, the second opening area K2 may be deformed when the pressure P1 is further applied to the input area <NUM> after the first opening area K1 is deformed. The sensor assembly <NUM> may be secondarily deformed by the pressure (not shown) additionally applied to the input area <NUM>. The pressure P1 applied to the input area <NUM> may concentrate on the sensor assembly <NUM> substantially simultaneously with the time point of deformation of the second opening area K2. For example, the pressure sensor <NUM> can sense and convert the additionally applied pressure (not shown) into a signal and can transmit the signal to a processor (e.g., the processor <NUM> shown in <FIG>). The processor <NUM> can perform a second operation in the input area <NUM> in the electronic device <NUM> in response to the signal. The second operation is defined as an operation of the processor <NUM> based on the signal sensed by the sensor assembly <NUM> through deformation of the second opening area K2.

According to various embodiments, the processor <NUM> can separately perform the first operation and the second operation of the electronic device <NUM>, based on the pressure P1 obtained step by step in the input area <NUM>. For example, the at least one input area <NUM> may be configured to function as a camera shutter key. When a camera module (e.g., the camera module <NUM> shown in <FIG>) of the electronic device <NUM> takes a picture, the input area <NUM> can obtain the pressure P1. The input area <NUM> and the sensor assembly <NUM> may be primarily pressed by the pressure P1 and deformed substantially simultaneously with the time point of the pressing. The first opening area K1 of the first opening <NUM> may also be deformed substantially simultaneously with the time point of pressing of the input area <NUM>. The sensor assembly <NUM> can sense and convert the pressure P1 into a signal and transmit the signal to the processor <NUM>. The processor <NUM> can operate the camera module <NUM> in a semi-shutter mode (e.g., a function of adjusting the focus of the camera) in response to the signal. Pressure P1 may be additionally applied to the input area <NUM> configured to perform the function of a camera shutter key. The input area <NUM> and the sensor assembly <NUM> may be secondarily pressed by the additionally applied pressure (not shown) and deformed substantially simultaneously with the time point of the pressing. The second opening area K2 of the first opening <NUM> may also be deformed substantially simultaneously with the time point of pressing of the input area <NUM>. The sensor assembly <NUM> can sense and convert the additionally applied pressure (not shown) into a signal and transmit the signal to the processor <NUM>. The processor <NUM> can operate the camera module <NUM> in a shutter mode (e.g., a function of taking a still image and/or a moving image) in response to the signal.

According to various embodiments, the sensor assembly <NUM> can sense and convert the pressure P1 into a signal step by step, based on at least one first opening <NUM> including the first opening area K1 and the second opening area K2, and the second opening <NUM> including the third opening area K3 and the fourth opening area K4. The processor <NUM> can perform various operations of the electronic device <NUM> in response to the signal.

According to embodiments, an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM> show in <FIG>) includes: a housing (e.g., the housing <NUM> shown in <FIG>); at least one input area (e.g., the input area <NUM> shown in <FIG>) disposed on an outer surface (e.g., the outer surface O1 shown in <FIG>) of the housing facing a first direction (e.g., the first direction (+X direction) shown in <FIG>); a sensor assembly (e.g., the sensor assembly <NUM> shown in <FIG>) including at least one pressure sensor disposed on an inner surface (e.g., the inner surface I1 shown in <FIG>) of the housing, the inner surface facing a second direction (e.g., the second direction (-X direction) shown in <FIG>) opposite to the first direction, the sensor assembly configured to sense pressure applied to the input area; at least one first opening (e.g., the first opening <NUM> shown in <FIG>) provided at a first portion (e.g., the first portion <NUM> shown in <FIG>) of the housing adjacent to the sensor assembly and spaced apart from the sensor assembly in the second direction; and a second opening (e.g., the second opening <NUM> shown in <FIG>) provided at a second portion (e.g., the second portion <NUM> shown in <FIG>) of the housing spaced apart from the first opening in the second direction, wherein the at least one first opening and the second opening may be configured to be deformed based on the pressure applied to the at least one input area.

According to various example embodiments, when the at least one first opening is seen in the first direction, at least a portion of the at least one first opening may overlap the at least one input area.

According to various example embodiments, the at least one first opening may include a fourth opening (e.g., the fourth opening <NUM> shown in <FIG>), a fifth opening (e.g., the fifth opening <NUM> shown in <FIG>), and a sixth opening (e.g. the sixth opening <NUM> shown in <FIG>), and the electronic device may further include a first bridge (e.g., the first bridge <NUM> shown in <FIG>) provided between the fourth opening and the fifth opening and a second bridge (e.g., the second bridge <NUM> shown in <FIG>) provided between the fifth opening and the sixth opening.

According to various example embodiments, when the at least one input area is seen in the first direction, the at least one input area may include a first input area (e.g., the first input area <NUM> shown in <FIG>) at least partially overlapping the fourth opening and the fifth opening and a second input area (e.g., the second input area <NUM> shown in <FIG>) at least partially overlapping the sixth opening.

According to various example embodiments, the first bridge may overlap the at least one input area when the first bridge is seen in the first direction, and the second bridge may overlap a grip area (e.g., the grip area <NUM> shown in <FIG>) between the at least one input area and the second input area when the second bridge is seen in the first direction.

According to various example embodiments, when the second opening is seen in the first direction, the second opening may at least partially overlap the at least one input area and the first bridge.

According to various example embodiments, a first length (e.g., the first length L1 shown in <FIG>) of the at least one first opening that is a length in a third direction (e.g., the third direction (+Z direction) shown in <FIG>) substantially perpendicular to the first direction or the second direction may be larger than a first width (e.g., the first width W1 shown in <FIG>) that is a length in the first direction, and a fourth length (e.g., the fourth length L4 shown in <FIG>) of the second opening that is a length in the third direction may be larger than a fourth width (e.g., the fourth width W4 shown in <FIG>) that is the length in the first direction.

According to various example embodiments, the first length may be greater than the fourth length and the first width may be less than the fourth width.

According to various example embodiments, the sensor assembly may include: at least one plate (e.g., the plate <NUM> shown in <FIG>) configured to be deformed based on the pressure applied to the input area; at least one pressure sensor (e.g., the pressure sensor <NUM> shown in <FIG>) configured to sense deformation of the plate; and a flexible printed circuit board (e.g., the flexible printed circuit board <NUM> shown in <FIG>) electrically connected with the pressure sensor.

According to various example embodiments, the flexible printed circuit board may have a first surface (e.g., the first surface 423a shown in <FIG>) facing the inner surface of the housing; a second surface (e.g., the second surface 423b shown in <FIG>) facing an opposite direction the first surface; a third surface (e.g., the third surface 423c shown in <FIG>) facing the second surface; and a fourth surface (e.g., the fourth surface 423d shown in <FIG>) facing a direction opposite the third surface, wherein the plate may be disposed on the second surface and the pressure sensor may be disposed between the third surface of the flexible printed circuit board and the plate.

According to various example embodiments, the sensor assembly may include an attaching member (e.g., the attachment member <NUM> shown in <FIG>) comprising an adhesive material configured to couple the flexible printed circuit board to the inner surface of the housing; and the attachment member may be disposed on the first surface of the flexible printed circuit board.

According to various example embodiments, the electronic device may further include a third opening (e.g., the third opening <NUM> shown in <FIG>) spaced apart from the second opening in the second direction and configured to be deformed based on the pressure.

According to various example embodiments, when the third opening is seen in the first direction, at least a portion of the third opening may overlap the second opening.

According to various example embodiments, the housing may include a seating area (e.g., the seating area <NUM> shown in <FIG>) configured to accommodate the sensor assembly.

According to various example embodiments, the input area may include at least one of an engraved key area (e.g., the engraved key area 410c shown in <FIG> and <FIG>), an embossed key area (e.g., the embossed key area 410a shown in <FIG> and <FIG>), a curved key area, a matte key area, a glossy key area, a sandblasted area, or a non-patterned key area (e.g., the engraved key area 410b shown in <FIG> and <FIG>).

According to various example embodiments, an electronic device includes: a housing including at least one input area disposed on an outer surface of the housing; a sensor assembly disposed on an inner surface facing a second direction opposite the outer surface of the housing and configured to sense pressure applied to at least one input area; a plurality of first openings of the housing disposed adjacent to the sensor assembly and spaced apart from the sensor assembly in the second direction; at least one bridge disposed between the plurality of first openings; and a second opening spaced apart from the bridge in the second direction, wherein the first opening and the second opening may be configured to concentrate pressure applied on the sensor assembly.

According to various example embodiments, when the first opening is seen in the second direction, the input area may overlap at least a portion of the first opening.

According to various example embodiments, the input area may include a first input area configured to perform at least two or more functions, and when the first input area is seen in the second direction, at least a portion of the first input area may overlap the first opening, the second opening, and the bridge.

According to various example embodiments, a bracket (e.g., the first supporting member <NUM> shown in <FIG> (e.g., the bracket)) of an electronic device includes: at least one input area disposed on a side of a support facing a first direction; a seating area configured to accommodate a sensor assembly configured to sense pressure applied to the at least one input area; at least one first opening spaced apart from the seating area in a second direction opposite the first direction; and a second opening spaced apart from the at least one first opening in the second direction, wherein the at least one first opening and the second opening may be configured to be deformed based on pressure applied to the at least one input area.

According to various example embodiments, the seating area may be disposed between the input area and the first opening.

Electronic devices including openings according to various example embodiments described above are not limited to the embodiments and drawings described above and it would be apparent to those skilled in the art that the electronic devices may be replaced, changed, and modified in various ways within the scope of the invention.

Claim 1:
An electronic device (<NUM>) comprising:
a housing (<NUM>);
at least one input area (<NUM>) disposed on an outer surface (O1) of the housing and facing a first direction;
a sensor assembly (<NUM>) including at least one pressure sensor (<NUM>) disposed on an inner surface (I1) of the housing facing a second direction opposite the first direction, and configured to sense pressure applied to the at least one input area (<NUM>)
characterized by:
at least one first opening (<NUM>) provided at a first portion (<NUM>) of the housing adjacent to the sensor assembly and spaced apart from the sensor assembly in the second direction; and
a second opening (<NUM>) provided at a second portion (<NUM>) of the housing spaced apart from the at least one first opening in the second direction,
wherein the at least one first opening and the second opening are configured to be deformed based on the pressure applied to the at least one input area.