Patent Description:
An electronic device such as a smartphone may include various components, such as a camera, a microphone, a speaker or a receiver, disposed therein to provide various functions. An electronic device may include a front-facing camera and a rear-facing camera. When a front-facing camera is disposed at an upper end of a center of an electronic device, a speaker and a receiver may be disposed on a side surface of the front-facing camera.

An electronic device may include at least one hole to discharge a sound outputted from an acoustic component such as a speaker or a receiver to the outside of the electronic device, or to receive a voice or a sound from the outside of the electronic device. The hole may be formed on at least one of a front surface, a side surface, or a rear surface of the electronic device.

As an area through which a sound outputted from an acoustic component is emitted is closer to the center of an electronic device, acoustic performance of the electronic device may be more enhanced. Patent document <CIT>, discloses an electronic device which includes a housing including a cover member and at least one first opening, a first acoustic module disposed in the inner space of the housing and a path guiding an acoustic signal generated from the first acoustic module to the outside.

When at least one hole formed in an electronic device is asymmetrical in a vertical or horizontal direction, aesthetic quality of an appearance of the electronic device may be degraded. The electronic device may include at least one additional hole to make the at least one hole symmetrical in the vertical or horizontal direction.

When an area through which a sound outputted from an acoustic component is emitted is disposed close to the center of the electronic device, the at least one additional hole and the area through which the sound outputted from the acoustic component is emitted may be connected. In this case, a sound outputted from the acoustic component may be discharged through the at least one additional hole, and to this end, acoustic performance of the electronic device may be degraded.

The invention is directed to the subject-matter of the independent claim <NUM>.

In accordance with an aspect of the disclosure, an electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes a housing, a camera disposed inside the housing, spaced apart from a first periphery by a first length in a first direction that is perpendicular to the first periphery of the electronic device and facing a second periphery of the electronic device, a speaker disposed on one side of the camera inside the housing, a receiver disposed on another side of the camera inside the housing, and a structure disposed between the first periphery and the camera inside the housing, wherein the housing includes a first opening formed on a front surface of the electronic device between the first periphery and the camera, and a plurality of second openings formed on a side surface of the electronic device along the first periphery, wherein the structure is configured to shield at least two of the plurality of second opening, such that a first sound output from the speaker is discharged through at least one other openings of the second openings or the first opening, and a second sound output from the receiver is discharged through the first opening.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, an electronic device may include at least one additional hole to make at least one hole formed in the electronic device symmetrical to each other. Accordingly, aesthetic quality of an appearance of the electronic device may be enhanced.

In addition, according to various embodiments, an electronic device has an area disposed adjacent to a center of the electronic device to allow a sound outputted from an acoustic component to be emitted therethrough. Accordingly, acoustic performance of the electronic device may be enhanced.

In addition, according to various embodiments, an electronic device includes a shielding structure to prevent degradation of acoustic performance of the electronic device caused by at least one additional hole.

Besides these effects, various effects that are directly or indirectly understood through the disclosure may be provided.

Regarding descriptions of the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals may be used for the same or similar components.

Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that various changes and modifications of the various embodiments described herein can be made without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

An electronic device according to various embodiments of the disclosure may include at least one of, for example, smartphones, tablet personal computers (PCs), mobile phones, video telephones, electronic book readers, desktop PCs, laptop PCs, netbook computers, workstations, servers, personal digital assistant (PDAs), portable multimedia players (PMPs), Motion Picture Experts Group (MPEG-<NUM> or MPEG-<NUM>) Audio Layer <NUM> (MP3) players, mobile medical devices, cameras, or wearable devices. According to various embodiments, the wearable devices may include at least one of accessories (for example, watches, rings, bracelets, ankle bracelets, necklaces, glasses, contact lenses, head-mounted-devices (HMDs), etc.), fabric- or clothing-mounted devices (for example, electronic apparels), body-mounted devices (for example, skin pads, tattoos, etc.), or bio-implantable circuits.

According to some embodiments, the electronic device may be a home appliance. The home appliance may include at least one of, for example, televisions (TVs), digital video disk (DVD) players, audios, refrigerators, air conditioners, cleaners, ovens, microwave ovens, washing machines, air cleaners, set-top boxes, home automation control panels, security control panels, TV boxes, game consoles, electronic dictionaries, electronic keys, camcorders, or electronic picture frames.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device may include at least one of medical devices (for example, various portable medical measurement devices (for example, a blood glucose monitoring device, a heartbeat measuring device, a blood pressure measuring device, a body temperature measuring device, and the like), a magnetic resonance angiography (MRA), a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), a computed tomography (CT), scanners, and ultrasonic devices), navigation devices, global navigation satellite systems (GNSS), event data recorders (EDRs), flight data recorders (FDRs), vehicle infotainment devices, electronic equipment for vessels (for example, navigation systems and gyrocompasses), avionics, security devices, head units for vehicles, industrial or home robots, automatic teller's machines (ATMs) of financial institutions, points of sales (POSs) of stores, or Internet of things (for example, light bulbs, various sensors, electricity or gas meters, sprinkler devices, fire alarms, thermostats, street lamps, toasters, exercise equipment, hot water tanks, heaters, boilers, or the like).

According to an embodiment, the electronic device may include at least one of furniture, a part of buildings/structures, electronic boards, electronic signature receiving devices, projectors, or various measuring instruments (for example, water meters, electricity meters, gas meters, or wave meters). In various embodiments, the electronic device may be one or a combination of two or more devices of the above-mentioned devices. According to a certain embodiment, the electronic device may be a flexible electronic device. Also, the electronic device according to various embodiments of the disclosure is not limited to the above-mentioned devices, and may include new electronic devices according to technology development.

<FIG> is a block diagram of an electronic device <NUM> in a network environment <NUM> according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> in the network environment <NUM> may communicate with an electronic device <NUM> via a first network <NUM> (e.g., a short-range wireless communication network), or may communicate with an electronic device <NUM> or a server <NUM> via a second network <NUM> (e.g., a long-range wireless communication network). According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may include a processor <NUM>, a memory <NUM>, an input device <NUM>, a sound output device <NUM>, a display device <NUM>, an audio module <NUM>, a sensor module <NUM>, an interface <NUM>, a haptic module <NUM>, a camera module <NUM>, a power management module <NUM>, a battery <NUM>, a communication module <NUM>, a subscriber identification module <NUM>, or an antenna module <NUM>. In a certain embodiment, at least one (e.g., the display device <NUM> or the camera module <NUM>) of the components may be omitted from the electronic device <NUM>, or one or more other components may be added in the electronic device <NUM>. In a certain embodiment, some of the components may be implemented by one integrated circuit. For example, the sensor module <NUM> (for example, a fingerprint sensor, an iris sensor, or an illuminance sensor) may be implemented by being embedded in the display device <NUM> (for example, a display).

According to an embodiment, as at least part of the data processing or computation, the processor <NUM> may load a command or data received from another component (e.g., the sensor module <NUM> or the communication module <NUM>) in a volatile memory <NUM>, may process a command or data stored in the volatile memory <NUM>, and may store resulting data in a non-volatile memory <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the processor <NUM> may include a main processor <NUM> (e.g., a central processing device or an application processor), or an auxiliary processor <NUM> (e.g., a graphics processing device, an image signal processor, a sensor hub processor, or a communication processor) that is operable independently from, or in conjunction with, the main processor <NUM>. Additionally or alternatively, the auxiliary processor <NUM> may be set to consume lower power than the main processor <NUM>, or to be specific to a designated function.

The auxiliary processor <NUM> may control at least part 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 state (e.g., executing an application). According to an embodiment, the auxiliary processor <NUM> (e.g., an image signal processor or a communication processor) may be implemented as part of other components (e.g., the camera module <NUM> or the communication module <NUM>) functionally related thereto.

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

The program <NUM> may be stored in the memory <NUM> as software, and may include, for example, an operating system <NUM>, middleware <NUM>, or an application <NUM>.

The input device <NUM> may receive a command or data to be used by a component (e.g., the processor <NUM>) of the electronic device <NUM>, from the outside (e.g., a user) of the electronic device <NUM>. The input device <NUM> may include, for example, a microphone, a mouse, a keyboard, or a digital pen (for example, a stylus pen).

The receiver may be used to receive an incoming call.

The display device <NUM> may include, for example, a display, a hologram device, or a projector and a control circuitry to control a corresponding device. According to an embodiment, the display device <NUM> may include a touch circuitry set to detect a touch, or a sensor circuitry (for example, a pressure sensor) set to measure an intensity of force generated by the touch.

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

The sensor module <NUM> may detect an operational state (e.g., power or temperature) of the electronic device <NUM> or an environmental state (e.g., a state of a user) external to the electronic device, and may generate an electrical signal or data value corresponding to the detected state.

The interface <NUM> may support at least one specified protocol to be used for the electronic device <NUM> to be connected with an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM>) directly or wirelessly.

A connection terminal <NUM> may include a connector via which the electronic device <NUM> may be physically connected with an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM>). According to an embodiment, the connection terminal <NUM> may include, for example, an HDMI connector, a USB connector, an SD card connector, or an audio connector (e.g., a headphone connector).

The haptic module <NUM> may convert an electrical signal into a mechanical stimulus (e.g., a vibration or a movement) or electrical stimulus which may be perceived by a user via tactile sensation or kinesthetic sensation of the user.

The camera module <NUM> may shoot a still image or a moving image.

The communication module <NUM> may support establishment of a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between the electronic device <NUM> and an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM>, the electronic device <NUM>, or the server <NUM>), and performance of communication via the established communication channel. The communication module <NUM> may include at least one communication processor that is operable independently from the processor <NUM> (e.g., an application processor) and supports direct (e.g., wired) communication or wireless communication. According to an embodiment, the communication module <NUM> may include a wireless communication module <NUM> (e.g., a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) communication module) or a wired communication module <NUM> (e.g., a local area network (LAN) communication module or a power line communication module). A corresponding communication module of these communication modules may communicate with an external electronic device via the first network <NUM> (e.g., a short-range communication network, such as Bluetooth™, wireless-fidelity (Wi-Fi) direct, or infrared data association (IrDA)) or the second network <NUM> (e.g., a long-range communication network, such as a cellular network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., local area network (LAN) or wide area network (WAN)). These various types of communication modules may be integrated into a single component (e.g., a single chip), or may be implemented as a plurality of components (e.g., a plurality of chips) separate from one another.

The antenna module <NUM> may transmit or receive a signal or power to or from the outside (e.g., an external electronic device). According to an embodiment, the antenna module may include one antenna including a radiator which is formed of a conductor or a conductive pattern formed on a substrate (for example, a printed circuit board (PCB)). In this case, at least one antenna appropriate for a communication scheme used in a communication network, such as the first network <NUM> or the second network <NUM>, may be selected from the plurality of antennas by the communication module <NUM>. A signal or power may be transmitted or received between the communication module <NUM> and an external electronic device via the selected at least one antenna. According to a certain embodiment, in addition to the radiator, other components (for example, a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC)) may be additionally formed as part of the antenna module <NUM>.

At least some of the above-described components may be coupled to one another and may exchange signals (e.g., commands or data) with one another through an inter-peripheral communication scheme (e.g., a bus, general purpose input and output (GPIO), serial peripheral interface (SPI), or mobile industry processor interface (MIPI)).

According to an embodiment, commands or data may be transmitted or received between the electronic device <NUM> and the external electronic device <NUM> via the server <NUM> coupled to the second network <NUM>. Each of the external electronic devices <NUM>, <NUM> may be a device of a same type as, or a different type, from the electronic device <NUM>. According to an embodiment, all or a part of operations executed at the electronic device <NUM> may be executed in one or more external electronic devices of the external electronic devices <NUM>, <NUM>, or <NUM>. For example, if the electronic device <NUM> should perform a function or a service automatically, or in response to a request from a user or another device, the electronic device <NUM>, instead of or in addition to executing the function or the service, may request one or more external electronic devices to perform at least part of the function or the service. The one or more external electronic devices receiving the request may perform at least part of the function or the service requested, or an additional function or an additional service related to the request, and may transfer an outcome of the performing to the electronic device <NUM>. To achieve this, cloud computing, distributed computing, or client-server computing technology may be used, for example.

<FIG> is a view illustrating a flat state of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

<FIG> is a view illustrating a folded state of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, an electronic device <NUM> may include a foldable housing <NUM>, a hinge cover <NUM> which covers a foldable portion of the foldable housing, and a flexible or foldable display <NUM> (hereinafter, referred to as a "display" <NUM>) disposed in a space formed by the foldable housing <NUM>. In the disclosure, a surface on which the display <NUM> is disposed is defined as a first surface or a front surface of the electronic device <NUM>. The opposite surface of the front surface is defined as a second surface or a rear surface of the electronic device <NUM>. A surface surrounding a space between the front surface and the rear surface is defined as a third surface or a side surface of the electronic device <NUM>.

The foldable housing <NUM> may include a first housing structure <NUM>, a second housing structure <NUM> including a sensor area <NUM>, a first rear surface cover <NUM>, and a second rear surface cover <NUM>. The foldable housing <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM> is not limited to the shape and coupling illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, and may be implemented by a combination and/or coupling of other shapes or components. For example, in another embodiment, the first housing structure <NUM> and the first rear surface cover <NUM> may be integrally formed with each other, and the second housing structure <NUM> and the second rear surface cover <NUM> may be integrally formed with each other.

In the illustrated embodiment, the first housing structure <NUM> and the second housing structure <NUM> may be disposed on both sides with reference to a folding axis (A axis), and may have a substantially symmetrical shape with respect to the folding axis A. As will be described below, the first housing structure <NUM> and the second housing structure <NUM> may have an angle or a distance therebetween that is changed according to whether the electronic device <NUM> is in a flat state, a folded state, or an intermediate state. In the illustrated embodiment, the second housing structure <NUM> additionally includes the sensor area <NUM> where various sensors are disposed, differently from the first housing structure <NUM>, but may have a symmetrical shape on the other area.

As shown in <FIG>, the first housing structure <NUM> and the second housing structure <NUM> may form a recess to accommodate the entirety of the display <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the recess may have two or more different widths in a direction perpendicular to the folding axis A due to the sensor area <NUM>.

For example, the recess may have (<NUM>) a first width w1 between a first portion 210a of the first housing structure <NUM> that is parallel to the folding axis A, and a first portion 220a of the second housing structure <NUM> that is formed on an edge of the sensor area <NUM>, and (<NUM>) a second width w2 formed by a second portion 210b of the first housing structure <NUM> and a second portion 220b of the second housing structure <NUM> that does not correspond to the sensor area <NUM> and is parallel to the folding axis A. In this case, the second width w2 may be longer than the first width w1. In other words, the first portion 210a of the first housing structure <NUM> and the first portion 220a of the second housing structure <NUM>, which have an asymmetrical shape, may form the first width w1 of the recess, and the second portion 210b of the first housing structure <NUM> and the second portion 220b of the second housing structure <NUM>, which have a symmetrical shape, may form the second width w2 of the recess. The first portion 220a and the second portion 220b of the second housing structure <NUM> may have different distances from the folding axis A. The width of the recess is not limited to the illustrated example. In various embodiments, the recess may have a plurality of widths according to a shape of the sensor area <NUM> or portions of the first housing structure <NUM> and the second housing structure <NUM> that have an asymmetrical shape.

At least part of the first housing structure <NUM> and the second housing structure <NUM> may be formed with a metallic material or a nonmetallic material having stiffness of a size selected to support the display <NUM>.

The sensor area <NUM> may be formed to have a predetermined area adjacent to one corner of the second housing structure <NUM>. However, the disposal, shape, and size of the sensor area <NUM> are not limited to the illustrated example. For example, in another embodiment, the sensor area <NUM> may be provided on another corner of the second housing structure <NUM> or a certain area between an upper end corner and a lower end corner. Components which are embedded in the electronic device <NUM> to perform various functions may be exposed to the front surface of the electronic device <NUM> through the sensor area <NUM> or one or more openings provided on the sensor area <NUM>. The components may include various types of sensors. The sensors may include, for example, at least one of a front-facing camera, a receiver, or a proximity sensor.

The first rear surface cover <NUM> may be disposed on one side of the folding axis on the rear surface of the electronic device, and for example, may have a substantially rectangular periphery and may have the periphery surrounded by the first housing structure <NUM>. Similarly, the second rear surface cover <NUM> may be disposed on the other side of the folding axis on the rear surface of the electronic device, and may have a periphery surrounded by the second housing structure <NUM>.

In the illustrated embodiment, the first rear surface cover <NUM> and the second rear surface cover <NUM> may have a substantially symmetrical shape with reference to the folding axis (A axis). However, the first rear surface cover <NUM> and the second rear surface cover <NUM> may not necessarily have the symmetrical shape, and in another embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may include the first rear surface cover <NUM> and the second rear surface cover <NUM> of various shapes. In another embodiment, the first rear surface cover <NUM> may be integrally formed with the first housing structure <NUM>, and the second rear surface cover <NUM> may be integrally formed with the second housing structure <NUM>.

The first rear surface cover <NUM>, the second rear surface cover <NUM>, the first housing structure <NUM>, and the second housing structure <NUM> may form a space to have various components (e.g., a printed circuit board or a battery) of the electronic device <NUM> disposed therein. One or more components may be disposed on the rear surface of the electronic device <NUM> or may be visually exposed. For example, at least part of a sub display <NUM> may be visually exposed through a first rear surface area <NUM> of the first rear surface cover <NUM>. In another embodiment, one or more components or a sensor may be visually exposed through a second rear surface area <NUM> of the second rear surface cover <NUM>. In various embodiments, the sensor may include a proximity sensor and/or a rear-facing camera.

Referring to <FIG>, the hinge cover <NUM> may be disposed between the first housing structure <NUM> and the second housing structure <NUM>, and may be configured to hide inner components (e.g., a hinge structure). The hinge cover <NUM> may be hidden by a portion of the first housing structure <NUM> and the second housing structure <NUM>, or may be exposed to the outside, according to a state (a flat state or a folded state) of the electronic device <NUM>.

For example, when the electronic device <NUM> is in the flat state as shown in <FIG>, the hinge cover <NUM> may be hidden by the first housing structure <NUM> and the second housing structure <NUM> and may not be exposed. When the electronic device <NUM> is in the folded state (e.g., a fully folded state) as shown in <FIG>, the hinge cover <NUM> may be exposed to the outside between the first housing structure <NUM> and the second housing structure <NUM>. In an intermediate state in which the first housing structure <NUM> and the second housing structure <NUM> are folded with a certain angle, the hinge cover <NUM> may be exposed to the outside in part between the first housing structure <NUM> and the second housing structure <NUM>. However, in this case, the exposed area may be smaller than in the fully folded state. In an embodiment, the hinge cover <NUM> may include a curved surface.

The display <NUM> may be disposed on a space formed by the foldable housing <NUM>. For example, the display <NUM> may be seated on a recess formed by the foldable housing <NUM>, and may form most of the front surface of the electronic device <NUM>.

Accordingly, the front surface of the electronic device <NUM> may include the display <NUM>, and some areas of the first housing structure <NUM> adjacent to the display <NUM> and some areas of the second housing structure <NUM>. In addition, the rear surface of the electronic device <NUM> may include the first rear surface cover <NUM>, some areas of the first housing structure <NUM> that are adjacent to the first rear surface cover <NUM>, the second rear surface cover <NUM>, and some areas of the second housing structure <NUM> that are adjacent to the second rear surface cover <NUM>.

The display <NUM> may refer to a display that has at least some areas deformable to a flat surface or a curved surface. The display <NUM> may include a folding area <NUM>, a first area <NUM> disposed on one side (the left of the folding area <NUM> shown in <FIG>) with reference to the folding area <NUM>, and a second area <NUM> disposed on the other side (the right of the folding area <NUM> shown in <FIG>).

The divided areas of the display <NUM> shown in <FIG> are examples and the display <NUM> may be divided into a plurality of areas (e.g., four or more areas or two areas) according to a structure or a function of the display <NUM>. For example, in the embodiment illustrated in <FIG>, the display <NUM> may be divided into areas by the folding area <NUM> extended in parallel with the y-axis or the folding axis (A axis), but in another embodiment, the display <NUM> may be divided into areas with reference to another folding area (e.g., a folding area parallel to the x-axis) or another folding axis (e.g., a folding axis parallel to the x-axis).

The first area <NUM> and the second area <NUM> may have a substantially symmetrical shape with reference to the folding area <NUM>. However, the second area <NUM> may include a notch that is cut according to the presence of the sensor area <NUM>, differently from the first area <NUM>, but may have a symmetrical shape with the first area <NUM> on the other area. The first area <NUM> and the second area <NUM> may include portions that have a symmetrical shape and portions that have an asymmetrical shape.

Hereinafter, operations of the first housing structure <NUM> and the second housing structure <NUM> and respective areas of the display <NUM> according to a state (e.g., a flat state or a folded state) of the electronic device <NUM> will be described.

When the electronic device <NUM> is in the flat state (e.g., the state illustrated in <FIG>), the first housing structure <NUM> and the second housing structure <NUM> may form an angle of <NUM>° and may be disposed to face in the same direction. A surface of the first area <NUM> of the display <NUM> and a surface of the second area <NUM> may form an angle of <NUM>° with each other, and may face in the same direction (e.g., the front surface direction of the electronic device). The folding area <NUM> may form the same plane as the first area <NUM> and the second area <NUM>.

When the electronic device <NUM> is in the folded state (e.g., the state illustrated in <FIG>), the first housing structure <NUM> and the second housing structure <NUM> may be disposed to face each other. The surface of the first area <NUM> of the display <NUM> and the surface of the second area <NUM> may face each other while forming a small angle (e.g., between <NUM>° and <NUM>°) with each other. At least part of the folding area <NUM> may have a curved surface having a predetermined curvature.

When the electronic device <NUM> is in the intermediate state, the first housing structure <NUM> and the second housing structure <NUM> may be disposed with a certain angle. The surface of the first area <NUM> of the display <NUM> and the surface of the second area <NUM> may form an angle that is larger than in the folded state and is smaller than in the flat state. At least part of the folding area <NUM> may have a curved surface having a predetermined curvature, and the curvature in this state may be smaller than in the folded state.

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

Referring to <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> may include a display unit <NUM>, a bracket assembly <NUM>, a board unit <NUM>, a first housing structure <NUM>, a second housing structure <NUM>, a first rear surface cover <NUM>, and a second rear surface cover <NUM>. In the disclosure, the display unit <NUM> may be referred to as a display module or a display assembly.

The display unit <NUM> may include a display <NUM> and one or more plates or layers <NUM> on which the display <NUM> is seated. The plate <NUM> may be disposed between the display <NUM> and the bracket assembly <NUM>. The display <NUM> may be disposed on at least part of one surface (e.g., an upper surface in <FIG>) of the plate <NUM>. The plate <NUM> may be formed in a shape corresponding to the display <NUM>. For example, a part of the plate <NUM> may be formed in a shape corresponding to a notch <NUM> of the display <NUM>.

The bracket assembly <NUM> may include a first bracket <NUM>, a second bracket <NUM>, a hinge structure disposed between the first bracket <NUM> and the second bracket <NUM>, a hinge cover <NUM> to cover the hinge structure when it is viewed from the outside, and a wire member <NUM> (e.g., a flexible printed circuit (FPC)) crossing over the first bracket <NUM> and the second bracket <NUM>.

The bracket assembly <NUM> may be disposed between the plate <NUM> and the board unit <NUM>. For example, the first bracket <NUM> may be disposed between a first area <NUM> of the display <NUM> and a first board <NUM>. The second bracket <NUM> may be disposed between a second area <NUM> of the display <NUM> and a second board <NUM>.

The wire member <NUM> and at least part of the hinge structure <NUM> may be disposed inside the bracket assembly <NUM>. The wire member <NUM> may be disposed in a direction (e.g., an x-axis direction) of crossing over the first bracket <NUM> and the second bracket <NUM>. The wire member <NUM> may be disposed in a direction (for example, the x-axis direction) perpendicular to a folding axis (for example, the y-axis or the folding axis A of FIG. 2A) of the folding area <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM>.

As mentioned above, the board unit <NUM> may include the first board <NUM> disposed on the first bracket <NUM> side, and the second board <NUM> disposed on the second bracket <NUM> side. The first board <NUM> and the second board <NUM> may be disposed in a space formed by the bracket assembly <NUM>, the first housing structure <NUM>, the second housing structure <NUM>, the first rear surface cover <NUM>, and the second rear surface cover <NUM>. Components for implementing various functions of the electronic device <NUM> may be mounted on the first board <NUM> and the second board <NUM>.

The first housing structure <NUM> and the second housing structure <NUM> may be assembled with each other to be coupled to both sides of the bracket assembly <NUM> with the display unit <NUM> being coupled to the bracket assembly <NUM>. As will be described below, the first housing structure <NUM> and the second housing structure <NUM> may slide from both sides of the bracket assembly <NUM> and may be coupled with the bracket assembly <NUM>.

The first housing structure <NUM> may include a first rotation support surface <NUM>, and the second housing structure <NUM> may include a second rotation support surface <NUM> corresponding to the first rotation support surface <NUM>. The first rotation support surface <NUM> and the second rotation support surface <NUM> may include curved surfaces corresponding to curved surfaces included in the hinge cover <NUM>.

When the electronic device <NUM> is in the flat state (e.g., the electronic device of <FIG>), the first rotation support surface <NUM> and the second rotation support surface <NUM> may cover the hinge cover <NUM>, such that the hinge cover <NUM> is not exposed to the rear surface of the electronic device <NUM> or is exposed to the minimum. On the other hand, when the electronic device <NUM> is in the folded state (e.g., the electronic device of <FIG>), the first rotation support surface <NUM> and the second rotation support surface <NUM> may rotate along the curved surface included in the hinge cover <NUM>, such that the hinge cover <NUM> is exposed to the rear surface of the electronic device <NUM> to the maximum.

<FIG> is a top view illustrating an upper end side surface and a lower end side surface of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Regarding an electronic device <NUM>, reference is made to the electronic device <NUM> shown in <FIG>. For example, a housing <NUM> of <FIG> is the same as or substantially the same as the first housing structure <NUM> of <FIG>. However, this should not be considered as limiting. Redundant explanations of the same components or substantially the same components as those described above will be omitted.

Referring to <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> according to an embodiment may include the housing <NUM>, a front surface <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM>, and a rear surface <NUM> which is opposite to the front surface <NUM>. The housing <NUM> may form a side surface of the electronic device <NUM> that surrounds a space between the front surface <NUM> and the rear surface <NUM>. For example, referring to parts (a) and (b) of <FIG>, the housing <NUM> may include an upper end side surface 500A and a lower end side surface 500B of the electronic device <NUM>. However, the configuration of the electronic device <NUM> is not limited thereto. For example, the electronic device <NUM> may omit at least one of the above-described components, or may further include at least one other component.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may include at least one opening. Referring to part (a) of <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> may include a first opening <NUM> formed in a direction (+z direction) toward the front surface <NUM>. The first opening <NUM> may be formed on the housing <NUM>. However, this should not be considered as limiting. For example, the first opening <NUM> may be formed on the front surface <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM>. In another example, the first opening <NUM> may be a space that is formed between the upper end side surface 500A and the front surface <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may include a plurality of second openings <NUM> formed on the upper end side surface 500A of the housing <NUM>. The plurality of second openings <NUM> may be formed in a direction in which the upper end side surface 500A faces. For example, the plurality of second openings <NUM> may be formed to face in the +y axis direction of <FIG>.

According to an embodiment, the lower end side surface 500B of the electronic device <NUM> may include a plurality of third openings <NUM>. The plurality of third openings <NUM> may be formed in a direction in which the lower end side surface 500B faces. For example, the plurality of third openings <NUM> may be formed to face in the -y axis direction of <FIG>. According to an embodiment, the plurality of third openings <NUM> may include a microphone hole of the electronic device. However, this should not be considered as limiting.

According to an embodiment, the plurality of second openings <NUM> may be formed to be symmetric with reference to a center axis of the electronic device <NUM>. For example, the electronic device <NUM> may include the plurality of second openings <NUM> that are symmetrical with reference to the center axis of the electronic device <NUM> and have substantially the same size and shape. The electronic device <NUM> may include the plurality of second openings <NUM> which have the same number of openings symmetrical with reference to the center axis of the electronic device <NUM>. The center axis refers to a center axis C of part (a) of <FIG>. The plurality of second openings <NUM> may be formed to be symmetrical with reference to the center axis of the electronic device <NUM>, so that aesthetic quality of the electronic device <NUM> may be enhanced.

According to an embodiment, the plurality of third openings <NUM> may be formed to be symmetric with reference to the center axis C. For example, the electronic device <NUM> may include the plurality of third openings <NUM> that are symmetrical with reference to the center axis of the electronic device <NUM> and have substantially the same size and shape. The electronic device <NUM> may include the plurality of third openings <NUM> which have the same number of openings symmetrical with reference to the center axis of the electronic device <NUM>. The center axis refers to a center axis C of part (b) of <FIG>. The plurality of third openings <NUM> may be formed to be symmetrical with reference to the center axis C of the electronic device <NUM>, so that aesthetic quality of the electronic device <NUM> may be enhanced.

According to an embodiment, the plurality of second openings <NUM> and the plurality of third openings <NUM> may be formed to be symmetrical to each other. Although not shown in <FIG>, the plurality of second openings <NUM> and the plurality of third openings <NUM> may be formed to be symmetrical to each other with reference to a center axis that is perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the electronic device <NUM>. The plurality of second openings <NUM> and the plurality of third openings <NUM> may have substantially the same size and shape with reference to the center axis of the electronic device <NUM> that is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the electronic device <NUM>. The plurality of second openings <NUM> and the plurality of third openings <NUM> may be formed to be symmetrical to each other, so that aesthetic quality of the electronic device <NUM> may be enhanced.

According to an embodiment, the number of the plurality of second openings <NUM> and the number of the plurality of third openings <NUM> may be the same as each other. The number of the plurality of second openings <NUM> and the number of the plurality of third openings <NUM> may be the same as each other, so that aesthetic quality of the electronic device <NUM> may be enhanced.

According to an embodiment, at least one of the first opening <NUM>, the plurality of second openings <NUM> or the plurality of third openings <NUM> may be formed through computerized numerical control (CNC) processing. However, this should not be considered as limiting.

<FIG> illustrates an acoustic structure according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Regarding an electronic device <NUM>, reference is made to the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>. Redundant explanations of the same components or substantially the same components as those described above will be omitted.

Referring to <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> may include a housing <NUM>. The electronic device <NUM> may include various components inside the housing <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may include a camera <NUM> disposed in the housing <NUM>. The electronic device <NUM> may include the camera <NUM> disposed in the housing <NUM>, spaced apart from an upper end periphery by a first length in a first direction (-y axis direction) that is perpendicular to the upper end periphery of the electronic device <NUM> and is toward a lower end periphery of the electronic device <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may include a speaker <NUM> and a receiver <NUM> which are disposed in the housing <NUM>. The speaker <NUM> and the receiver <NUM> may be adjacent to the camera <NUM>. The speaker <NUM> and the receiver <NUM> may be disposed on sides of the camera <NUM>. For example, the speaker <NUM> may be disposed on the right side of the camera <NUM> when the electronic device <NUM> is viewed from above (-z axis direction). The receiver <NUM> may be disposed on the left side of the camera <NUM> when the electronic device <NUM> is viewed from above (-z axis direction). However, this should not be considered as limiting. For example, the speaker <NUM> may be disposed on the left side of the camera <NUM> and the receiver <NUM> may be disposed on the right side of the camera <NUM> when the electronic device is viewed from above (-z axis direction).

According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may output a sound through the speaker <NUM>. A sound (hereinafter, referred to as a "first sound") outputted from the speaker <NUM> may be discharged to the outside of the electronic device <NUM> through the first opening <NUM> and some of the plurality of second openings <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the first opening <NUM> may include a speaker sound output hole <NUM> that faces the front surface of the electronic device <NUM> (e.g., in a +z axis direction). In this case, the first sound outputted from the speaker <NUM> may be discharged to the outside of the electronic device <NUM> through the speaker sound output hole <NUM> and the first opening <NUM> in sequence. However, this should not be considered as limiting. For example, in the case above, the first sound outputted from the speaker <NUM> may be discharged to the outside of the electronic device <NUM> through some of the plurality of second openings <NUM>. The first sound outputted from the speaker <NUM> may be discharged to the outside of the electronic device <NUM> through the first opening <NUM> or at least one of the plurality of second openings <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the sound outputted from the speaker <NUM> may be discharged to the outside of the electronic device <NUM> through the first opening <NUM> or at least one of the plurality of second openings <NUM> for the sake of stereo side radiation. However, this should not be considered as limiting.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may output a sound through the receiver <NUM>. The housing <NUM> may include a sound output path <NUM> which is a space connecting the receiver <NUM> and the first opening <NUM>, and a penetrating hole <NUM> which is formed between the first opening <NUM> and the sound output path <NUM>. The penetrating hole <NUM> may be formed at one end of the sound output path <NUM>. A sound (hereinafter, referred to as a "second sound") outputted from the receiver <NUM> may be propagated through the sound output path <NUM>. The propagated second sound may be discharged to the outside of the electronic device <NUM> through the penetrating hole <NUM> and the first opening <NUM> in sequence. According to an embodiment, the first opening <NUM> may include a receiver sound output hole <NUM> that faces the front surface of the electronic device <NUM> (e.g., in a +z axis direction). In this case, the second sound outputted from the receiver <NUM> may be discharged to the outside of the electronic device <NUM> through the sound output path <NUM>, the penetrating hole <NUM>, the receiver sound output hole <NUM> and the first opening <NUM> in sequence.

According to an embodiment, the sound output path <NUM> and the penetrating hole <NUM> may be positioned to be close to the center axis C of the electronic device <NUM>. For example, the sound output path <NUM> and the penetrating hole <NUM> may be disposed adjacent to the camera <NUM>. As the sound output path <NUM> and the penetrating hole <NUM> are closer to the center axis C, a sound pressure of the receiver <NUM> rises so that acoustic performance of the electronic device <NUM> may be enhanced.

According to an embodiment, the sound output path <NUM> and the penetrating hole <NUM> may be disposed close to the center axis C, such that at least some of the plurality of second openings <NUM> and a path of a sound outputted from the receiver may be connected. For example, at least two of the plurality of second openings <NUM> may be connected with the first opening <NUM>, the sound output path <NUM>, and the penetrating hole <NUM>. In this case, the second sound outputted from the receiver <NUM> may be discharged to the outside of the electronic device <NUM> through at least some of the plurality of second openings <NUM>. As the second sound is discharged through at least some of the plurality of second openings <NUM>, the performance of the electronic device <NUM> may be degraded. For example, the performance of the electronic device <NUM> may be degraded in all frequency bands.

The electronic device <NUM> may include at least one shielding structure to prevent the second sound from being discharged through at least some of the plurality of second openings <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the shielding structure may be disposed between an upper end periphery of the electronic device <NUM> and the camera <NUM> in the housing <NUM>. However, this should not be considered as limiting. The shielding structure will be described below in detail with reference to <FIG>.

<FIG> illustrates graphs regarding effects of an acoustic structure according to an embodiment.

The graphs of <FIG> may be graphs regarding a deviation reduction effect of a sound pressure level (SPL) according to positions of the sound output path <NUM> and the penetrating hole <NUM> when a user grips the electronic device on the left (e.g., left hand grip) or the right (for example, right hand grip). The graph illustrated in view (a) of <FIG> may be a graph showing a deviation of sound pressure levels in a related-art acoustic structure when a user grips an electronic device on the left or right. The graph illustrated in view (b) of <FIG> may be a graph showing a deviation of sound pressure levels in an acoustic structure according to the disclosure when a user grips an electronic device on the left or right. The related-art acoustic structure refers to a related-art acoustic structure (e.g., a structure in which a sound output path and a penetrating hole are spaced apart from a center axis of an electronic device by a predetermined distance or more), which is compared with an acoustic structure disclosed in the disclosure (e.g., an acoustic structure in which a sound output path (<NUM> of <FIG>) and a penetrating hole (<NUM> of <FIG>) are disposed close to a center axis of an electronic device (<NUM> of <FIG>)). The x-axis in the graphs shown in views (a) and (b) of <FIG> may indicate frequencies (Hz), and the y-axis may indicate sound pressure levels (SPL (dB)).

According to an embodiment, as the sound output path (<NUM> of <FIG>) and the penetrating hole (<NUM> of <FIG>) are disposed closer to the center axis of the electronic device (<NUM> of <FIG>), a deviation of sound pressure levels according to a grip state of a user for the electronic device may be reduced. For example, as the sound output path (<NUM> of <FIG>) and the penetrating hole (<NUM> of <FIG>) are disposed closer to the center axis of the electronic device (<NUM> of <FIG>), a deviation between a sound pressure when the user grips the electronic device with the right hand and a sound pressure when the user grips the electronic device with the left hand may be reduced. A delta value of table <NUM> and table <NUM> presented below refers to a deviation value between a sound pressure when the user grips the electronic device with the right hand and a sound pressure when the user grips the electronic device with the left hand.

Referring to the graph shown in view (a) of <FIG> and table <NUM> presented below, as the sound output path <NUM> and the penetrating hole <NUM> are farther away from the center axis of the electronic device <NUM>, a deviation between SPLs of the left side and the right side of the electronic device may increase.

Referring to the graph shown in view (b) of <FIG> and table <NUM> presented below, as the sound output path <NUM> and the penetrating hole <NUM> are disposed closer to the center axis of the electronic device <NUM>, a deviation between SPLs of the left side and the right side of the electronic device may decrease.

According to an embodiment, when a deviation value (Delta value of table <NUM> and table <NUM>) between a sound pressure when the user grips the electronic device with the right hand and a sound pressure when the user grips the electronic device with the left hand is greater than or equal to <NUM> dB, the user may recognize the deviation of sound pressures when the user grips the electronic device on the left or right. As the sound output path (<NUM> of <FIG>) and the penetrating hole (<NUM> of <FIG>) are disposed closer to the center axis of the electronic device (<NUM> of <FIG>), a deviation of sound pressures when the user grips the electronic device on the left or right, which is perceivable by the user, may decrease. Accordingly, a balance of left/right sounds of the electronic device may be enhanced, and usability of the electronic device for the user may be enhanced. <FIG> illustrates a cross-section of an acoustic structure according to an embodiment.

Regarding an electronic device <NUM>, reference is made to the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG> and the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>. Redundant explanations of the same components or substantially the same components as those described above will be omitted.

Referring to <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> may include a housing <NUM>. The housing <NUM> may include a first housing 600a and a second housing 600b which form a side surface of the electronic device <NUM>. The first housing 600a and the second housing 600b may be separately formed. However, this should not be considered as limiting. For example, the first housing 600a and the second housing 600b may be integrally formed. The first housing 600a and the second housing 600b may be formed to surround a space formed between a front surface and a rear surface of the electronic device <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the housing <NUM> may include at least one opening. For example, the housing <NUM> may include a plurality of second openings <NUM> formed in a direction (+y axis direction) that faces a side surface of the electronic device <NUM>, and a first opening <NUM> formed in a direction (+z axis direction) that faces the front surface of the electronic device <NUM>. The first opening <NUM> may include a receiver sound output hole <NUM> formed in a direction facing the front surface of the electronic device <NUM>. The plurality of second openings <NUM> may be formed in the first housing 600a. However, this should not be considered as limiting.

According to an embodiment, the housing <NUM> may include a sound output path <NUM> and a penetrating hole <NUM>. For example, the second housing 600b may include the sound output path <NUM>. The sound output path <NUM> may connect a receiver and the first opening <NUM>. The sound output path <NUM> may refer to a path through which a sound outputted from the receiver is propagated. The penetrating hole <NUM> may be formed at one end of the sound output path <NUM>. For example, the penetrating hole <NUM> may be formed between the sound output path <NUM> and the first opening <NUM>. A sound output from the receiver may be propagated to the penetrating hole <NUM> along the sound output path <NUM>, and may be discharged to the first opening <NUM> through the receiver sound output hole <NUM> in sequence. For example, the arrow illustrated in <FIG> indicates a path through which a sound outputted from the receiver is propagated along the inside of the electronic device <NUM> and is discharged to the outside of the electronic device <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, at least two of the plurality of second openings <NUM> may be shielded. Referring to <FIG>, at least two of the plurality of second openings <NUM> may be shielded by a shielding structure (e.g., <NUM> or <NUM>). The shielding structure may block a sound output from the receiver from being discharged to the outside of the electronic device <NUM> through at least some of the plurality of second openings <NUM>. Accordingly, the shielding structure may prevent degradation of acoustic performance of the electronic device which may be caused as a sound outputted from the receiver is discharged through at least some of the plurality of second openings <NUM>.

Referring to view (a) of <FIG>, the shielding structure <NUM> according to an embodiment may include a plate shape. The shielding structure <NUM> may be bonded or coupled to at least two of the plurality of second openings <NUM> to shield at least some of the plurality of second openings <NUM>. For example, the shielding structure <NUM> may be bonded to or coupled to at least two of the second openings <NUM> through an adhesive member coated over at least some of circumferences of the plurality of second openings <NUM>. The adhesive member may include at least one of a tape or a bond. However, this should not be considered as limiting.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the shielding structure <NUM> may be formed with rubber. However, this should not be considered as limiting. For example, the shielding structure <NUM> may be formed with plastic or a material including elasticity. According to another embodiment, the shielding structure <NUM> may be integrally formed with the housing <NUM> which is formed with a metal material.

Referring to view (b) of <FIG>, the shielding structure <NUM> according to an embodiment may include a tape-like shape. For example, at least two of the plurality of second openings <NUM> may be shielded by at least one of a tape or a bond. A tape or a bond may be coated over at least some of the plurality of second openings <NUM> to shield at least some of the plurality of second openings <NUM>. However, this should not be considered as limiting.

<FIG> is a perspective view illustrating shielding structures according to various embodiments of the disclosure.

<FIG> is an exploded perspective view illustrating an acoustic structure according to various embodiments.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, an electronic device <NUM> according to an embodiment may include a shielding structure. The shielding structure may have various shapes. For example, a shielding structure <NUM> (hereinafter, referred to as a "first shielding structure") illustrated in view (a) of <FIG> may include a first structure <NUM>, a first protrusion member <NUM> which is extended from the first structure <NUM> in a -y axis direction, and a second protrusion member <NUM> which is spaced apart from the first protrusion member <NUM> by a predetermined distance and is extended from the first structure <NUM> in the -y axis direction. However, this should not be considered as limiting. For example, referring to a shielding structure <NUM> (hereinafter, referred to as a "second shielding structure") illustrated in view (b) of <FIG>, the second shielding structure <NUM> may further include a second structure <NUM> which is extended from a first structure <NUM> in a direction (+x axis direction) from a first protrusion member <NUM> toward a second protrusion member <NUM>. Referring to a shielding structure <NUM> (hereinafter, referred to as a "third shielding structure") illustrated in view (c) of <FIG>, the third shielding structure <NUM> may further include a second structure <NUM> which is extended from a first structure <NUM> in a direction (+x axis direction) from a first protrusion member <NUM> toward a second protrusion member <NUM>. According to an embodiment, a detailed structure of each shielding structure will be described below in detail.

According to an embodiment, the first shielding structure <NUM> illustrated in view (a) of <FIG> may include the first structure <NUM>, the first protrusion member <NUM> which is extended from the first structure <NUM> in the -y axis direction, and the second protrusion member <NUM> which is spaced apart from the first protrusion member <NUM> by a predetermined distance and is extended from the first structure <NUM> in the -y axis direction. The first structure <NUM> may include a first surface 811a and a second surface (811b of <FIG>) which is opposite to the first surface 811a. The first structure <NUM>, the first protrusion member <NUM> and the second protrusion member <NUM> may form a groove <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the first shielding structure <NUM> may include at least one surface which is disposed to face in a direction (+z axis direction) facing the front surface of the electronic device. At least part of the at least one surface may be formed to protrude in the direction (+z axis direction) facing the front surface of the electronic device. For example, one surface <NUM> of the first shielding structure <NUM> may be formed to protrude in the direction facing the front surface of the electronic device. However, this should not be considered as limiting.

According to an embodiment, the second shielding structure <NUM> illustrated in view (b) of <FIG> may include the first structure <NUM>, the first protrusion member <NUM> which is extended from the first structure <NUM> in the -y axis direction, and the second protrusion member <NUM> which is spaced apart from the first protrusion member <NUM> by a predetermined distance and is extended from the first structure <NUM> in the -y axis direction. The first structure <NUM> may include a first surface 821a and a second surface (821b of <FIG>) which is opposite to the first surface 821a. The second shielding structure <NUM> may include at least one surface disposed to face in a direction (+z axis direction) facing the front surface of the electronic device. The first structure <NUM>, the first protrusion member <NUM> and the second protrusion member <NUM> may form a groove <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the second shielding structure <NUM> may further include the second structure <NUM> which is extended from the first structure <NUM> in the direction (+x axis direction) from the first protrusion member <NUM> toward the second protrusion member <NUM>. The first structure <NUM> may be integrally formed with the second structure <NUM>. However, this should not be considered as limiting. For example, the second structure <NUM> may be formed as a separate member from the first structure <NUM> and may be bonded or coupled to the first structure <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the second shielding structure <NUM> may include at least one surface which is disposed to face in the direction (+z axis direction) facing the front surface of the electronic device. At least part of the at least one surface may be formed to protrude in the direction (+z axis direction) facing the front surface of the electronic device. For example, at least part of a front surface <NUM> of the second structure <NUM> that is disposed to face in the direction (+z axis direction) facing the front surface of the electronic device may be formed to protrude in the direction facing the front surface of the electronic device.

According to an embodiment, the second structure <NUM> may include a first area R1 and a second area R2 which is closer to the first structure <NUM> than the first area R1. A width of the first area R1 may be smaller than a width of the second area R2. However, this should not be considered as limiting.

According to an embodiment, the third shielding structure <NUM> illustrated in view (c) of <FIG> may include the first structure <NUM>, the first protrusion member <NUM> which is extended from the first structure <NUM> in the -y axis direction, and the second protrusion member <NUM> which is spaced apart from the first protrusion member <NUM> by a predetermined distance and is extended from the first structure <NUM> in the -y axis direction. The first structure <NUM> may include a first surface 831a and a second surface (831b of <FIG>) which is opposite to the first surface 831a. The third shielding structure <NUM> may include at least one surface disposed to face in a direction (+z axis direction) facing the front surface of the electronic device. The first structure <NUM>, the first protrusion member <NUM> and the second protrusion member <NUM> may form a groove <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the third shielding structure <NUM> may further include the second structure <NUM> which is extended from the first structure <NUM> in the direction (+x axis direction) from the first protrusion member <NUM> toward the second protrusion member <NUM>. The first structure <NUM> may be integrally formed with the second structure <NUM>. However, this should not be considered as limiting. For example, the second structure <NUM> may be formed as a separate member from the first structure <NUM> and may be bonded or coupled to the first structure <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the second structure <NUM> may include a first area R3 and a second area R4 which is closer to the first structure <NUM> than the first area R3. A width of the first area R3 may be smaller than a width of the second area R4. For example, the width of the second structure <NUM> may decrease from the second area R4 toward the first area R3. Referring to view (c) of <FIG>, the width of the second structure <NUM> may gradually decrease from the second area R4 toward the first area R3.

Referring to <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> according to an embodiment may include the above-described shielding structure <NUM>, <NUM> or <NUM>. The shielding structure <NUM>, <NUM> or <NUM> may be disposed between the camera <NUM> and the upper end periphery of the electronic device <NUM> in the housing <NUM>. For example, referring to <FIG>, the shielding structure <NUM>, <NUM>, or <NUM> may be disposed in the first opening <NUM>. An electronic device in which the first shielding structure <NUM> according to an embodiment is disposed will be described in detail with reference to <FIG>. An electronic device in which the second shielding structure <NUM> according to an embodiment is disposed will be described in detail with reference to <FIG>. An electronic device in which the third shielding structure <NUM> according to an embodiment is disposed will be described in detail with reference to <FIG>.

<FIG> is a perspective view illustrating an acoustic structure in which a first shielding structure <NUM> according to an embodiment is disposed.

Regarding an electronic device <NUM>, reference may be made to the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>. Regarding the first shielding structure <NUM>, reference may be made to the first shielding structure <NUM> of view (a) of <FIG> and <FIG>. Redundant explanations of the same components or substantially the same components as those described above will be omitted.

Referring to <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> may include the first shielding structure <NUM>. The first shielding structure <NUM> may be disposed in the first opening <NUM>. For example, the first shielding structure <NUM> may be disposed in the receiver sound output hole <NUM> formed in the first opening <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the first shielding structure <NUM> may include a groove <NUM>. The first shielding structure <NUM> may be disposed to discharge a sound outputted from a receiver (<NUM> of <FIG>) to the outside of the electronic device <NUM> through the groove <NUM>. A sound output from the receiver may be propagated in the electronic device <NUM> and may be discharged to the outside of the electronic device <NUM> through the groove <NUM> of the first shielding structure <NUM>, the receiver sound output hole <NUM> in sequence.

According to an embodiment, the first shielding structure <NUM> may be disposed to shield at least some of the plurality of second openings <NUM>. For example, the first shielding structure <NUM> may be disposed to shield the second openings 520a, 520b, and 520c thar are connected with a path (e.g., the sound output path <NUM> of <FIG>) through which a sound outputted from the receiver is propagated among the plurality of second openings <NUM>. Referring to view (a) of <FIG>, the first shielding structure <NUM> may be disposed such that the first structure <NUM> shields the second openings 520a, 520b, and 520c. The first shielding structure <NUM> may shield the second openings 520a, 520b, and 520c to prevent a sound outputted from the receiver from being discharged to the outside of the electronic device <NUM> through the second openings 520a, 520b, and 520c. Accordingly, the first shielding structure <NUM> may prevent degradation of acoustic performance of the electronic device <NUM> which may be caused as a sound outputted from the receiver is discharged through at least some of the plurality of second openings <NUM>.

<FIG> is a perspective view illustrating an acoustic structure in which a second shielding structure <NUM> according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view illustrating the acoustic structure of <FIG> according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

<FIG> is a top view illustrating an upper end side surface of the acoustic structure of <FIG> according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Regarding an electronic device <NUM>, reference may be made to the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>. Regarding the second shielding structure <NUM>, reference may be made to the second shielding structure <NUM> of view (b) of <FIG> and <FIG>. Redundant explanations of the same components or substantially the same components as those described above will be omitted.

Referring to <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> may include the second shielding structure <NUM>. The second shielding structure <NUM> may be disposed in the first opening <NUM>. Referring to view (b) of <FIG>, a first structure (<NUM> of <FIG>) of the second shielding structure <NUM> may be disposed in a receiver sound output hole <NUM> formed in the first opening <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the second shielding structure <NUM> may include a groove <NUM>. The second shielding structure <NUM> may be disposed to discharge a sound outputted from a receiver to the outside of the electronic device <NUM> through the groove <NUM>. A sound outputted from the receiver may be discharged to the outside of the electronic device <NUM> through the groove <NUM> of the second shielding structure <NUM>, the receiver sound output hole <NUM> in sequence.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the second shielding structure <NUM> may be disposed to have a front surface <NUM> face the front surface of the electronic device <NUM> (+z axis direction). The front surface <NUM> of the second shielding structure <NUM> may shield at least part of the first opening <NUM>. For example, the second shielding structure <NUM> may be disposed to have the front surface <NUM> shield at least part of the first opening <NUM>, such that the electronic device <NUM> may include a sound output hole <NUM> which is an opening formed by the first opening <NUM> and the second shielding structure <NUM>. A sound output from the speaker <NUM> may be discharged to the outside of the electronic device <NUM> through the sound output hole <NUM>. However, this should not be considered as limiting. For example, the second shielding structure <NUM> may have the front surface <NUM> shield at least part of the first opening <NUM> such that the speaker sound output hole <NUM> is not formed.

Referring to <FIG>, the second shielding structure <NUM> may be disposed to shield at least some of the plurality of second openings <NUM>. For example, the second shielding structure <NUM> may be disposed to shield the second openings 520a, 520b, and 520c that are connected with a path (e.g., the sound output hole <NUM>) through which a sound output from the receiver is propagated among the plurality of second openings <NUM>. Referring to view (b) of <FIG>, the second shielding structure <NUM> may be disposed such that the first structure <NUM> shields the second openings 520a, 520b, 520c. The second shielding structure <NUM> may shield the second openings 520a, 520b, 520c to prevent a sound output from the receiver from being discharged to the outside of the electronic device <NUM> through the second openings. The second shielding structure <NUM> may prevent degradation of acoustic performance of the electronic device <NUM> which may be caused as a sound outputted from the receiver is discharged through at least some of the plurality of second openings <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the second shielding structure <NUM> may be disposed such that the second structure <NUM> shields other openings of the plurality of second openings <NUM>. The second structure <NUM> of the second shielding structure <NUM> may adjust a pressure or intensity of a sound output from the speaker, discharged from the plurality of second openings <NUM>, by shielding at least part of at least one other openings of the plurality of second openings <NUM> formed to discharge a sound output from the speaker to the outside of the electronic device <NUM>. For example, an intensity of a sound discharged to a side surface (+y axis direction) of the electronic device <NUM> may be adjusted by adjusting the number or areas of the plurality of second openings <NUM> through which a sound outputted from the speaker is discharged.

<FIG> is a perspective view illustrating an acoustic structure in which a shielding structure according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view illustrating an interior of the acoustic structure of <FIG> according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Regarding an electronic device <NUM>, reference may be made to the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>. Regarding a third shielding structure <NUM>, reference may be made to the third shielding structure <NUM> of view (c) of <FIG> and <FIG>. Redundant explanations of the same components or substantially the same components as those described above will be omitted.

Referring to <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> may include the third shielding structure <NUM>. The third shielding structure <NUM> may be disposed in the first opening <NUM>. For example, a first structure (<NUM> of <FIG>) of the third shielding structure <NUM> may be disposed in a receiver sound output hole <NUM> formed in the first opening <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the third shielding structure <NUM> may include a groove <NUM>. The third shielding structure <NUM> may be disposed to discharge a sound output from a receiver to the outside of the electronic device <NUM> through the groove <NUM>. A sound output from the receiver may be propagated in the electronic device <NUM>, and may be discharged to the outside of the electronic device <NUM> through the groove <NUM> of the third shielding structure <NUM>, the receiver sound output hole <NUM> in sequence.

According to an embodiment, the third shielding structure <NUM> may be disposed to have a front surface <NUM> face the front surface of the electronic device <NUM> (+z axis direction). The front surface <NUM> of the third shielding structure <NUM> may shield at least part of the first opening <NUM>. For example, the third shielding structure <NUM> may be disposed to have the front surface <NUM> shield at least part of the first opening <NUM>, such that the electronic device <NUM> may include a speaker sound output hole <NUM> which is an opening formed by the first opening <NUM> and the third shielding structure <NUM>. A sound output from the speaker <NUM> may be discharged to the outside of the electronic device <NUM> through the sound output hole <NUM>. However, this should not be considered as limiting. For example, the third shielding structure <NUM> may have the front surface <NUM> shield at least part of the first opening <NUM> such that the speaker sound output hole <NUM> is not formed.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the third shielding structure <NUM> may be disposed to shield at least two of the plurality of second openings <NUM>. For example, the third shielding structure <NUM> may be disposed to shield the second openings 520a, 520b, and 520c that are connected with a space (e.g., the sound output hole <NUM>) in which a sound outputted from the receiver is propagated among the plurality of second openings <NUM>. The third shielding structure <NUM> may shield a space connecting the receiver sound output hole <NUM> and the second openings 520a, 520b, 520c. Referring to view (c) of <FIG>, the third shielding structure <NUM> may be disposed such that the first structure <NUM> shields the second openings 520a, 520b, 520c. The first structure <NUM> may shield a space connecting the receiver sound output hole <NUM> and the second openings 520a, 520b, 520c. The third shielding structure <NUM> may shield the second openings 520a, 520b, 520c to prevent a sound outputted from the receiver from being discharged to the outside of the electronic device <NUM> through the second openings. Accordingly, the third shielding structure <NUM> may prevent degradation of acoustic performance of the electronic device <NUM> which may be caused as a sound outputted from the receiver is discharged through at least some of the plurality of second openings <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the third shielding structure <NUM> may be disposed such that the second structure <NUM> shields other openings of the plurality of second openings <NUM>. The second structure <NUM> of the third shielding structure <NUM> may adjust a pressure or intensity of a sound output from the speaker, discharged from the plurality of second openings <NUM>, by shielding at least part of at least one other opening of the plurality of second openings <NUM> formed to discharge a sound output from the speaker to the outside of the electronic device <NUM>. For example, an intensity of a sound discharged to a side surface (+y axis direction) of the electronic device <NUM> may be adjusted by adjusting the number or areas of the plurality of second openings <NUM> through which a sound outputted from the speaker is discharged.

The electronic device according to various embodiments of the disclosure may be various types of devices. The electronic device may include, for example, a portable communication device (e.g., a smart phone), a computer device, a portable multimedia device, a portable medical device, a camera, a wearable device, or a home appliance. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the electronic device is not limited to the above-described devices.

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 include various changes, equivalents, or alternatives for a corresponding embodiment. As used herein, each of such phrases as "A or B," "at least one of A and B," "at least one of A or B," "A, B, or C," "at least one of A, B, and C," and "at least one of A, B, or C," may include one or all possible combinations of the items enumerated together in a corresponding one of the phrases. As used herein, such terms as "1st" and "2nd," or "first" and "second" may be used to simply distinguish a corresponding component from another, and does not limit the components in other aspect (for example, importance or order). It is to be understood that if an element (for example, 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 (for example, a second element), it means that the element may be coupled with another element directly (e.g., wiredly), wirelessly, or via a third element.

Various embodiments of the disclosure may be implemented as software (e.g., the program <NUM>) including one or more instructions that are stored in a storage medium (e.g., internal memory <NUM> or external memory <NUM>) that is readable by a machine (e.g., the electronic device <NUM>). For example, a processor (e.g., the processor <NUM>) of the machine (e.g., the electronic device <NUM>) may invoke at least one of the one or more instructions stored in the storage medium, and execute it. Wherein, the term "non-transitory" simply means that the storage medium is a tangible device, and does not include a signal (for example, an electromagnetic wave), but this term does not differentiate between a case where data is semi-permanently stored in the storage medium and a case where the data is temporarily stored in the storage medium.

The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a machine-readable storage medium (e.g., compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM)), or may be distributed (e.g., downloaded or uploaded) online via an application store (e.g., Play Store™), or between two user devices (for example, smart phones) directly.

According to various embodiments, each component (for example, a module or a program) of the above-described components may include a single entity or multiple entities, and some of the multiple entities may be separately disposed in other components. According to various embodiments, one or more of the above-described components or operations may be omitted, or one or more other components or operations may be added. In such a case, the integrated component may still perform one or more functions of each of the plurality of components in the same or similar manner as they are performed by a corresponding one of the plurality of components before the integration.

As described above, according to an embodiment of the disclosure, an electronic device may include: a housing; a camera which is disposed inside the housing, spaced apart from a first periphery by a first length in a first direction that is perpendicular to the first periphery of the electronic device and faces a second periphery of the electronic device; a speaker which is disposed on one side of the camera inside the housing; a receiver which is disposed on the other side of the camera inside the housing; and a structure which is disposed between the first periphery and the camera inside the housing, and the housing may include: a first opening formed on a front surface of the electronic device between the first periphery and the camera; and a plurality of second openings formed on a side surface of the electronic device along the first periphery, and the structure may shield some of the plurality of second opening, such that a first sound outputted from the speaker is discharged through at least one of some other openings of the second openings or the first opening, and a second sound outputted from the receiver is discharged through the first opening.

According to an embodiment, the structure may include: a first structure configured to shield some of the plurality of second openings; a first protrusion member extended from the first structure in the first direction; and a second protrusion member spaced apart from the first protrusion member and extended from the first structure in the first direction.

According to an embodiment, the structure may be formed such that at least part of at least one surface of the structure disposed to face in a second direction that faces the front surface of the electronic device protrudes in the second direction.

According to an embodiment, the structure may further include a second structure extended from the first structure in a third direction from the first protrusion member toward the second protrusion member, and the second structure may shield at least part of some other openings of the plurality of second openings through which the first sound is discharged.

According to an embodiment, the structure may be formed such that at least part of at least one surface of the structure facing in the second direction protrudes in the second direction.

According to an embodiment, the second structure may include a first area and a second area which is closer to the first structure than the first area.

According to an embodiment, a width of the first area of the second structure is smaller than a width of the second area.

According to an embodiment, a width of the second structure decreases from the second area toward the first area.

According to an embodiment, the structure may include at least one of a tape or a bond to shield at least part of some of the plurality of second openings.

According to an embodiment, the housing may be formed with a metal material and the structure may be formed with rubber.

According to an embodiment, the structure may include at least one of a tape or a bond to shield some other openings of the plurality of second openings.

According to an embodiment, the housing may include: a sound output path which is a space connecting the first opening and the receiver; and a penetrating hole formed at one end of the sound output path, and the second sound may be discharged to the first opening through the penetrating hole.

According to an embodiment, the penetrating hole may be disposed adjacent to the camera.

According to an embodiment, the plurality of second openings may be formed to be symmetric with reference to a center of the first periphery.

According to an embodiment, the housing may further include a plurality of third openings formed on a side surface of the electronic device along the second periphery.

According to an embodiment, the plurality of third openings may be formed to be symmetric with reference to a center of the second periphery.

According to an embodiment, the number of the plurality of second openings may be the same as the number of the plurality of third openings.

According to an embodiment, the first opening may include a receiver sound output hole which faces the front surface of the electronic device, and the second sound may be discharged to the first opening through the receiver sound output hole.

According to an embodiment, the first opening may further include a speaker sound output hole which faces the front surface of the electronic device, and the first sound may be discharged to the first opening through the speaker sound output hole.

Claim 1:
An electronic device comprising:
a housing (<NUM>);
a camera (<NUM>) disposed in the housing (<NUM>), spaced apart from a first periphery by a first length in a first direction perpendicular to the first periphery of the electronic device and facing a second periphery of the electronic device;
a speaker (<NUM>) disposed on one side of the camera (<NUM>) inside the housing (<NUM>);
a receiver (<NUM>) disposed on another side of the camera (<NUM>) inside the housing (<NUM>); and
a structure disposed between the first periphery and the camera (<NUM>) inside the housing (<NUM>),
wherein the housing (<NUM>) comprises:
a first opening formed on a front surface of the electronic device between the first periphery and the camera (<NUM>), and
a plurality of second openings formed on a side surface of the electronic device along the first periphery, and
wherein the structure is configured to shield some of the plurality of second openings, such that a first sound output from the speaker (<NUM>) is discharged through at least one other openings of the second openings or the first opening, and a second sound output from the receiver (<NUM>) is discharged through the first opening.