Patent Description:
A speaker module including a speaker unit for reproducing a sound may be included in an electronic device. As more and more contents are reproduced through electronic devices, users' interest in sound performance is gradually increasing.

In consideration of convenience of assembly of the electronic device, the speaker unit is produced in the form of a speaker module.

A sound hole for emitting a sound output from the speaker module to the outside of the electronic device may be designed at a position aligned with the center of the electronic device in consideration of design factors.

Conventional devices are known from <CIT>, <CIT> and <CIT>.

The speaker module may be disposed at an eccentric position with respect to the center of the electronic device due to various factors. For example, in order to avoid interference with a camera module disposed at the center of the electronic device, the speaker module may be disposed eccentrically with respect to the center of the electronic device.

When the speaker module is eccentrically positioned at the center of the electronic device and a sound hole for outputting the sound of the speaker module to the outside of the electronic device is aligned at the center of the electronic device, a distance between each part of the sound hole and the speaker module may vary. That is, a certain portion of the sound hole may be adjacent to the speaker module, and another portion thereof may be relatively far from the speaker module.

In such a structure, when the speaker module and the sound hole are connected, a difference in a volume of a sound output from a portion of the sound hole adjacent to the speaker module and a volume of a sound output from a portion relatively far from the speaker module may occur. A deviation in the sound volume output through the sound hole may impair a sound performance of the electronic device.

According to the invention, an electronic device includes a camera module; a speaker module disposed in a first direction with respect to the camera module; a first support including a speaker support configured to support the speaker module and a camera support configured to support the camera module; a second support having at least a portion coupled to the first support; a sound hole connected to the outside of the electronic device; a first sound outlet positioned in the first direction with respect to the camera module and connected to the sound hole; a second sound outlet positioned in a second direction opposite to the first direction with respect to the camera module and connected to the sound hole; a first sound channel configured to connect the speaker module and the first sound outlet; and a second sound channel configured to connect the speaker module and the second sound outlet, wherein the second sound channel may include a space provided between the camera support of the first support and the second support.

Further, an electronic device includes an interface including a socket for connection with an external electronic device; a speaker module disposed in a first direction with respect to the interface; a first support including a speaker support configured to support the speaker module and an interface support configured to support the interface; a second support having at least a portion coupled to the first support; a sound hole connected to the outside of the electronic device; a first sound outlet positioned in the first direction with respect to the interface and connected to the sound hole; a second sound outlet positioned in a second direction opposite to the first direction with respect to the interface and connected to the sound hole; a first sound channel configured to connect the speaker module and the first sound outlet; and a second sound channel configured to connect the speaker module and the second sound outlet, wherein the second sound channel may include a space provided between the interface support of the first support and the second support.

According to various embodiments disclosed in this document, a deviation in a sound volume output from a sound hole connected to a speaker module can be reduced. Accordingly, a sound performance of the electronic device can be improved.

In connection with the description of the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals may be used for the same or similar components.

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 illustrating a front surface of an electronic device <NUM> according to various embodiments disclosed in this document. <FIG> is a perspective view illustrating a rear surface of the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG> according to various embodiments disclosed in this document.

The electronic device <NUM> of <FIG> and <FIG> may be at least partially similar to the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG> or may include other components of the electronic device.

With reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> according to an embodiment may include a housing <NUM> including a first surface (or front surface) 210A, a second surface (or rear surface) 210B, and a side surface 210C enclosing a space between the first surface 210A and the second surfaces 210B. In another embodiment (not illustrated), the housing <NUM> may refer to a structure forming a portion of the first surface 210A, the second surface 210B, and the side surface 210C. According to an embodiment, the first surface 210A may be formed by a front plate <NUM> (e.g., a polymer plate or a glass plate including various coating layers) having at least a portion substantially transparent. The second surface 210B may be formed by a substantially opaque rear plate <NUM>. The rear plate <NUM> may be formed by, for example, coated or colored glass, ceramic, polymer, metal (e.g., aluminum, stainless steel (STS), or magnesium), or a combination of at least two of the above materials. The side surface 210C may be coupled to the front plate <NUM> and the rear plate <NUM> and be formed by a side bezel structure (or "side member") <NUM> including a metal and/or a polymer. In some embodiments, the rear plate <NUM> and the side bezel structure <NUM> may be integrally formed and include the same material (e.g., a metal material such as aluminum).

In the illustrated embodiment, the front plate <NUM> may include a first area 210D extended seamlessly by bending from the first surface 210A toward the rear plate at both ends of a long edge of the front plate. In the illustrated embodiment (see <FIG>), the rear plate <NUM> may include a second area 210E extended seamlessly from the second surface 210B toward the front plate at both ends of a long edge. In some embodiments, the front plate <NUM> or the rear plate <NUM> may include only one of the first area 210D or the second area 210E. In some embodiments, the front plate <NUM> does not include the first area and the second area, but may include only a flat plane disposed parallel to the second surface 210B. In the above embodiments, when viewed from the side surface of the electronic device, the side bezel structure <NUM> may have a first thickness (or width) at the side surface not including the first area 210D or the second area 210E and have a second thickness thinner than the first thickness at a side surface including the first area or the second area.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may include at least one of a display <NUM>, an input device <NUM>, sound holes <NUM> and <NUM>, sensor modules <NUM> and <NUM>, camera modules <NUM> and <NUM>, a key input device <NUM>, an indicator (not illustrated), or a connector hole <NUM>. In some embodiments, the electronic device <NUM> may omit at least one (e.g., the key input device <NUM> or the indicator) of the components or may additionally include other components.

The display <NUM> may be exposed, for example, through a substantial portion of the front plate <NUM>. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the display <NUM> may be exposed through the front plate <NUM> forming the first area 210D of the first surface 210A and the side surface 210C. The display <NUM> may be coupled to or disposed 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 portion of the sensor modules <NUM> and <NUM>, and/or at least a portion of the key input device <NUM> may be disposed in the first area 210D and/or the second area 210E.

The input device <NUM> may include a microphone. In some embodiments, the input device <NUM> may include a plurality of microphones disposed to detect a direction of a sound. The sound holes <NUM> and <NUM> may be connected to a speaker. In some embodiments, the microphone, the speakers, and the connector hole <NUM> may be disposed in the space of the electronic device <NUM> and be exposed to an external environment through at least one sound hole <NUM> and <NUM> formed in the housing <NUM>. In some embodiments, the sound holes <NUM> and <NUM> formed in the housing <NUM> may be commonly used for a microphone and speakers. In some embodiments, the sound output device may include a speaker (e.g., piezo speaker) that operates while excluding a hole formed in the housing <NUM>.

The sensor modules <NUM> and <NUM> may generate electrical signals or data values corresponding to an internal operating state of the electronic device <NUM> or an external environmental state. The sensor modules <NUM> and <NUM> may include, for example, a first sensor module <NUM> (e.g., proximity sensor) and/or a second sensor module (not illustrated) (e.g., fingerprint sensor) disposed at the first surface 210A of the housing <NUM>, and/or a third sensor module <NUM> (e.g., HRM sensor) disposed at the second surface 210B of the housing <NUM>. The fingerprint sensor may be disposed at the first surface 210A of the housing <NUM>. The fingerprint sensor (e.g., ultrasonic fingerprint sensor or optical fingerprint sensor) may be disposed under the display <NUM> of the first surface 210A. The electronic device <NUM> may further include a sensor module (not illustrated), for example, at least one of a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a grip sensor, a color sensor, an infrared (IR) sensor, a biometric sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or an illuminance sensor <NUM>.

The camera modules <NUM> and <NUM> may include a first camera device (not illustrated) disposed at the first surface 210A of the electronic device <NUM>, and a second camera device <NUM> disposed at the second surface 210B of the electronic device <NUM>, and/or a flash <NUM>. The camera module <NUM> may include one or more 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 (wide-angle and telephoto lenses) and image sensors may be disposed at one surface of the electronic device <NUM>.

The key input device <NUM> may be disposed at the side surface 210C of the housing <NUM>. In another embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may not include some or all of the above-mentioned key input devices <NUM> and the not included key input device <NUM> may be implemented into other forms of soft keys or the like on the display <NUM>. In another embodiment, the key input device <NUM> may be implemented using a pressure sensor included in the display <NUM>.

The indicator may be disposed, for example, at the first surface 210A of the housing <NUM>. The indicator may provide, for example, state information of the electronic device <NUM> in the form of light. In another embodiment, the light emitting device may provide, for example, a light source interworked with an operation of the camera module <NUM>. The indicator may include, for example, a light emitting diode (LED), an infrared rays (IR) LED, and a xenon lamp.

The connector hole <NUM> may include a first connector hole <NUM> capable of receiving a connector (e.g., USB connector or interface connector port module (IF module)) for transmitting and receiving power and/or data to and from an external electronic device and/or a second connector hole (or earphone jack) capable of receiving a connector for transmitting and receiving an audio signal to and from an external electronic device.

Some of the camera modules <NUM>, some of the sensor modules <NUM> and <NUM>, or indicators may be disposed to be exposed through the display <NUM>. For example, the camera module, the sensor module <NUM>, or the indicator may be disposed to contact an external environment through an opening or a transparent area <NUM> perforated from an internal space of the electronic device <NUM> to the front plate <NUM> of the display <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the camera hole <NUM> in which the display <NUM> and the camera module face each other may be formed in a transmission area having a predetermined transmittance as a part of an area displaying contents. According to an embodiment, the transmission area may be formed to have a transmittance in a range of about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%. Such a transmission area may include an area overlapping an effective area (e.g., view angle area) of the camera module through which light for generating an image by an image sensor passes. For example, the transmission area of the display <NUM> may include an area having a lower pixel density than that of the periphery. For example, the transmission area may replace the opening. For example, the camera module may include a under display camera (UDC). In another embodiment, some sensor modules <NUM> may be disposed to perform a function thereof without being visually exposed through the front plate <NUM> in an internal space of the electronic device. For example, in this case, the area of the display <NUM> facing the sensor module may not need a perforated opening.

<FIG> is an exploded perspective view illustrating an electronic device according to various embodiments disclosed in this document.

An electronic device <NUM> of <FIG> may be at least partially similar to the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG> and/or the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG> or may include other components of the electronic device.

With reference to <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> (e.g., the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG> or the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>) may include a side member <NUM> (e.g., the side bezel structure <NUM> of <FIG>), a support member <NUM> (e.g., bracket or support structure), a front cover <NUM> (e.g., the front plate <NUM> of <FIG>), a display <NUM> (e.g., the display <NUM> of <FIG>), at least one substrate <NUM> and <NUM> (e.g., printed circuit board (PCB), flexible PCB (FPCB), or rigid-flexible PCB (R-FPCB)), a battery <NUM>, at least one additional support member <NUM> and <NUM> (e.g., rear case), an antenna <NUM>, and a rear cover <NUM> (e.g., the rear plate <NUM> of <FIG>). In some embodiments, the electronic device <NUM> may omit at least one (e.g., the support member <NUM> or at least one additional support member <NUM> and <NUM>) of the components or may additionally include other components. At least one of the components of the electronic device <NUM> may be the same as or similar to at least one of the components of the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG> or the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>, and a repeated description may be omitted.

According to various embodiments, the side member <NUM> may include a first surface <NUM> facing in a first direction (e.g., z-axis direction), a second surface <NUM> facing in a direction opposite to the first surface <NUM>, and a side surface <NUM> enclosing a space (e.g., an internal space <NUM> of <FIG>) between the first surface <NUM> and the second surface <NUM>. According to an embodiment, at least a portion of the side surface <NUM> may form an external shape of the electronic device. According to an embodiment, the support member <NUM> may be disposed to extend from the side member <NUM> toward the internal space (e.g., the internal space <NUM> of <FIG>) of the electronic device <NUM>. In some embodiments, the support member <NUM> may be disposed separately from the side member <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the side member <NUM> and/or the support member <NUM> may be made of, for example, a metal material and/or a non-metal material (e.g., polymer). According to an embodiment, the support member <NUM> may support at least a portion of the display <NUM> through the first surface <NUM> and be disposed to support at least a portion of the battery <NUM> and/or at least one substrate <NUM> and <NUM> through the second surface <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the at least one substrate <NUM> and <NUM> may include a first substrate <NUM> (e.g., main substrate) disposed at one side and a second substrate <NUM> (e.g., sub substrate) disposed at the other side based on the battery <NUM> in the internal space of the electronic device <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the first substrate <NUM> and/or the second substrate <NUM> may include a processor, a memory, and/or an interface. According to an embodiment, the processor may include, for example, one or more of a central processer, an application processor, a graphic processer, an image signal processor, a sensor hub processor, or a communication processor. According to an embodiment, the memory may include, for example, a volatile memory or a non-volatile memory. According to an embodiment, the interface may include, for example, a high definition multimedia interface (HDMI), a universal serial bus (USB) interface, a secure digital (SD) card interface, and/or an audio interface. The interface may, for example, electrically or physically connect the electronic device <NUM> to an external electronic device, and include a USB connector, an SD card/multimedia connect (MMC) connector, or an audio connector. According to an embodiment, the battery <NUM> is a device for supplying power to at least one component of the electronic device <NUM> and may include, for example, a non-rechargeable primary cell, a rechargeable secondary cell, or a fuel cell. At least a portion of the battery <NUM> may be disposed on a substantially same plane as, for example, at least one of the substrates <NUM> and <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the battery <NUM> may be disposed in a way that it is embedded in the electronic device <NUM>. In some embodiments, the battery <NUM> may be detachably disposed from the electronic device <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the antenna <NUM> may be disposed between the rear cover <NUM> and the battery <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the antenna <NUM> may include, for example, a near field communication (NFC) antenna, a wireless charging antenna, and/or a magnetic secure transmission (MST) antenna. The antenna <NUM> may, for example, perform short range communication with an external device or wirelessly transmit and receive power required for charging. In some embodiments, the antenna may be formed by some or a combination of the side member <NUM> and/or the support member <NUM>. In some embodiments, the electronic device <NUM> may further include a digitizer for detecting an external electronic pen.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating a part of an electronic device according to various embodiments disclosed in this document. <FIG> is a diagram illustrating a housing of an electronic device viewed from the front of the electronic device according to various embodiments disclosed in this document. <FIG> is a diagram illustrating a housing of an electronic device viewed from the rear of the electronic device according to various embodiments disclosed in this document.

An electronic device <NUM> according to various embodiments disclosed in this document may be an example of the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG> and <FIG>, and/or the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>. Accordingly, the electronic device <NUM> described below may include at least one of the components of the electronic devices described with reference to <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>.

In an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may include a housing assembly (e.g., a housing assembly <NUM> of <FIG>) for supporting various device objects and electrical objects constituting the same and having at least a portion constituting an external shape (e.g., the side bezel structure <NUM> of <FIG>) of the same. Here, the electrical objects may be understood as a generic term for a component for transmitting or receiving an electric signal. The housing assembly may be configured as a single component or may be configured in a manner in which a plurality of components are coupled. For example, as illustrated in <FIG>, the housing assembly may include a housing <NUM> (e.g., the housing <NUM> of <FIG>), a first support (e.g., a first support <NUM> of <FIG>), and a second support (e.g., a second support <NUM> of <FIG>).

In an embodiment, the housing assembly may be made of various materials. When the housing <NUM> assembly is constituted with a plurality of components (e.g., the housing <NUM>, the first support <NUM>, and the second support <NUM>), each component may be made of the same material or different materials. The housing assembly may be made of various materials such as a synthetic resin material, a metal material, and a composite material.

In an embodiment, at least a portion of the housing <NUM> may constitute an external shape of the electronic device <NUM>. The housing <NUM> may include a portion supporting a display module <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM>.

In an embodiment, a camera module <NUM> may be disposed so that a lens unit <NUM> of the camera module <NUM> (e.g., the camera module <NUM> of <FIG>) is aligned with the center of a width direction (e.g., an X-axis direction of <FIG>) of the housing <NUM>. With reference to <FIG>, the display module <NUM> may include a camera hole <NUM> facing the lens unit <NUM> of the camera module <NUM>. The camera hole <NUM> may be a portion in which external light passes through the camera module <NUM> to be incident on the lens unit <NUM> of the camera module <NUM>. At least a portion of the portion corresponding to the camera hole <NUM> may be constituted to be transparent.

With reference to <FIG>, in various embodiments disclosed in this document, a speaker module <NUM> (e.g., the sound output module <NUM> of <FIG>) of the electronic device <NUM> may be disposed in a first direction (e.g., an -X axis direction of <FIG>) with respect to the camera module <NUM>. When the lens unit <NUM> of the camera module <NUM> is disposed to be aligned with the center of the housing <NUM> in the width direction, the speaker module <NUM> may be disposed eccentrically with respect to the center of the housing <NUM> in the width direction.

With reference to <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> may include a sound hole <NUM> (e.g., the sound holes <NUM> and <NUM> of <FIG>) for connecting the outside thereof and an internal space thereof. The sound hole <NUM> may include, for example, a slit-shaped groove interposed between the housing <NUM> and the display module <NUM>. The slit-shaped sound hole <NUM> may be formed to extend in a predetermined direction (e.g., the X-axis direction of <FIG>). The sound hole <NUM> may be positioned so that the center of a longitudinal direction (e.g., the X-axis direction of <FIG>) is aligned with the camera hole <NUM>. In other words, the sound hole <NUM> may be formed symmetrically with respect to the camera hole <NUM>. Because the camera hole <NUM> may be aligned with the center of the housing <NUM>, the sound hole <NUM> aligned with the camera hole <NUM> may be formed to be aligned with the center of the housing <NUM>. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the housing <NUM> and the display module <NUM> may be formed concavely to form the slit-shaped sound hole <NUM>. In some cases, the slit-shaped sound hole <NUM> may be provided by a step formed between the housing <NUM> and the display module <NUM>. A foreign material preventing member including a mesh may be disposed in the sound hole <NUM> so as to prevent a foreign material from being introduced through the sound hole <NUM>. The foreign material preventing member may be disposed at the entrance of the sound hole <NUM> or inside the sound hole <NUM>. Although the sound hole <NUM> has been described with reference to <FIG>, the sound hole <NUM> may include a plurality of openings formed at the side surface of the housing <NUM> (e.g., the sound hole <NUM> of <FIG>).

<FIG> is an exploded perspective view illustrating a portion of an electronic device according to various embodiments disclosed in this document. <FIG> is a diagram illustrating a sound channel of an electronic device viewed from one direction according to various embodiments disclosed in this document. <FIG> is a cross-sectional view illustrating an electronic device taken along line C1-C1 of <FIG> according to various embodiments disclosed in this document. <FIG> is a cross-sectional view illustrating an electronic device taken along line C2-C2 of <FIG> according to various embodiments disclosed in this document. <FIG> is a cross-sectional view illustrating an electronic device taken along line C3-C3 of <FIG> according to various embodiments disclosed in this document.

With reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, a first support <NUM> and a second support <NUM> may be disposed inside the housing <NUM> to support various device objects or electrical objects constituting the electronic device <NUM>. An internal space of the electronic device <NUM> may be partitioned by the housing <NUM>, the first support <NUM>, and the second support <NUM> to determine the layout of the device objects and electrical objects disposed in the electronic device <NUM>. The first support <NUM> and the second support <NUM> may be integrally formed. In some embodiments, at least one of the housing <NUM>, the first support <NUM>, and the second support <NUM> may be integrally formed.

In an embodiment, the first support <NUM> may be disposed inside the housing <NUM>. With reference to <FIG>, the first support <NUM> may include a speaker support 412A for supporting the speaker module <NUM> and a camera support 412B for supporting the camera module <NUM>. At least a portion of the speaker support 412A may be formed to correspond to an external shape of the speaker module <NUM>. With reference to <FIG>, the speaker support 412A may include a space <NUM>-<NUM> formed to receive the speaker module <NUM>. At least a portion of the camera support 412B may be formed to correspond to the external shape of the camera module <NUM>. In some embodiments, the camera support 412B may support a camera substrate (e.g., PCB) electrically connected to the camera module <NUM>. The speaker support 412A and the camera support 412B may be integrally formed. In some embodiments, the speaker support 412A and the camera support 412B may be formed as separate device objects.

In an embodiment, the speaker module <NUM> may be disposed in a first direction (e.g., -X axis direction of <FIG>) with respect to the camera module <NUM>. With reference to <FIG>, the speaker support 412A for supporting the speaker module <NUM> may be disposed in a first direction with respect to the camera support 412B for supporting the camera module <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the second support <NUM> may be disposed inside the housing <NUM>. The second support <NUM> may be disposed in a third direction (e.g., -Z axis direction of <FIG>) perpendicular to the first direction with respect to the first support <NUM>. At least a portion of the second support <NUM> may be coupled to the first support <NUM>. With reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, a cover member <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM> may be disposed in a third direction with respect to the second support <NUM>. The first support <NUM> and the second support <NUM> may be made of the same material or different materials.

According to various embodiments disclosed in this document, a sound emitted from the speaker module <NUM> may be emitted to the outside of the electronic device <NUM> through a channel formed or provided in the housing assembly <NUM>. Here, a "channel" may mean a passage that guides transmission of a sound (sound wave). For example, the channel may mean a physical space. The channel may include a space filled with a medium (e.g., air) capable of transmitting sound waves. Hereinafter, transmission of sound through a channel may mean transmission of a sound through a specific space.

The speaker module <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM> according to various embodiments disclosed in this document may be disposed eccentrically with respect to the center of the housing <NUM> (or the first direction with respect to the camera module <NUM>). In an embodiment, the sound hole <NUM> for connecting the outside of the electronic device <NUM> and the internal space of the electronic device <NUM> may be positioned in alignment with the center of the housing <NUM>. For example, in the case of the sound hole <NUM> (e.g., the slit-shaped sound hole <NUM>) extended in a predetermined direction, a portion of the sound hole <NUM> may be adjacent to the speaker module <NUM>, and other portions of the sound hole <NUM> may be relatively spaced apart from the speaker module <NUM>. When the slit-shaped sound hole <NUM> is formed to be aligned with the center of the housing <NUM>, a distance between the speaker module <NUM> and the sound hole <NUM> may be different in each part of the sound hole <NUM>. In such a structure, in the case of constituting a sound channel simply connecting the speaker module <NUM> and the sound hole <NUM>, an unbalanced output problem may occur in which an output sound may be large in a portion of the sound hole <NUM> relatively adjacent to the speaker module <NUM> and in which an output sound may be relatively small in a portion of the sound hole <NUM> relatively far from the speaker module <NUM>. Various embodiments disclosed in this document may constitute a sound channel (e.g., a first sound channel <NUM> of <FIG>) connected to a portion of the sound hole <NUM> adjacent to the speaker module <NUM> and a sound channel (e.g., a second sound channel <NUM> of <FIG>) connected to a portion of the sound hole <NUM> relatively far from the speaker module <NUM> to reduce a deviation of the sound output through the sound hole <NUM>.

First, the first sound channel <NUM> will be described. With reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, the first sound channel <NUM> may be a sound channel connecting the speaker module <NUM> and a first sound outlet <NUM> constituted to position in the first direction with respect to the camera module <NUM>. The first sound channel <NUM> may include a space formed by the first support <NUM> and the second support <NUM>. In some embodiments, the first sound channel <NUM> may be formed by the first support <NUM> and a member coupled to the first support <NUM>. With reference to <FIG>, the first sound outlet <NUM> connected to the first sound channel <NUM> may be connected to the sound hole <NUM> through a first connection part <NUM> formed in the housing <NUM>. A sound output from the speaker module <NUM> may be output to the outside of the electronic device <NUM> via the first sound channel <NUM>-the first sound outlet <NUM>-the first connection part <NUM>-the sound hole <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the first sound channel <NUM> or the sound passage connected to the first sound channel <NUM> may include a passage P1 extended obliquely with respect to a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction. Further, the sound passage connected to the first sound channel <NUM> or the second sound channel <NUM> may be formed to be extended in various directions.

In an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may include a first sealing member <NUM>. The first sealing member <NUM> may be disposed on the first sound channel <NUM> or a sound passage connected to the first sound channel <NUM> so as to prevent a foreign material outside the electronic device <NUM> from being introduced into the electronic device <NUM> through the first sound channel <NUM>. For example, as illustrated in <FIG>, the first sealing member <NUM> may be disposed between the first connection part <NUM> and the first sound outlet <NUM>. The first sealing member <NUM> may include an adhesive member so as to be fixed to another device object, and include a mesh structure capable of transmitting sound but blocking foreign materials.

Hereinafter, the second sound channel <NUM> will be described. With reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, the second sound channel <NUM> may be a sound channel connecting the speaker module <NUM> and a second sound outlet <NUM> constituted to be positioned in a second direction opposite to the first direction with respect to the camera module <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the second sound channel <NUM> may be formed in a shape that passes through the camera module <NUM> from the speaker module <NUM> disposed in the first direction with respect to the camera module <NUM> and extended to the second sound outlet <NUM> positioned in the second direction of the camera module <NUM>. In an embodiment, the second sound channel <NUM> may include a space provided between the first support <NUM> and the second support <NUM>. With reference to <FIG>, an airtight member <NUM> for sealing between the first support <NUM> and the second support <NUM> may be disposed between the first support <NUM> and the second support <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG>, the second sound channel <NUM> may pass through a portion adjacent to the camera module <NUM>. The second sound channel <NUM> includes a space provided between the second support <NUM> and the camera support 412B for supporting the camera module <NUM>. The second sound channel <NUM> may include a groove concavely formed in at least one of the first support <NUM> or the second support <NUM>. A volume of the second sound channel <NUM> may be secured by the groove formed concavely in at least one of the first support <NUM> or the second support <NUM>. For example, as illustrated in <FIG>, the second sound channel <NUM> may include a portion in which a groove <NUM>-<NUM> is concavely formed in the second support <NUM>. With reference to <FIG>, the speaker module <NUM> disposed in the first direction with respect to the camera module <NUM> and the second sound outlet <NUM> disposed in the second direction with respect to the camera module <NUM> may be connected by the second sound channel <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG>, the second sound outlet <NUM> connected to the second sound channel <NUM> may be connected to the sound hole <NUM> by a second connection part <NUM> formed in the housing <NUM>. A sound output from the speaker module <NUM> may be output to the outside of the electronic device <NUM> via the second sound channel <NUM>-the second sound outlet <NUM>-the second connection part <NUM>-the sound hole <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the second sound channel <NUM> or the sound passage connected to the second sound channel <NUM> may include a passage P2 extended in parallel with respect to a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction. Further, the second sound channel <NUM> or the sound passage connected to the second sound channel <NUM> may be formed to be extended in various directions.

In an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may include a second sealing member <NUM>. The second sealing member <NUM> may be disposed on a sound passage connected to the second sound channel <NUM> or the second sound channel <NUM> so as to prevent foreign materials from the outside of the electronic device <NUM> from being introduced into the electronic device <NUM> through the second sound channel <NUM>. For example, as illustrated in <FIG>, the second sealing member <NUM> may be disposed between the second connection part <NUM> and the second sound outlet <NUM>. The second sealing member <NUM> may include an adhesive member so as to be fixed to another device object, and include a mesh structure capable of transmitting a sound but blocking foreign materials.

In the electronic device <NUM> according to various embodiments disclosed in this document, a sound output from the speaker module <NUM> may be transmitted to the sound hole <NUM> through the first sound channel <NUM> and the second sound channel <NUM> and be emitted to the outside through the sound hole <NUM>. As described above, the first sound channel <NUM> may be a sound channel connected to the first sound outlet <NUM> disposed in the first direction with respect to the camera module <NUM>, and the second sound channel <NUM> may be a sound channel connected to the second sound outlet <NUM> disposed in a second direction with respect to the camera module <NUM>. The first sound outlet <NUM> positioned in the first direction with respect to the camera module <NUM> may be positioned in a portion adjacent to the speaker module <NUM> disposed in the first direction with respect to the camera module <NUM>, and the second sound outlet <NUM> positioned in the second direction with respect to the camera module <NUM> may be positioned at a portion relatively far from the speaker module <NUM>. Both the first sound outlet <NUM> and the second sound outlet <NUM> may be connected to the sound hole <NUM>. The sound output from the speaker module <NUM> through the first sound channel <NUM> and the second sound channel <NUM> may be transferred to the first sound outlet <NUM> and the second sound outlet <NUM>, respectively. The first sound outlet <NUM> may be positioned in a portion of the sound hole <NUM> adjacent to the speaker module <NUM>, and the second sound outlet <NUM> may be positioned in a portion of the sound hole <NUM> relatively far from the speaker module <NUM>. By separately constituting the second sound channel <NUM> for transmitting the sound of the speaker module <NUM> to the second sound outlet <NUM> connected to the sound hole <NUM> relatively far from the speaker module <NUM>, a sound output imbalance problem according to a relative distance between the speaker module <NUM> and the sound hole <NUM> may be reduced.

<FIG> is an exploded perspective view illustrating a portion of an electronic device according to another embodiment disclosed in this document. <FIG> is a cross-sectional view illustrating a portion of a second sound channel included in the electronic device illustrated in <FIG>.

In the following description, the same reference numerals are used for the same components as or similar components to the components described in the previous description, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

With reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, a second sound channel <NUM> may be formed by a cover bracket <NUM> for closing an opening <NUM>-<NUM> formed in the first support <NUM> and the first support <NUM>. The cover bracket <NUM> may be made of, for example, a metal material. The airtight member <NUM> for coupling the cover bracket <NUM> to the first support <NUM> and sealing between the cover bracket <NUM> and the first support <NUM> may be disposed between the cover bracket <NUM> and the first support <NUM>.

In various embodiments, because the cover bracket <NUM> is made of a metal material, it may be easy to produce the cover bracket <NUM> in a thin thickness. When the second sound channel <NUM> is formed by closing the opening <NUM>-<NUM> of the first support <NUM> through the cover bracket <NUM>, the thickness of the cover bracket <NUM> may be produced thin; thus, an entire thickness of the electronic device <NUM> can be reduced.

<FIG> is a perspective view illustrating a portion of an electronic device according to various embodiments disclosed in this document. <FIG> is a schematic diagram illustrating a sound channel of an electronic device according to various embodiments disclosed in this document.

Hereinafter, a sound channel structure according to the relative positional relationship between an interface <NUM> (e.g., the interface <NUM> of <FIG>) and a speaker module <NUM> of the electronic device will be described.

In an embodiment, the interface <NUM> may mean a component for connecting the electronic device and an external electronic device. The interface <NUM> may be, for example, a universal serial bus (USB). The interface <NUM> may support a USB C-type connection. The connector hole <NUM> (e.g., the connection terminal <NUM> of <FIG>, the connector hole <NUM> of <FIG>) formed in the housing <NUM> of the electronic device may be a portion for receiving a connector (e.g., USB connector). The connector may be electrically connected to the interface <NUM>. The connector hole <NUM> may be formed in the housing <NUM> at a position aligned with the center of the housing <NUM> in a width direction (e.g., the X-axis direction of <FIG>).

In an embodiment, the sound hole <NUM> may be formed in the housing <NUM> at a symmetrical position with respect to the interface <NUM>. For example, as illustrated in <FIG>, the sound hole <NUM> may include a first sound hole 207A formed in the housing <NUM> in a first direction (e.g., +X axis direction of <FIG>) with respect to the connector hole <NUM> and a second sound hole 207B formed in the housing <NUM> in a second direction (e.g., -X axis direction of <FIG>) opposite to the first direction with respect to the connector hole <NUM>. A distance between the first sound hole 207A and the connector hole <NUM> may be the same as a distance between the second sound hole 207B and the connector hole. Further, the sound hole (e.g., +X axis direction of <FIG>) may include a slit-shaped hole (e.g., the sound hole <NUM> of <FIG>) provided between the display module <NUM> and the housing <NUM>, as described above with reference to <FIG>.

With reference to <FIG>, the speaker module <NUM> may be disposed in a first direction with respect to the interface <NUM>. A sound output from the speaker module <NUM> may be transferred to the sound hole <NUM> through a first sound channel <NUM> and a second sound channel <NUM>. The first sound channel <NUM> may connect the first sound hole 207A and the speaker module <NUM>. The second sound channel <NUM> may connect the second sound hole 207B and the speaker module <NUM>. In an embodiment, at least a portion of the second sound channel <NUM> connected to the second sound hole 207B may pass through a portion adjacent to the interface <NUM>.

The speaker module <NUM> disposed in the first direction with respect to the interface <NUM> may be relatively closer to the first sound hole 207A than the second sound hole 207B. In various embodiments disclosed in this document, because the first sound channel <NUM> connected to the first sound hole 207A and the second sound channel <NUM> connected to the second sound hole 207B are independently constituted, an output difference between sounds emitted through the first sound hole 207A and the second sound hole 207B may be small.

The sound channel structure of <FIG> and <FIG> may be similar to the sound channel structure described with reference to <FIG>. For example, the sound channel structure illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG> may be understood by replacing the camera module <NUM> described with reference to <FIG> with the interface <NUM> of <FIG>. For example, the sound channel structure illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG> may be formed by the first support <NUM> and the second support <NUM>. The first support <NUM> may include an interface support for supporting the interface <NUM> and a speaker support 412A for supporting the speaker module <NUM>. The second sound channel <NUM> may include a space provided between the interface support and the second support <NUM>. Further, the first sound channel <NUM> may be connected to the first sound outlet <NUM> positioned in the first direction with respect to the interface <NUM>, and the second sound channel <NUM> may be connected to a second sound outlet <NUM> positioned in a second direction with respect to the interface <NUM>. The first sound outlet <NUM> may be connected to the first sound hole 207A through the first connection part <NUM>, and the second sound outlet <NUM> may be connected to the second sound hole 207B through the second connection part <NUM>. Further, a detailed structure of the sound channel of <FIG> and <FIG> may be understood through the sound channel structure described with reference to <FIG>.

Claim 1:
An electronic device (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>), comprising:
a camera module (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>);
a speaker module (<NUM>) disposed in a first direction with respect to the camera module (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>);
a first support (<NUM>) comprising a speaker support (412A) configured to support the speaker module (<NUM>) and a camera support (412B) configured to support the camera module (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>);
a second support (<NUM>) having at least a portion coupled to the first support (<NUM>);
a sound hole (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) connected to the outside of the electronic device (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>);
a first sound outlet (<NUM>) positioned in the first direction with respect to the camera module (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) and connected to the sound hole (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>);
a second sound outlet (<NUM>) positioned in a second direction opposite to the first direction with respect to the camera module (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) and connected to the sound hole (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>);
a first sound channel (<NUM>, <NUM>) configured to connect the speaker module (<NUM>) and the first sound outlet (<NUM>); and
a second sound channel (<NUM>, <NUM>) configured to connect the speaker module (<NUM>) and the second sound outlet (<NUM>),
wherein the second sound channel (<NUM>, <NUM>) comprises a space provided between the camera support (412B) of the first support (<NUM>) and the second support (<NUM>).