Patent Description:
An electronic device may include at least one or more keys and sensors. At least one or more keys may be disposed on the front surface, rear surface, or lateral surface of the housing of the electronic device, respectively.

A waterproof member may be formed by using a mold. Users may carry electronic devices. The environment in which electronic devices operate may variously change depending on users' external activities and the like, and electronic devices may be exposed to contamination by water or foreign materials.

<CIT> discloses a smartphone with a main body and comprising a side key with its rode inserted with the hole of a waterproof ring which presents a convex part and a protrusion in its outer periphery.

When a waterproof member having an O-ring structure is manufactured with a mold, a parting line may be formed on a close-contact line of a waterproof member in charge of waterproofing, thereby causing a problem of degraded waterproof performance. Moreover, the O-ring structure may have a problem in that, if a key button makes a straight movement or a straight reciprocating movement, the waterproof member may be twisted due to the characteristics of the circular shape, thereby degrading the click feeling of the key button.

An electronic device according to various embodiments of the disclosure may include a body having a passage, a physical button including a rod extending through the passage, and a waterproof member including an inner surface which includes a first convex surface and a second convex surface formed to have a gap with the first convex surface, a penetration hole formed by the inner surface, an outer surface including a third convex surface and a protruding surface formed to have a gap with the third convex surface, a lower surface formed between the inner surface and the outer surface, and a fourth convex surface formed in a direction opposite to the lower surface, wherein the waterproof member is disposed between the body and the rod, and the rod is inserted through the penetration hole, and the waterproof member is disposed such that the first convex surface and the second convex surface are in close contact with the rod, and the third convex surface and the protruding surface are in close contact with one surface of the body.

A waterproof member according to various embodiments of the disclosure may include an inner surface which includes a first convex surface and a second convex surface formed to have a gap with the first convex surface, a penetration hole formed by the inner surface, an outer surface including a third convex surface and a protruding surface formed to have a gap with the third convex surface, a lower surface formed between the inner surface and the outer surface, and a fourth convex surface formed in a direction opposite to the lower surface.

Various embodiments disclosed herein may provide a waterproof structure for preventing inflow of water or foreign materials into an electronic device and improving the waterproof performance thereof, and an electronic device including the same.

In addition, various embodiments disclosed herein may provide a waterproof structure for improving the manipulation feeling related to key button pressing, and an electronic device including the same.

In describing the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used to refer to similar elements.

<FIG> is a front perspective of a mobile electronic device <NUM> according to an embodiment. <FIG> is a rear perspective view of the electronic device <NUM> in <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, an electronic device <NUM> according to an embodiment may include a housing <NUM> including a first surface (or a front surface) 1100a, a second surface (or a rear surface) 1100b, and a side surfaces 1100c surrounding a space between the first surface 1100a and the second surface 1100b, and binding members <NUM> and <NUM>, each of which is connected to at least a portion of the housing <NUM> and which are configured such that the electronic device <NUM> is detachably worn on a part (e.g., wrist, ankle, etc.) of a user's body. In another embodiment (not shown), a housing may also be referred to as a structure which forms a part of the first surface 1100a in <FIG>, the second surface 1100b, and the side surfaces 1100c. According to an embodiment, the first surface 1100a may be formed by a front plate <NUM> (e.g., a glass plate including various coating layers, or a polymer plate) of which at least a portion is substantially transparent. The second surface 1100b may be formed by a substantially opaque rear plate <NUM>. For example, the rear plate <NUM> may be formed by coated or colored glass, ceramic, polymer, metal (e.g., aluminum, stainless steel (STS), or magnesium), or a combination of at least two of above materials. The side surfaces 1100c may be coupled to the front plate <NUM> and the rear plate <NUM>, and may be formed by a lateral bezel structure (or a "lateral member") <NUM> including metal and/or polymer. In some embodiments, the rear plate <NUM> and the lateral bezel structure <NUM> may be integrally formed, and may include the same material (e.g., a metal material such as aluminum). The binding members <NUM> and <NUM> may be formed of various materials and in various shapes. Each of the binding members may be formed in an integral shape, and may be formed to have multiple unit links coupled to be movable to each other, by woven fabrics, leather, rubber, urethane, metal, ceramic, or a combination of at least two of the materials.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may include at least one of a display <NUM> (see <FIG>), an audio module <NUM> or <NUM>, a sensor module <NUM>, a key input device <NUM>, <NUM>, or <NUM>, and a connector hole <NUM>. In some embodiments, the electronic device <NUM> may be configured such that at least one (e.g., the key input device <NUM>, <NUM>, or <NUM>, the connector hole <NUM>, or the sensor module <NUM>) of elements is omitted therefrom, or other elements are additionally included therein.

For example, the display <NUM> may be exposed through a substantial portion of the front plate <NUM>. The shape of the display <NUM> may be a shape corresponding to the shape of the front plate <NUM>, and may have various shapes such as a circle, an ellipse, or a polygon. The display <NUM> may be coupled to or disposed adjacent to a touch detection circuit, a pressure sensor capable of measuring the intensity (pressure) of a touch, and/or a fingerprint sensor.

The audio modules <NUM> and <NUM> may include a microphone hole <NUM> and a speaker hole1080. The microphone hole <NUM> may have a microphone disposed therein in order to obtain external sound, and in some embodiments, multiple microphones may be arranged to be able to detect the direction of sound. The speaker hole <NUM> may be used as an external speaker and a receiver for a phone call. In some embodiments, the speaker hole <NUM> and the microphone hole <NUM> may be implemented as one hole, or a speaker (e.g., a piezo speaker) may be included therein without the speaker hole <NUM>.

The sensor module <NUM> may generate an electrical signal or a data value corresponding to an internal operation state of the electronic device <NUM> or an external environmental state. For example, the sensor module <NUM> may include a biometric sensor module <NUM> (e.g., an HRM sensor) disposed on the second surface 1100b of the housing <NUM>. The electronic device <NUM> may further include a sensor module not illustrated, for example, at least one of a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, a barometric 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.

The key input devices <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may include a wheel key <NUM> which is disposed on the first surface 1100a of the housing <NUM> and is rotatable in at least one direction, and/or side key buttons <NUM> and <NUM> arranged on the side surface 1100c of the housing <NUM>. The wheel key may have a shape corresponding to the shape of the front plate <NUM>. In another embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may not include a part or the whole of key input device <NUM>, <NUM>, or <NUM> mentioned above, and the key input device <NUM>, <NUM>, or <NUM> not included therein may be implemented as a different type such as a soft key, on the display <NUM>. The connector hole <NUM> may include other connector holes (not shown) capable of accommodating a connector (for example, a USB connector) for transmitting or receiving electric power and/or data to or from an external electronic device, and capable of accommodating a connector for transmitting or receiving an audio signal to or from an external electronic device. For example, the electronic device <NUM> may further include a connector cover (not shown) for covering at least a part of the connector hole <NUM> and blocking external foreign substances from being introduced into the connector hole.

The binding members <NUM> and <NUM> may be detachably bound to at least a partial area of the housing <NUM> by using locking members <NUM> and <NUM>. The binding members <NUM> and <NUM> may include one or more of a fixation member <NUM>, a fixation member fastening hole <NUM>, a band guide member <NUM>, and a band fixation ring <NUM>.

The fixation member <NUM> may be configured such that the housing <NUM> and the binding members <NUM> and <NUM> are fixed to a part (e.g., wrist, ankle, etc.) of a user's body. The fixation member fastening hole <NUM> may be formed to correspond to the fixation member <NUM> so that the housing <NUM> and the binding members <NUM> and <NUM> are fixed to a part of a user's body. The band guide member <NUM> may be configured to limit the range of motion of the fixation member <NUM> in case that the fixation member <NUM> is fastened to the fixation member fastening hole <NUM>, and thus the binding members <NUM> and <NUM> may be in close contact with and be bound to a part of a user's body. The band fixation ring <NUM> may limit the motion range of the binding members <NUM> and <NUM> in a state where the fixation member <NUM> and the fixation member fastening hole <NUM> are fastened to each other.

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

An electronic device <NUM> in <FIG> may refer to the electronic device <NUM> in <FIG> and <FIG>. In connection with elements identical or substantially identical to the foregoing elements, the same terms or same reference numerals may be used, and overlapping descriptions thereof may be omitted.

Referring to <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> may include a lateral bezel structure <NUM>, a wheel key <NUM>, a front plate <NUM>, a display <NUM>, a first antenna <NUM>, a second antenna <NUM>, a support member <NUM> (e.g., a bracket), a battery <NUM>, a printed circuit board <NUM>, a sealing member <NUM>, a rear plate <NUM>, and binding members <NUM> and <NUM>. At least one of elements of the electronic device <NUM> may be the same as or similar to at least one of elements of the electronic device <NUM> in <FIG> or <FIG>, and overlapping descriptions thereof will be omitted hereinafter. The support member <NUM> may be disposed inside the electronic device <NUM> to be connected to the lateral bezel structure <NUM>, or may be integrally formed with the lateral bezel structure <NUM>. For example, the support member <NUM> may be formed of a metal material and/or a non-metal (e.g., polymer) material. The support member <NUM> may have one surface to which the display <NUM> is coupled, and the other surface to which the printed circuit board <NUM> is coupled. The printed circuit board <NUM> may have a processor, a memory, and/or an interface, which are mounted thereon. For example, the processor may include one or more of a central processing device, an application processor, a graphic processing unit (GPU), an application processor sensor processor, and a communication processor.

According to an embodiment, for example, the memory may include a volatile memory or a non-volatile memory. For example, the interface may include a high definition multimedia interface (HDMI), a universal serial bus (USB) interface, an SD card interface, and/or an audio interface. For example, the interface may electrically or physically connect the electronic device <NUM> to an external electronic device, and may include a USB connector, an SD card/MMC connector, or an audio connector.

According to an embodiment, the battery <NUM> may be a device for supplying electric power to at least one element of the electronic device <NUM>, and for example, may include a non-rechargeable primary cell, a rechargeable secondary cell, or a fuel cell. For example, at least a part of the battery <NUM> may be disposed on substantially the same plane as the printed circuit board <NUM>. The battery <NUM> may also be integrally disposed inside the electronic device <NUM>, or may also be disposed to be detachable/attachable from/to the electronic device <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the first antenna <NUM> may be disposed between the display <NUM> and the support member <NUM>. For example, the first antenna <NUM> may include a near field communication (NFC) antenna, a wireless charging antenna, and/or a magnetic secure transmission (MST) antenna. For example, the first antenna <NUM> may perform a short-range communication with an external device, or may wirelessly transmit and receive electric power required for charging, and may transmit a short-range communication signal or a magnetic-based signal including payment data. In another embodiment, an antenna structure may be formed by a part of the lateral bezel structure <NUM> and/or the support member <NUM>, or a combination thereof.

According to an embodiment, the second antenna <NUM> may be disposed between the printed circuit board <NUM> and the rear plate <NUM>. For example, the second antenna <NUM> may include a near field communication (NFC) antenna, a wireless charging antenna, and/or a magnetic secure transmission (MST) antenna. For example, the second antenna <NUM> may perform a short-range communication with an external device, or may wirelessly transmit and receive electric power required for charging, and may transmit a short-range communication signal or a magnetic-based signal including payment data. In another embodiment, an antenna structure may be formed by a part of the lateral bezel structure <NUM> and/or the rear plate <NUM>, or a combination thereof.

According to an embodiment, the sealing member <NUM> may be disposed between the lateral bezel structure <NUM> and the rear plate <NUM>. The sealing member <NUM> may block moisture and foreign substances from being introduced from the outside into a space surrounded by the lateral bezel structure <NUM> and the rear plate <NUM>.

<FIG> is a perspective view showing an exploded configuration of an electronic device <NUM> according to an embodiment.

An electronic device <NUM> in <FIG> may refer to the electronic device <NUM> in <FIG> and <FIG> or the electronic device <NUM> in <FIG>. In connection with elements identical or substantially identical to the foregoing elements, the same terms or same reference numerals may be used, and overlapping descriptions may be omitted.

Referring to <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> may include a housing <NUM>, a body <NUM>, a physical button <NUM> including a rod <NUM>, a waterproof member <NUM>, a washer <NUM>, and an elastic member <NUM>. However, the configuration of the electronic device <NUM> is not limited thereto. For example, the housing <NUM> and the body <NUM> may also be integrally formed. According to various embodiments, the electronic device <NUM> may also be configured such that at least one of elements described above is omitted therefrom or at least one other element is further included therein. According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may also be configured such that the washer <NUM> is omitted therefrom or other elements are included therein. The electronic device <NUM> may also further include a switch member (not shown) disposed inside the electronic device <NUM> and disposed on one end of the rod <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the housing <NUM> may include an opening. The opening may be formed to be opened to the outside of the electronic device <NUM>. The opening may have a circular shape. However, the shape of the opening is not limited thereto. The body <NUM> may be accommodated in the opening.

According to an embodiment, the body <NUM> may be coupled to the opening of the housing <NUM> by using an adhesive member. According to an embodiment, the body <NUM> may include a passage having an open end formed to be opened to the outside of the electronic device <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the passage may have a cylindrical shape. However, the shape of the passage is not limited thereto.

According to an embodiment, the physical button <NUM> may include a rod <NUM> and a button part <NUM>. The rod <NUM> and the button part <NUM> may be integrally formed. However, the configuration thereof is not be limited thereto. For example, the rod <NUM> and the button part <NUM> may be formed as separate members. The rod <NUM> and the button part <NUM> may also be coupled using an adhesive member. The rod <NUM> may be formed to protrude in the X-axis direction <NUM> on one surface of the button part <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the rod <NUM> may have a cylindrical shape.

According to an embodiment, the elastic member <NUM>, the washer <NUM>, and the waterproof member <NUM> may be sequentially inserted around the rod <NUM>. However, the configuration of the electronic device <NUM> is not limited thereto. For example, the electronic device <NUM> may also be configured such that at least one of elements described above is omitted therefrom or at least one other element is further included therein. According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may also be configured such that the washer <NUM> is omitted therefrom or other elements are included therein. The rod <NUM>, around which the elastic member <NUM>, the washer <NUM>, and the waterproof member <NUM> are inserted, may be inserted into the passage of the body <NUM> in the X-axis direction <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may further include a fixation member <NUM>. The fixation member <NUM> may allow the rod <NUM> inserted in the body <NUM> to be fixed to the electronic device <NUM>. The fixation member <NUM> may be coupled to the rod <NUM> so that the rod <NUM> is fixed to the electronic device <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the rod <NUM> may include a binding groove <NUM>. The binding groove <NUM> may be formed on the outer circumferential surface of the rod. At least a part of the fixation member <NUM> may be accommodated in the binding groove <NUM> of the rod <NUM>. The fixation member <NUM> may be supported by the inner wall of the housing <NUM> in a state of being fastened to the binding groove <NUM>. For example, in a state where the rod <NUM> is inserted in the passage of the body <NUM>, the fixation member <NUM> may be fastened thereto, and thus the physical button <NUM> may be restricted to the housing <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the fixation member <NUM> may include an E-ring shape or a C-ring shape. However, the shapes of the fixation member <NUM> and the rod <NUM> are not limited thereto. For example, the fixation member <NUM> may also include a nut shape, and the rod <NUM> may also include a bolt shape.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration of an electronic device <NUM> according to an embodiment.

The configuration of the electronic device <NUM> may refer to the configuration in <FIG>. In connection with elements identical or substantially identical to the foregoing elements, the same terms or same reference numerals may be used, and overlapping descriptions may be omitted.

Referring to <FIG>, the body <NUM> may be inserted into an opening of the housing <NUM> in the X-axis direction <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the opening of the housing <NUM> may be formed in a circular shape. However, the shape of the opening is not limited to the circular shape. The shape of the outer surface of the body <NUM> may be formed to correspond to the shape of the opening. According to an embodiment, the body <NUM> and the housing <NUM> may be coupled using an adhesive member. According to another embodiment, the body <NUM> and the housing <NUM> may also be integrally formed.

According to an embodiment, the body <NUM> may include a passage having an open end formed to be opened to the outside of the electronic device <NUM>. The passage may be configured such that the diameter the passage is enlarged in a direction toward the open end of the body <NUM>. The passage may include a step surface configuring a step <NUM> by which the diameter of the passage is enlarged. In a state where the rod <NUM> is inserted in the passage of the body <NUM>, a space may be formed between one surface of the passage, of which the diameter is enlarged, and the rod <NUM>. A waterproof member <NUM>, a washer <NUM>, and an elastic member <NUM> may be arranged in the formed space.

According to an embodiment, the housing <NUM> may include a recessed groove in which at least a part of a groove <NUM> thereof can be accommodated. The recessed groove may also be formed in the body <NUM>. The recessed groove may be a gap formed between the body <NUM> and the housing <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the rod <NUM> may be inserted into the passage in the X-axis direction <NUM>. In a state where the rod <NUM> is inserted in the passage, the physical button <NUM> may perform linear motion or linear reciprocating motion in the X-axis direction <NUM> by pressing the button part <NUM>. In case that the physical button <NUM> performs linear motion or linear reciprocating motion, the physical button <NUM> may operate the switch member.

According to an embodiment, the button part <NUM> may include the groove <NUM> surrounding the rod. However, the shape of the button part <NUM> is not limited thereto. For example, the button part <NUM> may also include a dome structure disposed to face the outside of the electronic device <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the waterproof member <NUM> may include an inner surface <NUM>, an outer surface <NUM>, a penetration hole surrounded by the inner surface <NUM>, a lower surface <NUM>, and one surface formed in the direction opposite to the lower surface. The penetration hole surrounded by the inner surface <NUM> may have a shape corresponding to the cross-sectional shape of the rod <NUM>. For example, the penetration hole may have a circular shape. According to an embodiment, each of the inner surface <NUM> and the outer surface <NUM> of the waterproof member <NUM> may include at least one protruding part. According to an embodiment, the protruding part may be formed in a convex surface shape. The inner surface <NUM> of the waterproof member <NUM> may include a first convex surface 131a and a second convex surface 131b. The first convex surface 131a and the second convex surface 131b may be formed to have an interval. According to an embodiment, the inner surface <NUM> may further include a first concave surface 131c formed between the first convex surface 131a and the second convex surface 131b. The first concave surface 131c may be connected to the first convex surface 131a and the second convex surface 131b through a curved surface. The outer surface <NUM> may include a third convex surface 132a and a protruding surface 132b. The third convex surface 132a and the protruding surface 132b may be formed to have an interval. According to an embodiment, the outer surface <NUM> may further include a second concave surface 132c formed between the third convex surface 132a and the protruding surface 132b. The second concave surface 132c may be connected to the third convex surface 132a and the protruding surface 132b through a curved surface.

According to an embodiment, the first convex surface 131a may be formed in a direction opposite to the third convex surface 132a. The second convex surface 131b may be formed in a direction opposite to the protruding surface 132b. The first concave surface 131c may be formed in a direction opposite to the second concave surface 132c. According to an embodiment, the one surface thereof opposite to the lower surface <NUM> may include a fourth convex surface <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the fourth convex surface <NUM> may be connected to the first convex surface 131a and the third convex surface 132a through a curved surface. According to an embodiment, the lower surface <NUM> may include a flat surface. The flat surface may be formed as a surface substantially perpendicular to the X-axis direction <NUM> in which the rod is inserted. According to an embodiment, the lower surface <NUM> including the flat surface may be connected to the second convex surface 131b through a curved surface.

According to an embodiment, the protruding surface 132b and the lower surface <NUM> may form a boundary. The protruding surface 132b may include a convex surface shape cut along the boundary. The protruding surface 132b may be cut along the boundary, and thus an edge may be formed. The protruding surface 132b may be formed as a seamless curved surface, which is curved, together with the second concave surface 132c from the boundary as a starting point. According to an embodiment, the protruding surface 132b may also include a flat surface. The flat surface may be formed on an edge part of the protruding surface 132b. The flat surface of the protruding surface 132b may also be parallel to the one surface of the body <NUM>, which faces the flat surface. According to an embodiment, the flat surface may also be formed as a surface substantially perpendicular to the lower surface <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the protruding surface 132b may be formed as a seamless curved surface, which is curved, together with the second concave surface 132c along the flat surface from the boundary as a starting point. According to an embodiment, the protruding surface 132b may include a convex surface. The protruding surface 132b may be formed as a seamless curved surface, which is curved, together with the second concave surface 132c along the convex surface from the boundary as a starting point.

According to an embodiment, the waterproof member <NUM> may be disposed between the body <NUM> and the rod <NUM>. The rod <NUM> may be inserted through the penetration hole of the waterproof member <NUM>. The waterproof member <NUM> may seal between the body <NUM> and the rod <NUM>. The waterproof member <NUM> may block foreign substances from being introduced from the outside of the housing <NUM> to the inside of the housing <NUM> through at least one opening of the housing <NUM>. The waterproof member <NUM> may be disposed to be in close contact with the rod <NUM> along the first convex surface 131a and the second convex surface 131b. The waterproof member <NUM> may be disposed to be in close contact with the one surface of the body <NUM> along the third convex surface 132a and the protruding surface 132b. According to an embodiment, by the elastic force of the elastic member <NUM> disposed between the groove <NUM> of the physical button <NUM> and the step surface, the fourth convex surface <NUM> may be in close contact with the step surface having the step <NUM> formed thereon. Areas, which are in close contact with the rod <NUM>, may be formed on the first convex surface 131a and the second convex surface 131b. The areas, which are in close contact with the rod <NUM>, may seal between the waterproof member <NUM> and the rod <NUM> while maintaining a state of being pressed between the waterproof member <NUM> and the rod <NUM> by the elastic force. According to an embodiment, an area in which the first convex surface 131a and the rod <NUM> are in close contact with each other, and an area in which the second convex surface 131b and the rod <NUM> are in close contact with each other may also be uniformly formed. Areas, which are in close contact with the one surface of the body <NUM>, may be formed on the third convex surface 132a and the protruding surface 132b. The areas, which are in close contact therewith, may seal between the waterproof member <NUM> and the one surface of the body <NUM> while maintaining a state of being pressed between the waterproof member <NUM> and the one surface of the body <NUM> by the elastic force thereof. According to an embodiment, an area in which the third convex surface 132a and one surface of the body <NUM> are in close contact with each other, and an area in which the protruding surface 132b and one surface of the body <NUM> are in close contact with each other may also be formed uniformly. However, the configuration thereof is not be limited thereto. For example, the area in which the first convex surface 131a and the rod <NUM> are in close contact with each other, the area in which the second convex surface 131b and the rod <NUM> are in close contact with each other, the area in which the third convex surface 132a and the one surface of the body <NUM> are in close contact with each other, and the area in which the protruding surface 132b and the one surface of the body <NUM> are in close contact with each other may also be formed differently.

According to an embodiment, the waterproof member <NUM> may be configured to block foreign substances such as water or dust from being introduced into the electronic device <NUM> at a pressure of <NUM> atmospheric pressures or more.

According to an embodiment, the waterproof member <NUM> may be made of a rubber or silicon material. According to an embodiment, the waterproof member <NUM> is not limited to the rubber or silicone material, and may also be made of various materials, such as urethane, having elasticity. According to another embodiment, the waterproof member <NUM> may also be made of a fluorine rubber or Teflon material.

According to an embodiment, the waterproof member <NUM> may be disposed such that the first concave surface 131c has a gap with the rod <NUM>. A closed space may be formed between the first concave surface 131c and the rod <NUM> by the first convex surface 131a and the second convex surface 131b. The waterproof member <NUM> may be disposed such that the second concave surface 132c has a gap with the one surface of the body <NUM>. A closed space may be formed between the second concave surface 132c and the body <NUM> by the third convex surface 132a and the protruding surface 132b. In case that the waterproof member performs linear motion or linear reciprocating motion in the X-axis direction <NUM>, the internal pressure of the closed space may increase. As the internal pressure increases, the closing force of the closed space may increase.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may further include a support member facing the lower surface <NUM> of the waterproof member <NUM>. The support member may be the washer <NUM>. The washer <NUM> may include a penetration hole. The washer <NUM> may include one surface which is a flat surface. The flat surface may include one surface parallel to the lower surface <NUM> of the waterproof member <NUM>, which faces the one surface. The rod <NUM> may be inserted through the penetration hole of the washer <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the washer <NUM> may be disposed between the body <NUM> and the rod <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the elastic member <NUM> may be disposed between the body <NUM> and the rod <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the elastic member <NUM> may include a spring or coil shape. According to an embodiment, one end of the elastic member <NUM> may be disposed on one surface of the washer <NUM>, and the other end thereof may be disposed on one surface of the physical button <NUM>. The elastic member <NUM> may transmit pressure to the waterproof member <NUM> by pressing the physical button <NUM> in the X-axis direction <NUM>. In case that pressure is applied to the waterproof member <NUM>, the fourth convex surface <NUM> of the waterproof member <NUM> may be in close contact with the step surface of the body. An area, which is in close contact with the step surface, may be formed on the fourth convex surface <NUM>. The area, which is in close contact with the step surface, may seal between the waterproof member <NUM> and the step surface while maintaining a state of being pressed between the waterproof member <NUM> and the step surface by the elastic force thereof. According to an embodiment, the physical button <NUM> may perform linear motion or linear reciprocating motion in the X-axis direction <NUM> by the elastic force of the elastic member <NUM> (e.g., a spring or a coil). According to an embodiment, by pressing the physical button <NUM> in the X-axis direction <NUM>, the elastic member <NUM> may be contracted. According to an embodiment, by elasticity of the elastic member <NUM>, the elastic member <NUM> may be expanded. In case that the elastic member <NUM> is expanded, the physical button <NUM> may move in the -X-axis direction.

<FIG> is a perspective view showing a waterproof member <NUM> according to an embodiment. <FIG> is a cross-sectional view showing a waterproof member <NUM> according to an embodiment.

The structure of the waterproof member <NUM> may refer to by the structure of the electronic device <NUM> in <FIG>. In connection with elements identical or substantially identical to the foregoing elements, the same terms or same reference numerals may be used, and overlapping descriptions may be omitted.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the waterproof member <NUM> may have a shape of a tube or a ring including a circular penetration hole. The inner surface <NUM> of the waterproof member <NUM> may include a groove 131d or 132d formed in a direction toward the outer surface <NUM>. The outer surface <NUM> of the waterproof member <NUM> may include a groove 131d or 132d formed in a direction toward the inner surface <NUM>. The grooves 131d and 132d may be formed in a concave surface shape. Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the waterproof member <NUM> may be formed as a seamless curved surface curved along the outer surface <NUM>, the fourth convex surface <NUM>, the inner surface <NUM>, and the lower surface <NUM> from the boundary, as a starting point, between the protruding surface 132b and the lower surface <NUM>. Referring to <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, the inner surface <NUM> of the waterproof member <NUM> may include at least one close-contact surface which is in close contact with a rod (<NUM> in <FIG>). The close-contact surface may be the first convex surface 131a and the second convex surface 131b. The outer surface <NUM> of the waterproof member <NUM> may include at least one close-contact surface which is in close contact with one surface of a body (<NUM> in <FIG>). The close-contact surface may be the third convex surface 132a and the protruding surface 132b. The waterproof member <NUM> may perform linear motion or linear reciprocating motion in the X-axis direction <NUM>. Since at least two surfaces are in close contact with a rod (<NUM> in <FIG>) and one surface of a body (<NUM> in <FIG>), the shapes of the inner surface <NUM> and the outer surface <NUM> of the waterproof member <NUM> may prevent a phenomenon, in which the waterproof member <NUM> is twisted, in case that the waterproof member <NUM> performs linear motion or linear reciprocating motion. In case that the rod <NUM> is inserted into the penetration hole of the waterproof member <NUM>, the shapes of the inner surface <NUM> and the outer surface <NUM> of the waterproof member <NUM> may also prevent a phenomenon in which the waterproof member <NUM> is twisted.

According to an embodiment, the waterproof member <NUM> may also include a first O-ring part and a second O-ring part. The first O-ring part and the second O-ring part may be formed to have an interval. The inner surface of the first O-ring part may include the first convex surface 131a. The outer surface of the first O-ring part may include the third convex surface 132a. The inner surface of the second O-ring part may include the second convex surface 131b. The outer surface of the second O-ring part may include the protruding surface 132b. A connection ring part may be formed between the first O-ring part and the second O-ring part. The first O-ring part and the second O-ring part may be integrally connected by the connection ring part. According to an embodiment, the connection ring part may include an inner surface and an outer surface. The inner surface of the connection ring part may include the first concave surface 131c. The outer surface of the connection ring part may include a second concave surface 132c. The first concave surface 131c may be connected to the first convex surface 131a and the second convex surface 131b through a curved surface. The second concave surface 132c may be connected to the third convex surface 132a and the protruding surface 132b through a curved surface. According to an embodiment, the second O-ring part may include the lower surface <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the lower surface <NUM> may include a flat surface. The flat surface may be formed as a surface substantially perpendicular to the X-axis direction <NUM> in which the rod is inserted. According to an embodiment, the lower surface <NUM> including the flat surface may be connected to the second convex surface 131b through a curved surface.

According to an embodiment, the protruding surface 132b and the lower surface <NUM> may form a boundary. The protruding surface 132b may include a shape in which the convex surface is cut along the boundary. The protruding surface 132b may be cut along the boundary, and thus an edge may be formed.

<FIG> is a perspective view showing a waterproof member <NUM> according to an embodiment. <FIG> is a front view showing a waterproof member <NUM> according to an embodiment.

According to an embodiment, the waterproof member <NUM> may be molded using a mold. Since the waterproof member <NUM> is molded using a mold, the outer surface <NUM> of the waterproof member <NUM> may include a parting line <NUM>. Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the parting line <NUM> may be formed on a portion of the outer surface <NUM> other than a portion in which one surface of a body (<NUM> in <FIG>) and the waterproof member <NUM> are in close contact with each other. The parting line <NUM> may be formed at the outermost part of the protruding surface 132b along the boundary between the protruding surface 132b and the lower surface <NUM>.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration of an electronic device according to an embodiment.

The structures of the housing <NUM>, the body <NUM>, and the waterproof member <NUM> may refer to the structures of the electronic device <NUM> in <FIG>. In connection with elements identical or substantially identical to the foregoing elements, the same terms or same reference numerals may be used, and overlapping descriptions may be omitted.

Referring to <FIG>, according to an embodiment, the physical button <NUM> may further include a step surface having a step <NUM> formed on one end of the rod <NUM>, on which the button part <NUM> and the rod <NUM> are in contact with each other. The step <NUM> may be formed so that the diameter of the rod is enlarged. In a state where the rod <NUM> is inserted in the passage of the body <NUM>, a space may be formed between one surface of the passage, of which the diameter is enlarged, and the rod <NUM>. The waterproof member <NUM>, the washer <NUM>, the elastic member <NUM>, and the step surface may be disposed in the formed space. According to an embodiment, one end of the elastic member <NUM> may be disposed on one surface of the washer <NUM>, and the other end of the elastic member <NUM> may be disposed on a step surface of the step <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the step <NUM> may also include a recessed groove. The elastic member <NUM> may also be accommodated in and fixed to the recessed groove.

The structures of the body <NUM>, the physical button <NUM>, the waterproof member <NUM>, and the elastic member <NUM> may refer to the structures of the electronic device <NUM> in <FIG>. In connection with elements identical or substantially identical to the foregoing elements, the same terms or same reference numerals may be used, and overlapping descriptions may be omitted.

Referring to <FIG>, the rod <NUM> may include a recessed groove 121a formed on a surface thereof facing the body <NUM> so as to accommodate at least a part of the waterproof member <NUM>. The waterproof member <NUM> may be disposed such that the first convex surface 131a and the second convex surface 131b are in close contact with one surface of the recessed groove 121a, and the third convex surface 132a and the protruding surface 132b are in close contact with the one surface of the body <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the lower surface <NUM> of the waterproof member <NUM> may be disposed to be in close contact with the other surface of the recessed groove 121a, and the fourth convex surface <NUM> may be disposed to be in close contact with one surface of the recessed groove 121a, which faces the other surface of the recessed groove. An area, which is in close contact one surface of the recessed groove 121a, may be formed on the first convex surface 131a and the second convex surface 131b. The areas, which are in close contact therewith, may seal between the waterproof member <NUM> and the one surface of recessed groove 121a while maintaining a state of being pressed between the waterproof member <NUM> and the one surface of the recessed groove 121a by the elastic force thereof. Areas, which are in close contact with the one surface of the body <NUM>, may be formed on the third convex surface 132a and the protruding surface 132b. The areas, which are in close contact therewith, may seal between the waterproof member <NUM> and the one surface of the body <NUM> while maintaining a state of being pressed between the waterproof member <NUM> and the one surface of the body <NUM> by the elastic force of the waterproof member <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the waterproof member <NUM> may be disposed such that the first concave surface 131c is formed to have a gap with one surface of the recessed groove 121a. A closed space may be formed between the first concave surface 131c and one surface of the recessed groove 121a by the first convex surface 131a and the second convex surface 131b. The waterproof member <NUM> may be disposed such that the second concave surface 132c has a gap with one surface of the body <NUM>. A closed space may be formed between the second concave surface 132c and the body <NUM> by the third convex surface 132a and the protruding surface 132b. In case that the waterproof member performs linear motion or linear reciprocating motion in the X-axis direction <NUM>, the internal pressure of the closed space may increase. As the internal pressure increases, the closing force of the closed space may increase.

According to an embodiment, one end of the elastic member <NUM> may be disposed on a step surface configuring a step <NUM> by which the diameter of the passage of the body <NUM> is enlarged, and the other end of the elastic member <NUM> may be disposed on one surface of the button part <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the physical button <NUM> may further include a step surface having a step <NUM> formed on one end of the rod <NUM>, on which the button part <NUM> and the rod <NUM> are in contact with each other. The step <NUM> may be formed so that the diameter of the rod is enlarged. According to an embodiment, one end of the elastic member <NUM> may be disposed on a step surface configuring the step <NUM> by which the diameter of the passage of the body <NUM> is enlarged, and the other end of the elastic member <NUM> may be disposed on one surface of a step surface of the step <NUM>.

Various embodiments of the disclosure disclosed in the specification and the drawings are merely specific examples presented to easily describe the technical content of the disclosure and to help understanding of the disclosure, and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, it should be interpreted that not only embodiments disclosed herein but also all changed or modified forms derived based on the technical idea of the disclosure are included in the scope of the disclosure.

As described above, an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM> in <FIG>) according to an embodiment may include a body having a passage, a physical button including a rod extending through the passage, and a waterproof member including an inner surface which includes a first convex surface and a second convex surface formed to have a gap with the first convex surface, a penetration hole formed by the inner surface, an outer surface including a third convex surface and a protruding surface formed to have a gap with the third convex surface, a lower surface formed between the inner surface and the outer surface, and a fourth convex surface formed in a direction opposite to the lower surface, the waterproof member may be disposed between the body and the rod, and the rod may be inserted through the penetration hole, and the waterproof member may be disposed such that the first convex surface and the second convex surface are in close contact with the rod, and the third convex surface and the protruding surface are in close contact with one surface of the body.

According to an embodiment, the waterproof member may be configured such that the first convex surface is oriented in a direction opposite to the third convex surface, and the second convex surface is oriented in a direction opposite to the protruding surface.

According to an embodiment, the inner surface of the waterproof member may further include a first concave surface formed between the first convex surface and the second convex surface, and the outer surface may further include a second concave surface formed between the third convex surface and the protruding surface and formed in a direction opposite to the first concave surface.

According to an embodiment, the waterproof member may be configured such that the first concave surface is connected to the first convex surface and the second convex surface through a curved surface, the second concave surface is connected to the third convex surface and the protruding surface through a curved surface, and the fourth convex surface is connected to the first convex surface and the third convex surface through a curved surface.

According to an embodiment, the waterproof member may be configured such that the first concave surface is disposed to have a gap with the rod so as to form a closed space between the rod and the waterproof member, and the second concave surface is disposed to have a gap with the one surface of the body so as to form a closed space between the one surface of the body and the waterproof member.

According to an embodiment, the waterproof member may be configured such that the second convex surface is connected to the lower surface through a curved surface.

According to an embodiment, the lower surface may include a flat surface orthogonal to a direction in which the rod is inserted.

According to an embodiment, the passage may have an open end formed to opened to the outside of the electronic device, and may include a step surface configuring a step by which the diameter of the passage is enlarged in a direction toward the open end, and the waterproof member may be disposed such that the first convex surface and the second convex surface are in close contact with the rod, the third convex surface and the protruding surface are in close contact with the one surface of the body, and the fourth convex surface are in close contact with one surface of the step surface.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device may further include a washer including a hole through which the rod is inserted, and one surface facing the lower surface of the waterproof member, the washer may be disposed between the body and the rod and disposed such that the one surface thereof facing the lower surface is disposed to face the lower surface of the waterproof member, and the rod may be inserted through the penetration hole and the hole.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device may further include an elastic member disposed between the rod and the body, and the elastic member may have one end disposed on the other surface of the washer, and the other end disposed on one surface of the physical button.

According to an embodiment, the rod may include a step surface having a step which is formed on one end, which is in contact with the one surface of the physical button, of the rod, and by which the diameter of the rod is enlarged, and the elastic member may have one end disposed on the other surface of the washer, and the other end disposed on one surface of the step surface of the rod.

According to an embodiment, the passage may have an open end formed to be opened to the outside of the electronic device and may include a step surface configuring a step by which the diameter of the passage is enlarged in a direction toward the open end, the rod may have a recessed groove formed on a surface thereof facing the body so as to accommodate at least a part of the waterproof member, and the waterproof member may be disposed such that the first convex surface and the second convex surface are in close contact with one surface of the recessed groove, and the third convex surface and the protruding surface are in close contact with the one surface of the body.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device may further include an elastic member disposed between the body and the rod, and the elastic member may have one end disposed on one surface of the step surface, and the other end disposed on one surface of the physical button.

According to an embodiment, a parting line may be formed at the outermost part of the protruding surface along a boundary between the protruding surface and the lower surface.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device may further include at least one fixation member disposed inside the electronic device, and the rod may have a recessed groove formed thereon so as to accommodate at least a part of the fixation member.

As described above, a waterproof member (e.g., the waterproof member <NUM> in <FIG>) according to an embodiment may include an inner surface which includes a first convex surface and a second convex surface formed to have a gap with the first convex surface, a penetration hole formed by the inner surface, an outer surface including a third convex surface and a protruding surface formed to have a gap with the third convex surface, a lower surface formed between the inner surface and the outer surface, and a fourth convex surface formed in a direction opposite to the lower surface.

According to an embodiment, the first convex surface may be formed in a direction opposite to the third convex surface, and the second convex surface may be formed in a direction opposite to the protruding surface.

According to an embodiment, the first concave surface may be connected to the first convex surface and the second convex surface through a curved surface, the second concave surface may be connected to the third convex surface and the protruding surface through a curved surface, and the fourth convex surface may be connected to the first convex surface and the third convex surface through a curved surface.

Claim 1:
An electronic device comprising:
a body (<NUM>) having a passage;
a physical button (<NUM>) comprising a rod (<NUM>) extending through the passage; and
a waterproof member (<NUM>) comprising an inner surface (<NUM>) which comprises a first convex surface (131a) and a second convex surface (131b) formed to have a gap with the first convex surface, a penetration hole formed by the inner surface, an outer surface comprising a third convex surface (132a) and a protruding surface (132b) formed to have a gap with the third convex surface, a lower surface (<NUM>) formed between the inner surface and the outer surface, and a fourth convex surface (<NUM>) formed in a direction opposite to the lower surface (<NUM>)
wherein the waterproof member (<NUM>) is disposed between the body (<NUM>) and the rod (<NUM>) and the rod is inserted through the penetration hole, and
the waterproof member (<NUM>) is disposed such that the first convex surface (131a) and the second convex surface (131b) are in close contact with the rod (<NUM>), and the third convex surface (132a) and the protruding surface (132b) are in close contact with one surface of the body (<NUM>).