HK1182576B - Housing for portable electronic device with reduced border region - Google Patents

Description

Housing for a portable electronic device having a reduced border area

CROSS-REFERENCE TO OTHER APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. provisional patent application No.61/482,513 entitled "HOUSE FOR PORTABLE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM WITH REDUCED BORDER REGION", filed 2011, 5, month, 4, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Background

Conventionally, portable electronic devices have a housing that encases various electronic components of the portable electronic device. Generally, a portable electronic device has a display device including a plurality of layers. The plurality of layers typically includes at least one display technology layer, and may additionally include a sensing device (e.g., a touch sensor or touch screen) and/or a cover window disposed over the display technology layer. The cover window may be a plastic or glass cover that provides a protective outer surface that protects the display technology layer. The cover window may form a portion of an outer surface of a housing of the portable electronic device. Conventionally, supporting or fixing the cover window to other portions of the housing tends to prevent use of the peripheral region of the cover window.

However, as portable electronic devices continue to be made smaller, thinner, and/or more powerful, there remains a continuing need to provide improved techniques and structures for supporting a cover window of a portable electronic device housing.

Disclosure of Invention

The present invention relates to an electronic device having a housing structure configured to receive at least one glass cover. The glass cover is used to cover a display assembly disposed within an electronic device. The glass cover may be secured to the housing structure so as to provide a narrow boundary between the active display area and the outer edge of the housing structure. The housing of the electronic device may be thin, but strong enough to be suitable in an electronic device such as a portable electronic device.

The invention can be implemented in numerous ways, including as a method, system, apparatus or device. Various embodiments of the invention are discussed below.

As a portable electronic device, one embodiment may, for example, include at least: an electronic device housing including a bottom surface and a side surface; a glass cover for a top surface of the electronic device housing; at least one peripheral internal support structure secured to a peripheral region of the bottom surface of the glass cover, wherein the at least one peripheral internal support structure is located in a periphery of the glass cover; a screen assembly having a top surface and a bottom surface, the top surface being secured to a central region of the bottom surface of the glass cover; and at least one surface support structure secured within the electronic device housing such that the at least one surface support structure is adjacent to the bottom surface of the screen assembly.

As a method for assembling an electronic device, one embodiment may, for example, include at least: obtaining a glass member having a top surface and a bottom surface, the top surface providing an outer surface for substantially all surfaces of an electronic device; mounting at least one peripheral support structure to a peripheral region of the bottom surface of the glass member; mounting a screen assembly to a central region of a bottom surface of a glass member; mounting at least one surface support structure to the at least one peripheral support structure, wherein the glass member, the screen assembly, and the at least one peripheral support structure form a final display assembly; and thereafter securing the final display assembly to the product housing using at least the peripheral support structure.

As a portable electronic device, one embodiment may, for example, include at least: an electronic device housing including a bottom surface and a side surface; a glass cover for a top surface of the electronic device housing; at least one mounting bracket secured to a peripheral region of a bottom surface of the glass cover; a touch screen assembly having a top surface and a bottom surface, the top surface being secured to a central region of the bottom surface of the glass cover; and a frame secured within the electronic device housing such that the frame is adjacent to the bottom surface of the touch screen assembly.

As a method for assembling an electronic device, one embodiment may, for example, include at least: obtaining a glass member having a top surface and a bottom surface, the top surface providing an outer surface for substantially all surfaces of an electronic device; mounting a mounting bracket to a peripheral region of a bottom surface of the glass member; mounting a top surface of the screen assembly to a central region of a bottom surface of the glass member; mounting a frame adjacent a bottom surface of a screen assembly, wherein the glass member, the frame, the screen assembly, and the mounting bracket comprise a final display assembly; and thereafter securing the final display assembly to the product housing using the mounting bracket and/or frame.

As a portable electronic device, one embodiment may, for example, include at least: an electronic device housing including a bottom surface and a side surface; a glass cover for a top surface of the electronic device housing; a frame secured to a peripheral region of a bottom surface of the glass cover; a screen assembly having a top surface and a bottom surface, the top surface being secured to a central region of the bottom surface of the glass cover; and at least one mounting bracket secured to the frame.

As a method for assembling an electronic device, one embodiment may, for example, include at least: obtaining a glass member having a top surface and a bottom surface, the top surface providing an outer surface for substantially all surfaces of an electronic device; mounting a frame to a peripheral region of a bottom surface of the glass member; mounting a screen assembly to a central region of a bottom surface of a glass member; mounting a mounting bracket to a frame, wherein the glass member, the frame, the screen assembly, and the mounting bracket comprise a final display assembly; and thereafter securing the final display assembly to the product housing using the mounting bracket and/or frame.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention.

Drawings

The present invention will be readily understood by the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate like structural elements, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a flow diagram of a housing formation process according to one embodiment.

FIG. 2A is a cross-sectional view of an electronic device housing according to one embodiment.

2B-2D are cross-sectional assembly views for the electronic device housing shown in FIG. 2A, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of an electronic device housing according to one embodiment.

FIG. 4A illustrates a side member and a mounting bracket of an electronic device housing according to one embodiment.

FIG. 4B illustrates a side member and mounting bracket of an electronic device housing according to another embodiment.

Fig. 4C illustrates side members, mounting brackets, and a frame (portions thereof) of an electronic device housing according to one embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram of a housing formation process according to one embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of an electronic device housing according to one embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a handheld electronic device according to one embodiment.

Detailed Description

Embodiments are described herein in the context of a housing for an electronic device. The housing may use an outer member, which may be formed of glass. The external member may be aligned, protected and/or secured relative to other portions of the housing of the electronic device. The electronic device may be portable and in some cases handheld.

According to one aspect, the present invention relates to an electronic device having a housing structure configured to accommodate at least one glass cover. The glass cover is used to cover a display assembly disposed within the electronic device. The glass cover may be secured to the housing structure to facilitate providing a narrow boundary between the active display area and an outer edge of the housing structure. The housing of the electronic device may be thin, but strong enough to be suitable for use in an electronic device such as a portable electronic device.

The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to be in any way limiting. Other embodiments will readily suggest themselves to such skilled persons having the benefit of this disclosure. Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The same reference indicators will generally be used throughout the drawings and the following detailed description to refer to the same or like parts. It will be appreciated that the drawings are not generally to scale and that at least some features of the drawings have been exaggerated for ease of illustration.

Embodiments of the invention may relate to apparatuses, systems, and methods for forming an enclosure for an electronic device having a thin glass member. In one example, the glass member may be an outer surface of the electronic device. The glass member may, for example, correspond to a glass cover that helps form a portion of the display area of the electronic device (i.e., located on the front side of the display as a discrete component or integrated into the display). Alternatively or additionally, the glass member may form part of the envelope. For example, it may form an outer surface other than in the display area.

The apparatus, systems, and methods for enhancing the strength of thin glass are particularly suitable for glass covers or displays (e.g., LCD displays) assembled in small form factor electronic devices such as handheld electronic devices (e.g., mobile phones, media players, personal digital assistants, remote controls, and the like). In these small form factor embodiments the glass may be thin, for example less than 3mm, or more specifically between 0.5 and 2.5mm, or even more specifically between 0.3 and 1.0 mm. The apparatus, systems, and methods may also be used for glass covers or displays for other devices, including but not limited to relatively large form factor electronic devices (e.g., portable computers, tablet computers, displays, monitors, televisions, etc.). The glass may also be thin in these larger form factor embodiments, such as less than 5mm, or more specifically between 0.5 and 3mm, or even more specifically between 0.3 and 2.0 mm.

The discussion of the embodiments is described below with reference to fig. 1-7. However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to these figures is for explanatory purposes as the invention extends beyond these limited embodiments.

FIG. 1 is a flow diagram of a housing formation process 100 according to one embodiment. The housing formation process 100 is operable to produce a housing, or at least a portion of a housing, for an electronic device.

The housing formation process 100 can begin at 102 with the acquisition of a glass member. The top surface of the glass member may represent an outer surface of the housing and the bottom surface of the glass member is an unexposed inner surface. The glass member may serve as an important outer surface of the housing. For example, the glass member may correspond to a top surface of the housing. Alternatively or additionally, the glass member may correspond to a bottom surface of the housing. The glass member is typically thin, particularly when used with portable electronic devices. In one embodiment, the glass member has a thickness of less than 5mm, or more particularly less than 1 mm.

After the glass member has been obtained 102, a mounting bracket may be mounted to a peripheral region on a bottom surface of the glass member at 104. The mounting bracket may be mounted to the bottom surface of the glass member using an adhesive. The adhesive may for example be provided as a film or layer. In addition, the manner in which the adhesive is deposited may be varied. In one embodiment, the adhesive may be deposited by forming a peripheral pattern of adhesive, which may be disposed on the bottom surface of the glass member to provide the adhesive at an area on the bottom surface of the glass member where the mounting bracket is to be placed. In another embodiment, the adhesive may be screen printed on a suitable peripheral portion on the bottom surface of the glass member. In yet another embodiment, the adhesive may be applied to that surface of the mounting bracket that is to be secured to the bottom surface of the glass member.

After the mounting bracket has been installed 104, the touch screen assembly can be mounted to a central region of the bottom surface of the glass member at 106. The touch screen assembly may include a plurality of touch and display components stacked on top of each other to implement a touch screen. The touch and display components may, for example, include a display technology layer (e.g., an LCD panel), a sensing layer (e.g., a touch sensor), and/or a backlight component.

An adhesive may be used to mount the touch screen assembly at 106. The adhesive may for example be provided as a film or layer. In addition, the manner in which the adhesive is deposited may be varied. In one embodiment, the adhesive may be deposited by forming a pattern of adhesive (e.g., a translucent adhesive) that may be disposed on the bottom surface of the glass member to provide the adhesive on the bottom surface of the glass member where the touch screen assembly is to be disposed. The adhesive may additionally or alternatively be deposited on the top surface of the touch screen assembly. In another embodiment, an adhesive may be screen printed or sprayed on the appropriate portion of the bottom surface of the glass member and/or the top surface of the touch screen assembly.

Next, after the touch screen assembly has been installed 106, the frame may be installed 108 such that the frame is adjacent to the bottom surface of the touch screen assembly. The frame mounted at 108 may be used to prevent damage to the touch screen assembly and may provide structural rigidity to the housing of the electronic device. The frame may be mounted to a side member or mounting member of a housing of the electronic device at 108. In one embodiment, the frame may be mounted at 108 using any of a variety of means, such as adhesives, screws, snaps, or welding.

After the frame has been mounted 108, the final display assembly, including the glass member, mounting bracket, touch screen assembly, and frame, may be secured to the housing of the electronic device. For example, the final display assembly may be secured to a housing of an electronic device via a mounting bracket and/or frame at 110. Following block 110, the housing formation process 100 may end.

Fig. 2A is a cross-sectional view of an electronic device housing 200 according to one embodiment. In one embodiment, the electronic device housing 200 may result from the housing formation process 100 shown in FIG. 1.

The electronic device housing 200 includes a housing 202. The housing 202 includes side members 204 and a bottom member 206. The translucent member 208 may be provided as a top surface of the electronic device housing 200. For example, the translucent member 208 may be a glass member, commonly referred to as a cover glass, or a polymer-based member (e.g., plastic).

The electronic device housing 200 may include a touch screen assembly 210. Touch screen assembly 210 may include multiple touch and display components stacked on top of one another. The touch and display components may, for example, include a display technology layer (e.g., an LCD panel), a sensing layer (e.g., a touch sensor), and/or a backlight layer. The touch screen assembly 210 may be secured to the bottom surface of the translucent member 208 by an adhesive layer 212.

Further, the electronic device housing 200 may include a mounting bracket 214, the mounting bracket 214 being fixed to a peripheral portion of the bottom surface of the translucent member 208 using an adhesive layer 216. The mounting bracket 214 may be formed of metal (e.g., aluminum, stainless steel) or a polymer. The mounting bracket 214 may be thin, for example on the order of 0.1-0.6 mm. In one embodiment, the mounting bracket 214 may include a pair of rails that are secured to opposite sides of a peripheral portion of the bottom surface of the translucent member 208 using an adhesive layer 216.

The electronics enclosure 200 may also include a frame 218. The frame 218 is disposed within the electronic device housing 200 and is disposed adjacent to a bottom surface of the touch screen assembly 210. In one embodiment, there is a small gap between the frame 218 and the bottom surface on the touch screen assembly 210. The frame 218 may be used to provide rigidity to the electronic device housing 200 and may also provide a surface to protect the touch screen assembly 210. The frame 218 may be secured to the mounting bracket 214 or the side member 204 by any of a variety of techniques (e.g., welding, screws, snaps, adhesives).

The interior space 220 is disposed within the electronic device housing 200, whereby a plurality of electronic components (including, for example, a processor, memory, battery, and circuit board) may be mounted, secured, or positioned to provide electronic operation for the electronic device.

In general, the various components, parts, or assemblies of the electronic device housing 200 may be formed from any of a variety of materials, such as glass, polymers, or metals. In one embodiment, the translucent member 208 is glass, the mounting bracket 214 and the frame 218 are formed from metal or a polymer (e.g., plastic), and the housing 202 is formed from glass, a polymer (e.g., plastic), or metal.

2B-2D are cross-sectional assembly diagrams of the electronic device housing 200 shown in FIG. 2A, according to one embodiment. Fig. 2A-2D show a series of schematic assembly steps for assembling the electronic device housing 200.

In fig. 2B, a translucent member 208 having a top surface 300 and a bottom surface 302 is provided. The bottom surface 302 of the translucent member 208 may have an adhesive 216 applied as an adhesive layer at selected areas along particular sides of the periphery of the bottom surface 302 of the translucent member 208. The mounting bracket 214 may then be secured to the translucent member 208 via an adhesive 216.

In fig. 2C, the touch screen assembly 210 can then be secured to the translucent member 208 using the adhesive layer 212. Typically, the adhesive layer 212 will be translucent (e.g., clear). Here, the top surface of the touch screen assembly 210 is fixed to the bottom surface 302 of the translucent member 208.

In fig. 2D, the frame 218 may then be secured to the mounting bracket 214. The frame 218 may be secured to the mounting bracket 214 or the side member 304 using adhesives, welding, screws, and the like. When installed, the frame 218 is adjacent the bottom surface 304 of the touch screen assembly 210. However, the frame 218 does not generally contact the bottom surface 304 of the touch screen assembly 210. Conversely, a small gap 306 exists between the frame 218 and the bottom surface 304 of the touch screen assembly 210.

In fig. 2E, the resulting assembly of fig. 2D may then be inserted into the housing 202 of the electronic device. The components may be secured to the housing 202. For example, the assembly may be secured in place by the use of adhesives, snaps, welds, screws, and the like. In one embodiment, the mounting bracket 214 may be secured to the side member 204 of the housing 202. Once the resulting assembly of fig. 2D is inserted and then secured, the electronic device housing 200 is obtained as shown in fig. 2A.

Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view of an electronic device housing 300 according to one embodiment. The electronic device housing 300 is generally similar to the electronic device housing 200 shown in fig. 2A. The electronic device housing 300 includes a housing 302. The housing 302 includes side members 304 and a bottom member 306. The translucent member 308 may be provided as a top surface of the electronic device housing 300. For example, the translucent member 308 may be a glass member, commonly referred to as a cover glass, or a polymer-based member (e.g., plastic).

The electronic device housing 300 may include a touch screen assembly 310. The touch screen assembly 310 may include a plurality of touch and display components stacked on top of one another. The touch and display components may, for example, include a display technology layer (e.g., an LCD panel), a sensing layer (e.g., a touch sensor), and/or a backlight layer. The touch screen assembly 310 may be secured to the bottom surface of the translucent member 308 by an adhesive layer 312.

Further, the electronic device housing 300 may include a mounting bracket 314, the mounting bracket 314 being fixed to a peripheral portion of the bottom surface of the translucent member 308 using an adhesive layer 316. The mounting bracket 314 may be formed of metal (e.g., aluminum, stainless steel) or a polymer. The mounting bracket 314 may be thin, for example on the order of 0.1-0.6 mm. The structure and arrangement of the mounting bracket 314 may be the same as the mounting bracket 214 used in FIG. 2A, except that in one embodiment the mounting bracket 314 is longer (i.e., has a greater height) than the mounting bracket 214. In one embodiment, the mounting bracket 314 may include a pair of rails mounted to opposite sides of a peripheral portion of the bottom surface of the translucent member 308 using an adhesive layer 316.

The electronics enclosure 300 may also include a frame 318. The frame 318 is disposed within the electronic device housing 300 and is disposed adjacent to the bottom surface of the touch screen assembly 310. In one embodiment, there is a small gap between the frame 318 and the bottom surface of the touch screen assembly 310. The frame 318 may be used to provide rigidity to the electronic device housing 300 and may also provide a surface to protect the touch screen assembly 310. The frame 318 may be secured to the mounting bracket 314 or side member 304 by any of a variety of techniques (e.g., welding, screws, snaps, adhesives). The structure and arrangement of the frame 318 may be the same as the frame 218 used in fig. 2A, except that the frame 318 may be fixed to the mounting bracket 314 at a lower position than in fig. 2A.

The interior space 320 is provided inside the electronic device housing 300, whereby various electronic components (including, for example, a processor, a memory, a battery, and a circuit board) may be mounted, fixed, or arranged to provide electronic operation for the electronic device.

In general, the various components, parts, or assemblies of the electronic device housing 300 may be formed from any of a variety of materials, such as glass, polymers, or metals. In one embodiment, translucent member 308 is glass, mounting bracket 314 and frame 318 are formed from metal or a polymer (e.g., plastic), and housing 302 is formed from glass, a polymer (e.g., plastic), or metal.

Further, in one embodiment, as shown in fig. 3, the top of the mounting bracket 314, which is secured to the bottom surface of the translucent member 308 using an adhesive layer 316, may slightly vertically overlap with at least one layer of the touch screen assembly 310. For example, fig. 3 shows that the top of the mounting bracket 314, which is secured to the bottom surface of the translucent member 308 using an adhesive layer 316, slightly overlaps (e.g., horizontally overlaps) the middle layer of the touch screen assembly 300. The ability to slightly overlap these features in the horizontal direction provides an improved compact design that can have a further reduced border thickness (between the edge of the active display area and the edge of the housing).

Fig. 4A illustrates a side member 400 and a mounting bracket 402 of an electronic device housing according to one embodiment. The electronic device housing may, for example, belong to the electronic device housing 200 shown in fig. 2A or the electronic device housing 300 shown in fig. 3. In fig. 4A, a mounting bracket 402 is mounted to the side member 400 by welding 404.

Fig. 4B illustrates a side member 420 and a mounting bracket 422 of an electronic device housing according to one embodiment. The electronic device housing may, for example, belong to the electronic device housing 200 shown in fig. 2A or the electronic device housing 300 shown in fig. 3. In fig. 4B, the mounting bracket 422 is mounted to the side member 420 by at least one catch 424 that provides mechanical retention therebetween.

Fig. 4C shows a side member 440, a mounting bracket 442, and a frame 444 (portions thereof) of an electronic device housing according to one embodiment. The electronic device housing may, for example, belong to the electronic device housing 200 shown in fig. 2A or the electronic device housing 300 shown in fig. 3. In fig. 4C, the mounting bracket 442 is mounted to the side member 440 by any of the techniques described above (e.g., adhesives, snaps, screws, welding), and the frame 444 may be secured to the mounting bracket 442 by at least one screw 446 (or bolt). In an alternative embodiment, the screw 446 may extend further into or through the side member 440 to secure the mounting member 442 and the frame 444 to themselves and the side member 440.

In the above-described fig. 1-3, the mounting bracket is secured to a bottom surface of the translucent member, which bottom surface may serve as an important outer surface of a housing of an electronic device, such as a portable electronic device. However, in other embodiments, the frame or other structural component may instead be secured to the bottom surface of the translucent member.

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram of a housing formation process 500 according to one embodiment. The housing formation process 500 may operate to manufacture a housing of an electronic device, or at least a portion of the housing.

The housing formation process 500 can begin at 502 with the acquisition of a glass member. The top surface of the glass member may represent an outer surface of the housing and the bottom surface of the glass member is an unexposed inner surface. The glass member may serve as an important outer surface of the housing. For example, the glass member may correspond to a top surface of the housing. Alternatively or additionally, the glass member may correspond to a bottom surface of the housing. The glass member is typically thin, particularly when used with portable electronic devices. In one embodiment, the glass member has a thickness of less than 5mm, or more specifically less than 1 mm.

After the glass member has been obtained 502, a frame may be mounted to a peripheral region on a bottom surface of the glass member at 504. Once the frame is installed 504, the frame may be used to prevent damage to the touch screen assembly and may provide structural rigidity to the housing of the electronic device. When installed, the frame is adjacent to the bottom surface of the touch screen assembly. The frame may be mounted to the bottom surface of the glass member using an adhesive. The adhesive may for example be provided as a film or layer. In addition, the manner in which the adhesive is deposited may be varied. In one embodiment, the adhesive may be deposited by forming a peripheral pattern of the adhesive, which may be disposed on the bottom surface of the glass member to provide the adhesive at an area on the bottom surface of the glass member where the mounting bracket is to be disposed. In another embodiment, the adhesive may be screen printed on a suitable peripheral region on the bottom surface of the glass member. In yet another embodiment, an adhesive may be applied to a surface of the mounting bracket to be secured to the bottom surface of the glass member.

After the frame has been installed 504, a touch screen assembly can be mounted to a central region of the bottom surface of the glass member at 506. The touch screen assembly may include a plurality of touch and display components stacked on top of each other to implement a touch screen. The touch and display components may, for example, include a display technology layer (e.g., an LCD panel), a sensing layer (e.g., a touch sensor), and/or a backlight component.

An adhesive may be used to mount the touch screen assembly at 506. The adhesive may for example be provided as a film or layer. In addition, the manner in which the adhesive is deposited may be varied. In one embodiment, the adhesive may be deposited by forming a pattern of adhesive (e.g., a translucent adhesive) that may be disposed on the bottom surface of the glass member to provide the adhesive where the touch screen assembly is to be disposed on the bottom surface of the glass member. The adhesive may additionally or alternatively be deposited on the top surface of the touch screen assembly. In another embodiment, an adhesive may be screen printed or sprayed on the appropriate portion of the bottom surface of the glass member and/or the top surface of the touch screen assembly.

Next, after the touch screen assembly has been installed 506, the mounting bracket is mounted to the frame 508. In one embodiment, the frame may be mounted to the frame at 508 using any of a variety of means, such as adhesives, screws, snaps, or welding.

After the mounting bracket has been installed 508, the final display assembly, including the glass member, mounting bracket, touch screen assembly, and frame, may be secured to the housing of the electronic device at 550. For example, the final display assembly may be secured to a housing of the electronic device by way of a mounting bracket and/or frame. Following block 550, the shell formation process 500 may end.

Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view of an electronic device housing 600 according to one embodiment. In one embodiment, the electronic device housing 600 may be made by the housing formation process 500 shown in FIG. 5.

The electronic device housing 600 includes a housing 602. The housing 602 includes side members 604 and a bottom member 606. The translucent member 608 may be provided as a top surface of the electronic device case 600. For example, the translucent member 608 may be a glass member, commonly referred to as a cover glass, or a polymer-based member (e.g., plastic).

The electronic device housing 600 may include a touch screen assembly 610. The touch screen assembly 610 may include a plurality of touch and display components stacked on top of one another. The touch and display components may, for example, include a display technology layer (e.g., an LCD panel), a sensing layer (e.g., a touch sensor), and/or a backlight layer. The touch screen assembly 610 may be secured to the bottom surface of the translucent member 608 by an adhesive layer 612.

Further, the electronic device housing 600 may include a frame 614, and the frame 614 may be fixed to a peripheral portion of the bottom surface of the translucent member 608 using an adhesive layer 616. A frame 614 is disposed within the electronic device housing 600 and is disposed adjacent to a bottom surface of the touch screen assembly 610. In one embodiment, there is a small gap between the frame 614 and the bottom surface of the touch screen assembly 610. The frame 614 may be used to provide rigidity to the electronic device housing 600 and may also provide a surface to protect the touch screen assembly 610. Further, in one embodiment, the top of the frame 614, which is secured to the bottom surface of the translucent member 608 using an adhesive layer 616, may slightly overlap (e.g., horizontally overlap) with at least one layer of the touch screen assembly 610. For example, fig. 6 shows the top of the frame 614, which is secured to the bottom surface of the translucent member 608 using an adhesive layer 616, slightly vertically overlapping the middle layer of the touch screen assembly. The ability to slightly overlap in the horizontal direction provides an improved compact design that can have an even further reduced border thickness (between the edge of the active display area and the edge of the housing).

The electronics enclosure 600 may include a mounting bracket 618. A mounting bracket 618 may be secured to the side member 604. The mounting bracket 618 may be formed of metal (e.g., aluminum, stainless steel) or polymer. The mounting bracket 618 may be thin, for example on the order of 0.1-0.6 mm. The mounting bracket 618 may be secured to the frame 614 and to the side member 604 by any of a variety of techniques (e.g., welding, screws, snaps, adhesives).

The interior space 620 is provided within the electronic device housing 600, whereby various electronic components (including, for example, a processor, a memory, a battery, and a circuit board) may be mounted, fixed, or arranged to provide electronic operation for the electronic device.

In general, the various components, parts, or assemblies of the electronic device housing 600 may be formed from any of a variety of materials, such as glass, polymers, or metals. In one embodiment, the translucent member 608 is glass, the frame 614 and the mounting bracket 618 are formed from metal or a polymer (e.g., plastic), and the housing 602 is formed from glass, a polymer (e.g., plastic), or metal.

Fig. 7 is a schematic diagram of a handheld electronic device 700, according to one embodiment. The handheld electronic device 700 may include a housing 702, such as a peripheral member, the housing 702 being disposed at least partially around the periphery of the handheld electronic device 700 to form some or all of the outermost surface, the top surface, and the bottom surface of the handheld electronic device 700. The handheld electronic device 700 further includes a cover 704, the cover 704 configured to be substantially coupled to the housing 702 to effectively enclose an interior space of the handheld electronic device 700. The cover 704 may include a glass member 706, such as a cover glass positioned over a display of the handheld electronic device 700. In one embodiment, the cover 704 includes a protective frame 708, and the glass member 706 is supported in the frame 708. A glass member 706 may be used as the top surface of the housing 702. The display area 707 of the glass member 706 is the portion of the glass member 706 that corresponds to a display (e.g., an active display area). Using the techniques described herein, the display can be secured to the housing 702 such that the active display area can reach almost the edges of the housing. In other words, the boundary thickness (t) at the sides of the housing 702 is reduced as compared to conventional designs. In one embodiment, the boundary thickness (t) may be 2mm or less.

The housing 702 may have any suitable shape, including, for example, one or more elements that may be combined to form a rectangular structure. The housing 702 may at least partially enclose an interior space within which electronic device components may be assembled and retained. The shape of the housing 702 may generally define the boundaries of the interior space and may be determined based on the size and type of components disposed within the interior space.

The housing 702 may have any suitable dimensions and may be determined based on any suitable criteria. Suitable criteria may include, but are not limited to, aesthetic or industrial design, structural considerations, component requirements for a predetermined function, and/or product design. The housing 702 may have any suitable cross-section including, for example, a variable cross-section or a constant cross-section. In some embodiments, the cross-section may be selected based on predetermined structural characteristics of the housing 702. For example, the cross-section of the housing 702 may be substantially rectangular such that the height of the housing 702 is substantially greater than the width of the housing 702. This cross-sectional shape may provide structural rigidity in compression and tension as well as bending. In some embodiments, the dimensions of the cross-section of the housing 702 may be determined relative to the dimensions of the components contained by the housing 702.

In some embodiments, the housing 702 may include features 710. The features 710 may generally include one or more openings, protrusions, extensions, flanges, chamfers, or other features for receiving a component or element of a device. The features 710 of the housing 702 extend from any surface of the housing 702, including, for example, from an interior surface, such as to retain an interior component or component layer, or from an exterior surface. In particular, the housing 702 may include a slot or opening (not shown) to receive a card or disk within the handheld electronic device 700. The housing 702 may also include connector openings (not shown), such as for a 30-pin connector, through which the connector may engage one or more conductive pins of the handheld electronic device 700. Other features 710 included on the housing 702 may include, but are not limited to, an opening for providing audio to a user, an opening for receiving audio from a user, an opening for a connector (e.g., an audio connector or a power connector), and/or features for holding and activating a button, such as a volume control or mute switch.

Additional details of electronic device housings using insert molding for particular parts are included in: (i) U.S. application No.12/895,822 entitled "Insert Molded devices for Portable electronic devices", filed 30.9.2010, incorporated herein by reference; and (ii) U.S. application No.12/944671 entitled "Insert moving Around Glass Members for Portable Electronic Devices," filed 11/2010, which is incorporated herein by reference.

Although the mounting bracket and the frame of the display assembly are discussed above as separate components (which may facilitate assembly), it should be clear that the mounting bracket and the frame are structural components for the electronic device. In one embodiment, the mounting bracket and the frame are integral. In another embodiment, the mounting bracket and the frame are interchangeable.

Although various embodiments discussed herein include a touch screen assembly, various other embodiments may not include touch screen functionality. In these other embodiments, the display assembly would be used in place of the touch screen assembly. The display assembly includes at least a display technology layer. The display assembly may also include a backlight assembly.

In general, the steps associated with the methods of the present invention may be widely varied. Steps may be added, removed, altered, combined, and rearranged without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention.

The various aspects, features, embodiments or implementations of the invention described above can be used alone or in various combinations.

While this specification contains many specifics, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the disclosure or of what may be claimed, but rather as descriptions of features specific to particular embodiments of the disclosure. Certain features that are described in the context of separate embodiments can also be implemented in combination. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single embodiment can also be implemented in multiple embodiments separately or in any suitable subcombination. Furthermore, although features may be described above as acting in certain combinations, one or more features from a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the combination, and the claimed combination may be directed to a subcombination or variation of a subcombination.

While embodiments and applications have been shown and described, it would be apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of this disclosure that many more modifications than mentioned above are possible without departing from the inventive concepts herein.

Claims (26)

1. A portable electronic device, comprising:

an electronic device housing including a bottom surface and a side surface;

a glass cover for a top surface of the electronic device housing;

at least one mounting bracket secured to a peripheral region of a bottom surface of the glass cover, the at least one mounting bracket located within a periphery of the glass cover;

a screen assembly having a top surface and a bottom surface, the top surface being secured to a central region of the bottom surface of the glass cover; and

a frame secured within the electronic device housing such that the frame is adjacent to a bottom surface of the screen assembly.

2. The portable electronic device of claim 1, wherein the frame is secured to the at least one mounting bracket.

3. The portable electronic device of claim 1, wherein the frame is secured to at least one of the side surfaces.

4. The portable electronic device according to claim 1,

wherein between the frame and the bottom surface of the screen assembly is a separation gap, an

Wherein the separation gap is 0.1-1.0 mm.

5. The portable electronic device of claim 1, wherein the screen assembly is a touch screen assembly.

6. The portable electronic device of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the side surface is molded onto the housing.

7. The portable electronic device of any one of claims 1-6,

wherein the frame is fixed to the at least one mounting bracket, an

Wherein the at least one mounting bracket is secured to a peripheral region of the bottom surface of the glass cover using an adhesive.

8. The portable electronic device of claim 7, wherein the at least one mounting bracket comprises a pair of rails secured to opposite sides of a peripheral region of the bottom surface of the glass cover.

9. The portable electronic device of any of claims 1-6, wherein the at least one mounting bracket is secured to the electronic device housing and is configured to secure the glass cover and the frame to the electronic device housing.

10. The portable electronic device of any of claims 1-6, wherein the glass cover has a thickness of 0.3-1.0 mm.

11. The portable electronic device of claim 1, wherein the at least one mounting bracket and the frame are metal.

12. The portable electronic device of claim 11, wherein the thickness of each of the at least one mounting bracket and the frame is 0.1-0.6mm thick.

13. A method for assembling an electronic device, the method comprising:

obtaining a glass member having a top surface and a bottom surface, the top surface providing an outer surface for a surface of the electronic device;

mounting a mounting bracket to a peripheral region of a bottom surface of the glass member;

mounting a top surface of a touch screen assembly to a central region of a bottom surface of the glass member;

mounting a frame adjacent to a bottom surface of the touch screen assembly, wherein the glass member, the frame, the touch screen assembly, and the mounting bracket form a final display assembly; and

the final display assembly is then secured to the product housing using the mounting bracket and/or frame.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the mounting of the mounting bracket comprises:

applying an adhesive to a peripheral region of a bottom surface of the glass member; and

pressing the mounting bracket against the adhesive at the peripheral region of the bottom surface of the glass member.

15. The method of claim 13, wherein the installing of the touch screen assembly comprises:

applying an adhesive to a top surface of the touch screen assembly or a bottom surface of the glass member; and

pressing the touch screen assembly to a bottom surface of the glass member via the adhesive.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the mounting bracket and the frame are metal.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the mounting bracket and the frame have a thickness of 0.1-0.6 mm.

18. A portable electronic device, comprising:

an electronic device housing including a bottom surface and a side surface;

a glass cover for a top surface of the electronic device housing;

a frame secured to a peripheral region of a bottom surface of the glass cover, the frame having an open center portion;

a touch screen assembly having a top surface and a bottom surface, the top surface being secured to a central region of the bottom surface of the glass cover through the open central portion of the frame; and

at least one mounting bracket secured to the frame.

19. The portable electronic device of claim 18, wherein the at least one mounting bracket is secured to the electronic device housing to secure the glass cover and the frame to the electronic device housing.

20. The portable electronic device of claim 18, wherein the touch screen assembly is disposed between the glass cover and the frame.

21. The portable electronic device of claim 18, wherein a bottom surface of the touch screen assembly is adjacent to the frame.

22. A method for assembling an electronic device, the method comprising:

obtaining a glass member having a top surface and a bottom surface, the top surface providing an outer surface for a surface of the electronic device;

mounting a frame to a peripheral region of a bottom surface of the glass member;

mounting a screen assembly to a central region of a bottom surface of the glass member;

mounting a mounting bracket to the frame, wherein the glass member, the frame, the screen assembly, and the mounting bracket form a final display assembly; and

the final display assembly is then secured to the product housing using the mounting bracket and/or frame.

23. The method of claim 22, wherein the mounting of the frame comprises:

applying an adhesive to a peripheral region of a bottom surface of the glass member or a portion of the frame; and

pressing the frame against the adhesive at the peripheral region of the bottom surface of the glass member.

24. The method of claim 22, wherein the mounting of the screen assembly comprises:

applying an adhesive to a top surface of the screen assembly or a bottom surface of the glass member; and

pressing the screen assembly to a bottom surface of the glass member via the adhesive.

25. The method of claim 24, wherein the mounting bracket and the frame are metal.

26. The method of any one of claims 22-25,

wherein the thickness of the mounting bracket and the frame is 0.1-0.6mm thick, an

Wherein the mounting bracket and the frame are formed of stainless steel.