Patent Description:
With the growth of related technologies, a great variety of electronic devices such as mobile electronic devices has been developed and popularized. Recently, such electronic devices have tended to have a touch-sensitive display with a large-sized screen for wide visibility and convenient manipulation. Also, the electronic devices may each have at least one camera module. Typically, such a camera module is disposed around or through the display in the electronic device.

It has been found desirable to design the electronic device is to increase the area of the display as much as possible in the limited size of the electronic device while considering the arrangement of the camera module. Normally, the electronic device includes a display seen to the outside through at least a part of a front cover (also referred to as a front plate, a cover member, or glass window). The size of the display is gradually being increased so that the display is exposed through substantially the entire area of the front cover. In response to this trend of increasing size of a display area, the arrangement of various electronic components, e.g., at least one camera module, disposed through the front cover also needs to be changed accordingly. That is, it is becoming harder to dispose the camera in a black matrix (BM) area (or an inactive area) of the front cover, because the BM area is becoming smaller, if not eliminated.

One option is to dispose the camera in the display area. For the purposes of increasing the display area and smooth arrangement of the electronic components, the display and the front cover may have an opening (e.g., a punch hole or a perforated hole) and a camera-exposed portion, respectively, formed at a position corresponding to the camera module. Through the opening and the camera-exposed portion, the camera module may receive light from the outside and perform a camera function. An example of this known solution is disclosed in <CIT>. However, the appearance of an opening in the display area is unappealing to the user, and it is, therefore, advantageous to design the opening to be as small as possible.

Generally, the size of the camera-exposed portion may be determined depending on the outer diameter of a barrel of the camera module. The barrel is a component of the camera module for accommodating and supporting a plurality of lenses. The barrel may be, however, confronted with limitations in reducing the overall outer diameter because of restrictions on the structural design for supporting the lens. This may cause a difficulty in reducing the size of the camera-exposed portion formed in the front cover. In addition, when the camera-exposed portion of the front cover is spaced apart from the lens of the camera module, a phenomenon may arise whereby light is reflected by a component on the side of the camera lens. This is unfavorable because the reflected light may be visually recognized from the outside.

Certain embodiments of the disclosure may provide an electronic device including a camera module.

Certain embodiments of the disclosure may provide an electronic device that includes a camera module configured to have a reduced camera-exposed portion without reducing a view angle.

Certain embodiments of the disclosure may provide an electronic device that includes a camera module having a relatively small camera-exposed portion that can contribute to an increase in size of a display area.

According to the invention as defined in independent claim <NUM>, an electronic device comprises a housing; a display disposed in an inner space of the housing and visible from an outside of the housing, the display further comprising: a display panel having a first opening, and at least one additional layer stacked under the display panel and having a second opening corresponding to and larger than the first opening; and a camera module disposed in the inner space under the at least one additional layer, and facing the second opening, the camera module further comprising: a lens housing,a plurality of lenses disposed in and supported by the lens housing, the plurality of lenses comprising a first lens closest to the display panel, and at least one image sensor aligned with the plurality of lenses, wherein the first lens is disposed to at least partially protrude from an upper surface of the lens housing and into the second opening;wherein the diameter of the first opening is smaller than the diameter of the first lens, and the diameter of the second opening is larger than the diameter of the first lens.

Further advantageous features are defined in dependent claims <NUM> to <NUM>.

According to certain embodiments of the disclosure, the first lens of the camera module disposed closest to the display is disposed to be protruded from the lens housing toward the display, and a structure for guiding the angle of view of the first lens is implemented through the stepped structure of the openings formed in the display. It is therefore possible to reduce the size of the opening formed in the display and the size of the camera-exposed portion formed in the cover member.

The above and other aspects, features, and advantages of certain embodiments of the disclosure will be more apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

The following description with reference to the accompanying drawings is provided to assist in a comprehensive understanding of certain embodiments of the disclosure as defined by the claims and their equivalents. Accordingly, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that various changes and modifications of the certain embodiments described herein can be made without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

The terms and words used in the following description and claims are not limited to the bibliographical meanings, but are merely used to enable a clear and consistent understanding of the disclosure. Accordingly, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the following description of certain embodiments of the disclosure is provided for illustration purpose only and not for the purpose of limiting the disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

<FIG>, discussed below, and the certain embodiments used to describe the principles of the disclosure in this patent document are by way of illustration only and should not be construed in any way to limit the scope of the disclosure. Those skilled in the art will understand that the principles of the disclosure may be implemented in any suitably arranged system or device.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the disclosure are described in detail with reference to accompanying drawings.

<FIG> describe the exterior of an electronic device where certain embodiments of the disclosure can be practiced. <FIG> describes the interior of the electronic device. <FIG> describe an arrangement relationship between the display and the camera module in the electronic device.

<FIG> discloses a display <NUM> which includes, among other things, a display panel <NUM>, and a polarizing layer POL <NUM>, as well as one or more additional layers <NUM>, <NUM>. The display panel <NUM> and POL have through-holes <NUM> and <NUM>, respectively having a first size. The through-holes are disposed at a location corresponding to the location of the camera module. The additional layers <NUM>, <NUM>, have through-holes <NUM>, <NUM> that are larger than the first size that also correspond to the location of the camera module.

<FIG> discloses a cross-sectional view. The camera module <NUM> includes an image sensor <NUM>, and a plurality of lenses <NUM> disposed in a lens housing <NUM>. Lens <NUM> that is closest to the display panel <NUM> at least partially coincides or protrudes from the lens housing.

<FIG> illustrates a perspective view showing a front surface of a mobile electronic device according to an embodiment of the disclosure, and <FIG> illustrates a perspective view showing a rear surface of the mobile electronic device shown in <FIG> according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, a mobile electronic device <NUM> may include a housing <NUM> that includes a first surface (or front surface) 110A, a second surface (or rear surface) 110B, and a lateral surface 110C that surrounds a space between the first surface 110A and the second surface 110B. The housing <NUM> may refer to a structure that forms a part of the first surface 110A, the second surface 110B, and the lateral surface 110C. The first surface 110A may be formed of a front plate <NUM> (e.g., a glass plate or polymer plate coated with a variety of coating layers) at least a part of which is substantially transparent. The second surface 110B may be formed of a rear plate <NUM> which is substantially opaque. The rear plate <NUM> may be formed of, for example, coated or colored glass, ceramic, polymer, metal (e.g., aluminum, stainless steel (STS), or magnesium), or any combination thereof. The lateral surface 110C may be formed of a lateral bezel structure (or "lateral member") <NUM> which is combined with the front plate <NUM> and the rear plate <NUM> and includes a metal and/or polymer. The rear plate <NUM> and the lateral bezel structure <NUM> may be integrally formed and may be of the same material (e.g., a metallic material such as aluminum).

The front plate <NUM> may include two first regions 110D disposed at long edges thereof, respectively, and bent and extended seamlessly from the first surface 110A toward the rear plate <NUM>. Similarly, the rear plate <NUM> may include two second regions 110E disposed at long edges thereof, respectively, and bent and extended seamlessly from the second surface 110B toward the front plate <NUM>. The front plate <NUM> (or the rear plate <NUM>) may include only one of the first regions 110D (or of the second regions 110E). The first regions 110D or the second regions 110E may be omitted in part. When viewed from a lateral side of the mobile electronic device <NUM>, the lateral bezel structure <NUM> may have a first thickness (or width) on a lateral side where the first region 110D or the second region 110E is not included, and may have a second thickness, being less than the first thickness, on another lateral side where the first region 110D or the second region 110E is included.

The mobile electronic device <NUM> may include at least one of a display <NUM>, audio modules <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM>, sensor modules <NUM> and <NUM>, camera modules <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM>, a key input device <NUM>, a light emitting device, and connector holes <NUM> and <NUM>. The mobile electronic device <NUM> may omit at least one (e.g., the key input device <NUM> or the light emitting device) of the above components, or may further include other components.

The display <NUM> may be exposed through a substantial portion of the front plate <NUM>, for example. At least a part of the display <NUM> may be exposed through the front plate <NUM> that forms the first surface 110A and the first region 110D of the lateral surface 110C. Outlines (i.e., edges and corners) of the display <NUM> may have substantially the same form as those of the front plate <NUM>. The spacing between the outline of the display <NUM> and the outline of the front plate <NUM> may be substantially unchanged in order to enlarge the exposed area of the display <NUM>.

A recess or opening may be formed in a portion of a display area of the display <NUM> to accommodate at least one of the audio module <NUM>, the sensor module <NUM>, the camera module <NUM>, and the light emitting device. At least one of the audio module <NUM>, the sensor module <NUM>, the camera module <NUM>, a fingerprint sensor (not shown), and the light emitting element may be disposed on the back of the display area of the display <NUM>. The display <NUM> may be combined with, or adjacent to, a touch sensing circuit, a pressure sensor capable of measuring the touch strength (pressure), and/or a digitizer for detecting a stylus pen. At least a part of the sensor modules <NUM> and <NUM> and/or at least a part of the key input device <NUM> may be disposed in the first region 110D and/or the second region 110E.

The audio modules <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> may correspond to a microphone hole <NUM> and speaker holes <NUM> and <NUM>, respectively. The microphone hole <NUM> may contain a microphone disposed therein for acquiring external sounds and, in a case, contain a plurality of microphones to sense a sound direction. The speaker holes <NUM> and <NUM> may be classified into an external speaker hole <NUM> and a call receiver hole <NUM>. The microphone hole <NUM> and the speaker holes <NUM> and <NUM> may be implemented as a single hole, or a speaker (e.g., a piezo speaker) may be provided without the speaker holes <NUM> and <NUM>.

The sensor modules <NUM> and <NUM> may generate electrical signals or data corresponding to an internal operating state of the mobile electronic device <NUM> or to an external environmental condition. The sensor modules <NUM> and <NUM> may include a first sensor module <NUM> (e.g., a proximity sensor) and/or a second sensor module (e.g., a fingerprint sensor) disposed on the first surface 110A of the housing <NUM>, and/or a third sensor module <NUM> (e.g., a heart rate monitor (HRM) sensor) and/or a fourth sensor module (e.g., a fingerprint sensor) disposed on the second surface 110B of the housing <NUM>. The fingerprint sensor may be disposed on the second surface 110B as well as the first surface 110A (e.g., the display <NUM>) of the housing <NUM>. The electronic device <NUM> may further include at least one of a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, an air 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.

The camera modules <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> may include a first camera device <NUM> disposed on the first surface 110A of the electronic device <NUM>, and a second camera device <NUM> and/or a flash <NUM> disposed on the second surface 110B. The camera module <NUM> or 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. Two or more lenses (infrared cameras, wide angle and telephoto lenses) and image sensors may be disposed on one side of the electronic device <NUM>.

The key input device <NUM> may be disposed on the lateral surface 110C of the housing <NUM>. The mobile electronic device <NUM> may not include some or all of the key input device <NUM> described above, and the key input device <NUM> which is not included may be implemented in another form such as a soft key on the display <NUM>. The key input device <NUM> may include the sensor module disposed on the second surface 110B of the housing <NUM>.

The light emitting device may be disposed on the first surface 110A of the housing <NUM>. For example, the light emitting device may provide status information of the electronic device <NUM> in an optical form. The light emitting device may provide a light source associated with the operation of the camera module <NUM>. The light emitting device may include, for example, a light emitting diode (LED), an IR LED, or a xenon lamp.

The connector holes <NUM> and <NUM> may include a first connector hole <NUM> adapted for a connector (e.g., a universal serial bus (USB) connector) for transmitting and receiving power and/or data to and from an external electronic device, and/or a second connector hole <NUM> adapted for a connector (e.g., an earphone jack) for transmitting and receiving an audio signal to and from an external electronic device.

Some sensor modules <NUM> of camera modules <NUM> and <NUM>, some sensor modules <NUM> of sensor modules <NUM> and <NUM>, or an indicator may be arranged to be exposed through a display <NUM>. For example, the camera module <NUM>, the sensor module <NUM>, or the indicator may be arranged in the internal space of an electronic device <NUM> so as to be brought into contact with an external environment through an opening of the display <NUM>, which is perforated up to a front plate <NUM>. In another embodiment, some sensor modules <NUM> may be arranged to perform their functions without being visually exposed through the front plate <NUM> in the internal space of the electronic device. For example, in this case, an area of the display <NUM> facing the sensor module may not require a perforated opening.

As can be seen in <FIG>, the display <NUM> consumes almost the entirety of the first surface 110A. Therefore, the camera module <NUM> is disposed in the display area. The camera module receives light from the outside through an opening that is disposed at a position corresponding to the camera. However, if the opening is large, it noticeably interrupts the display and is unpleasant to the viewer. At the same time, the size of the hole generally depends on the outer diameter of a barrel of the camera module. In certain embodiments of the disclosure, the size of the opening is a size that is acceptably small to not unacceptably interrupt the display, while allowing a high level of functionality for the camera module <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates an exploded perspective view showing a mobile electronic device shown in <FIG> according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, a mobile electronic device <NUM> may include a lateral bezel structure <NUM>, a first support member <NUM> (e.g., a bracket), a front plate <NUM>, a display <NUM>, an electromagnetic induction panel (not shown), a printed circuit board (PCB) <NUM>, a battery <NUM>, a second support member <NUM> (e.g., a rear case), an antenna <NUM>, and a rear plate <NUM>. The mobile electronic device <NUM> may omit at least one (e.g., the first support member <NUM> or the second support member <NUM>) of the above components or may further include another component. Some components of the electronic device <NUM> may be the same as or similar to those of the mobile electronic device <NUM> shown in <FIG>, thus, descriptions thereof are omitted below.

The first support member <NUM> is disposed inside the mobile electronic device <NUM> and may be connected to, or integrated with, the lateral bezel structure <NUM>. The first support member <NUM> may be formed of, for example, a metallic material and/or a non-metal (e.g., polymer) material. The first support member <NUM> may be combined with the display <NUM> at one side thereof and also combined with the printed circuit board (PCB) <NUM> at the other side thereof. On the PCB <NUM>, a processor, a memory, and/or an interface may be mounted. The processor may include, for example, one or more of a central processing unit (CPU), an application processor (AP), a graphics processing unit (GPU), an image signal processor (ISP), a sensor hub processor, or a communications processor (CP).

The memory may include, for example, one or more of a volatile memory and a nonvolatile memory.

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

The battery <NUM> is a device for supplying power to at least one component of the mobile electronic device <NUM>, and may include, for example, a non-rechargeable primary battery, a rechargeable secondary battery, or a fuel cell. At least a part of the battery <NUM> may be disposed on substantially the same plane as the PCB <NUM>. The battery <NUM> may be integrally disposed within the mobile electronic device <NUM>, and may be detachably disposed from the mobile electronic device <NUM>.

The first support member <NUM> of the lateral member <NUM> may include a first surface <NUM> and a second surface <NUM>. The first surface <NUM> faces the front plate <NUM>, and the second surface <NUM> faces the rear plate <NUM> and is opposite to the first surface <NUM>. A camera module <NUM> (e.g., the camera module <NUM> in <FIG>) may be disposed between the first support member <NUM> and the rear plate <NUM>.

The camera module <NUM> may protrude or be exposed toward the front plate <NUM> through a through-hole <NUM>. The through-hole <NUM> is formed from the first surface <NUM> to the second surface <NUM> of the first support member <NUM>. A portion of the camera module <NUM> that protrudes through the through-hole <NUM> may be disposed to be close to a rear surface of the front plate <NUM> through at least one opening (e.g., a first opening OP1 and a second opening OP2 in <FIG>). The at least one opening is formed at a corresponding position of the display <NUM>.

In another embodiment where the camera module <NUM> can be disposed between the display <NUM> and the first support member <NUM>. In the foregoing, the through-hole <NUM> may be unnecessary. According to an embodiment, the camera module <NUM> may be disposed at least in part within both the through-hole <NUM> of the first support member <NUM> and the at least one opening OP1 and OP2 of the display <NUM>. The camera-exposed portion <NUM> formed at a corresponding position of the front plate <NUM> can detect an external environment. According to an embodiment, the camera-exposed portion <NUM> may include a transparent region substantially facing an effective area of a lens (e.g., a first lens <NUM> in <FIG>) of the camera module <NUM>, and a printed region (e.g., a printed region <NUM> in <FIG>) having a predetermined width and surrounding the transparent region.

Hereinafter, an arrangement relationship between the display <NUM> and the camera module <NUM> in the electronic device <NUM> will be described in detail.

<FIG> is an exploded perspective view illustrating a display <NUM> according to certain embodiments of the disclosure. The display <NUM> comprises a display panel <NUM>, a polarizer <NUM>, and at least one additional layer <NUM> which can include polymer members <NUM>, <NUM>, a functional member <NUM>, and a conductive member <NUM>, among other layers. The display panel <NUM> and polarizer <NUM> include openings <NUM> and <NUM> of a first size, respectively that correspond to the position of the camera module <NUM>. Layers <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> can include openings <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> of a second size larger than the first size that correspond to the position of the camera module <NUM>.

The display <NUM> shown in <FIG> may be similar, at least in part, to the display <NUM> shown in <FIG>, or may include other embodiments of the display.

Referring to <FIG>, the display <NUM> may include a display panel <NUM> and a polarizer (POL) <NUM> (e.g., a polarizing film) disposed through an adhesive member on a rear surface of the front cover <NUM> (also referred to as a front plate, a glass plate, or a cover member), and at least one additional layer <NUM> attached to a rear surface of the display panel <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the adhesive member may include an optical clear adhesive (OCA), a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA), a heat-reactive adhesive, a normal adhesive, or a double-sided tape.

The front cover <NUM> may have the camera-exposed portion <NUM> disposed at a position corresponding to a camera module (e.g., the camera module <NUM> in <FIG>). In certain embodiments, the camera-exposed portion <NUM> may be disposed in a black matrix (BM) area, e.g., a printed region <NUM> in <FIG>, that surrounds the camera-exposed portion <NUM>. In other embodiments, the size or shape of the printed region <NUM> may be determined depending on the angle of view of the camera module <NUM>. In another embodiment, the front cover <NUM> may have only the camera-exposed portion <NUM> without the printed region.

According to certain embodiments, the display panel <NUM> and the POL <NUM> may be integrally formed. The display <NUM> may include a control circuit (not shown). The control circuit may include a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) for electrically connecting a main board (e.g., the PCB <NUM> in <FIG>) of an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM> in <FIG>) and the display panel <NUM>, and a display driver IC (DDI) mounted on the FPCB. According to an embodiment, the display <NUM> may further include a touch panel <NUM>. In an embodiment where the display <NUM> operates as a touch display of an in-cell or on-cell type (depending on the arrangement position of the touch panel <NUM>), the control circuit may include a touch display driver IC (TDDI). In another embodiment, the display <NUM> may also include a fingerprint sensor (not shown) disposed near the control circuit. According to an embodiment, the fingerprint sensor may include an ultrasonic or optical fingerprint sensor capable of recognizing, through a hole formed at least partially in some of components of the display <NUM>, a fingerprint of a finger that is in contact with or close to the outer surface of the front cover <NUM>.

According to certain embodiments, the at least one additional layer <NUM> may include one or more polymer members <NUM> and <NUM> disposed on the rear surface of the display panel <NUM>, at least one functional member <NUM> disposed on the rear surface of the polymer members <NUM> and <NUM>, and a conductive member <NUM> disposed on the rear surface of the at least one functional member <NUM>. The one or more polymer members <NUM> and <NUM> may include an embossing layer <NUM> for removing air bubbles that may occur between the display panel <NUM> and underlying layers, and/or a cushion layer <NUM> for relieving a shock. The at least one functional member <NUM> may include, for example, a graphite sheet for heat dissipation, an added display, a force-touch FPCB, a fingerprint sensor FPCB, a communication antenna radiator, a heat dissipation sheet, a conductive/non-conductive tape, and/or an open cell sponge. The conductive member <NUM> may be a metal plate used for reinforcing the rigidity of an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM> in <FIG>), shielding ambient noise, and dissipating heat released from surrounding components. In an embodiment, the conductive member <NUM> may include copper (Cu), aluminum (Al), stainless steel (SUS), or a clad (i.e., a laminated stack of different kinds of metals such as SUS and Al). In another embodiment, the display <NUM> may further include a detection member <NUM> for detecting an input action by a writing member (e.g., an electronic pen) of an electromagnetic induction type. According to an embodiment, the detection member <NUM> may include a digitizer. According to an embodiment, the detection member <NUM> may be disposed between the lower polymer member <NUM> and the functional member <NUM>. In another embodiment, the detection member <NUM> may be disposed between the display panel <NUM> and the upper polymer member <NUM>.

The front cover <NUM> may have the camera-exposed portion <NUM> that is formed at a position overlapped at least in part with the display panel <NUM> when the front cover <NUM> is viewed from above. The display panel <NUM> may have a first opening <NUM> (e.g., a first opening OP1 in <FIG>) formed at a position overlapped with the camera-exposed portion <NUM> when the front cover <NUM> is viewed from above. The first opening OP1 may include openings <NUM> and <NUM> formed in the POL <NUM> and/or the touch panel <NUM> attached to the display panel <NUM>. The first opening OP1 may also include an opening formed in an adhesive member (e.g., an adhesive member <NUM> in <FIG>) that attaches the POL <NUM> or the touch panel <NUM> to the front cover <NUM>. According to an embodiment, when the front cover <NUM> is viewed from above, the at least one additional layer <NUM> may include at least one second opening <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> (e.g., a second opening OP2 in <FIG>) formed to be overlapped at least in part with the first opening <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the second opening OP2 may be formed larger than the first opening OP1.

The camera module (e.g., the camera module <NUM> in <FIG>) of the electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM> in <FIG>), a front end supporting structure of a lens housing (e.g., a lens housing <NUM> in <FIG>) (e.g., a barrel) for supporting a first lens (e.g., a first lens <NUM> in <FIG>) disposed closest to the display <NUM> includes an arrangement structure (e.g., a stepped structure) of the first and second openings OP1 and OP2 of the display <NUM> to form an angle of view. Therefore, the size of the first opening OP1 formed in the display panel <NUM> may be reduced. As a result, this may help to reduce the camera-exposed portion <NUM> of the front cover <NUM>.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view partially showing the electronic device by being taken along the line A-A' of <FIG>. In addition, <FIG> is an enlarged view showing a region B of <FIG>.

The camera module <NUM> may be supported by second support member <NUM> disposed on the rear cover <NUM>. The camera module <NUM> may include an image sensor <NUM> at the bottom, generally proximate the second support member <NUM>. The image sensor <NUM> is configured to generate an electronic image corresponding to a view through an opening op1 in the display panel <NUM> and POL <NUM> from the vantage point of the image sensor <NUM>.

The camera module <NUM> includes a plurality of lenses <NUM> in a lens housing <NUM>. The plurality of lenses <NUM> includes at first lens <NUM> which is closest to the opening op1. The first lens <NUM> protrudes from the lens housing <NUM>, such that at least a part of the flat portion of the first lens <NUM> is closer to the opening op1 than the top surface <NUM> of the lens housing <NUM>.

The diameter of the lens housing <NUM> and the plurality of lenses <NUM> is larger than the diameter of the opening op1 in the display panel <NUM>. However, at least one additional layer <NUM> disposed below the display panel <NUM> has a second opening op2 that is larger than the opening in the display panel <NUM>. One of the lenses <NUM> can protrude into the second opening op2.

Referring to <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> may include the front cover <NUM> (also referred to as a cover member, a front plate, a front window, or a first plate) facing a first direction (denoted by ①), the rear cover <NUM> (also referred to as a rear cover member, a rear plate, a rear window, or a second plate) facing a direction opposite to the front cover <NUM>, and the lateral member <NUM> surrounding an inner space <NUM> between the front cover <NUM> and the rear cover <NUM>. The electronic device <NUM> may further include a first waterproof member <NUM> disposed between the additional layer <NUM> of the display <NUM> and the lateral member <NUM>. The electronic device <NUM> may include a second waterproof member <NUM> disposed between the lateral member <NUM> and the rear cover <NUM>. The first waterproof member <NUM> and the second waterproof member <NUM> may prevent foreign matter or moisture from entering the inner space <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM>. In another embodiment, such a waterproof member may be disposed on at least a portion of a mounting support structure between the camera module <NUM> and the lateral member <NUM>. The lateral member <NUM> may further include the first support member <NUM> extended at least in part into the inner space <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM>. The first support member <NUM> may be formed by a structural coupling with the lateral member <NUM>. The first support member <NUM> may support the camera module <NUM> to be disposed near both the first opening OP1 of the display panel <NUM> and the second opening OP2 of the additional layer <NUM>.

The camera module <NUM> may include a camera housing <NUM>, a lens housing <NUM>, a plurality of lenses <NUM> (i.e., <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>), and at least one image sensor <NUM>. The camera housing <NUM> may be formed to have an inner space <NUM>. The lens housing <NUM> may be formed to have an inner space <NUM>, disposed in the inner space <NUM> of the camera housing <NUM>, and protruding at least partially in a display direction (denoted by ①). The plurality of lenses <NUM> may be disposed at regular intervals in the inner space <NUM> of the lens housing <NUM>. The at least one image sensor <NUM> may be disposed in the inner space <NUM> of the camera housing <NUM> to be aligned with the plurality of lenses <NUM>. When the camera module <NUM> has an auto focus (AF) function, the lens housing <NUM> may move in the camera housing <NUM> through a certain driver so that a distance from the display panel <NUM> is variable. In one embodiment, the camera module <NUM> may not have the camera housing <NUM>, and the lens housing <NUM> may be directly disposed on the first support member <NUM> through an alignment process.

According to certain embodiments, the camera module <NUM> may be aligned with the second opening OP2 of the display <NUM> through a through-hole <NUM> of the first support member <NUM> and then attached to the rear surface of the first support member <NUM> through an adhesive member <NUM> (e.g., a bonding member or a tape member).

According to certain embodiments, the display <NUM> may include a touch panel (e.g., the touch panel <NUM> in <FIG>), the POL <NUM>, the display panel <NUM>, the embossing layer <NUM>, a cushion layer (e.g., the cushion layer <NUM> in <FIG>), a digitizer (e.g., the digitizer <NUM> in <FIG>), a functional member (e.g., the functional member <NUM> in <FIG>), and/or a conductive member (e.g., the conductive member <NUM> in <FIG>). According to certain embodiments, the camera module <NUM> may be supported by the second support member <NUM> (e.g., a rear case).

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> may include the adhesive member <NUM>, the POL <NUM>, the display panel <NUM>, and the additional layer <NUM>, which are sequentially disposed between the lateral member <NUM> and the rear surface of the front cover <NUM>. According to an embodiment, when the front cover <NUM> is viewed from above, the POL <NUM> may have an opening (e.g., the opening <NUM> in <FIG>) to improve the optical transmittance of the camera module <NUM>, and this opening may be formed as the first opening OP1 together with the opening of the display panel <NUM>. In another embodiment, the overlying adhesive member <NUM> may also have an at least partially removed portion corresponding to the first opening OP1. When the front cover <NUM> is viewed from above, the additional layer <NUM> may have the second opening OP2 formed in a region overlapping with the plurality of lenses <NUM>. The first opening OP1 and the second opening OP2 may be formed to have the same, substantially the same center, or a deviation within <NUM>% of the diameter of op2 (i.e., centers on a common axis or substantially common axis) and different sizes. According to an embodiment, the first opening OP1 may be formed smaller than the second opening OP2. According to an embodiment, the first opening OP1 and the second opening OP2 may be formed in concentric circles having the same, or substantially the same center, or centers with a deviation of less than <NUM>% of the diameter of op1, and different sizes. The camera module <NUM> may be disposed such that the centers of the plurality of lenses <NUM> coincide, substantially coincide, or coincide within a deviation of <NUM>% of op2, with the centers of the first and second openings OP1 and OP2. the display <NUM> may have a resultant opening of a stepped structure through the connection of the first and second openings OP1 and OP2, which have different sizes and are formed in the display panel <NUM> (including the POL <NUM>) and the additional layer <NUM>, respectively.

According to certain embodiments, the openings OP1 and OP2 of the display <NUM> may be formed through a laser cutting process. According to an embodiment, inner surfaces of the openings OP1 and OP2 and/or the printed region <NUM> may be formed through an alignment process and completed through a cleaning process. The display <NUM> having the openings OP1 and OP2 may be first attached to the first support member <NUM> of the lateral member <NUM>. The camera module <NUM> may be aligned with the openings OP1 and OP2 exposed through the through-hole <NUM> of the first support member <NUM> and then attached to the rear surface of the first support member <NUM> through the adhesive member <NUM>.

According to certain embodiments, the camera module <NUM> may include the first lens <NUM> disposed through the lens housing <NUM> and located closest to the display panel <NUM> among the plurality of lenses <NUM>. The first lens <NUM> may be disposed, at least in part, within or nearby the second opening OP2. The first lens <NUM> may be disposed to coincide with an upper surface <NUM> of the lens housing <NUM> or protrude at least partially from the upper surface <NUM>. It is noted that a flat portion of lens <NUM> is unobstructed in the upward direction by the lens housing <NUM>. The stepped structure of the first and second openings OP1 and OP2 of the display <NUM> supports the first lens <NUM> as the lens housing <NUM> terminates at upper surface <NUM> to induce the angle of view. Therefore, the size of the first opening OP1 formed in the display panel <NUM> may be reduced, which may help to reduce the camera-exposed portion <NUM> of the front cover <NUM>.

<FIG> are cross-sectional views showing a light absorbing structure disposed in openings OP1 and OP2 of a display <NUM> according to certain embodiments of the disclosure. The printed region <NUM> is disposed around OP1 to prevent reflection.

In describing <FIG>, the same reference numerals are used to refer to the same elements as those shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, and redundant description may be omitted.

According to certain embodiments, in the electronic device <NUM>, the first lens <NUM> is spaced apart from the front cover <NUM>, and a structure inducing the angle of view of the first lens <NUM> is formed through the stepped structure of the openings OP1 and OP2, which have different diameters and are formed in the display <NUM>. This may cause a problem that light reflected from the side of the first lens <NUM> and/or from the top of the lens housing <NUM> is visually recognized from the outside through a camera-exposed portion (e.g., the camera-exposed portion <NUM> in <FIG>). Accordingly, the electronic device <NUM> may need to have an anti-reflective structure that manages the reflectance of the camera module <NUM> disposed through the camera-exposed portion <NUM> and the openings OP1 and OP2 of the display <NUM> to a particular value or less (e.g., <NUM>% or less).

Referring to <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> may include the display <NUM> disposed on the rear surface of the front cover <NUM> and having the openings OP1 and OP2, and the camera module <NUM> disposed in the inner space of the electronic device <NUM> to face the openings OP1 and OP2. According to an embodiment, the openings OP1 and OP2 may include the first opening OP1 formed through the display panel <NUM> and/or the POL <NUM>, and the second opening OP2 formed through the at least one additional layer <NUM>. The second opening OP2 may be overlapped with the first opening OP1, have the same center as the first opening OP1, and be larger than the first opening OP1. According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may include a light absorbing structure, also referred to as an overlay, disposed on the inner surface of the first opening OP1 of the display <NUM> to absorb light received from the outside. According to an embodiment, the light absorbing structure may include an anti-reflection (AR) coating layer <NUM> disposed on the inner surface of the first opening OP1. In another embodiment, the AR coating layer <NUM> may be extended from the first opening OP1 to the inner surface of the second opening OP2.

Referring to <FIG>, the light absorbing structure may include a black resin layer <NUM> coated on the inner surface of the first opening OP1. The black resin layer <NUM> may be extended from the printed region <NUM> formed on the rear surface of the front cover <NUM> to the inner surface of the second opening OP2 through the inner surface of the first opening OP1.

Referring to <FIG>, the light absorbing structure may include both the AR coating layer <NUM> and the black resin layer <NUM> formed together on the inner surfaces of the openings OP1 and OP2. According to an embodiment, after the black resin layer <NUM> is formed from the inner surface of the first opening OP1 to the inner surface of the second opening OP2, the AR coating layer <NUM> may be further formed thereon.

Referring to <FIG>, the light absorbing structure may include a light absorbing material <NUM> filled in the first opening OP1 formed at least in the display panel <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the light absorbing material <NUM> may be filled in the first opening OP1 formed up to the POL <NUM> and the adhesive member <NUM>, both of which are attached to the display panel <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the light absorbing material <NUM> may be filled to be in contact with the rear surface of the front cover <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the light absorbing material <NUM> may be a material having substantially the same dielectric constant and/or transmittance as the front cover <NUM>.

<FIG> is a plan view showing a display assembly in which a camera module <NUM> is disposed on a rear surface of a display <NUM> according to certain embodiments of the disclosure. <FIG> is a cross-sectional view partially showing the display <NUM> by being taken along the line C-C' of <FIG>.

The display <NUM> shown in <FIG> and <FIG> may be similar, at least in part, to the display <NUM> shown in <FIG> or the display <NUM> shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, or may include other embodiments of the display.

According to certain embodiments, the camera module <NUM> may be disposed to be attached to or combined with, while being also aligned with, the rear surface of the display <NUM>. That is, the camera module <NUM> is provided in the form of a display assembly in which the camera module <NUM> is aligned on the rear surface of the display <NUM>. Therefore, an alignment process of the camera module <NUM> through the openings OP1 and OP2 may not be required after the display <NUM> is mounted in the inner space of the electronic device <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the display <NUM> may include a flat portion <NUM>, a bendable portion <NUM> folded from the flat portion <NUM> to the rear surface of the display <NUM>, and a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) <NUM> electrically connected to the bendable portion <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the display <NUM> may include a control circuit <NUM> mounted on the bendable portion <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the control circuit <NUM> may include a display driver IC (DDI) or a touch display driver IC (TDDI) mounted on the bendable portion <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the DDI or TDDI may be mounted on the bendable portion <NUM> in a chip-on-panel (COP) structure. According to an embodiment, at least a part of the FPCB <NUM> and the bendable portion <NUM> may be folded to the rear surface of the display <NUM> and attached to the additional layer <NUM> through bonding or taping. According to an embodiment, the display <NUM> may include a plurality of elements <NUM> disposed on the FPCB <NUM>, and an electronic connector <NUM> drawn from the FPCB <NUM> and electrically connected to a printed circuit board (e.g., the PCB <NUM> in <FIG>) of an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM> in <FIG>). According to an embodiment, the plurality of elements <NUM> may include a touch IC, a flash memory for display, an ESD protection diode, and/or a decoupling capacitor.

According to certain embodiments, the display <NUM> may contain the camera module <NUM> disposed at least in part under the additional layer <NUM> (e.g., a conductive member) thereof. According to an embodiment, the camera module <NUM> may be disposed at a position corresponding to the openings OP1 and OP2 formed in the display panel <NUM> and the additional layer <NUM>. According to an embodiment, when the display <NUM> is disposed using the lateral member <NUM>, the camera module <NUM> may be disposed to be further supported by at least a portion (e.g., the first support member <NUM>) of the lateral member <NUM> between the lateral member <NUM> and the display <NUM>.

According to certain embodiments, the electronic device <NUM> may include an alignment structure in which the plurality of lenses <NUM> of the camera module <NUM> are aligned with the openings OP1 and OP2 of the display <NUM> on the rear surface of the display <NUM>. For example, the camera module <NUM> may include at least one alignment protrusion <NUM> protruded from the lens housing <NUM>, and the additional layer <NUM> of the display <NUM> may include at least one alignment groove <NUM> for accommodating the at least one alignment protrusion <NUM>. In this case, only engaging the alignment protrusion <NUM> of the lens housing <NUM> of the camera module <NUM> with the alignment groove <NUM> of the additional layer <NUM> of the display <NUM> can accomplish the alignment between the plurality of lenses <NUM> and the openings OP1 and OP2.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view partially showing a camera module <NUM> disposed on a rear surface of a display <NUM> according to certain embodiments of the disclosure.

In describing <FIG>, the same reference numerals are used to refer to the same elements as those (e.g., the AR coating layer <NUM> and the black resin layer <NUM>) of the display shown in <FIG>, and redundant description may be omitted.

Referring to <FIG>, the camera module <NUM> does not have the above-described camera housing (<NUM> in <FIG>) and includes the lens housing <NUM> for supporting at least one lens <NUM> and <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the camera module <NUM> may be disposed in a manner that the lens housing <NUM> is aligned with the opening OP2 of the display <NUM> through the through-hole (e.g., the through-hole <NUM> in <FIG> and <FIG>) of the first support member <NUM> and then attached to the rear surface of the display <NUM> through an attachment process using bonding <NUM> or taping.

According to certain embodiments, a material used for the bonding <NUM> or taping may include at least one of an epoxy resin, a rubber resin, a silicone resin, an acrylic resin, a thermosetting resin, a thermoplastic resin, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), or polyethylene terephthalate (PET).

According to certain embodiments, the diameter of the first opening OP1 formed in the display <NUM> may be smaller than the diameter of the first lens <NUM> disposed closest to the display <NUM>. In addition, the diameter of the second opening OP2 formed in the display <NUM> may be larger than the diameter of the first lens <NUM> disposed closest to the display <NUM>.

According to certain embodiments, the camera module <NUM> may be electrically connected to the PCB (e.g., the PCB <NUM> in <FIG>) and also disposed on the camera alignment structure (e.g., the second support member <NUM> in <FIG>).

According to certain embodiments, the camera module <NUM> may be mounted on the PCB (e.g., the PCB <NUM> in <FIG>) and also aligned with the second opening OP2 formed in the display <NUM>.

According to certain embodiments of the disclosure, an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM> in <FIG>) may include a housing (e.g., the housing <NUM> in <FIG>), a display (e.g., the display <NUM> in <FIG>), and a camera module (e.g., the camera module <NUM> in <FIG>). The housing may have an inner space. The display may be disposed in the inner space of the housing to be visible from an outside, and may include a display panel (e.g., the display panel <NUM> in <FIG>) having a first opening (e.g., the first opening OP1 in <FIG>), and at least one additional layer (e.g., the additional layer <NUM> in <FIG>) stacked under the display panel and having a second opening (e.g., the second opening OP2 in <FIG>) corresponding to the first opening and formed to be larger than the first opening. The camera module may be disposed in the inner space to face the second opening, and may include a lens housing (e.g., the lens housing <NUM> in <FIG>), a plurality of lenses (e.g., the lenses <NUM> in <FIG>) disposed in and supported by the lens housing, and at least one image sensor (e.g., the image sensor <NUM> in <FIG>) aligned with the plurality of lenses. In the electronic device, a first lens (e.g., the first lens <NUM> in <FIG>) closest to the display panel among the plurality of lenses may be disposed to coincide with an upper surface (e.g., the upper surface <NUM> in <FIG>) of the lens housing or to be protruded at least in part from the upper surface of the lens housing.

According to certain embodiments, the camera module may be disposed such that centers of the plurality of lenses are aligned with centers of the first and second openings.

According to certain embodiments, the electronic device may further include a light absorbing structure disposed on an inner surface of the first opening or from the inner surface of the first opening to an inner surface of the second opening.

According to certain embodiments, the light absorbing structure may include an anti-reflection coating layer (e.g., the AR coating layer <NUM> in <FIG>) disposed on the inner surface of the first opening.

According to certain embodiments, the light absorbing structure may include a black resin layer (e.g., the black resin layer <NUM> in <FIG>) coated on the inner surfaces of the first and second openings.

According to certain embodiments, the light absorbing structure may include a black resin layer coated on the inner surfaces of the first and second openings, and an anti-reflection coating layer disposed on the black resin layer at least in the first opening.

According to certain embodiments, the electronic device may further include a front cover (e.g., the front cover <NUM> in <FIG>) surrounding at least in part the inner space of the housing, and the display may be disposed to be stacked on a rear surface of the front cover.

According to certain embodiments, the housing may further include a support member (e.g., the first support member <NUM> in <FIG>) extended at least in part into the inner space and having a first surface (e.g., the first surface <NUM> in <FIG>) facing the front cover and a second surface (e.g., the second surface <NUM> in <FIG>) facing opposite to the first surface, and the camera module may be supported by the support member.

According to certain embodiments, the support member may have a through-hole (e.g., the through-hole <NUM> in <FIG>) formed at a position corresponding to the second opening, and the camera module may be disposed on the second surface of the support member such that the plurality of lenses face the second opening through the through-hole.

According to certain embodiments, the camera module may be aligned with and attached to the second surface of the support member by bonding or taping.

According to certain embodiments, the camera module may be disposed such that the lens housing is supported by the first surface of the support member between the display and the support member.

According to certain embodiments, the display may further include a polarizer (POL, e.g., the POL <NUM> in <FIG>) stacked on the display panel and having an opening substantially same as the first opening, and a touch panel (e.g., the touch panel <NUM> in <FIG>) disposed on the POL or between the POL and the display panel.

According to certain embodiments, the additional layer may include at least one polymer member (e.g., the polymer members <NUM> and <NUM> in <FIG>) stacked under the display panel, at least one functional member (e.g., the functional member <NUM> in <FIG>) stacked under the at least one polymer member, and a conductive member (e.g., the conductive member <NUM> in <FIG>) stacked under the at least one functional member.

According to certain embodiments, the camera module may be disposed such that the lens housing is fixed to the additional layer of the display and the plurality of lenses face the second opening.

According to certain embodiments, the electronic device may further include an alignment structure including at least one alignment protrusion (e.g., the alignment protrusion <NUM> in <FIG>) formed on the lens housing and at least one alignment groove (e.g., the alignment groove <NUM> in <FIG>) formed in the additional layer, and the camera module may be aligned with the first and second openings through an engagement structure in which the alignment protrusion is inserted into the alignment groove.

According to certain embodiments, the camera module may further include a camera housing (e.g., the camera housing <NUM> in <FIG>) disposed in the inner space and accommodating at least a portion of the lens housing, and the lens housing may be movable through a driving mechanism disposed in the camera housing such that a distance from the display panel is variable.

According to certain embodiments of the disclosure, an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM> in <FIG>) may include a housing (e.g., the housing <NUM> in <FIG>), a display (e.g., the display <NUM> in <FIG>), and a camera module (e.g., the camera module <NUM> in <FIG>). The housing may include a support member (e.g., the first support member <NUM> in <FIG>) extended into an inner space thereof. The display may be disposed in the inner space to be visible from an outside, and may include a display panel (e.g., the display panel <NUM> in <FIG>) having a first opening (e.g., the first opening OP1 in <FIG>), and at least one additional layer (e.g., the additional layer <NUM> in <FIG>) stacked under the display panel and having a second opening (e.g., the second opening OP2 in <FIG>) corresponding to the first opening and formed to be larger than the first opening. The camera module may be disposed in the inner space to face the second opening while being supported by at least a portion of the support member, and may include a lens housing (e.g., the lens housing <NUM> in <FIG>), a plurality of lenses (e.g., the lenses <NUM> in <FIG>) disposed in and supported by the lens housing, and at least one image sensor (e.g., the image sensor <NUM> in <FIG>) aligned with the plurality of lenses. In the electronic device, a first lens (e.g., the first lens <NUM> in <FIG>) closest to the display panel among the plurality of lenses may be disposed to coincide with an upper surface (e.g., the upper surface <NUM> in <FIG>) of the lens housing or to be protruded at least in part from the upper surface of the lens housing.

According to certain embodiments, the camera module may be aligned with the second opening and attached to the support member through an adhesive member (e.g., the adhesive member <NUM> in <FIG>).

According to certain embodiments of the disclosure, an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM> in <FIG>) may include a housing (e.g., the housing <NUM> in <FIG>), a display (e.g., the display <NUM> in <FIG>), and a camera module (e.g., the camera module <NUM> in <FIG>). The housing may have an inner space. The display may be disposed in the inner space of the housing to be visible from an outside, and may include a display panel (e.g., the display panel <NUM> in <FIG>) having a first opening (e.g., the first opening OP1 in <FIG>), and at least one additional layer (e.g., the additional layer <NUM> in <FIG>) stacked under the display panel and having a second opening (e.g., the second opening OP2 in <FIG>) corresponding to the first opening and formed to be larger than the first opening. The camera module may be disposed in the inner space to face the second opening, and may include a lens housing (e.g., the lens housing <NUM> in <FIG>), a plurality of lenses (e.g., the lenses <NUM> in <FIG>) disposed in and supported by the lens housing, and at least one image sensor (e.g., the image sensor <NUM> in <FIG>) aligned with the plurality of lenses. The electronic device may further include a light absorbing structure disposed on an inner surface of the first opening or from the inner surface of the first opening to an inner surface of the second opening.

According to certain embodiments, the light absorbing structure may include a black resin layer (e.g., the black resin layer <NUM> in <FIG>) coated on the inner surfaces of the first and second openings, and an anti-reflection coating layer (e.g., the AR coating layer <NUM> in <FIG>) disposed on the black resin layer at least in the first opening.

Claim 1:
An electronic device (<NUM>) comprising:
a housing (<NUM>);
a display (<NUM>) disposed in an inner space of the housing (<NUM>) and visible from an outside of the housing (<NUM>), the display (<NUM>) further comprising:
a display panel (<NUM>) having a first opening (OP1), and
at least one additional layer (<NUM>) stacked under the display panel (<NUM>) and having a second opening (OP2) corresponding to and larger than the first opening (OP1); and
a camera module (<NUM>) disposed in the inner space under the at least one additional layer (<NUM>), and facing the second opening (OP2), the camera module (<NUM>) further comprising:
a lens housing (<NUM>),
a plurality of lenses (<NUM>) disposed in and supported by the lens housing (<NUM>), the plurality of lenses (<NUM>) comprising a first lens (<NUM>) closest to the display panel (<NUM>), and
at least one image sensor (<NUM>) aligned with the plurality of lenses (<NUM>),
wherein the first lens (<NUM>) is disposed to at least partially protrude from an upper surface of the lens housing and into the second opening (OP2);
wherein the diameter of the first opening (OP1) is smaller than the diameter of the first lens (<NUM>), and the diameter of the second opening (OP2) is larger than the diameter of the first lens (<NUM>).