Patent Description:
An electronic device such as a mobile device, which is a necessity of a user, includes an external interface module for the purpose of connection with various external devices (e.g., connection with an external communication device or connection with a charging device). That is, the external interface module may be disposed in an interface hole, and at least a portion of the external interface module may be exposed to the outside. Accordingly, the mobile device may be connected with an external device (e.g., a communication device or a charger cable).

<CIT> discloses an electronic device which comprises a housing including a mounting part having a sealing member arranged on at least one portion of the edge, and an electronic component arranged on the mounting part for at least one area to contact with the sealing member, and to be exposed to the outside through at least one surface of the electronic device, thereby contributing to make the device be slimmer while applying a waterproof function, reducing the manufacturing costs, and improving assembling properties.

<CIT> discloses a connector module used in mobile communication terminals, which can prevent permeation of water. The connector module comprises multiple terminals; a terminal bearing part configured to receive the terminals; and a housing part which is integrally provided and includes an opening in one part of the bottom face of the housing part, allowing the housing part to be installed on a printed circuit board (PCB). Through the opening, the terminal bearing part is inserted and received in one surface of the housing part.

<CIT> discloses a mobile terminal comprising: a case comprising a button hole; a main board mounted within the case; a button module which is exposed to the outside through the button hole; a sealing rubber comprising an opening into which the button module is inserted; a first waterproof tape in the form of a closed curve, which joins the sealing rubber and the button module; and a second waterproof tape in the form of a closed curve, which joins the sealing rubber and the case. The button module comprises: a fingerprint recognition module for recognizing a user's fingerprint when touched by a user's finger; a switch for generating a signal when pressed; and a flexible board comprising a mounting portion for mounting the fingerprint recognition module and the switch therein, a contact portion contacting the main board, and a connection portion for connecting the mounting portion and the contact portion.

When a connecting structure between the external interface module and the interface hole described above is not completely sealed, fluid such as moisture or oil may flow into the mobile device from the outside to cause damage to the inside of the mobile device.

Accordingly, an aspect of the disclosure is to provide an electronic device including a housing that includes a protective structure for firmly seating an external interface module on a housing of a mobile device and preventing inflow of fluid or preventing damage caused by fluid.

Furthermore, another aspect of the disclosure is to provide an electronic device for more simplifying the form of a housing by separately placing a protective structure protecting an external interface module in a housing of a mobile device or by forming the protective structure through injection molding.

An electronic device according to an embodiment of the disclosure includes an external interface module including a printed circuit board and at least one part disposed on the printed circuit board, a protective structure including at least one hole area that isolates at least a portion of the at least one part, and a housing including at least a bottom portion on which the protective structure is seated.

The invention is as set out in the independent claim. Preferable features of the invention are defined in the appended dependent claims.

According to the embodiments of the disclosure, waterproof, dustproof, and reinforcing functions for the external interface module may be provided by protecting various electronic parts included in the external interface module using the protective structure.

Furthermore, the protective structure may be separately provided or may be formed by injection molding. Accordingly, machining of the housing at least partially formed of a metallic material may be simplified, and thus a reduction in housing machining time and housing material saving may be achieved.

With regard to description of the drawings, identical or similar reference numerals may be used to refer to identical or similar components.

<FIG> is a view illustrating one example of the exterior of an electronic device according to various embodiments.

In <FIG>, state <NUM> is a view illustrating a state in which a stand <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM> is folded, and state <NUM> illustrates a state in which the electronic device <NUM> is supported, with the stand <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM> unfolded with a predetermined angle.

Referring to state <NUM> and state <NUM>, the electronic device <NUM> according to an embodiment of the disclosure may include a display <NUM>, a housing <NUM>, the stand <NUM>, a sensor module <NUM>, a physical button <NUM>, a speaker <NUM>, a processor <NUM>, communication circuitry <NUM>, and an external interface module <NUM>. The electronic device <NUM> may have, for example, a quadrangular shape. The electronic device <NUM> may have a predetermined area and may have a specified thickness (e.g., a small thickness of <NUM> or less) by which the electronic device <NUM> is easy to carry and grasp. The electronic device <NUM> may be provided to be portable. Here, a technology to which a protective structure of the disclosure is applied is not limited to the kind or type of the electronic device <NUM>, and the disclosure may be applied to any forms of electronic devices as long as the electronic devices have a structure including an external interface module.

The display <NUM> may output a screen related to execution of a specified function, by using a battery (not illustrated) in the electronic device <NUM> or an external power supply. The display <NUM> may be implemented with various display devices such as a liquid crystal display or an OLED display. According to an embodiment, the display <NUM> may be formed of a touch screen and may receive a user's touch input (e.g., a finger touch or a stylus touch) and transfer the touch input to the processor <NUM> to support processing the user input. The display <NUM> may output at least one content item received from an external device connected through the external interface module <NUM> or contents corresponding to a screen that is being output on an external communication device. Alternatively, when charging power is supplied through the external interface module <NUM>, the display <NUM> may output a screen interface corresponding to the charging state.

The housing <NUM> may form at least a portion of the exterior of the electronic device <NUM>, and the entire housing <NUM> may be formed of metal, or at least a portion of the housing <NUM> may be formed of a plastic material. Alternatively, at least a portion of the housing <NUM> may be formed of a metallic material. For example, according to necessity, the housing <NUM> may be formed of a metallic material, and a structure formed by injection molding may be additionally disposed therein. According to an embodiment, the display <NUM> may be seated on one side (e.g., a front surface) of the housing <NUM>. An adhesive member or an adhesive, or a coupling member such as a hook or a screw, may be additionally disposed to fix the display <NUM> to the housing <NUM>. The housing <NUM> may be formed in a hollow box form such that the display <NUM> is seated therein. In this case, the housing <NUM> may include a plurality of sidewalls that at least partially face edges of the display <NUM>. The housing <NUM> may include a lower housing in which at least one of the display <NUM> or a part (e.g., a printed circuit board on which at least one of the processor <NUM> or the communication circuitry <NUM> is placed) is placed and an upper housing or a bezel housing that surrounds the exterior of the display <NUM>.

Interface holes <NUM> through which at least a portion of the external interface module <NUM> is exposed to the outside may be disposed in one sidewall in a predetermined position among the sidewalls. Although two interface holes <NUM> are illustrated in the drawing, the disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, when the external interface module <NUM> includes only one socket (or connector) so as to be connected with an external device (e.g., a communication device or a charging device), at least one interface hole <NUM> may be formed. Alternatively, when the external interface module <NUM> includes three sockets, at least three interface holes <NUM> may be formed.

The interface holes <NUM> may be formed in the one sidewall in an oval shape that is longer in the lengthwise direction or in a quadrangular shape having rounded corners. The shape or size of each of the interface holes <NUM> may be determined depending on the form of a connected cable or the form of an external device. With respect to the illustrated drawing, the interface hole <NUM> may be formed in the form of a passage that passes through the one sidewall of the housing <NUM> and connects the inside of the housing <NUM> and the outside in a direction parallel to the surface on which the display <NUM> is placed. An outer side of the interface hole <NUM> (e.g., one side of the interface hole <NUM> that is formed on the outside of the housing <NUM>) and an inner side of the interface hole <NUM> (e.g., one side of the interface hole <NUM> that is formed on the inside of the housing <NUM>) may have the same shape and size. Alternatively, according to necessity, the outer side and the inner side of the interface hole <NUM> may have different sizes. A portion of the protective structure may be disposed on at least a portion of an inner wall of the interface hole <NUM> (e.g., a wall surface of a passage formed through the housing <NUM>) or on a portion around the inner wall of the hole <NUM>.

The stand <NUM> may be disposed on one side of a rear surface of the electronic device (e.g., a rear surface of the display <NUM>, when the surface on which the display <NUM> is disposed is referred to as a front surface) such that the electronic device <NUM> is supported at a predetermined angle. The stand <NUM> may be provided, for example, by deforming at least a portion of the housing <NUM>. The stand <NUM> may include a hinge structure such that a portion connected with the housing <NUM> is rotatable and may include a support that is connected to the hinge structure to support the electronic device <NUM> and that is disposed so as to be rotatable. When the stand <NUM> is disposed to be brought into contact with the housing <NUM>, the rear surface of the electronic device <NUM> may have a flat state after the stand <NUM> is seated in the housing <NUM>. In this regard, a seating area on which the stand <NUM> is seated may be formed on at least a partial area of one side of a rear surface of the housing <NUM>.

The sensor module <NUM> may include at least one sensor for sensing various pieces of information related to operation of the electronic device <NUM>. For example, the sensor module <NUM> may include a camera or an image sensor that is capable of obtaining an image of a subject. The sensor module <NUM> may include at least one of an iris sensor related to recognition of the user's iris, a proximity sensor for sensing approach of an object, or an illuminance sensor for sensing external illuminance. According to various embodiments, the sensor module <NUM> may further include at least one of a position detection sensor for detecting a position, an acceleration sensor, or a terrestrial magnetism sensor.

At least a portion of the physical button <NUM> may be disposed on one side of the housing <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM>. For example, the physical button <NUM> may include at least one of a home button or a power button. Furthermore, the electronic device <NUM> may further include at least one of physical buttons for volume control. An upper end portion of the physical button <NUM> may be disposed to be exposed to the outside through a button hole disposed on one side of the housing <NUM>. For example, an upper end surface of the physical button <NUM> may be disposed at the same height as a surface around the button hole of the housing <NUM>, or may be disposed in a lower position than the surface around the button hole of the housing <NUM>.

The speaker <NUM> may output audio signals according to execution of functions of the electronic device <NUM>. For example, the speaker <NUM> may operate as a receiver that outputs an audio signal according to execution of a telephone call function of the electronic device <NUM>. At least a portion of the speaker <NUM> may be disposed on one side of the housing <NUM>. Additionally, the electronic device <NUM> may further include a microphone for collecting the user's voice. In addition, the electronic device <NUM> may further include an ear jack for connection of earphones.

The processor <NUM> may be disposed inside the housing <NUM>. The processor <NUM> may be disposed so as not to be exposed to the outside (or so as not to be visible from the outside) by being covered (or hidden) by the display <NUM>. The processor <NUM> may be operatively connected with at least one of various components of the electronic device <NUM>, for example, the sensor module <NUM>, the physical button <NUM>, the speaker <NUM>, and the external interface module <NUM>. According to various embodiments, when an external device is connected through the external interface module <NUM>, the processor <NUM> may identify the type of the external device and may perform processing for operation of the external device. For example, the processor <NUM> may establish a communication channel with the external device and may process data transmission/reception with the external device, or may receive power from the external device when the external device is a charging device.

The communication circuitry <NUM> may be located inside the housing <NUM> similarly to the processor <NUM> and may be disposed so as not to be exposed to the outside by being covered by the display <NUM>. The communication circuitry <NUM> may be operatively connected with the processor <NUM> and may support a communication function of the electronic device <NUM> under the control of the processor <NUM>. For example, the communication circuitry <NUM> may establish a base station based communication channel, or may establish a short-range communication channel with at least one of Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. The communication circuitry <NUM> may be electrically connected with at least a portion of the housing <NUM> and may radiate or receive a signal through the at least a portion of the housing <NUM>. In this regard, the at least a portion of the housing <NUM> may be formed of a metallic material. At least one of the processor <NUM> or the communication circuitry <NUM> described above may be mounted on a printed circuit board and may be disposed inside the housing <NUM>.

The external interface module <NUM> may be disposed on one side of an inside edge of the housing <NUM>. For example, the external interface module <NUM> may be disposed inward of an edge of the area where the interface hole <NUM> is formed in the housing <NUM>. The external interface module <NUM> may include, for example, at least one of a printed circuit board, a socket, or an electronic part connected to the socket. At least a portion of the socket of the external interface module <NUM> may be disposed so as to be visible from the outside through the interface hole <NUM>. The external interface module <NUM> may include at least one electrode or port in relation to connection of an external device. For example, the external interface module <NUM> may support connection with various external devices, such as USB connection, UART connection, charger connection, and earphone connection. The external interface module <NUM> may include a plurality of sockets to support connection with a plurality of external devices.

Hereinafter, the protective structure disposed for a waterproof, dustproof, or reinforcing function of the external interface module <NUM> according to an embodiment of the disclosure, the shape of a portion of the housing <NUM>, and a stacked form of the external interface module <NUM> and the protective structure will be described with reference to <FIG>.

<FIG> is a view illustrating one example of the housing of the electronic device according to various embodiments.

Referring to <FIG>, the housing <NUM> of the electronic device according to various embodiments may include a lower housing 120a as in state <NUM>. As in state <NUM>, computerized numerical control (CNC) machining may be performed on the inside of the lower housing 120a such that various electronic device structures are seated thereon. State <NUM> illustrates the shape of a protective structure <NUM> disposed on the area where the external interface module <NUM> among various components of the electronic device <NUM> is to be seated. One side (the interface hole(s) <NUM> described above with reference to <FIG>) of the lower housing 120a of the electronic device may be disposed. The protective structure <NUM> may be disposed on an area adjacent to the area where the interface hole <NUM> is disposed (e.g., a bottom portion 121a of the lower housing 120a). In this regard, the bottom portion 121a may be formed to be lower (or recessed) than a surrounding portion, or may be formed in a recess shape. At least a portion of the protective structure <NUM> may be formed of, for example, at least one of rubber, plastic, polycarbonate (PC), or polycarbonate+glassfiber30 (PC+GF30). State <NUM> illustrates one example of the shape of the protective structure <NUM>, and state <NUM> illustrates one example of the shape of the external interface module <NUM> seated on the protective structure <NUM>.

Referring to state <NUM>, the protective structure <NUM> may include, for example, a substrate 192a (or a substrate layer) having a predetermined thickness and area, a guide wall 192b having a predetermined width and height from a surface of the substrate 192a on one side of the substrate 192a and disposed in a position spaced apart inward from one edge of the substrate 192a by a predetermined length, and hole areas 192_1, 192_2, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> disposed in various positions of the substrate 192a.

The guide wall 192b may guide (or support) an edge of the external interface module <NUM> in a coupling process of the external interface module <NUM> and the protective structure <NUM> while the external interface module <NUM> is being seated. In this regard, the guide wall 192b may be formed in a shape similar to that of one side of the external interface module <NUM>. For example, the guide wall 192b may be formed in the same shape as, or a shape similar to, that of a side surface of the edge of the external interface module <NUM>.

In the coupling process, the guide wall 192b may be used for alignment of the protective structure <NUM> and the external interface module <NUM> (e.g., alignment of the peripheries of the external interface module <NUM> and the protective structure <NUM> in the direction in which the protective structure <NUM> is seated). Furthermore, when liquids such as water are introduced from the outside, the guide wall 192b may prevent diffusion of the introduced liquids into the electronic device <NUM> (e.g., into an area inward of the area where the external interface module <NUM> is disposed). Furthermore, depending on the shape of the guide wall 192b, the guide wall 192b may guide the introduced liquids into a specified area inside the lower housing 120a to prevent the introduced liquids from collecting in an area related to the external interface module <NUM>. In addition, the guide wall 192b may prevent introduced water from flowing below the lower housing 120a with respect to the illustrated drawing.

Referring to state <NUM>, the external interface module <NUM> may include a printed circuit board 191a, a first socket 191_1, a second socket 191_2, and other parts (e.g., chipsets, and electronic parts).

The hole areas 192_1, 192_2, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may surround the components to prevent the seated components of the external interface module <NUM>, for example, the first socket 191_1, the second socket 191_2, and the other parts from being corroded by introduced water. In this regard, the hole areas 192_1, 192_2, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may include, for example, the first socket hole 192_1, the second socket hole 192_2, the first chipset hole <NUM>, the second chipset hole <NUM>, the first electronic part hole <NUM>, the second electronic part hole <NUM>, the first contact hole <NUM>, the second contact hole <NUM>, and the boss hole <NUM>.

The first socket hole 192_1 and the second socket hole 192_2 may be areas where sockets disposed in the external interface module <NUM> are seated, respectively. The first socket hole 192_1 and the second socket hole 192_2 may each be surrounded by three sidewalls and may have no separate sidewall in one side direction. For example, the first socket hole 192_1 and the second socket hole 192_2 may have a shape in which a sidewall facing toward the interface hole <NUM> is removed. In this regard, the first socket hole 192_1 and the second socket hole 192_2 may be disposed to be biased to an edge of the substrate 192a. The first socket hole 192_1 and the second socket hole 192_2 may each be formed in a shape corresponding to the shape of one side of a socket of the external interface module <NUM>. The first socket hole 192_1 and the second socket hole 192_2 may be formed in shapes corresponding to the shapes of the first socket 191_1 and the second socket 191_2 of the external interface module <NUM>. For example, the first socket hole 192_1 may be formed in a shape corresponding to a structure of the first socket 191_1 of the external interface module <NUM> that further protrudes beyond a surrounding portion with respect to one surface.

A first chipset and a second chipset disposed in the external interface module <NUM> may be seated in the first chipset hole <NUM> and the second chipset hole <NUM>. A first electronic part and a second electronic part disposed in the external interface module <NUM> may be disposed in the first electronic part hole <NUM> and the second electronic part hole <NUM>. Electrical contacts disposed in the external interface module <NUM> on one side of a bottom surface of the lower housing 120a may be seated in the first contact hole <NUM> and the second contact hole <NUM>.

The boss hole <NUM> may be disposed on one side of the substrate 192a and may be vertically formed through the substrate 192a. For example, when a boss is disposed on the bottom portion 121a of the lower housing 120a, the boss hole <NUM> may be disposed such that the boss formed on the bottom portion 121a of the lower housing 120a is exposed to the outside, and may be hidden by screw coupling and display <NUM> coupling. With regard to the illustrated drawing, it has been described that one boss hole <NUM> is provided. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, for a purpose similar to that of the boss hole <NUM>, openings formed to avoid a plurality of bosses formed on the bottom of the lower housing 120a may be disposed in a predetermined area on a right side of the substrate 192a.

<FIG> is a view illustrating one example of the external interface module according to various embodiments.

Referring to <FIG>, as mentioned above, the external interface module <NUM> may include the printed circuit board 191a, the first socket 191_1, the second socket 191_2, a first chipset <NUM>, a second chipset <NUM>, a first electronic part <NUM>, a second electronic part <NUM>, a first contact <NUM>, or a second contact <NUM>. Here, state <NUM> illustrates an upper surface of the external interface module <NUM>, and state <NUM> illustrates a lower surface of the external interface module <NUM>. A fixing hole <NUM> for fixing the external interface module <NUM> may be disposed on one side of the external interface module <NUM>. The fixing hole <NUM> may be aligned with the boss hole <NUM> disposed in the protective structure <NUM>. The boss formed on one side of the lower housing 120a may be exposed to the outside through the boss hole <NUM> and the fixing hole <NUM>, and a coupling member such as a screw may firmly fix the external interface module <NUM> to the lower housing 120a by pressing a portion around the fixing hole <NUM> while being inserted into the boss.

Referring to state <NUM> or state <NUM>, the printed circuit board 191a may be formed in a shape in which the horizontal axis is longer than the vertical axis. The printed circuit board 191a may be formed by stacking a plurality of layers. The first socket 191_1 and the second socket 191_2 may be disposed on one side of the printed circuit board 191a. The first socket 191_1 and the second socket 191_2 may be formed in the same shape or a similar shape. Alternatively, the shapes of the first socket 191_1 and the second socket 191_2 may differ from each other depending on at least one of the type of connected external device or the shape of a cable. At least a portion of the first socket 191_1 and at least a portion of the second socket 191_2 may be formed of a metallic material. The sockets 191_1 and 191_2 may be formed in a container shape that is open at one side so as to be coupled with at least one of an external device or a cable. For example, at least parts of front end portions of the sockets 191_1 and 191_2 may be open such that an external device or a cable is inserted thereinto.

The chipsets <NUM> and <NUM>, the electronic parts <NUM> and <NUM>, and the contacts <NUM> and <NUM> may be disposed on the printed circuit board 191a. The chipsets <NUM> and <NUM> may be electrically connected with external devices inserted into the first socket 191_1 and the second socket 191_2 and may transmit and receive signals required for operations of the external devices with the external devices. The electronic parts <NUM> and <NUM> may include, for example, various physical elements for supporting transmitting and receiving signals with the external devices inserted into the sockets 191_1 and 191_2. For example, the electronic parts <NUM> and <NUM> may include various physical elements, such as a capacitor, a resistor, and an inductor, and wiring connecting the physical elements. The contacts <NUM> and <NUM> may be, for example, surface-mounted device (SMD) gasket contact portions. The sockets 191_1 and 191_2, the electronic parts <NUM> and <NUM>, and the contacts <NUM> and <NUM> described above may be corroded or damaged by introduced water or moisture introduced from the outside. Accordingly, the sockets 191_1 and 191_2, the electronic parts <NUM> and <NUM>, and the contacts <NUM> and <NUM> may be disposed in the hole areas 192_1, 192_2, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> of the protective structure <NUM> and may be sealed from the outside. Thus, damage or corrosion by water infiltration may be prevented. Alternatively, the protective structure <NUM> may be disposed such that introduced water does not collect around the parts, thereby preventing the parts of the external interface module <NUM> from being corroded by collected water.

<FIG> is a view illustrating a structure in which the external interface module and a portion of the protective structure are stacked in the housing according to various embodiments.

Referring to <FIG>, the first socket 191_1, as illustrated, may include a socket case 191_1a, at least a portion of which is disposed in the interface hole <NUM> formed on one side of the lower housing 120a, a contact terminal 191_1b electrically connected with external devices, and wings 191_1c and 191_1d for fixing the socket case 191_1a. The socket case 191_1a may be formed, for example, in a hollow container shape and may have the wings 191_1c and 191_1d disposed on opposite sides thereof. The contact terminal 191_1b may have a plurality of terminals disposed therein for electrical connection with an external device.

The lower housing 120a may include, in the area where the interface hole <NUM> is disposed, a seating portion <NUM> on which the first socket 191_1 is seated. For example, a first seating module 193a supporting a first side (e.g., the left side with respect to the illustrated drawing) of the first socket 191_1 and a second seating module 193b supporting a second side (e.g., the right side with respect to the illustrated drawing) of the first socket 191_1 may be disposed on the seating portion <NUM>. The first seating module 193a and the second seating module 193b may be at least parts of the above-described protective structure <NUM>, or may be components that are separately formed in a different form from the protective structure <NUM> and that are disposed on the seating portion <NUM> of the lower housing 120a.

The first seating module 193a may include, for example, a first lower seating module <NUM> supporting a lower portion of the first socket 191_1 and a first middle seating module <NUM> supporting a middle portion and an upper portion of the first socket 191_1. The first lower seating module <NUM> and the first middle seating module <NUM> may be stacked on each other. The first seating module 193a may include a first fixing groove 72a to which the first wing 191_1c of the first socket 191_1 is fixed. The first fixing groove 72a may be formed, for example, through one side of the first lower seating module <NUM> and the first middle seating module <NUM>.

The second seating module 193b may be formed in a shape similar to that of the first seating module 193a. That is, the second seating module 193b may include a second lower seating module <NUM> and a second middle seating module <NUM> stacked on each other and may include a second fixing groove 74a that is formed through the second lower seating module <NUM> and the second middle seating module <NUM> and to which the second wing 191_1d of the first socket 191_1 is fixed.

<FIG> is a view in which some components are removed such that one surface of the external interface module seated in the protective structure according to various embodiments is visible.

Referring to <FIG>, the protective structure <NUM> may be disposed on one side of the lower housing 120a. The lower housing 120a may be at least a portion of the housing <NUM> described above with reference to <FIG>. The protective structure <NUM> may include the substrate 192a (or the substrate layer) and the guide wall 192b, and the various hole areas may be formed in the substrate 192a. The various components disposed in the external interface module <NUM> may be disposed in the protective structure <NUM>. For example, at least a portion of the first socket 191_1 of the external interface module <NUM> may be disposed in the first socket hole 192_1 of the protective structure <NUM>. Similarly, at least a portion of the second socket 191_2 of the external interface module <NUM> may be disposed in the second socket hole 192_2 of the protective structure <NUM>.

The first chipset <NUM> of the external interface module <NUM> may be seated in the first chipset hole <NUM> of the protective structure <NUM>, and the second chipset <NUM> of the external interface module <NUM> may be seated in the second chipset hole <NUM> of the protective structure <NUM>. Similarly, the first electronic part <NUM> and the second electronic part <NUM> of the external interface module <NUM> may be seated in the first electronic part hole <NUM> and the second electronic part hole <NUM> of the protective structure <NUM>. The first contact <NUM> and the second contact <NUM> of the external interface module <NUM> may be seated in the first contact hole <NUM> and the second contact hole <NUM> of the protective structure <NUM>, respectively.

The fixing hole <NUM> of the external interface module <NUM> may be aligned with the boss hole <NUM> disposed on one side of the protective structure <NUM>. A boss <NUM> formed on the lower housing 120a may be disposed to be exposed to the outside through the boss hole <NUM> of the protective structure <NUM> and the fixing hole <NUM> of the external interface module <NUM>. The protective structure <NUM> and the external interface module <NUM> may have, on sides thereof, grooves in which bosses (e.g., <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>) are disposed.

According to various embodiments, the first seating module 193a and the second seating module 193b may be disposed around the first socket 191_1 so as to be located on a portion of the lower housing 120a adjacent to the area where the interface hole is disposed or between the sidewall of the lower housing 120a in which the interface hole is disposed and the protective structure <NUM>. The first seating module 193a and the second seating module 193b may firmly fix the first socket 191_1 and may fill the clearance of the first socket 191_1. Similarly, a third seating module 193c and a fourth seating module 193d may be disposed in the area where the second socket 191_2 is disposed between the sidewall of the lower housing 120a and the protective structure <NUM>. The third seating module 193c and the fourth seating module 193d may firmly fix the second socket 191_2 and may fill the clearance (or, gap or tolerance) of the second socket 191_2 (the clearance between the second socket 191_2 and a surrounding housing).

<FIG> is a view illustrating an example of an adhesive structure of the protective structure according to various embodiments.

Referring to state <NUM> of <FIG>, the protective structure <NUM> according to an embodiment may include a substrate that has a predetermined length and is flat and may include a plurality of hole areas formed in the substrate. Additionally, a boss hole for boss coupling may be disposed in the protective structure <NUM>. Furthermore, a guide wall may be disposed on one side of the protective structure <NUM> and may prevent a movement of introduced water, or may guide a movement of introduced water along a specified path.

According to various embodiments, as in state <NUM>, a first type adhesive member <NUM> may be disposed on one side of the protective structure <NUM>. The first type adhesive member <NUM> may be attached to a lower surface of the protective structure <NUM> and may be disposed to cover at least some of the hole areas of the protective structure <NUM>. For example, the first type adhesive member <NUM> may be formed to cover at least some of the first socket hole 192_1, the second socket hole 192_2, the first electronic part hole <NUM>, the second electronic part hole <NUM>, the first contact hole <NUM>, and the second contact hole <NUM> of the protective structure <NUM>. According to various embodiments, the first type adhesive member <NUM> may be disposed so as not to cover the first socket hole 192_1 and the second socket hole 192_2. The first type adhesive member <NUM> may be formed to cover a partial area of the first chipset hole <NUM> and may be formed to cover at least a portion (or all) of the second chipset hole <NUM>. Alternatively, the first type adhesive member <NUM> may be formed to cover only partial areas of the first contact hole <NUM> and the second contact hole <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, as in state <NUM>, a second type adhesive member <NUM> may be disposed on one side of the protective structure <NUM>. The second type adhesive member <NUM> may include, for example, an adhesive member attached to only a skeleton of the protective structure <NUM>. That is, the second type adhesive member <NUM> may be disposed on at least a partial area of the substrate 192a so as not to intrude into the first socket hole 192_1, the second socket hole 192_2, the first chipset hole <NUM>, the second chipset hole <NUM>, the first electronic part hole <NUM>, the second electronic part hole <NUM>, the first contact hole <NUM>, and the second contact hole <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, as in state <NUM>, the protective structure <NUM> may be formed on one side of the lower housing 120a by injection molding without a separate adhesive member. In this case, a separate adhesive member may not be disposed, and on one side of the lower housing 120a, the protective structure <NUM> may be formed of at least one of an injection-molded plastic structure, rubber, an elastic material, or a polymer material.

<FIG> is a view illustrating one example of a structure including the external interface module, the protective structure, and some components of the housing according to various embodiments.

Referring to state <NUM> of <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> may include an upper housing 120b, the lower housing 120a, the external interface module <NUM>, a protective structure <NUM>, and an adhesive member <NUM>. Alternatively, referring to state <NUM> of <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> may include the upper housing 120b, the lower housing 120a, the external interface module <NUM>, and the protective structure <NUM>.

Referring to state <NUM>, the external interface module <NUM>, the protective structure <NUM>, and the adhesive member <NUM> may be disposed between the upper housing 120b and the lower housing 120a. Here, the adhesive member <NUM> may be disposed on one side of the lower housing 120a (e.g., the bottom portion 121a adjacent to the area where the interface hole <NUM> is disposed). In this regard, at least part of the bottom portion 12a may be formed in a recess shape formed to be lower than a surrounding portion. The adhesive member <NUM> may be formed to be similar to at least a portion of the shape of the protective structure <NUM>. The protective structure <NUM> may be disposed on the adhesive member <NUM> and may be fixed to the lower housing 120a by the adhesive member <NUM>. Lower opening regions of various hole areas formed in the protective structure <NUM> may be fixed to the lower housing 120a by the adhesive member <NUM> and may be closed by the housing bottom portion 121a. That is, the bottom portion 121a of the lower housing 120a may close openings of the hole areas of the protective structure <NUM> (e.g., the lower opening regions of the hole areas of the protective structure <NUM> with respect to the illustrated drawing).

Components (e.g., sockets, chipsets, electronic parts, and contacts) disposed on the external interface module <NUM> may be seated in the hole areas through upper opening regions of the hole areas while the external interface module <NUM> is being seated on the protective structure <NUM> fixed to the housing bottom portion 121a of the area of the interface hole <NUM>. While the components disposed on the external interface module <NUM> are seated in the hole areas of the protective structure <NUM>, a surface of the printed circuit board 191a of the external interface module <NUM> may be disposed to surround portions around the hole areas of the protective structure <NUM>, and thus the components of the external interface module <NUM> may be disposed in the hole areas of the protective structure <NUM> in a sealed state. Accordingly, even though fluid is introduced from the outside, contact of the fluid with the components of the external interface module <NUM> may be prevented, and the components may be prevented from being corroded or damaged.

According to various embodiments, the upper housing 120b, while being coupled with the lower housing 120a, may apply predetermined pressure to the external interface module <NUM> disposed on one side of the lower housing 120a. In this regard, a support structure <NUM> may be disposed on one side of the upper housing 120b (e.g., an area corresponding to the area where the external interface module <NUM> is disposed). The support structure <NUM> may have a shape similar to that of the external interface module <NUM> and may have a predetermined thickness. The support structure <NUM>, when coupled with the lower housing 120a, may press the external interface module <NUM> toward the lower housing 120a while making contact with at least a portion of the external interface module <NUM>. At least a portion of the support structure <NUM> may be formed of, for example, at least one of rubber, plastic, PC, or PC+GF30 that has a specified magnitude of elasticity.

Referring to state <NUM>, the external interface module <NUM> and the protective structure <NUM> may be disposed between the upper housing 120b and the lower housing 120a. In the illustrated drawing, the protective structure <NUM> is separately disposed and is illustrated as being seated on one side (e.g., the bottom portion 121a) of the lower housing 120a. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the protective structure <NUM> may be formed on the bottom portion 121a of the lower housing 120a by injection molding. In this case, the protective structure <NUM> may be closed by the bottom portion 121a of the lower housing 120a and may include a plurality of recess areas that are open at the top. While the external interface module <NUM> is being coupled to the interface hole <NUM>, components (e.g., sockets, chipsets, electronic parts, and contacts) disposed on the external interface module <NUM> may be seated in the plurality of recess areas formed on the lower housing 120a by the protective structure <NUM>. Accordingly, the protective structure <NUM> may support a waterproof or dustproof function for the components of the external interface module <NUM> and may firmly support the components of the external interface module <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, at least parts of the protective structure <NUM> may be disposed in the interface holes <NUM>. For example, at least parts of hole mounting portions 91a and 91b of the protective structure <NUM> that are disposed adjacent to the interface holes <NUM> may be disposed on inner walls of the interface holes <NUM>. For example, the hole mounting portions 91a and 91b may be formed in a ring shape and may be aligned with the sockets 191_1 and 191_2. Alternatively, at least parts of the hole mounting portions 91a and 91b having a ring shape may be coupled with at least parts of the sockets 191_1 and 191_2.

In state <NUM>, the upper housing 120b may have the support structure <NUM> disposed thereon as in state <NUM>. The support structure <NUM> may support a waterproof or dustproof function of preventing fluid infiltration, by blocking clearances between the interface holes <NUM> and the external interface module <NUM> while pressing the external interface module <NUM> and the protective structure <NUM>.

<FIG> is a view illustrating one surface of another example of the protective structure according to various embodiments, and <FIG> is a view illustrating another surface of the other example of the protective structure according to various embodiments.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the protective structure <NUM> according to various embodiments may include a substrate 292a (or a substrate layer), a guide wall 292b, and hole areas 292_1, 292_2, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> and may include hole mounting portions 91a and 91b at least partially disposed in the areas of the interface holes <NUM> (<FIG>). The hole areas 292_1, 292_2, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may include, for example, the first socket hole 292_1, the second socket hole 292_2, the first chipset hole <NUM>, the second chipset hole <NUM>, the first electronic part hole <NUM>, the second electronic part hole <NUM>, and/or the boss hole <NUM>. Additionally, as described above with reference to the other drawings, the hole areas 292_1, 292_2, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may further include contact holes. The hole mounting portion 91a may be disposed on one side of the socket hole 292_1, and the hole mounting portion 91b may be disposed on one side of the socket hole 292_2. The hole mounting portions 91a and 91b may be formed in a ring shape (or a container shape having an oval cross-section) and may have an outer diameter smaller than the interface holes <NUM> (<FIG>) such that at least parts of the hole mounting portions 91a and 91b are seated in the interface holes <NUM> (<FIG>).

Furthermore, the hole mounting portions 91a and 91b may have a hollow interior and may be formed such that connectors associated with at least one of external devices or cables are inserted thereinto. The hole mounting portions 91a and 91b may be integrated into the protective structure <NUM> as parts of the protective structure <NUM>. Accordingly, the hole mounting portions 91a and 91b may be formed of the same material as that of the other areas of the protective structure <NUM>. Alternatively, at least parts of the hole mounting portions 91a and 91b may be formed of a material different from that of the protective structure <NUM>. For example, when the protective structure <NUM> is formed of PC+GF30, at least parts of the hole mounting portions 91a and 91b may be formed of rubber or PC. The hole mounting portions 91a and 91b may have elasticity to raise the degree of close contact with the connectors. Accordingly, while the connectors of the external devices or the cables are being inserted or extracted, the hole mounting portions 91a and 91b may firmly support the connectors. Furthermore, the hole mounting portions 91a and 91b may support the connectors to prevent the inserted connectors from being easily extracted. In this regard, the sizes of opening areas in the hole mounting portions 91a and 91b may be formed to be equal to or smaller than the sizes of at least partial areas of the connectors.

At least parts of the hole mounting portions 91a and 91b may be aligned with the sockets 191_1 and 191_2 disposed in the external interface module <NUM>, or may be coupled with at least parts of the sockets 191_1 and 191_2. For example, inner sides (e.g., inner side portions facing toward the socket holes 292_1 and 292_2) of the hole mounting portions 91a and 91b may be aligned with front end portions of the sockets 191_1 and 191_2, or may be coupled with at least parts of the front end portions of the sockets 191_1 and 191_2. In this regard, the sizes of the empty areas in the hole mounting portions 91a and 91b may be formed to be equal to or larger than the sizes of the at least parts of the front end portions of the sockets 191_1 and 191_2.

The adhesive member <NUM> may be seated on the substrate 292a of the protective structure <NUM>. The adhesive member <NUM> may have an adhesive material applied to at least parts of a front surface and a rear surface thereof, and a surface (e.g., an upper surface with respect to the drawing illustrated in <FIG>) that is not attached to the substrate 292a of the protective structure <NUM> may be attached to the bottom portion of the lower housing 120a.

As described above, the protective structure <NUM> may be fixedly seated on the lower housing through the adhesive member <NUM> or injection molding, and the external interface module <NUM> may be seated on the protective structure <NUM>. Accordingly, the protective structure <NUM> may isolate various parts (e.g., sockets, chipsets, electronic parts, and contacts) disposed in the external interface module <NUM> from the outside, thereby providing waterproof and dustproof effects for at least a portion of the external interface module <NUM> and firmly supporting the external interface module <NUM>. For example, the hole mounting portions 91a and 91b of the protective structure <NUM> may support the sockets 191_1 and 191_2 of the external interface module <NUM> in four directions of front, back, left, and right, thereby preventing the external interface module <NUM> from being moved and damaged while a drop impact or an external impact is applied to the electronic device.

According to the various embodiments described above, an electronic device according to an embodiment may include a housing <NUM> including a front plate 120_1 (e.g., one surface in a direction in which a display <NUM> is seated, when the direction in which the display <NUM> is seated in the housing <NUM> is described as a front surface), a back plate 120_2 facing away from the front plate, and a side member 120_3 (e.g., at least one sidewall in which the interface hole <NUM> is disposed) that surrounds a space between the front plate and the back plate and that is integrally formed with the back plate, wherein the back plate includes a first portion 120_5 that is adjacent to the side member and is formed of metal and that includes a surface 120_4 facing toward the front plate, the side member includes a first opening <NUM> (the interface hole) that is adjacent to the first portion and that is formed toward the space 120_7 from the exterior 120_6 of the housing, and the surface includes a recess 121a (a bottom portion of the housing <NUM>) that is adjacent to the first opening, a polymer structure <NUM> (an example of the protective structure) that is disposed in the space and that includes a second opening (at least one of <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, or <NUM>, the hole area) that is substantially aligned with the recess when viewed from above the recess, an adhesive layer (at least one of <NUM>, <NUM>, or <NUM>, the adhesive member) that is located between the surface and the polymer structure and that attaches the polymer structure to the surface, and an electronic part (at least one part disposed in the housing <NUM> together with at least one of 191_1 or 191_2 or the socket and associated with a user function provided by the electronic device) that is mounted in the recess through the second opening and that is exposed outside the housing through the first opening.

According to various embodiments, the polymer structure may further include a portion including a third opening (e.g., at least one of 91a or 91b) that is aligned with the first opening.

According to various embodiments, the electronic part may include a printed circuit board (PCB) (e.g., 191a) that includes a connector (at least one of 191_1 or 191_2).

According to the various embodiments described above, an electronic device <NUM> according to an embodiment may include a housing <NUM> including a front plate 120_1, a back plate 120_2 facing away from the front plate, and a side member 120_3 surrounding a space 120_7 between the front plate and the back plate, wherein the housing <NUM> includes a middle plate that is located between the front plate and the back plate and that includes a first portion 120_5 that is integrally formed with side member and is formed of metal and that includes a surface 120_4 facing toward the back plate, the side member includes a first opening <NUM> (the interface hole) that is adjacent to the first portion and that is formed toward the space from the exterior of the housing, and the surface includes a recess 121a adjacent to the first opening, a polymer structure <NUM> (the protective structure) that is disposed in the space and that includes a second opening (at least one of <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, or <NUM>, the hole area) that is substantially aligned with the recess when viewed from above the recess, an adhesive layer (at least one of <NUM>, <NUM>, or <NUM>, the adhesive member) that is located between the surface and the polymer structure and that attaches the polymer structure to the surface, and an electronic part (at least one of 191_1 or 191_2 or the socket) that is mounted in the recess through the second opening and that is exposed outside the housing through the first opening.

An electronic device <NUM> according to an embodiment among the electronic devices according to the various embodiments described above may include an external interface module <NUM> including a printed circuit board 191a and at least one part (at least one of <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, or <NUM>) disposed on the printed circuit board 191a, a protective structure <NUM> including at least one hole area (at least one of <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, or <NUM>) that isolates at least a portion of the at least one part, and a housing <NUM> that provides at least a bottom portion 121a on which the protective structure is seated.

According to various embodiments, the bottom portion of the housing may close at least a portion of the at least one hole area when the protective structure is seated on the bottom portion of the housing.

According to various embodiments, the external interface module may include at least one socket 191_1 or 191_2 to which an external device is connected.

According to various embodiments, the protective structure may include at least one socket hole 192_1 or 192_2 in which the at least one socket is seated.

According to various embodiments, the housing may include at least one interface hole <NUM> through which at least a portion of the at least one socket is visible from the outside.

According to various embodiments, the protective structure may include at least one hole mounting portion 91a or 91b coupled with a portion of the at least one socket and at least partially mounted in the at least one interface hole.

According to various embodiments, the at least one hole mounting portion may have a ring shape corresponding to a shape of a front end portion of the at least one socket and may be formed in a hollow container shape.

According to various embodiments, the at least one hole mounting portion may surround at least a portion of a front end portion of the at least one socket and may be at least partially mounted in the at least one interface hole.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device may further include at least one seating module (at least one of 193a or 193b) that is disposed between the at least one socket and the at least one interface hole of the housing and that prevents a movement of the at least one socket and prevents inflow of fluid through the at least one interface hole.

According to various embodiments, the external interface module may include at least one chipset (at least one of <NUM> or <NUM>) for signal processing with a connected external device and at least one electronic part (at least one of <NUM> or <NUM>) associated with the signal processing of the chipset.

According to various embodiments, the protective structure may include at least one chipset hole (at least one of <NUM> or <NUM>) in which the at least one chipset is seated and at least one electronic part hole (at least one of <NUM> or <NUM>) in which the at least one electronic part is seated.

The protective structure may include a substrate 192a, the at least one hole area formed by removing at least a portion of the substrate, and a guide wall 192b extending from a surface of the substrate and having a predetermined width and length.

According to various embodiments, the guide wall may be formed in a wall form protruding from the surface of the substrate by a predetermined height along an edge of the substrate.

According to various embodiments, the guide wall may be formed in a shape corresponding to a shape of one side of the external interface module.

According to various embodiments, the protective structure may be formed on the bottom portion of the housing, based on injection molding.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device may further include an adhesive member (at least one of <NUM>, <NUM>, or <NUM>) disposed between the protective structure and the bottom portion of the housing.

According to various embodiments, the adhesive member may be disposed to cover an area including at least a portion of the at least one hole area of the protective structure and at least a portion around the at least one hole area.

According to various embodiments, the adhesive member may be disposed to cover at least a portion around the at least one hole area of the protective structure.

According to various embodiments, the bottom portion may be formed through CNC machining of at least a portion of the housing, and the at least a portion of the housing may be formed of a metallic material.

At least a portion of the protective structure may be formed of rubber, PC, PC+FG30, or a combination thereof.

<FIG> is a block diagram of an electronic device <NUM> in a network environment <NUM> according to various embodiments. Referring to <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> may communicate with an electronic device <NUM> through a first network <NUM> (e.g., a short-range wireless communication network) or may communicate with an electronic device <NUM> or a server <NUM> through a second network <NUM> (e.g., a long-distance wireless communication network) in the network environment <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may communicate with the electronic device <NUM> through the server <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may include a processor <NUM>, a memory <NUM>, an input device <NUM>, a sound output device <NUM>, a display device <NUM>, an audio module <NUM>, a sensor module <NUM>, an interface <NUM>, a haptic module <NUM>, a camera module <NUM>, a power management module <NUM>, a battery <NUM>, a communication module <NUM>, a subscriber identification module <NUM>, or an antenna module <NUM>. According to some embodiments, at least one (e.g., the display device <NUM> or the camera module <NUM>) among components of the electronic device <NUM> may be omitted or one or more other components may be added to the electronic device <NUM>. According to some embodiments, some of the above components may be implemented with one integrated circuit. For example, the sensor module <NUM> (e.g., a fingerprint sensor, an iris sensor, or an illuminance sensor) may be embedded in the display device <NUM> (e.g., a display).

The processor 1020may execute, for example, software (e.g., a program <NUM>) to control at least one of other components (e.g., a hardware or software component) of the electronic device <NUM> connected to the processor <NUM> and may process or compute a variety of data. According to an embodiment, as a part of data processing or operation, the processor <NUM> may load a command set or data, which is received from other components (e.g., the sensor module <NUM> or the communication module <NUM>), into a volatile memory <NUM>, may process the command or data loaded into the volatile memory <NUM>, and may store result data into a nonvolatile memory1034. According to an embodiment, the processor <NUM> may include a main processor <NUM> (e.g., a central processing unit or an application processor) and an auxiliary processor <NUM> (e.g., a graphic processing device, an image signal processor, a sensor hub processor, or a communication processor), which operates independently from the main processor <NUM> or with the main processor <NUM>. Additionally or alternatively, the auxiliary processor <NUM> may use less power than the main processor <NUM>, or is specified to a designated function. The auxiliary processor <NUM> may be implemented separately from the main processor <NUM> or as a part thereof.

The auxiliary processor <NUM> may control, for example, at least some of functions or states associated with at least one component (e.g., the display device <NUM>, the sensor module <NUM>, or the communication module <NUM>) among the components of the electronic device <NUM> instead of the main processor <NUM> while the main processor <NUM> is in an inactive (e.g., sleep) state or together with the main processor <NUM> while the main processor <NUM> is in an active (e.g., an application execution) state. According to an embodiment, the auxiliary processor1023 (e.g., the image signal processor or the communication processor) may be implemented as a part of another component (e.g., the camera module <NUM> or the communication module <NUM>) that is functionally related to the auxiliary processor1023.

The memory <NUM> may store a variety of data used by at least one component (e.g., the processor <NUM> or the sensor module <NUM>) of the electronic device <NUM>. For example, data may include software (e.g., the program <NUM>) and input data or output data with respect to commands associated with the software. The memory 1030may include the volatile memory <NUM> or the nonvolatile memory <NUM>.

The program <NUM> may be stored in the memory <NUM> as software and may include, for example, an operating system <NUM>, a middleware <NUM>, or an application <NUM>.

The input device <NUM> may receive a command or data, which is used for a component (e.g., the processor <NUM>) of the electronic device <NUM>, from an outside (e.g., a user) of the electronic device <NUM>.

The sound output device <NUM> may output a sound signal to the outside of the electronic device <NUM>. The speaker may be used for general purposes, such as multimedia play or recordings play, and the receiver may be used for receiving calls. According to an embodiment, the receiver and the speaker may be either integrally or separately implemented.

The display device <NUM> may visually provide information to the outside (e.g., the user) of the electronic device <NUM>. For example, the display device 1060may include a display, a hologram device, or a projector and a control circuit for controlling a corresponding device. According to an embodiment, the display device <NUM> may include a touch circuitry configured to sense the touch or a sensor circuit (e.g., a pressure sensor) for measuring an intensity of pressure on the touch.

The audio module <NUM> may convert a sound and an electrical signal in dual directions. According to an embodiment, the audio module <NUM> may obtain the sound through the input device <NUM> or may output the sound through the sound output device 1055or an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM> (e.g., a speaker or a headphone)) directly or wirelessly connected to the electronic device <NUM>.

The sensor module <NUM> may generate an electrical signal or a data value corresponding to an operating state (e.g., power or temperature) inside or an environmental state (e.g., a user state) outside the electronic device <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the sensor module 1076may include, for example, a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a grip sensor, a proximity sensor, a color sensor, an infrared sensor, a biometric sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or an illuminance sensor.

The interface <NUM> may support one or more designated protocols to allow the electronic device <NUM> to connect directly or wirelessly to the external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM>). According to an embodiment, the interface <NUM> may include, for example, an HDMI (high-definition multimedia interface), a USB (universal serial bus) interface, an SD card interface, or an audio interface.

A connecting terminal1078 may include a connector that physically connects the electronic device <NUM> to the external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM>).

The haptic module 1079may convert an electrical signal to a mechanical stimulation (e.g., vibration or movement) or an electrical stimulation perceived by the user through tactile or kinesthetic sensations.

The camera module <NUM> may shoot a still image or a video image. According to an embodiment, the camera module <NUM> may include, for example, at least one or more lenses, image sensors, image signal processors, or flashes.

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

According to an embodiment, the battery <NUM> may include, for example, a non-rechargeable (primary) battery, a rechargeable (secondary) battery, or a fuel cell.

The communication module 1090may establish a direct (e.g., wired) or wireless communication channel between the electronic device <NUM> and the external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM>, the electronic device <NUM>, or the server <NUM>) and support communication execution through the established communication channel. The communication module <NUM> may include at least one communication processor operating independently from the processor <NUM> (e.g., the application processor) and supporting the direct (e.g., wired) communication or the wireless communication. According to an embodiment, the communication module 1090may include a wireless communication module <NUM> (e.g., a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or a GNSS (global navigation satellite system) communication module) or a wired communication module <NUM> (e.g., an LAN (local area network) communication module or a power line communication module). The corresponding communication module among the above communication modules may communicate with the external electronic device through the first network <NUM> (e.g., the short-range communication network such as a Bluetooth, a WiFi direct, or an IrDA (infrared data association)) or the second network <NUM> (e.g., the long-distance wireless communication network such as a cellular network, an internet, or a computer network (e.g., LAN or WAN)). The above-mentioned various communication modules may be implemented into one component (e.g., a single chip) or into separate components (e.g., chips), respectively. The wireless communication module <NUM> may identify and authenticate the electronic device <NUM> using user information (e.g., international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI)) stored in the subscriber identification module 1096in the communication network, such as the first network <NUM> or the second network <NUM>.

The antenna module <NUM> may transmit or receive a signal or power to or from the outside (e.g., the external electronic device). According to an embodiment, the antenna module may include an antenna including a radiating element composed of a conductive material or a conductive pattern formed in or on a substrate (e.g., PCB). In such a case, at least one antenna appropriate for a communication scheme used in the communication network, such as the first network <NUM> or the second network <NUM>, may be selected, for example, by the communication module <NUM> from the plurality of antennas.

At least some components among the components may be connected to each other through a communication method (e.g., a bus, a GPIO (general purpose input and output), an SPI (serial peripheral interface), or an MIPI (mobile industry processor interface)) used between peripheral devices to exchange signals (e.g., a command or data) with each other.

According to an embodiment, the command or data may be transmitted or received between the electronic device <NUM> and the external electronic device <NUM> through the server <NUM> connected to the second network <NUM>. Each of the electronic devices <NUM> and <NUM> may be the same or different types as or from the electronic device <NUM>. According to an embodiment, all or some of the operations performed by the electronic device <NUM> may be performed by one or more external electronic devices among the external electronic devices <NUM>, <NUM>, or <NUM>. For example, when the electronic device <NUM> performs some functions or services automatically or by request from a user or another device, the electronic device <NUM> may request one or more external electronic devices to perform at least some of the functions related to the functions or services, in addition to or instead of performing the functions or services by itself. The one or more external electronic devices receiving the request may carry out at least a part of the requested function or service or the additional function or service associated with the request and transmit the execution result to the electronic device <NUM>. The electronic device <NUM> may provide the result as is or after additional processing as at least a part of the response to the request. To this end, for example, a cloud computing, distributed computing, or client-server computing technology may be used.

The electronic device according to various embodiments disclosed in the disclosure may be various types of devices. The electronic device may include, for example, a portable communication device (e.g., a smartphone), a computer device, a portable multimedia device, a mobile medical appliance, a camera, a wearable device, or a home appliance. The electronic device according to an embodiment of the disclosure should not be limited to the above-mentioned devices.

It should be understood that various embodiments of the disclosure and terms used in the embodiments do not intend to limit technical features disclosed in the disclosure to the particular embodiment disclosed herein; rather, the disclosure should be construed to cover various modifications, equivalents, or alternatives of embodiments of the disclosure. With regard to description of drawings, similar or related components may be assigned with similar reference numerals. As used herein, singular forms of noun corresponding to an item may include one or more items unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In the disclosure disclosed herein, each of the expressions "A or B", "at least one of A and B", "at least one of A or B", "A, B, or C", "one or more of A, B, and C", or "one or more of A, B, or C", and the like used herein may include any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. The expressions, such as "a first", "a second", "the first", or "the second", may be used merely for the purpose of distinguishing a component from the other components, but do not limit the corresponding components in other aspect (e.g., the importance or the order).

The term "module" used in the disclosure may include a unit implemented in hardware, software, or firmware and may be interchangeably used with the terms "logic", "logical block", "part" and "circuit". The "module" may be a minimum unit of an integrated part or may be a part thereof. The "module" may be a minimum unit for performing one or more functions or a part thereof. For example, according to an embodiment, the "module" may include an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

Various embodiments of the disclosure may be implemented by software (e.g., the program <NUM>) including an instruction stored in a machine-readable storage medium (e.g., an internal memory <NUM> or an external memory <NUM>) readable by a machine (e.g., the electronic device <NUM>). For example, the processor (e.g., the processor1020) of a machine (e.g., the electronic device <NUM>) may call the instruction from the machine-readable storage medium and execute the instructions thus called. This means that the machine may perform at least one function based on the called at least one instruction. The one or more instructions may include a code generated by a compiler or executable by an interpreter. The machine-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of non-transitory storage medium. Here, the term "non-transitory", as used herein, means that the storage medium is tangible, but does not include a signal (e.g., an electromagnetic wave). The term "non-transitory" does not differentiate a case where the data is permanently stored in the storage medium from a case where the data is temporally stored in the storage medium.

According to an embodiment, the method according to various embodiments disclosed in the disclosure may be provided as a part of a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded between a seller and a buyer as a product. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of machine-readable storage medium (e.g., a compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM)) or may be directly distributed (e.g., download or upload) online through an application store (e.g., a Play Store™) or between two user devices (e.g., the smartphones). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product may be temporarily stored or generated in a machine-readable storage medium such as a memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or a relay server.

Claim 1:
An electronic device comprising:
an external interface module (<NUM>) including a printed circuit board (191a) and a first electronic part (191_1, <NUM>, <NUM>) and a second electronic part (191_2, <NUM>, <NUM>) disposed on the printed circuit board (191a);
a protective structure (<NUM>) disposed on the printed circuit board (191a), the protective structure (<NUM>) including a first hole (192_1, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) seating the first electronic part (191_1, <NUM>, <NUM>) and a second hole (192_2, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) seating the second electronic part (191_2, <NUM>, <NUM>), the protective structure (<NUM>) including a portion between the first hole and the second hole, wherein the portion of the protective structure (<NUM>) is disposed on a portion of the external interface module (<NUM>) that is between the first electronic part and the second electronic part; and
a housing providing at least a bottom portion on which the protective structure is seated.