Patent Description:
An electronic device may include a housing that forms an exterior. Various parts of the electronic device may be disposed in the housing. The inside of the housing may have an environment different from an external environment. For example, when the electronic device is exposed to a temperature change or an altitude change, the pressure in the housing and the pressure in the external environment may differ from each other. Due to the difference between the environments, the humidity in the housing may increase so that the housing may be covered with dew, or a sealing member, such as a gasket may be weakened so that foreign matter, such as dust or moisture may infiltrate into the housing. Therefore, the performance of the electronic device may be deteriorated.

To reduce the difference between the environment in the housing and the external environment, a method of maintaining an equilibrium state by forming a ventilation hole fluidically connected with the external environment in the housing has been used.

<CIT> discloses a functional assembly comprising a base, a sliding seat, a sleeve assembly, a piston, a driving part and a traction part. When the driving piece drives the piston to slide in the direction close to the sliding seat, the valve cuts off the branch, the sleeve assembly is unfolded to push the sliding seat, and the camera module extends out of the base. When the driving piece drives the piston to slide in the direction away from the sliding seat, the piston pulls the sliding seat through the traction piece, the sleeve assembly retracts, and the camera module retracts into the base. When the sliding seat bears external force towards the interior of the base, the valve conducts the branch, and the sleeve assembly contracts, so that the sliding seat carries the camera module to retract into the base.

<CIT> discloses a mobile terminal which includes a terminal body having a receiving hole, and a touch input pen which is inserted into the receiving hole and is arranged with a withdrawable type. The touch input pen is extended in a direction and includes a body part with a cross section of a polygonal bar shape, a head part which has one side combined with one side of the body part and the other side where a handle exposed to the outside is formed, and a tip part which is combined with the other side of the body part and performs a touch input function. The head part and the body part are combined to be relatively rotated.

<CIT> discloses an electronic device comprising a housing including a first plate, a second plate directed in a direction opposite to the first plate, and a side member enclosing a space between the first plate and the second plate and including an opening; a touch screen display exposed through the first plate; and an earphone jack assembly arranged adjacent to the opening. The earphone jack assembly includes: at least one structure including a first passage which has a first cross sectional area, is extended from the opening in a first direction, accommodates an external earphone connector, and includes a first end connected to the opening and a second end opposite to the first end, a second passage having a second cross sectional area smaller than the first cross sectional area and being extended from the second end of the first passage in the first direction, and a third passage extended from the second passage in a second direction different from the first direction; and a microphone which is arranged outside the structure and includes a circuit board having a hole connected to the third passage.

For example, the ventilation hole fluidically connecting the inside and the outside of the electronic device may be formed in a housing of a camera module exposed outside the electronic device. However, since lenses, a flash, and microphone holes are densely arranged in the camera module, there may be a limitation in the design of the ventilation hole (e.g., a limitation in the area and the shape of the ventilation hole), and it may be difficult to secure ventilation performance required for the electronic device. In addition, the ventilation hole exposed to the outside may spoil the aesthetics of the electronic device.

Accordingly, an aspect of the disclosure is to provide a housing having a ventilation member disposed therein and an electronic device including the same for securing required ventilation performance without spoiling the aesthetics of the electronic device.

In accordance with an aspect of the disclosure, an electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes a housing that forms a side surface and an inner space of the electronic device and a ventilation member. The housing includes an opening located in the side surface, a receiving hole that extends from the opening such that an external device is accommodated in the receiving hole, and a through-hole that fluidically connects the receiving hole and the inner space. The ventilation member is disposed in the housing to cover the through-hole.

In accordance with an aspect of the disclosure, a housing of an electronic device is provided.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the degree of freedom in the design of the through-hole may be secured depending on required ventilation performance.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the ventilation hole may be formed in the receiving hole in which the external device (e.g., the electronic pen) is accommodated. Accordingly, ventilation performance may be secured without spoiling the design aesthetics of the electronic device.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, since the ventilation hole is formed in the receiving hole in which the external device is accommodated, optimized design may be produced depending on required ventilation performance, and a reduction in manufacturing costs and an improvement in productivity may be achieved through simplification of a manufacturing process.

<FIG> is a front perspective view of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

<FIG> is a rear perspective view of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> (e.g., an electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>) may include a housing <NUM> that includes a first surface (or, a front surface) 110A, a second surface (or, a rear surface) 110B, and a side surface 110C surrounding a space between the first surface 110A and the second surface 110B.

In another embodiment (not illustrated) of the disclosure, the housing <NUM> may refer to a structure that forms at least a part of the first surface 110A, the second surface 110B, and the side surface 110C.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the first surface 110A may be formed by a front plate <NUM>, at least a portion of which is substantially transparent (e.g., a glass plate including various coating layers, or a polymer plate). The second surface 110B may be formed by a back plate <NUM> that is substantially opaque. The back plate <NUM> may be formed of, for example, coated or colored glass, ceramic, a polymer, metal (e.g., aluminum, stainless steel (STS), or magnesium), or a combination of at least two of the aforementioned materials. The side surface 110C may be formed by a side bezel structure (or, a "frame structure") <NUM> that is coupled with the front plate <NUM> and the back plate <NUM> and that includes metal and/or a polymer.

In another embodiment of the disclosure, the back plate <NUM> and the side bezel structure <NUM> may be integrally formed with each other and may include the same material (e.g., a metallic material, such as aluminum).

In the illustrated embodiment of the disclosure, the front plate <NUM> may include two first regions 110D that curvedly and seamlessly extend from partial regions of the first surface 110A toward the back plate <NUM>. The first regions 110D may be located at opposite long edges of the front plate <NUM>.

In the illustrated embodiment of the disclosure, the back plate <NUM> may include two second regions 110E that curvedly and seamlessly extend from partial regions of the second surface 110B toward the front plate <NUM>. The second regions 110E may be located at opposite long edges of the back plate <NUM>.

In another embodiment of the disclosure, the front plate <NUM> (or, the back plate <NUM>) may include only one of the first regions 110D (or, the second regions 110E). Furthermore, in another embodiment of the disclosure, the front plate <NUM> (or, the back plate <NUM>) may not include a part of the first regions 110D (or, the second regions 110E).

In an embodiment of the disclosure, when viewed from a side of the electronic device <NUM>, the side bezel structure <NUM> may have a first thickness (or, width) at sides (e.g., short sides) not including the first regions 110D or the second regions 110E and may have a second thickness at sides (e.g., long sides) including the first regions 110D or the second regions 110E, the second thickness being smaller than the first thickness.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the electronic device <NUM> may include at least one of a display <NUM>, audio modules <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> (e.g., an audio module <NUM> of <FIG>), a sensor module (not illustrated) (e.g., a sensor module <NUM> of <FIG>), camera modules <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> (e.g., a camera module <NUM> of <FIG>), key input devices <NUM> (e.g., an input module <NUM> of <FIG>), a light emitting element (not illustrated), or a connector hole <NUM> (e.g., a connecting terminal <NUM> of <FIG>). In another embodiment of the disclosure, the electronic device <NUM> may not include at least one component (e.g., the key input devices <NUM> or the light emitting element (not illustrated)) among the aforementioned components, or may additionally include other component(s).

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the display <NUM> may be exposed through most of the front plate <NUM>. For example, at least a portion of the display <NUM> may be exposed through the front plate <NUM> that includes the first surface 110A and the first regions 110D of the side surfaces 110C.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the periphery of the display <NUM> may be formed to be substantially the same as the shape of the adjacent outside edge of the front plate <NUM>. In another embodiment (not illustrated) of the disclosure, to expand the area by which the display <NUM> is exposed, the gap between the periphery of the display <NUM> and the periphery of the front plate <NUM> may be formed to be substantially constant.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, a surface of the housing <NUM> (or, the front plate <NUM>) may include a screen display region that is formed as the display <NUM> is visually exposed. For example, the screen display region may include the first surface 110A and the first regions 110D of the side surface.

In another embodiment (not illustrated) of the disclosure, the screen display region 110A and 110D may include a sensing region (not illustrated) that is configured to obtain biometric information of a user. When the screen display region 110A and 110D includes the sensing region, this may mean that at least a portion of the sensing region overlaps the screen display region 110A and 110D. For example, the sensing region (not illustrated) may refer to a region capable of displaying visual information by the display <NUM> like other areas of the screen display region 110A and 110D and additionally obtaining biometric information (e.g., a fingerprint) of the user.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the screen display region 110A and 110D of the display <NUM> may include a region through which the first camera module <NUM> (e.g., a punch hole camera) is visually exposed. For example, at least a portion of the periphery of the region through which the first camera module <NUM> is exposed may be surrounded by the screen display region 110A and 110D. In an embodiment of the disclosure, the first camera module <NUM> may include a plurality of camera modules (e.g., the camera module <NUM> of <FIG>).

In another embodiment (not illustrated) of the disclosure, the display <NUM> may be coupled with, or disposed adjacent to, touch detection circuitry, a pressure sensor capable of measuring the intensity (pressure) of a touch, and/or a digitizer that detects a stylus pen of a magnetic field type.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the audio modules <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may include the microphone holes <NUM> and <NUM> and the speaker hole <NUM>.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the microphone holes <NUM> and <NUM> may include the first microphone hole <NUM> formed in a partial region of the side surface 110C and the microphone hole <NUM> formed in a partial region of the second surface 110B. A microphone for obtaining external sound may be disposed in the microphone holes <NUM> and <NUM>. The microphone may include a plurality of microphones to detect the direction of sound. In an embodiment of the disclosure, the second microphone hole <NUM> formed in the partial region of the second surface 110B may be disposed adjacent to the camera modules <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>. For example, the second microphone hole <NUM> may obtain sounds when the camera modules <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> are executed, or may obtain sounds when other functions are executed.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the speaker hole <NUM> may include an external speaker hole <NUM> and a receiver hole for telephone call (not illustrated). The external speaker hole <NUM> may be formed in a portion of the side surface 110C of the electronic device <NUM>. In another embodiment of the disclosure, the external speaker hole <NUM>, together with the microphone hole <NUM>, may be implemented as a single hole. Although not illustrated, the receiver hole for telephone call (not illustrated) may be formed in another portion of the side surface 110C. For example, the receiver hole for telephone call (not illustrated) may be formed in another portion (e.g., a portion facing in the +Y-axis direction) of the side surface 110C that faces the portion (e.g., a portion facing in the -Y-axis direction) of the side surface 110C in which the external speaker hole <NUM> is formed.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the electronic device <NUM> may include a speaker fluidically connected with the speaker hole <NUM>. In another embodiment of the disclosure, the speaker may include a piezoelectric speaker that does not include the speaker hole <NUM>.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the sensor module (not illustrated) (e.g., the sensor module <NUM> of <FIG>) may generate an electrical signal or a data value that corresponds to an operational state inside the electronic device <NUM> or an environmental state external to the electronic device <NUM>. For example, the sensor module may include at least one of a proximity sensor, a heart rate monitor (HRM) sensor, a fingerprint sensor, a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, an atmospheric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a grip sensor, a color sensor, an infrared (IR) sensor, a biosensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or an illuminance sensor.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the camera modules <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may include the first camera module <NUM> (e.g., a punch hole camera) exposed on the first surface 110A of the electronic device <NUM>, the second camera module <NUM> exposed on the second surface 110B, and/or the flash <NUM>.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the first camera module <NUM> may be exposed through a portion of the screen display region 110A and 110D of the display <NUM>. For example, the first camera module <NUM> may be exposed on a partial area of the screen display region 110A and 110D through an opening (not illustrated) that is formed in a portion of the display <NUM>.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the second camera module <NUM> may include a plurality of camera modules (e.g., a dual camera, a triple camera, or a quad camera). However, the second camera module <NUM> is not necessarily limited to including the plurality of camera modules and may include one camera module.

The first camera module <NUM> and the second camera module <NUM> may include one or more lenses, an image sensor, and/or an image signal processor. The flash <NUM> may include, for example, a light emitting diode or a xenon lamp. In another embodiment of the disclosure, two or more lenses (an IR camera lens, a wide angle lens, and a telephoto lens) and image sensors may be disposed on one surface of the electronic device <NUM>.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the key input devices <NUM> may be disposed on the side surface 110C (e.g., the first regions 110D and/or the second regions 110E) of the housing <NUM>. In another embodiment of the disclosure, the electronic device <NUM> may not include all or some of the key input devices <NUM>, and the key input devices <NUM> not included may be implemented in a different form, such as a soft key, on the display <NUM>. In another embodiment of the disclosure, the key input devices may include a sensor module (not illustrated) that forms the sensing region (not illustrated) that is included in the screen display region 110A and 110D.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the connector hole <NUM> may accommodate a connector. The connector hole <NUM> may be disposed in the side surface 110C of the housing <NUM>. For example, the connector hole <NUM> may be disposed in the side surface 110C so as to be adjacent to at least a part of the audio modules (e.g., the microphone hole <NUM> and the speaker hole <NUM>). In another embodiment of the disclosure, the electronic device <NUM> may include the first connector hole <NUM> capable of accommodating a connector (e.g., a USB connector) for transmitting/receiving power and/or data with an external device, and/or a second connector hole (not illustrated) capable of accommodating a connector (e.g., an earphone jack) for transmitting/receiving an audio signal with an external device.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the electronic device <NUM> may include the light emitting element (not illustrated). For example, the light emitting element (not illustrated) may be disposed on the first surface 110A of the housing <NUM>. The light emitting element (not illustrated) may provide state information of the electronic device <NUM> in the form of light. In another embodiment of the disclosure, the light emitting element (not illustrated) may provide a light source that operates in conjunction with operation of the first camera module <NUM>. For example, the light emitting element (not illustrated) may include an LED, an IR LED, and/or a xenon lamp.

A pen input device <NUM> (e.g., a stylus pen) may be inserted into, or detached from, the housing <NUM> through a hole <NUM> formed in the side surface of the housing <NUM> and may include a button for facilitating the detachment. The pen input device <NUM> may have a separate resonance circuit embedded therein and may operate in conjunction with an electromagnetic induction panel (e.g., an electromagnetic induction panel <NUM> of <FIG>) included in the electronic device <NUM>. The pen input device <NUM> may include an electro-magnetic resonance (EMR) type, an active electrical stylus (AES) type, and an electric coupled resonance (ECR) type.

<FIG> is an exploded perspective view of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> may include a front plate <NUM> (e.g., the front plate <NUM> of <FIG>), a display <NUM> (e.g., the display <NUM> of <FIG>), the electromagnetic induction panel <NUM>, a first support member <NUM> (e.g., a bracket), a battery <NUM>, a printed circuit board <NUM>, a second support member <NUM> (e.g., a rear case), and a back plate <NUM> (e.g., the back plate <NUM> of <FIG>).

In another embodiment of the disclosure, the electronic device <NUM> may not include at least one component (e.g., the second support member <NUM>) among the aforementioned components, or may additionally include other component(s). At least one of the components of the electronic device <NUM> may be identical or similar to at least one of the components of the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG> and <FIG>, and repetitive descriptions will hereinafter be omitted.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the front plate <NUM>, the back plate <NUM>, and at least a portion of the first support member <NUM> (e.g., a frame structure <NUM>) may form a housing (e.g., the housing <NUM> of <FIG> and <FIG>).

The electromagnetic induction panel <NUM> (e.g., a digitizer) may be a panel for sensing an input of the pen input device <NUM>. For example, the electromagnetic induction panel <NUM> may include a printed circuit board (PCB) (e.g., a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB)) and a shield sheet. The shield sheet may prevent interference between the components by electromagnetic fields generated from the components (e.g., the display module, the printed circuit board, and the electromagnetic induction panel) that are included in the electronic device <NUM>. The shield sheet may block the electromagnetic fields generated from the components, thereby enabling an input from the pen input device <NUM> to be accurately transferred to a coil included in the electromagnetic induction panel <NUM>. The electromagnetic induction panel <NUM> according to various embodiments may include an opening formed in at least a partial region corresponding to a biosensor mounted in the electronic device <NUM>.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the first support member <NUM> may include the frame structure <NUM> that forms a surface of the electronic device <NUM> (e.g., a portion of the side surface 110C of <FIG>) and a plate structure <NUM> that extends from the frame structure <NUM> toward the inside of the electronic device <NUM>.

The plate structure <NUM> may be located inside the electronic device <NUM> and may be connected with the frame structure <NUM>, or may be integrally formed with the frame structure <NUM>. The plate structure <NUM> may be formed of, for example, a metallic material and/or a non-metallic (e.g., polymer) material. The display <NUM> may be coupled to one surface of the plate structure <NUM>, and the printed circuit board <NUM> may be coupled to an opposite surface of the plate structure <NUM>. In an embodiment of the disclosure, a processor, a memory, and/or an interface may be mounted on the printed circuit board <NUM> and may be electrically connected with a circuit pattern of the printed circuit board <NUM>. The processor may include, for example, one or more of a central processing unit, an application processor, a graphic processing unit, an image signal processor, a sensor hub processor, or a communication processor.

The memory may include, for example, a volatile memory or a non-volatile memory.

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

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the battery <NUM> may supply power to at least one of the components of the electronic device <NUM>. For example, the battery <NUM> may include a primary cell that is not rechargeable, a secondary cell that is rechargeable, or a fuel cell. In an embodiment of the disclosure, at least a portion of the battery <NUM> may be disposed on substantially the same plane as the printed circuit board <NUM>. In an embodiment of the disclosure, the battery <NUM> may be integrally disposed inside the electronic device <NUM>, or may be disposed so as to be detachable from the electronic device <NUM>.

<FIG> is a sectional view of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the disclosure. <FIG> may be a sectional view taken along line A-A' of <FIG>.

<FIG> is a sectional view of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the disclosure. <FIG> may be a sectional view taken along line B-B' of <FIG>.

<FIG> illustrates a support member having a ventilation member disposed thereon according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, an electronic device <NUM> according to an embodiment of the disclosure (e.g., the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>) may include a housing <NUM>, a ventilation member <NUM>, and an adhesive member <NUM>.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the housing <NUM> (e.g., the housing <NUM> of <FIG>) may include a cover <NUM> and a support member <NUM>.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the cover <NUM> (e.g., the front plate <NUM> or the back plate <NUM> of <FIG>) may be disposed on the support member <NUM>. In an embodiment of the disclosure, a recess formed on the support member <NUM> may be at least partially closed by the cover <NUM>, and an inner space <NUM> may be formed accordingly. In an embodiment of the disclosure, various components of the electronic device <NUM> (e.g., the printed circuit board <NUM> of <FIG>) may be disposed in the inner space <NUM> of the housing <NUM>.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the support member <NUM> (e.g., the first support member <NUM> and/or the second support member <NUM> of <FIG>) may form at least a portion of a side surface 210C of the electronic device <NUM> (e.g., the side surface 110C of <FIG>). In an embodiment of the disclosure, the support member <NUM> may have an opening <NUM> formed therein. For example, the opening <NUM> may be formed in the side surface 210C. In an embodiment of the disclosure, a receiving hole <NUM> extending from the opening <NUM> toward the inside of the electronic device <NUM> may be formed in the support member <NUM>. For example, the receiving hole <NUM> may extend from the opening <NUM> in a first direction <NUM> (e.g., the +Y direction of <FIG>). In an embodiment of the disclosure, a pen input device of the electronic device <NUM> (e.g., the pen input device <NUM> of <FIG>) may be accommodated in the receiving hole <NUM>.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the support member <NUM> may include a first surface 240A adjacent to the inner space <NUM> and a second surface 240B adjacent to the receiving hole <NUM>. At least a portion of the inner space <NUM> may be formed by the first surface 240A of the support member <NUM>, and at least a portion of the receiving hole <NUM> may be formed by the second surface 240B of the support member <NUM>.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, a through-hole <NUM> extending from the first surface 240A to the second surface 240B may be formed in the support member <NUM>. In an embodiment of the disclosure, the through-hole <NUM> may fluidically connect the receiving hole <NUM> and the inner space <NUM>.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the ventilation member <NUM> may be disposed on the support member <NUM> to cover an open side of the through-hole <NUM> formed in the support member <NUM>. In an embodiment of the disclosure, the ventilation member <NUM> may be attached to the support member <NUM> through the adhesive member <NUM>. In an embodiment of the disclosure, the adhesive member <NUM> may include an adhesive liquid or an adhesive tape that contains a silicone-based resin and/or an acrylic-based resin, but is not limited thereto.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the through-hole <NUM> formed in the support member <NUM> may include a first opening <NUM> and a second opening <NUM> that have different areas. The first opening <NUM> may be located between the inner space <NUM> and the second opening <NUM>, and the second opening <NUM> may be located between the first opening <NUM> and the receiving hole <NUM>. The first opening <NUM> may have a larger area than the second opening <NUM>, and thus a step <NUM> may be formed in the support member <NUM>. The adhesive member <NUM> may be seated on the step <NUM> and may be located in the first opening <NUM>. When the support member <NUM> is viewed from above (e.g., when the support member <NUM> is viewed in a second direction <NUM> perpendicular to the first direction <NUM>), the adhesive member <NUM> may have an annular shape in which a hollow corresponding to the second opening <NUM> is formed and that overlaps the step <NUM>. The ventilation member <NUM> disposed on the adhesive member <NUM> may be at least partially accommodated in the first opening <NUM>. In this case, the ventilation member <NUM> may have substantially the same area and shape as the first opening <NUM>. In an embodiment of the disclosure, the ventilation member <NUM> may be accommodated in the first opening <NUM> so as to extend without a step with the support member <NUM> (or, the first surface 240A of the support member <NUM>), but is not limited thereto. In another embodiment of the disclosure, the ventilation member <NUM> may protrude outside the first opening <NUM> of the support member <NUM>.

In another embodiment of the disclosure, unlike those illustrated in the drawings, the first opening <NUM> and the second opening <NUM> of the through-hole <NUM> may have the same area. In this case, the ventilation member <NUM> may have a larger area than the through-hole <NUM> and may cover the through-hole <NUM> from outside the through-hole <NUM>.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, although the ventilation member <NUM> is illustrated as being disposed in the first opening <NUM> of the support member <NUM> and adjacent to the inner space <NUM>, the ventilation member <NUM> is not limited thereto, and various design changes can be made. For example, the ventilation member <NUM> may be disposed on the support member <NUM> so as to be adjacent to the receiving hole <NUM>. In other words, although the one side of the through-hole <NUM> adjacent to the inner space <NUM> is illustrated as being closed by the ventilation member <NUM>, unlike that illustrated in the drawings, the ventilation member <NUM> may close an opposite side of the through-hole <NUM> adjacent to the receiving hole <NUM>. In this case, the areas of the first opening <NUM> and the second opening <NUM> may be opposite to those illustrated in the drawings, and the ventilation member <NUM> may be accommodated in the second opening <NUM>. Alternatively, the ventilation member <NUM> may be disposed on the second surface 240B of the support member <NUM> to cover the through-hole <NUM> from outside the through-hole <NUM>.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the ventilation member <NUM> may pass air and may block foreign matter (e.g., moisture and dust). In an embodiment of the disclosure, the ventilation member <NUM> may include a membrane through which a specific material is selectively permeable. For example, the ventilation member <NUM> may include an expanded polymerized tetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) membrane formed by expanding polymerized tetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). However, the disclosure is not limited thereto, and to allow the ventilation member <NUM> to selectively transmit only air, various structures and/or materials applicable by those skilled in the art may be used.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the inner space <NUM> of the housing <NUM> and an external environment may remain the same through the ventilation member <NUM> disposed between the inner space <NUM> and the receiving hole <NUM>. For example, the inner space <NUM> may be fluidically connected with the through-hole <NUM> and the receiving hole <NUM> through the ventilation member <NUM>, and the receiving hole <NUM> may be fluidically connected with the external environment. Since air circulates between the inner space <NUM> of the housing <NUM> and the external environment through the ventilation member <NUM>, environments (e.g., pressures) inside/outside the electronic device <NUM> may remain in equilibrium.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, through the ventilation member <NUM>, introduction of foreign matter into the inner space <NUM> of the housing <NUM> may be prevented.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the through-hole <NUM> may be formed in the receiving hole <NUM> of the support member <NUM> without limitations of position, shape, and area. For example, referring to reference numeral <NUM> of <FIG>, the through-hole <NUM> (or, the ventilation member <NUM>) may have a first width W1 and a first length L1. In another example, referring to reference numeral <NUM> of <FIG>, the through-hole <NUM> (or, the ventilation member <NUM>) may have a second width W2 smaller than the first width W1 and a second length L2 greater than the first length L1. In another example, the through-hole <NUM> (or, the ventilation member <NUM>) may have a circular shape, an oval shape, a polygonal shape, or a shape different from the aforementioned shapes, instead of the illustrated quadrangular shape having rounded corners. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the degrees of freedom in the design of the position, shape, and area of the through-hole <NUM> may be secured depending on ventilation performance required for the electronic device <NUM>. In addition, since the through-hole <NUM> is formed inside the housing <NUM> and is not visible from outside the electronic device <NUM>, the aesthetics of the electronic device <NUM> may be prevented from being spoiled by a ventilation hole exposed to the outside.

An electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>) according to the above-described various embodiments may include a housing (e.g., the housing <NUM> of <FIG>) that forms a side surface (e.g., the side surface 210C of <FIG>) and an inner space (e.g., the inner space <NUM> of <FIG>) of the electronic device and a ventilation member (e.g., the ventilation member <NUM> of <FIG>). The housing may include an opening (e.g., the opening <NUM> of <FIG>) located in the side surface, a receiving hole (e.g., the receiving hole <NUM> of <FIG>) that extends from the opening such that an external device is accommodated in the receiving hole, and a through-hole (e.g., the through-hole <NUM> of <FIG>) that fluidically connects the receiving hole and the inner space. The ventilation member may be disposed in the housing to cover the through-hole.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the through-hole may include a first opening (e.g., the first opening <NUM> of <FIG>) and a second opening (e.g., the second opening <NUM> of <FIG>) fluidically connected with the first opening, and the housing may include a step (e.g., the step <NUM> of <FIG>) defined by the second opening having a smaller area than the first opening.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the ventilation member may be seated on the step and may be at least partially located in the first opening.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the ventilation member may have a polygonal shape (e.g. quadrangular shape), a circular shape, or an oval shape.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the electronic device may further include an adhesive member (e.g., the adhesive member <NUM> of <FIG>) interposed between the step and the ventilation member, and a hole corresponding to the second opening may be formed in the adhesive member.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the first opening may be adjacent to the inner space or the receiving hole, and the second opening may be adjacent to the receiving hole or the inner space.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the housing may include a first surface (e.g., the first surface 240A of <FIG>) that forms at least a portion of the inner space and a second surface (e.g., the second surface 240B of <FIG>) that forms at least a portion of the receiving hole. The through-hole may extend from the first surface to the second surface, and the ventilation member located in the first opening may extend without a step with the first surface or the second surface of the housing.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the housing may include a first surface (e.g., the first surface 210A of <FIG>) that forms at least a portion of the inner space and a second surface (e.g., the second surface 240B of <FIG>) that forms at least a portion of the receiving hole. The through-hole may extend from the first surface to the second surface, and the ventilation member may be disposed on the first surface or the second surface to cover the through-hole.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the housing may include a support member (e.g., the support member <NUM> of <FIG>) and a cover (e.g., the cover <NUM> of <FIG>). The cover may be seated on the support member to form the inner space together with the support member, and the receiving hole and the through-hole may be formed in the support member.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the ventilation member may be configured to block moisture and pass air.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the external device may include an electronic pen (e.g., the pen input device <NUM> of <FIG>).

A housing (e.g., the housing <NUM> of <FIG>) of an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>) according to the above-described various embodiments may include a support member (e.g., the support member <NUM> of <FIG>), a cover (e.g., the cover <NUM> of <FIG>) disposed on the support member, and a ventilation member (e.g., the ventilation member <NUM> of <FIG>). The support member and the cover may form an inner space (e.g., the inner space <NUM> of <FIG>) of the housing together. The support member may include a receiving hole (e.g., the receiving hole <NUM> of <FIG>) in which an electronic pen (e.g., the pen input device <NUM> of <FIG>) is accommodated and a through-hole (e.g., the through-hole <NUM> of <FIG>) that fluidically connects the receiving hole and the inner space. The ventilation member may be disposed on the support member to cover the through-hole.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the through-hole may include a first opening (e.g., the first opening <NUM> of <FIG>) and a second opening (e.g., the second opening <NUM> of <FIG>) fluidically connected with the first opening, and the support member may include a step (e.g., the step <NUM> of <FIG>) defined by the second opening having a smaller area than the first opening.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the support member may include a first surface (e.g., the first surface 240A of <FIG>) that forms at least a portion of the inner space and a second surface (e.g., the second surface 240B of <FIG>) that forms at least a portion of the receiving hole. The through-hole may extend from the first surface to the second surface, and the ventilation member located in the first opening may extend without a step with the first surface or the second surface of the support member.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the support member may include a first surface (e.g., the first surface 240A of <FIG>) that forms at least a portion of the inner space and a second surface (e.g., the second surface 240B of <FIG>) that forms at least a portion of the receiving hole. The through-hole may extend from the first surface to the second surface, and the ventilation member may be disposed on the first surface or the second surface to cover the through-hole.

<FIG> is a block diagram illustrating an electronic device in a network environment <NUM> according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, an electronic device <NUM> in the network environment <NUM> may communicate with an external electronic device <NUM> via a first network <NUM> (e.g., a short-range wireless communication network), or at least one of an external electronic device <NUM> or a server <NUM> via a second network <NUM> (e.g., a long-range wireless communication network). According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the electronic device <NUM> may communicate with the external electronic device <NUM> via the server <NUM>. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the electronic device <NUM> may include a processor <NUM>, a memory <NUM>, an input module <NUM>, a sound output module <NUM>, a display module <NUM>, an audio module <NUM>, a sensor module <NUM>, an interface <NUM>, a connecting terminal <NUM>, a haptic module <NUM>, a camera module <NUM>, a power management module <NUM>, a battery <NUM>, a communication module <NUM>, a subscriber identification module (SIM) <NUM>, or an antenna module <NUM>. In some embodiments of the disclosure, at least one of the components (e.g., the connecting terminal <NUM>) may be omitted from the electronic device <NUM>, or one or more other components may be added in the electronic device <NUM>. In some embodiments of the disclosure, some of the components (e.g., the sensor module <NUM>, the camera module <NUM>, or the antenna module <NUM>) may be implemented as a single component (e.g., the display module <NUM>).

According to one embodiment of the disclosure, as at least part of the data processing or computation, the processor <NUM> may store a command or data received from another component (e.g., the sensor module <NUM> or the communication module <NUM>) in a volatile memory <NUM>, process the command or the data stored in the volatile memory <NUM>, and store resulting data in a non-volatile memory <NUM>. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the processor <NUM> may include a main processor <NUM> (e.g., a central processing unit (CPU) or an application processor (AP)), or an auxiliary processor <NUM> (e.g., a graphics processing unit (GPU), a neural processing unit (NPU), an image signal processor (ISP), a sensor hub processor, or a communication processor (CP)) that is operable independently from, or in conjunction with, the main processor <NUM>.

The auxiliary processor <NUM> may control at least some of functions or states related to at least one component (e.g., the display module <NUM>, the sensor module <NUM>, or the communication module <NUM>) among the components of the electronic device <NUM>, instead of the main processor <NUM> while the main processor <NUM> is in an inactive (e.g., a sleep) state, or together with the main processor <NUM> while the main processor <NUM> is in an active state (e.g., executing an application). According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the auxiliary processor <NUM> (e.g., an image signal processor or a communication processor) may be implemented as part of another component (e.g., the camera module <NUM> or the communication module <NUM>) functionally related to the auxiliary processor <NUM>. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the auxiliary processor <NUM> (e.g., the neural processing unit) may include a hardware structure specified for artificial intelligence model processing. The artificial neural network may be a deep neural network (DNN), a convolutional neural network (CNN), a recurrent neural network (RNN), a restricted - <NUM> -oltzmann machine (RBM), a deep belief network (DBN), a bidirectional recurrent deep neural network (BRDNN), deep Q-network or a combination of two or more thereof but is not limited thereto.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the receiver may be implemented as separate from, or as part of the speaker.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the display module <NUM> may include a touch sensor adapted to detect a touch, or a pressure sensor adapted to measure the intensity of force incurred by the touch.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the audio module <NUM> may obtain the sound via the input module <NUM>, or output the sound via the sound output module <NUM> or a headphone of an external electronic device (e.g., the external electronic device <NUM> ) directly (e.g., wiredly) or wirelessly coupled with the electronic device <NUM>.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the sensor module <NUM> may include, for example, a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, an atmospheric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a grip sensor, a proximity sensor, a color sensor, an infrared (IR) sensor, a biometric sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or an illuminance sensor.

The interface <NUM> may support one or more specified protocols to be used for the electronic device <NUM> to be coupled with the external electronic device (e.g., the external electronic device <NUM> ) directly (e.g., wiredly) or wirelessly. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the interface <NUM> may include, for example, a high definition multimedia interface (HDMI), a universal serial bus (USB) interface, a secure digital (SD) card interface, or an audio interface.

A connecting terminal <NUM> may include a connector via which the electronic device <NUM> may be physically connected with the external electronic device (e.g., the external electronic device <NUM>). According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the connecting terminal <NUM> may include, for example, an HDMI connector, a USB connector, an SD card connector, or an audio connector (e.g., a headphone connector).

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the haptic module <NUM> may include, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electric stimulator.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the camera module <NUM> may include one or more lenses, image sensors, image signal processors, or flashes.

According to one embodiment of the disclosure, the power management module <NUM> may be implemented as at least part of, for example, a power management integrated circuit (PMIC).

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the battery <NUM> may include, for example, a primary cell which is not rechargeable, a secondary cell which is rechargeable, or a fuel cell.

The communication module <NUM> may support establishing a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between the electronic device <NUM> and the external electronic device (e.g., the external electronic device <NUM>, the external electronic device <NUM>, or the server <NUM>) and performing communication via the established communication channel. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the communication module <NUM> may include a wireless communication module <NUM> (e.g., a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) communication module) or a wired communication module <NUM> (e.g., a local area network (LAN) communication module or a power line communication (PLC) module). A corresponding one of these communication modules may communicate with the external electronic device via the first network <NUM> (e.g., a short-range communication network, such as Bluetooth™, wireless-fidelity (Wi-Fi) direct, or infrared data association (IrDA)) or the second network <NUM> (e.g., a long-range communication network, such as a legacy cellular network, a fifth generation (<NUM>) network, a next-generation communication network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., LAN or wide area network (WAN)).

The wireless communication module <NUM> may support a <NUM> network, after a fourth generation (<NUM>) network, and next-generation communication technology, e.g., new radio (NR) access technology. The wireless communication module <NUM> may support a high-frequency band (e.g., the millimeter wave (mmWave) band) to achieve, e.g., a high data transmission rate. The wireless communication module <NUM> may support various requirements specified in the electronic device <NUM>, an external electronic device (e.g., the external electronic device <NUM>), or a network system (e.g., the second network <NUM>). According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the wireless communication module <NUM> may support a peak data rate (e.g., <NUM> gigabits per second (Gbps) or more) for implementing eMBB, loss coverage (e.g., 164dB or less) for implementing mMTC, or U-plane latency (e.g., <NUM> or less for each of downlink (DL) and uplink (UL), or a round trip of <NUM> or less) for implementing URLLC.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the antenna module <NUM> may include an antenna including a radiating element including a conductive material or a conductive pattern formed in or on a substrate (e.g., a printed circuit board (PCB)). According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the antenna module <NUM> may include a plurality of antennas (e.g., array antennas). According to an embodiment of the disclosure, another component (e.g., a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC)) other than the radiating element may be additionally formed as part of the antenna module <NUM>.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the antenna module <NUM> may form a mmWave antenna module. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the mmWave antenna module may include a printed circuit board, an RFIC disposed on a first surface (e.g., the bottom surface) of the printed circuit board, or adjacent to the first surface and capable of supporting a designated high-frequency band (e.g., the mmWave band), and a plurality of antennas (e.g., array antennas) disposed on a second surface (e.g., the top or a side surface) of the printed circuit board, or adjacent to the second surface and capable of transmitting or receiving signals of the designated high-frequency band.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, commands or data may be transmitted or received between the electronic device <NUM> and the external electronic device <NUM> via the server <NUM> coupled with the second network <NUM>. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, all or some of operations to be executed at the electronic device <NUM> may be executed at one or more of the external electronic devices <NUM>, <NUM>, or <NUM>. In another embodiment of the disclosure, the external electronic device <NUM> may include an internet-of-things (IoT) device. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the external electronic device <NUM> or the server <NUM> may be included in the second network <NUM>. The electronic device <NUM> may be applied to intelligent services (e.g., a smart home, a smart city, a smart car, or healthcare) based on <NUM> communication technology or IoT-related technology.

As used herein, such terms as "<NUM>st" and "<NUM>nd," or "first" and "second" may be used to simply distinguish a corresponding component from another, and does not limit the components in other feature (e.g., importance or order). It is to be understood that when 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.

For example, according to an embodiment of the disclosure, the module may be implemented in a form of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

Various embodiments as set forth herein may be implemented as software (e.g., the program <NUM>) including one or more instructions that are stored in a storage medium (e.g., an internal memory <NUM> or an external memory <NUM>) that is readable by a machine (e.g., the electronic device <NUM>).

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, a method according to various embodiments of the disclosure may be included and provided in a computer program product. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a machine-readable storage medium (e.g., a compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM)), or be distributed (e.g., downloaded or uploaded) online via an application store (e.g., PlayStore™), or between two user devices (e.g., smart phones) directly.

In various embodiments of the disclosure, each component (e.g., a module or a program) of the above-described components may include a single entity or multiple entities, and some of the multiple entities may be separately disposed in different components. In various embodiments of the disclosure, one or more of the above-described components may be omitted, or one or more other components may be added. In alternative or additional embodiments of the disclosure, a plurality of components (e.g., modules or programs) may be integrated into a single component. In such a case, in various embodiments of the disclosure, 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. In various embodiments of the disclosure, 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.

Claim 1:
An electronic device comprising:
a housing (<NUM>) configured to form a side surface and an inner space (<NUM>) of the electronic device (<NUM>); and comprising
a ventilation member (<NUM>),
wherein the housing (<NUM>) includes:
an opening (<NUM>) located in the side surface,
a receiving hole (<NUM>) configured to extend from the opening (<NUM>) such that an external device is accommodated in the receiving hole (<NUM>), and
a through-hole (<NUM>) configured to fluidically connect the receiving hole (<NUM>) and the inner space (<NUM>), and
wherein the ventilation member (<NUM>) is disposed in the housing (<NUM>) to cover (<NUM>) the through-hole (<NUM>).