Patent Description:
A mobile device may have a fingerprint sensor mounted therein to authenticate a user by matching the user's fingerprints with stored fingerprints for added security.

The fingerprint sensor may be mounted in a lower region of a display. The display may be large enough that it occupies most of the front surface of the mobile device, and various factors, such as the angle of view of the fingerprint sensor, the thickness of the display, and the distance between the display and the fingerprint sensor, should be considered when designing the front surface of the display so that the fingerprint sensor can be mounted to overlap the display yet still function to capture fingerprints.

The fingerprint sensor should have a structure for blocking foreign substances since foreign substances will interfere with the fingerprint sensing operation. Conventionally, foreign substances may be prevented from entering the fingerprint sensor by mounting a dustproof member in a space between a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) connected with a display panel and a bracket in which the fingerprint sensor is mounted, or by positioning the dustproof member in a space formed by processing the bracket.

Document (<CIT>) discloses an under-screen biometric identification apparatus arranged in the electronic device. Document (<CIT>) discloses a conventional electronic device having a display and a fingerprint sensor underneath the display.

Currently in the marketplace, there is a trend towards miniaturized mobile devices, and as such, display panels are becoming thinner. When a fingerprint sensor is mounted under a display panel that is relatively thinner compared to conventional display panels, the distance between the user's fingerprint and the fingerprint sensor may be shortened. As the distance between the user's finger and the fingerprint sensor is shortened, it may be difficult to configure an area large enough for the acquisition of fingerprints even when the fingerprint sensor has a large angle of view.

A space for attaching the dustproof member between the FPCB and the bracket to prevent foreign substances from entering the fingerprint sensor may be narrow. To this end, the bracket may be processed so as to guarantee the space for the dustproof member. However, this processing method is limited by the original thickness of the bracket and other components such as the battery that are mounted in the bracket. If the bracket is processed up to a breaking point, perforations may be formed on the bracket due to machining errors. In addition, even if the bracket is processed up to the breaking point and a dustproof member is mounted therein, there may be difficulty in smoothly preventing foreign substances from entering the fingerprint sensor, and foreign substances may influence other components (for example, the battery) mounted in the bracket.

According to an aspect of the invention, an electronic device is provided as defined by the appended claims.

The electronic device according to certain embodiments can prevent foreign substances from entering the fingerprint sensor.

The electronic device according to certain embodiments can prevent malfunction of the fingerprint sensor by preventing diffuse reflection of light caused by other components.

<FIG> illustrates an electronic device <NUM> according to an embodiment.

Referring to <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> according to an embodiment may include a frame structure <NUM>, a rear cover <NUM>, a display <NUM>, and a fingerprint sensor <NUM>. Herein below, the surface through which the display <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM> is seen is defined as the front surface of the electronic device <NUM>, the surface through which the rear cover <NUM> is seen is defined as the rear surface of the electronic device <NUM>, and the surface extended from an edge of the front surface to an edge of the rear surface is defined as the side surface of the electronic device <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the frame structure <NUM> may form a portion of the front surface of the electronic device <NUM>, a portion of the rear surface, and the side surface. In another embodiment, when the display <NUM> is seamlessly extended to a region of the side surface of the electronic device <NUM> made up of the frame structure <NUM>, the entire front surface of the electronic device <NUM> may be formed by the display <NUM>, and the side surface may be formed by the display <NUM> and the frame structure <NUM>. In another embodiment, when the rear cover <NUM> is seamlessly extended to a region of the side surface of the electronic device <NUM> made up of the frame structure <NUM>, the side surface of the electronic device <NUM> may be formed by the frame structure <NUM> and the rear cover <NUM>. In an embodiment, the frame structure <NUM> forming the side surface of the electronic device <NUM> may include a curved surface.

In an embodiment, the frame structure <NUM> may include metal and/or polymer.

In an embodiment, the frame structure <NUM> may be coupled with the rear cover <NUM> to provide a recess (or a space) to have various components (for example, a battery <NUM>) of the electronic device <NUM> mounted therein.

In an embodiment, the rear cover <NUM> may form at least a portion of the rear surface of the electronic device <NUM>. In this case, the rear cover <NUM> may form the majority portion of the rear surface of the electronic device <NUM>, and the other portion of the rear surface may be formed by the frame structure <NUM>. In another embodiment, when the rear cover <NUM> is extended to a region of the side surface, the entire rear surface of the electronic device <NUM> may be formed by the rear cover <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the rear cover <NUM> may be coupled with the frame structure <NUM>. In another embodiment, the rear cover <NUM> and the frame structure <NUM> may be integrally formed with each other. In an embodiment, the rear cover <NUM> may be formed with a substantially opaque material to hide various components mounted in the electronic device <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the rear cover <NUM> may be formed with, for example, coated or colored glass, ceramic, polymer, metal (for example, aluminum, stainless steel (STS), or magnesium), or a combination of two or more of the above-mentioned materials.

In an embodiment, the rear cover <NUM> may include an opening formed on a certain region of the rear cover <NUM>. A camera module <NUM> may be disposed in the opening. The camera module <NUM> may be disposed in the opening such that at least a portion accommodated in the opening is exposed to the outside of the electronic device <NUM>. The camera module <NUM> may capture pictures, still images, and/or videos. In an embodiment, the camera module <NUM> may include at least one lens, at least one image processor, and a flash.

The display <NUM> according to an embodiment may be disposed to have at least a portion accommodated in the space formed by the frame structure <NUM> and the rear cover <NUM>. In an embodiment, the display <NUM> may form the majority portion of the front surface of the electronic device <NUM>, and may be exposed to the outside through the front surface. The display <NUM> may output visual content. In an embodiment, the shape of the outer edge of the display <NUM> may be substantially similar to the shape of the outer edge of the side surface (or the frame structure <NUM>) of the electronic device <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the display <NUM> may include a plurality of layers. The plurality of layers may include a window. The window may be made of a substantially transparent material, and may be disposed on the outermost layer of the plurality of layers to form the front surface of the electronic device <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the window may be formed with a glass plate. In this case, the window may include a polymeric material. In another embodiment, the window may be formed with a flexible material. In this case, the flexible window may include a polyimide (PI) window, and its strength may be lower than that of the glass plate window, due to its flexibility.

In an embodiment, light emitted from the display <NUM> may be provided to the outside through the window. In an embodiment, the shape of the edge of the display region of the display <NUM> and the shape of the edge of the window may be substantially the same. In an embodiment, a gap between the outer edge of the display region and the outer edge of the window may be substantially uniformly all around the display region of the display <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the display <NUM> may be coupled with or may be disposed adjacent to a touch sensing circuit, a pressure sensor to measure an intensity (pressure) of a touch, and/or a digitizer to detect a stylus pen of a magnetic field method.

In an embodiment, the display <NUM> may include an opening formed on a certain region thereof. However, in this case, the opening may not be formed on the window of the plurality of layers included in the display <NUM>. A camera module <NUM> may be disposed in the opening. The camera module <NUM> may have at least a portion inserted into the opening so that at least its lens element is exposed through the front surface of the electronic device <NUM>. The camera module <NUM> may acquire pictures and videos through the opening.

In an embodiment, a fingerprint sensor <NUM> may be disposed on a rear surface of the display <NUM>. At least one layer of the plurality of layers of the display <NUM> may include an opening (for example, an opening <NUM> of <FIG>) corresponding to the fingerprint sensor <NUM>. The fingerprint sensor <NUM> may acquire information regarding user's fingerprints through the opening.

In an embodiment, various components (for example, a proximity sensor, an illuminance sensor) (not shown) may be disposed on the rear surface of the display <NUM>.

In an embodiment, an audio module <NUM> may include a microphone hole and a speaker hole. The microphone hole may have a microphone disposed therein to acquire an external sound, and in a certain embodiment, a plurality of microphones may be disposed to detect a direction of a sound. The speaker hole may include an external speaker hole and a call receiver hole. In a certain embodiment, the speaker hole and the microphone hole may be implemented as one hole.

In an embodiment, a key input device <NUM> may be disposed on the side surface of the electronic device <NUM>. The key input device <NUM> may have a portion inserted into an opening formed on the frame structure <NUM>, and may have the other portion protruding from the frame structure <NUM>. In an embodiment, the key input device <NUM> may include a volume control button, a power button, an artificial intelligence (Al) call button, but is not limited thereto. In another embodiment, the key input device <NUM> may be implemented on the display <NUM> in other forms like a soft key.

In an embodiment, a connector hole <NUM> may be coupled with the frame structure <NUM>, and may be disposed on the side surface of the electronic device <NUM>. The connector hole <NUM> may accommodate a connector (or a receptacle) to transmit and receive power and/or data to and from an external electronic device. For example, the connector hole <NUM> may accommodate a USB type-c receptacle.

The electronic device <NUM> may further include a sensor module (not shown), for example, at least one of a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, an atmospheric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a grip sensor, a color sensor, an infrared (IR) sensor, a biometric sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, and/or an illuminance sensor.

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

Referring to <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> according to an embodiment may include a first support member <NUM>, a second support member <NUM>, a first printed circuit board (PCB) <NUM>, a second PCB <NUM>, a battery <NUM>, and a dustproof member <NUM>. Redundant explanation of the same components as in <FIG> will be omitted for <FIG>. At least one component (for example, the camera module <NUM>) of the components of the electronic device illustrated in <FIG> according to an embodiment may be omitted.

In an embodiment, the first support member <NUM> may be disposed under the rear cover <NUM> (for example, -z direction). In an embodiment, the first support member <NUM> may support the camera module <NUM> and the first PCB <NUM>. In an embodiment, the first support member <NUM> may include an opening <NUM> corresponding to the camera module <NUM>. The camera module <NUM> may have at least a portion inserted into the opening <NUM> of the first support member <NUM> and an opening <NUM> of the rear cover <NUM> so that it is exposed to the outside.

In an embodiment, the second support member <NUM> may be disposed under the rear cover <NUM> (for example, -z direction). In an embodiment, the second support member <NUM> may support the second PCB <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the frame structure <NUM> may be disposed between the rear cover <NUM> and the display <NUM>. The frame structure <NUM> may include a region <NUM> on which the battery <NUM> is seated, and a region <NUM> on which the fingerprint sensor <NUM> is seated. The frame structure <NUM> may include a fourth opening <NUM> formed on at least a portion of the region <NUM> on which the fingerprint sensor <NUM> is seated. The fingerprint sensor <NUM> may acquire information on fingerprints through the fourth opening <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the battery <NUM> may be disposed between the rear cover <NUM> and the frame structure <NUM>. The battery <NUM> may have at least a portion accommodated in the region <NUM> formed by the frame structure <NUM>. In an embodiment, a volume of the region <NUM> where the battery <NUM> is disposed may be substantially similar to a volume of the battery <NUM>. For example, the region <NUM> may have a volume larger than or equal to the volume of the battery <NUM>, so that changes (for example, swelling) in the volume caused by use of the battery <NUM> can be accommodated.

In an embodiment, the first PCB <NUM> may be disposed between the first support member <NUM> and the frame structure <NUM>. The first PCB <NUM> may be supported by the first support member <NUM> and the frame structure <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the second PCB <NUM> may be disposed between the second support member <NUM> and the frame structure <NUM>. The second PCB <NUM> may be supported by the second support member <NUM> and the frame structure <NUM>. In an embodiment, the second PCB <NUM> may be electrically connected with the first PCB <NUM>. For example, the second PCB <NUM> may be electrically connected with the first PCB <NUM> by a connection member (for example, a cable, an FPCB) (not shown) to transmit and receive signals and/or data to and from the first PCB <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the first PCB <NUM> and the second PCB <NUM> may have various components (for example, a processor <NUM>, a memory <NUM> of <FIG>) of the electronic device <NUM> disposed thereon.

In an embodiment, the fingerprint sensor <NUM> may be disposed between the frame structure <NUM> and the second support member <NUM>. In an embodiment, the fingerprint sensor <NUM> may have at least a portion accommodated in the region <NUM> formed on the frame structure <NUM> to be disposed over the frame structure <NUM> (for example, +z direction). In an embodiment, the fingerprint sensor <NUM> may be disposed to face the display <NUM> (for example, the display is disposed in the -z direction relative to the fingerprint sensor <NUM>) to acquire fingerprint information of a finger contacting the display <NUM>. In an embodiment, the fingerprint sensor <NUM> may acquire user's fingerprint information through the fourth opening <NUM> formed on at least a portion of the region <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the fingerprint sensor <NUM> may be electrically connected with the second PCB <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the dustproof member <NUM> is disposed between the frame structure <NUM> and the display <NUM>. The dustproof member <NUM> is in close contact with the frame structure <NUM> and the display <NUM> and may be coupled to the frame structure <NUM> and the display <NUM>. In an embodiment, the dustproof member <NUM> may have a ring shape having an outer diameter and an inner diameter. In an embodiment, the dustproof member <NUM> may be made of a sponge and/or rubber.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view of the electronic device <NUM>, viewed from A-A' of <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, the fingerprint sensor <NUM> may be disposed between the second support member <NUM> and the frame structure <NUM>. The fingerprint sensor <NUM> may be disposed over the frame structure <NUM> (for example, the +z direction) and is coupled with the frame structure <NUM>. In an embodiment, the fingerprint sensor <NUM> may be electrically connected with the second PCB <NUM> through a wire member <NUM>. Fingerprint information acquired by the fingerprint sensor <NUM> may be provided to the processor <NUM> through the second PCB <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the display <NUM> may include a front panel <NUM>, a rear panel <NUM>, and a wire member <NUM>. In an embodiment, the front panel <NUM> may include pixels that output light (i.e. visual content) to the user. In an embodiment, the rear panel <NUM> may be disposed over the front panel <NUM> (for example, in the +z direction) to protect the front panel <NUM>. In an embodiment, each of the front panel <NUM> and the rear panel <NUM> may include a plurality of layers.

In an embodiment, the wire member <NUM> may be coupled to one end of the front panel <NUM>, and may be bent over the rear panel <NUM> (for example, in the +z direction) from the one end, and may be extended toward the inside of the electronic device <NUM>. In an embodiment, one end of the wire member <NUM> may be coupled with the front panel <NUM> and the other end may be coupled with an FPCB <NUM>. Signals and data for providing visual information to the user may be transmitted to the display <NUM> through the FPCB <NUM> and the wire member <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the dustproof member <NUM> is disposed between the frame structure <NUM> and the rear panel <NUM>. In an embodiment, the dustproof member <NUM> is in contact with the frame structure <NUM> and the rear panel <NUM>. In an embodiment, the dustproof member <NUM> may be pressed or pushed by the frame structure <NUM> and the rear panel <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the outer diameter of the dustproof member <NUM> may be smaller than the diameter of a third opening <NUM> formed on the FPCB <NUM>, such that the dustproof member <NUM> may be disposed inside the third opening <NUM> of the FPCB <NUM>. For example, the outer diameter of the dustproof member <NUM> may be smaller than the diameter of the third opening <NUM>. In an embodiment, the dustproof member <NUM> may be spaced apart from the FPCB <NUM>. In an embodiment, the dustproof member <NUM> may have at least a portion accommodated in the third opening <NUM> formed on the FPCB <NUM>, and the dustproof member <NUM> may be disposed between the frame structure <NUM> and the rear panel <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the inner diameter of the dustproof member <NUM> may be larger than the diameter of the fourth opening <NUM> formed on the frame structure <NUM>. The dustproof member <NUM> is disposed to surround the fourth opening <NUM>.

In an embodiment, without the dustproof member <NUM>, foreign substances may pass between the display <NUM> and the frame structure <NUM> and may enter the fingerprint sensor <NUM> through the fourth opening <NUM> of the frame structure <NUM>. Since the dustproof member <NUM> surrounds the fourth opening <NUM> and blocks the path between the frame structure <NUM> and the display <NUM>, through which foreign substances may enter, the dustproof member <NUM> can prevent foreign substances from entering the fingerprint sensor <NUM>.

The terms "front panel" <NUM> and "rear panel" <NUM> used in the disclosure are used to distinguish the front panel <NUM> and the rear panel <NUM>, and are not intended to limit functions, structures, etc. of the front panel <NUM> and the rear panel <NUM>. In an embodiment, the front panel <NUM> may be referred to as a first panel <NUM> and the rear panel <NUM> may be referred to as a second panel <NUM>.

<FIG> is a view illustrating a structure in which the dustproof member <NUM> is attached to the display <NUM> according to an embodiment.

Referring to <FIG>, the dustproof member <NUM> according to an embodiment may be disposed to be in contact with the display <NUM>. In an embodiment, since the outer diameter of the dustproof member <NUM> is smaller than the diameter of the third opening <NUM> formed on the FPCB <NUM>, at least a portion of the dustproof member <NUM> may be accommodated and disposed in the third opening <NUM> formed on the FPCB <NUM>. That is, the circumference of the third opening <NUM> formed on the FPCB <NUM> may surround the outer circumference of the dustproof member <NUM>.

In an embodiment, since the inner diameter of the dustproof member <NUM> is larger than the opening <NUM> of the display <NUM>, the dustproof member <NUM> may be disposed to surround the opening <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the shape of the dustproof member <NUM> may be an annular shape. The shape of the outer edge of the dustproof member <NUM> may be substantially similar to the third opening <NUM> and the opening <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates the fingerprint sensor <NUM> according to an embodiment.

Referring to <FIG>, the fingerprint sensor <NUM> according to an embodiment may include a sensor unit <NUM>, a wire member <NUM>, a fixing member <NUM>, and an elastic member <NUM>. In an embodiment, the fingerprint sensor <NUM> may include a capacitive fingerprint sensor, an optical fingerprint sensor, and an ultrasonic fingerprint sensor. However, this should not be considered as limiting.

In an embodiment, the sensor unit <NUM> may acquire information on user's fingerprints.

In an embodiment, when the fingerprint sensor <NUM> is a capacitive fingerprint sensor, the sensor unit <NUM> may detect a difference in capacitance which changes according to the height difference between ridges and valleys of a fingerprint (the distance difference between the fingerprint sensor and the fingerprint), and may generate a value regarding the fingerprint information based on the detection.

In an embodiment, when the fingerprint sensor <NUM> is an ultrasonic fingerprint sensor, the sensor unit <NUM> may acquire information regarding user's fingerprints based on the time during which ultrasonic waves are transmitted to and reflected from the ridges and valleys of a fingerprint.

In an embodiment, when the fingerprint sensor <NUM> is an optical fingerprint sensor, the sensor unit <NUM> may include a light emitter and a light receiver. The light emitter may emit light toward user's fingerprints, and the light receiver may acquire light reflected from the user's fingerprints. In an embodiment, the sensor unit <NUM> may acquire data regarding the fingerprints based on light reflected from the user's finger. In an embodiment, all of the light emitter and the light receiver included in the sensor unit <NUM> may be included in the fingerprint sensor <NUM>, or any one of the light emitter and the light receiver may be separated from the fingerprint sensor <NUM> and may be separately disposed.

In an embodiment, the wire member <NUM> may transmit fingerprint information acquired by the sensor unit <NUM> to another component, or may provide signals or data transmitted from another component to the fingerprint sensor <NUM>. For example, the wire member <NUM> may be coupled to the second PCB <NUM> to provide fingerprint information to the second PCB <NUM> or to transmit signals or data provided from the second PCB to the fingerprint sensor <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the fixing member <NUM> may fix the fingerprint sensor <NUM> to the frame structure <NUM>. The fixing member <NUM> may include an opening penetrating through the fixing member <NUM>. The fingerprint sensor <NUM> may be coupled and fixed to the frame structure <NUM> by means of a coupling member inserted into the opening. The above-described coupling member may include a bolt, a screw, but is not limited thereto.

In an embodiment, the elastic member <NUM> may be disposed to surround the sensor unit <NUM>. The elastic member <NUM> may provide elasticity to prevent the fingerprint sensor <NUM> from being physically damaged even when the fingerprint sensor <NUM> is tightly coupled to the frame structure <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates the dustproof member <NUM> and the fingerprint sensor <NUM> which are coupled to the frame structure <NUM> according to an embodiment.

Referring to <FIG>, reference numeral <NUM> illustrates the frame structure <NUM> of <FIG> when viewed in the +z direction, and reference numeral <NUM> illustrates the frame structure <NUM> of <FIG> when viewed in the -z direction.

Referring to reference numeral <NUM>, at least a portion of the fingerprint sensor <NUM> may be seen through the fourth opening <NUM> of the frame structure <NUM>. For example, the sensor unit <NUM> of the fingerprint sensor <NUM> may be exposed through the fourth opening <NUM>. The fourth opening <NUM> may be formed to correspond to the sensor unit <NUM> of the fingerprint sensor <NUM>. The dustproof member <NUM> surrounding the fourth opening <NUM> may be disposed in contact with the frame structure <NUM>. In an embodiment, the fingerprint sensor <NUM> may be disposed to have the sensor unit <NUM> face the display <NUM> to acquire fingerprint information of the user's finger contacting the display <NUM>.

Referring to reference numeral <NUM>, the fingerprint sensor <NUM> may be coupled to the frame structure <NUM> by means of the fixing member <NUM>. The frame structure <NUM> may form a seating space (for example, the region <NUM> of <FIG>) corresponding to the shape of the fingerprint sensor <NUM>, and at least a portion of the fingerprint sensor <NUM> may be accommodated in the seating space.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view of the electronic device <NUM> according to a claimed embodiment.

<FIG> is a partial cross-sectional view of the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>, viewed A-A'.

In an embodiment, the display <NUM> may include the front panel <NUM> and the rear panel <NUM>.

The front panel <NUM> according to an embodiment may include a plurality of layers. For example, the front panel <NUM> may include a window forming the front surface of the electronic device <NUM>, a polarizing layer, an adhesive layer bonding the window and the polarizing layer, a light emitting layer including a plurality of pixels, and a base layer serving as a substrate for the above-described layers.

The rear panel <NUM> according to an embodiment may include an adhesive layer <NUM>, a cushion layer <NUM>, and a conductive layer <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the adhesive layer <NUM> may be attached to the front panel <NUM> of the display <NUM>. The adhesive layer <NUM> may include an embossed pattern. For example, the adhesive layer <NUM> may include a plurality of protrusions and a plurality of recesses formed by the plurality of protrusions. The adhesive layer <NUM> having the embossed pattern can prevent foreign substances, such as moisture or dust, from entering the inside of the display <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the cushion layer <NUM> may be disposed over the adhesive layer <NUM> (for example, the +z direction). The cushion layer <NUM> may mitigate impacts applied to the display <NUM>, thereby enhancing durability of the display <NUM>. The cushion layer <NUM> may be made with a sponge.

In an embodiment, the FPCB <NUM> is disposed between the frame structure <NUM> and the conductive layer <NUM>. The FPCB <NUM> may be spaced apart from the conductive layer <NUM> as shown in <FIG>, or the FPCB <NUM> may be in contact with the conductive layer <NUM>, differently from the illustration of <FIG> (for example, as shown in <FIG>). When the FPCB <NUM> is in contact with the conductive layer <NUM>, an adhesive member (for example, an adhesive tape or an adhesive) may be interposed between the FPCB <NUM> and the conductive layer <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the adhesive layer <NUM> and the cushion layer <NUM> may include a first opening <NUM> corresponding to the fingerprint sensor <NUM>. For example, at least a portion of the first opening <NUM> may overlap the fingerprint sensor <NUM>. In an embodiment, the first opening <NUM> may be formed to be larger than a region of the display <NUM> corresponding to the angle of view of the fingerprint sensor <NUM>. That is, the adhesive layer <NUM> and the cushion layer <NUM> may be spaced apart from the region of the angle of view of the fingerprint sensor <NUM> by a distance d. The first opening <NUM> may be formed to be larger than the region corresponding to the angel of view 2θ of the fingerprint sensor <NUM> by the distance d. When the adhesive layer <NUM> or the cushion layer <NUM> are disposed within the region corresponding to the angle of view of the fingerprint sensor <NUM>, it may be difficult for the fingerprint sensor <NUM> to acquire fingerprint information. For example, light emitted from the fingerprint sensor <NUM> may be refracted or reflected by the adhesive layer <NUM> and/or the cushion layer <NUM>, and in this case, the ratio between the amount of light arriving at the user's finger contacting the display <NUM> and the amount of light emitted by the fingerprint sensor <NUM> may be reduced. In another example, light reflected from the user's finger and passing through the display <NUM> may be refracted or reflected by the adhesive layer <NUM> and/or the cushion layer <NUM>, and in this case, the ratio between the amount of light provided to the fingerprint sensor <NUM> and the amount of light reflected from the user's finger may be reduced. In another embodiment, the first opening <NUM> may have substantially the same area as the region corresponding to the angle of view of the fingerprint sensor <NUM>. However, even in this case, the adhesive layer <NUM> and the cushion layer <NUM> may not be disposed within the region corresponding to the angle of view. In an embodiment, the line x may be a segment passing through the center of the sensor unit (for example, the sensor unit <NUM> of <FIG>) of the fingerprint sensor <NUM>. In an embodiment, the angle of view 2θ of the fingerprint sensor <NUM> may be <NUM>° to <NUM>° inclusive.

In an embodiment, the conductive layer <NUM> may be disposed over the cushion layer <NUM> (for example, the +z direction). The conductive layer <NUM> may block or shield electromagnetic waves to prevent other components of the electronic device <NUM> from being influenced by electromagnetic waves generated in the display <NUM> or to prevent the display <NUM> from being influenced by electromagnetic waves generated in other components. In an embodiment, the conductive layer <NUM> may include copper.

In an embodiment, the conductive layer <NUM> includes a second opening <NUM> formed on a region corresponding to the fingerprint sensor <NUM>. The diameter of the second opening <NUM> is larger than that of the first opening <NUM>. In an embodiment, since the conductive layer <NUM> includes metal such as copper, diffuse reflection of light passing through the display <NUM> may be generated due to the conductive layer <NUM>. As the conductive layer <NUM> is closer to the fingerprint sensor <NUM>, the degree of diffuse reflection of light (or the degree of diffuse-reflected light arriving at the fingerprint sensor <NUM>) may increase, and accordingly, the fingerprint sensor <NUM> may malfunction. In an embodiment, the conductive layer <NUM> may be spaced apart from the adhesive layer <NUM> and the cushion layer <NUM> by a distance c. That is, the diameter of the second opening <NUM> formed on the conductive layer <NUM> may be larger than the diameter of the first opening <NUM> formed on the adhesive layer <NUM> and the cushion layer <NUM> by a length 2c.

In an embodiment, the dustproof member <NUM> may be disposed in the third opening <NUM> formed on the FPCB <NUM>. In an embodiment, the dustproof member <NUM> may be in contact with the conductive layer <NUM>. The dustproof member <NUM> shown in <FIG> may be spaced apart from the cushion layer <NUM>, but the dustproof member <NUM> having elasticity may be pressed through the operation of coupling the display <NUM> and the frame structure <NUM> and may come into contact with the cushion layer <NUM>. In this case, the dustproof member <NUM> may surround the circumference of the second opening <NUM> formed on the conductive layer <NUM>. In an embodiment, diffuse reflection of light caused by the conductive layer <NUM> can be prevented by the dustproof member <NUM> surrounding the conductive layer <NUM>, and malfunction of the fingerprint sensor <NUM> can be prevented.

In an embodiment, a portion of the dustproof member <NUM> may overlap a portion of the conductive layer <NUM>. For example, the dustproof member <NUM> may be disposed to overlap the conductive layer <NUM> as much as b. In an embodiment, the dustproof member <NUM> overlaps the conductive layer <NUM> in contact therewith, such that a path through which foreign substances may enter can be blocked. In an embodiment, as an area where the dustproof member <NUM> and the conductive layer overlap each other increases, the effect of preventing foreign substances from entering can be enhanced.

In an embodiment, the dustproof member <NUM> may be spaced apart from the FPCB <NUM>. In an embodiment, the outer diameter of the dustproof member <NUM> may be smaller than the diameter of the third opening <NUM> of the FPCB <NUM>. That is, the outer diameter of the dustproof member <NUM> may be smaller than the diameter of the third opening <NUM> of the FPCB <NUM> by 2a. The outer diameter of the dustproof member <NUM> and the diameter of the third opening <NUM> may be different, considering the tolerances generated when the display <NUM>, the frame structure <NUM>, and the dustproof member <NUM> when they are assembled with one another.

The fingerprint sensor <NUM> according to an embodiment may acquire fingerprint information of a user through the first opening <NUM>, the second opening <NUM>, the third opening <NUM>, and the fourth opening <NUM>.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view of the electronic device <NUM> according to another embodiment.

Referring to <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> according to another embodiment may include a dustproof member <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the dustproof member <NUM> may be coated and disposed between the frame structure <NUM> and the rear panel <NUM>. The dustproof member <NUM> may include an opaque resin.

In an embodiment, the dustproof member <NUM> may be coated over the frame structure <NUM> to have a higher height than the FPCB <NUM>. In an embodiment, the dustproof member <NUM> may be coated over a region corresponding to the circumference of the second opening <NUM>. The coated dustproof member <NUM> may be pushed through an operation of coupling the display <NUM>. When the dustproof member <NUM> is pushed, the dustproof member <NUM> surrounds an entire edge region of the second opening <NUM> of the conductive layer <NUM>.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view of two electronic devices of reference embodiments that may be compared to the electronic devices disclose above.

Referring to reference numerals <NUM> and <NUM> of <FIG>, the electronic devices according to two reference embodiments may include a display <NUM>. The thickness of the display <NUM> may be t1. As the thickness of the display <NUM> is reduced, the distance d1 between a fingerprint sensor <NUM> and a region that a user's finger contacts may be reduced. For example, when the display <NUM> has a thickness t2 which is smaller than t1, the distance between the fingerprint sensor <NUM> and the finger contact region may be d2 which is smaller than d1. In this case, even when the fingerprint sensor <NUM> maintains the same angle of view 2θ1 (for example, <NUM>° to <NUM>°), the width of the region where fingerprint information is acquired may be reduced. In an embodiment, as the thickness of the display is reduced, the angle of view 2θ1 of the fingerprint sensor <NUM> should be increased in order to make it possible to acquire fingerprint information on the same display region. The display <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM> according to an embodiment may have the thickness t2 thinner than the thickness t1. The diameters of the first opening <NUM>, the second opening <NUM>, the third opening <NUM>, and the fourth opening <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM> may be larger than diameters of openings of the electronic device shown in the reference embodiments of <FIG>. The fingerprint sensor <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM> according to an embodiment may have an angle of view of <NUM>° to <NUM>° which is larger than the angle of view 2θ1 of the conventional fingerprint sensor. Even when the electronic device <NUM> according to an embodiment includes the display <NUM> which is thinner than the conventional display, the electronic device <NUM> may acquire fingerprint information regarding the same or larger area, based on the increased angle of view. For example, the electronic device according to the reference embodiment may acquire fingerprint information regarding an area A1 corresponding to θ1, whereas the electronic device <NUM> according to an embodiment may acquire fingerprint information regarding an area A2 corresponding to θ2 larger than θ1. In an embodiment, the area A2 may be substantially the same as the area A1 or larger than A1.

Referring to reference numeral <NUM>, the electronic device according to a reference embodiment may include a dustproof member <NUM> which is compared with the dustproof member <NUM> and the dustproof member <NUM>. The dustproof member <NUM> may have at least a portion accommodated in a processed region of a frame structure <NUM>. The dustproof member <NUM> may be disposed between the frame structure <NUM> and an FPCB <NUM>. In this case, the dustproof member <NUM> may overlap the conductive layer <NUM> by as much as d. Since the distance d by which the dustproof member <NUM> of this embodiment overlaps the conductive layer <NUM> is smaller than the distance b by which the dustproof member <NUM> of the embodiment of the disclosure illustrated in <FIG> overlaps the conductive layer <NUM>, the electronic device <NUM> according to the embodiment shown in <FIG> can prevent foreign substances from entering the fingerprint sensor <NUM> more effectively than the electronic device of shown in <NUM>.

The electronic device according to the reference embodiment may increase the degree by which the dustproof member <NUM> and the conductive layer <NUM> overlap by further processing the frame structure <NUM>. However, in this case, perforations may be formed on the frame structure <NUM>, which may cause the frame structure <NUM> to be easily damaged.

Since the conductive layer <NUM> of the electronic device according to the reference embodiment is not in contact with the dustproof member <NUM> or is not surrounded by the dustproof member <NUM>, light passing through the display <NUM> may be diffuse-reflected by the conductive layer <NUM>, and the fingerprint sensor <NUM> may malfunction due to the diffuse-reflected light. Since the dustproof member <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM> according to an embodiment of the disclosure surrounds a certain region of the conductive layer <NUM> close to the fingerprint sensor <NUM>, diffuse reflection of light caused by the conductive layer <NUM> can be prevented, and malfunction of the fingerprint sensor <NUM> caused by diffuse reflection of light can be prevented.

An electronic device according to an embodiment described above may include: a housing including a window facing in a first direction and a rear plate facing in a second direction opposite the first direction; a display disposed between the window and the rear plate, and having at least a portion seen through the window, the display including: a first layer having a first surface disposed on the window and a second surface that faces in the second direction; a second layer having a third surface disposed on the second surface of the first layer, a fourth surface that faces in the second direction, and a first opening; and a conductive layer having a fifth surface disposed on the fourth surface of the second layer, a sixth surface that faces in the second direction, and a second opening corresponding to the first opening; an FPCB extended from at least a portion of the display and disposed on a surface, of the display, that faces in the second direction, and having a third opening corresponding to the second opening; a frame structure on which the display and the FPCB are seated, and which is disposed between the FPCB and the rear plate and has a fourth opening corresponding to the third opening; a fingerprint sensor having at least a portion inserted into the fourth opening and facing in the first direction; and a dustproof member disposed between the display and the frame structure within the third opening.

In an embodiment, the dustproof member may be in contact with at least a portion of the conductive layer.

In an embodiment, the dustproof member may be spaced apart from the FPCB and may be disposed to surround the fourth opening.

In an embodiment, one surface of the dustproof member may be in contact with at least a portion of the conductive layer and at least a portion of the second layer, and another surface of the dustproof member may be in contact with the frame structure.

In an embodiment, a diameter of the second opening may be larger than a diameter of the first opening.

In an embodiment, a diameter of the third opening is larger than diameters of the first opening and the second opening.

In an embodiment, the second layer may include an adhesive layer and a cushion layer disposed in the second direction of the adhesive layer, and the conductive layer may be disposed in the second direction of the cushion layer.

In an embodiment, the dustproof member may be disposed to cover an edge of the second opening.

In an embodiment, the first layer may include an adhesive layer disposed on a surface of the window in the second direction, a polarizing layer disposed in the second direction of the adhesive layer, and a pixel layer disposed in the second direction of the polarizing layer.

In an embodiment, the second layer may include an adhesive layer disposed on the second surface of the first layer that faces in the second direction.

In an embodiment, the fingerprint sensor may acquire fingerprint information of a user of the electronic device contacting the window in the first direction, through the first opening, the second opening, the third opening, and the fourth opening.

In an embodiment, the electronic device may further include a battery, and the battery may be disposed in a space formed by the frame structure.

In an embodiment, the fingerprint sensor may have an angel of view of a designated range, and an area of the first opening may be larger than an area of a region corresponding to the angle of view.

In an embodiment, the designated range may be <NUM>° to <NUM>° inclusive.

In an embodiment, the dustproof member may include a sponge, rubber, or a resin.

An electronic device according to an embodiment may include: a housing including a front cover window and a rear cover; a display panel disposed under the front cover window, and comprising a plurality of layers, at least one first layer of the plurality of layers forming a first opening and a second layer of the plurality of layers forming a second opening; an FPCB electrically connected with the display panel and disposed on a rear surface of the display panel, and comprising a third opening corresponding to the first opening; a fingerprint sensor; a frame structure disposed between the front cover window and the rear cover, and having the fingerprint sensor and the FPCB disposed therein, and comprising a fourth opening corresponding to the third opening; and a dustproof member disposed to surround the fingerprint sensor, and the fingerprint sensor may be disposed to face a front surface of the electronic device to acquire fingerprints of a user through a space formed by the first opening, the second opening, the third opening, and the fourth opening, the dustproof member may be disposed between the second layer and the frame structure within the third opening.

In an embodiment, the dustproof member may be in contact with the first layer and the second layer.

In an embodiment, the second layer may include metal.

In an embodiment a diameter of the first opening is smaller than a diameter of the second opening, the diameter of the second opening is smaller than a diameter of the third opening, the diameter of the third opening is larger than a diameter of the fourth opening, and the diameter of the fourth opening may be smaller than the diameter of the first opening and the diameter of the second opening.

In an embodiment, the dustproof member may be disposed outside a region of the third opening that corresponds to the first opening.

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

Claim 1:
An electronic device (<NUM>, <NUM>) comprising:
a housing including a window facing in a first direction and a rear plate (<NUM>) facing in a second direction opposite the first direction;
a display (<NUM>) disposed between the window and the rear plate (<NUM>), the display (<NUM>) including:
a first layer (<NUM>) having a first surface disposed on the window and a second surface that faces in the second direction;
a second layer (<NUM>, <NUM>) having a third surface disposed on the second surface of the first layer (<NUM>), a fourth surface that faces in the second direction, and a first opening (<NUM>); and
a conductive layer (<NUM>) having a fifth surface disposed on the fourth surface of the second layer (<NUM>, <NUM>), a sixth surface that faces in the second direction, and a second opening (<NUM>) corresponding to the first opening (<NUM>), the second opening (<NUM>) being larger than the first opening (<NUM>);
a flexible printed circuit board, FPCB, (<NUM>) disposed on the sixth surface of the conductive layer that faces in the second direction, and having a third opening (<NUM>) corresponding to the second opening (<NUM>), the third opening (<NUM>) being larger than the second opening (<NUM>);
a frame structure (<NUM>) on which the display (<NUM>) and the FPCB (<NUM>) are seated, and which is disposed between the FPCB (<NUM>) and the rear plate (<NUM>) and has a fourth opening (<NUM>) corresponding to the third opening (<NUM>);
a fingerprint sensor (<NUM>) having at least a portion inserted into the fourth opening (<NUM>) and facing in the first direction; and
a dustproof member (<NUM>) disposed between the display (<NUM>) and the frame structure (<NUM>) within the third opening (<NUM>) and in contact with at least a portion of the conductive layer (<NUM>) and the frame structure <NUM>, surrounding the second and the fourth openings.