Patent Description:
A speaker arranged inside an electronic device may directly emit its sound to the outside, and may also emit the sound to the outside of the electronic device by using a conduit. When the speaker is arranged to directly emit sound therefrom, a complicated structure such as a conduit may become unnecessary, but there may be a limit on the position in which the speaker can be arranged. When a conduit is used to emit sound to the outside, the speaker can be arranged in various positions, but the conduit may increase the thickness of the electronic device.

A prior art electronic device is disclosed in <CIT>.

An electronic device may have a hole or a conduit formed therein so as to connect the inside and outside of the electronic device. As the electronic device becomes thinner, the space for forming the hole or conduit may be reduced. Particularly, in the case of a hole connected through a side surface of the electronic device, the problem of insufficient space may be exacerbated as the electronic device becomes thinner.

For example, in order to implement a conduit of a component such as a speaker on a side surface of an electronic device, a duct may be needed to convert the path of sound vertically emitted from the speaker into a horizontal path. In the case of a speaker module having a horizontal duct laminated and integrated in the thickness direction of the speaker, the thickness occupied by the speaker module may increase.

An electronic device according to an embodiment may have a duct implemented inside the electronic device so as to convert a speaker sound path into a horizontal path, thereby preventing an increase of the thickness occupied by the speaker, and implementing a conduit toward a side surface of the electronic device.

The speaker sound path may be converted into a horizontal path such that a conduit is implemented toward a side surface of the electronic device. This increases the degree of freedom of component arrangement in connection with designing the electronic device, and makes it possible to design the electronic device thinner.

Referring to <FIG>, an electronic device <NUM> according to an embodiment may include a housing <NUM> including a first surface (or front surface) 110A, a second surface (or rear surface) 110B, and a side surface 110C surrounding the space between the first surface 110A and the second surface 110B. In another embodiment (not illustrated), the housing may denote a structure that forms a part of the first surface 110A, the second surface 110B, and the side surface 110C illustrated in <FIG>. According to an embodiment, the first surface 110A may be formed by a front plate <NUM>, at least a part of which is substantially transparent (for example, a glass plate including various coating layers, or a polymer plate). The second surface 110B may be formed by a rear plate <NUM> that is substantially opaque. The rear plate <NUM> may be made of coated or colored glass, ceramic, polymer, metal (for example, aluminum, stainless steel (STS), or magnesium), or a combination of at least two of the above-mentioned materials. The side surface 110C may be formed by a side bezel structure (or "side member") <NUM> which is coupled to the front plate <NUM> and to the rear plate <NUM>, and which includes metal and/or polymer. In some embodiments, the rear plate <NUM> and the side bezel structure <NUM> may be formed integrally and may include the same material (for example, a metal material such as aluminum).

In the illustrated embodiment, the front plate <NUM> may include two first areas 110D on both ends of the long edge of the front plate <NUM> such that the two first areas 110D bend from the first surface 110A toward the rear plate <NUM> and extend seamlessly. In the illustrated embodiment (see <FIG>), the rear plate <NUM> may include two second areas 110E on both ends of the long edge such that the two second areas 110E bend from the second surface 110B toward the front plate <NUM> and extend seamlessly. In some embodiments, the front plate <NUM> (or the rear plate <NUM>) may include only one of the first areas 110D (or the second areas 110E). In another embodiment, a part of the first areas 110D or the second areas 110E may not be included. In the above embodiments, when seen from the side surface of the electronic device <NUM>, the side bezel structure <NUM> may have a first thickness (or width) on a part of the side surface, which does not include the first areas 110D or the second areas 110E as described above, and may have a second thickness that is smaller than the first thickness on a part of the side surface, which includes the first areas 110D or the second areas 110E.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may include at least one of a display <NUM>, audio modules <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>, sensor modules <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>, camera modules <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>, a key input device <NUM>, a light-emitting element <NUM>, and connector holes <NUM> and <NUM>. In some embodiments, at least one of the constituent elements (for example, the key input device <NUM> or the light-emitting element <NUM>) of the electronic device <NUM> may be omitted, or the electronic device <NUM> may additionally include another constituent element.

The display <NUM> may be exposed through a corresponding part of the front plate <NUM>, for example. In some embodiments, at least a part of the display <NUM> may be exposed through the front plate <NUM> that forms the first areas 110D of the side surface 110C and the first surface 110A. In some embodiments, the display <NUM> may have a corner formed in substantially the same shape as that of the adjacent outer periphery of the front plate <NUM>. In another embodiment (not illustrated), in order to increase the area of exposure of the display <NUM>, the interval between the outer periphery of the display <NUM> and the outer periphery of the front plate <NUM> may be formed to be substantially identical.

In another embodiment (not illustrated), a recess or an opening may be formed in a part of the screen display area of the display <NUM>, and at least one of an audio module <NUM>, a sensor module <NUM>, a camera module <NUM>, and a light-emitting element <NUM> may be included and aligned with the recess or the opening. In another embodiment (not illustrated), on the back surface of the screen display area of the display <NUM>, at least one of an audio module <NUM>, a sensor module <NUM>, a camera module <NUM>, a fingerprint sensor <NUM>, and a light-emitting element <NUM> may be included. In another embodiment (not illustrated), the display <NUM> may be coupled to or arranged adjacent to a touch sensing circuit, a pressure sensor capable of measuring the intensity (pressure) of a touch, and/or a digitizer that detects a magnetic field-type stylus pen. In some embodiments, at least a part of the sensor modules <NUM> and <NUM> and/or at least a part of the key input device <NUM> may be arranged in the first areas 110D and/or the second areas 110E.

The audio modules <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may include a microphone hole <NUM> and speaker holes <NUM> and <NUM>. A microphone for acquiring an external sound may be arranged in the microphone hole <NUM>, and a plurality of microphones may be arranged therein such that the direction of a sound can be sensed in some embodiments. The speaker holes <NUM> and <NUM> may include an outer speaker hole <NUM> and a speech receiver hole <NUM>. In some embodiments, the speaker holes <NUM> and <NUM> and the microphone hole <NUM> may be implemented as a single hole, or a speaker may be included (for example, a piezoelectric speaker) without the speaker holes <NUM> and <NUM>.

The sensor modules <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may generate an electric signal or a data value corresponding to the internal operating condition of the electronic device <NUM> or the external environment condition thereof. The sensor modules <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may include, for example, a first sensor module <NUM> (for example, a proximity sensor) arranged on the first surface 110A of the housing <NUM>, and/or a second sensor module (not illustrated) (for example, a fingerprint sensor), and/or a third sensor module <NUM> (for example, an HRM sensor) arranged on the second surface 110B of the housing <NUM>, and/or a fourth sensor module <NUM> (for example, a fingerprint sensor). The fingerprint sensor may be arranged not only on the first surface 110A (for example, the display <NUM>) of the housing <NUM>, but also on the second surface 110B thereof. The electronic device <NUM> may further include a sensor module not illustrated, 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, or a luminance sensor <NUM>.

The camera modules <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may include a first camera device <NUM> arranged on the first surface 110A of the electronic device <NUM>, a second camera device <NUM> arranged on the second surface 110B thereof, and/or a flash <NUM>. The camera devices <NUM> and <NUM> may include a single lens or a plurality of lenses, an image sensor, and/or an image signal processor. The flash <NUM> may include, for example, a light-emitting diode or a xenon lamp. In some embodiments, two or more lenses (an infrared camera, a wide-angle lens, and a telephoto lens) and image sensors may be arranged on a single surface of the electronic device <NUM>.

The key input device <NUM> may be arranged on the side surface 110C of the housing <NUM>. In another embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may not include a part of the above-mentioned key input device <NUM> or the entire key input device <NUM>, and the key input device <NUM> (not included) may be implemented in another type, such as a soft key, on the display <NUM>. In some embodiments, the key input device may include a sensor module <NUM> arranged on the second surface 110B of the housing <NUM>.

The light-emitting element <NUM> may be arranged on the first surface 110A of the housing <NUM>, for example. The light-emitting element <NUM> may provide information regarding the condition of the electronic device <NUM> in a light type, for example. In another embodiment, the light-emitting element <NUM> may provide a light source that interworks with operation of the camera module <NUM>, for example. The light-emitting element <NUM> may include, for example, an LED, an IR LED, and a xenon lamp.

The connector holes <NUM> and <NUM> may include a first connector hole <NUM> capable of containing a connector (for example, a USB connector) for transmitting/receiving power and/or data to/from an external electronic device, and/or a second connector hole (for example, an earphone jack) <NUM> capable of containing a connector for transmitting/receiving an audio signal to/from the external electronic device.

Referring to <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> may include a side bezel structure <NUM>, a first support member <NUM> (for example, a bracket), a front plate <NUM>, a display <NUM>, a printed circuit board <NUM>, a battery <NUM>, a second support member <NUM> (for example, a rear case), an antenna <NUM>, and a rear plate <NUM>. In some embodiments, at least one of the constituent elements (for example, the first support member <NUM> or the second support member <NUM>) of the electronic device <NUM> may be omitted, or the electronic device <NUM> may further include another constituent element. At least one of the constituent elements of the electronic device <NUM> may be identical or similar to at least one of the constituent elements of the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>, and repeated descriptions thereof will be omitted herein.

The first support member <NUM> may be arranged inside the electronic device <NUM> and connected to the side bezel structure <NUM>, or may be formed integrally with the side bezel structure <NUM>. The first support member <NUM> may be made of a metal material and/or a nonmetal (for example, polymer) material, for example. The display <NUM> may be coupled to one surface of the first support member <NUM>, and the printed circuit board <NUM> may be coupled to the other surface thereof. A processor, a memory, and/or an interface may be mounted on the printed circuit board <NUM>. The processor may include, for example, one or more of a central processing device, an application processor, a graphic processing device, an image signal processor, an sensor hub processor, or a communication processor.

The memory may include a volatile memory or a non-volatile memory, for example.

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

The battery <NUM> is an device for supplying power to at least one constituent element of the electronic device <NUM>, and may include a non-rechargeable primary cell, a rechargeable secondary cell, or a fuel cell, for example. At least a part of the battery <NUM> may be arranged on substantially the same plane with the printed circuit board <NUM>, for example. The battery <NUM> may be arranged integrally inside the electronic device <NUM>, or may be arranged such that the same can be attached to/detached from the electronic device <NUM>.

The antenna <NUM> may be arranged between the rear plate <NUM> and the battery <NUM>. The antenna <NUM> may conduct near-field communication with an external device or may wirelessly transmit/receive power necessary for charging, for example. In another embodiment, an antenna structure may be formed by a part or a combination of the side bezel structure <NUM> and/or the first support member <NUM>.

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

(a) of <FIG> illustrates the front surface of an electronic device <NUM> according to an embodiment. (b) of <FIG> illustrates the right surface of the electronic device <NUM> according to an embodiment. Particularly, <FIG> illustrates the position in which an opening <NUM> is formed according to an embodiment. As illustrated in (b) of <FIG>, the opening <NUM> of the conduit structure according to an embodiment may be formed on a side surface of the electronic device <NUM>. Although the opening <NUM> is illustrated in (a) of <FIG> for example, as being formed on the right surface of the electronic device <NUM> with reference to the condition illustrated in (a) of <FIG> the same is not limited thereto, and may also be formed on the left surface, upper surface, or the lower surface.

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

The electronic device <NUM> according to an embodiment may include an inner structure <NUM> and a housing <NUM>.

The inner structure <NUM> according to an embodiment may provide a frame such that various components of the electronic device <NUM> can be seated on and coupled to the same, and may correspond to the support member <NUM> of <FIG>. For example, an electronic component such as the speaker <NUM> according to an embodiment or a component such as the printed circuit board <NUM> may be seated thereon.

Although various embodiments are described with reference to a speaker <NUM> as an exemplary electronic component, the same are not limited thereto. For example, other electronic components requiring a conduit, such as a microphone and a gas sensor, than the speaker <NUM> may be seated thereon. The printed circuit board <NUM> according to various embodiments may correspond to the printed circuit board <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>. The printed circuit board <NUM> according to various embodiments may include not only processors such as a central processing device, an application processor, and a graphic processing device, but also a memory that stores various kinds of data and command systems temporarily, permanently, or selectively.

The inner structure <NUM> according to an embodiment may include a front surface <NUM> on which a display <NUM> is seated, a rear surface <NUM> having a seating portion <NUM> (see <FIG>) formed thereon such that a speaker <NUM> is seated thereon, and a side surface <NUM> connecting the front surface <NUM> and the rear surface <NUM>. With reference to the condition illustrated in <FIG>, the upper surface may correspond to the front surface <NUM>, and the lower surface may correspond to the rear surface <NUM>. The display <NUM> according to an embodiment may be identical or similar to the display <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>. The seating portion <NUM> according to an embodiment may be formed by indentation of a part of the rear surface <NUM> of the inner structure <NUM> toward the front surface.

On the seating portion <NUM> according to an embodiment, not only the speaker <NUM>, but also a component requiring a conduit structure, by which the same is connected to the outside of the electronic device <NUM>, may be seated. For example, a microphone, a gas sensor, or the like may be seated thereon.

The inner structure <NUM> according to an embodiment includes a first space <NUM> (see <FIG>), a second space <NUM>, and a duct <NUM> (see <FIG>). The first space <NUM> may be formed by indentation of a part of the bottom surface of the seating portion <NUM> toward the front surface of the inner structure <NUM>. The second space <NUM> is formed toward the front surface of the inner structure <NUM> so as to partially overlap with the first space <NUM> such that the overlapping parts are connected to each other, and is formed to be open toward the front surface of the inner structure <NUM>. The duct <NUM> may be formed toward the rear surface of the inner structure <NUM> so as to partially overlap with the second space <NUM> such that the overlapping parts are connected to each other, and may be formed to be open toward the side surface of the inner structure <NUM>. The part of the second space <NUM>, which is open toward the front surface of the inner structure <NUM>, is sealed by a sealing plate <NUM>.

The housing <NUM> according to an embodiment may provide a frame for maintaining the overall shape of the electronic device <NUM>. Various components constituting the electronic device <NUM> may be seated on the housing <NUM>. For example, according to an embodiment, the inner structure <NUM> may be seated thereon. The housing <NUM> may have an opening <NUM> formed in a position corresponding to that of the duct <NUM> of the inner structure <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, a conduit structure may be formed by the first space <NUM>, the second space <NUM>, the duct <NUM>, and the opening <NUM> of the housing <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates an exploded perspective view mainly illustrating a part of the electronic device <NUM> (see <FIG>) according to an embodiment, which forms a conduit structure. <FIG> is an exploded perspective view mainly illustrating a part of the electronic device <NUM> (see <FIG>) according to an embodiment, which forms a conduit structure.

<FIG> illustrates the first space <NUM>, the second space <NUM>, the connecting part of the duct <NUM>, and the position of sealing plate <NUM> in connection with the front surface <NUM> of the inner structure <NUM>. <FIG> illustrates the first space <NUM>, the seating portion <NUM>, and the speaker <NUM> seated on the seating portion <NUM> in connection with the rear surface <NUM> of the inner structure <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the first space <NUM> may be a space formed between the speaker and the inner structure <NUM>, and the duct <NUM> may be configured as a groove formed by indentation from the side surface <NUM> of the inner structure <NUM> toward the inside of the inner structure <NUM> by a predetermined depth. The second space <NUM> may overlap with a part of the first space <NUM> and with a part of the duct <NUM> so as to connect the first space <NUM> and the duct <NUM> to each other.

The second space <NUM> according to an embodiment may be formed to be open to the front surface <NUM> of the inner structure <NUM> so as to facilitate molding or manufacturing of the inner structure <NUM>. The open part may be sealed by a sealing plate <NUM>. When the same is not sealed, the sound generated by the speaker <NUM> seated on the seating portion <NUM> (see <FIG>) may diffuse into the electronic device <NUM> (see <FIG>) through the space between the display <NUM> and the inner structure <NUM>, thereby lowering the output of the sound transferred to the outside of the electronic device.

According to an embodiment, the second space <NUM> may be sealed by a sealing plate <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG> so as to prevent the sound from diffusing into the electronic device <NUM> and to gather the sound such that the same is discharged through the duct <NUM> and the opening <NUM> (see <FIG>) of the housing <NUM> (see <FIG>).

Referring to <FIG>, the seating portion <NUM> may be a space formed by indentation from the rear surface <NUM> of the inner structure <NUM> toward the front surface such that a speaker <NUM> can be seated therein.

A fourth sealing member <NUM> may be arranged on the seating portion <NUM> according to an embodiment so as to seal the space between the housing <NUM> (see <FIG>) and the seating portion <NUM> such that, when the inner structure <NUM> is seated on the housing <NUM> (see <FIG>), the sound does not diffuse to parts other than the first space <NUM>. The fourth sealing member <NUM> may be made of a material which can deform elastically, and which can fill and seal the space between the housing <NUM> and the seating portion <NUM>. For example, the fourth sealing member <NUM> may be made of a material such as rubber or sponge. The fourth sealing member <NUM> may be fixed by an adhesive material such as a tape, or may be compressed and fixed in the process of assembling the housing <NUM> and the inner structure <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, reference numeral <NUM> seems to denote a hole formed in the first space <NUM>, but may refer to the second space <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>.

<FIG> illustrates a component forming a conduit structure in connection with the electronic device <NUM> (see <FIG>) according to an embodiment. <FIG> illustrates a component forming a conduit structure in connection with the electronic device <NUM> (see <FIG>) according to an embodiment. <FIG> illustrates a component forming a conduit structure in connection with the electronic device <NUM> (see <FIG>) according to an embodiment. <FIG> illustrates a component forming a conduit structure in connection with the electronic device <NUM> (see <FIG>) according to an embodiment. <FIG> illustrates a component forming a conduit structure in connection with the electronic device <NUM> (see <FIG>) according to an embodiment.

<FIG> illustrates the rear surface <NUM> of an inner structure <NUM> according to an embodiment. <FIG> illustrates a housing <NUM> according to an embodiment. <FIG> illustrates a speaker <NUM> according to an embodiment. <FIG> illustrates a first sealing member according to an embodiment. <FIG> illustrates a fourth sealing member according to an embodiment.

Referring to <FIG>, the seating portion <NUM> may be a space formed by indentation from the rear surface <NUM> of the inner structure <NUM> toward the front surface. A first sealing member <NUM> may be arranged on the seating portion <NUM> such that, when the speaker <NUM> (see <FIG>) is seated thereon, the sound does not diffuse to parts other than the first space <NUM>, thereby preventing the sound from diffusing into the electronic device <NUM>. The first sealing member <NUM> may be made of a material which can deform elastically, and which can fill and seal the space between the speaker <NUM> and the seating portion <NUM>. For example, the first sealing member <NUM> may be made of a material such as rubber or sponge. The first sealing member <NUM> may be fixed to the speaker <NUM> or to the seating portion <NUM> by an adhesive material such as a tape, or may be compressed and fixed in the process of seating the speaker <NUM> on the seating portion <NUM>.

The first space <NUM> (see <FIG>) according to an embodiment may be a space formed between the speaker <NUM> and the inner structure <NUM>, and the duct <NUM> may be configured as a groove formed by indentation from the side surface <NUM> of the inner structure <NUM> toward the inside of the inner structure <NUM> by a predetermined depth. The second space <NUM> may overlap with a part of the first space <NUM> and with a part of the duct <NUM> so as to connect the first space <NUM> and the duct <NUM> to each other.

Referring to <FIG>, the housing <NUM> according to an embodiment may provide a frame for maintaining the overall shape of the electronic device <NUM> (see <FIG>). Various components constituting the electronic device <NUM>, such as a printed circuit board <NUM> (see <FIG>), may be seated on the housing <NUM>, and the inner structure <NUM> (see <FIG>) may be seated thereon. The housing <NUM> may have an opening <NUM> formed in a position corresponding to that of the duct <NUM> (see <FIG>) of the inner structure <NUM>. When the inner structure <NUM> o <FIG> is seated such that the rear surface <NUM> thereof faces the housing <NUM>, the duct <NUM> of the inner structure may be connected to the opening <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the speaker <NUM> according to an embodiment may be seated on the seating portion <NUM> of the inner structure <NUM> as a single speaker which has no separate case, or which is not modularized. Accordingly, there is no need for any separate additional space other than the space occupied by the speaker <NUM> itself, and the degree of freedom of design may be increased in connection with arranging the same inside the electronic device <NUM> (see <FIG>).

Referring to <FIG>, the second sealing member <NUM> according to an embodiment may be formed in a shape corresponding to that of the sealing plate <NUM> (see <FIG>), and may seal the gap between the second space <NUM> (see <FIG>) and the sealing plate <NUM> such that the sound generated by the speaker <NUM> does not diffuse into the space between the display <NUM> (see <FIG>) and the inner structure <NUM> (see <FIG>). The second sealing member <NUM> may be made of a material which can deform elastically, and which can fill and seal the gap between the sealing plate <NUM> and the second space <NUM>. For example, the second sealing member <NUM> may be made of an elastic material such as rubber or sponge. The second sealing member <NUM> may be fixed to the sealing plate <NUM> by an adhesive material such as a tape, or may be compressed and fixed in the process of covering and sealing the second space <NUM> by the sealing plate <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the fourth sealing member <NUM> according to an embodiment may seal the space between the housing <NUM> and the seating portion <NUM> (see <FIG>) of the inner structure <NUM> such that, when the inner structure <NUM> (see <FIG>) is seated on the housing <NUM> (see <FIG>), the sound generated by the speaker <NUM> does not diffuse to parts other than the first space <NUM> (see <FIG>). The fourth sealing member <NUM> may be made of a material which can deform elastically, and which can fill and seal the space between the housing <NUM> and the seating portion <NUM>. For example, the fourth sealing member <NUM> may be made of a material such as rubber or sponge. The fourth sealing member <NUM> may be fixed by an adhesive material such as a tape, or may be compressed and fixed in the process of assembling the housing <NUM> and the inner structure <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a sectional view taken along line A-A of ((a) of <FIG>, <FIG> illustrates a magnified view of the part indicated by the dotted line in <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> (see <FIG>) according to an embodiment may include a display <NUM>, an inner structure <NUM>, and a housing <NUM>.

With reference to the condition illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the front surface of the inner structure <NUM> may correspond to the upward direction, the rear surface thereof may correspond to the downward direction, and the side surface thereof may correspond to the leftward/rightward direction.

The display <NUM> according to an embodiment may be seated on the upper side of the inner structure <NUM> and may be identical or similar to the display <NUM> of <FIG>.

The inner structure <NUM> may be seated on the housing <NUM> according to an embodiment. The housing <NUM> may have an opening <NUM> formed in a position corresponding to that of the duct <NUM> of the inner structure <NUM>.

An upward sloping surface <NUM> may be formed on the side surface <NUM> (see <FIG>) of the inner structure <NUM> according to an embodiment in a direction defined from the front surface <NUM> toward the rear surface. Alternatively, a downward sloping surface <NUM> may be formed on the side surface <NUM> of the inner structure <NUM> in a direction defined from the upper side to the lower side. This may minimize friction occurring between the inner structure <NUM> and the housing <NUM> in the process of seating the inner structure <NUM> on the housing <NUM> such that the same is naturally seated thereon.

The inner structure <NUM> according to an embodiment may include a seating portion <NUM>, a first space <NUM>, a second space <NUM>, and a duct <NUM>.

The seating portion <NUM> according to an embodiment may be a space formed by indentation from the rear surface <NUM> of the inner structure <NUM> toward the front surface such that a speaker <NUM> can be seated therein. A first sealing member <NUM> may be arranged on the seating portion <NUM> such that, when the speaker <NUM> is seated therein, the sound does not diffuse to parts other than the first space <NUM>, thereby preventing the sound from diffusing into the electronic device <NUM>.

The first space <NUM> according to an embodiment may be formed by indentation of a part of the bottom surface of the seating portion <NUM> toward the upper side of the inner structure <NUM> such that a stepped portion is formed. The second space <NUM> may be formed toward the upper side of the inner structure <NUM> so as to partially overlap with the first space <NUM>, and the overlapping parts may be connected to each other. The second space <NUM> may be formed to be open to the upper side of the inner structure <NUM>. The duct <NUM> may be formed toward the lower side of the inner structure <NUM> so as to partially overlap with the second space <NUM>, and the overlapping parts may be connected to each other. The duct <NUM> may be formed to be open toward the right side of the inner structure <NUM>.

The part of the second space <NUM> according to an embodiment, which is open to the upper side of the inner space, may be sealed by a sealing plate <NUM>. A second sealing member <NUM> formed in a shape corresponding to that of the sealing plate <NUM> may be arranged between the second space <NUM> and the sealing plate <NUM>. The sealing plate <NUM> and the second sealing member <NUM> may play the role of preventing the sound generated by the speaker <NUM> from diffusing into the electronic device <NUM> through the space between the display <NUM> and the inner structure <NUM>, and the role of gathering the sound such that the same is discharged through the duct <NUM> and the opening <NUM> of the housing <NUM>.

A third sealing member <NUM> may be arranged between the part of the duct <NUM> according to an embodiment, which is open to the right side of the inner structure <NUM>, and the opening <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. The third sealing member <NUM> may be configured to prevent moisture from entering the electronic device <NUM> through the opening <NUM> of the housing <NUM>, and to guide the sound generated by the speaker <NUM> such that the same is discharged to the opening <NUM> without diffusing to the space between the inner structure <NUM> and the housing <NUM>. The third sealing member <NUM> may be made of a water-repellent work mesh or a Gore-Tex® material. The peripheral part of the third sealing member <NUM> may be made of an elastic material and may seal the space between the inner structure <NUM> and the housing <NUM> along the part of connection between the duct <NUM> and the opening <NUM>.

The fourth sealing member <NUM> according to an embodiment may seal the space between the housing <NUM> and the seating portion <NUM> such that, when the inner structure <NUM> is seated on the housing <NUM>, the sound does not diffuse to parts other than the first space <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the sound generated by the speaker <NUM> may be transferred to the outside through the conduit structure formed by the first space <NUM>, the second space <NUM>, the duct <NUM>, and the opening <NUM> of the housing <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates the open part of the second space <NUM> according to an embodiment. <FIG> illustrates the open part of the duct <NUM> according to an embodiment.

With reference to the condition illustrated in <FIG>, the open area of the left end of the second space <NUM> is different from the open area of the right end. The open area <NUM>' of the passage part that connects the second space <NUM> and the first space <NUM> differs from the open area <NUM>" of the passage part that connects the second space <NUM> and the duct <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, according to the invention, the open area <NUM>' of the passage part that connects the second space <NUM> and the first space <NUM> is larger than the open area <NUM>" of the passage part that connects the second space <NUM> and the duct <NUM>. Sound is generated radially by and around the speaker <NUM> as a wave, and the energy thereof diffuses and gradually dissipates in proportion to the distance from the speaker <NUM>. This may appear as a sound that gradually decreases and dissipates. The sound generated by the speaker <NUM> is configured to be discharged through the opening <NUM> (see <FIG>) of the housing <NUM> (see <FIG>) after moving along the conduit structure according to an embodiment and via the duct <NUM>. A predetermined magnitude of sound can be secured by guiding the sound generated by the speaker <NUM> (see <FIG>) such that the same is gathered to the duct <NUM> instead of diffusing radially and dissipating. Accordingly, in connection with the first space <NUM> into which the sound generated by the speaker <NUM> is initially introduced, the open area <NUM>' of the passage part that connects the second space <NUM> and the first space <NUM> is formed to be large such that a large amount of sound energy can be introduced, and the open area <NUM>" of the passage part that connects the second space <NUM> and the duct <NUM> may be formed to be narrow such that, when the introduced sound energy is discharged, the energy is concentrated and discharged through the opening <NUM>.

The sealing plate <NUM> (see <FIG>) according to an embodiment may be formed in the shape of a trapezoid, the left side of which is relatively wider than the right side thereof, in view of the above-mentioned characteristics of the second space <NUM>. The sealing plate <NUM> itself, however, may be also formed in various shapes, including a circle and a quadrangle, regardless of the structure of the second space <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a sectional view taken along line C-C of <FIG>. <FIG> illustrates a sectional view taken along line D-D of <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, a part of the surface of the sealing plate <NUM> according to an embodiment may protrude so as to form a beading <NUM>. The resistance of the sealing plate <NUM> against bending deformation may be increased when a part of the sealing plate <NUM> protrudes/deforms so as to form a beading <NUM>, compared with the sealing plate <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>, which has a simple plate shape.

A support rib <NUM> may be formed on the boundary part of the inner structure <NUM> according to an embodiment, which distinguishes between the first space <NUM> (see <FIG>) and the duct <NUM> (see <FIG>), so as to protrude toward the second space <NUM>. The support rib <NUM> may contact the sealing plate <NUM> so as to prevent the sealing plate <NUM> from sagging.

<FIG> illustrates a sectional view taken along line D-D of <FIG>. The quadrangular box indicated by the dotted line may correspond to a passage part that connects the first space <NUM> and the second space <NUM> to each other.

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

In the following description of an electronic device according to another embodiment illustrated in <FIG>, repeated descriptions of the same features as those of the electronic device described with reference to <FIG> will be omitted for clarity.

<FIG> illustrates a speaker and a first sealing member according to another embodiment.

In connection with the electronic device according to another embodiment, the position of the first sealing member <NUM> arranged to seal the space between the bottom surface of the seating portion <NUM> (see <FIG>) and the speaker <NUM> may be modified.

Referring to <FIG>, the first sealing member <NUM> may be arranged near the edge of the speaker <NUM> such that the same is positioned on a side surface of the speaker <NUM> and on a wall surface of the seating portion <NUM> (see <FIG>). The first sealing member <NUM> may be formed in a ring shape and may be coupled such that the first sealing member <NUM> is inserted into the edge of the speaker <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a seating portion <NUM> and a speaker <NUM> according to another embodiment.

The speaker <NUM>, to which the first sealing member <NUM> is coupled as in <FIG>, may be seated on the seating portion <NUM> of the inner structure <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG>.

<FIG> illustrates a sectional view taken along line E-E of <FIG>. Referring to <FIG>, the first sealing member <NUM> may be positioned between the side surface of the speaker <NUM> and the wall surface of the seating portion <NUM>. This formation may directly connect the first space <NUM> and the duct <NUM>.

According to another embodiment, the sound generated by the speaker <NUM> may be transferred to the outside through a conduit structure formed by the first space <NUM>, the duct <NUM>, and the opening <NUM> of the housing <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a duct <NUM> of an inner structure <NUM> according to another embodiment.

Referring to <FIG>, since the first sealing member <NUM> is positioned between the side surface of the speaker <NUM> and the wall surface of the seating portion <NUM>, the first sealing member <NUM> may detach toward the duct <NUM>. A blocking rib <NUM>' may be arranged to prevent such detachment.

An electronic device according to an embodiment may include a display <NUM>; a speaker <NUM>; an inner structure <NUM> including a front surface <NUM> on which the display <NUM> is seated, a rear surface <NUM> having a seating portion <NUM> for the speaker <NUM> formed thereon, and a side surface connecting the front surface <NUM> and the rear surface <NUM>; and a housing <NUM> in which the inner structure <NUM> is seated. The inner structure <NUM> may include a first space <NUM> formed by indentation of a part of the bottom surface of the seating portion <NUM> toward the front surface of the inner structure <NUM>; a second space <NUM> formed to be open toward the front surface of the inner structure <NUM> such that the second space <NUM> is connected to and partially overlaps with the first space <NUM> in a direction defined toward the front surface of the inner structure <NUM>; and a duct <NUM> formed to be open toward the side surface of the inner structure <NUM> such that the duct <NUM> is connected to and partially overlaps with the second space <NUM> in a direction defined toward the rear surface of the inner structure <NUM>.

Characteristically, the housing <NUM> may have an opening <NUM> formed in a position corresponding to the position of the duct <NUM> of the inner structure <NUM>.

Characteristically, the open area of a part of the duct <NUM>, which is connected to the second space <NUM>, may differ from the open area of a part of the duct <NUM>, which is open to the side surface of the inner structure <NUM>.

Characteristically, the open areas of both ends of the opening <NUM> may differ from each other.

Characteristically, the electronic device may further include a first sealing member <NUM> arranged between the speaker <NUM> and the bottom surface of the seating portion <NUM>.

Characteristically, the electronic device may further include a sealing plate <NUM> positioned between the front surface <NUM> of the inner structure <NUM> and the display <NUM> so as to seal a part of the second space <NUM>, which is open toward the front surface <NUM> of the inner structure <NUM>.

Characteristically, the electronic device may further include a second sealing member <NUM> arranged between the sealing plate <NUM> and the inner structure <NUM>.

Characteristically, an upward sloping surface <NUM> may be formed on the side surface of the inner structure <NUM> in a direction defined from the front surface <NUM> toward the rear surface.

Characteristically, the electronic device may further include a third sealing member <NUM> arranged between the duct <NUM> of the inner structure <NUM> and the opening <NUM> of the housing <NUM>.

Characteristically, the seating portion <NUM> may be connected to the outside of the housing <NUM> through the first space <NUM>, the second space <NUM>, the duct <NUM>, and the opening <NUM>.

Characteristically, the sealing plate <NUM> may be formed such that the length of a corner positioned near a side connecting the second space <NUM> and the first space <NUM> is larger than the length of a corner positioned near a side connecting the second space <NUM> and the duct <NUM>.

Characteristically, the electronic device may further include a support rib <NUM> formed on a boundary part that distinguishes between the first space <NUM> and the duct <NUM> so as to protrude toward the second space <NUM>.

A conduit structure according to an embodiment may include an inner structure <NUM> including a front surface <NUM> on which a display <NUM> is seated, a rear surface <NUM> having a seating portion <NUM> for a speaker <NUM> formed thereon, and a side surface connecting the front surface <NUM> and the rear surface <NUM>; and a housing <NUM> in which the inner structure <NUM> is seated. The inner structure <NUM> may include a first space <NUM> formed by indentation of a part of the bottom surface of the seating portion <NUM> toward the front surface of the inner structure <NUM>; a second space <NUM> formed to be open toward the front surface of the inner structure <NUM> such that the second space <NUM> is connected to and partially overlaps with the first space <NUM> in a direction defined toward the front surface of the inner structure <NUM>; and a duct <NUM> formed to be open toward the side surface of the inner structure <NUM> such that the duct <NUM> is connected to and partially overlaps with the second space <NUM> in a direction defined toward the rear surface of the inner structure <NUM>.

Characteristically, the conduit structure may further include a sealing plate <NUM> positioned between the front surface <NUM> of the inner structure <NUM> and the display <NUM> so as to seal a part of the second space <NUM>, which is open toward the front surface <NUM> of the inner structure <NUM>.

Characteristically, the conduit structure may further include a second sealing member <NUM> arranged between the sealing plate <NUM> and the inner structure <NUM>.

Characteristically, the conduit structure may further include a third sealing member <NUM> arranged between the duct <NUM> of the inner structure <NUM> and the opening <NUM> of the housing <NUM>.

Claim 1:
An electronic device comprising:
a display;
a speaker; and
an inner structure comprising a front surface on which the display is seated and a rear surface having a seating portion formed thereon for the speaker and a side surface connecting the front surface and the rear surface;
the inner structure comprises:
a first space connected to the seating portion of the inner structure;
a second space formed to be open toward the front surface of the inner structure and connected to the first space;
a duct connected to the second space;
a sealing plate positioned between the front surface of the inner structure and the display so as to seal a part of the second space, which is open toward the front surface of the inner structure;
a first open area (<NUM>') of a passage part that connects the second space (<NUM>) and the first space (<NUM>) is larger than a second open area (<NUM>") of a passage part that connects the second space (<NUM>) and the duct (<NUM>).