Patent Description:
There has been an increase in the use of mobile electronic devices such as smartphones, tablet personal computers (PCs), and wearable devices. The electronic device may perform a variety of functions such as a call, wireless communication, video playback, or web search. The electronic device may include a speaker for outputting sounds generated in a process of performing the various functions.

Known from the art is for example the electronic device disclosed in <CIT>, which includes a housing having a base plate and a sidewall, the sidewall having a shape bent and extended from an end of the base plate, a duct in the base plate that is parallel to a surface of the base plate and having an external end open to the sidewall of the housing, an electronic part placed on an internal surface of the base plate to cover at least a portion of the duct, and a waterproof sheet disposed between the duct and the electronic part to protect the electronic part.

Known from the art are also for example the apparatus and/or system for housing a device disclosed in <CIT>. The apparatus includes a housing that is configured such that a device may be fitted within the housing and thereby be protected, such as from shocks and/or liquid. The housing may include top and bottom members that may be removably coupled together so as to form the housing. Each top and bottom member includes a perimeter portion. The perimeter is defined by proximal and distal ends as well as opposing sides. The top and bottom members may include respective clasping mechanisms that extend along the perimeter of the top and bottom members and may be configured for engaging a third clasping mechanism, such as a locking comb or wedge feature. The clasping mechanisms are configured for coupling the top and bottom members with one another thereby sealing the housing, for instance, in a shock-proof and/or water tight seal.

When moisture is introduced into the inside through a hole for an acoustic output, the moisture introduced into an internal space of the hole may interfere with an acoustic output of a speaker.

Recently, as a display area becomes wider, a location of a hole for an acoustic output has been moved to an edge area (an area adjacent to a side) of an electronic device. Thus, an internal space for acoustically connecting a speaker module (a speaker device) in the electronic device with the hole for the acoustic output may become longer. In this case, there may be a high possibility that an acoustic generation surface of a speaker will be blocked by moisture introduced into the internal space or the structure. An output acoustic signal may deteriorate in sound quality by the moisture.

Aspects of the present disclosure are to address at least the above-mentioned problems and/or disadvantages and to provide at least the advantages described below. Accordingly, an aspect of the present disclosure is to provide an electronic device for reducing the effect of moisture introduced from the outside on an acoustic output, through a protrusion structure formed on a surface where a speaker is received.

In accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure, an electronic device is provided according to claim <NUM>.

The electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure may reduce a possibility that liquid material (e.g., moisture) introduced from the outside will interfere with outputting an acoustic signal by diversifying a shape of a surface where a speaker module is received. Thus, the electronic device may output an acoustic signal of a specified level or more through the speaker module.

The electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure may allow moisture introduced from the outside not to block an acoustic output surface, through a protrusion structure formed on the surface where the speaker module is received.

Hereinafter, various embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. With regard to description of drawings, similar components may be marked by similar reference numerals.

An electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure may include at least one of smartphones, tablet personal computers (PCs), mobile phones, video telephones, electronic book readers, desktop PCs, laptop PCs, netbook computers, workstations, servers, personal digital assistants (PDAs), portable multimedia players (PMPs), MP3 players, mobile medical devices, cameras, and wearable devices. According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the wearable devices may include accessories (for example, watches, rings, bracelets, ankle bracelets, glasses, contact lenses, or head-mounted devices (HMDs)), cloth-integrated types (for example, electronic clothes), body-attached types (for example, skin pads or tattoos), or implantable types (for example, implantable circuits).

Hereinafter, electronic devices according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The term "user" used herein may refer to a person who uses an electronic device or may refer to a device (for example, an artificial electronic device) that uses an electronic device.

<FIG> illustrates an electronic device including a speaker according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, an electronic device <NUM> may include a display (or a display module) <NUM> and a housing (or a body part) <NUM>.

The display <NUM> may include, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD), a light-emitting diode (LED) display, an organic LED (OLED) display, a microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) display, or an electronic paper display. The display <NUM> may display, for example, a variety of content (e.g., a text, an image, a video, an icon, a symbol, and/or the like). The display <NUM> includes a touch screen and may receive, for example, a touch, a gesture, proximity, or a hovering input using an electronic pen or a portion of a user's body.

According to various embodiments, the display <NUM> may be disposed to occupy most of a front plate 120a mounted on a front surface of the electronic device <NUM> (a surface on which content is output through the display <NUM>). For another example, the display <NUM> may have a form to be expanded to a side member (e.g., left and right sides) of the electronic device <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the display <NUM> may include an active area and a non-active area. The active area may be an area which outputs light and displays a text image or the like. The non-active area may be an area in which a wire, a circuit, or the like for operating the active area is disposed. The non-active area may be processed in, for example, a black color or may be hidden by a portion (e.g., a bezel) of the housing <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, various physical elements (e.g., an acoustic output part <NUM>, a camera lens, a sensor window, or the like) may be disposed around the periphery of the display <NUM>. The physical elements may be disposed in a bezel area around the periphery of the display <NUM> or may be disposed in the form of overlapping with the non-active area of the display <NUM>.

The housing <NUM> includes a front plate 120a on which the display <NUM> is mounted, a rear plate (or a back cover) 120c facing a direction opposite to the front plate 120a, and a side member 120b which surrounds a space between the front plate 120a and the rear plate 120c. The housing <NUM> may mount the display <NUM> and may include various elements (e.g., a processor, a communication circuit, a battery, a board, or the like) for driving the electronic device <NUM>.

The electronic device <NUM> includes a speaker module <NUM> (or a speaker device or an acoustic generation device). The speaker module <NUM> may generate an acoustic signal by an electrical signal. The acoustic signal may be emitted to the outside via an acoustic output part <NUM> (e.g., a hole for an acoustic output).

According to various embodiments, the speaker module <NUM> may be disposed in the form of overlapping at least in part with the display <NUM>. For example, when seen from the front plate 120a, the speaker module <NUM> may be disposed to overlap at least in part with the active area of the display <NUM>.

Hereinafter, an embodiment is exemplified as the speaker module <NUM> is a call receiver. However, embodiments are not limited thereto.

The housing <NUM> includes the acoustic output part <NUM> (or a through-hole or an opening). The acoustic output part <NUM> may emit an acoustic signal (e.g., a ring-back tone, a music playback sound, or a call sound), output from the speaker module <NUM>, to the outside. For example, the acoustic output part <NUM> may be disposed in an edge area of the front plate 120a of the housing <NUM>. For example, the acoustic output part <NUM> may be disposed at a point adjacent to the side member 120b (e.g., an upper side member) to expand an area of the display <NUM>.

The acoustic output part <NUM> is an opening formed in the front plate 120a of the electronic device <NUM> (e.g., a surface where the display <NUM> is mainly disposed). The acoustic output part <NUM> may be disposed in a bezel area around the periphery of the display <NUM> or may be disposed to overlap with the non-active area of the display <NUM>. For another example, the acoustic output part <NUM> may be formed though a portion of the active area of the display <NUM> or may be formed by cutting an outer portion of the active area.

According to various embodiments, the acoustic output part <NUM> may be hidden by a separate blocking member 121a (e.g., a mesh network). The blocking member 121a may primarily block, for example, foreign substances (e.g., dust, moisture, or the like) introduced into the acoustic output part <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, in a process where a user uses the electronic device <NUM>, when predetermined hydraulic pressure (e.g., hydrodynamic pressure or hydrostatic pressure) is supplied from the outside, liquid material (e.g., moisture) may be introduced into the electronic device <NUM> through the acoustic output part <NUM>. For example, when the user wears the electronic device <NUM> (e.g., a smart watch) on his or her body and swims in the water, hydraulic pressure (e.g., hydrodynamic pressure) by water which flows in the electronic device <NUM> may act along motion of the user. Thus, moisture may be introduced through the acoustic output part <NUM> which is an area opened for an acoustic output of the electronic device <NUM>. For another example, when the user wears the electronic device <NUM> (e.g., the smart watch) on his or her body and dives into water, hydraulic pressure (e.g., hydrostatic pressure) of increasing in proportion to a depth of water (e.g., hydraulic pressure of increasing <NUM> atmosphere per <NUM>. <NUM> which is the depth of water) may act on the electronic device <NUM>. Thus, moisture may be introduced through the acoustic output part <NUM> which is the area opened for an acoustic output of the electronic device <NUM>.

The electronic device <NUM> includes an internal structure (e.g., a receiving part) which receives the speaker module <NUM>. A surface of the internal structure, which faces an acoustic generation surface of the speaker module <NUM>, among supporting members of the electronic device <NUM>, includes a plurality of areas, each of which has a different clearance from the acoustic generation surface of the speaker module <NUM>. For example, a central area of the surface of the internal structure may have a form protruded in a direction facing the speaker module <NUM>. The surface of the internal structure of a curved form may separate liquid material (e.g., moisture) introduced through the acoustic output part <NUM>. An acoustic signal may be effectively emitted to the outside in a state where liquid material is introduced into the periphery of the acoustic generation surface of the speaker module <NUM>, through the surface of the internal structure of the curved form. Additional information about a structure of the internal structure may be provided with reference to <FIG>. Hereinafter, an embodiment is exemplified as moisture is introduced through the acoustic output part <NUM>. However, embodiments are not limited thereto.

<FIG> illustrates an exploded perspective view of an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, an electronic device <NUM> may include a display <NUM> (e.g., a front plate), a first supporting member <NUM>, a blocking member 121a, a waterproof member (or a waterproof tape) <NUM>, a speaker module <NUM>, a battery <NUM>, a board <NUM>, a second supporting member <NUM>, a rear camera module <NUM>, and a rear plate <NUM> (e.g., a back cover).

According to various embodiments, the display <NUM> may display a variety of content (e.g., a text, an image, a video, an icon, a symbol, and/or the like). The display <NUM> may include a glass cover exposed to the outside and various internal layers (e.g., a touch panel, a display panel, a polarizing layer, a protective layer, or the like).

According to various embodiments, the display <NUM> may include an active area and a non-active area. The active area may be an area which outputs light and displays a text image or the like. The non-active area may be an area where a wire, a circuit, or the like for operating the active area is disposed.

According to various embodiments, the first supporting member <NUM> may fix the display <NUM> and a peripheral component (e.g., a button, a front camera, or the like). The first supporting member <NUM> may include a speaker module receiving part <NUM> (e.g., an internal structure) for receiving the speaker module <NUM>. The first supporting member <NUM> may be formed in the form of being integrated or combined with, for example, a side member. The speaker module receiving part <NUM> may include, for example, a speaker module receiving surface (e.g., a surface of the internal structure) and a structure for fixing the speaker module <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the first supporting member <NUM> may include an acoustic output part (or a through-hole). The acoustic output part may be partially hidden by the blocking member 121a. The blocking member 121a may primarily block foreign substances (e.g., dust, moisture, or the like) introduced into the acoustic output part.

According to various embodiments, the waterproof member <NUM> may be disposed between the speaker module receiving part <NUM> and the speaker module <NUM>. The waterproof member <NUM> may block moisture introduced into the speaker module <NUM>. The waterproof member <NUM> may transmit an acoustic signal generated by the speaker module <NUM>. The waterproof member <NUM> may be fixed through an adhesive material (e.g., a double-sided tape) at its edge region.

According to various embodiments, the speaker module <NUM> may generate an acoustic signal by an electrical signal. The speaker module <NUM> may output a ring-back tone, a playback sound, a called party's voice, or the like according to a voice call. The speaker module <NUM> may be fixed to the speaker module receiving part <NUM> of the first supporting member <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the battery <NUM> may store electrical energy for driving the electronic device <NUM>. The board <NUM> may mount a chip, a circuit, and the like for driving the electronic device <NUM>. The second supporting member <NUM> may fix the battery <NUM>, the board <NUM>, the rear camera module <NUM>, or the like. The rear plate <NUM> may protect a rear surface of the electronic device <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrate a process and location of where a speaker is mounted, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, an acoustic output part <NUM> may be formed through a first supporting member <NUM>. The acoustic output part <NUM> may emit an acoustic signal, output from a speaker module <NUM>, to the outside.

According to various embodiments, the first supporting member <NUM> may include a rib <NUM> in a speaker module receiving surface <NUM> facing the speaker module <NUM>. For example, the rib <NUM> may have, for example, a form protruded to the speaker module <NUM>, in the speaker module receiving surface <NUM>. Hereinafter, an embodiment is exemplified as the speaker module receiving surface <NUM> and the rib <NUM> are configured independently. However, embodiments are not limited thereto. According to an embodiment, the rib <NUM> may be a portion of the speaker module receiving surface <NUM>. For example, the rib <NUM> may be an area protruded in a direction facing the speaker module <NUM> (or a waterproof member <NUM>) in the speaker module receiving surface <NUM>. The rib <NUM> may be integrally formed of the same material as the speaker module receiving surface <NUM> or may be formed of a material different from the speaker module receiving surface <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the rib <NUM> may be extended in a second direction (e.g., an up-and-down direction of an electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>) perpendicular to an extending direction of the acoustic output part <NUM> (hereinafter referred to as "first direction") (e.g., a left-and-right direction of the electronic device <NUM>). An upper portion of the rib <NUM> (e.g., a portion adjacent to the acoustic output part <NUM>) may maintain a predetermined distance from the acoustic output part <NUM>, which is capable of separating introduced moisture (see <FIG>), without being directly connected with the acoustic output part <NUM>. The upper portion of the rib <NUM> may be rounded in, for example, a circular shape. A lower portion of the rib <NUM> (e.g., a portion facing a direction opposite to the acoustic output part <NUM>) may be connected to the first supporting member <NUM>. For example, the rib <NUM> may be integrally combined with the first supporting member <NUM>. For another example, the rib <NUM> may be integrated with the first supporting member <NUM> with the same material as the first supporting member <NUM> or may be integrally combined with the first supporting member <NUM> with a material different from the first supporting member <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the lower portion of the rib <NUM> may have a wider width than the upper portion of the rib <NUM>. A side of connecting the upper portion of the rib <NUM> with the lower portion of the rib <NUM> may be formed as an inclined plane. Additional information about a structure of the rib <NUM> may be provided with respect to <FIG> and <FIG>.

According to various embodiments, the waterproof member <NUM> may be disposed between the speaker module <NUM> and the speaker module receiving surface <NUM> (or the rib <NUM>). The waterproof member <NUM> may block moisture introduced into the speaker module <NUM> and may transmit an acoustic signal generated by the speaker module <NUM>. The waterproof member <NUM> may include a waterproof film in its central area and may include an adhesive material (e.g., a double-sided tape) in its edge area.

According to various embodiments, the speaker module <NUM> may be fixed to the first supporting member <NUM> in a form where an acoustic generation surface (not shown) faces the speaker module receiving surface <NUM>. The speaker module <NUM> may generate an acoustic signal by an electrical signal. According to an embodiment, a centerline of the second direction of the rib <NUM> (e.g., the up-and-down direction of the electronic device <NUM>) may be identical to a centerline of the second direction of the speaker module <NUM> (e.g., the up-and-down direction of the electronic device <NUM>).

According to an embodiment, the acoustic generation surface of the speaker module <NUM> may maintain a specified clearance (e.g., <NUM>) from the rib <NUM> without being in contact with the rib <NUM>. While the introduction of moisture may be prevented through the clearance, an acoustic signal may be omitted to the outside.

<FIG> illustrates an arrangement relationship between an acoustic output part and a speaker module according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, an acoustic output part <NUM> may be an opening formed through a first supporting member <NUM>. The acoustic output part <NUM> may emit an acoustic signal, output from a speaker module, to the outside.

According to various embodiments, the center of the acoustic output part <NUM> may maintain a predetermined distance L1 from an acoustic generation surface <NUM> of the speaker module without being identical to the center of the acoustic generation surface <NUM> of the speaker module. As an active area of a display <NUM> of <FIG> increases, the acoustic output part <NUM> may be disposed at an edge area of an electronic device <NUM> of <FIG> (e.g., an area close to a side member of the electronic device <NUM>). Thus, the distance L1 may gradually increase.

According to various embodiments, for a smooth acoustic output, an acoustic space <NUM> may be formed in the first supporting member <NUM>. The acoustic space <NUM> may be a space surrounded by a speaker module receiving surface <NUM> and the acoustic generation surface <NUM>. The acoustic space <NUM> may play a role as a path which delivers an acoustic signal, output from the acoustic generation surface <NUM>, to the acoustic output part <NUM>.

Liquid material (e.g., moisture) introduced from the outside may fill the acoustic space <NUM>. When the liquid material (e.g., moisture) fills the acoustic space <NUM>, it may interfere with emitting an acoustic signal from the acoustic generation surface <NUM>. Thus, a user may fail to clearly listen to the acoustic signal. The rib <NUM> may separate liquid material (e.g., moisture) introduced from the outside. For example, the introduced liquid material (e.g., moisture) may move to the acoustic space <NUM> at the left and right of the rib <NUM> by characteristics (e.g., cohesion, adhesion, surface tension, or the like) of liquid material. An acoustic signal may be emitted to the acoustic output part <NUM> through a space between the rib <NUM> and the acoustic generation surface <NUM> and the acoustic space <NUM> which is not filled with moisture.

<FIG> illustrates a rib according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. <FIG> is, but is not limited to, an exemplary example.

Referring to <FIG>, a rib <NUM> of <FIG> according to various embodiments may be disposed in a central area of an acoustic space <NUM>. The rib <NUM> may be integrally formed of the same material as a speaker module receiving surface <NUM> of <FIG> or may be formed of a material different from the speaker module receiving surface <NUM>. In an embodiment, the rib <NUM> may be a portion where a central area of the speaker module receiving surface <NUM> is protruded in the direction of a speaker module <NUM> of <FIG>.

According to various embodiments, an upper portion 125a of the rib <NUM> (e.g., a portion adjacent to an acoustic output part <NUM>) may maintain a predetermined distance (e.g., about <NUM>) from the acoustic output part <NUM>, which is capable of separating introduced moisture. The rib <NUM> may be extended in a second direction (e.g., an up-and-down direction of an electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>) perpendicular to a first direction (e.g., a left-and-right direction of the electronic device <NUM>). A lower portion 125b of the rib <NUM> may be connected to another portion of a first supporting member <NUM> of <FIG>.

According to various embodiments, a width L3a of the upper portion 125a may differ from a width L3b of the lower portion 125b. For example, the width L3a of the upper portion 125a may be smaller than the width L3b of the lower portion 125b. According to an embodiment, the width L3b of the lower portion 125b may be about <NUM>/<NUM> of a width of the acoustic generation surface <NUM> of the speaker module <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, a side portion 125c of the rib <NUM> may be an area between the upper portion 125a and the lower portion 125b. The side portion 125c may have, for example, an inclined shape.

According to various embodiments, the upper portion 125a and the side portion 125c of the rib <NUM> may be rounded.

According to various embodiments, a speaker adjacent surface 125d of the rib <NUM>, facing the acoustic generation surface <NUM>, may be formed as a surface substantially parallel to the acoustic generation surface <NUM>. The speaker adjacent surface 125d may maintain a specified clearance (e.g., about <NUM>) from the acoustic generation surface <NUM> without being in contact with the acoustic generation surface <NUM> of the speaker module <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, a space between the speaker adjacent surface 125d and the speaker module <NUM> may be narrower than a space where the rib <NUM> is not disposed in the acoustic space <NUM>. For example, the space between the speaker adjacent surface 125d and the speaker module <NUM> may be narrower than a left and right side space of the rib <NUM> (e.g., the acoustic space <NUM> adjacent to the side portion 125c) or an upper space of the rib <NUM> (e.g., the acoustic space <NUM> between the acoustic output part <NUM> and the upper portion 125a). Moisture introduced through the acoustic output part <NUM> may primarily fill the left and right side space of the rib <NUM> by cohesion or surface tension. Additional information about arrangement of the rib <NUM> and a shape of the acoustic space <NUM> may be provided with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>.

<FIG> illustrates the introduction of liquid material into an acoustic space according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. <FIG> is, but is not limited to, an exemplary example.

Referring to <FIG>, liquid material (e.g., moisture) <NUM> may be introduced into an acoustic space <NUM> through an acoustic output part <NUM>. The introduced liquid material (e.g., moisture) <NUM> may be divided by a rib <NUM>. The divided liquid material (e.g., moisture) 510a or 510b may be received in the acoustic space <NUM> at the left and right of the rib <NUM> by characteristics (e.g., cohesion, adhesion, surface tension, or the like) of liquid material.

According to various embodiments, as further away from the acoustic output part <NUM>, the acoustic space <NUM> may decrease in volume (see <FIG>). The moister (such as a liquid material) 510a and 510b introduced into the acoustic space <NUM> may be received by moving in the direction of a lower end of the rib <NUM> (e.g., a direction away from the acoustic output part <NUM>) by capillarity.

Liquid material may be relatively small in quantity by characteristics (e.g., cohesion, adhesion, surface tension, or the like) of introduced liquid material in a space between the rib <NUM> and an acoustic generation surface <NUM> of <FIG> and the acoustic space <NUM> adjacent to the acoustic output part <NUM>. An acoustic signal generated by a speaker module <NUM> of <FIG> may be emitted to the outside through the space.

<FIG> illustrates a cross-sectional view of a direction (an up-and-down direction) of an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. <FIG> is, but is not limited to, an exemplary example.

Referring to <FIG>, an acoustic output part <NUM> may be formed through a front plate of a housing <NUM>. The acoustic output part <NUM> may emit an acoustic signal, output from a speaker module <NUM>, to the outside. The acoustic output part <NUM> may be disposed adjacent to a side member (e.g., a side member 120b of <FIG>) of the housing <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, in a cross-sectional view (a cross-sectional view taken from direction I-I') of a second direction (e.g., an up-and-down direction of an electronic device <NUM>) about a rib <NUM>, the center of the acoustic output part <NUM> and the center of the speaker module <NUM> may fail to be identical to each other. For example, the center of the acoustic output part <NUM> may maintain a specified distance (e.g., a distance L1 of <FIG>) from the center of an acoustic generation surface <NUM> of the speaker module <NUM>. When seen from the front plate (when seen from direction A), the speaker module <NUM> may be partially disposed to overlap with an active area of a display <NUM>. An acoustic space <NUM> may guide an acoustic signal, output from the speaker module <NUM>, to the acoustic output part <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the rib <NUM> may be disposed adjacent to the acoustic generation surface <NUM> of the speaker module <NUM>. A speaker adjacent surface 125d of the rib <NUM> may be substantially parallel to the acoustic generation surface <NUM>. The speaker adjacent surface 125d may maintain a specified distance (e.g., about <NUM>) from the acoustic generation surface <NUM> without being in contact with the acoustic generation surface <NUM>. The introduction of moisture may be relatively reduced by characteristics (e.g., cohesion, adhesion, surface tension, or the like) of liquid material between the speaker adjacent surface 125d and the acoustic generation surface <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, in a cross-sectional view (a cross-sectional view taken from direction II-II') of a second direction (e.g., an up-and-down direction of the electronic device <NUM>) of the acoustic space <NUM>, the rib <NUM> may fail to be included in the acoustic space <NUM>. A speaker module receiving surface <NUM> may be formed as an inclined surface which gradually decreases in a distance from the acoustic generation surface <NUM> as further away from the acoustic output part <NUM>. As further away from the acoustic output part <NUM>, the acoustic space <NUM> may be gradually reduced through the inclined surface. Moisture 510a introduced from the outside may be received in a relatively narrow space in the acoustic space <NUM> (e.g., a space relatively away from the acoustic output part <NUM>) by characteristics (e.g., cohesion or adhesion) of introduced liquid material. An acoustic signal may be omitted through the rest which is not filled with the moisture 510a in the acoustic space <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a cross-sectional view of a direction (a left-and-right direction) of an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. <FIG> is, but is not limited to, an exemplary example.

Referring to <FIG>, in a cross-sectional view (a cross-sectional view taken from direction III-III') of a first direction (e.g., a left-and-right direction of an electronic device <NUM>) about a rib <NUM>, a speaker adjacent surface 125d of the rib <NUM> (or a first area of a speaker module receiving surface <NUM> of <FIG>) may maintain a first distance L4 from an acoustic generation surface <NUM>. The speaker adjacent surface 125d may be a surface substantially parallel to the acoustic generation surface <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, an area except for an area where the rib <NUM> is disposed (or a second area 124a and a third area 124b of the speaker module receiving surface <NUM>) may maintain a second distance L5 from the acoustic generation surface <NUM>. Each of the second area 124a and the third area 124b may fail to be a surface parallel to the acoustic generation surface <NUM>. For example, as further away from the acoustic output part <NUM>, the second area 124a and the third area 124b may be closer to the acoustic generation surface <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a groove structure formed in a rib according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. In <FIG>, an embodiment is exemplified as a direction, a width, and an extending direction of a groove <NUM>. However, embodiments are not limited thereto.

Referring to <FIG>, a rib <NUM> may include the at least one groove <NUM> on a speaker adjacent surface 125d. The groove <NUM> may function as a path capable of moving moisture between the speaker adjacent surface 125d and an acoustic generation surface <NUM>. For example, the groove <NUM> may be extended in a direction facing an acoustic output part <NUM>.

The groove <NUM> may allow moisture introduced between the speaker adjacent surface 125d and the acoustic generation surface <NUM> to easily move to a space around the periphery of the rib <NUM>. For example, when moisture is introduced through the acoustic output part <NUM>, it may be received in at least a portion of the groove <NUM>. When an acoustic signal is generated by a speaker module, moisture may be expelled in a direction facing the acoustic output part <NUM> along the groove <NUM> by a wave generated by the acoustic signal.

According to an embodiment, the groove <NUM> may be inclined in a direction facing the acoustic output part <NUM> or may have an opened shape. For example, the groove <NUM> may include an inclined surface formed towards the acoustic output part <NUM>. In this example, moisture may easily move along the inclined surface of the groove <NUM>, and the obstruction of an output of an acoustic signal due to moisture may be reduced.

According to various embodiments, an electronic device(e.g., the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>) includes a housing configured to include a front plate, a rear plate facing a direction opposite to the front plate, and a side member which surrounds a space between the front plate and the rear plate, a touch screen display configured to be disposed between the front plate and the rear plate, at least one through-hole configured to, when seen from the front plate, be formed through the front plate between a portion of the side member and the touch screen display, a speaker module configured to be disposed between the front plate and the rear plate and, when seen from the front plate, include an acoustic generation surface facing the front plate, near the through-hole, and an internal structure configured to be disposed between the front plate and the acoustic generation surface, wherein the internal structure and the acoustic generation surface form a space, acoustically connected to the through-hole, together, wherein the internal structure comprises a surface facing the acoustic generation surface, and wherein the surface of the internal structure comprises a plurality of areas, each of which has a different clearance.

According to various embodiments, the acoustic generation surface is substantially flat, and the plurality of areas comprise a first area having a first clearance from the acoustic generation surface, and a second area having a second clearance greater than the first clearance from the acoustic generation surface.

According to various embodiments, the plurality of areas further comprise a third area having the second clearance from the acoustic generation surface, wherein, when seen from the front plate, the first area is disposed between the second area and the third area, and wherein the first to third areas are extended substantially parallel to each other in a direction facing the portion of the side member from the touch screen display.

According to various embodiments, the second clearance increases in the direction. The first area is substantially parallel to the acoustic generation surface.

According to various embodiments, when seen from the front plate, the acoustic generation surface overlaps at least in part with the touch screen display.

According to various embodiments, the internal structure is at least in part disposed between the touch screen display and the acoustic generation surface.

According to various embodiments, an electronic device includes a housing configured to include a front plate disposed to face a first direction, a rear plate facing a second direction opposite to the first direction, and a side member which surrounds a space between the front plate and the rear plate, a display configured to face the first direction and be disposed between the front plate and the rear plate, a supporting member configured to be disposed between the display and the rear plate, a speaker module configured to have an acoustic generation surface, capable of outputting an acoustic signal, facing the first direction, and a waterproof member configured to be disposed between a portion of the supporting member and the acoustic generation surface, wherein the front plate comprises a through-hole configured to face the first direction and be acoustically connected with the acoustic generation surface, wherein the supporting member comprises a speaker module receiving part configured to have a surface facing the speaker module in an area adjacent to the through-hole, the speaker module receiving part in which the speaker module is received, and wherein the surface of the speaker module receiving part comprises a rib protruded to the acoustic generation surface.

According to various embodiments, the rib is extended in a direction perpendicular to a direction where the through-hole is extended. As further away from the through-hole, the rib gradually increases in width. The rib has a surface substantially parallel to the acoustic generation surface. The rib is rounded in an edge portion adjacent to the acoustic generation surface.

According to various embodiments, as further away from the through-hole, the surface of the speaker module receiving module is closer to the acoustic generation surface. The rib is integrally formed of the same material as the speaker module receiving part.

According to various embodiments, an electronic device includes a housing configured to include a front plate disposed to face a first direction, a rear plate facing a direction opposite to the first direction, and a side member which surrounds a space between the front plate and the rear plate, a display configured to face the first direction and be disposed between the front plate and the rear plate, a supporting member configured to be disposed between the display and the rear plate, a speaker module configured to have an acoustic generation surface, capable of outputting an acoustic signal, facing the first direction, and a waterproof member configured to be disposed between a portion of the supporting member and the acoustic generation surface, wherein the front plate comprises a through-hole configured to face the first direction and be acoustically connected with the acoustic generation surface, wherein the supporting member comprises a speaker module receiving part configured to have a surface facing the speaker module in an area adjacent to the through-hole, the speaker module receiving part in which the speaker module is received, and wherein the surface of the speaker module receiving part comprises a plurality of areas, each of which has a different clearance from the acoustic generation surface.

According to various embodiments, the plurality of areas comprise a first area having a first clearance from the acoustic generation surface, and a second area having a second clearance greater than the first clearance from the acoustic generation surface. The first area is an area corresponding to the center of the acoustic generation surface. The first area is substantially parallel to the acoustic generation surface. As further away from the through-hole, the second area is closer to the acoustic generation surface.

According to various embodiments, the second area receives liquid material introduced through the through-hole.

<FIG> illustrates a block diagram of an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>) <NUM> in a network environment <NUM>, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. An electronic device according to various embodiments of this disclosure may include various forms of devices. For example, the electronic device may include at least one of, for example, portable communication devices (e.g., smartphones), computer devices (e.g., personal digital assistants (PDAs),tablet personal computers (PCs), laptop PCs, desktop PCs, workstations, or servers), portable multimedia devices (e.g., electronic book readers or Motion Picture Experts Group (MPEG-<NUM> or MPEG-<NUM>) Audio Layer <NUM> (MP3) players), portable medical devices (e.g., heartbeat measuring devices, blood glucose monitoring devices, blood pressure measuring devices, and body temperature measuring devices), cameras, or wearable devices. The wearable device may include at least one of an accessory type (e.g., watches, rings, bracelets, anklets, necklaces, glasses, contact lens, or head-mounted-devices (HMDs)), a fabric or garment-integrated type (e.g., an electronic apparel), a body-attached type (e.g., a skin pad or tattoos), or a bio-implantable type (e.g., an implantable circuit). According to various embodiments, the electronic device may include at least one of, for example, televisions (TVs), digital versatile disk (DVD) players, audios, audio accessory devices (e.g., speakers, headphones, or headsets), refrigerators, air conditioners, cleaners, ovens, microwave ovens, washing machines, air cleaners, set-top boxes, home automation control panels, security control panels, game consoles, electronic dictionaries, electronic keys, camcorders, or electronic picture frames.

In another embodiment, the electronic device may include at least one of navigation devices, satellite navigation system (e.g., Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS)), event data recorders (EDRs) (e.g., black box for a car, a ship, or a plane), vehicle infotainment devices (e.g., head-up display for vehicle), industrial or home robots, drones, automatic teller's machines (ATMs), points of sales (POSs), measuring instruments (e.g., water meters, electricity meters, or gas meters), or internet of things (e.g., light bulbs, sprinkler devices, fire alarms, thermostats, or street lamps). The electronic device according to an embodiment of this disclosure may not be limited to the above-described devices, and may provide functions of a plurality of devices like smartphones which has measurement function of personal biometric information (e.g., heart rate or blood glucose). In this disclosure, the term "user" may refer to a person who uses an electronic device or may refer to a device (e.g., an artificial intelligence electronic device) that uses the electronic device.

Referring to <FIG>, under the network environment <NUM>, the electronic device <NUM> (e.g., the electronic device <NUM>) may communicate with an electronic device <NUM> through local wireless communication <NUM> or may communication with an electronic device <NUM> or a server <NUM> through a network <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may communicate with the electronic device <NUM> through the server <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may include a bus <NUM>, a processor <NUM>, a memory <NUM>, an input device <NUM> (e.g., a micro-phone or a mouse), 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>, and a subscriber identification module <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may not include at least one (e.g., the display device <NUM> or the camera module <NUM>) of the above-described elements or may further include other element(s).

The bus <NUM> may interconnect the above-described elements <NUM> to <NUM> and may include a circuit for conveying signals (e.g., a control message or data) between the above-described elements. The processor <NUM> may include one or more of a central processing unit (CPU), an application processor (AP), a graphic processing unit (GPU), an image signal processor (ISP) of a camera or a communication processor (CP). The processor <NUM> may include a main processor <NUM> and an auxiliary processor <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the processor <NUM> may be implemented with a system on chip (SoC) or a system in package (SiP). For example, the processor <NUM> may drive an operating system (OS) or an application to control at least one of another element (e.g., hardware or software element) connected to the processor <NUM> and may process and compute various data. The processor <NUM> may load a command or data, which is received from at least one of other elements (e.g., the communication module <NUM>), into a volatile memory <NUM> to process the command or data and may store the result data into a nonvolatile memory <NUM>.

The memory <NUM> may include, for example, the volatile memory <NUM> or the nonvolatile memory <NUM>. The volatile memory <NUM> may include, for example, a random access memory (RAM) (e.g., a dynamic RAM (DRAM), a static RAM (SRAM), or a synchronous DRAM (SDRAM)). The nonvolatile memory <NUM> may include, for example, an one time programmable read-only memory (OTPROM), a programmable read-only memory (PROM),an erasable PROM (EPROM), an electrically EPROM (EEPROM), a mask ROM, a flash ROM, a flash memory, a hard disk drive (HDD), or a solid-state drive (SSD). In addition, the nonvolatile memory <NUM> may be configured in the form of an internal memory <NUM> or the form of an external memory <NUM> which is available through connection only if necessary, according to the connection with the electronic device <NUM>. The external memory <NUM> may further include a flash drive such as compact flash (CF), secure digital (SD), micro secure digital (Micro-SD), mini secure digital (Mini-SD), extreme digital (xD), a multimedia card (MMC), or a memory stick. The external memory <NUM> may be operatively or physically connected with the electronic device <NUM> in a wired manner (e.g., a cable or a universal serial bus (USB)) or a wireless (e.g., Bluetooth) manner.

For example, the memory <NUM> may store, for example, at least one different software element, such as a command or data associated with the program <NUM>, of the electronic device <NUM>. The program <NUM> may include, for example, operation system <NUM>, middleware <NUM> or an application program (interchangeably, "application") <NUM>.

The input device <NUM> may include a microphone, a mouse, or a keyboard. According to an embodiment, the keyboard may include a keyboard physically connected or a virtual keyboard displayed through the display device <NUM>.

The display device <NUM> may include a display, a hologram device or a projector, and a control circuit to control a relevant device. The display may include, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD), a light emitting diode (LED) display, an organic LED (OLED) display, a microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) display, or an electronic paper display. According to an embodiment, the display may be flexibly, transparently, or wearably implemented. The display may include a touch circuitry, which is able to detect a user's input such as a gesture input, a proximity input, or a hovering input or a pressure sensor (interchangeably, a force sensor) which is able to measure the intensity of the pressure by the touch. The touch circuit or the pressure sensor may be implemented integrally with the display or may be implemented with at least one sensor separately from the display. The hologram device may show a stereoscopic image in a space using interference of light. The projector may project light onto a screen to display an image. The screen may be located inside or outside the electronic device <NUM>.

The audio module <NUM> may convert, for example, from a sound into an electrical signal or from an electrical signal into the sound. According to an embodiment, the audio module <NUM> may acquire sound through the input device <NUM> (e.g., a microphone) or may output sound through an output device (not illustrated) (e.g., a speaker or a receiver) included in the electronic device <NUM>, an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM> (e.g., a wireless speaker or a wireless headphone)) or an electronic device <NUM> (e.g., a wired speaker or a wired headphone) connected with the electronic device <NUM>.

The sensor module <NUM> may measure or detect, for example, an internal operating state (e.g., power or temperature) of the electronic device <NUM> or an external environment state (e.g., an altitude, a humidity, or brightness) to generate an electrical signal or a data value corresponding to the information of the measured state or the detected state. The sensor module <NUM> may include, for example, at least one of a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a grip sensor, a proximity sensor, a color sensor (e.g., a red, green, blue (RGB) sensor), an infrared sensor, a biometric sensor (e.g., an iris sensor, a fingerprint senor, a heartbeat rate monitoring (HRM) sensor, an e-nose sensor, an electromyography (EMG) sensor, an electroencephalogram (EEG) sensor, an electrocardiogram (ECG) sensor), a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, an illuminance sensor, or an ultraviolet (UV) sensor. The sensor module <NUM> may further include a control circuit for controlling at least one or more sensors included therein. According to an embodiment, the sensor module <NUM> may be controlled by using the processor <NUM> or a processor (e.g., a sensor hub) separate from the processor <NUM>. In the example that the separate processor (e.g., a sensor hub) is used, while the processor <NUM> is in a sleep state, the separate processor may operate without awakening the processor <NUM> to control at least a portion of the operation or the state of the sensor module <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the interface <NUM> may include a high definition multimedia interface (HDMI), a universal serial bus (USB), an optical interface, a recommended standard <NUM> (RS-<NUM>), a D-subminiature (D-sub), a mobile high-definition link (MHL) interface, a SD card/MMC(multi-media card) interface, or an audio interface. A connector <NUM> may physically connect the electronic device <NUM> and the electronic device <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the connector <NUM> may include, for example, an USB connector, an SD card/MMC connector, or an audio connector (e.g., a headphone connector).

The haptic module <NUM> may convert an electrical signal into mechanical stimulation (e.g., vibration or motion) or into electrical stimulation. For example, the haptic module <NUM> may apply tactile or kinesthetic stimulation to a user.

The camera module <NUM> may capture, for example, a still image and a moving picture. According to an embodiment, the camera module <NUM> may include at least one lens (e.g., a wide-angle lens and a telephoto lens, or a front lens and a rear lens), an image sensor, an image signal processor, or a flash (e.g., a light emitting diode or a xenon lamp).

The power management module <NUM>, which is to manage the power of the electronic device <NUM>, may constitute at least a portion of a power management integrated circuit (PMIC).

The battery <NUM> may include a primary cell, a secondary cell, or a fuel cell and may be recharged by an external power source to supply power at least one element of the electronic device <NUM>.

The communication module <NUM> may establish a communication channel between the electronic device <NUM> and an external device (e.g., the first external electronic device <NUM>, the second external electronic device <NUM>, or the server <NUM>). The communication module <NUM> may support wired communication or wireless communication through the established communication channel. According to an embodiment, the communication module <NUM> may include a wireless communication module <NUM> or a wired communication module <NUM>. The communication module <NUM> may communicate with the external device (e.g., the first external electronic device <NUM>, the second external electronic device <NUM>, or the server <NUM>)through a first network <NUM> (e.g. a wireless local area network such as Bluetooth or infrared data association (IrDA)) or a second network <NUM> (e.g., a wireless wide area network such as a cellular network) through a relevant module among the wireless communication module <NUM> or the wired communication module <NUM>.

The wireless communication module <NUM> may support, for example, cellular communication, local wireless communication, and global navigation satellite system (GNSS) communication. The cellular communication may include, for example, long-term evolution (LTE), LTE Advance (LTE-A), code division multiple access (CMA), wideband CDMA (WCDMA), universal mobile telecommunications system (UMTS), wireless broadband (WiBro), or global system for mobile communications (GSM). The local wireless communication may include wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi), WiFi Direct, light fidelity (Li-Fi), Bluetooth, Bluetooth low energy (BLE), Zigbee, near field communication (NFC), magnetic secure transmission (MST), radio frequency (RF), or a body area network (BAN). The GNSS may include at least one of a global positioning system (GPS), a global navigation satellite system (Glonass), Beidou Navigation Satellite System (Beidou), the European global satellite-based navigation system (Galileo), or the like. In the present disclosure, "GPS" and "GNSS" may be interchangeably used.

According to an embodiment, when the wireless communication module <NUM> supports cellar communication, the wireless communication module <NUM> may, for example, identify or authenticate the electronic device <NUM> within a communication network using the subscriber identification module (e.g., a SIM card) <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the wireless communication module <NUM> may include a communication processor (CP) separate from the processor <NUM> (e.g., an application processor (AP)). In this example, the communication processor may perform at least a portion of functions associated with at least one of elements <NUM> to <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM> in substitute for the processor <NUM> when the processor <NUM> is in an inactive (sleep) state, and together with the processor <NUM> when the processor <NUM> is in an active state. According to an embodiment, the wireless communication module <NUM> may include a plurality of communication modules, each supporting only a relevant communication scheme among cellular communication, local wireless communication, or a GNSS communication.

The wired communication module <NUM> may include, for example, include a local area network (LAN) service, a power line communication, or a plain old telephone service (POTS).

For example, the first network <NUM> may employ, for example, WiFi direct or Bluetooth for transmitting or receiving commands or data through wireless direct connection between the electronic device <NUM> and the first external electronic device <NUM>. The second network <NUM> may include a telecommunication network (e.g., a computer network such as a LAN or a WAN, the Internet or a telephone network) for transmitting or receiving commands or data between the electronic device <NUM> and the second electronic device <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the commands or the data may be transmitted or received between the electronic device <NUM> and the second external electronic device <NUM> through the server <NUM> connected with the second network <NUM>. Each of the first and second external electronic devices <NUM> and <NUM> may be a device of which the type is different from or the same as that of the electronic device <NUM>. According to various embodiments, all or a part of operations that the electronic device <NUM> will perform may be executed by another or a plurality of electronic devices (e.g., the electronic devices <NUM> and <NUM> or the server <NUM>). According to an embodiment, in the example that the electronic device <NUM> executes any function or service automatically or in response to a request, the electronic device <NUM> may not perform the function or the service internally, but may alternatively or additionally transmit requests for at least a part of a function associated with the electronic device <NUM> to any other device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM> or <NUM> or the server <NUM>). The other electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM> or <NUM> or the server <NUM>) may execute the requested function or additional function and may transmit the execution result to the electronic device <NUM>. The electronic device <NUM> may provide the requested function or service using the received result or may additionally process the received result to provide the requested function or service. To this end, for example, cloud computing, distributed computing, or client-server computing may be used.

Claim 1:
An electronic device (<NUM>), comprising:
a housing (<NUM>) including a front plate (120a), a rear plate (120c), and a side member (120b) that surrounds a space between the front plate (120a) and the rear plate (120c);
a touch screen display (<NUM>) disposed between the front plate (120a) and the rear plate (120c);
at least one through-hole (<NUM>) formed, when seen from the front plate (120a), through the front plate (120a) between a portion of the side member (120b) and the touch screen display;
a speaker module (<NUM>) disposed between the front plate (120a) and the rear plate (120c), including an acoustic generation surface (<NUM>) which, when seen from the front plate (120a), faces the front plate (120a); and
an internal structure disposed between the front plate (120a) and the acoustic generation surface (<NUM>) configured to receive the speaker module (<NUM>),
wherein the internal structure and the acoustic generation surface (<NUM>) together form a space (<NUM>), acoustically connected to the through-hole (<NUM>),
wherein the internal structure comprises a surface facing the acoustic generation surface (<NUM>), and
wherein the surface of the internal structure comprises a plurality of areas, each of the plurality of areas including a different clearance from the acoustic generation surface (<NUM>).