Patent Description:
Conventionally, portable electronic devices are manufactured and sold in various forms, for example, in a form in which the electronic devices are gripped by hands, a form in which the electric devices are fastened on wrists or hung on the necks of the user.

Document <CIT> discloses a waterproof structure for a casing of a foldable mobile phone. It has a first casing, a second casing to be put together with the first casing, and a waterproof member formed of an elastic material to prevent water from penetrating between the first casing and the second casing. The second casing has a recess. The waterproof member has a peripheral part which, when fitted into the recess, prevents penetration of water. The peripheral part is provided at the periphery of the waterproof member, which is laid out all around space between the first casing and the second casing. A projection engages with a dent. A restriction part of the first casing, provided at a position facing the peripheral part and protruding toward the second casing, prevents the peripheral part from coming out.

At least a portion of such an electronic device that is fastened on the wrist or hung on the neck is exposed to the outside such that water or sweat generated in the body of the user permeates into the electronic device.

Aspects of the present disclosure are to address at least the above-mentioned problems and/or disadvantages and to provide at least the advantages described below.

In accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure, a portable electronic device according to the appended claims is provided.

Accordingly, an aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a portable electronic device including a waterproof structure that may stably maintain an operable physical state of an electronic device while providing a waterproof function of the electronic device.

Various embodiments of the present disclosure may be described with reference to accompanying drawings. Accordingly, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that modification, equivalent, and/or alternative on the various embodiments described herein can be variously made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims. With regard to description of drawings, similar elements may be marked by similar reference numerals.

In the disclosure disclosed herein, the expressions "have", "may have", "include" and "comprise", or "may include" and "may comprise" used herein indicate existence of corresponding features (e.g., elements such as numeric values, functions, operations, or components) but do not exclude presence of additional features.

<FIG> is a view illustrating an example of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. <FIG> are a view illustrating an example of a body of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a body <NUM> and a mounting part <NUM>.

The body <NUM>, for example, may include a housing <NUM> and a display <NUM>. According to various embodiments, at least one of a printed circuit board, on which a processor related to driving of the display <NUM> and a memory, a battery configured to supply electric power to the printed circuit board, a speaker configured to output an audio signal, a microphone configured to collect an audio signal, at least one physical button (e.g., a side button <NUM>) configured to generate an input signal according to input by the user, at least one sensor <NUM>, and a charging interface unit may be included inside the housing <NUM>. When the printed circuit board or the battery, which has been described above, may be seated inside the housing <NUM> and is covered by the display <NUM>, it may not be observed from the outside. At least a portion of the sensor <NUM>, for example, may be exposed to the outside through one side of the housing <NUM>. In this regard, a first sensor hole <NUM> may be formed at a peripheral portion of the housing <NUM> (e.g., a lower housing <NUM>), in which the sensor <NUM> is disposed, such that at least a portion of the sensor <NUM> may be exposed. The sensor <NUM> may perform photographing of an image related to pulses or blood flows of the user through the first sensor hole <NUM>. According to various embodiments, a second sensor hole <NUM> related to an atmospheric pressure sensor may be disposed on one side of the lower housing <NUM>. According to various embodiments, a mounting part attaching/detaching button <NUM> related to a mounting function of the mounting part <NUM> may be provided on one side of the body <NUM>.

The housing <NUM> includes an upper housing <NUM> and a lower housing <NUM>.

The upper housing <NUM> may include an upper body <NUM>, a peripheral part <NUM> having an opened area at a central portion thereof such that at least a portion of the display <NUM> may be exposed to the outside at an upper end of the upper body <NUM>, and a connecting part <NUM> disposed on one side of the upper body <NUM> and connected to the mounting part <NUM>. The upper housing <NUM> may be disposed such that the peripheral part <NUM> surrounds a periphery of the display <NUM>. An opened area of the upper housing <NUM> may have various shapes such as a circular shape, an elliptical shape, a tetragonal shape, or a polygonal shape in correspondence to the shape of the display <NUM>. The peripheral part <NUM> (e.g., a wheel or a bezel) of the upper housing <NUM>, for example, may be disposed to correspond to the shape of the display <NUM>. The peripheral part <NUM>, for example, may be arranged to be rotatable, and may generate a specific input signal as the peripheral part <NUM> rotates and may deliver the input signal to a processor.

The lower housing <NUM> is coupled to the upper housing <NUM>, and may function to protect device elements (e.g., the printed circuit board and the battery (or a power source)) disposed inside the lower housing <NUM>. At least one hole may be disposed on one side of the lower housing <NUM>. The at least one hole, for example, may include a speaker hole <NUM> through which an audio signal generated by the speaker is output, a microphone hole <NUM> by which the microphone collects an audio signal, and a first sensor hole <NUM> through which a sensor signal of the sensor <NUM> is output and configured to receive a signal (e.g., a reflection signal) related to the output sensor signal. Further, in relation to the sensing of the atmospheric pressure, the lower housing <NUM> may include a second sensor hole <NUM> through which air related to an external atmospheric pressure is introduced. An air vent hole <NUM> related to adjustment of an internal pressure of the electronic device <NUM> may be disposed on one side of the lower housing <NUM>.

Although it is illustrated that the speaker hole <NUM> and the microphone hole <NUM> are formed on one side of the lower housing <NUM>, the holes may be formed on one side of the upper housing <NUM>. The lower housing <NUM> may include an opened area at the center thereof, and a rear case (e.g., a rear glass) may be disposed in the opened area. According to various embodiments, a separate opened area is not formed at the center of the lower housing <NUM> but the center of the lower housing <NUM> may be buried.

The electronic device <NUM> according to the embodiment of the present disclosure may include waterproof members that may support a waterproof function of at least one of the speaker hole <NUM> disposed in the housing <NUM>, the microphone hole <NUM>, the first sensor hole <NUM>, the air vent hole <NUM>, the second sensor hole <NUM>. The waterproof members may be disposed on at least part of the speaker hole <NUM>, the microphone hole <NUM>, the sensor holes <NUM> and <NUM>, and the air vent hole <NUM> to perform a waterproof function such that water is not introduced into the housing <NUM> through at least one hole.

At least a portion of the display <NUM> may be exposed through the opened area provided in the upper housing <NUM>, and may output a specific functional screen in correspondence to control of the processor or control of a display driving circuit. The display <NUM> includes an external protective member (e.g., a window or a window glass), and may include a display panel, and a touch panel. Further, the display <NUM> may further include a heat radiating plate or an embossing layer configured to perform heat radiation and protection of the display panel. According to various embodiments, the electronic device <NUM> may further include a display driving circuit (e.g., a display driver IC (DDI)) related to driving of the display <NUM>. The electronic device <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a waterproof member configured to waterproof an aperture between the display <NUM> and the housing <NUM> (e.g., the upper housing <NUM>). The waterproof member may prevent water, moisture, or foreign substances in the form of liquid from being introduced into the housing <NUM> from the outside while an aperture between the external protective member of the display <NUM> and the upper housing <NUM> has a specific elasticity.

The mounting part <NUM> may be coupled to a pair of connecting parts <NUM> provided on one side of the housing <NUM>. The mounting part <NUM>, for example, may include a first strap <NUM> connected to one side of the housing <NUM> and a second strap <NUM> connected to an opposite side of the housing <NUM>. A short strap body <NUM>, a buckle <NUM>, and a band <NUM> may be disposed in the first strap <NUM>, and a long strap body having at least one hole may be disposed in the second strap <NUM>. Although it is illustrated that the mounting part <NUM> has a structure coupled by using a buckle, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the mounting part <NUM> may be formed in a Velcro type, a snap button type, or a bracelet type.

<FIG> are a view illustrating an example of a window waterproof structure of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, the body <NUM> of the present disclosure may include a housing <NUM> (e.g., the upper housing <NUM> and the lower housing <NUM>), and a display <NUM> (e.g., the external protective member <NUM> and the display panel <NUM>). According to various embodiments, although the various device elements of the electronic device <NUM>, which have been described above, may be disposed in the housing <NUM>, the configurations are omitted for convenience of description.

The display <NUM> may include an external protective member <NUM>, and an upper surface of the display <NUM> is wider than a lower surface thereof such that the external protective member <NUM> has an inverse T-shape or a hat shape. For example, the external protective member <NUM> may include a central part 131a and an edge 131b. The external protective member <NUM> may be formed of a transparent material such as glass, and may be disposed on the display panel <NUM>. The central part 131a may be exposed to the outside through the opened area of the upper housing <NUM>. The edge 131b may be disposed under the peripheral part <NUM> defining the opened area of the upper housing <NUM>. As the peripheral part <NUM> of the upper housing <NUM> is disposed above the edge 131b of the external protective member <NUM> and the peripheral part <NUM> is formed in multiple stages, a space of a specific size may be disposed between the edge 131b and the peripheral part <NUM>. When the body <NUM> has a circular shape as a whole except for the connecting part <NUM>, a cavity (e.g., a circular cavity) may be formed between the edge 131b and the peripheral part <NUM>.

A window waterproof member <NUM> (or a window waterproof part) may be disposed in a cavity formed between an upper side of the edge 131b of the external protective member <NUM> and a lower side of the peripheral part <NUM> of the upper housing <NUM>. The window waterproof member <NUM> may have a size and a diameter that are larger enough to fill the circular cavity, and may have a shape that is similar to the circular cavity. The upper side of the window waterproof member <NUM> may form a flat surface, and the lower side of the window waterproof member <NUM> may have a circular band shape (or corresponding to an edge shape of the external protective member, such as a polygonal shape), at least a portion of which is curved. At least a portion of an inner peripheral surface (or an inner surface) of the window waterproof member <NUM> having a circular band shape contacts a side wall of the external protective member <NUM>, and at least a portion of an outer peripheral surface (or an outer surface) of the window waterproof member <NUM> contacts an inside of the peripheral part <NUM> of the upper housing <NUM>. Then, the inner peripheral surface and the outer peripheral surface of the window waterproof member <NUM> may be formed of an elastic material. Because at least a portion of the inner peripheral surface and the outer peripheral surface of the window waterproof member <NUM> while the window waterproof member <NUM> is disposed between the external protective member <NUM> and the upper housing <NUM>, the elasticity of the side wall of the external protective member <NUM> and the peripheral part <NUM> is applied in a direction in which the side wall of the external protective member <NUM> and the peripheral part <NUM> are pushed so that a aperture between the external protective member <NUM> and the upper housing <NUM> may be sealed.

<FIG> is a view illustrating an example of a window waterproof structure according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. <FIG> are a view illustrating an example of a section of a window waterproof structure according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. <FIG>, <FIG> are a view illustrating various forms of a window waterproof structure according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, the window waterproof member <NUM> of the present disclosure includes an inner core <NUM>, an outer sheath <NUM> (or outer part) surrounding at least a portion of the inner core <NUM>.

The inner core <NUM> may be formed of a material (e.g., metal or plastic) having a specific hardness. At least a portion of an outer side of the inner core <NUM> may be surrounded by the outer sheath <NUM>. The inner core <NUM> functions to support the outer sheath <NUM> having an elasticity while the outer sheath <NUM> may show elasticity between the external protective member <NUM> and the peripheral part <NUM> of the upper housing <NUM>. The inner core <NUM> may restrain twisting and torsion that may occur in a process of assembling the window waterproof member <NUM> between the external protective member <NUM> and the upper housing <NUM> due to the flexibility of the outer sheath <NUM>, and may function to support an aperture firmly.

According to an embodiment, as illustrated, the inner core <NUM> may have a circular band shape. An upper end section of the inner core <NUM> may have a flat shape as a whole. A lower end section of the inner core <NUM> may have a shape, a width of which gradually decreases. According to an embodiment, at least one protrusion that partially protrudes may be disposed at a lower end of the inner core <NUM>. The protrusion formed at a lower end of the inner core <NUM> may have various shapes. Further, the lower end of the inner core <NUM> may not have a separate protrusion but may have a flat shape.

Referring to <FIG>, the outer sheath <NUM> may surround an outer side of the inner core <NUM>. Then, as in <FIG>, the outer sheath <NUM> is not formed on an upper end surface of the inner core <NUM> and may be formed a side and a lower end of the inner core <NUM>. <FIG> illustrates section SA1 of an area in which a protrusion is not formed. According to an embodiment, as in <FIG>, the outer sheath <NUM> may be formed at a lower end of the inner core <NUM> but may be formed partially. Further, the outer sheath <NUM> may not be formed in a partially protruding portion of the lower end of the inner core <NUM> but may be formed at a peripheral part of the protruding portion. <FIG> illustrates section SA2 of an area in which a protrusion is formed.

The outer sheath <NUM> may be formed of a material (e.g., silicon or rubber) having a specific elasticity. According to an embodiment, when the outer sheath <NUM> does not have a separate protrusion at the lower end of the inner core <NUM>, it may surround the side wall and the lower end of the inner core <NUM>. Further, the outer sheath <NUM> may have a shape corresponding to the shape of the inner core <NUM> while at least one of the side wall and the lower end of the inner core <NUM>. For example, the outer sheath <NUM> may have a circular band-shaped furrow in which the inner core <NUM> is disposed. Further, the outer sheath <NUM> may have a shape, a width of which gradually decreases from an upper end toward a lower end thereof. According to an embodiment, an outer peripheral surface of the outer sheath <NUM> may have a shape, at least a portion of which is curved from an upper end to a lower end thereof, and an inner peripheral surface of the outer sheath <NUM> may have a constant shape at an upper end and a lower end thereof. Further, the inner peripheral surface of the outer sheath <NUM> may correspond to an edge shape of the external protective member, and the outer peripheral surface of the outer sheath <NUM> may correspond to an inner shape of the peripheral part <NUM> of the lower housing <NUM>.

As described above, the electronic device <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may firmly seal an aperture between the external protective member <NUM> and the upper housing <NUM> even though a pressure of a specific value or more is applied from a front side of the external protective member <NUM> to an inside of the housing <NUM> as the window waterproof member <NUM> including the inner core <NUM> having a specific thickness and the outer sheath <NUM> surrounding the inner core <NUM> is disposed. Accordingly, the electronic device <NUM> of the present disclosure may support a waterproof function of a specific pressure or more (e.g., not less than <NUM> atm).

Referring to <FIG>, the electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a first window waterproof member 300a having a first inner core 310a an upper end of which is flat and opposite lower edges of which are rounded and a first outer sheath 320a surrounding the first inner core 310a. The first outer sheath 320a surrounds a side wall and a lower end of the first inner core 310a, except for an upper end of the first inner core 310a, and a curvature of a left lower end of the first outer sheath 320a with respect to the drawing may be lower than a curvature of a right lower end of the first outer sheath 320a. Accordingly, the left lower end of the first inner core 310a and the left lower end of the first outer sheath 320a may have elliptical shapes.

Referring to <FIG>, the electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a second inner core 310b and a second window waterproof member 300b. An upper end of the second inner core 310b may be flat, and a curvature of a right lower end of the opposite lower edges of the second inner core 310b may be lower than a curvature of a left lower end thereof. The second window waterproof member 320b may include a second inner core 310b, and a second outer sheath 320b surrounding the second inner core 310b. The second outer sheath 320b surrounds a side wall and a lower end of the second inner core 310b, except for an upper end of the second inner core 310a, and a curvature of a right lower end of the second outer sheath 320b with respect to the front side of the drawing may be lower than a curvature of a left lower end of the second outer sheath 320b. For example, the curvature of the left lower end of the first inner core 310a and the curvature of the left lower end of the second outer sheath 320b may be similar (e.g., a semi-circular shape). Similarly, the curvature of the right lower end of the second inner core 310b and the curvature of the right lower end of the second outer sheath 320b may be similar (e.g., an elliptical shape).

Referring to <FIG>, the electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a third inner core 310c and a third window waterproof member 300c. An upper end of the third inner core 310c may be flat, and opposite lower edges of the third inner core 310c may be angled. The third window waterproof member 300c may include a third outer sheath 320c surrounding the third inner core 310c. The third outer sheath 320c may surround a side wall and a lower end of the third inner core 310c except for an upper end thereof, and may have a shape that is similar to that of the third inner core 310c (e.g., opposite lower peripheries of the third outer sheath 320c are angled and the center of the third outer sheath 320c is flat).

Referring to <FIG>, the electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a fourth inner core 310d and a fourth window waterproof member 300d. An upper end and a lower end of the fourth inner core 310d may be flat and side walls of the fourth inner core <NUM>10d may be formed in parallel to each other such that the fourth inner core 310d may form a polygonal shape (e.g., a tetragonal shape). The fourth window waterproof member 300d may include a fourth outer sheath 320d surrounding the fourth inner core 310d. The fourth outer sheath 320d may be formed in opposite side walls of the fourth inner core 310d, and an upper end and a lower end of the fourth inner core 310d may be exposed. In addition to the above-mentioned embodiments, the electronic device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure may include an inner core and an outer sheath in various forms.

6a and <FIG> are a view illustrating an example of an inner core of a window waterproof structure according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIGS. 6a and <FIG>, as illustrated, the inner core <NUM> for molding may include a ring <NUM> having a circular band shape and an upper end of which is flat, at least one fixing bosses <NUM> provided on one side of an upper end of the ring <NUM>, and at least one protrusion 313a and 313b formed at a lower end of the ring <NUM>.

Referring to FIG. 6a, an upper end of the ring <NUM> may be flat and the fixing boss <NUM> may be disposed at at least one portion of the flat upper end surface of the ring <NUM>. According to an embodiment, a plurality of fixing bosses <NUM> may be disposed, and may be symmetrically disposed at an upper end of the ring <NUM>. Although it is illustrated in the drawing that four fixing bosses <NUM> are disposed, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the number of the fixing bosses <NUM> may be various, and may be two, three, five, or six. According to various embodiments, the fixing bosses <NUM> may have various shapes (e.g., polygonal columns such as a triangular column and a rectangular column) in addition to a cylindrical shape. According to various embodiments, in relation to the shape of the inner core <NUM>, a mold having a hole corresponding to the fixing boss <NUM> may be provided, and an injection-molding material (e.g., a plastic injection-molding material) having a specific strength may be injected into the mold through a hole corresponding to the fixing boss <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the protrusion 313a and 313b disposed at a lower end of the ring <NUM> may include rail bosses 313a protruding while having a specific height form a surface thereof and a specific length, and intermediate bosses 313b disposed between the rail bosses 313a. The rail bosses 313a and the intermediate bosses 313b, which have been described above, may function to firmly fix the inner core <NUM> in a process of forming the outer sheath <NUM> based on the inner core <NUM>. According to various embodiments, the rail bosses 313a and the intermediate bosses 313b may function to stably support the outer sheath <NUM> after the window waterproof member <NUM> is finished while guiding the injection-molding material such that the injection-molding material is uniformly spread out in the interior of the mold in a process of inserting (or injecting or introducing) the injection-molding material for forming the outer sheath <NUM> into the mold. According to an embodiment, while an area disposed on an outer peripheral surface of the outer sheath <NUM> is attached to a side wall of the external protective member <NUM>, the rail bosses 313a may improve a sealing force while supporting an outer peripheral surface of the outer sheath <NUM> more firmly.

<FIG> is a view illustrating an example of an inner core and a mold that are separated from each other. <FIG> is a view illustrating an example of an inner core and a mold that are coupled to each other.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, as illustrated in <FIG>, in relation to formation of the window waterproof member <NUM>, a fixing mold <NUM> having a core groove <NUM> corresponding to an upper end of the inner core <NUM> may be provided. The core groove <NUM>, for example, may include fixing grooves <NUM> into which the fixing bosses <NUM> of the inner core <NUM>, which has been described in state <NUM> of <FIG>, is inserted to be fixed, and a ring groove <NUM> corresponding to the ring <NUM>. The depth of the fixing grooves <NUM> may correspond to the height of the fixing bosses <NUM>. The size of the ring grooves <NUM> may be similar to the shape of the ring <NUM> and may be larger than the size of the ring <NUM>. An upper end surface of the ring <NUM> may face and contact the bottom surface of the ring groove <NUM> while the outer sheath <NUM> is formed.

A pair of movable molds <NUM> disposed in a fixed mold <NUM> may have a rail groove <NUM> corresponding to a lower end of the inner core <NUM>. The rail groove <NUM> may correspond to at least one rail boss 313a formed at a lower end of the inner core <NUM>. Further, the rail groove <NUM> may include a groove provided in the intermediate boss 313b provided in the inner core <NUM>. The bottom surfaces of the rail bosses 313a and the intermediate bosses 313b may contact the bottom surface of the rail groove <NUM> while the outer sheath <NUM> is formed.

If the fixing bosses <NUM> is inserted into the core grooves <NUM> of the fixing mold <NUM>, an upper end of the ring <NUM> may be positioned at the center of the ring groove <NUM>, and accordingly, a space may be formed between the side wall of the ring <NUM> and the ring groove <NUM>. If the movable mold <NUM> having a rail groove <NUM> that is larger than the rail bosses 313a and the intermediate bosses 313b is disposed to contact one surface of the fixed mold <NUM>, a space may be formed between the rail bosses 313a and the rail groove <NUM>. As an insert-molding material (e.g., silicon) is injected into the ring groove <NUM> and the rail groove <NUM> while the fixed mold <NUM> and the movable mold <NUM> are fixed to each other while contacting each other, the outer sheath <NUM> may be formed at at least a portion of the inner core <NUM>.

<FIG> is a view illustrating an example of a method for manufacturing a window waterproof structure according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. <FIG> is a view illustrating an example of machining of a window waterproof structure according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, in relation to the method for manufacturing a window waterproof member, in operation <NUM>, the inner core <NUM> as in state <NUM> may be manufactured. When the inner core <NUM> is manufactured, a fixing boss <NUM> may be formed to adjust left and right eccentricity of the inner core <NUM>. A plurality of fixing bosses <NUM> may be disposed on the ring-shaped inner core <NUM> to be symmetrical to each other. Two or more fixing bosses <NUM>, for example, may be provided.

In operation <NUM>, the outer sheath <NUM> may be injection-molded after the inner core <NUM> is insert-molded. The fixing boss <NUM> provided in the inner core <NUM> may be inserted into the fixing groove <NUM> provided in the fixed mold <NUM>. When the side wall of the inner core <NUM> is to be fixed, because the outer sheath <NUM> (e.g., silicon) is not formed in the side wall, the inner core <NUM> may be fixed to the fixed mold <NUM> by using the fixing boss <NUM>. In a situation in which the fixed mold <NUM> and the movable mold <NUM> are firmly fixed, a space, into which an injection-molding material, of which the outer sheath <NUM> is to be formed, is to be introduced, may be formed between the fixed mold <NUM> and the movable mold <NUM> while the fixing boss <NUM> of the inner core <NUM> is fixed to the fixed mold <NUM> and the bottom surfaces of the rail bosses 313a and the intermediate bosses 313b of the inner core <NUM> are fixed to the movable mold <NUM>. The inner core <NUM> may be prevented from being damaged and work efficiency may be improved during an insert-molding process while an upper end of the inner core <NUM> firmly contacts the fixed mold <NUM>.

In operation <NUM>, the fixing bosses <NUM> of the inner core <NUM> may be cut away. As in state <NUM>, the used fixing bosses <NUM> during an injection-molding process may be left at an upper end of the inner core <NUM> of the widow waterproof member <NUM> having the outer sheath <NUM>. Accordingly, as in state <NUM>, the upper end of the inner core <NUM> may be formed flat by removing the fixing bosses <NUM>.

If the window waterproof member <NUM> that has been finished based on the above-mentioned process is provided, damage of the window waterproof member <NUM> may be improved by disposing an upper end surface of the window waterproof member <NUM>, in which the outer sheath <NUM> is not formed, towards the outside of the electronic device <NUM> (e.g., from the center of the housing <NUM> toward the opened area) and disposing an upper end of the window waterproof member <NUM> having a strength that is higher than that of the other parts on an upper side of a point between the external protective member <NUM> and the housing <NUM>.

<FIG> is a view illustrating an example of an electronic device including a speaker waterproof structure. <FIG> is a view illustrating an example of a section of an area in which a speaker waterproof structure of an electronic device is disposed.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> may include an upper housing <NUM>, a lower housing <NUM>, a display <NUM>, a bracket <NUM>, and a rear case <NUM>, and a speaker waterproof member <NUM> may be disposed on one side of the lower housing <NUM>.

As illustrated, the lower housing <NUM>, for example, may include a bottom part that is convex downwards and having an empty interior, and a side wall extending at an edge of the bottom part to be perpendicular to the bottom part (or while having a specific inclination). A speaker hole <NUM> configured to output an audio signal generated by the speaker <NUM> may be disposed in an area of the side wall of the lower housing <NUM>. Although the drawing illustrates that an opened area is provided at the center of the bottom part of the lower housing <NUM> and the rear case is disposed to block the opened area, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the lower housing <NUM> and the rear case <NUM> may be integrally formed.

The bracket <NUM> may include a seating part <NUM> in which the speaker <NUM> is disposed, in a specific area. The seating part <NUM> may be provided to surround the speaker <NUM>, and a speaker sound hole <NUM> may be formed in a side of the specific area, on which an audio signal is output from the speaker <NUM>. A bonding member <NUM> may be disposed between the seating part <NUM> and one surface of the speaker <NUM> to fix the speaker <NUM> to the seating part <NUM> of the bracket <NUM>. The bonding member <NUM> may be disposed between a peripheral part of the speaker <NUM> and the seating part <NUM> such that an audio output area of the speaker <NUM> and an inlet of the speaker sound hole <NUM> of the seating part <NUM> may be firmly maintained. The bonding member <NUM> may function to prevent an audio signal output from the speaker <NUM> from being leaked to peripheral areas while the audio signal is output toward the lower housing <NUM> through the speaker sound hole <NUM>. The speaker sound hole <NUM> of the bracket <NUM> may be connected to the speaker hole <NUM> of the lower housing <NUM>. Accordingly, the audio signal generated by the speaker <NUM> may be output to the outside through the speaker hole <NUM> of the lower housing <NUM> after propagating through the speaker sound hole <NUM> of the bracket <NUM>.

The speaker waterproof member <NUM> may be disposed between a peripheral part of the speaker sound hole <NUM> of the bracket <NUM> and a peripheral part of the speaker hole <NUM> of the lower housing <NUM>. As illustrated, the speaker waterproof member <NUM> may include a speaker waterproof support <NUM>, a speaker waterproof boss <NUM>, and a first fixing part <NUM>. The speaker waterproof member <NUM> may further include a waterproof film <NUM> of a specific thickness such that the audio signal generated by the speaker <NUM> may be output to the outside while a hole provided at the center of the speaker waterproof support <NUM> is closed. The waterproof film <NUM> of a specific thickness may be disposed between the speaker <NUM> and the speaker sound hole <NUM> provided in the seating part <NUM>. Further, the speaker waterproof member <NUM> may further include a bonding member <NUM> disposed on the rear surface of the speaker waterproof support <NUM> (e.g., a surface of the speaker waterproof support <NUM> facing the lower housing <NUM>).

The speaker waterproof support <NUM>, for example, may include an opened area <NUM> having a size that is larger than that of the speaker hole <NUM>, and a band-shaped panel having an empty and flat center to form the opened area <NUM>. The speaker waterproof boss <NUM> may be disposed on a front surface of the speaker waterproof support <NUM>, and the bonding member <NUM> may be disposed on a rear surface of the speaker waterproof support <NUM>. The speaker waterproof support <NUM> may be formed of the same material as that of the speaker waterproof boss <NUM>. Further, the speaker waterproof support <NUM> may be formed of a plastic material or a metallic material having a specific strength. When the speaker waterproof support <NUM> is formed of silicon having a specific elasticity, the film (functioning as a stiffener) having a specific strength may be surrounded by silicon.

The speaker waterproof boss <NUM> may protrude from a front surface of the band-shaped speaker waterproof support <NUM> while having a specific height. The speaker waterproof boss <NUM> may uniformly protrude from the center of a panel of the speaker waterproof support <NUM> to have a band shape. The speaker waterproof boss <NUM> may be curved such that the center thereof is higher than the peripheral parts thereof. Accordingly, the speaker waterproof boss <NUM> may surface-contact one surface of the bracket <NUM> while at least a portion thereof is pressed in a process of assembling the lower housing <NUM> and the bracket <NUM>.

The speaker waterproof boss <NUM>, for example, may be formed of a material (e.g., silicon or rubber) having a specific elasticity. When the speaker waterproof support <NUM> is formed of plastic, the speaker waterproof boss <NUM> may be bonded to the speaker waterproof support <NUM> by a bonding member.

The first fixing part <NUM> may function to fix the speaker waterproof member <NUM> to one side of the lower housing <NUM>. In this regard, a boss or a hook, into which the first fixing part <NUM> may be inserted, may be disposed on one side of the bracket <NUM>.

In the electronic device <NUM>, moisture may be prevented from being introduced through the speaker hole <NUM>, by closing the speaker hole <NUM> provided on one side of the lower housing <NUM> with the speaker waterproof member <NUM>.

<FIG> is a view illustrating an example of an electronic device including a microphone waterproof structure. <FIG> is a view illustrating an example of a section of an area in which a microphone waterproof structure of an electronic device is disposed,.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> may include an upper housing <NUM>, a lower housing <NUM>, a display <NUM>, a bracket <NUM>, and a rear case <NUM>, and a microphone waterproof member <NUM> may be disposed on one side of the lower housing <NUM>. Further, the window waterproof member <NUM> may be disposed on one side of the display <NUM> (e.g., at a periphery of the external protective member).

The lower housing <NUM>, for example, may include a bottom part that is convex downwards and has an empty interior, and a side wall disposed at a periphery of the bottom part. A microphone hole <NUM>, through which an audio signal generated by the speaker <NUM> may be introduced, may be disposed in an area of the side wall of the lower housing <NUM>. A microphone <NUM>, for example, may be disposed on one side of the lower housing <NUM> or one side of the bracket.

An area related to the microphone <NUM> may be formed in a specific area of the bracket <NUM>. For example, the bracket <NUM> may include a microphone sound hole <NUM> having the shape of a passage extending to the microphone hole <NUM>. The microphone sound hole <NUM> may extend from a part that is adjacent to the microphone <NUM> to the microphone hole <NUM> formed in the bracket <NUM> and the lower housing <NUM>. The audio signal introduced through the microphone hole <NUM> may be delivered to the microphone <NUM> through the microphone sound hole <NUM>.

The microphone waterproof member <NUM> may be disposed between an end of the microphone sound hole <NUM> of the bracket <NUM> and a peripheral part of the microphone hole <NUM> of the lower housing <NUM>. As illustrated, the microphone waterproof member <NUM> may include a microphone waterproof support <NUM>, a microphone waterproof boss <NUM>, a second fixing part <NUM>, a membrane <NUM>, and a wing <NUM>. At least a portion of the wing <NUM> may be disposed on a side of the microphone waterproof support <NUM>, and the microphone waterproof support <NUM> may be disposed to be supported by the side wall of the lower housing <NUM> more firmly.

The microphone waterproof support <NUM>, for example, may include an opened area <NUM> having a size that is larger than that of the microphone hole <NUM>, and a band-shaped panel having an empty and flat center to form the opened area <NUM>. The microphone waterproof boss <NUM> may be disposed on a front surface of the microphone waterproof support <NUM>, the membrane <NUM> may be disposed at the center of the microphone waterproof support <NUM>, and the bonding member <NUM> and <NUM> and the stiffener film <NUM> may be disposed on the rear surface of the microphone waterproof support <NUM>. The microphone waterproof support <NUM> may be formed of the same material as that of the microphone waterproof boss <NUM>. The stiffener film <NUM> may function to support strength of the microphone waterproof support <NUM>.

The microphone waterproof boss <NUM> may protrude from a front surface of the band-shaped microphone waterproof support <NUM> while having a specific height. The microphone waterproof boss <NUM> may be provided in a convex form in which the height of the microphone waterproof boss <NUM> gradually increases from a periphery to the center thereof. Accordingly, the microphone waterproof boss <NUM> may surface-contact one surface of the bracket <NUM> while a portion thereof being pressured, when the bracket <NUM> and the lower housing <NUM> are coupled to each other. The microphone waterproof boss <NUM>, for example, may be formed of a material (e.g., silicon or rubber) having a specific elasticity.

At least a portion of the second fixing part <NUM> may function to fix the microphone waterproof member <NUM> to one side of the lower housing <NUM>. In this regard, a boss or a hook, into which the second fixing part <NUM> may be inserted, may be disposed on one side of the bracket <NUM>.

The membrane <NUM> may introduce an external audio signal into the microphone sound hole <NUM> while closing the opened area <NUM> of the center of the microphone waterproof support <NUM>. The membrane <NUM> may send moisture existing in the interior of the microphone water proof support <NUM> (e.g., the microphone sound hole <NUM>) while preventing moisture from being introduced from the outside to the inside. In this regard, the membrane <NUM> may be formed such that a plurality of porous layers overlap each other, and the plurality of porous layers may be arranged in a specific pattern while the sizes of the pores of the plurality of layer are formed differently.

In the electronic device <NUM>, moisture may be prevented from being introduced through the microphone hole <NUM>, by sealing an aperture between the bracket and the lower housing with the microphone waterproof member <NUM> and closing the microphone hole <NUM> provided on one side of the lower housing <NUM> with the speaker waterproof member <NUM>.

<FIG> is a view illustrating an example of an electronic device including an air vent waterproof structure. <FIG> is a view illustrating an example of a section of an area in which an air vent waterproof structure of an electronic device is disposed, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> may include an upper housing <NUM>, a lower housing <NUM>, a display <NUM>, a bracket <NUM>, and a rear case <NUM>, and an air vent waterproof member <NUM> may be disposed on one side of the lower housing <NUM>. Further, the window waterproof member <NUM> may be disposed on one side of the display <NUM> (e.g., at a periphery of the external protective member). The electronic device <NUM> may include an air vent hole <NUM> that maintains a difference between the atmospheric pressures of the outside and the inside of the device. For example, the air vent hole <NUM> also may lower an internal pressure while discharging the interior air to the outside.

The lower housing <NUM>, for example, may include a bottom part, and a side wall disposed at a periphery of the bottom part. An air vent hole <NUM> related to adjustment of the atmospheric pressure difference of the electronic device <NUM> may be disposed in an area of the side wall of the lower housing <NUM>.

The bracket <NUM> may include an empty space in which the air vent hole <NUM> is arranged, in a specific area thereof. An air vent waterproof member <NUM> may be disposed between the side walls forming the empty space of the bracket <NUM> and a peripheral part forming the air vent hole <NUM>.

As illustrated, the air vent waterproof member <NUM> may include an air vent waterproof support <NUM>, an air vent waterproof boss <NUM>, a third fixing part <NUM>, and a membrane <NUM>.

The air vent waterproof support <NUM>, for example, may include an opened area <NUM> having a size that is larger than that of the air vent hole <NUM>, and a band-shaped panel having an empty and flat center to form the opened area <NUM>. The air vent waterproof boss <NUM> may be disposed on a front surface of the air vent waterproof support <NUM>, the membrane <NUM> may be disposed at the center of the air vent waterproof support <NUM>, and the bonding member <NUM> and <NUM> and the stiffener film <NUM> may be disposed on the rear surface of the air vent waterproof support <NUM>. The air vent waterproof support <NUM> may be formed of the same material as that of the air vent waterproof boss <NUM>. The stiffener film <NUM> may function to support the strength of the air vent waterproof support <NUM>.

The air vent waterproof <NUM> may protrude from a front surface of the band-shaped air vent waterproof support <NUM> while having a specific height. The air vent waterproof boss <NUM> may be provided in a convex form in which the height of the air vent waterproof boss <NUM> gradually increases from a periphery to the center thereof. For example, the air vent waterproof boss <NUM> may have a band shape, a cross-section of which is semi-circular. When the bracket <NUM> and the lower housing <NUM> are coupled to each other, the air vent water proof boss <NUM> may seal an aperture between the bracket <NUM> and the lower housing <NUM> while contacting the side walls forming the empty space of the bracket <NUM>. The air vent waterproof boss <NUM>, for example, may be formed of a material (e.g., silicon or rubber) having a specific elasticity.

The third fixing part <NUM> may function to fix the air vent waterproof member <NUM> to one side of the lower housing <NUM>. In this regard, a boss or a hook, into which the third fixing part <NUM> may be inserted, may be disposed on one side of the bracket <NUM>.

The membrane <NUM>, for example, may have a material and a function that are the same as or similar to those of the waterproof film <NUM> included in the speaker waterproof member <NUM>, which has been described above, or the membrane included in the microphone waterproof member <NUM>. For example, the membrane <NUM> may prevent moisture from being introduced from the outside while discharging moisture inside the device with respect to the air vent hole <NUM> to the outside of the lower housing <NUM>.

In the electronic device <NUM>, moisture may be prevented from being introduced through the air vent hole <NUM>, by closing the air vent hole <NUM> provided on one side of the lower housing <NUM> with the air vent waterproof member <NUM>.

<FIG> is a view illustrating an example of an electronic device including a sensor waterproof structure. <FIG> is a view illustrating an example of a section of an area in which a sensor waterproof structure of an electronic device is disposed.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> may include an upper housing <NUM>, a lower housing <NUM>, a display <NUM>, a bracket <NUM>, and a rear case <NUM>, and a sensor waterproof member <NUM> may be disposed on one side of the lower housing <NUM>. Further, the window waterproof member may be further disposed on one side of the display <NUM> (e.g., at least a portion of a periphery of the external protective member).

As mentioned above, the lower housing <NUM>, for example, may include a bottom part, and a side wall disposed at a periphery of the bottom part. A second air vent hole <NUM> related to sensing of atmospheric pressure may be disposed in an area of the bottom part of the lower housing <NUM>.

An atmospheric pressure sensor 140a aligned with the second sensor hole <NUM> and a substrate 140b, on which the atmospheric pressure sensor 140a is mounted, may be seated in and fixed to a specific area of the bracket <NUM>. A sensor waterproof member <NUM> may be disposed to surround the atmospheric pressure sensor 140a disposed on the substrate 140b. The electronic device <NUM> may further include a bonding member <NUM> for bonding the sensor waterproof member <NUM> to the substrate 140b.

As illustrated, the sensor waterproof member <NUM> may include a sensor waterproof support <NUM>, a sensor waterproof boss <NUM>, a fourth fixing part <NUM>, and a membrane <NUM>.

The sensor waterproof support <NUM>, for example, may include an opened area <NUM> having a size that is larger than that of the second sensor hole <NUM>, and a band-shaped panel having an empty and flat center to form the opened area <NUM>. An atmospheric pressure 140a may be disposed in the opened area <NUM> of the sensor waterproof support <NUM>. The sensor waterproof boss <NUM> may be disposed on a front surface of the sensor waterproof support <NUM>, the membrane <NUM> may be disposed at an upper end of the opened area <NUM> of the sensor waterproof support <NUM>, and the bonding member <NUM> may be disposed on the rear surface of the sensor waterproof support <NUM>. According to various embodiments, at least a portion of the sensor waterproof support <NUM> may include a stiffener film to have a specific strength.

The sensor waterproof <NUM> may protrude from a front surface of the band-shaped sensor waterproof support <NUM> while having a specific height and having a semicircular convex cross-section. The sensor waterproof boss <NUM> may seal an aperture between a peripheral part of the atmospheric pressure sensor 140a and the lower housing <NUM> while contacting one side of the lower housing <NUM>. The sensor waterproof boss <NUM>, for example, may be formed of a material (e.g., silicon or rubber) having a specific elasticity.

The bonding member <NUM> may be disposed on the sensor waterproof boss <NUM>, and the bonding member <NUM> may be bonded to a periphery of the second sensor hole <NUM> of the lower housing <NUM>. The bonding member <NUM> may have a band shape according to the shape of the sensor waterproof support <NUM>, and a membrane <NUM> may be disposed to interrupt the opened area of the center of the bonding member <NUM>. Accordingly, while the bonding member <NUM> is bonded to the lower housing <NUM>, the membrane <NUM> may close the second sensor hole <NUM>.

The fourth fixing part <NUM> may function to fix the sensor waterproof member <NUM> to one side of the lower housing <NUM>. In this regard, a boss or a hook, into which the fourth fixing part <NUM> may be inserted, may be disposed on one side of the bracket <NUM>.

In the electronic device <NUM> according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, moisture may be prevented from being introduced through the second sensor hole <NUM>, by closing the second sensor hole <NUM> provided on one side of the lower housing <NUM> with the sensor waterproof member <NUM>.

The speaker waterproof member <NUM>, the microphone waterproof member <NUM>, the air vent waterproof member <NUM>, and the sensor waterproof member <NUM> may provide a waterproof environment of a specific level or more (e.g., <NUM> atm or more) by firmly sealing the bracket <NUM> and the lower housing <NUM> by using a boss while closing various holes of the electronic device <NUM>. The electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include at least one of the waterproof members, which have been described above. For example, the electronic device may include at least one of the window waterproof member <NUM>, the speaker waterproof member <NUM>, the microphone waterproof member <NUM>, the air vent waterproof member <NUM>, and the sensor waterproof member <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A portable electronic device, comprising:
a display (<NUM>) having an external protective member (<NUM>);
an upper housing (<NUM>) disposed in at least a portion of a periphery of the display (<NUM>);
a lower housing (<NUM>) coupled to the upper housing (<NUM>); and
a window waterproof member (<NUM>) disposed between the at least a portion of the periphery of the display (<NUM>) and the upper housing (<NUM>) and sealing an aperture between the upper housing (<NUM>) and the display (<NUM>),
wherein the window waterproof member (<NUM>) is disposed at a periphery of the external protective member (<NUM>) of the display (<NUM>);
wherein the window waterproof member (<NUM>) comprises:
an inner core (<NUM>) formed of a material having a predetermined hardness; and
an outer sheath (<NUM>) having an elasticity, the inner core (<NUM>) functioning to support the outer sheath (<NUM>), the outer sheath (<NUM>) having an outer peripheral surface and an inner peripheral surface,
wherein the outer peripheral surface of the outer sheath contacts at least part of the upper housing (<NUM>) and the inner peripheral surface of the outer sheath contacts at least part of the external protective member (<NUM>) while the outer sheath (<NUM>) surrounds at least a portion of the inner core (<NUM>), the inner peripheral surface does not surround an upper end of the inner core.