Patent ID: 12262496

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The electronic device according to an embodiment may be one of various types of devices. The electronic devices may include, for example, a portable communication device (e.g., a smart phone), a computer device, a portable multimedia device, a portable medical device, a camera, a wearable device, or a home appliance. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the electronic device is not limited to the above-listed embodiments.

It should be appreciated that an embodiment of the disclosure and the terms used therein are not intended to limit the technological features set forth herein to particular embodiments and include various changes, equivalents, or replacements for a corresponding embodiment. With regard to the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used to refer to similar or related elements.

It is to be understood that a singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of the things, unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise. As used herein, each of such phrases as “A or B,” “at least one of A and B,” “at least one of A or B,” “A, B, or C,” “at least one of A, B, and C,” and “at least one of A, B, or C,” may include all possible combinations of the items enumerated together in a corresponding one of the phrases.

As used herein, such terms as “1st” and “2nd,” or “first” and “second” may be used to simply distinguish a corresponding component from another, and does not limit the components in other aspect (e.g., importance or order).

It is to be understood that if an element (e.g., a first element) is referred to, with or without the term “operatively” or “communicatively”, as “coupled with,” “coupled to,” “connected with,” or “connected to” another element (e.g., a second element), it means that the element may be coupled with the other element directly (e.g., wiredly), wirelessly, or via a third element.

As used herein, the term “module” may include a unit implemented in hardware, software, or firmware, and may interchangeably be used with other terms, for example, “logic,” “logic block,” “part,” or “circuitry”. A module may be a single integral component, or a minimum unit or part thereof, adapted to perform one or more functions. For example, according to an embodiment, the module may be implemented in a form of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

An embodiment as set forth herein may be implemented as software (e.g., the program) including one or more instructions that are stored in a storage medium (e.g., internal memory or external memory) that is readable by a machine (e.g., the electronic device). For example, a processor of the machine (e.g., the electronic device) may invoke at least one of the one or more instructions stored in the storage medium, and execute it, with or without using one or more other components under the control of the processor. This allows the machine to be operated to perform at least one function according to the at least one instruction invoked. The one or more instructions may include a code generated by a complier or a code executable by an interpreter. The machine-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Wherein, the term “non-transitory” simply means that the storage medium is a tangible device, and does not include a signal (e.g., an electromagnetic wave), but this term does not differentiate between where data is semi-permanently stored in the storage medium and where the data is temporarily stored in the storage medium.

According to an embodiment, a method according to an embodiment of the disclosure may be included and provided in a computer program product. The computer program products may be traded as commodities between sellers and buyers. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a machine-readable storage medium (e.g., compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM)), or be distributed (e.g., downloaded or uploaded) online via an application store (e.g., Play Store™), or between two user devices (e.g., smart phones) directly. If distributed online, at least part of the computer program product may be temporarily generated or at least temporarily stored in the machine-readable storage medium, such as memory of the manufacturer's server, a server of the application store, or a relay server.

According to an embodiment, each component (e.g., a module or a program) of the above-described components may include a single entity or multiple entities. Some of the plurality of entities may be separately disposed in different components. According to an embodiment, one or more of the above-described components may be omitted, or one or more other components may be added. Alternatively or additionally, a plurality of components (e.g., modules or programs) may be integrated into a single component. In such a case, according to an embodiment, the integrated component may still perform one or more functions of each of the plurality of components in the same or similar manner as they are performed by a corresponding one of the plurality of components before the integration. According to an embodiment, operations performed by the module, the program, or another component may be carried out sequentially, in parallel, repeatedly, or heuristically, or one or more of the operations may be executed in a different order or omitted, or one or more other operations may be added.

It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being related to another element such as being “on” another element, it can be directly on the other element or intervening elements may be present therebetween. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being related to another element such as being “directly on” another element, there are no intervening elements present.

Furthermore, relative terms, such as “lower” or “bottom” and “upper” or “top,” may be used herein to describe one element's relationship to another element as illustrated in the Figures. It will be understood that relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in addition to the orientation depicted in the Figures. For example, if the device in one of the figures is turned over, elements described as being on the “lower” side of other elements would then be oriented on “upper” sides of the other elements. The term “lower,” can therefore, encompasses both an orientation of “lower” and “upper,” depending on the particular orientation of the figure. Similarly, if the device in one of the figures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements would then be oriented “above” the other elements. The terms “below” or “beneath” can, therefore, encompass both an orientation of above and below.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and the present disclosure, and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

Referring toFIGS.1and2, according to an embodiment, an electronic device100may include a housing110with a first (or front) surface110A, a second (or rear) surface110B, and a side surface110C surrounding a space between the first surface110A and the second surface110B. The electronic device100may be disposed in a plane defined by an x-axis direction and a y-axis direction crossing each other. A thickness direction of the electronic device100and various components and/or layers thereof may be defined along the z-axis direction. A plan view may be a view along the z-axis direction, of the plane defined by the two directions (e.g., the x-axis direction and the y-axis direction crossing each other).

According to an embodiment (not shown), the housing may denote a structure forming part of the first surface110A, the second surface110B, and the side surface110C ofFIG.1. According to an embodiment, at least part of the first surface110A may have a substantially transparent front plate102(e.g., a glass plate or polymer plate including various coat layers). The second surface110B may be formed by a rear plate111that is substantially opaque. The rear plate111may be formed of, e.g., laminated or colored glass, ceramic, polymer, metal (e.g., aluminum, stainless steel (STS), or magnesium), or a combination of at least two thereof. The side surface110C may be formed by a bezel structure (or a “side structure”)118that couples to the front plate102and the rear plate111and includes a metal and/or polymer. According to an embodiment, the rear plate111and the side structure118may be integrally formed together and include the same material (e.g., a metal, such as aluminum).

In the illustrated embodiment, the front plate102may include two first areas110D, which are bent, and seamlessly extend, from the first surface110A toward the rear plate111, at two opposite long edge ends of the front plate102. In the illustrated embodiment (seeFIG.2), the rear plate111has two second areas110E, which are bent, and seamlessly extend, from the second surface110B toward the front plate102, at two opposite long edge ends. According to an embodiment, the front plate102(or the rear plate111) may include only one of the first areas110D (or the second areas110E). In an embodiment, some of the first areas110D or the second areas110E may not be included. In the above embodiments, when viewed from a side of the electronic device100, the side structure118may have a first thickness (or width) at a side surface which does not include the first areas110D or the second areas110E and a second thickness, smaller than the first thickness, at a side surface which includes the first areas110D or the second areas110E.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device100may include at least one or more of a display101, audio modules103,107, and114, sensor modules104,116, and119, camera modules105,112, and113, key input devices117, a light emitting device106, and connector holes108and109. According to an embodiment, the electronic device100may exclude at least one (e.g., the key input device117or the light emitting device106) of the components or may add other components.

According to an embodiment, the display101may be visually revealed through, e.g., a majority portion of the front plate102. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the display101may be visually exposed through the front plate102forming the first surface110A and the first areas110D of the side surface110C. According to an embodiment, the edge of the display101may be formed to be substantially the same in shape as an adjacent outer edge of the front plate102. According to an embodiment (not shown), the interval between the outer edge of the display101and the outer edge of the front plate102may remain substantially even to give a larger area of exposure the display101.

According to an embodiment (not shown), the screen display area of the display101may have a recess or opening in a portion thereof, and at least one or more of the audio module114, sensor module104, camera module105, and light emitting device106may be aligned with the recess or opening. According to an embodiment (not shown), at least one or more of the audio module114, sensor module104, camera module105, fingerprint sensor116, and light emitting device106may be included on the rear surface of the screen display area of the display101.

In an embodiment (not shown), the display101may include at least one of an audio module114, a sensor module104, a camera module105, and a light emitting device106on the rear surface of the screen display area (e.g., the first surface110A and the first areas110D). For example, the electronic device100may have the camera module105disposed on the rear surface of at least one of the first surface110A (e.g., the front surface) and/or the side surface110C (e.g., the first area110D) to face the first surface110A and/or the side surface110C. For example, the camera module105may include an under display camera (UDC) that is not exposed to the screen display area.

According to an embodiment (not shown), the display101may be disposed to be coupled with, or adjacent, a touch detecting circuit, a pressure sensor capable of measuring the strength (pressure) of touches, and/or a digitizer for detecting a magnetic field-type stylus pen. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the sensor modules104and119, and/or at least a portion of the key input device117may be disposed in the first areas110D and/or the second areas110E.

In an embodiment (not shown), the display101may include a display that is disposed to be slidable and provides a screen (e.g., a screen display area). For example, the screen display area of the electronic device100is an area that is visually exposed and enables an image to be output. The electronic device100may adjust the screen display area according to movement of a sliding plate (not shown) or movement of the display101. For example, the electronic device100may include a rollable electronic device configured to selectively expand the screen display area as at least a portion (e.g., the housing) of the electronic device100is operated to be at least partially slidable. For example, the display101may be referred to as a slide-out display or an expandable display.

According to an embodiment, the audio modules103,107, and114may include a microphone hole103and speaker holes107and114. A microphone for acquiring external sounds may be disposed in the microphone hole103. In some embodiments, a plurality of microphones may be disposed to detect the direction of the sound. The speaker holes107and114may include an external speaker hole107and a phone receiver hole114. According to an embodiment, the speaker holes107and114and the microphone hole103may be implemented as a single hole, or speakers may be rested without the speaker holes107and114(e.g., piezo speakers).

According to an embodiment, the sensor modules104,116, and119may generate an electrical signal or data value corresponding to an internal operating state or external environmental state of the electronic device100. For example, the sensor modules104,116, and119may include a first sensor module104(e.g., a proximity sensor) and/or a second sensor module (not shown) (e.g., a fingerprint sensor), which is disposed on the first surface110A of the housing110, and/or a third sensor module119(e.g., a heartrate monitor (HRM) sensor) and/or a fourth sensor module116(e.g., a fingerprint sensor) disposed on the second surface110B of the housing110. The fingerprint sensor may be disposed on the second surface110B as well as the first surface110A (e.g., the display101) of the housing110. The electronic device100may include a sensor module not shown, e.g., at least one of a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, a barometric 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.

According to an embodiment, the camera modules105,112, and113may include a first camera device105disposed on the first surface110A of the electronic device100, and a second camera device112and/or a flash113disposed on the second surface110B. The camera devices105and112may include one or more lenses, an image sensor, and/or an image signal processor. The flash113may include, e.g., a light emitting diode (LED) or a xenon lamp. According to an embodiment, two or more lenses (an infrared (IR) camera, a wide-angle lens, and a telescopic lens) and image sensors may be disposed on one surface of the electronic device100.

According to an embodiment, the key input device117may be disposed on the side surface110C of the housing110. According to an embodiment, the electronic device100may exclude all or some of the above-mentioned key input devices117and the excluded key input devices117may be implemented in other forms, e.g., as soft keys, on the display101. According to an embodiment, the key input device may include the sensor module116disposed on the second surface110B of the housing110.

According to an embodiment, the light emitting device106may be disposed on the first surface110A of the housing110, for example. The light emitting device106may provide, e.g., information about the state of the electronic device100in the form of light. According to an embodiment, the light emitting device106may provide a light source that interacts with, e.g., the camera module105. The light emitting device106may include, e.g., a light emitting diode (LED), an infrared (IR) LED, or a xenon lamp.

According to an embodiment, the connector holes108and109may include, e.g., a first connector hole108for receiving a connector (e.g., a universal serial bus (USB) connector) for transmitting or receiving power and/or data to/from an external electronic device and/or a second connector hole (e.g., an earphone jack)109for receiving a connector for transmitting or receiving audio signals to/from the external electronic device.

FIG.3is a view illustrating an implementation example of an electronic device according to an embodiment.FIG.4is an exploded perspective view illustrating an electronic device according to an embodiment.

Referring toFIGS.3and4, an electronic device100may include a housing110and a tray200. According to an embodiment, the tray200may be inserted through a tray insertion opening121formed in the housing110.

According to an embodiment, an electronic device300may include a side structure310, a first supporting member311(e.g., a bracket), a front plate320, a display330, a printed circuit board340(e.g., a printed circuit board (PCB), a printed board assembly (PBA), a flexible PCB (FPCB), or a rigid-flexible PCB (RFPCB)), a battery350, a second supporting member360(e.g., a rear case), an antenna370, and a rear plate380. According to an embodiment, the electronic device300may exclude at least one (e.g., the first supporting member311or the second supporting member360) of the components or may add other components. According to an embodiment (not shown), the electronic device300may include at least one hinge structure to thereby have a structure in which a housing split into a plurality of areas is folded. For example, according to a change in the state of the hinge structure (e.g., a folded state, an intermediate state, or an unfolded state), the state of the display operatively connected to the housing may change. For example, the first display corresponding to the first housing and the second display corresponding to the second housing may be changed to face each other or to be spaced apart from each other. According to an embodiment, at least one of the components of the electronic device300may be the same or similar to at least one of the components of the electronic device100ofFIG.1or2and no duplicate description is made below.

According to an embodiment, the first supporting member311may be disposed inside the electronic device300to be connected with the side structure310or integrated with the side structure310. The first supporting member311may be formed of, e.g., a metallic material and/or non-metallic material (e.g., polymer). The display330may be joined onto one surface of the first supporting member311, and the printed circuit board340may be joined onto the opposite surface of the first supporting member311.

According to an embodiment, a processor, a memory, and/or an interface may be mounted on the printed circuit board340. The processor may include one or more of, e.g., a central processing unit, an application processor, a graphic processing device, an image signal processing, a sensor hub processor, or a communication processor. In one embodiment, the processor or communication module may be mounted in the electronic component, such as an integrated circuit chip, and disposed on the printed circuit board340.

According to an embodiment, the memory may include, e.g., a volatile or non-volatile memory.

According to an embodiment, the interface may include, e.g., a high definition multimedia interface (HDMI), a universal serial bus (USB) interface, a secure digital (SD) card interface, and/or an audio interface. The interface may electrically or physically connect, e.g., the electronic device300with an external electronic device and may include a USB connector, an SD card/multimedia card (MMC) connector, or an audio connector.

According to an embodiment, the battery350may be a device for supplying power to at least one component of the electronic device300. The battery189may include, e.g., a primary cell which is not rechargeable, a secondary cell which is rechargeable, or a fuel cell. At least a portion of the battery350may be disposed on substantially the same plane as the printed circuit board340. The battery350may be integrally or detachably disposed inside the electronic device300.

According to an embodiment, the antenna370may be disposed between the rear plate380and the battery350. The antenna370may include, e.g., a near-field communication (NFC) antenna, a wireless charging antenna, and/or a magnetic secure transmission (MST) antenna. The antenna370may perform short-range communication with, e.g., an external device or may wirelessly transmit or receive power necessary for charging. According to an embodiment of the present invention, an antenna structure may be formed by a portion or combination of the side structure310and/or the first supporting member311.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device300(e.g., the electronic device100ofFIGS.1and2) may include the tray200and/or the socket341, so that the user may replace or add a storage medium, such as a user identification module card or a memory card, as necessary. The tray200provides a space and/or structure capable of receiving at least one storage medium and may be removably received in the housing110. For example, the tray200may be inserted into the housing110through the tray insertion opening121. The tray insertion opening121may expose an internal area of the housing110to outside the electronic device300, such that the tray120is removably disposable in the housing110via the tray insertion opening121. In an embodiment, the socket341may be disposed inside the housing110to receive and/or secure at least a portion of the tray200within the housing. In an embodiment, the socket341may be mounted on the printed circuit board340to be electrically connected to at least some of the electrical/electronic components disposed on the printed circuit board340. For example, the storage medium disposed on the tray200may be electrically connected to the socket341and/or to the printed circuit board340, through the socket341.

The configuration of the electronic device300ofFIGS.3and4may be identical or similar in whole or part to the configuration of the electronic device100ofFIGS.1and2, and no duplicate description thereof is thus given.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device100may include a load distribution structure. According to an embodiment, the load distribution structure may be provided in a coupling relationship between the tray200and the socket341and, to that end, the tray200and the socket341respectively may further include separate components.

In the following description of the disclosure, a load distribution structure provided to the electronic device100according to an embodiment is described with reference to the drawings. First, with reference toFIGS.5to8, a structure of the socket500according to an embodiment is described.

FIG.5is a perspective view illustrating a socket according to an embodiment.FIG.6is a view illustrating an internal configuration of a socket according to an embodiment. Referring toFIGS.5and6, the socket500may include a lower supporting member510and an upper cover520. The description of the configuration of the socket341ofFIG.4may be applied to the configuration of the socket500ofFIGS.5and6.

According to an embodiment, the upper cover520may be disposed on an upper portion of the lower supporting member510. According to an embodiment, the lower supporting member510and the upper cover520may be combined to provide a tray insertion area501for insertion of a tray200(refer toFIGS.3and4). For example, the tray insertion area501may be provided as an opening in one side of the socket500. The tray insertion area501may be open to outside the socket500in a direction. The tray insertion area501may correspond to the tray insertion opening121, without being limited thereto.

According to an embodiment, the lower supporting member510may include one or more circuit areas511aand511b. According to an embodiment, the circuit areas511aand511bmay be electrically connected to the printed circuit board340(refer toFIG.4). Further, the circuit areas511aand511bmay be electrically connected to one or more storage media receivable in the tray200(refer toFIG.3). For example, if the tray200(refer toFIG.3) is inserted into the socket500while receiving one or more storage media, the circuit areas511aand511bmay electrically mediate between the storage media and the printed circuit board340(refer toFIG.4). According to an embodiment, the lower supporting member510may include a plurality of circuit areas511aand511band may be electrically connected to the plurality of storage media or may include only a single circuit area511aor511b. Further, although not shown in the drawings, the lower supporting member510may include three or more circuit areas.

According to an embodiment, the lower supporting member510may include a detection portion540which provides a function of detecting insertion/removal of the tray (e.g., the tray200ofFIG.4) relative to the socket and/or the electronic device. In an embodiment, the detection portion540is engageable with a first protrusion of the tray and detects insertion of the tray in the socket, together with the circuit board connected to the socket. According to an embodiment, the detection portion540may be disposed around the edge area511of the lower supporting member510. For example, the edge area511may include a detection portion receiving area511-1on one side, and the detection portion540may be disposed in the detection portion receiving area511-1. The edge area511of the lower supporting member510may be positioned on the side opposite to the tray insertion area501(refer toFIG.5). According to an embodiment, the detection portion540may be electrically connected to a printed circuit board (e.g., the printed circuit board340ofFIG.4).

According to an embodiment, the lower supporting member510may include a supporting portion560for reducing deformation of the detection portion540. As is described below, the supporting portion560may support at least a portion of the tray (e.g., the tray200ofFIG.4). According to an embodiment, the supporting portion560may be arranged side by side with the detection portion540. For example, the supporting portion560may mean a portion of the edge area511of the lower supporting member510adjacent to the detection portion540. In an embodiment, the socket500defines a tray insertion opening121through which the tray200is insertable from outside the electronic device, and the supporting portion560of the socket500is in an edge area511of the socket500which is furthest from the tray insertion opening121. According to an embodiment, the edge area511of the lower supporting member510may be formed of a barrier rib. For example, the edge area511may be formed of a barrier rib protruding from one side of the lower supporting member510, and the supporting portion560may mean a portion of the barrier rib.

FIG.7is an enlarged view illustrating a detection portion according to an embodiment.FIG.8is a cross-sectional view taken along A-A′ ofFIG.6, illustrating the operation of the tray contact area.FIGS.9(a) and9(b)are views illustrating an operation of a detection lever according to an operation of a tray contact area.FIG.10is a cross-sectional view taken along B-B′ ofFIG.6.

FIG.7illustrates a detection portion540according to an embodiment. Referring toFIG.7, the detection portion540may include a lever member540aand a detection member545. According to an embodiment, the lever member540amay include a connection area542connected with at least a portion of the lower supporting member510(refer toFIG.6), on a first side (the side in the −x-axis direction) of the length area541. For example, the connection area542may be formed to extend from the length area541in the −x-axis direction. According to an embodiment, the connection area542may be formed to form a predetermined angle with the length area541. A detection area544may be formed on a second side (e.g., the side opposite to the first side, in the +x-axis direction) of the length area541. The detection area544may come into contact with the detection member545when an external force is applied (e.g., when the tray200ofFIG.4is inserted into the socket500). Elements which are in contact with each other, may form an interface therebetween, without being limited thereto.

According to an embodiment, the lever member540amay include a tray contact area543. The tray contact area543may be formed to extend from the length area541in a direction (+y-axis direction) different from the direction in which the connection area542or the detection area544extends. For example, the +y-axis direction may correspond to the direction (−y-axis direction) in which the tray (e.g., the tray200ofFIG.4) is inserted. According to an embodiment, the tray contact area543may include an extension area543aand a slide area543b. For example, the extension area543amay be formed to extend from the length area541, and the slide area543bmay be formed to extend from the extension area543aand be bent from the extension area543a. For example, the slide area543bmay be formed to have a predetermined angle form the extension area543a, so that a first protrusion (e.g., the first protrusion610ofFIGS.11(a) and11(b)) may slide on the slide area543b. According to an embodiment, the tray contact area543may contact at least a portion (e.g., the first protrusion610ofFIGS.11(a) and11(b)) of the tray (e.g., the tray600ofFIGS.11(a) and11(b)) to induce an operation of the lever member540a, as described below.

FIGS.8,9(a) and9(b) illustrate the operation of the detection portion according to an embodiment.FIG.8is a cross-sectional view taken along A-A′ ofFIG.6, illustrating the operation of the tray contact area.FIGS.9(a) and9(b)are views illustrating an overall operation of a detection lever.

Referring toFIGS.8and9, when an external force is applied to the tray contact area543, the detection lever540amay operate. The description of the detection portion540ofFIG.7may be applied to the detection portion540ofFIGS.8and9.

According to an embodiment, as the slide area543bforms a predetermined angle with the extension area543aand/or the length area541, if a force in the first direction (e.g., the insertion direction (−y-axis direction) of the tray200) (−Fy, hereinafter a ‘first direction force’) is applied to the slide area543b, a force in the second direction (e.g., the −z-axis direction) (−Fz, hereinafter a ‘second direction force’) may act on the tray contact area543. For example, a force may act on the tray contact area543in the direction perpendicular to the slide area543b, and the force may be expressed as the sum of the first direction force −Fy and the second direction force −Fz.

According to an embodiment, the first direction force −Fy and/or the second direction force −Fz acting on the tray contact area543may induce rotation of the lever member540aabout a third direction (e.g., the x-axis direction). For example, in the edge area M of the length area541corresponding to the tray contact area543, a first rotational moment (e.g., the rotational moment about the x-axis) may be generated by the first direction force −Fy and/or the second direction force −Fz acting on the tray contact area543.

According to an embodiment (refer to (a) and (b) ofFIG.9), the first direction force −Fy (refer toFIG.8) and/or the second direction force −Fz (refer toFIG.8) acting on the tray contact area543may induce rotation (e.g., a second rotational moment) of the detection lever540aabout the first direction (e.g., the y-axis direction). For example, if the tray (e.g., the tray600ofFIGS.11(a) and11(b)) is inserted into the socket500, the lever member540amay rotate about the y-axis with respect to the connection area542. As the slide area543bhas an angle with the extension area543aand the length area541, at least a portion (e.g., the first protrusion610ofFIGS.11(a) and11(b)) of the tray (e.g., the tray600ofFIGS.11(a) and11(b)) may slide over the tray contact area543and may press the tray contact area543. At least a portion (e.g., the first protrusion610ofFIGS.11(a) and11(b)) of the tray (e.g., the tray600ofFIGS.11(a) and11(b)) may smoothly rotate the lever member540aabout the first direction (y-axis direction). That is, the tray which is inserted into the socket engages the first protrusion with the tray contact area to press the tray contact area. Pressing of the tray contact area by the tray inserted into the socket applies a force in the first direction, to the to the detection portion of the socket, together with a pressing force in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction act, to the detection portion.

According to an embodiment, the detection member545may include a fixed area545aand a pressing area545b. According to an embodiment, the pressing area545bmay mean an edge area in the length direction (e.g., the x-axis direction) of the detection member545. According to an embodiment, the pressing area545bmay extend from the fixed area545aand may form a predetermined angle with the fixed area545a. According to an embodiment, the detection member545may be formed of an elastic material. According to an embodiment, a transfer member545cmay be disposed under the fixed area545a. Further, according to an embodiment, the detection lever540amay be operated to contact the pressing area545b. For example, due to the second direction force −Fz (refer toFIG.8) applied to the tray contact area543, the detection lever540amay rotate about the first direction (y-axis direction) with respect to the connection area542, and the detection area544may contact the pressing area545b. The transfer member545cmay be electrically connected to a printed circuit board (e.g., the printed circuit board340ofFIG.4), and when the detection area544comes into contact with the pressing area545b, the electronic device100(refer toFIG.1) may detect insertion of the tray (e.g., the tray200ofFIG.4).

FIG.10is a cross-sectional view taken along B-B′ ofFIG.6.

Referring toFIG.10, the lower supporting member510may include a supporting portion560. According to an embodiment, the supporting portion560may receive at least a portion of the tray (e.g., the tray600ofFIGS.11(a) and11(b)) (e.g., the second protrusion620ofFIGS.11(a) and11(b)). Further, the supporting portion560may contact at least a portion (e.g., the contact surface621ofFIG.13(a)) of the tray (e.g., the tray600ofFIGS.11(a) and11(b)), reducing an external force applied to the detection portion540. According to an embodiment, the supporting portion560may be positioned in the edge area511(e.g., the edge area511ofFIG.6) of the lower supporting member510and be disposed in parallel with the detection portion540. However, without limited thereto, the supporting portion560may be formed in other various positions where it is able to contact at least a portion of the tray (e.g., the tray600ofFIGS.11(a) and11(b)). For example, the supporting portion560may be formed to correspond to the position of the second protrusion (e.g., the second protrusion620ofFIGS.11(a) and11(b)) when the tray (e.g., the tray600ofFIGS.11(a) and11(b)) is inserted in the socket500.

The lower supporting member510ofFIG.10is identical or similar in whole or part to the lower supporting member510ofFIGS.5and6, and no duplicate description thereof is given.

According to an embodiment, the supporting portion560may include a supporting area561(e.g., supporting surface), a first auxiliary area562a, and a second auxiliary area562b. According to an embodiment, the first auxiliary area562aand the second auxiliary area562bmay be combined to provide a space for receiving at least a portion of the tray (e.g., the tray600ofFIGS.11(a) and11(b)). According to an embodiment, the supporting area561may mean one surface of the supporting portion560perpendicular to the tray insertion direction (e.g., −y-axis direction). For example, the supporting area561may be a portion of a barrier rib (the barrier rib of the edge area511, refer toFIG.6) of the lower supporting member510. Further, the first auxiliary area562amay mean a portion of the upper surface of the lower supporting member510connected to the supporting area561. The second auxiliary area562bmay mean a portion of the lower surface of the upper cover520. According to an embodiment, the supporting area561may contact at least a partial area (e.g., the second protrusion620ofFIGS.11(a) and11(b)) of the tray (e.g., the tray600ofFIGS.11(a) and11(b)), supporting at least a partial area (e.g., the second protrusion620ofFIGS.11(a) and11(b)) of the tray600in the first direction (e.g., the tray insertion direction (−y-axis direction)). Accordingly, displacement of the tray contact area543in the first direction (−y-axis direction) or the second direction (−z-axis direction) may be limited, or deformation of the tray contact area543may be reduced. In an embodiment, the tray600which is inserted into the socket500disposes the second protrusion620of the tray supported in the insertion direction, by the supporting surface. For example, the rotational displacement about the X axis (refer toFIG.8) and/or the vertical displacement about the −Z axis of the tray contact area543may be limited. According to an embodiment, the supporting area561may guide the insertion position of the tray600. For example, the tray600may be inserted in the socket500until the second protrusion620contacts the supporting area561.

FIGS.11(a) and11(b)are a view illustrating a tray according to an embodiment.

Referring toFIGS.11(a) and11(b), the tray600may include a body portion601, a first protrusion610, and a second protrusion620. The configuration of the tray600ofFIG.11may be identical or similar in whole or part to the configuration of the tray200ofFIGS.3and4, and no duplicate description thereof is thus given.

According to an embodiment, the tray600may be insertable into a socket (e.g., the socket500ofFIG.5). For example, as described above, the tray600may be mounted in the socket500in a state in which the storage medium is received in the tray600.

According to an embodiment, a receiving space602may be formed in the body portion601. For example, the receiving space602may be an opening. The opening at the receiving space602may penetrate an entirety of the thickness of the tray600, that is, the opening may be open at surfaces facing the lower supporting member510and the upper cover520. According to an embodiment, a storage medium may be mounted in the receiving space602. According to an embodiment, the first protrusion610and the second protrusion620may be formed on the first side surface603of the body portion601. Further, the first protrusion610and the second protrusion620may be formed to extend from the first side surface603in the first direction. For example, the first side surface603may mean a side surface corresponding to the direction in which the tray600is inserted into the socket500(refer toFIG.5), and the first direction may correspond to the direction in which the tray600is inserted into the socket500(refer toFIG.5).

According to an embodiment, the first protrusion610and the second protrusion620may be disposed side by side. For example, the second protrusion620may be formed on the first side surface603of the body portion601where the first protrusion610is formed. As an example, the first protrusion610and the second protrusion620may be formed on different side surfaces of the body portion601. For example, the first protrusion610may be formed on the first side surface603, and the second protrusion may be formed on the second side surface604. In this case, the supporting portion (e.g., the supporting portion560ofFIGS.6and10) may be formed to correspond to the position of the second protrusion620when the tray600is inserted. For example, the supporting portion560may be formed in a side edge area of the socket500.

According to an embodiment, the first protrusion610may contact at least a portion of the detection portion540(refer toFIGS.6to10). For example, if the tray600is inserted into the socket500, the first protrusion610may press the tray contact area (e.g., the tray contact area543ofFIGS.7to10). According to an embodiment, the outer surface611of the first protrusion610may be formed as a curved surface. Thus, the first protrusion610may smoothly slide on the tray contact area (the tray contact area543ofFIGS.7to10) so that the detection lever (e.g., the detection lever540aofFIG.7) may be prevented from damage.

According to an embodiment, the second protrusion620may include a contact surface621. According to an embodiment, the second protrusion620may be received in a supporting portion (e.g., the supporting portion560ofFIG.10). For example, the contact surface621may contact a supporting area (e.g., supporting area561ofFIG.10), reducing the load applied by the first protrusion610to the tray contact area543(refer toFIGS.5to8). Further, the contact surface621of the second protrusion620may contact the supporting area561(refer toFIG.10), preventing the tray600from being further inserted into the socket500. According to an embodiment, the second protrusion620may include a curved surface. For example, the whole or part of the second protrusion620may be formed as a curved surface. Thus, the supporting portion (e.g., the supporting portion560ofFIG.10) may be prevented from damage.

FIG.12is a view illustrating an overall state in which a tray is inserted in a socket according to an embodiment.FIG.12shows the various circuits of the socket500which are at the lower supporting member510, accessible through the opening in the tray600from a side of the tray600at which the cover520is disposed.

FIG.13(a)is an enlarged plan view of area10inFIG.12illustrating the anti-breakage structure ofFIG.12.FIG.13(a)illustrates a state in which the tray600is inserted in the socket500. For convenience of description, the upper cover520(refer toFIG.5) is not shown inFIGS.12and13.FIG.13(b)is a cross-sectional view taken along C-C′ ofFIG.12.FIG.13(c)is a cross-sectional view taken along D-D′ ofFIG.12.

Referring toFIGS.12andFIGS.13(a) to13(c), according to an embodiment, the load distribution structure may be provided as a combined structure of the tray600and the socket500. For example, the load distribution structure may be provided by a combination of the second protrusion620and the supporting portion560. That is, the tray600inserted into the socket500provides the second protrusion620of the tray600engaged with the supporting portion560of the socket500, to define the load distribution structure. The description of the trays200and600and the socket500ofFIG.12may be applied to the tray600and socket500ofFIG.12.

According to an embodiment (FIG.13(b)), the first protrusion610may induce operation of the detection lever540a. According to an embodiment, the outer surface611of the first protrusion610may contact the tray contact area543. According to an embodiment, the first protrusion610may press the tray contact area543in the first direction (e.g., the tray insertion direction (−y-axis direction)). For example, a first direction force (e.g., −Fy, refer toFIG.8) may be applied to the tray contact area543due to the tray600being inserted in the first direction (−y-axis direction) and, as the slide area543bhas a predetermined angle with the extension area543a, a second directional force (e.g., −Fz, refer toFIG.8) may be applied to the tray contact area543. Accordingly, the first protrusion610may induce rotation of the detection lever540ain the third direction (e.g., the x-axis direction). Further, the first protrusion610may induce rotation of the detection lever540aabout the first axis (y-axis), and the detection area544may contact the detection member545(refer toFIGS.8and9).

According to an embodiment (FIG.13(c)), the second protrusion620may be received in the supporting portion560. As described above, it has been described above that the first auxiliary area562aand the second auxiliary area562bmay be combined to provide a space for receiving the second protrusion620. According to an embodiment, the second protrusion620may be supported by the supporting area561in the first direction (−y-axis direction). For example, the contact surface621may contact at least a portion of the supporting area561, and the load in the −y-axis direction of the tray600may be distributed to the supporting area561. Thus, the displacement of the tray contact area543(e.g., rotational displacement about the X axis or vertical displacement about the −Z axis, refer toFIG.8) may be limited, and deformation of the detection lever540amay be reduced even when the tray600is inserted in the socket500for a long time. Further, in a state in which the tray600is fully inserted in the socket500, the contact surface621may contact the supporting area561, thereby preventing further insertion of the tray600and/or promoting alignment of the tray600relative to components of the socket500. In an embodiment, the tray600which is inserted into the socket500disposes the portion of the tray corresponding to the second protrusion620supported in the first direction by the supporting portion560, together with distributing the force in the first direction and the pressing force applied to the tray contact area by the first protrusion of the tray600along a thickness direction, thereby defining the load distribution structure.

FIGS.14(a) and14(b)are views illustrating a combined structure of a tray and a socket according to an embodiment.

Referring toFIGS.14(a) and14(b), a tray800or1000may be tilt-assembled with a socket700or900. According to an embodiment, the tray800or1000may be inserted obliquely into the socket700or900. Alternatively, one side surface of the tray800or1000may be formed to have a predetermined angle with at least a portion of the socket700or900.

The configuration of the tray800or1000and the socket700or900may be identical in whole or part to the configuration of the tray600and the socket500of the above-described embodiments, and thus no duplicate description thereof is given.

According to an embodiment, the first protrusion810or1010may press the detection portion740or940in an oblique direction. The description of the first protrusion (e.g., the first protrusion610ofFIGS.11(a) and11(b)) according to the above-described embodiments may be applied to the first protrusions810and1010.

According to an embodiment (refer toFIG.14(a)), the second protrusion820may include a first area821ahaving a rounded shape. For example, when the second protrusion820has a rectangular shape, vertices and/or corners of the second protrusion820may have a curved shape. Further, the first area821amay contact the contact area761.

According to an embodiment (refer toFIG.14(b)), the second protrusion1020may be formed in a rounded shape. In an embodiment, a distal end of the second protrusion1020of the tray has a rounded shape. For example, the second protrusion1020having a rounded shape may include a second area1021which is a curved surface. The second area1021may contact the contact area961.

According to various examples, a partial area (e.g., the first area821aor the second area1021) of the second protrusion (e.g.,820or1020) has a curved shape, so that when the second protrusion820or1020contacts the contact area761or961, damage to the contact area761or961may be reduced.

FIG.15is a view illustrating a combined structure of a tray and a socket according to an embodiment.

According to an embodiment, the tray1200may include a first protrusion1210in which a pressing area1212is formed.

The configuration of the tray1200ofFIG.15is identical or similar in whole or part to the configuration of the trays200,600,800, and1000of the above-described embodiments, and no duplicate description thereof is thus given.

Referring toFIG.15, the first protrusion1210may include a pressing area1212on one side thereof. For example, the pressing area1212may be formed to protrude from one side (−y-axis direction) of the first protrusion1210. The pressing area1212may be formed to protrude in a direction different from the direction in which the tray1200is inserted into the socket1100(e.g., the −y-axis direction). For example, the pressing area1212may be formed in a direction (e.g., −z-axis direction) perpendicular to the direction in which the tray1200is inserted into the socket1100(e.g., the y-axis direction). According to an embodiment, the pressing area1212may include a curved shape. For example, the pressing area1212may be formed to protrude from one side of the first protrusion1210in an embossed form.

According to an embodiment, the pressing area1212may press the tray contact area1143in a direction (e.g., −z-axis direction) perpendicular to the direction (e.g., the −y-axis direction) in which the tray1143is inserted. According to an embodiment, the pressing area1212may press a predetermined area within the tray contact area1143. For example, the predetermined area may be the extension area1143a. Alternatively, the predetermined area may be a portion of a length area (e.g., the length area541ofFIG.7) corresponding to the slide area1143b. According to an embodiment, the pressing area1212may press the tray contact area1143in the −z-axis direction and/or press a predetermined area (e.g., the extension area1143a) of the tray contact area1143in the −z-axis direction, so that the detection lever1140amay be overall moved in the −z-axis direction. Thus, the first rotational moment (e.g., refer toFIG.8) about the x-axis direction acting on the detection lever1140amay be reduced, and damage or deformation of the detection lever1140amay be reduced.

FIGS.16(a) and16(b)illustrate a detection portion according to an embodiment.

Referring toFIGS.16(a) and16(b), according to an embodiment, a socket1300may include a lower supporting member1310and a detection portion1340disposed on the lower supporting member1310. Although not shown for convenience of description, the socket1300may include an upper cover (not shown). According to an embodiment, the detection portion1340may include a detection lever1340aand a detection member1345. The description of the sockets500,700,900and1100of the above-described embodiments may be applied to the socket1300ofFIGS.16(a) and16(b).

According to an embodiment, the detection lever1340amay include a supporting area1346disposed on the lower supporting member1310. According to an embodiment, the supporting area1346may be disposed in the lever receiving space1311-1formed in the edge area1311of the lower supporting member1310.

According to an embodiment, the detection lever1340amay include a length area1341extending from the supporting area1346. According to an embodiment, the length area1341may be formed to be bent from the supporting area1346. According to an embodiment, the detection lever1340amay be formed of an elastic material, and the length area1341may provide a restoring force when an external force acts on the detection lever1340a.

According to an embodiment, the detection lever1340amay include a tray contact area1342extending from the length area1341. The tray contact area1342may be formed to protrude outward (e.g., in the +y-axis direction) of the detection lever1340a. According to an embodiment, the tray contact area1342may be pressed by an external force. For example, the tray contact area1342may protrude in a direction (+y-axis direction) opposite to the tray insertion direction (−y-axis direction) and be pressed by the tray (e.g., the tray1400ofFIGS.17(a) and17(b)) and induce the operation of the detection lever1340a.

According to an embodiment, the detection lever1340amay include a detection area1344extending from the tray contact area1342. According to an embodiment, the detection area1344may contact or be spaced apart from the detection member1345depending on whether an external force is applied. For example, if an external force is applied to the tray contact area1342, the detection area1344may be spaced apart from the detection member1345, and if the external force on the tray contact area1342is removed, the detection area1344may come into contact with the detection member1345according to the restoring force. According to an embodiment, the detection member1345may be electrically connected to a printed circuit board (e.g., the printed circuit board340ofFIG.4) and detect whether the tray is mounted depending on whether it is in contact with the tray contact area1342.

FIGS.17(a) and17(b)is a view illustrating a coupling relationship between a detection portion and a tray as shown inFIG.16(a).FIG.17(a)illustrates the coupling relationship between the tray1400and the socket1300as viewed from thereabove.FIG.17(b)illustrates a cross section taken along F-F′ of (a).

Referring toFIGS.17(a) and17(b), the tray1400may include a pressing surface1411and a supporting protrusion1420. According to an embodiment, the pressing surface1411may mean one surface of the tray1400facing in the tray insertion direction (e.g., −y-axis direction). According to an embodiment, at least a portion of the pressing surface1411may be a pressing area1411afor pressing the tray contact area1342. According to an embodiment, a supporting protrusion1420may be formed on at least a portion of the pressing surface1411to protrude along the tray insertion direction (e.g., −y-axis direction). The description of the trays600,800,1000, and1200and the sockets500,700,900, and1100mentioned above may be applied to the tray1400and socket1300ofFIGS.17(a) and17(b).

According to an embodiment, the pressing area1411amay press the tray contact area1342in the tray insertion direction (e.g., the −y-axis direction). If the tray contact area1342is pressed by the pressing area1411a, the detection area1344may be spaced apart from the detection member1345.

According to an embodiment, the lower supporting member1310may include a supporting portion1360. According to an embodiment, the supporting portion1360may mean a portion of the edge area1311of the lower supporting member1310. Further, the supporting portion1360may be disposed adjacent to the detection portion1340. For example, the supporting portion1360may be a portion of an edge barrier rib1311of the lower supporting member1310surrounding at least a portion of the detection lever1340a.

According to an embodiment, the contact surface1421of the supporting protrusion1420may contact the supporting area1361of the supporting portion1360. For example, the supporting area1361may support the contact surface1421in the tray insertion direction (e.g., the −y-axis direction). Thus, the load applied to the tray contact area1342by the pressing area1411amay be reduced, and deformation of the detection lever1340amay be reduced.

FIG.18is a view illustrating a coupling relationship between a detection portion and a tray according to an embodiment.

Referring toFIG.18, the socket1500may include a detection portion1540and a supporting portion1560. The detection portion1540ofFIG.18is identical or similar in whole or part to the detection portion1340ofFIGS.16and17, and no duplicate description thereof is thus given.

According to an embodiment, the supporting portion1560may be formed in the edge area1511of the lower supporting member1510. It has been described above that the edge area1511may be formed of a barrier rib1511. According to an embodiment, the supporting portion1560may be formed as a portion of the edge area1511protrudes. For example, the supporting portion1560may be formed as the barrier rib1511of the lower supporting member1510protrudes in a direction (y-axis direction) opposite to the tray insertion direction (−y-axis direction). Further, the supporting portion1560may be formed to protrude from an edge area (barrier rib)1511disposed adjacent to the detection portion1540.

According to an embodiment, the tray1600may include a pressing area1611aand a contact area1611b. According to an embodiment, the pressing area1611aand the contact area1611bmay be formed on the pressing surface1611formed to face in the insertion direction (−y-axis direction) of the tray1600. According to an embodiment, the pressing surface1611may include a first portion1611-1where the pressing area1611ais formed and a second portion1611-2where the contact area1611bis formed. For example, the first portion1611-1may be formed to protrude in the tray insertion direction (−y-axis direction) further than the second portion1611-2. Since the operation of the detection portion1540by the pressing area1611ais similar to the operation of the detection portion1340by the pressing area1411aofFIG.16, no duplicate description thereof is thus given.

According to an embodiment, the contact area1611bmay contact the supporting area1561of the supporting portion1560. According to an embodiment, the supporting area1561may mean one surface of the supporting portion1560facing the contact area1611bin a state in which the tray1600is inserted. The contact area1611bmay be supported by the supporting area1561in the tray insertion direction (e.g., the −y-axis direction) so that the load applied to the tray contact area1542by the pressing area1611amay be reduced.

According to an embodiment, there may be provided an electronic device including a circuit board (e.g., the printed circuit board340ofFIG.4), a socket (e.g., the socket341ofFIG.4) disposed on the circuit board, and a tray (e.g., the tray200ofFIG.4) removably insertable into the socket, where the socket includes a detection portion (e.g., the detection portion540ofFIG.6) for detecting insertion of the tray and a supporting portion (e.g., the supporting portion560ofFIG.10) for supporting at least a portion of the tray, and where the tray includes a body portion, a first protrusion (e.g., the first protrusion610ofFIGS.11(a) and11(b)) extended from the body portion to contact the detection portion, and a second protrusion (e.g., the second protrusion620ofFIGS.11(a) and11(b)) extended from the body portion to be supported by the supporting portion.

According to an embodiment, the body portion may include a receiving space for receiving a storage medium.

According to an embodiment, the storage medium may include at least any one of a SIM card or an SD card.

According to an embodiment, the tray may be inserted into the socket along a first direction, and the first protrusion and the second protrusion may be extended from a side surface of the body portion

According to an embodiment, the first protrusion and the second protrusion may be disposed in parallel with each other.

According to an embodiment, the detection portion may include a tray contact area (e.g., the tray contact area543ofFIG.7). The at least a portion of the tray contact is formed obliquely from the first direction. The first protrusion may be configured to press the tray contact area.

According to an embodiment, the tray contact area may include a first area (e.g., the extension area543aofFIG.7) extending from one side of the detection portion along the first direction and a second area (e.g., the slide area543bofFIG.7) bent and extending from the first area.

According to an embodiment, if the tray contact area is pressed by the first protrusion, a force in the first direction and a force in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction act on the detection portion.

According to an embodiment, the supporting portion may be configured to support the second protrusion in the first direction to distribute the forces acting on the detection portion by the first protrusion.

According to an embodiment, at least a portion of the second protrusion may have a rounded shape.

According to an embodiment, the supporting portion may be disposed in an edge area of the socket.

According to an embodiment, the supporting portion may be disposed in parallel with the detection portion.

According to an embodiment, there may be provided a tray-socket combined structure including a socket configured to be mounted in an electronic device, and a tray configured to be inserted into the socket, where the socket includes a lower supporting member (e.g., the lower supporting member510ofFIG.5) including a supporting portion in at least a portion thereof, a detection portion (e.g., the detection portion540ofFIG.6) disposed on the lower supporting member, and an upper cover (e.g., the upper cover520ofFIG.6) disposed on the lower supporting member to provide a tray insertion opening, and where the tray includes a body portion, a first protrusion (e.g., the first protrusion610ofFIGS.11(a) and11(b)) formed to extend from the body portion to contact the detection portion, and a second protrusion (e.g., the second protrusion620ofFIGS.11(a) and11(b)) formed to extend from the body portion, and where the supporting portion is formed to protrude from a portion of the lower supporting member.

According to an embodiment, the supporting portion may be formed of a barrier rib near an edge area of the lower supporting member.

According to an embodiment, the first protrusion and the second protrusion may be formed in parallel with each other.

According to an embodiment, the detection portion and the supporting portion may be disposed adjacent to each other.

According to an embodiment, the supporting portion may include a supporting surface for supporting the second protrusion. The supporting surface may be formed to be perpendicular to an insertion direction of the tray.

According to an embodiment, at least a portion of the second protrusion may have a rounded shape.

According to an embodiment, the body portion may include a receiving space for receiving a storage medium.

According to an embodiment, the storage medium may include at least any one of a SIM card or an SD card.

While the present disclosure has been shown and described with reference to embodiments thereof, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the following claims.