Patent Description:
An electronic device may include a plurality of electronic components for providing various functions to a user. For example, the electronic device may include a display for providing visual information to a user. The display may form the electronic device through coupling with the component of the electronic device for supporting the display.

In accordance with its abstract, in patent application publication <CIT>, an electronic device including a waterproof structure is provided. The electronic device includes a housing that includes a first face, a second face that faces in a direction substantially opposite to the first face, and a side surface that at least partially encloses a space between the first face and the second face, a middle plate arranged between the first face and the second face inside the housing to be substantially parallel to the first face, extending from the side surface, and including at least one opening, a printed circuit board arranged between the middle plate and the second face, a display arranged between the middle plate and the first face, and including a face directed toward the second face, and a seal member configured to hermetically seal the at least one opening of the middle plate, and arranged between the face of the display and the middle plate.

In accordance with its abstract, patent application publication <CIT> relates to a touch display module, an intelligent terminal and an attaching method, the touch display module comprises a protective cover plate, a touch panel, a gasket and optical cement, the touch panel and the protective cover plate are attached to each other, and the touch panel comprises a touch area and a non-touch area connected with the touch area; the display panel comprises a display area and a non-display area connected with the display area, the projection of the display area on the reference plane coincides with the projection of the touch area on the reference plane, or the projection of the display area on the reference plane is located in the area where the projection of the touch area on the reference plane is located, and the reference plane is a plane perpendicular to the thickness direction of the touch display module; the gasket is arranged between the protection cover plate and the touch panel, a through hole penetrating through the first surface and the second surface is formed in the gasket, and a glue injection hole communicating with the through hole is formed in the outer side face; and the optical cement is filled in the through holes through the glue injection holes and fully distributed in the through holes. The bonding strength between the touch panel and the display panel is improved.

As a display is disposed on a component (e.g., a housing) for supporting a display, a gap may be formed between the display and the component. In order to suppress an inflow of a foreign substance, such as dust and/or water, through the gap, an electronic device may include a plurality of adhesive members disposed between the display and the component. In case that the plurality of adhesive members are spaced apart from each other, the foreign substance may flow in through a space between the plurality of adhesive members. The electronic device may need a structure for connecting the plurality of adhesive members to suppress the inflow of the foreign substance.

The technical problems to be achieved in this document are not limited to those described above, and other technical problems not mentioned herein will be clearly understood by those having ordinary knowledge in the art to which the present disclosure belongs, from the following description.

An electronic device according to an embodiment can provide a structure capable of preventing an inflow of a foreign substance through a gap between a display and a housing by adhesive members connected to each other. Alternatively or additionally, an electronic device according to an embodiment may provide a structure wherein the use of an integrated, one-piece waterproof tape in the form of a closed loop, for providing a waterproof and/or dustproof connection of a display to the housing is not needed. Such integrated waterproof tape extending in closed loop around the display may increase the material costs for the electronic device considerably. Furthermore, it may be difficult to fix such integrated, one-piece loop-shaped waterproof tape to the electronic device and the size of the closed loop tape should be adapted to the size of the display to be connected. This may reduce assemblability of the electronic device and/or may increase assembly costs.

The effects that can be obtained from the present disclosure are not limited to those described above, and any other effects not mentioned herein will be clearly understood by those having ordinary knowledge in the art to which the present disclosure belongs, from the following description.

Referring to <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> in the network environment <NUM> may communicate with an electronic device <NUM> via a first network <NUM> (e.g., a short-range wireless communication network), or at least one of an electronic device <NUM> or a server <NUM> via a second network <NUM> (e.g., a long-range wireless communication network). According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may include a processor <NUM>, memory <NUM>, an input module <NUM>, a sound output module <NUM>, a display module <NUM>, an audio module <NUM>, a sensor module <NUM>, an interface <NUM>, a connecting terminal <NUM>, a haptic module <NUM>, a camera module <NUM>, a power management module <NUM>, a battery <NUM>, a communication module <NUM>, a subscriber identification module(SIM) <NUM>, or an antenna module <NUM>. In some embodiments, at least one of the components (e.g., the connecting terminal <NUM>) may be omitted from the electronic device <NUM>, or one or more other components may be added in the electronic device <NUM>. In some embodiments, some of the components (e.g., the sensor module <NUM>, the camera module <NUM>, or the antenna module <NUM>) may be implemented as a single component (e.g., the display module <NUM>).

<FIG> is a perspective view of an electronic device according to an embodiment, <FIG> is an exploded perspective view of an electronic device according to an embodiment, and <FIG> is a top plain view of a housing of an electronic device according to an embodiment.

Referring to <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, an electronic device <NUM> (e.g., an electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>) according to an embodiment includes a housing <NUM>, and a display <NUM> (e.g., a display module <NUM> of <FIG>), and may include a speaker <NUM> (e.g., an audio module <NUM> of <FIG>), and includes a plurality of adhesive members <NUM> and a sealing member <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the housing <NUM> may define at least a part of an outer surface of the electronic device <NUM>. The housing <NUM> may define an inner space 210a for mounting various components of the electronic device <NUM>. The housing <NUM> includes a base <NUM> and a sidewall structure <NUM>. The base <NUM> may define at least a part of the outer surface of the electronic device <NUM> together with the sidewall structure <NUM>. For example, the base <NUM> may define a rear surface of the electronic device <NUM>. The rear surface of the electronic device <NUM> may mean a surface opposite to a front surface of the electronic device <NUM> on which the display <NUM> is disposed. According to an embodiment, the base <NUM> may include an accommodating surface 211a. The accommodating surface 211a may mean an inner surface of the base <NUM> facing the display <NUM> and being substantially parallel to one surface 220a of the display <NUM>. The accommodating surface 211a of the base <NUM> may be opposite to the rear surface of the electronic device <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the base <NUM> may define the inner space 210a of the housing <NUM> together with the sidewall structure <NUM>.

The sidewall structure <NUM> supports the display <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the sidewall structure <NUM> is disposed at a periphery of the base <NUM>. The periphery may mean a region including a boundary distinguishing the one component from other components among regions included in one component, and corresponding expression may be used below in the same manner unless otherwise noted. For example, the sidewall structure <NUM> may be disposed on the base <NUM> and may surround the periphery of the display <NUM>. The sidewall structure <NUM> may define at least a part of a side surface of the electronic device <NUM>. For example, the side surface of the electronic device <NUM> may mean the outer surface of the electronic device <NUM> surrounding the front surface and/or the rear surface of the electronic device <NUM>. The side surface of the electronic device <NUM> may be perpendicular to the front surface of the electronic device <NUM>.

The sidewall structure <NUM> may includes a supporting surface 212a, an outer surface 212b, and an inner surface 212c. The supporting surface 212a supports the display <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the supporting surface 212a may face the periphery of the display <NUM>. The supporting surface 212a may be substantially parallel to the one surface 220a of the display <NUM> facing the inner space 210a. The supporting surface 212a may be spaced apart from the accommodating surface 211a of the base <NUM>. For example, the supporting surface 212a may be disposed between the one surface 220a of the display <NUM> and the accommodating surface 211a of the base <NUM>. The outer surface 212b of the sidewall structure <NUM> may face outside of the electronic device <NUM> and define the side surface of the electronic device <NUM>. The outer surface 212b may surround the display <NUM> and surrounds the supporting surface 212a. For example, the outer surface 212b may be substantially perpendicular to the supporting surface 212a, but is not limited thereto. According to embodiments, the outer surface 212b of the sidewall structure <NUM> may have a curved shape to have a curvature.

According to an embodiment, the sidewall structure <NUM> may include a first sidewall <NUM>, a second sidewall <NUM>, a third sidewall <NUM>, and a fourth sidewall <NUM>. The first sidewall <NUM> may extend on the base <NUM> in a first direction (e.g., +x direction). The second sidewall <NUM> may extend on the base <NUM> to be perpendicular to the first sidewall <NUM>. For example, the second sidewall <NUM> may extend in a second direction (e.g., +y direction) perpendicular to the first direction from one end of the first sidewall <NUM> facing the first direction. The third sidewall <NUM> may extend on the base <NUM> to be perpendicular to the first sidewall <NUM>. For example, the third sidewall <NUM> may extend in the second direction from the other end of the first sidewall <NUM> facing a direction (e.g., -x direction) opposite to the first direction. The third sidewall <NUM> may be parallel to the second sidewall <NUM>. The third sidewall <NUM> may face the second sidewall <NUM> and may be spaced apart from the second sidewall <NUM> in the direction (e.g., the -x direction) opposite to the first direction. The fourth sidewall <NUM> may be parallel to the first sidewall <NUM>. For example, the fourth sidewall <NUM> may extend in the first direction between one end of the second sidewall <NUM> facing the second direction (e.g., the +y direction) and one end of the third sidewall <NUM>. The fourth sidewall <NUM> may face the first sidewall <NUM> and may be spaced apart from the first sidewall <NUM> in the second direction.

According to an embodiment, the plurality of sidewalls <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may be in contact with each other to define a plurality of corners of the housing <NUM>. For example, the plurality of corners may be disposed in a region where the first sidewall <NUM> and the second sidewall <NUM> are in contact, a region where the first sidewall <NUM> and the third sidewall <NUM> are in contact, a region where the second sidewall <NUM> and the fourth sidewall <NUM> are in contact. According to an embodiment, the plurality of corners of the housing <NUM> may have the curvature and be bent, but is not limited thereto. According to embodiments, at least a part of the plurality of corners may not have the curvature as the plurality of sidewalls <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> contact each other vertically.

The display <NUM> may be configured to provide visual information to a user. According to an embodiment, the display <NUM> may be disposed on the housing <NUM> to define at least a part of the front surface of the electronic device <NUM>. For example, the front surface of the electronic device <NUM> may be defined by the display <NUM> and the sidewall structure <NUM> surrounding the periphery of the display <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the display <NUM> may be disposed on the sidewall structure <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. For example, the display <NUM> may be disposed on the supporting surface 212a of the sidewall structure <NUM>. The display <NUM> may be spaced apart from the accommodating surface 211a of the base <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the display <NUM> may include a plurality of layers stacked in order. For example, the plurality of layers may include a thin film transistor (TFT) and a light emitting layer including a plurality of pixels controlled by the TFT. The plurality of pixels included in the light emitting layer may emit light toward the outside of the electronic device <NUM> based on current or voltage supplied from the TFT. According to an embodiment, the display <NUM> may include a display driving integrated circuit (DDI) that controls an operation of the plurality of layers.

The speaker <NUM> may be configured to output audio information to the user. According to an embodiment, the speaker <NUM> may be disposed inside of the housing <NUM>. For example, the speaker <NUM> may be disposed on the accommodating surface 211a of the base <NUM> parallel to the supporting surface 212a. According to an embodiment, the housing <NUM> may include at least one speaker hole <NUM>. The at least one speaker hole <NUM> may transmit audio output from the speaker <NUM> disposed in the housing <NUM> to outside of the housing <NUM>. The at least one speaker hole <NUM> connects the inner space 210a of the housing <NUM> to the outside of the housing <NUM>. The at least one speaker hole <NUM> extends from the outer surface 212b of the sidewall structure <NUM> to the inner surface 212c of the sidewall structure <NUM> opposite to the outer surface 212b. According to an embodiment, the at least one speaker hole <NUM> may be disposed on at least one of the first sidewall <NUM> and the fourth sidewall <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the at least one speaker hole <NUM> may include a plurality of speaker holes spaced apart from each other, but is not limited thereto. According to embodiments, the at least one speaker hole <NUM> may include one hole extending long in the first direction (e.g., the +x direction). In case that at least one hole has a long-extended shape, a grid may be disposed on the at least one hole.

The housing <NUM> may includes a through-hole <NUM> connecting the outside of the housing <NUM> and the inside of the housing <NUM>. The through-hole <NUM> extends from the outer surface 212b of the sidewall structure <NUM> to the supporting surface 212a of the sidewall structure <NUM>. According to an embodiment, a position of the through-hole <NUM> may correspond to a position of the at least one speaker hole <NUM>. For example, in case that the at least one speaker hole <NUM> is disposed on the first sidewall <NUM>, the through-hole <NUM> may be disposed on the first sidewall <NUM> to be adjacent to the at least one speaker hole <NUM>. According to an embodiment, one end 218a of the through-hole <NUM> disposed on the supporting surface 212a may be covered by the display <NUM>. As it is covered by the display <NUM>, the one end 218a of the through-hole <NUM> may not be visible from the outside of the electronic device <NUM>.

The plurality of adhesive members <NUM> may suppress an inflow of a foreign substance (e.g., moisture or dust) through a gap between the housing <NUM> and the display <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the plurality of adhesive members <NUM> may be disposed on the sidewall structure <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. For example, the plurality of adhesive members <NUM> may be disposed on the supporting surface 212a of the sidewall structure <NUM> to be in contact with the periphery of the display <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the plurality of adhesive members <NUM> may attach the display <NUM> to the housing <NUM>. For example, the plurality of adhesive members <NUM> may be interposed between the display <NUM> and the housing <NUM>. The plurality of adhesive members <NUM> may include an adhesive material that attaches the display <NUM> to the supporting surface 212a. The plurality of adhesive members <NUM> may maintain coupling between the housing <NUM> and the display <NUM> by the adhesive material. For example, the plurality of adhesive members <NUM> may be a tape including the adhesive material, but is not limited thereto. According to an embodiment, the plurality of adhesive members <NUM> may be spaced apart from each other.

The plurality of adhesive members <NUM> include a first adhesive member <NUM>, and a second adhesive member <NUM>, and may include a third adhesive member <NUM>, and a fourth adhesive member <NUM>. The first adhesive member <NUM> may be disposed on the supporting surface 212a and may extend along a part of the first sidewall <NUM>. For example, the first adhesive member <NUM> may extend in the first direction on a part of the first sidewall <NUM>. A length of the first adhesive member <NUM> extending in the first direction may be shorter than a length of the first sidewall <NUM>. The second adhesive member <NUM> may be spaced apart from the first adhesive member <NUM> and may be disposed on the supporting surface 212a. The second adhesive member <NUM> may extend along another part of the first sidewall <NUM> and the second sidewall <NUM>. The second adhesive member <NUM> may extend along a part of the fourth sidewall <NUM>. For example, the second adhesive member <NUM> may extend in the first direction on another part of the first sidewall <NUM> and may extend in the second direction perpendicular to the first direction on the second sidewall <NUM>. A length of the second adhesive member <NUM> extending in the second direction may correspond to a length of the second sidewall <NUM>. The second adhesive member <NUM> may extend in the first direction on a part of the fourth sidewall <NUM>. The third adhesive member <NUM> may be symmetrical to the first adhesive member <NUM> with respect to the display <NUM>. For example, the third adhesive member <NUM> may extend along another part of the fourth sidewall <NUM>. The fourth adhesive member <NUM> may be symmetrical to the second adhesive member <NUM> with respect to the display <NUM>. For example, the fourth adhesive member <NUM> may extend along still another part of the first sidewall <NUM>, the third sidewall <NUM>, and still another part of the fourth sidewall <NUM>.

Although <FIG> illustrates that the number of the plurality of adhesive members <NUM> is <NUM>, the number of the adhesive member is not limited thereto. According to embodiments, the number of the plurality of adhesive members <NUM> may be <NUM>. For example, the plurality of adhesive members <NUM> may include the first adhesive member <NUM> and the second adhesive member <NUM>. In case that the number of the plurality of adhesive members <NUM> is <NUM>, the first adhesive member <NUM> may extend along a part of the first sidewall <NUM>, and the second adhesive member <NUM> may extend along another part of the first sidewall <NUM>, the second sidewall <NUM>, the third sidewall <NUM>, and the fourth sidewall <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, a position where the plurality of adhesive members <NUM> are segmented may correspond to a position of the through-hole <NUM> on the supporting surface 212a. For example, the first adhesive member <NUM> and the second adhesive member <NUM> may be spaced apart from each other with respect to the through-hole <NUM>. A part of the one end 218a of the through-hole <NUM> disposed on the supporting surface 212a is covered by the first adhesive member <NUM> and the second adhesive member <NUM>. For example, the first adhesive member <NUM> may cover a part of the one end 218a of the through-hole <NUM> disposed on the supporting surface 212a. The second adhesive member <NUM> may cover another part of one end 218a of the through-hole <NUM>. The second adhesive member <NUM> is spaced apart from the first adhesive member <NUM> on the one end 218a of the through-hole <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the first adhesive member <NUM> may include a first extending portion 241a covering a part of the one end 218a of the through-hole <NUM> disposed on the supporting surface 212a and a second extending portion 241b connected to the first extending portion 241a and having a width wider than that of the first extending portion 241a. For example, the second extending portion 241b may extend in a direction (e.g., the -x direction) away from the through-hole <NUM> from the first extending portion 241a. A width of one component may mean a length of the one component in the second direction (e.g., the +y direction), and unless otherwise noted, the corresponding expression may be used below in the same manner. According to an embodiment, the second adhesive member <NUM> may include a third extending portion 242a covering another part of the one end 218a of the through-hole <NUM> disposed on the supporting surface 212a and a fourth extending portion 242b connected to the third extending portion 242a and having a width wider than that of the third extending portion 242a. The fourth extending portion 242b may extend in a direction (e.g., the +x direction) away from the through-hole <NUM> from the third extending portion 242a. The fourth extending portion 242b may face the second extending portion 241b and may extend in a direction opposite to an extending direction of the second extending portion 241b.

The sealing member <NUM> may suppress the inflow of the foreign substance (e.g., moisture or dust) through the gap between the housing <NUM> and the display <NUM>. he sealing member <NUM> connects the plurality of adhesive members <NUM>. For example, the sealing member <NUM> may be disposed between the first adhesive member <NUM> and the second adhesive member <NUM> to connect the first adhesive member <NUM> and the second adhesive member <NUM>. As the sealing member <NUM> connects the plurality of adhesive members <NUM>, a closed loop may be defined on the supporting surface 212a of the sidewall structure <NUM> together with the plurality of adhesive members <NUM>. According to an embodiment, a structure of the closed loop formed through the plurality of adhesive members <NUM> and the sealing member <NUM> may reduce the inflow of the moisture or the foreign substance from the outside of the electronic device <NUM>. For example, the plurality of adhesive members <NUM> and the sealing member <NUM> may fill the gap between the display <NUM> and the housing <NUM>. The plurality of adhesive members <NUM> and the sealing member <NUM> may isolate inside of the electronic device <NUM> from the outside of the electronic device <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the sealing member <NUM> may fill a gap between the plurality of adhesive members <NUM>. For example, the sealing member <NUM> may fill a gap between the first adhesive member <NUM> and the second adhesive member <NUM>. In case that the first adhesive member <NUM> and the second adhesive member <NUM> overlap each other, the coupling between the display <NUM> and the housing <NUM> may be unstable due to a step generated by the overlap of the first adhesive member <NUM> and the second adhesive member <NUM>. In case that the plurality of adhesive members <NUM> are integrally manufactured to prevent formation of the step, manufacturing cost of the electronic device <NUM> may increase. For stable coupling of the display <NUM> and the housing <NUM> and reduction of the manufacturing cost of the electronic device <NUM>, the first adhesive member <NUM> and the second adhesive member <NUM> may be spaced apart from each other. As the first adhesive member <NUM> and the second adhesive member <NUM> are spaced apart from each other, the foreign substance (e.g., moisture or dust) may flow into the inside of the housing <NUM> through the gap between the first adhesive member <NUM> and the second adhesive member <NUM>. The electronic device <NUM> according to an embodiment may provide a structure capable of suppressing the inflow of the foreign substance into the inside of the electronic device <NUM> by the sealing member <NUM> filling the gap between the first adhesive member <NUM> and the second adhesive member <NUM>.

The sealing member <NUM> fills at least a part of the through-hole <NUM>. For example, the sealing member <NUM> may fill the one end 218a of the through-hole <NUM> disposed on the supporting surface 212a. The sealing member <NUM> may be in contact with the first adhesive member <NUM> and the second adhesive member <NUM> covering the one end 218a of the through-hole <NUM> by filling the one end 218a of the through-hole <NUM>. According to an embodiment, when the electronic device <NUM> is manufactured, the sealing member <NUM> may be formed by solidifying a solution containing silicon injected into the through-hole <NUM>. For example, the sealing member <NUM> may include a curled in plastic gasket (CIPG), but is not limited thereto. When the electronic device <NUM> is manufactured, a solution for forming the sealing member <NUM> may be flowed in through the through-hole <NUM> in a state where the housing <NUM> and the display <NUM> are coupled by the plurality of adhesive members <NUM>. The solution flowed in through the through-hole <NUM> may fill the one end 218a of the through-hole <NUM> on the supporting surface 212a. The solution flowed in through the through-hole <NUM> may connect the first adhesive member <NUM> and the second adhesive member <NUM> disposed on the supporting surface 212a. The electronic device <NUM> according to an embodiment may provide a structure of reducing the manufacturing cost of the electronic device <NUM> by the sealing member <NUM> formed by a relatively simple process.

As described above, the electronic device <NUM> according to an embodiment may provide the structure capable of suppressing the inflow of the foreign substance into the inside of the electronic device <NUM> by the sealing member <NUM> connecting the plurality of adhesive members <NUM>. The electronic device <NUM> according to an embodiment may provide the structure of reducing the manufacturing cost of the electronic device <NUM> by the sealing member <NUM> disposed through the through-hole <NUM>.

Meanwhile, the first adhesive member <NUM>, the second adhesive member <NUM>, and the sealing member <NUM> have been described as being disposed on the support surface <NUM> facing the display <NUM>, but are not limited thereto. For example, when the housing <NUM> is formed of a sidewall structure <NUM> and a member defining the rear surface of the electronic device <NUM> opposite the display <NUM> defining the front surface of the electronic device <NUM>, the first adhesive member <NUM>, the second adhesive member <NUM>, and the sealing member <NUM> may be placed between the member and the sidewall structure <NUM>.

Hereinafter, a structure of embodiments will be described based on the first adhesive member <NUM> and the second adhesive member <NUM>, but this is for convenience of description. The following description of the first adhesive member <NUM> and the second adhesive member <NUM> may be substantially equally applied to each of the plurality of adhesive members <NUM>.

<FIG> is an enlarged perspective view of a housing of an electronic device according to an embodiment, and <FIG> is an enlarged perspective view of a housing of an electronic device according to an embodiment.

<FIG> and <FIG> illustrate an example of a housing <NUM> in a state in which a plurality of adhesive members (e.g., a plurality of adhesive members <NUM> of <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>) and a sealing member (e.g., a sealing member <NUM> of <FIG>) are removed, respectively.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, at least one speaker hole <NUM> penetrates a sidewall structure 212The at least one speaker hole <NUM> penetrates a first sidewall <NUM> of the sidewall structure <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the sidewall structure <NUM> may include a plurality of speaker holes 217a, 217b, 217c, 217d, and 217e spaced apart from each other. Each of the plurality of speaker holes 217a, 217b, 217c, 217d, and 217e may be spaced apart from each other in a first direction (e.g., +x direction) by a designated interval. For example, the first speaker hole 217a among the plurality of speaker holes 217a, 217b, 217c, 217d, and 217e may be spaced apart from the second speaker hole 217b by a first distance. According to an embodiment, the plurality of speaker holes 217a, 217b, 217c, 217d, and 217e may be parallel to each other. For example, each of the plurality of speaker holes 217a, 217b, 217c, 217d, and 217e may extend along a second direction (e.g., +y direction) from an outer surface 212b of the sidewall structure <NUM> to an inner surface 212c of the sidewall structure <NUM>. According to an embodiment, a shape of one end of each of the plurality of speaker holes 217a, 217b, 217c, 217d, and 217e disposed on the outer surface 212b may be substantially the same as a shape of the other end of each of the plurality of speaker holes 217a, 217b, 217c, 217d, and 217e disposed on the inner surface 212c.

According to an embodiment, a through-hole <NUM> may be disposed close to the at least one speaker hole <NUM>. For example, the through-hole <NUM> may be close to the first speaker hole 217a among the plurality of speaker holes 217a, 217b, 217c, 217d, and 217e. A corner 210b of the housing <NUM> in contact with the first sidewall <NUM> and a second sidewall <NUM> may be close to the through-hole <NUM> among the plurality of speaker holes 217a, 217b, 217c, 217d, and 217e, and the through-hole <NUM>. The following description is described based on the through-hole <NUM> and the plurality of speaker holes 217a, 217b, 217c, 217d, and 217e, but embodiments are not limited thereto. For example, the through-hole <NUM> may be disposed close to other holes (not illustrated) included in the housing <NUM>. A shape of the through-hole <NUM> may be substantially the same as the other holes included in the housing <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, a shape of the other end 218b of the through-hole <NUM> disposed on the outer surface 212b of the sidewall structure <NUM> corresponds to a shape of one end of the at least one speaker hole <NUM> disposed on the outer surface 212b of the sidewall structure <NUM>. For example, when viewed from the outside of the electronic device, a shape of the at least one speaker hole <NUM> is substantially corresponds to (or is substantially same with) a shape of the through-hole <NUM>. For example, the shape of the other end 218b of the through-hole <NUM> may be substantially the same as the shape of the one end of the at least one speaker hole <NUM>. For example, when the sidewall structure <NUM> is viewed in a direction perpendicular to the outer surface 212b (e.g., the +y direction), the shape of the through-hole <NUM> and a shape of the at least one speaker hole <NUM> may be the same each other. In a state in which the manufacture of the electronic device <NUM> is completed, unlike one end 218a of the through-hole <NUM> covered by a display (e.g., a display <NUM> of <FIG> and <FIG>), the other end 218b of the through-hole <NUM> may be visible from outside of the electronic device <NUM>. In case that the shape of the other end 218b of the through-hole <NUM> is different from the shape of one end of the at least one speaker hole <NUM>, appearance quality of the electronic device <NUM> may be degraded by the through-hole <NUM> for injecting the sealing member (e.g., the sealing member <NUM> of <FIG>). The electronic device <NUM> according to an embodiment may provide a structure having excellent appearance quality by the through-hole <NUM> having substantially the same shape as the at least one speaker hole <NUM> on the outer surface 212b of the sidewall structure <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, an extending direction of the through-hole <NUM> may be different from an extending direction of the at least one speaker hole <NUM>. For example, the at least one speaker hole <NUM> may extend from the outer surface 212b to the inner surface 212c of the sidewall structure <NUM>, and the through-hole <NUM> may extend from the outer surface 212b to a supporting surface 212a perpendicular to the inner surface 212c of the sidewall structure <NUM>. In case that the one end 218a of the through-hole <NUM> is disposed on the inner surface 212c, a solution for forming the sealing member <NUM> may be transmitted to the inner surface 212c. The solution for forming the sealing member <NUM> may be transmitted to an accommodating surface 211a through the inner surface 212c. A speaker disposed on the accommodating surface 211a (e.g., a speaker <NUM> of <FIG>) may be damaged by the solution transmitted to the accommodating surface 211a. The electronic device <NUM> according to an embodiment may provide a structure capable of preventing the solution for forming the sealing member <NUM> from being transmitted to the accommodating surface 211a when the electronic device <NUM> is manufactured, by the through-hole <NUM> extending in a direction distinct from the extending direction of the at least one speaker hole <NUM>. The electronic device <NUM> according to an embodiment may provide a structure capable of preventing damage to the speaker <NUM> by the through-hole <NUM> preventing the solution from being transmitted to the accommodating surface 211a.

According to an embodiment, a distance between one speaker hole and another speaker hole among the plurality of speaker holes 217a, 217b, 217c, 217d, and 217e, on the outer surface 212b of the sidewall structure <NUM>, may be the same as a distance between the one speaker hole and the through-hole <NUM>, on the outer surface 212b of the sidewall structure <NUM>. An interval between the plurality of speaker holes 217a, 217b, 217c, 217d, and 217e may be the same as the distance between the one speaker hole among the plurality of speaker holes 217a, 217b, 217c, 217d, and 217e and the through-hole <NUM>. For example, on the outer surface 212b of the sidewall structure <NUM>, the second speaker hole 217b may be spaced apart from the first speaker hole 217a by the first distance, and the through-hole <NUM> may be spaced apart from the first speaker hole 217a by the first distance. For another example, the other end 218b of the through-hole <NUM> disposed on the outer surface 212b of the sidewall structure <NUM> may be spaced apart from one end of the first speaker hole 217a disposed on the outer surface 212b of the sidewall structure <NUM> by the first distance. Since the distance between the through-hole <NUM> and the first speaker hole 217a on the outer surface 212b of the sidewall structure <NUM> is the same as the interval between the plurality of speaker holes 217a, 217b, 217c, 217d, and 217e, the through-hole <NUM> and the at least one speaker hole <NUM> may not be distinct from each other outside of the electronic device <NUM>. Since the through-hole <NUM> and the at least one speaker hole <NUM> are not distinct from each other outside of the electronic device <NUM>, the electronic device <NUM> according to an embodiment may provide the structure having the excellent appearance quality.

According to an embodiment, a shape of the one end 218a of the through-hole <NUM> disposed on the supporting surface 212a of the sidewall structure <NUM> may be different from the shape of the other end 218b of the through-hole <NUM> disposed on the outer surface 212b of the sidewall structure <NUM>.

As described above, the electronic device <NUM> according to an embodiment may provide the structure having the excellent appearance quality while suppressing an inflow of a foreign substance into the electronic device <NUM> by the through-hole <NUM> having substantially the same shape as the at least one speaker hole <NUM> on the outer surface 212b of the sidewall structure <NUM>.

In <FIG> and <FIG>, the plurality of speaker holes 217a, 217b, 217c, 217d, and 217e are illustrated as being spaced apart from each other, but the embodiments are not limited thereto. For example, a part of the plurality of speaker holes 217a, 217b, 217c, 217d, and 217e and the through-hole <NUM> may be connected to each other. The part of the plurality of speaker holes 217a, 217b, 217c, 217d, and 217e may be connected to the other end 218b of the through-hole <NUM> on the outer surface 212b of the sidewall structure <NUM>. Since the one end 218a of the through-hole <NUM> is disposed on the supporting surface 212a, another part of the plurality of speaker holes 217a, 217b, 217c, 217d, and 217e may be spaced apart from the through-hole <NUM> on the inner surface 212c of the sidewall structure <NUM>. For another example, the through-hole <NUM> may be connected to the first speaker hole 217a inside of the sidewall structure <NUM>. In case that the through-hole <NUM> and the first speaker hole 217a are connected to each other, the one end of the first speaker hole 217a disposed on the other end 218b of the through-hole <NUM> and the outer surface 212b of the sidewall structure <NUM> may define one hole. In case that the through-hole <NUM> and the first speaker hole 217a are connected to each other, the other end of the first speaker hole 217a may be disposed on the inner surface 212c of the sidewall structure <NUM>, and the one end 218a of the through-hole <NUM> may be disposed on the supporting surface 212a of the sidewall structure <NUM>. In case that the through-hole <NUM> and the first speaker hole 217a are connected to each other, audio output from the speaker <NUM> may pass through the other end of the first speaker hole 217a disposed on the inner surface 212c of the sidewall structure <NUM>, and may be transmitted to the outside of the electronic device <NUM> through the one end of the first speaker hole 217a disposed on the outer surface 212b of the sidewall structure <NUM> and the other end 218b of the through-hole <NUM>.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example in which an electronic device according to an embodiment is cut along A-A' of <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, according to an embodiment, a through-hole <NUM> may include a first region 218c and a second region 218d. The first region 218c may extend from an outer surface 212b of a sidewall structure <NUM> in a direction inclined with respect to the outer surface 212b. For example, the first region 218c may extend from the outer surface 212b of the sidewall structure <NUM> in a direction becoming closer to a supporting surface 212a. According to an embodiment, the first region 218c may define the other end 218b of the through-hole <NUM> disposed on the outer surface 212b of the sidewall structure <NUM>. The second region 218d may be connected to the first region 218c and may extend from the first region 218c to the supporting surface 212a. The second region 218d may extend from the first region 218c to the supporting surface 212a in a direction perpendicular to the supporting surface 212a. The second region 218d may extend in a direction parallel to the outer surface 212b of the sidewall structure <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the second region 218d may define one end 218a of the through-hole <NUM> disposed on the supporting surface 212a.

According to an embodiment, a first adhesive member <NUM> and a second adhesive member <NUM> may be spaced apart from each other on the one end 218a of the through-hole <NUM>. A gap g may be formed between the first adhesive member <NUM> and the second adhesive member <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, when the electronic device <NUM> is manufactured, a solution for forming the sealing member <NUM> may be flowed in between the first adhesive member <NUM> and the second adhesive member <NUM> through the through-hole <NUM> in a state where a display <NUM> is disposed on the supporting surface 212a. For example, the solution for forming the sealing member <NUM> may be flowed into the through-hole <NUM> through a needle n inserted into the through-hole <NUM>. The solution flowed into the through-hole <NUM> may fill at least a part of the through-hole <NUM>. For example, the solution flowed into the through-hole <NUM> may fill at least a part of the second region 218d of the through-hole <NUM>. The solution flowed into the through-hole <NUM> may fill the gap g disposed between the first adhesive member <NUM> and the second adhesive member <NUM>. The solution filling at least a part of the through-hole <NUM> and the gap g may be solidified to form the sealing member <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, a contact area of the sealing member <NUM>, the first adhesive member <NUM>, and the second adhesive member <NUM> may be extended by the first adhesive member <NUM> and the second adhesive member <NUM> covering the one end 218a of the through-hole <NUM>. For example, in case that the first adhesive member <NUM> and the second adhesive member <NUM> do not cover the one end 218a of the through-hole <NUM>, the sealing member <NUM> may not contact one surface of the first adhesive member <NUM> and one surface of the second adhesive member <NUM> facing the second region 218d. As the contact area between the sealing member <NUM>, the first adhesive member <NUM>, and the second adhesive member <NUM> is reduced, coupling strength between the sealing member <NUM>, the first adhesive member <NUM>, and the second adhesive member <NUM> may be reduced. In case that the first adhesive member <NUM> and the second adhesive member <NUM> cover the one end 218a of the through-hole <NUM>, as the sealing member <NUM> is in contact with the one surface of the first adhesive member <NUM> and the one surface of the second adhesive member <NUM> facing the second region 218d, the contact area between the sealing member <NUM>, the first adhesive member <NUM>, and the second adhesive member <NUM> may be relatively increased.

As described above, the electronic device <NUM> according to an embodiment may provide a structure in which the first adhesive member <NUM> and the second adhesive member <NUM> are easily coupled by the through-hole <NUM> connecting the outer surface 212b of the sidewall structure <NUM> and the supporting surface 212a. The electronic device <NUM> according to an embodiment may provide a structure in which the coupling strength between the sealing member <NUM>, the first adhesive member <NUM>, and the second adhesive member <NUM> is increased by the first adhesive member <NUM> and the second adhesive member <NUM> covering the one end 218a of the through-hole <NUM>.

Meanwhile, although <FIG> illustrates that the through-hole <NUM> is spaced apart from an inner surface 212c of the sidewall structure <NUM>, embodiments are not limited thereto. For example, the first region 218c of the through-hole <NUM> may extend from the outer surface 212b of the sidewall structure <NUM> to the inner surface 212c of the sidewall structure <NUM>. As the first region 218c of the through-hole <NUM> extends from the outer surface 212b of the sidewall structure <NUM> to the inner surface 212c of the sidewall structure <NUM>, the first region 218c of the through- hole <NUM> may transmit audio output from a speaker (e.g., a speaker <NUM> of <FIG>) to outside of the electronic device <NUM>.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example in which an electronic device according to an exemplary embodiment is cut.

Since an electronic device <NUM> of <FIG> may be the electronic device <NUM> in which an internal structure of a through-hole <NUM> is changed in the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>, an overlapping description is omitted.

Referring to <FIG>, according to an embodiment, the through-hole <NUM> may include a first region 218c and a second region 218d. The first region 218c may extend from an outer surface 212b of a sidewall structure <NUM> in a direction (e.g., +y direction) perpendicular to the outer surface 212b. The second region 218d may extend from the first region 218c to a supporting surface 212a in a direction perpendicular to the first region 218c. For example, the second region 218d may extend from the first region 218c to the supporting surface 212a in a direction perpendicular to the supporting surface 212a.

According to an embodiment, when the electronic device <NUM> is manufactured, a solution for forming the sealing member <NUM> may be flowed in between a first adhesive member <NUM> and a second adhesive member <NUM> through the through-hole <NUM> in a state where a display <NUM> is disposed on the supporting surface 212a. For example, the solution for forming the sealing member <NUM> may be flowed into the through-hole <NUM> through a needle n inserted into the through-hole <NUM>. As the solution flowed into the through-hole <NUM> solidifies, the sealing member <NUM> connecting the first adhesive member <NUM> and the second adhesive member <NUM> may be formed.

As described above, the electronic device <NUM> according to an embodiment may provide a structure in which the first adhesive member <NUM> and the second adhesive member <NUM> are easily coupled by the through-hole <NUM> connecting the outer surface 212b of the sidewall structure <NUM> and the supporting surface 212a.

<FIG> is a top plain view of a housing of an electronic device according to an embodiment.

Referring to <FIG>, an electronic device <NUM> according to an embodiment may include a housing <NUM>, a plurality of adhesive members <NUM>, a sealing member <NUM>, and/or at least one flow path <NUM>. Since the housing <NUM>, the plurality of adhesive members <NUM>, and the sealing member <NUM> of <FIG> may be substantially the same as a housing <NUM>, a plurality of adhesive members <NUM>, and a sealing member <NUM> of <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, respectively, an overlapping description is omitted.

According to an embodiment, the housing <NUM> may include an inner space 610a, a sidewall structure <NUM>, a through-hole <NUM>, and at least one accommodating groove <NUM>. Since the inner space 610a, the sidewall structure <NUM>, and the through-hole <NUM> of <FIG> may be substantially the same as an inner space 210a, a sidewall structure <NUM>, and a through-hole <NUM> of <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, an overlapping description is omitted.

According to an embodiment, the sidewall structure <NUM> may include a supporting surface 612a and an outer surface. Since the supporting surface 612a and the outer surface of <FIG> may be substantially the same as the supporting surface 212a and the outer surface 212b of <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, an overlapping description is omitted.

According to an embodiment, when the electronic device <NUM> is manufactured, the at least one accommodating groove <NUM> may prevent a solution for forming the sealing member <NUM> from being transmitted to outside of the supporting surface 612a. For example, when the electronic device <NUM> is manufactured, the at least one accommodating groove <NUM> may accommodate the solution for forming the sealing member <NUM> transmitted to outside of the through-hole <NUM>. The solution accommodated in the at least one accommodating groove <NUM> may be solidified in the at least one accommodating groove <NUM>. As the solution for forming the sealing member <NUM> is solidified in the at least one accommodating groove <NUM>, it may not be transmitted to the outside of the supporting surface 612a. According to an embodiment, the at least one accommodating groove <NUM> may be formed by recessing the supporting surface 612a inward. According to an embodiment, the at least one accommodating groove <NUM> may be spaced apart from the through-hole <NUM>. For example, the at least one accommodating groove <NUM> may include a first accommodating groove 619a spaced apart from the through-hole <NUM> in a direction (e.g., -x direction) opposite to a first direction and a second accommodating groove 619b spaced apart from the through-hole <NUM> in the first direction (e.g., +x direction). The second accommodating groove 619b may face the first accommodating groove 619a. According to an embodiment, the first accommodating groove 619a and the second accommodating groove 619b may be symmetrical to each other with respect to the through-hole <NUM>. The through-hole <NUM> may be disposed between the first accommodating groove 619a and the second accommodating groove 619b.

According to an embodiment, the plurality of adhesive members <NUM> may include a first adhesive member <NUM> and a second adhesive member <NUM>. The first adhesive member <NUM> may be disposed on a part of the supporting surface 612a. The second adhesive member <NUM> may be disposed on another part of the supporting surface 612a and may be spaced apart from the first adhesive member <NUM>. The first adhesive member <NUM> and the second adhesive member <NUM> may cover a part of one end 618a of the through-hole <NUM> disposed on the supporting surface 612a.

According to an embodiment, a part of at the least one accommodating groove <NUM> may be covered by the first adhesive member <NUM> and the second adhesive member <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the first adhesive member <NUM> may include a first extending portion 641a, a second extending portion 641b, a third extending portion 641c, and a fourth extending portion 641d. The first extending portion 641a may cover a part of the one end 618a of the through-hole <NUM> disposed on the supporting surface 612a, the first accommodating groove 619a, and the second accommodating groove 619b. The second extending portion 641b may be connected to one end of the first extending portion 641a facing the second accommodating groove 619b. The second extending portion 641b may have a larger width than the first extending portion 641a. The second extending portion 641b may cover the second accommodating groove 619b. The third extending portion 641c may be connected to the other end of the first extending portion 641a facing the first accommodating groove 619a. The third extending portion 641c may have a smaller width than the first extending portion 641a. The third extending portion 641c may cover the first accommodating groove 619a. The fourth extending portion 641d may be connected to the third extending portion 641c and may have a larger width than the first extending portion 641a. For example, the fourth extending portion 641d may have a larger width than the second extending portion 641b.

According to an embodiment, a part of the first extending portion 641a may include a concave portion 641e overlapped the second accommodating groove 619b and extending along a periphery of the second accommodating groove 619b. For example, the concave portion 641e may correspond to a shape of a part of the periphery of the second accommodating groove 619b. The concave portion 641e may be formed by recessing a part of the first extending portion 641a overlapped the second accommodating groove 619b inward (e.g., +y direction) of the first extending portion 641a.

According to an embodiment, the second adhesive member <NUM> may be symmetrical to the first adhesive member <NUM> with respect to the through-hole <NUM>. The second adhesive member <NUM> may include a fifth extending portion 642a, a sixth extending portion 642b, a seventh extending portion 642c, and an eighth extending portion 642d. The fifth extending portion 642a may cover a part of the one end 618a of the through-hole <NUM> disposed on the supporting surface 612a, the first accommodating groove 619a, and the second accommodating groove 619b. The sixth extending portion 642b may be connected to one end of the fifth extending portion 642a facing the first accommodating groove 619a. The sixth extending portion 642b may have a larger width than the fifth extending portion 642a. The sixth extending portion 642b may cover the first accommodating groove 619a. The seventh extending portion 642c may be connected to the other end of the fifth extending portion 642a facing the second accommodating groove 619b. The seventh extending portion 642c may have a smaller width than the fifth extending portion 642a. The seventh extending portion 642c may cover the second accommodating groove 619b. The eighth extending portion 642d is connected to the seventh extending portion 642c and may have a larger width than the fifth extending portion 642a. For example, the eighth extending portion 642d may have a larger width than the sixth extending portion 642b.

The at least one flow path <NUM> may be disposed between the first adhesive member <NUM> and the second adhesive member <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the at least one flow path <NUM> may extend from the through-hole <NUM> between the first adhesive member <NUM> and the second adhesive member <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the at least one flow path <NUM> may be bent between the first adhesive member <NUM> and the second adhesive member <NUM>. The at least one flow path <NUM> may include a first flow path <NUM> extending between the through-hole <NUM> and the at least one accommodating groove <NUM>, a second flow path <NUM> extending from the through-hole <NUM> to be parallel to the first flow path <NUM>, and a third flow path <NUM> extending perpendicularly to the second flow path <NUM> from the second flow path <NUM>. For example, the first flow path <NUM> may extend from the one end 618a of the through-hole <NUM> to the first accommodating groove 619a in the direction (e.g., the -x direction) opposite to the first direction. The second flow path <NUM> may extend from the first accommodating groove 619a in the direction opposite to the first direction. The second flow path <NUM> may extend along the third extending portion 641c. The third flow path <NUM> may extend perpendicular to the second flow path <NUM> along the fourth extending portion 641d.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may delay movement of the solution for forming the sealing member <NUM> on the supporting surface 612a by the at least one flow path <NUM> bent between the first adhesive member <NUM> and the second adhesive member <NUM>. In case that the amount of the solution for forming the sealing member <NUM> flowed in through the through-hole <NUM> is excessively large, the solution may move on the supporting surface 612a. In case that the solution moves to the outside of the supporting surface 612a, damage to a speaker (e.g., a speaker <NUM> of <FIG>) may occur. As the at least one flow path <NUM> is bent, the solution moving along the second flow path <NUM> may pass through the second flow path <NUM>, and may enter the third flow path <NUM>, and then may collide with the fourth extending portion 641d. As the movement of the solution is delayed by the collision with the fourth extending portion 641d, the solution may be solidified in the at least one flow path <NUM>.

As described above, the electronic device <NUM> according to an embodiment may provide a structure capable of preventing the solution for forming the sealing member <NUM> from being transmitted to the outside of the supporting surface 612a by the at least one accommodating groove <NUM>. The electronic device <NUM> according to an embodiment may provide the structure capable of preventing the solution from being transmitted to the outside of the supporting surface 612a by delaying the movement of the solution for forming the sealing member <NUM> by the at least one flow path <NUM> bent between the first adhesive member <NUM> and the second adhesive member <NUM>.

Claim 1:
An electronic device (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) comprising:
a display (<NUM>);
a housing (<NUM>, <NUM>) including:
a base (<NUM>),
a sidewall structure (<NUM>, <NUM>) including:
a supporting surface (212a, 612a) supporting the display (<NUM>), and
an outer surface (212b, 612b) from the supporting surface (212a, 612a) of the sidewall structure (<NUM>, <NUM>), the outer surface (212b, 612b) of the sidewall structure (<NUM>, <NUM>) substantially perpendicular to the supporting surface (212a, 612a) of the sidewall structure (<NUM>, <NUM>), and
a through-hole (<NUM>, <NUM>), extending from the outer surface (212b, 612b) of the sidewall structure (<NUM>, <NUM>) to the supporting surface (212a, 612a) of the sidewall structure (<NUM>, <NUM>), including an end (218a, 618a) of the through-hole (<NUM>, <NUM>) defined by the supporting surface (212a, 612a) of the sidewall structure (<NUM>, <NUM>) to face a rear surface (220a) of the display (<NUM>), and another end (218b) of the through-hole (<NUM>, <NUM>) defined by the outer surface (212b, 612b) of the sidewall structure (<NUM>, <NUM>) substantially perpendicular to the supporting surface (212a, 612a) of the sidewall structure (<NUM>, <NUM>);
a first adhesive member (<NUM>, <NUM>), attaching the rear surface (220a) of the display (<NUM>) to the supporting surface (212a, 612a) of the sidewall structure (<NUM>, <NUM>), covering a first portion of the end (218a, 618a) of the through-hole (<NUM>, <NUM>) defined by the supporting surface (212a, 612a) of the sidewall structure (<NUM>, <NUM>);
a second adhesive member (<NUM>, <NUM>), attaching the rear surface (220a) of the display (<NUM>) to the supporting surface (212a, 612a) of the sidewall structure (<NUM>, <NUM>), spaced apart from the first adhesive member (<NUM>, <NUM>), and covering a second portion of the end (218a, 618a) of the through-hole (<NUM>, <NUM>) defined by the supporting surface (212a, 612a) of the sidewall structure (<NUM>, <NUM>); and
a sealing member (<NUM>, <NUM>), filling at least a portion of the through-hole (<NUM>, <NUM>), connecting the first adhesive member (<NUM>, <NUM>) and the second adhesive member (<NUM>, <NUM>).