Patent Description:
Advancing radio and semiconductor technologies accelerate the spread and use of various electronic devices. In particular, recent electronic devices are being developed to carry out communication while carried on.

The term "electronic device" may mean a device performing a particular function according to its equipped program, such as a home appliance, an electronic scheduler, a portable multimedia player, a mobile communication terminal, a tablet PC, a video/sound device, a desktop PC or laptop computer, a navigation for automobile, etc. For example, electronic devices may output stored information as voices or images. As electronic devices are highly integrated, and high-speed, high-volume wireless communication becomes commonplace, an electronic device, such as a mobile communication terminal, is recently being equipped with various functions. For example, an electronic device comes with various integrated functions, including an entertainment function, such as playing video games, a multimedia function, such as replaying music/videos, a communication and security function for mobile banking, and a scheduling or e-wallet function. Such electronic devices become compact enough for users to carry in a convenient way.

<CIT> relates to an electronic device such as a waterproof electronic device, which has a structure for maintaining the difference between the internal and ambient atmospheric pressures of the electronic device constant.

<CIT> relates to an electronic device including an internal microphone that is located remotely from a microphone aperture formed in the enclosure of the electronic device.

It is desirable for electronic devices to be portable so that the user can carry them on their person while moving about. However, with portability comes the likelihood that the electronic device will be subjected to a number of different environments, including environments where the electronic device is exposed to water. Since water can short electrical circuits, it can be desirable to make the electronic device waterproof.

For waterproofing, an electronic device (e.g., a portable terminal) includes a sealed structure that blocks a path through which moisture may be introduced. However, the sealed structure also prevents the flow of air between the outside and the inside of the electronic device. As a result, a pressure difference between the outside and the inside of the electronic device may increase. When the pressure difference between the outside and the inside of the electronic device exceeds certain levels, fogging or dew condensation on the camera window may occur. Additionally, the performance of the atmospheric sensor or the speaker may deteriorate.

Electronic devices using a gap to equalize the air pressure while providing a sealed structure would have a gap between the rear plate and the camera decoration part. Air flow may require a camera flange positioned between the camera decoration part and the rear plate, causing an increase in the volume of the electronic device or a decrease in the mounting space. The structure using the gap formed between the camera window and the camera decoration member as an air movement path may have an insufficient air flow amount to equalize the air pressure.

According to certain embodiments, an electronic device comprises a housing including an opening facing an outside of the electronic device and a cavity spaced apart from the opening; a display disposed on the housing; an air vent disposed between the housing and the display and at least partially facing the opening; and a camera module disposed in the housing and at least partially facing the cavity, wherein the cavity, the air vent and the opening are configured to provide an air path.

According to certain embodiments of the disclosure, an electronic device may comprise a housing including a first supporting member including a opening facing an outside of the electronic device and a cavity spaced apart from the opening and a rear plate connected with the first supporting member and including a second opening, a display disposed on the first supporting member, an air vent disposed between the first supporting member and the display and at least partially facing the opening, and a camera module disposed in the housing, facing the cavity, and at least partially exposed to the outside of the electronic device through the second opening.

According to certain embodiments, an electronic device comprises: a housing having an opening, wherein the opening extending from outside the electronic device to the inside of the electronic device; an air vent in the housing receiving at least a portion of the opening on the inside of the electronic device; a waterproofing member in the housing connecting a display to the housing, the waterproofing member at least partially surrounding the air vent; a cavity in the housing spaced apart from the opening, the cavity received by the air vent; a camera module in the housing, and wherein the cavity forms portion of an airway from the camera module to the opening.

The disclosure is not limited to the foregoing embodiments but various modifications or changes may rather be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure.

According to certain embodiments of the disclosure, there may be provided an electronic device capable of controlling external and internal pressures of the electronic device using an opening formed in the housing and an air vent corresponding to the opening.

According to certain embodiments of the disclosure, the electronic device may reduce the difference in pressure between the inside and outside of the electronic device using the opening formed in the housing and the air vent corresponding to the opening. By reducing the difference in pressure between the inside and outside of the electronic device, it is possible to reduce fogging on the camera window and to enhance the performance of the atmospheric pressure sensor and speaker.

Certain embodiments described herein provide for an electronic device capable of preventing deterioration of components due to exposure to water, while allowing for equalization of air pressure.

<FIG> describe an electronic device. <FIG> describe the electronic device <NUM> with functional features in a network environment. The electronic device <NUM> may include a number of electronic components. To protect the electronic components, the electronic device <NUM> includes a housing <NUM>. <FIG> describes the front and <FIG> describes the rear. <FIG> describes the internal layers as they are disposed within the housing.

The electronic device may be subjected to a number of different environments, including environments where the electronic device is exposed to moisture or water. Moisture and water can short electrical circuits within electronic components. Accordingly, the electronic device <NUM> includes a housing <NUM> as described in <FIG>. However, in <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> includes an air gap <NUM> (e.g., opening) to equalize pressure from inside the electronic device <NUM> to the outside. The air gap is received by a vent <NUM>. At least a portion of the air vent is surrounded by a waterproofing member. The waterproofing member <NUM> may connect the display <NUM> and the housing <NUM>. Accordingly, the electronic device <NUM> protects from exposure to water and moisture while also allowing sufficient air flow to equalize pressure. The disclosure will begin with a description of the electronic device in <FIG>.

<FIG> described functional features of the electronic device <NUM>. <FIG> describe the housing.

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

According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may include a processor <NUM>, 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, at least one (e.g., the connecting terminal <NUM>) of the components may be omitted from the electronic device <NUM>, or one or more other components may be added in the electronic device <NUM>. According to an embodiment, some (e.g., the sensor module <NUM>, the camera module <NUM>, or the antenna module <NUM>) of the components may be integrated into a single component (e.g., the display module <NUM>). For example, when the electronic device <NUM> includes the main processor <NUM> and the auxiliary processor <NUM>, the auxiliary processor <NUM> may be configured to use lower power than the main processor <NUM> or to be specified for a designated function.

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

A corresponding one of these communication modules may communicate with the external electronic device via a first network <NUM> (e.g., a short-range communication network, such as Bluetooth™, wireless-fidelity (Wi-Fi) direct, or infrared data association (IrDA)) or a second network <NUM> (e.g., a long-range communication network, such as a legacy cellular network, a <NUM> network, a next-generation communication network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., local area network (LAN) or wide area network (WAN)). The wireless communication module <NUM> may identify or authenticate the electronic device <NUM> in a communication network, such as the first network <NUM> or the second network <NUM>, using subscriber information (e.g., international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI)) stored in the subscriber identification module <NUM>.

The antenna module <NUM> may transmit or receive a signal or power to or from the outside (e.g., the external electronic device). According to an embodiment, the antenna module may include an antenna including a radiator formed of a conductor or conductive pattern formed on a substrate (e.g., a printed circuit board (PCB)). According to an embodiment, the antenna module <NUM> may include a plurality of antennas (e.g., an antenna array). In this case, at least one antenna appropriate for a communication scheme used in a communication network, such as the first network <NUM> or the second network <NUM>, may be selected from the plurality of antennas by, e.g., the communication module <NUM>. According to an embodiment, other parts (e.g., radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC)) than the radiator may be further formed as part of the antenna module <NUM>.

According to certain embodiments, the antenna module <NUM> may form a mmWave antenna module.

The external electronic devices <NUM> or <NUM> each may be a device of the same or a different type from the electronic device <NUM>. The electronic device <NUM> may provide ultra-low-latency services using, e.g., distributed computing or mobile edge computing. The electronic device <NUM> may be applied to intelligent services (e.g., smart home, smart city, smart car, or health-care) based on <NUM> communication technology or IoT-related technology.

The electronic device according to certain embodiments of the disclosure may be one of various types of electronic devices.

It should be appreciated that certain embodiments of the present disclosure and the terms used therein are not intended to limit the technological features set forth herein to particular embodiments and include various changes, equivalents, or replacements for a corresponding embodiment.

According to certain embodiments, each component (e.g., a module or a program) of the above-described components may include a single entity or multiple entities. Some of the plurality of entities may be separately disposed in different components. According to certain embodiments, one or more of the above-described components may be omitted, or one or more other components may be added. In such a case, according to certain embodiments, the integrated component may still perform one or more functions of each of the plurality of components in the same or similar manner as they are performed by a corresponding one of the plurality of components before the integration. According to certain embodiments, 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.

The electronic device <NUM> may be subject to a variety of environments, including an environment where the electronic device <NUM> is exposed to moisture or water. Accordingly, the electronic device <NUM> includes a housing <NUM> to prevent exposure to water and moisture. As will be seen in <FIG>, the housing <NUM> also allows for air flow to permit equalization of the air pressure.

<FIG> is a front perspective view illustrating an electronic device according to certain embodiments of the disclosure; <FIG> is a rear perspective view illustrating an electronic device according to certain embodiments of the disclosure;.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, an electronic device <NUM> may include a housing <NUM> with a front surface 210A, a rear surface 210B, and a side surface 210C surrounding a space between the front surface 210A and the rear surface 210B. The housing <NUM> also includes an air gap that is received by a vent at least partially surrounded by a waterproofing member as will be described in <FIG>. At least part of the front surface 210A may have a substantially transparent front plate <NUM> (e.g., a glass plate or polymer plate including various coat layers). The rear surface 210B may be formed by a rear plate <NUM>. The rear plate <NUM> may be formed of, e.g., glass, ceramic, polymer, metal (e.g., aluminum, stainless steel (STS), or magnesium), or a combination of at least two thereof. The side surface 210C may be formed by a side bezel structure (or a "side member") <NUM> that couples to the front plate <NUM> and the rear plate <NUM> and includes a metal and/or polymer. According to an embodiment, the rear plate <NUM> and the side bezel plate <NUM> may be integrally formed together and include the same material (e.g., glass, metal, such as aluminum, or ceramic).

In the embodiment illustrated, the front plate <NUM> may include two first edge areas 210D, which seamlessly and bendingly extend from the first surface 210A to the rear plate <NUM>, on both the long edges of the front plate <NUM>. In the embodiment (refer to <FIG>) illustrated, the rear plate <NUM> may include two second edge areas 210E, which seamlessly and bendingly extend from the rear surface 210B to the front plate <NUM>, on both the long edges. The front plate <NUM> (or the rear plate <NUM>) may include only one of the first edge areas 210D (or the second edge areas 210E). According to another embodiment, the first edge areas 210D or the second edge areas 210E may partially be excluded. At side view of the electronic device <NUM>, the side bezel structure <NUM> may have a first thickness (or width) for sides that do not have the first edge areas 210D or the second edge areas 210E and a second thickness, which is smaller than the first thickness, for sides that have the first edge areas 210D or the second edge areas 210E.

The electronic device <NUM> may include at least one of a display <NUM>, audio modules <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> (e.g., the audio module <NUM> of <FIG>), a sensor module (e.g., the sensor module of <FIG>). <NUM>), camera modules <NUM> and <NUM> (e.g., the camera module <NUM> of <FIG>), a key input device <NUM> (e.g., the input module <NUM> of <FIG>), and connector holes <NUM> and <NUM> (e.g., the connection terminal <NUM> of <FIG>). The electronic device <NUM> may exclude at least one (e.g., the connector hole <NUM>) of the components or may add other components.

The display <NUM> may be visually exposed through, e.g., a majority portion of the front plate <NUM>. At least a portion of the display <NUM> may be exposed through the front plate <NUM> forming the front surface 210A and the first edge areas 210D. The edge of the display <NUM> may be formed to be substantially the same in shape as an adjacent outer edge of the front plate <NUM>. The interval between the outer edge of the display <NUM> and the outer edge of the front plate <NUM> may remain substantially even to give a larger area of exposure the display <NUM>.

The surface (or the front plate <NUM>) of the housing <NUM> may include a screen display area formed as the display <NUM> is visually exposed. For example, the screen display area may include the front surface 210A and first edge areas 210D.

According to another embodiment (not shown), the electronic device <NUM> may include a recess or opening formed in a portion of the screen display area (e.g., the front surface 210A or the first edge area 210D) of the display <NUM> and may include at least one or more of an audio module <NUM>, a sensor module (not shown), a light emitting device (not shown), and a camera module <NUM> aligned with the recess or opening. At least one or more of the audio module <NUM>, sensor module (not shown), camera module <NUM>, fingerprint sensor (not shown), and light emitting device (not shown) may be included on the rear surface of the screen display area of the display <NUM>.

The display <NUM> may be disposed to be coupled with, or adjacent, a touch detecting circuit, a pressure sensor capable of measuring the strength (pressure) of touches, and/or a digitizer for detecting a magnetic field-type stylus pen.

In some embodiments, at least a portion of the key input device <NUM> may be disposed on the side bezel structure <NUM>.

The audio modules <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may include, e.g., a microphone hole <NUM> and speaker holes <NUM> and <NUM>. The microphone hole <NUM> may have a microphone inside to obtain external sounds. There may be a plurality of microphones to be able to detect the direction of a sound. The speaker holes <NUM> and <NUM> may include an external speaker hole <NUM> and a phone receiver hole <NUM>. The speaker holes <NUM> and <NUM> and the microphone hole <NUM> may be implemented as a single hole, or speakers may be included without the speaker holes <NUM> and <NUM> (e.g., piezo speakers).

The sensor modules (not shown) may generate an electrical signal or data value corresponding to an internal operating state or external environmental state of the electronic device <NUM>. The sensor modules (not shown) may include a first sensor module (not shown) (e.g., a proximity sensor) and/or a second sensor module (not shown) (e.g., a fingerprint sensor) disposed on the front surface 210A of the housing <NUM> and/or a third sensor module (not shown) (e.g., an HRM sensor) and/or a fourth sensor module (not shown) (e.g., a fingerprint sensor) disposed on the rear surface 210B of the housing <NUM>. In an embodiment (not shown), the fingerprint sensor may be disposed on the rear surface 210B as well as on the front surface 210A (e.g., the display <NUM>) of the housing <NUM>. The electronic device <NUM> may further include sensor modules not shown, e.g., at least one of 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 biometric sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or an illuminance sensor (not shown).

The camera modules <NUM> and <NUM> may include a front camera module <NUM> disposed on the first surface 210A of the electronic device <NUM> and a rear camera module <NUM> and/or a flash <NUM> disposed on the rear surface 210B. The camera modules <NUM> and <NUM> may include one or more lenses, an image sensor, and/or an image signal processor. The flash <NUM> may include, e.g., a light emitting diode (LED) or a xenon lamp. Two or more lenses (an infrared (IR) camera, a wide-angle lens, and a telescopic lens) and image sensors may be disposed on one surface of the electronic device <NUM>. The electronic device <NUM> may include a plurality of camera modules (e.g., a dual camera or triple camera) having different attributes (e.g., angle of view) or functions. For example, a plurality of camera modules <NUM> and <NUM> including lenses having different angles of view may be configured, and the electronic device <NUM> may control to change the angle of view of the camera modules <NUM> and <NUM> performed by the electronic device <NUM> based on the user's selection. For example, at least one of the plurality of camera modules <NUM> and <NUM> may be a wide-angle camera and at least another of the plurality of camera modules may be a telephoto camera. Similarly, at least one of the plurality of camera modules <NUM> and <NUM> may be a front camera and at least another of the plurality of camera modules may be a rear camera. Further, the plurality of camera modules <NUM> and <NUM> may include at least one of a wide-angle camera, a telephoto camera, and an infrared (IR) camera (e.g., a time of flight (TOF) camera, a structured light camera). The IR camera may be operated as at least a portion of the sensor module. For example, the TOF camera may be operated as at least a portion of a sensor module (not shown) for detecting the distance to the subject.

The key input device <NUM> may be disposed on the side surface 210C of the housing <NUM>. The electronic device <NUM> may exclude all or some of the above-mentioned key input devices <NUM> and the excluded key input devices <NUM> may be implemented in other forms, e.g., as soft keys, on the display <NUM>.

The light emitting device (not shown) may be disposed on, e.g., the front surface 210A of the housing <NUM>. The light emitting device (not shown) may provide, e.g., information about the state of the electronic device <NUM> in the form of light. According to another embodiment, the light emitting device (not shown) may provide a light source that interacts with, e.g., the front camera module <NUM>. The light emitting device (not shown) may include, e.g., a light emitting device (LED), an infrared (IR) LED, and/or a xenon lamp.

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

The camera module <NUM> and/or the sensor module (not shown) may be disposed to contact the external environment through a designated area of the display <NUM> and the front plate <NUM> from the internal space of the electronic device <NUM>. For example, the designated area may be an area in which pixels are not disposed in the display <NUM>. As another example, the designated area may be an area in which pixels are disposed in the display <NUM>. When viewed from above the display <NUM>, at least a portion of the designated area may overlap the camera module <NUM> and/or the sensor module. As another example, some sensor modules may be arranged to perform their functions without being visually exposed through the front plate <NUM> from the internal space of the electronic device.

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

Referring to <FIG>, an electronic device <NUM> (e.g., the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>) may include at least one of a front plate <NUM> (e.g., the front plate <NUM> of <FIG>), a display <NUM> (e.g., the display <NUM> of <FIG>), a first supporting member <NUM> (e.g., a bracket), a main printed circuit board <NUM>, a battery <NUM>, a second supporting member <NUM> (e.g., a rear case), an antenna <NUM>, and a rear plate <NUM> (e.g., the rear plate <NUM> of <FIG>). According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may exclude at least one (e.g., the first supporting member <NUM> or the second supporting member <NUM>) of the components or may add other components. At least one of the components of the electronic device <NUM> may be the same or similar to at least one of the components of the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG> or <FIG> and no duplicate description is made below.

The first supporting member <NUM> may be disposed inside the electronic device <NUM> to be connected with the side bezel structure <NUM> or integrated with the side bezel structure <NUM>. The first supporting member <NUM> may be formed of, e.g., a metallic material and/or non-metallic material (e.g., polymer). The display <NUM> may be joined onto one surface of the first supporting member <NUM>, and the printed circuit board <NUM> may be joined onto the opposite surface of the first supporting member <NUM>. A processor, memory, and/or interface may be mounted on the printed circuit board <NUM>. The processor may include one or more of, e.g., a central processing unit, an application processor, a graphic processing device, an image signal processing, a sensor hub processor, or a communication processor.

The memory may include, e.g., a volatile or 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. The interface may electrically or physically connect, e.g., the electronic device <NUM> with an external electronic device and may include a USB connector, an SD card/multimedia card (MMC) connector, or an audio connector.

The battery <NUM> may be a device for supplying power to at least one component (e.g., the camera module212) of the electronic device <NUM>. The battery <NUM> may include, e.g., a primary cell which is not rechargeable, a secondary cell which is rechargeable, or a fuel cell. At least a portion of the battery <NUM> may be disposed on substantially the same plane as the printed circuit board <NUM>. The battery <NUM> may be integrally or detachably disposed inside the electronic device <NUM>.

The second supporting member <NUM> (e.g., a rear case) may be disposed between the printed circuit board <NUM> and the antenna <NUM>. For example, the second supporting member <NUM> may include one surface to which at least one of the printed circuit board <NUM> and the battery <NUM> is coupled, and another surface to which the antenna <NUM> is coupled.

The antenna <NUM> may include, e.g., a near-field communication (NFC) antenna, a wireless charging antenna, and/or a magnetic secure transmission (MST) antenna. The antenna <NUM> may perform short-range communication with, e.g., an external device or may wirelessly transmit or receive power necessary for charging. For example, the antenna <NUM> may include a coil for wireless charging. According to an embodiment of the present invention, an antenna structure may be formed by a portion or combination of the side bezel structure <NUM> and/or the first supporting member <NUM>.

The electronic device <NUM> may include a camera module <NUM> disposed in the second housing (e.g., the housing <NUM> of <FIG>). The camera module (e.g., the camera module <NUM> of <FIG>) may be disposed on the first supporting member <NUM> and may be a rear camera module (e.g., the camera module <NUM> of <FIG>) capable of obtaining an image of a subject positioned behind (e.g., the +Z direction) of the electronic device <NUM>. According to an embodiment, at least a portion of the camera module <NUM> may be exposed to the outside of the electronic device <NUM> through the second opening <NUM> formed in the rear plate <NUM>.

The electronic device <NUM> disclosed in <FIG> has a bar-type or plate-type appearance but the disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the illustrated electronic device may be a rollable electronic device or a foldable electronic device. The term "rollable electronic device" may mean an electronic device at least a portion of which may be wound or rolled or received in a housing (e.g., the housing <NUM> of <FIG>) as the display (e.g., the display <NUM> of <FIG>) may be bent and deformed. As the display is stretched out or is exposed to the outside in a larger area according to the user's need, the rollable electronic device may use an expanded second display area. "Foldable electronic device" may mean an electronic device that may be folded in directions to face two different areas of the display or in directions opposite to each other. In general, in the portable state, the foldable electronic device may be folded so that the two different areas of the display face each other and, in an actual use state, the user may unfold the display so that the two different areas form a substantially flat shape. In some embodiments, according to certain embodiments of the disclosure, the electronic device <NUM> may be interpreted as including various electronic devices, such as a laptop computer or a camera, as well as a portable electronic device, such as a smart phone.

It is noted that while the housing <NUM> protects internal electronic components from moisture or water, the housing <NUM> also includes an air gap <NUM>, a vent <NUM> and a waterproofing member <NUM> as will be described in <FIG>. The air gap <NUM>, vent <NUM>, and waterproofing member <NUM> allow air flow, thereby allowing the electronic device <NUM> to equalize the pressure.

<FIG> is a front view illustrating an electronic device according to certain embodiments of the disclosure. <FIG> is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A' of <FIG>.

The housing includes a opening <NUM> that may include a first area 312a facing the inside (e.g., the display <NUM>) of the electronic device <NUM> and a second area 312b facing the outside of the electronic device <NUM>.

Supporting member <NUM> may include a first dent <NUM>. The first dent <NUM> may receive at least a portion of the air vent <NUM>. The air vent <NUM> may adjust the flow of gas or liquid. At least a portion of the air vent <NUM> may include a plurality of holes for blocking or reducing the flow of the liquid. The air vent <NUM> may be disposed between the housing <NUM> and the display <NUM>. At least a portion (e.g., gas) of the fluid that has passed through the opening <NUM> may be transferred through the air vent <NUM> to the inside of the electronic device <NUM>. According to an embodiment, an adhesive member <NUM> may include at least one of an optical clear adhesive (OCA), a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA), a heat-reactive adhesive, a common adhesive, or a double-sided tape. Waterproofing member <NUM> may prevent or reduce penetration of an external foreign substance (e.g., moisture) into the electronic device <NUM>. For example, the waterproofing member <NUM> may surround at least a portion of the air vent <NUM>. The waterproofing member <NUM> may connect the display <NUM> and the housing <NUM>. For example, the waterproofing member <NUM> may include a material having an adhesive property (e.g., a waterproof tape) and may couple the display <NUM> to the supporting member <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, an electronic device <NUM> may include a housing <NUM>, a display <NUM>, an air vent <NUM>, and a camera module <NUM>. The configuration of the housing <NUM>, the front plate <NUM>, the display <NUM>, and the camera module <NUM> of <FIG> and/or <FIG> may be identical in whole or part to the configuration of the housing <NUM>, the front plate <NUM>, the display <NUM>, and the camera module <NUM> of <FIG> and/or <FIG>.

The housing <NUM> may form at least a portion of the exterior of the electronic device <NUM>. For example, the housing <NUM> may include a supporting member <NUM>, which forms at least a portion of the side surface 300c of the electronic device <NUM> or is disposed inside the housing <NUM> and connected with at least a portion of the side surface 300c, and a rear plate <NUM>, which forms at least a portion of the rear surface 300b of the electronic device <NUM>. The supporting member <NUM> may support the components of the electronic device <NUM>. For example, the display <NUM> may be disposed on the supporting member <NUM>. The rear plate <NUM> may be positioned in a direction opposite to the display <NUM> with respect to the supporting member <NUM>. The configuration of the supporting member <NUM> may be identical in whole or part to the configuration of the first supporting member <NUM> and/or the second supporting member <NUM> of <FIG>.

The supporting member <NUM> may include a opening <NUM> facing outward of the electronic device <NUM>. The opening <NUM> may be a hole passing through the side surface 300c of the supporting member <NUM>. The outside and inside of the electronic device <NUM> may be connected through the opening <NUM>, and the pressure inside the electronic device <NUM> may be maintained substantially the same as the pressure outside the electronic device <NUM>.

The opening <NUM> may include a first area 312a facing the inside (e.g., the display <NUM>) of the electronic device <NUM> and a second area 312b facing the outside of the electronic device <NUM>. The first area 312a and the second area 312b may be an integral empty space.

The supporting member <NUM> may include a first dent <NUM>. The first dent <NUM> may be a dent or a recess formed in the supporting member <NUM> to face the display <NUM>. The first dent <NUM> may extend from the first area 312a of the opening <NUM>. The first dent <NUM> may receive at least a portion of the air vent <NUM>.

According to certain embodiments, the rear plate <NUM> may surround at least a portion of the camera module <NUM>. For example, the rear plate <NUM> may include a second opening (e.g., the second opening <NUM> of <FIG>). The camera module <NUM> may be positioned in the second opening <NUM>.

According to certain embodiments, the air vent <NUM> may adjust the flow of gas or liquid. According to an embodiment, at least a portion of the air vent <NUM> may include a plurality of holes for blocking or reducing the flow of the liquid. For example, at least a portion of the air vent <NUM> may be formed in a mesh shape.

According to certain embodiments, the air vent <NUM> may be disposed in the electronic device <NUM>. The air vent <NUM> may be disposed between the housing <NUM> and the display <NUM>. For example, the air vent <NUM> may be disposed on the supporting member <NUM> through an adhesive member <NUM>. The air vent <NUM> may be positioned between the display <NUM> and the supporting member <NUM>. The air vent <NUM> may face the opening <NUM>. For example, at least a portion (e.g., gas) of the fluid that has passed through the opening <NUM> may be transferred through the air vent <NUM> to the inside of the electronic device <NUM>. The adhesive member <NUM> may include at least one of an optical clear adhesive (OCA), a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA), a heat-reactive adhesive, a common adhesive, or a double-sided tape.

According to certain embodiments, the camera module <NUM> may include a camera housing <NUM> for receiving a component (e.g., an image sensor <NUM> or a lens (not shown)) of the camera module <NUM> and forming at least a portion of the exterior of the camera module <NUM>, a camera window <NUM> for protecting a lens (not shown), and an image sensor <NUM> capable of converting the light obtained using the camera module <NUM> into a digital signal. According to an embodiment, at least a portion of the camera module <NUM> may be disposed in the housing <NUM>. For example, the camera housing <NUM> and/or the camera window <NUM> may be connected with the rear plate <NUM>.

According to certain embodiments, at least a portion of the camera module <NUM> may be spaced apart from the supporting member <NUM>. The camera housing <NUM> may include a first camera housing surface 510a facing the display <NUM> and a second camera housing surface 510b substantially perpendicular to the first camera housing surface 510a. The first camera housing surface 510a may be spaced apart from the first surface 310a of the supporting member <NUM>, and the second camera housing surface 510b may be spaced apart from the second surface 310b of the supporting member <NUM>. The air that has passed through the opening <NUM> and the air vent <NUM> may be transferred to the gap positioned between the supporting member <NUM> and the camera module <NUM>.

According to certain embodiments, the electronic device <NUM> may include a waterproofing member <NUM>. The waterproofing member <NUM> may prevent or reduce penetration of an external foreign substance (e.g., moisture) into the electronic device <NUM>. For example, the waterproofing member <NUM> may surround at least a portion of the air vent <NUM>. For example, the waterproofing member <NUM> may include at least one of a tape, an adhesive, waterproof dispensing, silicone, waterproof rubber, and urethane. The waterproofing member <NUM> may connect the display <NUM> and the housing <NUM>. For example, the waterproofing member <NUM> may include a material having an adhesive property (e.g., a waterproof tape) and may couple the display <NUM> to the supporting member <NUM>.

In <FIG> an embodiment of the electronic device <NUM> is described with a cavity <NUM> that prevents condensation or fog from occurring at the camera window. The air vent <NUM> laterally extends to the rear of the camera module <NUM>. A portion of the vent <NUM> is received by the cavity <NUM>. The cavity <NUM> connected to a second dent <NUM> to the vicinity of the camera module <NUM>.

<FIG> is a front view illustrating an electronic device through which a front plate and a display are shown, according to certain embodiments of the disclosure. <FIG> is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B' of <FIG>. <FIG> is a cross-sectional view taken along line C-C' of <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, an electronic device <NUM> may include a housing <NUM>, a display <NUM>, an air vent <NUM>, a camera module <NUM>, and a waterproofing member <NUM>. The configuration of the housing <NUM>, the front plate <NUM>, the display <NUM>, the camera module <NUM>, and the waterproofing member <NUM> of <FIG> may be identical in whole or part to the configuration of the housing <NUM>, the front plate <NUM>, the display <NUM>, the camera module <NUM>, and the waterproofing member <NUM> of <FIG>.

The supporting member <NUM> may be formed in a shape to reduce or prevent damage to the electronic device <NUM>. The supporting member <NUM> may include a first supporting area <NUM>-<NUM> facing the display <NUM>, a second supporting area <NUM>-<NUM> forming at least a portion of the side surface 300c of the housing <NUM>, and a barrier rib <NUM>-<NUM> positioned between the first supporting area <NUM>-<NUM> and the second supporting area <NUM>-<NUM>. The barrier rib <NUM>-<NUM> may be positioned between the opening <NUM> and the camera module <NUM>. The barrier rib may reduce or prevent an external impact to the camera module <NUM> from outside of the electronic device <NUM> through the opening <NUM>. For example, opening the barrier rib <NUM>-<NUM> may prevent direct contact between the external device and the camera module <NUM> if an external device (e.g., an ejector pin) is inserted into the opening <NUM>. The first supporting area <NUM>-<NUM>, the second supporting area <NUM>-<NUM>, and the barrier rib <NUM>-<NUM> may be formed of an integral supporting member.

The opening <NUM> may be formed in a shape to reduce or prevent damage to the air vent <NUM>. The opening <NUM> may include a first area 312a extending in a first direction d1 and a second area 312b extending from the first area 312a in a second direction d2 and facing outward of the electronic device <NUM>. The first direction d1 may be substantially perpendicular, or within <NUM> degrees deviation, to the front surface (e.g., the front surface 210A of <FIG>) of the housing <NUM> or the front plate <NUM>, and the second direction d2 may be different from the first direction d1. For example, if an external device (e.g., an ejector pin) is inserted into the opening <NUM>, the air vent <NUM> may not directly contact the external device. The angle x between the first direction d1 and the second direction d2 may be more than <NUM> degrees and less than <NUM> degrees.

The housing <NUM> may include a cavity <NUM>. The supporting member <NUM> of the housing <NUM> may include the cavity <NUM> facing at least a portion of the camera module <NUM>. The outside and inside of the electronic device <NUM> may be connected through the cavity <NUM>, the air vent <NUM>, and the opening <NUM>. For example, the pressure applied to the camera module <NUM> may be substantially the same as the external pressure (e.g., atmospheric pressure) of the electronic device <NUM>. Accordingly, dew condensation or fogging on the camera window <NUM> is reduced. The cavity <NUM> may be spaced apart from the opening <NUM>. The size of the cross-sectional area of the opening <NUM> may be larger than the size of the cross-sectional area of the cavity <NUM>.

The housing <NUM> may include a second dent <NUM>. The second dent <NUM> may be a dent or recess formed in the supporting member <NUM> to face at least a portion of the camera module <NUM>. The second dent <NUM>, together with the opening <NUM>, the air vent <NUM>, and the cavity <NUM>, may form an air path. The second dent <NUM> may extend from the cavity <NUM>. The air that has passed through the opening <NUM>, the air vent <NUM>, and the cavity <NUM> may be transferred through the second dent <NUM> to the inside of the electronic device <NUM>. According to an embodiment (not shown), the second dent <NUM> may be omitted. For example, the air introduced through the opening <NUM> and the air vent <NUM> may be transferred to the inside of the electronic device <NUM> along the waterproofing member <NUM>.

According to certain embodiments, the air vent <NUM> may include a mesh area <NUM>, at least a portion thereof faces the opening <NUM>, and an edge area <NUM> facing the housing <NUM> and surrounding the mesh area <NUM>. The mesh area <NUM> may be formed of a Teflon-based resin (e.g., Gore-Tex), a waterproof nonwoven fabric, and/or a membrane material. Gas may pass through the mesh area <NUM>, and liquids or solids may not pass through the mesh area <NUM>. The edge area <NUM> may be connected with the adhesive member <NUM> and may fix the air vent <NUM> to the supporting member <NUM>. The air vent <NUM> may have a plate shape. For example, the air vent <NUM> may include a first air vent surface 400a facing the display <NUM> and a second air vent surface 400b facing the supporting member <NUM>.

<FIG> is a perspective cross-sectional view taken along line D-D' of <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, an electronic device <NUM> may include a housing <NUM> including a opening <NUM> and an air vent <NUM> positioned to correspond to the opening <NUM>. The configuration of the electronic device <NUM>, the housing <NUM>, and the air vent <NUM> of <FIG> may be identical in whole or part to the configuration of the electronic device, the housing <NUM>, and the air vent <NUM> of <FIG>.

According to certain embodiments, the opening <NUM>, the first dent <NUM>, and the air vent <NUM> of the housing <NUM> may guide the flow of air. For example, the air inside the electronic device <NUM> may be transferred to the outside of the electronic device <NUM> in the order of the air vent <NUM>, the first dent <NUM>, and the opening <NUM>. To increase the flow of air, the size of the cross-sectional area of the first dent <NUM> or the size of the cross-sectional area of the air vent <NUM> may be larger than the size of the cross-sectional area of the opening <NUM>. For example, the first length l1 that is the length of the cross section of the first dent <NUM> or the second length l2 that is the length of the cross section of the mesh area <NUM> is larger than the third length l3 that is the length of the cross section of the opening <NUM>. In the electronic device <NUM> in which the size of the cross-sectional area of the first dent <NUM> or the size of the cross-sectional area of the air vent <NUM> is larger than the size of the cross-sectional area of the opening <NUM>, an air flow rate may be increased, and adjustment of pressure (e.g., pressure equilibrium) may be enhanced.

The amount of moisture accumulated in the electronic device <NUM> may be reduced by the first dent <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. For example, the first dent <NUM> may be formed to face the outside of the electronic device <NUM>, and the moisture introduced through the opening <NUM> may be received in the first dent <NUM>. The ingress of the introduced moisture into the inside of the electronic device <NUM> may be prevented or reduced by the mesh area <NUM> of the air vent <NUM> and may be positioned in the opening <NUM> and/or the first dent <NUM>. The opening <NUM> and/or the first dent <NUM> may be formed in a structure to reduce the amount of moisture flowing into the electronic device <NUM>. For example, the first dent <NUM> and the opening <NUM> may be formed in a shape to reduce or minimize the volume of the empty space between the air vent <NUM> and the space outside the electronic device <NUM>. The size of the cross-sectional area of the first dent <NUM> may be smaller than the size of the cross-sectional area of a portion (e.g., the mesh area <NUM>) of the air vent <NUM>. For example, the first length <NUM> that is the length of the cross section of the first dent <NUM> may be smaller than the second length l2 that is the length of the cross section of the mesh area <NUM>. The size of the cross-sectional area of a portion (e.g., the area connected with the opening <NUM>) of the first dent <NUM> may be smaller than the size of the cross-sectional area of another portion (e.g., the mesh area <NUM>) of the first dent <NUM>.

According to certain embodiments of the disclosure, an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>) may comprise a housing including a opening (e.g., the opening <NUM> of <FIG>) facing an outside of the electronic device and a cavity (e.g., the cavity <NUM> of <FIG>) spaced apart from the opening, a display (e.g., the display <NUM> of <FIG>) disposed on the housing, an air vent (e.g., the air vent <NUM> of <FIG>) disposed between the housing and the display and at least partially facing the opening, and a camera module (e.g., the camera module <NUM> of <FIG>) disposed in the housing and at least partially facing the cavity.

According to certain embodiments, the air vent may include a mesh area (e.g., the mesh area <NUM> of <FIG>) facing the opening and an edge area (e.g., the edge area <NUM> of <FIG>) surrounding the mesh area and facing the housing.

According to certain embodiments, the electronic device may further comprise a waterproofing member (e.g., the waterproofing member <NUM> of <FIG>) connecting the display with the housing and surrounding at least a portion of the air vent.

According to certain embodiments, the opening may include a first area (e.g., the first area 312a of <FIG>) facing the display and extending in a first direction (e.g., the first direction d1 of <FIG>) and a second area (e.g., the second area 312b of <FIG>) extending from the first area in a second direction (e.g., the second direction d2 of <FIG>) different from the first direction and facing the outside of the electronic device.

According to certain embodiments, the housing may include a first dent (e.g., the first dent <NUM> of <FIG>) extending from the first area and receiving at least a portion of the air vent.

According to certain embodiments, a size of a cross-sectional area of the air vent may be larger than a size of a cross-sectional area of the first dent, and the size of the cross-sectional area of the first dent may be larger than a size of a cross-sectional area of the opening.

According to certain embodiments, the opening may be formed to pass through a side surface (e.g., the side surface 300c of <FIG>) of the housing.

According to certain embodiments, the housing may include a second dent (e.g., the second dent <NUM> of <FIG>) extending from the cavity and facing at least a portion of the camera module.

According to certain embodiments, the housing may include a supporting member (e.g., the supporting member <NUM> of <FIG>) including the opening and the cavity and a rear plate (e.g., the rear plate <NUM> of <FIG>) surrounding the camera module.

According to certain embodiments, the air vent may be positioned between the display and the supporting member.

According to certain embodiments, the camera module may include a camera window (e.g., the camera window <NUM> of <FIG>) connected with the rear plate, an image sensor (e.g., the image sensor <NUM> of <FIG>) disposed in the camera housing, and a camera housing (e.g., the camera housing <NUM> of <FIG>) receiving the image sensor.

According to certain embodiments, the camera housing may include a first camera housing surface (e.g., the first camera housing surface 510a of <FIG>) facing the display and a second camera housing surface (e.g., the second camera housing surface 510b of <FIG>) substantially perpendicular to the first camera housing surface. The supporting member may include a first surface (e.g., the first surface 310a of <FIG>) facing the first camera housing surface and a second surface (e.g., the second surface 310b of <FIG>) facing the second camera housing surface. The first camera housing surface and the first surface may be spaced apart from each other, and the second camera housing surface and the second surface may be spaced apart from each other.

According to certain embodiments, the rear plate may include a second opening (e.g., the second opening <NUM> of <FIG>) surrounding at least a portion of the camera module.

According to certain embodiments, the air vent may include a first air vent surface (e.g., the first air vent surface 400a of <FIG>) facing the display and a second air vent surface (e.g., the second air vent surface 400b of <FIG>) facing the housing.

According to certain embodiments, the supporting member may include a first supporting area (e.g., the first supporting area <NUM>-<NUM> of <FIG>) facing the display, a second supporting area (e.g., the second supporting area <NUM>-<NUM> of <FIG>) forming a side surface (e.g., the side surface 300c of <FIG>) of the housing, and a barrier rib (e.g., the barrier rib <NUM>-<NUM> of <FIG>) positioned between the first supporting area and the second supporting area.

According to certain embodiments of the disclosure, an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>) may comprise a housing (e.g., the housing <NUM> of <FIG>) including a supporting member (e.g., the supporting member <NUM> of <FIG>) including a opening (e.g., the opening <NUM> of <FIG>) facing an outside of the electronic device and a cavity (e.g., the cavity <NUM> of <FIG>) spaced apart from the opening and a rear plate (e.g., the rear plate <NUM> of <FIG>) connected with the supporting member and including a second opening (e.g., the second opening <NUM> of <FIG>), a display (e.g., the display <NUM> of <FIG>) disposed on the supporting member, an air vent (e.g., the air vent <NUM> of <FIG>) disposed between the supporting member and the display and at least partially facing the opening, and a camera module (e.g., the camera module <NUM> of <FIG>) disposed in the housing, facing the cavity, and at least partially exposed to the outside of the electronic device through the second opening.

According to certain embodiments, the housing may include a first dent (e.g., the first dent <NUM> of <FIG>) extending from the first area and receiving the air vent. The size of the cross-sectional area of the air vent may be larger than the size of the cross-sectional area of the first dent, and the size of the cross-sectional area of the first dent may be larger than the size of the cross-sectional area of the opening.

According to certain embodiments, an electronic device <NUM> comprises: a housing <NUM> having an opening <NUM>, wherein the opening extending from outside the electronic device to the inside of the electronic device; an air vent <NUM> in the housing receiving at least a portion of the opening on the inside of the electronic device; a waterproofing member <NUM> in the housing connecting a display <NUM> to the housing <NUM>, the waterproofing member <NUM> at least partially surrounding the air vent <NUM>; a cavity <NUM> in the housing spaced apart from the opening <NUM>, the cavity <NUM> received by the air vent <NUM>; a camera module in the housing, and wherein the cavity <NUM> forms portion of an airway from the camera module <NUM> to the opening <NUM>.

According to certain embodiments, the opening <NUM> includes a second area facing the outside of the electronic device, and a first area substantially perpendicular to the second area and facing the display.

According to certain embodiments, the air vent <NUM> includes a mesh area facing the opening and an edge area surrounding the mesh area and facing the housing.

According to certain embodiments, the air vent <NUM> includes a first air vent surface facing the display and a second air vent surface facing the housing.

According to certain embodiments, the housing <NUM> includes a dent <NUM> extending from the cavity and facing at least a portion of the camera module.

Claim 1:
An electronic device comprising,
a housing (<NUM>) including a supporting member (<NUM>) and an opening (<NUM>), wherein the supporting member (<NUM>) includes a cavity (<NUM>) spaced apart from the opening;
a display (<NUM>) disposed on the housing;
an air vent (<NUM>) disposed between the supporting member (<NUM>) of the housing and the display (<NUM>), wherein one end of the opening (<NUM>) faces an outside of the electronic device and the other end of the opening (<NUM>) at least partially faces the air vent (<NUM>); and
a camera module (<NUM>) disposed in the housing and at least partially facing the cavity (<NUM>) preventing condensation or fog from occurring at a window of the camera module,
wherein at least a portion of the camera module (<NUM>) is spaced apart from the supporting member (<NUM>) and forms a gap positioned between the camera module (<NUM>) and the supporting member (<NUM>),
wherein the air vent (<NUM>) laterally extends to a rear of the camera module (<NUM>) and a portion of the air vent (<NUM>) is received by the cavity (<NUM>) connected to the gap, and
wherein the gap, the cavity, the air vent and the opening are configured to provide an air path from the camera module (<NUM>) to the outside of the electronic device.