Patent ID: 12261970

In the description with reference to the drawings, identical or similar reference symbols may be used for identical or similar elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Hereinafter, various example embodiments of the disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, this does not limit the present disclosure to specific embodiments, but it should be understood that the present disclosure covers all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives according to various example embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG.1is a front perspective view of an electronic device according to various embodiments.FIG.2is a rear perspective view of the electronic device ofFIG.1according to various embodiments.

Referring toFIGS.1and2, an electronic device100according to an embodiment includes a housing110having a first surface (or front surface)110A, a second surface (or rear surface)110B, and a side surface110C surrounding a space between the first surface110A and the second surface110B.

In an embodiment (not shown), the housing110may refer to a structure forming some of the first surface110A, the second surface110B, and the side surface110C ofFIG.1.

According to an embodiment, at least a portion of the first surface110A may be formed by a substantially transparent front plate102(e.g., a glass plate including various coating layers, or a polymer plate). The second surface110B may be formed by a substantially opaque rear plate111. The rear plate111may be made of, for example, applied or colored glass, ceramic, a polymer, metal (e.g., aluminum, stainless steel (STS), or magnesium), or a combination of at least two of the above materials. The side surface110C may be coupled to the front plate102and the rear plate111and may be formed by a side bezel structure (or “side member”)118including a metal and/or a polymer.

In various embodiments, the rear plate111and the side bezel structure118may be integrated with each other and include the same material (e.g., a metal material such as aluminum).

In the illustrated embodiment, the front plate102may include two first areas110D, which are curved toward the rear plate111from the first surface110A and extend seamlessly, on both ends of each of long edges of the front plate102.

In the illustrated embodiment (seeFIG.2), the rear plate111includes two second areas110E, which are curved toward the front plate102from the second surface110B and extend seamlessly, on both ends of each of long edges.

In various embodiments, the front plate102(or the rear plate111) may include only one of the first areas110D (or the second areas110E). In an embodiment, the front plate102(or the rear plate111) may not include a portion of the first areas110D (or the second areas110E).

In various embodiments, when viewed from a side of the electronic device100, the side bezel structure118may have a first thickness (or a width) at a side (e.g., a short side) that belongs to the first areas110D or the second areas110E as described above and a second thickness less than the first thickness at a side (e.g., a long side) that is included in the first areas110D or the second areas110E.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device100includes at least one or more of a display101, audio modules103,107, and114, sensor modules104,116, and119, camera modules105,112, and113, and a key input device117, a light emitting element106, and connector holes108and109. In various embodiments, in the electronic device100, at least one (e.g., the key input device117, the sensor module104, or the light emitting element106) of the components may be omitted, or other components may be added.

The display101may be visible, for example, through a corresponding portion of the front plate102. In various embodiments, at least a portion of the display101may be visible through the front plate102including the first surface110A and the first areas110D of the side surface110C.

In various embodiments, an edge of the display101may have substantially the same shape as an adjacent outer shape of the front plate102. In an embodiment (not shown), in order to expand the area to which the display101is exposed, a distance between an outer portion of the display101and an outer portion of the front plate102may be substantially uniform.

In an embodiment, a surface of the housing110(or the front plate102) may include a screen display area formed as the display101is visually exposed (e.g., visible). For example, the screen display area may include the first surface110A and the first areas110D of the side surface.

In the illustrated example embodiment, the screen display areas110A and110D may include a sensing area110F configured to acquire biometric information of a user. For example, it may be understood as that “the screen display areas110A and110D include the sensing area110F” may refer, for example, to at least a portion of the sensing area110F overlapping the screen display areas110A and110D. For example, the sensing area110F may refer, for example, to an area that is capable of displaying visual information through the display101, like other areas of the screen display areas110A and110D and is capable of additionally acquiring the user's biometric information (e.g., a fingerprint).

In an embodiment, the screen display areas110A and110D of the display101may include an area110G to which the first camera module105(e.g., a punch hole camera) is visually exposed. At least a portion of an edge of an area to which the first camera device105is exposed may be surrounded by the screen display areas110A and110D.

In an embodiment (not shown), a recess or opening is formed in a portion of the screen display areas110A and110D of the display101, and at least one or more of the audio module114, the first sensor module104, and the light emitting element106, which are aligned with the recess or opening, may be disposed on the portion of the screen display areas110A and110D.

In an embodiment (not shown), at least one or more of the audio module114, the sensor modules104,116, and119, and the light emitting element106may be disposed on rear surfaces of the screen display areas110A and110D of the display101.

In an embodiment (not shown), the display101may be coupled to or disposed adjacent to a touch sensing circuit, a pressure sensor that is capable of measuring an intensity (pressure) of touch, and/or a digitizer that detects a magnetic field-type stylus pen.

In various embodiments, at least a portion of the sensor modules104,116, and119and/or at least a portion of the key input device117may be disposed on the side surface110C (e.g., the first areas110D and/or the second areas110E).

The audio modules103,107, and114may include a microphone hole103and speaker holes107and114. A microphone for acquiring external sound may be disposed inside the microphone hole103, and in various embodiments, a plurality of microphones may be disposed inside the microphone hole303in order to sense a direction of the sound. The speaker holes107and114may include an external speaker hole107and a call receiver hole114. In various embodiments, the speaker holes107and114and the microphone hole103may be implemented as a single hole, or a speaker may be provided without the speaker holes107and114(e.g., a piezo speaker).

The sensor modules104,116, and119may generate electrical signals or data values corresponding to an internal operating state of the electronic device100or an external environmental state. For example, the sensor modules104,116, and119may include a first sensor module104(e.g., a proximity sensor) disposed on the first surface110A of the housing110, a second sensor module116(e.g., the TOF camera device) disposed on the second surface110B of the housing110, a third sensor module119(e.g., an HRM sensor) disposed on the second surface110B of the housing110, and/or a fourth sensor module (e.g., a sensor190ofFIG.3) (e.g., fingerprint sensor) coupled to the display101.

In various embodiments, the second sensor module116may include the TOF camera device for measuring a distance.

In various embodiments, at least a portion of the fourth sensor module (e.g., the sensor190ofFIG.3) may be disposed under the screen display areas110A and110D. For example, the fourth sensor module may be disposed in a recess (e.g., a recess139ofFIG.3) formed in the rear surface of the display101. That is, the fourth sensor module (e.g., the sensor190ofFIG.3) is not exposed to the screen display areas110A and110D, and a sensing area110F may be formed on at least a portion of the screen display areas110A and110D.

In various embodiments (not shown), the fingerprint sensor may be disposed on the second surface110B as well as the first surface110A (e.g., the screen display areas110A and110D) of the housing110.

In various embodiments, the electronic device100may further include sensor modules that are not shown, for example, a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, an atmospheric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a grip sensor, a color sensor, an IR (infrared) sensor, a biosensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, an illuminance sensor, etc., but is not limited thereto.

The camera modules105,112, and113may include a first camera device105(e.g., the punch hole camera device) exposed to the first surface110A of the electronic device100and a second camera device112exposed to the second surface110B, and/or a flash113.

In the illustrated embodiment, the first camera device105may be exposed through a portion of the screen display area110D of the first surface110A. For example, the first camera device105may be exposed to a partial area of the screen display area110D through an opening (not shown) defined in a portion of the display101.

In the illustrated embodiment, the second camera device112may include a plurality of camera devices (e.g., a dual camera or a triple camera). However, the second camera device112is not necessarily limited as including the plurality of camera devices and thus may include one camera device.

The camera devices105and112may include one or more lenses, an image sensor, and/or an image signal processor. The flash113may include, for example, a light emitting diode or a xenon lamp. In various embodiments, two or more lenses (the infrared camera, the wide-angle lens, and the telephoto lens) and image sensors may be disposed on one surface of the electronic device100.

The key input device117may be disposed on the side surface110C of the housing110. In an embodiment, the electronic device100may not include some or all of the above-described key input devices117, and the key input device117that is not included may be implemented in a different form on the display101, like a soft key. In various embodiments, the key input device may include a sensor module (e.g., the sensor190ofFIG.3) that forms the sensing area110F included in the screen display areas110A and110D.

The light emitting element106may be disposed, for example, on the first surface110A of the housing110. The light emitting element106may provide, for example, state information of the electronic device100in the form of light. In an embodiment, the light emitting element106may provide, for example, a light source that is interlocked with an operation of the first camera device105. The light emitting element106may include, for example, an LED, an IR LED, and a xenon lamp.

The connector holes108and109may include a first connector hole108that is capable of accommodating a connector (e.g., an USB connector) for transmitting and receiving power and/or data to and from an external electronic device and/or a second connector hole109(e.g., an earphone jack) that is capable of accommodating a connector for transmitting and receiving audio signal to and from the external electronic device.

FIG.3is an exploded perspective view of the electronic device ofFIG.1according to various embodiments.

Referring toFIG.3, the electronic device100may include a side member (e.g., bezel)140, a first support member142(e.g., a bracket), a front plate120, and a display130(e.g., the display101ofFIG.1), a printed circuit board150, a battery152, a second support member160(e.g., a rear case), an antenna170, and a rear plate180. In various embodiments, in the electronic device100, at least one (e.g., the first support member142or the second support member160) of the components may be omitted, or other components may be added. At least one of the components of the electronic device100may be the same as or similar to at least one of the components of the electronic device100ofFIG.1or2, and thus, duplicated descriptions thereof will be omitted below.

The first support member142may be disposed inside the electronic device100in order to be connected to the side member140or may be integrated with the side member140. The first support member142may be made of, for example, a metal material and/or a non-metal (e.g., a polymer) material. The first support member142may have one surface to which the display130is coupled and the other surface to which the printed circuit board150is coupled. A processor, a memory, and/or an interface may be mounted on the printed circuit board150. The processor may include, for example, one or more of a central processing unit, an application processor, a graphic processing unit, an image signal processor, a sensor hub processor, or a communication processor.

The memory may include, for example, a volatile memory or a nonvolatile memory.

The interface may include, for example, a high definition multimedia interface (HDMI), a universal serial bus (USB) interface, an SD card interface, and/or an audio interface. The interface may, for example, electrically or physically connect the electronic device100to the external electronic device and may include a USB connector, an SD card/MMC connector, or an audio connector.

The battery152may be a device for supplying power to at least one component of the electronic device100and may include, for example, a non-rechargeable primary cell, a rechargeable secondary cell, or a fuel cell. At least a portion of the battery152may be disposed, for example, on substantially the same plane as the printed circuit board150. The battery152may be integrally disposed inside the electronic device100or may be disposed to be detachable from the electronic device100.

The antenna170may be disposed between the rear plate180and the battery152. The antenna170may include, for example, a near field communication (NFC) antenna, a wireless charging antenna, and/or a magnetic secure transmission (MST) antenna. The antenna170may perform, for example, short-range communication with the external device or may wirelessly transmit/receive power required for charging. In an embodiment, an antenna structure may be provided by a portion of the side member140and/or the first support member142or a combination thereof.

In the illustrated embodiment, the electronic device100may further include a sensor190coupled to the display130. The sensor190may be disposed in the recess139(e.g., an opening225ofFIG.4) formed in the rear surface of the display130. The sensor190may form a sensing area (e.g., the sensing area110F ofFIG.1) on a portion of the first plate120.

FIG.4is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example display module200of the electronic device100according to various embodiments.FIG.4is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A′ ofFIG.3.

For example, the display module200may include panels or layers210,220, and230(e.g., the display130ofFIG.3) and a sensor240(e.g., the sensor190ofFIG.3). As another example, the display module200may include panels or layers210,220, and230, and the sensor240may be coupled to the display module200.

In the illustrated embodiment, the display module200may include a first panel210including a plurality of pixels213, a cover layer230disposed on a first surface211(e.g., +z-axis direction) of the first panel210, and a second panel220disposed on a second surface212(e.g., −z-axis direction) of the first panel210. For example, the sensor240may be coupled to the first panel210. The first panel210may be disposed between the second panel220and the cover layer230.

In the illustrated embodiment, the first panel210may include the first surface211facing a first direction (e.g., the +z-axis direction) and the second surface212facing a second direction (e.g., the −z-axis direction) that is opposite to the first direction. The first direction may be, for example, a direction toward the front surface of the electronic device100(e.g., a direction toward the first plate120inFIG.3), and the second direction may be, for example, a direction toward the rear surface (e.g., a direction toward the second plate180inFIG.3).

In the illustrated embodiment, the cover layer230may form at least a portion of the first plate (e.g., the first plate120ofFIG.3), or at least a portion of the cover layer230may form a first surface (e.g., the first surface110A ofFIG.1) of a housing (e.g., the housing110ofFIG.1) or a surface of the electronic device100.

In various embodiments, the cover layer230may be formed to be transparent. The cover layer230may include a transparent material. In various embodiments, the cover layer230may be made of various materials. For example, the cover layer230may be made of glass or a polymer (e.g., polymide (PI) or polyethylene terephthalate (PET)).

In various embodiments, a screen display area201may be formed on the cover layer230by the first panel210disposed in the second direction (e.g., the −z-axis direction) of the cover layer230. A sensing area202may be formed on the cover layer230by the sensor240. For example, the sensing area202and the screen display area201may be formed to at least partially overlap each other.

In various embodiments, the sensor240may transmit/receive a signal (e.g., an optical signal or an ultrasonic signal). The signal may pass from the sensor240to the sensing area202to travel toward a portion of a user's body (e.g., a fingerprint of a finger), and the signal reflected by the portion of the user's body may pass again through the sensing area202to travel to the sensor240.

In the illustrated embodiment, the first panel210may include a pixel layer including a plurality of pixels213. The pixel layer may form the screen display area201on the first plate (e.g., the first plate120ofFIG.3) (or the front surface of the electronic device100). In various embodiments, the first panel210may include a touch layer (not shown) including a plurality of touch sensors.

In the illustrated embodiment, the second panel220may include a buffer layer221for supporting the first panel210and a shielding layer222for shielding noise generated from the display module200from other electronic elements (e.g., electronic elements disposed on the printed circuit board). According to an embodiment, the shielding layer222may be a copper sheet (Cu sheet).

In various embodiments, the buffer layer221may include layers for buffering an impact applied to the first panel210. For example, the buffer layer221may include a light blocking layer (e.g., a black layer including an uneven pattern). For example, the light blocking layer may refer to a layer including a layer on which an uneven pattern (e.g., an embossing pattern) is formed and a black layer. The buffer layer221may include a buffer material for absorbing the impact.

In various embodiments, the second panel220may further include a heat dissipation layer223for dissipating heat from the display module200. In various embodiments, the heat dissipation layer223may include a graphite material.

In various embodiments, the display module200may further include a protection film (PF) (not shown). For example, the protection film may be disposed between the first panel210and the second panel220to protect the first panel210. As another example, the protection film may be included in the first panel210.

In the second panel220illustrated inFIG.4, the buffer layer221may be disposed on the first panel210, the shielding layer222may be disposed on the buffer layer221, and the heat dissipation layer223may be disposed on the shielding layer222, but are not limited thereto. For example, the second panel220disclosed in the present disclosure may be stacked in an order that is different from the layers221,222, and223illustrated inFIG.4or may further include an additional layer, or some layers may be omitted.

In the illustrated embodiment, the display module200may include an opening225passing through the second panel220. For example, the opening225may have a shape of a rectangle, a square, a circle, an oval, or the like when the display module200is viewed in the +z-axis direction. As another example, the opening225may have a shape corresponding to a combination of various shapes. According to an embodiment, the opening225may pass through the second panel220when viewed in the second direction (e.g., the −z-axis direction). For example, the second surface212may be directly exposed through the opening225. As another example, the second surface212may be visually exposed through the opening225and the protection film (not shown). As another example, the protection film may be exposed through the opening225. In this case, at least a portion of the sensor240may be disposed inside the opening225. For example, the opening225may have a size larger than that of the sensor240so that an inner wall2252is spaced a specified interval d from a side surface243of at least a portion of the sensor240mounted in the opening225. The shape of the sensor240illustrated in FIG. is merely an example, and embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, only a portion of the sensor240may be mounted in the opening225, and the remaining portion of the sensor240may protrude from the opening225. The size of the remaining portion of the sensor240protruding from the opening225may be larger than that of the opening225.

In the illustrated embodiment, the opening225may include a bottom surface2251and inner walls2252facing each other. The bottom surface2251may include a portion of the second surface212of the first panel210. The inner walls2252may include end surfaces of a plurality of layers (e.g.,221,222, and223) included in the second panel220.

In the illustrated embodiment, the sensor240includes a first surface241disposed to face the first panel210, a second surface242opposite to the first surface241, and side surfaces243formed between the surface241and the second surface242.

In various embodiments, the sensor240may be inserted into the opening225so that the first surface241is attached to the bottom surface2251of the opening225, and the side surface243is spaced the predetermined interval d from the inner wall2252of the opening225.

Hereinafter, the sensor240disclosed in various embodiments of the present disclosure may include an ultrasonic sensor. The ultrasonic sensor may be configured to acquire user's biometric information (e.g., a structure of the fingerprint) using ultrasonic waves having a predetermined frequency. As the frequency of the ultrasonic waves increases, resolution of the ultrasonic sensor may be improved.

In various embodiments, the ultrasonic sensor may transmit ultrasonic waves toward the portion of the user's body, which is adjacent to (e.g., in contact with) the sensing area202(e.g., the sensing area110F ofFIG.1) formed on the cover layer230and may receive the ultrasonic waves reflected by the portion of the user's body to acquire the user's biometric information. For example, the sensor240may be an ultrasonic fingerprint sensor for acquiring user's fingerprint information, and the biometric information may correspond to the user's fingerprint.

FIG.5is a diagram illustrating an example layer structure of the second panel according to various embodiments.

According to various embodiments, as described above with reference toFIG.4, the display module (e.g., the display module200ofFIG.4) may include a first panel (e.g., the first panel210ofFIG.4) including a plurality of light emitting elements and a second panel (e.g., the second panel220ofFIG.4) providing the optical and/or electrical shielding for the first panel. In the following descriptions, the second panel220may include a first layer520and a second layer530.

According to an embodiment, the first layer520may refer, for example, to at least one layer of the second panel220that provides the optical shielding for the first panel210. For example, the first layer520may be a black emboss layer. The first layer520may include an embossing pattern on at least one surface and may prevent and/or reduce light or moisture from being introduced into the first panel210. The first layer520may include an adhesive layer324, a black layer323, and a polymer layer322. For example, the polymer layer322may be made of PI or PET.

For example, the adhesive layer324may be a double-sided adhesive member for allowing the first panel210and the second panel220to adhere to each other. In order to prevent and/or reduce formation of air bubbles, an adhesive material may be applied to a surface of the adhesive layer324facing the first panel210(e.g., a surface in the +z direction) in an uneven shape. The adhesive layer324may be disposed between the first panel210and the black layer323.

For example, the black layer323may be disposed between the adhesive layer324and the polymer layer322. The black layer323may be made of a black material (e.g., ink, etc.) to prevent and/or reduce external light from being introduced into the first panel210through the second panel220.

For example, the polymer layer322may be a layer for maintaining the uneven pattern (e.g., the embossing pattern) of the first layer520. The polymer layer322may be disposed between the black layer323and the second layer530. The uneven pattern of the polymer layer322may prevent and/or reduce bubbles from being generated when the first layer520and the second layer530are attached.

According to an embodiment, the second layer530may be a layer for the electrical shielding and/or the heat dissipation of the display module. For example, the second layer530may include a buffer member321and a rear layer531. The second layer530may be attached to the first layer520and an opposite surface of the surface of the first layer520, on which the first panel210is attached.

For example, the buffer member321may be an impact absorbing member for absorbing an impact. The first layer520and the buffer member321may include at least a portion of the buffer layer221ofFIG.4. For example, the rear layer531may correspond to the shielding layer222and/or the heat dissipation layer223ofFIG.4.

Hereinafter, methods for mounting the sensor may be described based on the first layer520and the second layer530. The configuration of the first layer520and the second layer530illustrated inFIG.5is merely an example, and thus embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, the first layer520may be a layer including at least layers between the light shielding layer (e.g., the black layer323) and the first panel210.

After attaching the first layer520and the second layer530ofFIG.5, an opening may be formed in at least some layers, and when a sensor (e.g., the sensor240ofFIG.4) is attached to the rear surface of the first panel210through the opening, the opening may have a tolerance due to thicknesses of the first layer520and the second layer530. In addition, when a gap between the sensor240and the second layer530is too narrow, electrical characteristics of the sensor240may be affected by the second layer530(e.g., the shielding layer222). Hereinafter, the methods for mounting the sensor240on the rear side of the first panel210may be described in greater detail below with reference toFIGS.6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13and14.

FIG.6is a diagram illustrating example formation of a first opening according to various embodiments.

Referring to reference numerals601and602ofFIG.6, according to an embodiment, a second opening610may be formed in the second layer530. For example, the second opening610may be disposed at a lower end of a center of the second layer530. The second opening610may include an area corresponding to the sensing area (e.g., the sensing area110F ofFIG.1) of the first panel (e.g., the first panel210ofFIG.4). For example, the second opening610may be set to have at least a first offset on at least one surface of a mounting area of a sensor (e.g., the sensor240ofFIG.4). As another example, the opening610may have substantially the same size as the mounting area of the sensor240.

Referring to reference numeral603ofFIG.6, according to an embodiment, the first layer520may be attached to one surface of the second layer530.

FIG.7is a diagram illustrating example formation of a second opening according to various embodiments.

Referring to reference numeral701ofFIG.7, according to an embodiment, after attaching the first layer520and the second layer530, the first opening620may be formed in the first layer520. For example, the first opening620may be smaller than the second opening610. The first opening620may be set to have at least a second offset on four surfaces of the mounting area of the sensor240. The second offset may be less than the first offset of the second opening610. For example, the first opening620may be formed by punching the first layer520through the second opening610.

Referring to reference numeral702ofFIG.7, according to an embodiment, after the first opening620is formed, the first panel210may be attached to the first layer520. The sensor240may be attached to the first panel210through the first opening620.

The method for forming the second opening610and the first opening620described above with reference toFIGS.6and7is merely an example, and thus embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. According to an embodiment, after each of the second opening610and the first opening620is formed, the first layer520and the second layer530may be coupled to each other. For example, after the first layer520and the first panel210are coupled to each other, the second layer530and the first layer520may be coupled to each other. As another example, after the first layer520and the second layer530are coupled to each other, the first layer520and the first panel210may be coupled to each other. According to an embodiment, the second panel220may be coupled to the first panel210in a state in which the sensor240is attached to the first panel210. For example, the first panel210may further include a means (e.g., an air gap or a transparent material) for guiding a gap between the mounting area of the sensor240and the first opening620.

FIG.8is a diagram illustrating an example sensor mounting structure801according to various embodiments.

InFIG.8, a structure in which the sensor240is mounted according toFIGS.6and7is illustrated. The sensor240may be indicated by a dotted line. For example, the sensor240may include a sensor part810and a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB)820. The sensor part810may be attached to the first panel210through adhesive points831,832,833, and834. The adhesive points831,832,833, and834may be cured when infrared rays are irradiated to fix the sensor240to the first panel210. Thereafter, the sensor240may be attached to the first panel210using an adhesive material (not shown) and a pressing process.

Considering the adhesive points831,832,833, and834and a punching tolerance, the first opening620may have an offset (e.g., a second offset) on at least a portion of the four surfaces of the mounting area (e.g., the sensor part810) of the sensor240. The second opening610may have offsets (e.g., d1and d2) on the four surfaces of the first opening620. For example, the offset d1may be about 0.3 mm. For example, the offset d2may be about 0.3 mm. The above-described values of the offsets d1and d2are merely an example, and thus embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. As described above with reference toFIGS.6and7, since the first opening620is formed through the second opening610, only the first layer520may be formed through punching. For example, compared to the punching of the first layer520and the second layer530at the same time, relatively accurate punching may be performed.

According to an embodiment, the second opening610may be formed to further include an offset on a slope of the first opening620. For example, the second opening610further includes a third offset (e.g., about 0.3 mm) with respect to three surfaces of the first opening620and a fourth offset with respect to the remaining one surface of the first opening620. The fourth offset may be greater than the third offset. As illustrated inFIG.8, the second opening610may further extend to one side (e.g., the −x-axis direction) when compared to the first opening620. For example, the first opening620may be formed in the first layer520within the second opening610, be aligned with a center of a short axis (e.g., y-axis) of the second opening610, and be aligned to be biased in the first direction from a center of a long axis (e.g., x-axis) of the second opening610. For example, the first direction may be a direction (e.g., +x direction) opposite to a direction in which the FPCB820extends from the sensor part810(e.g., −x direction). The numerical values of the above-described offsets are merely an example, and thus embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, at least some of the values of the offsets described above may be different from those of the remaining offsets.

Since the second opening610is larger than the first opening620, a stepped portion on the x-axis that affects the FPCB820may be formed in stages. On the other hand, when the first layer520and the second layer530are punched together to form the second opening610, the stepped portion corresponding to the thickness of the first layer520and the second layer530may be applied to the FPCB820. In this case, the FPCB820may be bent due to the stepped portion. Thus, the stepped portion may be formed in stages to prevent and/or reduce the FPCB820from being bent.

The first opening620that is relatively smaller than the second opening610may be formed in the first layer520to reduce the gap between the mounting area (e.g., sensor part810) of the sensor240and the first opening620. Since the first layer520has a light shielding function, an introduction of external light through the first opening620may be reduced. Due to the reduction of the gap, external visibility of the sensor240may be reduced.

FIG.9is a diagram illustrating example formation of the first opening according to various embodiments.

An example in which the first opening620is formed in the second opening610has been described with reference toFIGS.6and7, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, as will be described in greater detail below with reference toFIGS.9and10, after the second opening910is formed, the second layer530and the first layer520are punched together to form the first opening920. In this case, at least a portion of the first opening920and the second opening910may not overlap each other.

Referring to reference numerals901and902ofFIG.9, according to an embodiment, the second opening910may be formed in the second layer530. For example, the second opening910may be set to have an offset on one surface of the mounting area of the sensor (e.g., the sensor240ofFIG.4). For example, the second opening910may be an area on which the FPCB of the sensor is to be mounted (e.g., an offset area formed on one surface of the sensor mounting area).

Referring to reference numeral903ofFIG.9, according to an embodiment, after the second opening910is formed, the first layer520may be attached to one surface of the second layer530.

FIG.10is a diagram illustrating example formation of the second opening according to various embodiments.

Referring to reference numeral1001ofFIG.10, according to an embodiment, after attaching the first layer520and the second layer530, the first opening920may be formed in the first layer520and the second layer530.

According to an embodiment, the first opening920may be larger than the second opening910. For example, a long axis of the first opening920may be longer than that of the second opening910. For example, a short axis of the first opening920may be longer than that of the second opening910. For example, the long axis of the first opening920may be longer than that of the second opening910, and the short axis of the first opening920may be longer than that of the second opening910.

According to an embodiment, the first opening920may be formed to overlap a portion of the second opening910. For example, the remaining area of the second opening910, which does not overlap the first opening920, may form a shielding area by the first layer520. For example, the first opening920may be formed by punching a partial area of the first layer520corresponding to a portion of the second opening910and areas of the first layer520and the second layer530, which are continuous to a portion of the second opening910.

Referring to reference numeral1002ofFIG.10, according to an embodiment, after the first opening920is formed, the first panel210may be attached to the first layer520. The sensor240may be attached to the first panel210through the first opening920.

The shapes of the second opening910and the first opening920described above with reference toFIG.10are merely an example, and thus embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, the second opening may have a square, oval, or circular shape.

FIG.11is a diagram illustrating an example sensor mounting structure according to various embodiments.

InFIG.11, a structure in which the sensor240is mounted according toFIGS.9and10is illustrated. The sensor240may be indicated by a dotted line. For example, the sensor240may include a sensor part810and a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB)820. The sensor part810may be attached to the first panel210through adhesive points831,832,833, and834. The adhesive points831,832,833, and834may be cured when infrared rays are irradiated to fix the sensor240to the first panel210. Thereafter, the sensor240may be attached to the first panel210using an adhesive material (not shown) and a pressing process.

Considering the adhesive points831,832,833, and834and the punching tolerance, the first opening920may have offsets (e.g., offsets d1and d2as illustrated inFIG.8) on the four surfaces of the mounting area (e.g., the sensor part810) of the sensor240. For example, each of the offsets d1and d2may be about 0.7 mm.

According to an embodiment, the first layer520exposed through the first opening920may have a thick thickness on an x-y plane when compared to the FPCB820. For example, the offset d3of the first opening920with respect to one side of the FPCB820may be about 0.7 mm.

Since the second opening910is formed to protrude from the first opening920in the extending direction of the FPCB820, a stepped portion on the x-axis that affects FPCB820may be formed in stages. The stepped portion may be formed in stages to prevent and/or reduce the FPCB820from being bent. The FPCB820may be prevented and/or reduced from being bent, and thus, the offset of the first opening920with respect to the surface of the mounting area (e.g., the sensor part810) of the sensor in the extension direction of the FPCB820may be reduced. Accordingly, a gap between the mounting area of the sensor240and the first opening920may be reduced. Since the first layer520has a light shielding function, an introduction of external light through the first opening920may be reduced. Due to the reduction of the gap, external visibility of the sensor240may be reduced.

Since the second opening910is formed to protrude from the first opening920in the extending direction of the FPCB820, an interference of the second layer530with the FPCB820may be reduced. For example, an electrical influence on the FPCB820by the conductive layer (e.g., the shielding layer222(e.g., the shielding layer222ofFIG.4) (e.g., the copper sheet) of the second layer530may be reduced.

InFIG.11, the first opening920is illustrated as protruding from the short axis of the second opening910, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, the second opening910may protrude from the long axis of the first opening920to extend. For example, the second opening910may extend in the +Y direction or the −Y direction from the long axis of the first opening920.

FIG.12is a diagram, illustrating example additional structures of a shielding member according to various embodiments.

Referring toFIG.12, according to an embodiment, a shielding member1210(e.g., a black tape) that is capable of covering at least a portion of the opening225(e.g., an opening area corresponding to a common area of the first opening (reference numeral610ofFIG.6or reference numeral910ofFIG.9) and the second opening (reference numeral620ofFIG.6or reference numeral920ofFIG.9) may be added.

For example, as illustrated by reference numeral1201, the shielding member1210may be attached to the second layer530to cover the opening225after the sensor240is mounted.

For example, as illustrated by reference numeral1202, the shielding member1210may be larger than at least the opening225. When the shielding member1210is used to block external light, the opening225may be formed by punching the first layer520and the second layer530at once. The shape of the opening225ofFIG.12is merely an example, and thus embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, the shielding member1210may be applied in the same principle to the above-described types of openings described above with reference toFIGS.6to11.

For example, as illustrated by reference numeral1203, the shielding member1210may be larger than at least the opening225(e.g., the first opening620ofFIG.7). For example, the shielding member1210may cover at least a portion of the second opening610ofFIG.6. As another example, the shielding member1210may extend to cover the entire second opening610. As another example, the shielding member1210may be formed to cover only the opening225. In this case, the shielding member1210may be larger than the opening225and smaller than the second opening610.

For example, as illustrated by reference numeral1204, the shielding member1210may be larger than at least the opening225(e.g., the first opening920ofFIG.10). For example, the shielding member1210may cover at least a portion of the second opening910ofFIG.10. As another example, the shielding member1210may extend to cover the entire second opening910.

For example, as illustrated by reference numeral1205, the shielding member1210may be larger than at least the opening225(e.g., the first opening620ofFIG.7). For example, the shielding member1210may be larger than the opening620ofFIG.7and smaller than the second opening610.

The shape of the shielding member1210illustrated inFIG.12is merely an example, and embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, the shielding member1210may have a loop shape formed to shield a gap between the opening250and the sensor240. As another example, the shielding member1210may be formed to shield only a portion of the opening250.

FIG.13is a diagram illustrating an example adhesive material pattern according to various embodiments.

As illustrated by reference numeral1301, according to an embodiment, an adhesive material1310may be used to shield external light. For example, one opening225may be formed after the first layer520and the second layer530adhere to each other. In this case, the adhesive material1310for attaching the sensor (e.g., the sensor240ofFIG.4) to the first panel210through the opening225may be applied in a designated pattern. For example, the adhesive material1310may be a non-permeable adhesive material (e.g., black resin). The adhesive material1310may be applied over the entire opening225to prevent and/or reduce external light from being transmitted.

FIG.14is a flowchart illustrating an example sensor mounting method1400according to various embodiments.

According to various embodiments, the sensor mounting method1400may include an operation (e.g., operation1405) of forming a first opening (e.g., the first opening620ofFIG.6or the first opening920ofFIG.9) in a second layer (e.g., the second layer530ofFIG.5). For example, the first opening may be formed by punching the second layer in a designated shape.

According to various embodiments, the sensor mounting method1400may include an operation (e.g., operation1410) of attaching the first layer (e.g., the first layer520ofFIG.5) to the second layer.

According to various embodiments, the sensor mounting method1400may include an operation (e.g., operation1415) of forming a second opening (e.g., the second opening610ofFIG.7or the second opening910ofFIG.10). For example, the second opening (e.g., the second opening610ofFIG.7) may be formed by punching the first layer in a designated shape through the first opening. As another example, the second opening (e.g., the second opening910ofFIG.10) may be formed by punching the first layer and the second layer in a designated shape.

According to various embodiments, the sensor mounting method1400may include an operation (e.g., operation1420) of attaching a third layer (e.g., the first panel210ofFIG.4) on the first layer. For example, the third layer may be attached to a second surface of the first layer that is opposite to the first surface of the first layer to which the first layer and the second layer adhere.

According to various embodiments, the sensor mounting method1400may include an operation (e.g., operation1425) of attaching a sensor (e.g., the sensor240ofFIG.4) on the third layer through the second opening. For example, the operation of attaching the sensor may include an operation of applying a thermosetting resin to at least a portion within the second opening, an operation of attaching a sensor240to the thermosetting resin, an operation of injecting an ultraviolet curable adhesive into a corner of a second part (e.g., the sensor part810ofFIG.8) of the sensor240, an operation of irradiating ultraviolet rays to cure the adhesive, an operation loading a display, to which the sensor240is attached, to allow the chamber to increase in pressure so as to remove bubbles of the thermosetting resin, and an operation of unloading the display from the chamber to thermally cure the thermosetting resin.

According to an embodiment, the sensor mounting method1400may further include an operation of allowing a non-transmissive adhesive member (e.g., the shielding member1210ofFIG.12) to adhere to the second layer530so as to cover the first opening.

The sensor mounting method1400described above with reference toFIG.14is merely an example, and thus embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, the operation1415may be performed before the operation1410. As another example, the attachment of the sensor (e.g., operation1425) may be performed before the attachment of the third layer (e.g., operation1420).

FIG.15is a diagram illustrating an example shape of an opening according to various embodiments.

InFIG.15, the first layer520and the second layer530may include openings formed through the process of reference numerals901,902, and903ofFIG.9, and reference numeral1001ofFIG.10. Referring to reference numeral1500, the first layer520may include a third opening1510formed in the process of forming the second opening (e.g., the first opening920ofFIG.10). The second layer530may include a fourth opening1520formed in the process of forming the first opening (e.g., the first opening920ofFIG.10) and the first opening (e.g., the second opening ofFIG.10).

Referring to reference numeral1501, the second layer530may include the fourth opening1520. For example, the fourth opening1520may include a long axis having a length L1and a short axis having a length S1. The fourth opening1520may include a protrusion1525extending to one side of the fourth opening1520. For example, the protrusion1525may extend in a direction in which the FPCB of the sensor extends from the sensor when the sensor (e.g., the sensor240ofFIG.4) is mounted. For example, the protrusion may have a length L3and a height S2. A remaining area (an area having the length L2and the height S1) of the fourth opening1520excluding the protrusion1525may be larger than the mounting area of the sensor (e.g., the sensor part810ofFIG.8).

For example, the second layer530may include a layer (e.g., a copper sheet) that provides electrical shielding. The protrusion1525may reduce electrical interference and physical interference of the sensor with respect to the FPCB when the sensor is mounted.

Referring to reference numeral1502, the first layer520may include a third opening1510. For example, the third opening1510may include a long axis having a length L2and a short axis having a length S1. Since the third opening1510does not include the protrusion1525, after the first layer520and the second layer530are attached, a portion of the first layer520may be exposed through the protrusion1525of the second layer530. The third opening1510may correspond to an area on which the sensor is attached to the display panel (e.g., the first panel210ofFIG.4).

According to various example embodiments, the electronic device (e.g., the electronic device100ofFIG.1) may include a housing (e.g., the housing110ofFIG.1), a display module (e.g., the display101ofFIG.1), and a sensor (e.g., the sensor240ofFIG.4). The display module may include a first panel (e.g., the first panel210ofFIG.4) including a first surface, a second surface opposite to the first surface, and a plurality of pixels disposed between the first surface and the second surface, a cover layer (e.g., the cover layer230ofFIG.4) disposed on the first surface of the first panel, and a second panel (e.g., the second panel220ofFIG.4) disposed on the second surface of the first panel. A sensor may be coupled to the second surface of the first panel. For example, the sensor may form a sensing area (e.g., the sensing area110F ofFIG.1) on one surface of the housing. The display module may include an opening (e.g., the opening225ofFIG.4) passing through the second panel and in which at least a portion of the sensor is disposed. The second panel may include a first layer (e.g., the first layer520ofFIG.5) coupled to the first panel on one surface thereof and a second layer (e.g., the second layer530ofFIG.5) coupled to the first layer on an opposite surface of one surface of the first layer. The opening may correspond to an area on which the first opening (e.g., the third opening1510ofFIG.15) formed in the first layer and the second opening (e.g., the fourth opening1520ofFIG.15) formed in the second layer overlap each other. The sensor may include a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) (e.g., the FPCB820ofFIG.8) extending in the first direction from the mounting area of the sensor. The second opening may include an area corresponding to the first opening and a protrusion (e.g., the protrusion1525ofFIG.15) extending from the area corresponding to the first opening in the first direction.

According to an example embodiment, the second layer may include a conductive layer providing electrical shielding, and the first layer may include a layer providing optical shielding.

According to an example embodiment, the first layer may include at least one of an adhesive layer (e.g., adhesive layer324inFIG.5) for allowing the first layer to adhere to the first panel, a black layer (e.g., the black layer323ofFIG.5) providing the optical shielding, or a polymer layer (e.g., the polymer layer322ofFIG.5) including an embossing pattern.

According to an example embodiment, the second layer may include at least one of a buffer member (buffer member321inFIG.5) including a buffer material, a shielding layer (e.g., the shield layer222ofFIG.4) that provides the electrical shielding, or a heat dissipation layer (e.g., the heat dissipation layer223ofFIG.4). For example, the shielding layer may correspond to a copper sheet.

According to an example embodiment, the opening may be formed by coupling the first layer to the second layer after forming the third opening (e.g., the second opening910ofFIG.9) of an area at least including the protrusion in the second layer to punch an area (e.g., the first opening920ofFIG.10) corresponding to the shape of the first opening. As another example, the opening may be formed by coupling the first layer to the second layer after forming the second opening in the second layer and forming the first opening in the first layer. For example, the opening may be larger than a mounting area of the sensor.

According to an example embodiment, the electronic device may further include a processor, and the sensor may be electrically connected to the processor through the FPCB. The processor may be configured to acquire biometric information received by the sensor through the first panel using the sensor.

According to an example embodiment, the first panel may further include a protection film forming the second surface.

According to an example embodiment, the second layer may include a third surface to which the second layer is coupled to the first layer and a fourth surface facing a direction opposite to the third surface. The display module may further include a shielding member (e.g., the shielding member1210ofFIG.12) attached to the fourth surface of the second layer, covering at least a portion of the first opening, and providing the optical shielding.

According to various example embodiments, the display device (e.g., the display101ofFIG.1) may include a first panel (e.g., the first panel210ofFIG.4) including a first surface, a second surface opposite to the first surface, and a plurality of pixels disposed between the first surface and the second surface, a cover layer (e.g., the cover layer230ofFIG.4) disposed on the first surface of the first panel and forming one surface of the housing, and a second panel (e.g., the second panel220ofFIG.4) disposed on the second surface of the first panel. The display device may include an opening (e.g., the opening225ofFIG.4) passing through at least a portion of the second panel and in which at least a portion of the sensor (e.g., the sensor240ofFIG.4) is disposed. The second panel may include a first layer (e.g., the first layer520ofFIG.5) coupled to the first panel on one surface thereof and a second layer (e.g., the second layer530ofFIG.5) coupled to the first layer on an opposite surface of one surface of the first layer. The opening may correspond to an area on which the first opening (e.g., the third opening1510ofFIG.15) formed in the first layer and the second opening (e.g., the fourth opening1520ofFIG.15) formed in the second layer overlap each other. The sensor may include a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) (e.g., the FPCB820ofFIG.8) extending in the first direction from the mounting area of the sensor. The second opening may include an area corresponding to the first opening and an extension part (e.g., the protrusion1525ofFIG.15) extending from the area corresponding to the first opening in the first direction.

According to an example embodiment, the second layer may include a conductive layer providing electrical shielding, and the first layer may include a layer providing optical shielding.

According to an example embodiment, the first layer may include at least one of an adhesive layer (e.g., adhesive layer324inFIG.5) for allowing the first layer to adhere to the first panel, a black layer (e.g., the black layer323ofFIG.5) providing the optical shielding, or a polymer layer (e.g., the polymer layer322ofFIG.5) including an embossing pattern.

According to an example embodiment, the second layer may include at least one of a buffer member (buffer member321inFIG.5) including a buffer material, a shielding layer (e.g., the shield layer222ofFIG.4) that provides the electrical shielding, or a heat dissipation layer (e.g., the heat dissipation layer223ofFIG.4). For example, the shielding layer may comprise a copper sheet.

According to an example embodiment, the opening may be formed by coupling the first layer to the second layer after forming the third opening (e.g., the second opening910ofFIG.9) of an area at least including the extension part in the second layer to punch an area (e.g., the first opening920ofFIG.10) corresponding to the shape of the first opening. The opening may be formed by coupling the first layer to the second layer after forming the second opening in the second layer and forming the first opening in the first layer. For example, the opening may be larger than a mounting area of the sensor.

According to an example embodiment, the second layer may include a third surface to which the second layer is coupled to the first layer and a fourth surface facing a direction opposite to the third surface. The display module may further include a shielding member (e.g., the shielding member1210ofFIG.12) attached to the fourth surface of the second layer, covering the first opening, and providing the optical shielding. According to an embodiment, the first panel may further include a protection film forming the second surface.

According to an example embodiment, the sensor may be configured to acquire biometric information (e.g., fingerprint) based on ultrasonic waves. The sensor may be coupled to the first panel through an adhesive material (e.g., the adhesive material1310ofFIG.13) applied to the first panel through the opening.

Various embodiments of the present disclosure and terms used therein are not intended to limit the technology described in the present disclosure to a specific embodiment, but it should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, and/or alternatives of the embodiments. In the description with reference to the drawings, like reference numerals may be used for referring to the same or similar components. The terms of a singular form may include plural forms unless referred to the contrary. In the present disclosure, expressions such as “A or B”, “at least one of A and/or B”, “A, B or C” or “at least one of A, B and/or C” may include all possible combinations of items listed together. Expressions such as “first”, “second”, “first” or “second” can modify the corresponding components, regardless of order or importance, and are used only to distinguish one component from other components, and does not limit the components. When any (e.g., first) component is referred to as being “connected (functionally or communicatively)” or “connected” to another (e.g., second) component, any component may be directly connected to the other component or may be connected through another component (e.g., a third component).

In the present disclosure, “adapted to or configured to”, depending on the context, may refer, for example, to hardware or software “suitable for,” “having the ability to,” “modified to, may be used interchangeably with “changed to”, “made to,” “capable of,” or “designed to.” In some circumstances, the expression “a device configured to” may refer, for example, to the device being “capable of” with other devices or components. For example, the phrase “a processor configured (or configured to perform) A, B, and C” may refer, for example, to a dedicated processor (e.g., an embedded processor) for performing corresponding operations or a general-purpose processor (e.g., CPU or AP) capable of performing corresponding operations by executing one or more programs stored in a memory device.

As used herein, the term “module” includes a unit including hardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof, and may be used interchangeably with terms such as, for example, logic, logic block, component, or circuit. The “module” may be an integrally formed component or a minimum unit or a portion of one or more functions. The “module” may be implemented mechanically or electronically, for example, may include application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) chips, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or programmable logic devices, which perform certain operations and have been known or to be developed.

At least a portion of an apparatus (e.g., modules or functions thereof) or a method (e.g., operations) according to various embodiments may be implemented as instructions stored in a computer-readable storage medium in the form of a program module. When the instruction is executed by the processor, the processor may perform a function corresponding to the instruction. Computer-readable recording media may include hard disks, floppy disks, magnetic media (e.g., magnetic tape), optical recording media (e.g., CD-ROM, DVD, magneto-optical media (e.g., floppy disks), built-in memory, etc. The instructions may include a code generated by a compiler or a code executable by an interpreter.

According to various embodiments, each of the components (e.g. the modules or the programs) may include a single object or a plurality of objects. Here, some sub-components of the aforementioned sub-components may be omitted, or other sub-components may be further included. Alternatively or additionally, some components (e.g., the modules or the programs) may be integrated into one object to perform the same or similar functions of each corresponding component before the integration. According to various embodiments, the operations performed by the modules, the programs or other components may be performed sequentially, parallely, repetitively or heuristically, or at least partial operations may be carried out in different order, omitted, or added in a different order.

While the disclosure has been illustrated and described with reference to various example embodiments, it will be understood that the various example embodiments are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. It will be further understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made without departing from the true spirit and full scope of the disclosure, including the appended claims and their equivalents.