KR102618769B1 - Electronic device and manufacturing method thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

Various embodiments related to an electronic device including a key module have been described. According to one embodiment, a portable electronic device includes: a front glass cover forming the front of the electronic device; a rear cover forming the rear of the electronic device; a bezel surrounding the space formed between the front cover and the rear cover, formed integrally with or separately from the rear cover, and including a portion including an opening; a display device built in the space and including a screen area exposed through the front cover; and a plate including a plane parallel to the front cover within the space, wherein the opening penetrates from an outside of the bezel toward the space in a first direction, and the electronic device can pass through the opening. a key having a size and shape, the key being movably inserted in the opening in the first direction and including a first surface facing the first direction; a support structure mounted on a portion of the plate or the bezel and including a hole through which the key passes; a dome button mounted on the support structure and positioned towards the hole and a first surface of the key so that it can be pressed when the key moves in the first direction; and a waterproof structure comprising a flexible material, the waterproof structure comprising a first portion positioned between a first surface of the key and the dome button, and extending from the first portion to the support structure and the bezel. It may include a second part inserted between the support structure and the bezel to seal the space between the support structure and the bezel to make the space waterproof. In addition, various other embodiments are possible.

Description

Electronic device and electronic device manufacturing method {ELECTRONIC DEVICE AND MANUFACTURING METHOD THEREOF}

Various embodiments of the present invention relate to a key input device mounted on a portable electronic device and a method of manufacturing the key input device.

Recently, the development of portable terminals with new functions is progressing at a rapid pace, and as their distribution expands, the proportion of portable terminals in people's lives is gradually increasing.

In addition, portable terminals such as smart phones, which have become popular with the development of mobile communication technology, have various keys installed on the back and sides in addition to the front.

Moreover, as users' needs for portable terminals also become increasingly diverse, keys used in portable terminals include a waterproof structure and a dustproof structure to suppress vibration to prevent fluid from seeping into the portable terminal.

Keys used in portable terminals are manufactured using many parts such as keys, springs, washers, O-rings, and E-rings to ensure waterproof and dustproof performance. In particular, for waterproofing and dustproofing through the O-ring, additional parts such as washers that fix the position of the O-ring are essential. However, in portable terminals that secure waterproof performance using these additional components, when all of the above components are applied, the mounting space within the terminal is greatly limited, and the problem of key protrusion occurs due to cumulative tolerance. In particular, there is a problem in that it is difficult to apply all of these parts in structures such as side keys where it is difficult to externally mount the washer and spring.

Embodiments of the present invention seek to provide a waterproof function that can utilize mounting space in a portable terminal including a key module.

A portable terminal of the present invention includes a front glass cover forming the front of the electronic device; a rear cover forming the rear of the electronic device; a bezel surrounding the space formed between the front cover and the rear cover, the bezel formed integrally with or separately from the rear cover, and including a portion including an opening; a display device built in the space and including a screen area exposed through the front cover; and a plate including a plane parallel to the front cover within the space, wherein the opening penetrates from an outside of the bezel toward the space in a first direction, and the electronic device can pass through the opening. a key having a size and shape, the key being movably inserted in the opening in the first direction and including a first surface facing the first direction; a support structure mounted on a portion of the plate or the bezel and including a hole through which the key passes; a dome button mounted on the support structure and positioned towards the hole and a first surface of the key so that it can be pressed when the key moves in the first direction; and a waterproof structure comprising a flexible material, the waterproof structure comprising a first portion positioned between a first surface of the key and the dome button and extending from the first portion to be between the support structure and the bezel. It is inserted into and may include a second part that seals the space between the support structure and the bezel to waterproof.

A method of manufacturing a portable electronic device according to the present invention includes the steps of disposing a waterproof structure having at least one groove in a hole disposed on one surface of a support structure; A process of arranging a flexible printed circuit board on which a dome button portion is seated in an inner receiving space of the support structure; A process of seating the support structure on which the waterproof structure and the flexible printed circuit board are placed on the seating portion of the bezel; A process of coupling to the main body through a coupling portion disposed on a side of the support structure; and a step of inserting a key having at least one first surface into the main body from the outside.

An electronic device according to the present invention includes a main body; a key disposed on a side of the main body and having at least one first surface insertable into the side of the main body; a support structure disposed inside the main body and capable of receiving the first surface; and a waterproof structure disposed between the key and the support structure and having at least one groove into which the first surface can rest.

Additionally, the support structure includes a first support structure including a hole into which at least one groove of the waterproof structure can be seated; and a second support structure including a surface parallel to the first support structure and at least one protrusion that pushes the first support structure in the key direction.

According to various embodiments of the present invention, in an electronic device including a key module, auxiliary parts such as washers and O-rings are manufactured and arranged integrally with other components, thereby simplifying the type of product compared to existing configurations and limiting mounting space. This has the effect of reducing component costs and slimming down the problem.

According to various embodiments of the present invention, the integrated key module structure has the effect of realizing key waterproofing/dustproofing functions in a simple structure, while preventing movement of the side key and ensuring a slim feel.

According to various embodiments of the present invention, it is possible to implement various designs that can satisfy customer needs by utilizing the mounting space in the electronic device due to the integrated key module structure.

1 is a perspective view showing the front of an electronic device equipped with a key module according to various embodiments of the present invention.
Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the rear of an electronic device equipped with a key module according to various embodiments of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a network environment including electronic devices according to various embodiments of the present invention.
Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of the key module before assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 5 is a top view showing the combined configuration of a key module according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 6 is a perspective view showing the coupling direction of keys in the key module configuration according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view showing the combined state of the key module for flow prevention and waterproofing functions according to an embodiment of the present invention.
8 to 11 are cross-sectional views showing the relationship between the length of the key and the bezel of an electronic device according to another embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 12 is a perspective view showing a waterproof structure of a key module according to various embodiments of the present invention.
13 and 14 are cross-sectional views showing the internal structure of a waterproof structure according to various embodiments of the present invention.
Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view showing the state of the first surface of a key moving in the first direction according to various embodiments of the present invention.
Figures 16 and 17 are perspective views showing the configuration of the key module before coupling and the configuration in the coupled state according to various embodiments of the present invention.
Figures 18 and 19 are perspective views showing the configuration of the key module before coupling and the configuration in the coupled state according to various embodiments of the present invention.
Figure 20 is a cross-sectional view showing the state of the first surface of a key moving in the first direction according to various embodiments of the present invention.
Figures 21 and 22 are perspective views showing the configuration of the key module before coupling and the configuration in the coupled state according to various embodiments of the present invention.
Figure 23 is a flowchart showing a method of manufacturing a key module provided in an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present invention.
Figures 24 and 25 are diagrams sequentially showing a method of manufacturing a key module provided in an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present invention.
Figure 26 is a flowchart showing a method of manufacturing a key module provided in an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present invention.
Figures 27 and 28 are diagrams showing a method of manufacturing a key module provided in an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present invention.

Hereinafter, various embodiments of this document are described with reference to the attached drawings. However, this is not intended to limit the technology described in this document to specific embodiments, and should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, and/or alternatives to the embodiments of this document. . In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numbers may be used for similar components.

In this document, expressions such as “have,” “may have,” “includes,” or “may include” refer to the existence of the corresponding feature (e.g., a numerical value, function, operation, or component such as a part). , and does not rule out the existence of additional features.

In this document, expressions such as “A or B,” “at least one of A or/and B,” or “one or more of A or/and B” may include all possible combinations of the items listed together. . For example, “A or B,” “at least one of A and B,” or “at least one of A or B” includes (1) at least one A, (2) at least one B, or (3) it may refer to all cases including both at least one A and at least one B.

Expressions such as “first,” “second,” “first,” or “second,” used in this document can modify various components regardless of order and/or importance, and refer to one component. It is only used to distinguish from other components and does not limit the components. For example, a first user device and a second user device may represent different user devices regardless of order or importance. For example, a first component may be renamed a second component without departing from the scope of rights described in this document, and similarly, the second component may also be renamed to the first component.

A component (e.g., a first component) is “(operatively or communicatively) coupled with/to” another component (e.g., a second component). When referred to as being “connected to,” it should be understood that any component may be directly connected to the other component or may be connected through another component (e.g., a third component). On the other hand, when a component (e.g., a first component) is said to be “directly connected” or “directly connected” to another component (e.g., a second component), the component and the It may be understood that no other component (e.g., a third component) exists between other components.

As used in this document, the expression “configured to” depends on the situation, for example, “suitable for,” “having the capacity to.” ," can be used interchangeably with "designed to," "adapted to," "made to," or "capable of." The term “configured (or set to)” may not necessarily mean “specifically designed to” in hardware. Instead, in some contexts, the expression “a device configured to” may mean that the device is “capable of” working with other devices or components. For example, the phrase "processor configured (or set) to perform A, B, and C" refers to a processor dedicated to performing the operations (e.g., an embedded processor), or by executing one or more software programs stored on a memory device. , may refer to a general-purpose processor (e.g., CPU or application processor) capable of performing the corresponding operations.

Terms used in this document are merely used to describe specific embodiments and may not be intended to limit the scope of other embodiments. Singular expressions may include plural expressions, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, may have the same meaning as commonly understood by a person of ordinary skill in the technical field described in this document. Among the terms used in this document, terms defined in general dictionaries may be interpreted to have the same or similar meaning as the meaning they have in the context of related technology, and unless clearly defined in this document, have an ideal or excessively formal meaning. It is not interpreted as In some cases, even terms defined in this document cannot be interpreted to exclude embodiments of this document.

Electronic devices according to various embodiments of this document include, for example, a smartphone, a tablet personal computer, a mobile phone, a video phone, and an e-book reader. , desktop PC (desktop personal computer), laptop PC (laptop personal computer), netbook computer, workstation, server, PDA (personal digital assistant), PMP (portable multimedia player), MP3 player, mobile It may include at least one of a medical device, a camera, or a wearable device. According to various embodiments, the wearable device may be in the form of an accessory (e.g., a watch, ring, bracelet, anklet, necklace, glasses, contact lenses, or head-mounted-device (HMD)), or integrated into fabric or clothing ( It may include at least one of a body-attached type (e.g., an electronic garment), a body-attachable type (e.g., a skin pad or a tattoo), or a bioimplantable type (e.g., an implantable circuit).

In some embodiments, the electronic device may be a home appliance. Home appliances include, for example, televisions, DVD (digital video disk) players, stereos, refrigerators, air conditioners, vacuum cleaners, ovens, microwave ovens, washing machines, air purifiers, set-top boxes, and home automation controls. Home automation control panel, security control panel, TV box (e.g. Samsung HomeSync ^TM , Apple TV ^TM , or Google TV ^TM ), game console (e.g. Xbox ^TM , PlayStation ^TM ), electronic dictionary , it may include at least one of an electronic key, a camcorder, or an electronic picture frame.

In another embodiment, the electronic device may include various medical devices (e.g., various portable medical measurement devices (such as blood sugar monitors, heart rate monitors, blood pressure monitors, or body temperature monitors), magnetic resonance angiography (MRA), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), CT (computed tomography), imaging device, or ultrasonic device, etc.), navigation device, satellite navigation system (GNSS (global navigation satellite system)), EDR (event data recorder), FDR (flight data recorder), automobile infotainment ) devices, marine electronic equipment (e.g. marine navigation devices, gyro compasses, etc.), avionics, security devices, vehicle head units, industrial or household robots, and ATMs (automatic teller's machines) in financial institutions. , point of sales (POS) at a store, or internet of things (e.g. light bulbs, various sensors, electric or gas meters, sprinkler systems, smoke alarms, thermostats, street lights, toasters) , exercise equipment, hot water tank, heater, boiler, etc.).

According to some embodiments, the electronic device may be a piece of furniture or part of a building/structure, an electronic board, an electronic signature receiving device, a projector, or various measuring devices (e.g., It may include at least one of water, electricity, gas, or radio wave measuring devices, etc.). In various embodiments, the electronic device may be one or a combination of more than one of the various devices described above. An electronic device according to some embodiments may be a flexible electronic device. Additionally, electronic devices according to embodiments of this document are not limited to the above-described devices and may include new electronic devices according to technological developments.

Hereinafter, electronic devices according to various embodiments will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this document, the term user may refer to a person using an electronic device or a device (e.g., an artificial intelligence electronic device) using an electronic device.

1 is a perspective view showing the front of an electronic device. Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the rear of the electronic device. The electronic device 10 may be a smart phone or a wearable device. Component parts of an electronic device such as a smart phone will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2 .

As shown in FIG. 1, a touch screen 11 may be placed at the front center of the electronic device 10. The touch screen 11 may occupy most of the front of the electronic device 10. Figure 1 shows an example in which the main home screen is displayed on the touch screen 11. The main home screen is the first screen displayed on the touch screen 11 when the electronic device 10 is turned on. Additionally, if the electronic device 10 has multiple pages of different home screens, the main home screen may be the first home screen among the multiple pages of home screens. The home screen may display shortcut icons for executing frequently used applications, a main menu transition key, time, weather, etc. The main menu conversion key can display a menu screen on the touch screen 11. Additionally, a status bar 11d may be formed at the top of the touch screen 11 to display status such as battery charging status, strength of received signal, and current time. A home key 11a, a menu button 11b, and a back button 11c may be formed at the bottom of the touch screen 11.

The home key 11a can display the main home screen on the touch screen 11. For example, when the home button 11a is touched while a home screen (any home screen) or menu screen different from the main home screen is displayed on the touch screen 11, the main home screen is displayed on the touch screen 11. A screen may be displayed. Additionally, when the home key 11a is touched while applications are running on the touch screen 11, the main home screen may be displayed on the touch screen 11. Additionally, the home key 11a may be used to display recently used applications or a task manager on the touch screen 11. The menu button 11b can provide a connection menu that can be used on the touch screen 11. The connection menu may include a widget addition menu, a background screen change menu, a search menu, an edit menu, and an environment settings menu. The back button 11c can display a screen that was executed immediately before the currently being executed screen or terminate the most recently used application.

According to various embodiments of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 1 mentioned above, the upper front area of the electronic device 10 may include a first camera 12a, an illuminance sensor 12b, or a proximity sensor 12c. there is.

As shown in FIG. 2, the rear of the electronic device 10 may include a second camera 13a, a flash 13b, or a speaker 13c. If the electronic device 10 has a removable battery pack, the bottom of the electronic device 10 may be a removable battery cover 15.

3, an electronic device 10 within a network environment 100, in various embodiments, is described. The electronic device 10 may include a bus 110, a processor 120, a memory 130, an input/output interface 150, a display 160, and a communication interface 170. In some embodiments, the electronic device 10 may omit at least one of the components or may additionally include another component.

Bus 110 may include, for example, circuitry that connects components 110 - 170 to each other and transfers communications (e.g., control messages and/or data) between the components.

The processor 120 may include one or more of a central processing unit (CPU), an application processor (AP), or a communication processor (CP). For example, the processor 120 may perform operations or data processing related to control and/or communication of at least one other component of the electronic device 10.

Memory 130 may include volatile and/or non-volatile memory. For example, the memory 130 may store commands or data related to at least one other component of the electronic device 10 . According to one embodiment, memory 130 may store software and/or program 140. The program 140 may include, for example, a kernel 141, middleware 143, an application programming interface (API) 145, and/or an application program (or “application”) 147, etc. may include. At least a portion of the kernel 141, middleware 143, or API 145 may be referred to as an operating system (OS).

Kernel 141 may, for example, provide system resources (e.g., middleware 143, API 145, or application program 147) used to execute operations or functions implemented in other programs (e.g., : Bus 110, processor 120, or memory 130, etc.) can be controlled or managed. In addition, the kernel 141 provides an interface for controlling or managing system resources by accessing individual components of the electronic device 10 in the middleware 143, API 145, or application program 147. You can.

The middleware 143 may, for example, perform an intermediary role so that the API 145 or the application program 147 can communicate with the kernel 141 to exchange data.

Additionally, the middleware 143 may process one or more work requests received from the application program 147 according to priority. For example, the middleware 143 may use system resources (e.g., bus 110, processor 120, or memory 130, etc.) of the electronic device 10 for at least one of the application programs 147. Priority can be given. For example, the middleware 143 may perform scheduling or load balancing for the one or more work requests by processing the one or more work requests according to the priority assigned to the at least one work request.

The API 145 is, for example, an interface for the application 147 to control functions provided by the kernel 141 or middleware 143, for example, file control, window control, image processing, or text It may include at least one interface or function (e.g., command) for control, etc.

For example, the input/output interface 150 may serve as an interface that can transmit commands or data input from a user or another external device to other component(s) of the electronic device 10. Additionally, the input/output interface 150 may output commands or data received from other component(s) of the electronic device 10 to a user or other external device.

Display 160 may be, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD), a light-emitting diode (LED) display, an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display, or It may include a microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) display, or an electronic paper display. For example, the display 160 may display various contents (e.g., text, images, videos, icons, or symbols) to the user. The display 160 may include a touch screen and may receive, for example, a touch, gesture, proximity, or hovering input using an electronic pen or a part of the user's body.

The communication interface 170 may, for example, establish communication between the electronic device 10 and an external device (e.g., the first external electronic device 102, the second external electronic device 104, or the server 106). You can. For example, the communication interface 170 may be connected to the network 162 through wireless or wired communication and communicate with an external device (eg, the second external electronic device 104 or the server 106).

Wireless communication is, for example, a cellular communication protocol, such as long-term evolution (LTE), LTE Advance (LTE-A), code division multiple access (CDMA), wideband CDMA (WCDMA), and universal protocol (UMTS). At least one of (mobile telecommunications system), WiBro (Wireless Broadband), or GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) may be used. Additionally, wireless communication may include, for example, short-range communication 164. The short-range communication 164 may include, for example, at least one of wireless fidelity (WiFi), Bluetooth, near field communication (NFC), or global navigation satellite system (GNSS). Depending on the area of use or bandwidth, GNSS may be used, for example, among GPS (Global Positioning System), Glonass (Global Navigation Satellite System), Beidou Navigation Satellite System (hereinafter "Beidou"), or Galileo, the European global satellite-based navigation system. It can contain at least one. Hereinafter, in this document, “GPS” may be used interchangeably with “GNSS.” Wired communication may include, for example, at least one of universal serial bus (USB), high definition multimedia interface (HDMI), recommended standard 232 (RS-232), or plain old telephone service (POTS). The network 162 may include at least one of a telecommunications network, for example, a computer network (eg, LAN or WAN), the Internet, or a telephone network.

Each of the first and second external electronic devices 102 and 104 may be of the same or different type as the electronic device 10. According to one embodiment, server 106 may include one or more groups of servers. According to various embodiments, all or part of the operations performed on the electronic device 10 may be executed on one or more electronic devices (e.g., the electronic devices 102 and 104, or the server 106). In one embodiment, According to this, when the electronic device 10 is to perform a certain function or service automatically or upon request, the electronic device 10 performs at least some functions associated therewith instead of or in addition to executing the function or service on its own. may be requested from another device (e.g., electronic device 102, 104, or server 106). The other electronic device (e.g., electronic device 102, 104, or server 106) may request the requested function or Additional functions may be executed and the results may be transmitted to the electronic device 10. The electronic device 10 may process the received results as is or additionally to provide the requested function or service. To this end, for example, For example, cloud computing, distributed computing, or client-server computing technologies may be used.

The electronic device 10 to be described below may be any of the aforementioned wearable devices, laptops, netbooks, smart phones, tablet PCs, Galaxy Tabs, iPads, and wireless charging devices. there is. In this embodiment, it may be done with the smart phone.

The wireless charging device according to various embodiments of the present invention refers to a device that charges an electronic device by wirelessly transmitting and receiving power at a short distance.

In addition, the display unit of the electronic device may minimize the bezel area to make the display unit larger and provide a more luxurious design, provide a flexible display unit, or implement a convex or concave display unit.

That is, the peripheral portion of the display unit is bent so that the screen area can be expanded to the bezel. As the screen area of the display unit is bent to include a bezel, the screen area can be expanded and used, or a separate screen can be used on the bezel, and a sense of luxury can be realized in terms of design. In other words, the display unit may include a first screen area (view area) and a second screen area (view area) provided on both sides of the first screen area.

In addition, the key module 300 applied to the electronic device 10 is a data input device, and may be mainly composed of a touch pad or touch screen in addition to a key input device that can input data by pressing a finger. there is. Basically, the key input device used for data input consists of an array of multiple key arrays. These keys consist of the send (SND) key, which is the call start button, the cancel key, the edit key (CLR), the number keys, the character keys, the END key, the function key, and the power (PWR) key. In addition, the key input device has a keypad on the front of the terminal, assists the function of the keypad, and is equipped with a plurality of side keys to serve as function keys.

In this embodiment, the key module 300 is explained by taking the above-described side key (SIDE KEY) as an example, but it is not limited to this, and can be applied in various ways as long as it is a key module driven for data input. Here, in this embodiment, the description will be made by applying the key module 300 with an integrated waterproof function.

Additionally, in the electronic device 10 of this embodiment, the case including the electronic device front cover 10a, rear cover 10b, and bezel will be described as the main body.

The configuration of the key module 300 provided in the electronic device 10 according to various embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail as follows.

Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of the key module before assembly according to various embodiments of the present invention, and Figure 5 is a top view showing the assembly configuration of the key module according to various embodiments of the present invention.

As shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, the portable electronic device 10 of the present invention includes a front cover 10a, a back cover 10b, a bezel 2, and a display device 160. ) and a key module 300.

The front cover 10a may form the front of the electronic device 10, and the back cover 10b may form the back of the electronic device 10. Additionally, the bezel 2 may surround at least a portion of the space 25 formed between the front cover 10a and the rear cover 10b and may include an opening. Various devices disposed in the front cover 10a and the rear cover 10b have been described above, so detailed information will be omitted.

The bezel 2 may include an opening 21 so that at least a portion of the key 310 can be inserted into the space 25 . The inner surface of the bezel 2 in contact with the space 25 may include a portion on which the waterproof structure 350 can be seated, that is, a seating portion 23. The seating portion 23 may have a shape corresponding to the seating portion of the waterproof structure 350 or the support structure 330 so that the waterproof structure 350 or the support structure 330 can be seated and fixed.

Referring again to FIGS. 4 and 5, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the key module 300 is disposed on the side of the portable electronic device 10 and includes a key 310 and a support structure 330. , it may include a waterproof structure 350, a dome button 370, and a flexible printed circuit board 390.

The key module 300 is disposed on the side of the portable electronic device 10 and allows the user to input data information and transmit electrical signals into the electronic device 10 to obtain desired information.

Hereinafter, the key configuration, waterproof structure, and support structure of the key modules 300, 400, 500, and 600 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail.

Figure 6 is a perspective view showing the coupling direction of keys in the key module configuration according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIGS. 4 to 6, the key 310 is of a size capable of moving the space 25 formed between the front cover 10a and the rear cover 10b through the opening 21 of the bezel 2. It can be arranged to have the shape of .

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the key 310 is connected to the key button 311 disposed on the bezel 2, and the formed space 25 is connected to the first key button 311. It can be moved and inserted in the direction (X) and may be composed of a first surface 315 facing the first direction (X). In addition, the key button 311 may further include a step 313 formed on a portion of the key button 311.

The key button 311 is disposed on the side of the portable electronic device 10 so that the user can easily click it while holding the portable electronic device 10.

The first surface 315 is disposed perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the key button 311 and can be inserted into the electronic device 10, and can be moved according to the insertion direction, that is, the first direction (X). . The first surface 315 may be composed of at least one piece.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first surface 315 may be composed of a plurality, with a first surface 315 disposed at the center of the key button 311 and It may be composed of auxiliary first surfaces (not shown) arranged in parallel and spaced apart from each other. The first surface 315 is disposed in contact with the waterproof structure 350, which will be described later, at the center of the key button 311, and can directly transmit pressure applied from the outside to the inside of the main body. The auxiliary first surface is disposed on both sides of the first surface 315 with different lengths from the first surface 315, is in contact with the waterproof structure 350, and has a surface other than the first direction (X) of the first surface 315. It is possible to assist the first surface 315 while preventing directional movement.

The step 313 is disposed in contact with the key button 311 and the first surface 315, and is implemented as at least a plurality of steps 313(a) and 313(b) on the outer surface to form a support structure 330. Alternatively, the key 310 inserted into the waterproof structure 350 can be prevented from being separated. In addition, as the steps are fixed to both sides of the key 311, movement of the key other than the first direction (X) can be prevented, thereby preventing the key 310 from moving.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of steps 313 (a) and 313 (b) formed on the outer surface of the key button portion 311 are located in the longitudinal direction (second direction (Y)) of the key button portion 311. It may be provided so that a predetermined length protrudes. Additionally, the protruding steps 313(a) and 313(b) can prevent the key from coming off by being caught on the side fastening portion 24 disposed on the bezel 2. For example, the protruding steps 313(a) and 313(b) are caught on the side fastening portion 24 and support both sides of the key 310, so that the key 310 is tilted in an inclined direction. Depending on the pressure, only one side of the two sides can be pressed and the other side can be limited or suppressed from protruding.

The key button 311, first surface 315, and step 313 of the key 310 described above may each be made of the same material or different materials. Since part of the key button 311 is disposed on the outer surface of the electronic device 10, it can be made of various materials such as metal and plastic that are the same as the outer surface of the electronic device 10. The first surface 315 and the step 313 are made of a material containing urethane to prevent damage to the waterproof structure 350 and the internal contact surface of the electronic device. When composed of the above dissimilar materials, the key button 311 and the step 313 can be joined by insert injection molding, bonding, etc. However, the components of each key 310 are not limited to the materials shown in this embodiment, and it is natural that they can be made of various other materials.

Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view showing the combined state of the key module for flow prevention and waterproofing functions according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 7, in order to prevent the key 310 from moving in the present invention, the key 310 may include a plurality of steps 313 at both ends. The first step 313(a) and the second step 313(b) are spaced apart on both sides of the first surface 315 and prevent the key 310 from being separated from the bezel 2. In addition to its role, it has the function of allowing pressure applied from the outside to be completely transmitted to the dome button (580).

In the conventional technology, only one first surface shape was provided at the center of the key. In this case, when pressure is applied through the center of the key button, the first surface can fully transmit the pressure to the dome button, but when pressure is applied through an edge deviating from the center of the key button, the first surface can transmit pressure to the dome button. The pressure could not be fully transmitted. For example, when the user presses the edge of the key button, the first surface is inserted in the first direction and the moving length is shortened, so the pressure is not fully transmitted to the dome button. This occurs because when one edge of a key button with a certain length or more is pressed and enters the inside of the main body, the other edge of the key button opposite to the key button moves outwards in a seesaw phenomenon, which causes the key button to move.

However, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the key 310 is provided with a first step 313(a) and a second step 313(b) on both sides around the first surface 315, and The steps are implemented to protrude in the second direction (Y) so that they can be inserted into the side fastening portion (24). The combination of the first step 313(a) and the second step 313(b) with the side fastening portion 24 of the main body can prevent the key button portion 311 from being released to the outside by a certain length or more. . That is, referring to FIG. 7, even when pressure (arrow) is applied to an edge other than the center of the key button 511, the first surface 315 is inserted in the first direction (X) and the moving length is shortened. This prevents pressure from being completely transmitted to the dome button 370. Therefore, no matter how much pressure is applied to any part of the key button 311, no flow occurs and the first surface 315 can have the effect of applying pressure entirely to the dome button 370.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, in order to implement waterproof performance of the key 310, a waterproof structure 350 disposed in contact with the first surface 315 of the key 310 may be included. The waterproof structure 350 serves to hermetically seal the space 25 formed between the front cover 10a and the rear cover 10b from the outside of the electronic device 10 (see FIG. 4). can do.

As the key 310 operates, the first part 351 of the waterproof structure 350 made of an elastic material is stretched in the first direction (X) and the pressure transmitted to the first surface 315 is applied to the dome button 370. ) can be transmitted. The pressure of the dome button 370 is provided by a flexible printed circuit board 390, and the flexible printed circuit board 390 can convert the pressure transmitted from the above-described dome button 370 into an electrical signal. .

8 to 11 are cross-sectional views showing the relationship between the length of the key and the bezel of an electronic device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

8 to 11, the outer surface of the main body has a curved surface with a convex surface facing outward, and at least a portion of the support structure 330 and the key 310 are disposed inside the curved surface where the convex surface is formed. It can be. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the touch screen 11 forming the upper surface of the main body can be configured in a flexible form that can cover a portion of the bezel 2 and forms a curved surface. Additionally, the rear case that forms the lower surface of the main body can be configured to form a curved surface while covering a portion of the side surface. As a result, the space where the user can transmit and confirm movements to the electronic device is expanded, and a configuration that improves the grip and provides a sense of aesthetics is possible.

As a portion of the bezel 2 as described above is configured as a curved surface, the size of the key module 300 that can be inserted into the main body is limited compared to a conventional structure, and device configuration may be difficult.

Referring to FIG. 8 according to an embodiment of the present invention, the horizontal length (L1) of the key button 311 disposed on the main body bezel 2 and protruding may be 8 to 12 mm, and the vertical length (L2) may be 8 to 12 mm. It may be 0.8 to 1.4 mm.

In addition, referring to FIGS. 9 and 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention, the length (N) in the first direction (X) of the key 310 including the first surface 315 is 3.5 to 5.2 mm. It can be.

In addition, in the inner direction of the main body, that is, in the first direction (X), the distance (N) from the outer surface of the main body to the surface where the inner surface of the main body contacts the support structure 330 or the waterproof structure 350 is 3.8 mm. It may be below.

Additionally, for example, in the second direction (Y) perpendicular to the first direction (X), the thickness (M) of the inner or outer surface where the key 310 is inserted may be 3.5 mm or less.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the distance (M) from the outer surface of the main body to the waterproof structure 350 in the inner direction of the main body in the first direction (X) may be 3.2 mm or less.

In addition, for example, the thickness of the bezel in the second direction (Y) forming the outer surface while facing the curved shape of the front or rear of the main body may be 2.9 mm or less. Also, for example, the thickness of the inner bezel 2, which includes the first surface 315 inside and can support the main body, in the second direction Y may be 2.3 mm or less.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, due to the curved shape of the bezel 2, the mounting space in which the key module 300 can be installed in the bezel 2 is very narrow. In the present invention, the electronic device 10 is implemented by configuring the key module 300 to be arranged as close to the outer surface as possible while providing all of the above functions within a limited mounting space.

However, the numerical limitation is not limited to electronic devices having the curved surface phenomenon, and the numerical limitation as in the present invention can be advantageous even in electronic devices having a slimmer form than the prior art (see FIG. 11).

In addition, referring to FIG. 10 according to another embodiment of the present invention, an adhesive material 359 may be bonded to one surface of the waterproof structure 350 disposed between the bezel 2 and the support structure 330. An adhesive material 359 may be placed on one side of the waterproof structure 350, for example, one side facing the support structure 330, and adhered to the support structure 330. The adhesive material 359 can be made of various materials that bond the waterproof structure 350 or the support structure 330 to each other, such as tape containing acrylic chemicals or various bonds.

By using the adhesive material 359, the waterproofing/dustproofing performance of the present invention can be maximized by preventing the sliding phenomenon of the waterproofing structure 350 that occurred in the past and improving the compression effect of the waterproofing structure 350.

Figure 12 is a perspective view showing a waterproof structure of a key module according to various embodiments of the present invention. 13 and 14 are cross-sectional views showing the internal structure of a waterproof structure according to various embodiments of the present invention.

Referring to FIGS. 12 and 13 according to an embodiment of the present invention, the waterproof structure 350 is between the inner surface of the bezel 2 and the first surface 331 of the support structure 330 or between the bezel 2. It may be disposed between the inner surface of and the second surface 332 of the support structure 330, and the space 25 formed between the front cover 10a and the rear cover 10b can be used to access the electronic device 10 from the outside. It can serve as a hermetically seal (see FIG. 15).

In addition, according to another embodiment of the present invention, the waterproof structure 550 is between the inner surface of the bezel 2 and the first support structure 531 or between the inner surface of the bezel 2 and the second support structure ( 535), and serves to hermetically seal the space 25 formed between the front cover 10a and the rear cover 10b from the outside of the electronic device 10 (see FIG. 16). )can do.

According to the various embodiments, the waterproof structure 350 is inserted into the hole 334 of the support structure 330 and has a groove shape formed to elastically surround the first surface 315 of the key 310. It may include the first part 351. In addition, it may include a second part 353 that is formed to surround the periphery of the first part 351 and is attached to one side of the bezel 2 to play a role in waterproofing and dustproofing.

When the first surface 315 of the key 310 is seated on the first part 351 and inserted into the internal space 25, the waterproof structure 350 is elastically formed around the end of the first surface 315. It is possible to block foreign substances such as fluid from seeping into the electronic device 10 by covering it. The waterproof structure 350 is made of an elastic material, and the first part 351 is elastically stretched and contracted to increase or decrease pressure on the dome button 370 as the key 310 moves. For example, the waterproof structure 350 may be made of an elastic material including rubber, waterproof sponge (phorone), etc.

Referring to FIG. 14 according to various embodiments of the present invention, the waterproof structure 350 is molded on the outer surface of the elastic material with a material 357 containing silicon to correspond to the shape of the elastic material, and the silicon 357 ) It can be configured to additionally cover the outer surface with a film 359 containing urethane. Due to the above structure, the durability of the waterproof structure 350 can be strengthened and the waterproof performance can be improved. The double structure (molding and film) formed on the outer surface of the waterproof structure 350 can be manufactured by double injection or insert injection.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first part 351 of the waterproof structure 350 can elastically surround the first surface 315 and stretch or contract in the first direction (X), and can be stretched or contracted in the first direction (X), such as fluid. The point that can block foreign substances may be composed of at least one waterproof contact surface 355 (see Figure 9).

The waterproof contact surface 355 may be formed by elastically contacting the inside of the main body with the second part 353 protruding in the first direction (X) in which the key 310 moves. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first surface 315 is inserted into the first part 351 of the waterproof structure 350 mounted on the seating portion 23 of the bezel 2, and the first surface ( 315) The second part 353 of a predetermined length formed to surround the periphery may overlap with the inner surface of the bezel 2. Accordingly, the compressed waterproof structure 350 can form a waterproof contact surface 355 to block fluid, etc. from seeping in from the outside.

The second part 353 forming the waterproof contact surface 355 is configured in the form of a closed curve and may be formed of at least one or more. The configuration of the plurality of second parts 353 may be, for example, expressed in a closed curve shape on the inside or outside of the second part 353, or may be implemented in various shapes with a portion of the second part open, and may have a waterproof structure ( 350), it can be additionally disposed at various positions to form a second waterproof contact surface, a third waterproof point surface, etc., thereby demonstrating a stronger waterproofing and dustproofing effect.

Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view showing the state of the first surface of a key moving in the first direction according to various embodiments of the present invention.

The support structure 330 in the key module configuration will be described through FIG. 15.

Referring to FIG. 15 , the support structure 330 may be disposed adjacent to the opening 21 of the bezel 2 within the space 25 formed between the front cover 10a and the rear cover 10b. In addition, it may include a receiving space 335 and a hole 334 that can accommodate at least a portion of the key 310, and a binding portion 336 that can be coupled to the main body. (See FIGS. 1 and 4. )

The support structure 330 may include a first surface 331 and a second surface 332 that are spaced apart from each other and arranged in parallel. In addition, it may include a support plane 333 connecting the first surface 331 and the second surface 332 within the space formed between the front cover 10a and the rear cover 10b.

The support plane 333 may connect the first surface 331 and the second surface 332 to each other and support the first surface 331 and the second surface 332 at the same time. Accordingly, the configuration of the entire support structure 330 including the first surface 331 and the second surface 332 disposed perpendicular to the support plane 333 and parallel to each other has an opening in a second direction different from the first direction. It can be arranged in a 'ㄷ' shape.

An accommodating space 335 in which the dome button 370 and the flexible printed circuit board 390 can be placed is formed between the first side 331 and the second side 332, so that each of the above components, etc. can be mounted. An integrated bracket structure can be formed.

The first surface 331 and the second surface 332 may provide a path leading to the opening 21 while the first surface 315 moves.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first surface 331 of the support structure 330 is configured to have the same length as the second surface 332, and at least a portion of the first surface 315 can be accommodated. It may include a hole 334. One side of the first side 331 is disposed in contact with the waterproof structure 350 disposed on the seating portion 23 of the bezel 2, and the other side of the first side 331 is disposed on one side of the receiving space 335. can be formed.

The second surface 332 is arranged parallel to the first surface 331 and spaced apart from each other, and can serve as a support member on which various components can be mounted and supported. From the side forming the receiving space 335 of the second side 332, toward the outside, there is a flexible printed circuit board 390, a dome button 370, a waterproof structure 350, and an end of the first surface 315. can be arranged in a stacked manner. That is, a waterproof structure connected to the first surface 315 and the dome button 370 so that the end of the first surface 315 moves in the first direction (X) and applies pressure to the dome button 370 ( 350) may be positioned to enable contact.

The binding portion 336 is disposed on both sides of the support structure 330 and may be composed of at least one so that the inside of the main body and the support structure 330 can be connected.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the binding portion 336 is provided in a wing shape outside the receiving space 335 of the support structure 330 and includes a binding groove 3361 having the shape of a hole and the binding groove 3361. It may be composed of a screw 3363 that penetrates and secures the main body and the support structure 330. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the binding groove 3361 and the screw 3363 are composed of two pieces, but are not limited thereto and can be arranged in various numbers and locations to secure the support structure 330 inside the main body. In addition to male and female screw coupling, it can be implemented using various binding methods such as bonding.

Figure 15(a) is a cross-sectional view showing the first surface 315 seated on the first part 351 of the waterproof structure 350 before the key 310 moves, and Figure 15(b) is a cross-sectional view showing the key 310. This is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the first surface 315 applies pressure to the first part 351 of the waterproof structure 350 while 310 moves in the first direction (X).

As the key 310 operates from Figure 15(a) to Figure 15(b), the first part 351 of the waterproof structure 350 made of an elastic material is stretched in the first direction (X) and the first surface The pressure transmitted to (315) can be transmitted to the dome button (370).

Hereinafter, the dome button 370 and the flexible printed circuit board 390 disposed in the receiving space 335 within the support structure 330 will be described.

Referring again to FIG. 15 , dome button 370 may be disposed between first side 331 and second side 332 of support structure 330.

The dome button 370 is made of an elastic material and can transmit pressure applied from the outside to the flexible printed circuit board 390. According to an embodiment of the present invention, when the key 310 receives pressure from the outside in the first direction (X), the first surface 315 transmits the pressure while contacting the dome button 370, The pressure can be transmitted to the flexible printed circuit board 390 while the shape of the dome button 370 is changed to be elastic. When the pressure transmitted from the outside disappears, the dome button 370 can regain its intact dome shape.

So that pressure applied from the outside can be accurately transmitted, the centers of the first part 351 of the waterproof structure 350 and the dome button 370 may be arranged on the same line.

The flexible printed circuit board 390 may be disposed outside the dome button 370 within the receiving space 335 between the first surface 331 and the second surface 332 of the support structure 330.

Here, the portion disposed outside the dome button corresponds to a portion of the flexible printed circuit board 390 and may be disposed between the dome button 370 and the second surface 332 of the support structure 330. Parts other than those of the flexible printed circuit board 390 may be placed in the space 25 .

The flexible printed circuit board 390 can convert the pressure transmitted from the above-described dome button 370 into an electrical signal to assist the user in performing a desired function. According to an embodiment of the present invention, when the key 310 receives external pressure in the first direction, the first surface 315 can transmit the pressure while contacting the dome button 370. Afterwards, the shape of the dome button 370 is changed to be elastic and when the pressure is transmitted to the flexible printed circuit board 390, an electrical signal can be generated corresponding to the pressure and transmitted to the electronic device 10 in the space. .

Figures 16 and 17 are perspective views showing the configuration of the key module before coupling and the configuration in the coupled state according to various embodiments of the present invention.

16 and 17, according to another embodiment of the present invention, the key module 400 is disposed on the side of the portable electronic device 10 and includes a first key 410a and a second key 410a. It may include a key 410b, a support structure (plate) 430, a first waterproof structure 450a, and a second waterproof structure 450b.

The key module 400 is disposed on the side of the portable electronic device 10 and allows the user to input data information and transmit electrical signals into the electronic device 10 to obtain desired information.

This embodiment shows an example of application to a configuration such as a power key that operates with one button in the above-described embodiment, as well as a configuration such as a volume key that operates with two buttons.

The difference is that the key, waterproof structure, and related components are made up of two parts, and the shape and structure of each are the same, so they will be briefly explained.

The key 410 is arranged to have a size and shape that can pass through the space 25 formed between the front cover 10a and the rear cover 10b through the opening 21 of the bezel 2. You can. According to an embodiment of the present invention, a key 410 is connected to a key button 411 disposed on the bezel 2 and moves the formed space 25 in the first direction. It may be composed of a first surface 415 that can be moved in (X). In addition, it is disposed between the key button 411 and the first surface 415 and may include a step 415 having at least one step.

The key 410 may be composed of two pieces so that each key can be inserted into the opening 21. The configuration of each key is the same as the above-described embodiment, so detailed information will be omitted.

The key button 411 is disposed on the side of the portable electronic device 10 so that the user can easily click it while holding the portable electronic device 10.

The first surface 415 is disposed perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the key button 411 and can be inserted into the electronic device 10, and can be moved according to the insertion direction, that is, the first direction (X). . The first surface 415 may be composed of two pieces.

The step 413 is disposed in contact with the key button 411 and the first surface 415, and at least a plurality of steps are disposed on the outer surface to be inserted into the support structure 430 or the waterproof structure 450. It is possible to prevent separation of the first surface (415).

Hereinafter, the support structure 430 will be described. The support structure 430 is connected to the two openings 21 of the bezel 2 within the space 25 formed between the front cover 10a and the rear cover 10b. It is disposed adjacently and may include a receiving space capable of accommodating at least a portion of the key 410 and a binding portion 436 capable of being coupled to the main body.

The support structure 430 may include a first surface 431 and a second surface 432 that are spaced apart from each other and arranged in parallel. Additionally, it may include a support plane 433 parallel to the rear cover 10b within the space formed between the front cover 10a and the rear cover 10b.

An accommodating space 435 in which the dome button 470 and the flexible printed circuit board 490 can be placed is formed between the first side 431 and the second side 432, so that each of the above components, etc. can be mounted. An integrated bracket structure can be formed.

The first surface 431 and the second surface 432 may provide a passage leading to the opening 2 while the first surface 415 moves.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first surface 431 has the same length as the second surface 432, and has a plurality of holes 434 (a) that can accommodate at least a portion of the first surface 415. ), 434(b)). That is, each hole 434 in the support structure 430 may be composed of a first hole 434(a) and a second hole 434(b) that are spaced apart from each other. The first hole 434(a) provides a passage through which the end of the first surface 415(a) of the first key 410(a) can move, and the second male hole 434(a) b)) may provide a passage through which the end of the second first surface 415(b) of the second key 410(b) can move. The key module 400 is mainly composed of a structure that is closely related to each other, such as a volume key, such that each key increases or decreases the size of the volume. The first male hole 434 (a) and The distance at which the second water holes 434(b) are spaced apart from each other can be set within the range of movement allowed for one finger of the user.

Referring again to FIGS. 16 and 17, the waterproof structure 450 is between the inner surface of the bezel 2 and the first surface 431 or between the inner surface of the bezel 2 and the second surface 432. It is disposed and can serve to seal the space 25 formed between the front cover 10a and the rear cover 10b from the outside of the electronic device 10 (hermetically).

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the waterproof structure 450 is inserted into the seating portion 23 of the bezel 2 and is formed to elastically surround the first surface 415 of the key 410. It may include one first part 451. In addition, it may include a second part 453 that is formed to surround the periphery of the groove 451 and is joined to one side of the bezel 2 to play a role in waterproofing and dustproofing.

The waterproof structure 450 of this embodiment consists of two pieces, and the first waterproof structure 450 ( a)) and a second waterproof structure 450(b).

*The first surface 415(a) of the first key 410(a) and the first surface 415(b) of the second key 410(b) are the first portion ( When seated on 451(a) and 451(b)) and inserted into the internal space 25, the waterproof structure 450 is formed to elastically surround the first surface 415 to form the electronic device 10. It can block foreign substances such as fluid seeping inside. The waterproof structure 450 is made of an elastic material, and the first parts 451(a) and 451(b) are elastically stretched and contracted, and as the key 410 moves, it is attached to the dome button 470. Pressure can be adjusted.

One embodiment of the present invention is disclosed as having two keys within one support structure, but it is not limited to this and can be changed to various embodiments, such as a module in which two or more keys are inserted.

Figures 18 and 19 are perspective views showing the configuration of the key module before coupling and the configuration in the coupled state according to various embodiments of the present invention.

18 and 19, according to another embodiment of the present invention, the key module 500 is disposed on the side of the portable electronic device 10 and includes a key 510 and a plurality of support structures ( 530), a waterproof structure 550, a dome button 570, a flexible printed circuit board 590, and a seating portion 23.

The key module 500 is disposed on the side of the portable electronic device 10 and allows the user to input data information and transmit electrical signals into the electronic device 10 to obtain desired information.

This embodiment shows an example of application to a configuration such as a power key that operates with one button in the above-described embodiment, as well as a configuration such as a volume key that operates with two buttons.

The key 510 and the waterproof structure 550 are the same as those in the above embodiment and will be briefly described, and the configuration of the support structure 530 and the seating portion 23 will be described in detail.

The key 510 is arranged to have a size and shape that can pass through the space 25 formed between the front cover 10a and the rear cover 10b through the opening 21 of the bezel 2. You can. According to one embodiment of the present invention, a key 510 is connected to a key button 511 disposed on the bezel 2 and the key button 511, and the formed space 25 is used as a first It may be composed of a first surface 515 that can move in the direction (X). Additionally, it is disposed between the key button 511 and the first surface 515 and may include at least one step 513.

Additionally, the key 510 may be composed of two pieces so that each key can be inserted into the opening 21.

The waterproof structure 550 is disposed between the inner surface of the bezel 2 and the first support structure 531 or between the inner surface of the bezel 2 and the second support structure 535, and is connected to the front cover 10a. ) and the rear cover 10b may serve to seal the space 25 from the outside of the electronic device 10.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the waterproof structure 550 is inserted into the seating portion 23 of the bezel 2 and is formed to elastically surround the first surface 515 of the key 510. It may include one first part 551. In addition, it is formed to surround the periphery of the first part 551 including the groove, and may include a second part 553 that is joined to one side of the bezel 2 and serves to prevent water and dust.

The waterproof structure 550 is made of an elastic material, and as the first part 551 is elastically stretched and contracted and the key 510 moves, pressure on the dome button 570 can be increased or decreased.

Figure 20 is a cross-sectional view showing the state of the first surface of a key moving in the first direction according to various embodiments of the present invention.

Another support structure 530 in the key module configuration will be described through FIGS. 18 to 20.

The support structure 530 may be arranged adjacent to the opening 21 of the bezel 2 within the space 25 formed between the front cover 10a and the rear cover 10b. For example, the support structure 530 is arranged to be seated on the seating portion 23 extending from the bezel 2 and may include a receiving space 538 capable of receiving at least a portion of the key 510. You can.

The support structure 530 may include a first support structure 531 and a second support structure 535 in which one side is in close contact with each other and the other side is arranged parallel to each other.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first support structure 530 may include a hole 534 in which at least a portion of the first surface 515 of the key 510 can be accommodated. In addition, one surface of the first support structure 531 includes a first support surface 532 on which the waterproof structure 550 is seated, and the hole 534 is disposed included in the first support surface 532. It can be. In addition, when the waterproof structure 550 is seated on the first support surface 532, the groove-shaped first portion 551 of the waterproof structure 550 is connected to the hole 534 of the first support structure 531. It can be combined and fixed.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, an adhesive material 539 may be disposed between the waterproof structure 530 and the first support surface 532 to strengthen the bond. For example, a tape or bond-type compound can be used as the adhesive material 539.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, on the outside of the first support structure 531, an edge of the seating portion 23 is provided to prevent the second support structure 535 from leaving and to securely secure it to the seating portion 23. It may include a first protrusion 533 corresponding to the shape.

The first protrusions 533 are disposed on both edges of the first support structure 531, and may have an inward curved shape. The second support structure 535 may be disposed in the space inside the first protrusion 533, and the first protrusions 533 may be spaced apart from each other to form an accommodation space 538.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the second support structure 535 includes a second support surface 536 capable of receiving and supporting the dome switch 570 and the printed circuit board 590, and the first support structure. It may include at least one second protrusion 537 that can push 531 all over.

The second support structure 535 is disposed on one side of the seating portion 25 and may be disposed opposite to the first support structure 531 disposed on the other side of the seating portion 25. For example, the first support structure 531 and the second support structure 535 may be arranged to face each other at the edge of the seating portion 25 having an oval-shaped groove.

The second support structure 535 includes a second support surface 536 arranged parallel to and spaced apart from the first support surface 532 of the first support structure 531, and the second support surface 536 is It can play a role in which various parts can be mounted and supported. A flexible printed circuit board 590 is placed in contact with the second support surface 536, and a dome switch 570 is placed in contact with the printed circuit board 590 to sequentially apply pressure transmitted from the key 510. It can be delivered.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the second protrusions 537 are disposed on both edges of the second support structure 535, and may have a curved shape bent inward. Additionally, the second protrusion 537 is disposed at the center of the second support structure 535 and may have an inward curved shape.

The second protrusion 535 is disposed in close contact with the first support structure 531, and pushes the first support structure 531 in an outward direction (the direction in which the key 510 is disposed or the bezel 2 direction). It can provide power. The pushing force pushes the first support structure 531 to the side of the seating portion 23 and can compress the waterproof structure 550 disposed between the bezel 2 and the first support structure 531. The waterproof structure 550 made of compressed elastic material can further increase the effect of blocking fluid penetrating from the outside.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first support structure 531 and the second support structure 535 arranged side by side and spaced apart from the seating portion 23 may form an accommodation space 538. The first support structure 531 and the second support structure 535 may provide a passage through which the first surface 515 moves without contacting the opening 21 .

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first support structure 531 is configured to be relatively larger than the second support structure 535, and the second protrusion 537 is placed in contact while pushing the first support structure 531. You can. According to the present invention, the second protrusions 537 are arranged in a curved shape, two on both sides and one below the center, but the present invention is not limited to this, and presses the waterproof structure 550 while pushing the first support structure 531. It can be manufactured in various numbers and shapes to form the receiving space 538.

Referring again to FIG. 18, the seating portion 23 is configured to extend from the bezel 2 of the electronic device 10 and has a receiving space 538 (see FIG. 20) that accommodates the support structure 530. can be formed. For example, if the first support structure 531 and the second support structure 535 form the outer surface of the receiving space 538, the seating portion 23 may form the lower part of the receiving space 538.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the seating portion 23 may be composed of a groove having an oval shape, and an opening may be arranged to accommodate at least a portion of the first surface 515 of the key 510. there is. The seating portion 23 is extended and made of the same material as the bezel 2, and the support structures 530 are fixedly arranged with mutual tension inside the seating portion 23 of a certain shape, so there is no need to manufacture separate coupling parts. , the process can be simplified by eliminating the additional assembly process.

For example, unlike the above-described embodiment, the seating portion 23 has a shape corresponding to the outer surface of the support structure 530 extending from the bezel 2 (see FIG. 4) without a binding portion 336. It can be fixed to the electronic device 10 with the configuration of the first support structure 531 and the second support structure 535 fixed to each other on the seating portion 23. Moreover, at least one second protrusion 537 of the second support structure 535 pushes the first support structure 531 in the outward direction and compresses the waterproof structure 550 made of an elastic material without curling outward. Waterproofing performance can be maximized by expanding the overlap area of the waterproofing structure 550.

Figure 20(a) is a cross-sectional view showing the first surface 515 seated on the first part 551 of the waterproof structure 550 before the key 510 moves, and Figure 20(b) is a This is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the first surface 515 applies pressure to the first part 551 of the waterproof structure 550 while the key 510 moves in the first direction (X).

As the key 510 operates from Figure 20(a) to Figure 20(b), the first part 551 of the waterproof structure 550 made of an elastic material is stretched in the first direction (X) and the first surface The pressure delivered to 515 can be transferred to the dome button 570.

Hereinafter, the dome button 570 and the flexible printed circuit board 590 disposed in the receiving space 538 within the support structure 530 will be described.

Referring to FIG. 20, the dome button 570 may be disposed between the first support structure 531 and the second support structure 535.

The dome button 570 is made of an elastic material and can transmit pressure applied from the outside to the flexible printed circuit board 590. According to an embodiment of the present invention, when the key 510 receives pressure from the outside in the first direction (X), the first surface 515 transmits the pressure while contacting the dome button 570, The pressure can be transmitted to the flexible printed circuit board 590 while the shape of the dome button 570 is partially elastically changed. When the pressure transmitted from the outside disappears, the dome button 570 can regain its intact dome shape.

So that pressure applied from the outside can be accurately transmitted, the centers of the first part 551 of the waterproof structure 550 and the dome button 570 may be arranged on the same line.

The flexible printed circuit board 590 may be disposed outside the dome button 570 disposed on the second support surface 536 between the first support structure 531 and the second support structure 535.

Here, the portion disposed outside the dome button 570 corresponds to a portion of the flexible printed circuit board 590, and portions other than the portion of the flexible printed circuit board 590 may be disposed in the space 25. .

The flexible printed circuit board 590 can convert the pressure transmitted from the above-described dome button 570 into an electrical signal to assist the user in performing a desired function. According to an embodiment of the present invention, when the key 510 receives external pressure in the first direction, the first surface 515 can transmit the pressure while contacting the dome button 570. Afterwards, the shape of the dome button 570 is changed to be elastic and when the pressure is transmitted to the flexible printed circuit board 590, an electrical signal can be generated corresponding to the pressure and transmitted to the electronic device 10 in the space. .

Figures 21 and 22 are perspective views showing the configuration of the key module before coupling and the configuration in the coupled state according to various embodiments of the present invention.

21 and 22, according to another embodiment of the present invention, the key module 600 is disposed on the side of the portable electronic device 10 and includes a first key 610a and a second key 610a. It may include a key (610b), a plurality of support structures (plates) 630, a first waterproof structure (650a), and a second waterproof structure (650b).

The key module 600 is disposed on the side of the portable electronic device 10 and allows the user to input data information and transmit electrical signals into the electronic device 10 to obtain desired information.

This embodiment shows an example of application to a configuration such as a power key that operates with one button in the above-described embodiment, as well as a configuration such as a volume key that operates with two buttons.

The difference is that the key, waterproof structure, and related components are made up of two parts, and the shape and structure of each are the same, so they will be briefly explained.

The key 610 is arranged to have a size and shape that can pass through the space 25 formed between the front cover 10a and the rear cover 10b through the opening 21 of the bezel 2. You can. According to an embodiment of the present invention, a key 610 is connected to a key button 611 disposed on the bezel 2 and moves the formed space 25 in the first direction. It may be composed of a first surface 615 that can be moved in (X). Additionally, it is disposed between the key button 611 and the first surface 615 and may include a step 615 having at least one step.

The key 610 may be composed of two pieces so that each key can be inserted into the opening 21. The configuration of each key is the same as the above-described embodiment, so detailed information will be omitted.

The key button 611 is disposed on the side of the portable electronic device 10 so that the user can easily click it while holding the portable electronic device 10.

The first surface 615 is disposed perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the key button 611 and can be inserted into the electronic device 10, and can be moved according to the insertion direction, that is, the first direction (X). . The first surface 615 may be composed of two pieces.

The step 613 is disposed in contact with the key button 611 and the first surface 615, and at least a plurality of steps are disposed on the outer surface to be inserted into the support structure 630 or the waterproof structure 650. 1 It is possible to prevent the surface 615 from leaving.

Hereinafter, when describing the support structure 630, the support structure 630 is connected to two openings 21 of the bezel 2 within the space 25 formed between the front cover 10a and the rear cover 10b. It is disposed adjacently and may include a receiving space 638 capable of accommodating at least a portion of the key 610 and a protrusion capable of being strongly fixedly coupled to the seating portion 23.

The support structure 630 may include a first support structure 631 and a second support structure 635 in which one side is in close contact with each other and the other side is arranged parallel to each other.

An accommodating space 638 in which the dome button 670 and the flexible printed circuit board 690 can be placed is formed between the first support structure 631 and the second support structure 635, so that each of the components can be mounted. An integrated bracket structure can be formed.

The first support structure 631 and the second support structure 635 may provide a path leading to the opening for the first surface 415 to move without contacting the opening 2. .

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first support structure 631 and the second support structure 635 include a plurality of structures capable of receiving at least a portion of the first surfaces 615(a) and 615(b). It may include holes 634(a) and 634(b). That is, each hole 634 in the support structure 630 may be composed of a first hole 634(a) and a second hole 634(b) that are spaced apart from each other. The first hole 634(a) provides a passage through which the end of the first surface 615(a) of the first key 610(a) can move, and the second male hole 634(b) ) may provide a passage through which the end of the second surface 615(b) of the second key 610(b) can move. The key module 600 is mainly composed of a structure that is closely related to each other, such as a volume key, such that each key increases or decreases the size of the volume. The first hole 634 (a) and the first hole 634 (a) The distance between the two holes 634(b) can be set within the range of movement allowed for one finger of the user.

Referring again to FIGS. 21 and 22, the waterproof structure 650 is between the inner surface of the bezel 2 and the first support structure 631 or between the inner surface of the bezel 2 and the second support structure 635. It is disposed between the front cover 10a and the rear cover 10b and can serve to seal the space 25 formed between the front cover 10a and the rear cover 10b from the outside of the electronic device 10.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the waterproof structure 650 is inserted into the seating portion 23 of the bezel 2 and is formed to elastically surround the first surface 615 of the key 610. It may include one first part 651. In addition, it may include a second part 653 that is formed to surround the periphery of the groove-shaped first part 651 and is attached to one side of the bezel 2 to play a role in waterproofing and dustproofing.

The waterproof structure 650 of this embodiment consists of two pieces, and the first waterproof structure 650 ( a)) and the second waterproof structure 650(b) may be arranged.

The first surface 615(a) of the first key 610(a) and the first surface 615(b) of the second key 610(b) are the first portion 651 of each key. When seated on (a) and 651(b)) and inserted into the internal space 25, the waterproof structure 650 is formed to elastically surround the first surface 615 and is inside the electronic device 10. It can block foreign substances such as fluid seeping into the system. The waterproof structure 650 is made of an elastic material, and the first parts 651(a) and 651(b) are elastically stretched and contracted, and as the key 610 moves, it is attached to the dome button 670. Pressure can be adjusted.

One embodiment of the present invention is disclosed as having two keys within one support structure, but it is not limited to this and can be changed to various embodiments, such as a module in which two or more keys are inserted.

Hereinafter, a method of manufacturing a key module according to various embodiments of the present invention will be described.

Figure 23 is a flowchart showing a method of manufacturing a key module provided in an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present invention.

Figures 24 and 25 are diagrams sequentially showing a method of manufacturing a key module provided in an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present invention.

First, referring to FIGS. 1 to 4 and FIGS. 23 and 24, a support structure 330 including one hole 334 is prepared (FIG. 24(a)). At least one hole 330 is provided in the support structure 330. The waterproof structure 350 having the first part 351 can be disposed. (Step 11, Figure 24(b)) Since the waterproof structure 350 is made of an elastic material, one side of the waterproof structure 350 is It can be elastically seated around the hole 334 of the support structure 330. The other side of the waterproof structure 350 is arranged so that the first part 351 on which the first surface 315 of the key 310 can be seated and the second part 353 in contact with the main body are visible. The first part 351 is elastically stretched or compressed according to the movement of the first surface 315 of the key 310, thereby improving the clicking sensation that occurs when the user presses the key 310. The second part 353 is in contact with the inside of the main body and forms a waterproof contact surface 355 to block fluid flowing in from the outside.

Thereafter, the flexible printed circuit board 390 on which the dome button 370 is seated may be placed in the receiving space 335 formed inside the support structure 330. (Step 13, Figure 24(c)) Flexible printing The circuit board 390 is placed in contact with the inner surface of the receiving space 335 of the support structure 330, and a dome button 370 can be placed on the flexible printed circuit board 390. The dome button 370 is made of an elastic material and can receive pressure applied from the outside to the key 310 from the first surface 315 and provide it to the printed circuit board 390.

In addition, a process of seating the support structure 330, in which the waterproof structure 350, the dome button 370, and the flexible printed circuit board 390 are arranged, on the seating portion 23 of the main body can be performed. (Step 15, FIG. 24(d)) A groove-shaped seating portion 23 corresponding to the shape of the outer surface of the support structure 330 is formed inside the main body, so that the support structure 330 can be supported without shaking when seated.

And the support structure 330 and the main body can be bound through the binding portion 336 disposed on the side of the support structure 330. (Step 17, Figure 24(e)) The binding portion 336 is a support structure ( It is provided in the shape of a wing on the outside of the receiving space 335 of the 330) and includes a binding groove 3361 in the shape of a hole and a screw 3363 that passes through the binding groove 3361 and secures the main body and the support structure 330. It can be configured. Therefore, the screw 3363 can be fixedly coupled to the main body and the support structure 330 through male and female coupling in the coupling groove 3361. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the binding groove 3361 and the screw 3363 are composed of two pieces, but are not limited thereto and can be arranged in various numbers and locations to secure the support structure 330 inside the main body. It goes without saying that in addition to male and female screw coupling, it can be implemented with various binding methods such as snap fit, rivets, and bonding.

Afterwards, the key 310 may be partially inserted into the main body from the outside. (Step 19, Figure 24(f)) According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first surface 315 of the key 310 is It is inserted into the first part 351 of the waterproof structure 350 disposed inside the main body, and the step of the key 310 can be fastened to the side fastening portion 24 formed on the main body bezel 2. A portion of the key button portion 311 of the key 310 may protrude outside the main body and may be arranged so that it can be clicked using a user's finger motion. Here, the step of the key 310 is coupled to the main body in a third direction (Z) that is different from the first direction (X) in which the first surface 315 is inserted, thereby preventing the key 310 from being separated. In addition, no matter which part of the key button portion 311 is pressed, accurate pressure can be transmitted to the dome button 370.

By using the above manufacturing method, the key module 300 can be accurately seated and placed in the electronic device 10 (FIG. 24(g)).

Figures 23 and 25 are diagrams sequentially showing a method of manufacturing the key module 400 provided in an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present invention.

Referring to FIGS. 16, 17, 23, and 25, first, a support structure 430 including two holes 434(a) and (b) is prepared (FIG. 25(a)). The support structure ( Two waterproof structures 450 (a) and (b) each having at least one first part 451 can be placed in 430 (Step 11, FIG. 25 (b)). Waterproof structure 450 is made of an elastic material so that one side can be elastically seated around the holes 434 (a) and (b) of the support structure 430. The other side of each waterproof structure 450 is in contact with the main body and the first portion 451(a), (b) on which the first surface 415(a), (b) of the key 410 can be seated. It is arranged so that the second part 453 is visible. The first part 451 is elastically stretched or compressed according to the movement of the first surface 415 of the key 410, thereby improving the clicking sensation that occurs when the user presses the key 310. The second part 453 is in contact with the inside of the main body and forms a waterproof contact surface 455 to block fluid flowing in from the outside.

Afterwards, the flexible printed circuit board 490 on which the dome button 470 is seated can be placed in the receiving space 435 formed inside the support structure 430. (Step 13, Figure 25(c)) Flexible printing The circuit board 490 is placed in contact with the inner surface of the receiving space 435 of the support structure 430, and a dome button 470 can be placed on the flexible printed circuit board 490. The dome button 470 is made of an elastic material and can receive pressure applied to the key 410 from the outside from the first surface 415 and provide it to the printed circuit board 490.

Then, a process is performed to seat the support structure 430, in which the two waterproof structures (450(a), (b)), the dome button 470, and the flexible printed circuit board 490 are placed, on the seating portion 23 of the main body. This can be done. (Step 15, Figure 25(d)) Inside the main body, a groove-shaped seating portion 23 corresponding to the shape of the outer surface of the support structure 430 is formed so that the support structure 430 does not shake when seated. I can support it.

And the support structure 436 and the main body can be bound through the binding portion 430 disposed on the side of the support structure 430. (Step 17, Figure 25(e)) The binding portion 436 is a support structure ( It is provided in the shape of a wing on the outside of the receiving space 435 of 430), and includes a binding groove 4361 in the shape of a hole and a screw 4363 that passes through the binding groove 4361 and secures the main body and the support structure 430. It can be configured. Therefore, the screw 4363 can be fixedly coupled to the main body and the support structure 430 through male and female coupling in the coupling groove 4361. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the binding groove 4361 and the screw 4363 are composed of two pieces, but are not limited thereto and can be arranged in various numbers and locations to secure the support structure 430 inside the main body. It goes without saying that in addition to male and female screw coupling, it can be implemented with various binding methods such as snap fit, rivets, and bonding.

Afterwards, the two keys 410 may be partially inserted into the main body from the outside (Step 19, Figure 40(f)). According to an embodiment of the present invention, each key 410(a), ( The first surface 415(a),(b) of b)) is the first part 451(a),(b) of the waterproof structure 450(a),(b) disposed inside the main body. It is inserted, and the step of the key 410 can be fastened to the side fastening portion 24 formed on the main body bezel 2. A portion of the key button portion 411 of the key 410 may protrude outside the main body and may be arranged so that it can be clicked using a user's finger motion. Here, the step of the key 410 is coupled to the main body in a third direction (Z) that is different from the first direction (X) in which the first surface 415 is inserted, thereby preventing the key 410 from being separated. In addition, no matter which part of the key button portion 411 is pressed, accurate pressure can be transmitted to the dome button 470.

By using the above manufacturing method, the key module 400 can be accurately seated and placed in the electronic device 10 (FIG. 25(g)).

Hereinafter, a method of manufacturing another key module according to the various embodiments described above will be described.

Figure 26 is a flowchart showing a method of manufacturing a key module provided in an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present invention.

Figures 27 and 28 are diagrams showing a method of manufacturing a key module provided in an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present invention.

26 and 27, a first support structure 531 including at least one hole 534 is provided (FIG. 27(a)). At least one support structure 531 is provided in the first support structure 531. A waterproof structure 550 having one part 551 can be disposed (Step 21, Figure 27(b)). For example, the waterproof structure 550 is made of an elastic material, and the waterproof structure 550 The second part 553 corresponding to one side of can be elastically seated on the first support surface 532 including the hole 534 of the first support structure 531. The other side of the waterproof structure 550 may include a first part 551 on which the first surface 515 of the key 510 can be seated and a second part 553 in contact with the main body.

The first part 551 of the waterproof structure 550 is elastically stretched or compressed according to the movement of the first surface 515 of the key 510, thereby improving the click sensation that occurs when the user presses the key 510. You can do it. The second part 553 is in contact with the inside of the main body and forms a waterproof contact surface to block fluid flowing in from the outside.

In the subsequent process, a flexible printed circuit board 590 on which the second support structure 535 and the dome button 570 are mounted is prepared (FIG. 27(c)). And the dome is placed on one side of the second support structure 535. The process of placing the flexible printed circuit board 590 on which the button 570 is seated can be proceeded (process 23, Figure 27(d)). The flexible printed circuit board 590 is attached to the second support structure 535. It is placed in contact with the second support surface 536, which is the inner surface, and a dome button 570 can be placed on the flexible printed circuit board 590. The dome button 570 is made of an elastic material and can receive pressure applied to the key 510 from the outside from the first surface 515 and provide it to the printed circuit board 590.

And the first support structure 531 on which the waterproof structure 550 is arranged and the second support structure 530 on which the dome button 570 and the flexible printed circuit board 590 are arranged are seated on the seating portion 23 of the main body. (Process 25, Figure 27(e)) Inside the main body, there is a groove-shaped seating portion 23 corresponding to the outer surface shape of the first support structure 531 and the second support structure 535. It is configured so that the support structure 530 can be supported without shaking when seated (Figure 27(f)).

According to one embodiment of the present invention, on the outside of the first support structure 531, an edge of the seating portion 23 is provided to prevent the second support structure 535 from leaving and to securely secure it to the seating portion 23. It may include a first protrusion 533 corresponding to the shape.

The first protrusions 533 are disposed on both edges of the first support structure 531, and may have an inward curved shape. The first protrusions 533 may be formed to be spaced apart from each other so that the second support structure 535 can be placed in the space inside the first protrusions 533.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, an adhesive material (not shown) may be disposed between the first support structure 531 and the waterproof structure 550. The adhesive material can strengthen the bond between the first support structure 531 and the waterproof structure 550 and improve waterproof performance. The adhesive material may be composed of tape containing acrylic chemicals or various bonds, and in addition, various materials can be used to bond the waterproof structure 550 or the first support structure 531 to each other. there is.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, after the first support structure 531 is disposed vertically on one side of the seating part 23, the first support structure 531 is opposite to the other side of the seating part 23. The second support structure 535 may be arranged accordingly. For example, the first support structure 531 and the second support structure 535 may be arranged to face each other at the edge of the seating portion 23 having an oval-shaped groove.

When the first support structure 531 is seated on the seating portion 23, there is a predetermined gap with the seating portion 23, so that the waterproof structure 550 is disposed without being pushed, and the second support structure 535 is The first support structure 531 is seated by pushing it to the outside of the main body, thereby accurately providing a waterproof contact surface that requires sealing.

The second support structure 535 includes a second support surface 536 arranged in parallel with the first support structure 531 and spaced apart from each other, and the second support surface 536 can support various components by mounting them. can play a role. A flexible printed circuit board 590 is placed in contact with the second support surface 536, and a dome switch 570 is placed in contact with the printed circuit board 590 to transmit the pressure transmitted from the key 510. there is.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the second protrusions 537 are disposed on both edges of the second support structure 535, and may have an inward curved shape. Additionally, the second protrusion 537 is disposed at the center of the second support structure 535 and may have an inward curved shape.

The second protrusion 537 is disposed in close contact with the first support structure 531, and pushes the first support structure 531 in an outward direction (the direction in which the key 510 is disposed or the bezel 2 direction). It can provide power. The pushing force pushes the first support structure 531 to the side of the seating portion 23 and can compress the waterproof structure 550 disposed between the bezel 2 and the first support structure 531. The compressed waterproof structure 550 can further increase the effect of blocking fluid penetrating from the outside.

And after the first support structure 531 and the second support structure 535 are coupled and seated on the seating portion 23, the key 510 may be partially inserted into the main body from the outside. (Step 27 ,Figure 27(g))

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first surface 515 of the key 510 is inserted into the first part 551 of the waterproof structure 550 disposed inside the main body, and the step of the key 510 is inserted into the main body. It can be fastened to the side fastening part formed on the bezel (2). The key button portion 611 of the key 510 may be arranged so that a portion of the key button portion 611 protrudes outside the main body so that it can be clicked using a user's finger motion. Here, the step of the key 510 is coupled to the main body in a third direction (Z) that is different from the first direction (X) in which the first surface 515 is inserted, thereby preventing the key 510 from being separated. In addition, no matter which part of the key button portion 511 is pressed, accurate pressure can be transmitted to the dome button 570.

By using the above manufacturing method, the key module 500 can be accurately seated and placed in the electronic device 10 (FIG. 27(h)).

Figures 26 and 28 are diagrams sequentially showing a method of manufacturing a key module provided in an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present invention.

Referring to FIGS. 26 and 28, first, a first support structure 631 including two holes 634 (a) and (b) is prepared (FIG. 18 (a)). The first support structure Two waterproof structures 650 (a) and (b) each having at least one first portion 651 may be disposed at 631. (Step 21, FIG. 28 (b)) Waterproof structure 650 ) is made of an elastic material so that one side can be elastically seated on the first support surface 632 including the hole 634 of the first support structure 631. The other side of each waterproof structure 650 is in contact with the main body and the first portion 651(a), (b) on which the first surface 615(a), (b) of the key 610 can be seated. It is arranged so that the second part 653 is visible. The first part 651 is elastically stretched or compressed according to the movement of the first surface 615 of the key 610, thereby improving the clicking sensation that occurs when the user presses the key 610. The second part 653 is in contact with the inside of the main body and forms a waterproof contact surface to block fluid flowing in from the outside.

In the subsequent process, a flexible printed circuit board 690 on which the second support structure 635 and the two dome buttons 670 are seated is prepared (FIG. 28(c)). And the first part of the second support structure 635 is provided. 2 A flexible printed circuit board 690 on which two dome buttons 670 are seated can be placed on the support surface 636. (Step 23, Figure 28(d)) The flexible printed circuit board 690 is a second It is disposed to contact the second support surface 636 of the support structure 635, and a dome button 670 can be placed on the flexible printed circuit board 690. The dome button 670 is made of an elastic material and can receive pressure applied to the key 610 from the outside from the first surface 615 and provide it to the printed circuit board 690.

And a first support structure 631 in which two waterproof structures 650 (a) and (b) are arranged, and a second support structure 635 in which two dome buttons 670 and a flexible printed circuit board 690 are arranged. ) can be performed on the seating portion 23 of the main body. (Process 25, Figure 28(e)) Inside the main body, there is a groove-shaped seating portion 23 corresponding to the shape of the outer surface of the support structure 630. is configured so that the support structure 630 can be supported without shaking when seated.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, after the first support structure 631 is disposed vertically on one side of the seating part 23, the first support structure 631 is opposite to the other side of the seating part 23. The second support structure 635 may be arranged accordingly. For example, the first support structure 631 and the second support structure 635 may be arranged to face each other at the edge of the seating portion 23 having an oval-shaped groove.

When the first support structure 631 is seated on the seating portion 23, there is a predetermined gap with the seating portion 23, so the waterproof structure 650 is disposed without being pushed, and the second support structure 635 is The first support structure 631 is seated by pushing it to the outside of the main body, thereby accurately providing a waterproof contact surface that requires sealing.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the second protrusions 637 are disposed on both edges of the second support structure 635, and may have an inward curved shape. Additionally, the second protrusion 637 is disposed at the center of the second support structure 635 and may have an inward curved shape.

The second protrusion 637 is disposed in close contact with the first support structure 631, and pushes the first support structure 631 in an outward direction (the direction in which the key 610 is disposed or the bezel 2 direction). It can provide power. The pushing force pushes the first support structure 631 to the side of the seating portion 23 and can compress the waterproof structure 650 disposed between the bezel 2 and the first support structure 631. The compressed waterproof structure 650 can further increase the effect of blocking fluid penetrating from the outside.

And after the first support structure 531 and the second support structure 535 are coupled and seated on the seating portion 23, two keys 610(a) and 610(b) are inserted from the outside into the main body. (Step 27, Figure 28(f))

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first surface 615(a), (b) of each key 610(a), (b) is a waterproof structure 650(a) disposed inside the main body. (b)), and the step of the key 610 can be fastened to the side fastening portion formed on the main body bezel 2. A portion of the key button portion 611 of the key 610 may protrude outside the main body and may be arranged so that it can be clicked using a user's finger motion. Here, the step of the key 610 is coupled to the main body in a third direction (Z) that is different from the first direction (X) in which the first surface 615 is inserted, thereby preventing the key 610 from being separated. In addition, no matter which part of the key button portion 611 is pressed, accurate pressure can be transmitted to the dome button 670.

By using the above manufacturing method, the key module 600 can be accurately seated and placed in the electronic device 10 (FIG. 14(g)).

The key module of various embodiments of the present invention described above is not limited to the above-described embodiments and drawings, and various substitutions, modifications, and changes are possible within the technical scope of the present invention as is known in the technical field to which the present invention pertains. It will be clear to those who have the knowledge of.

Key modules: 300, 400, 500, 600
Height: 310, 410, 510, 610
Support structure: 330, 430, 530, 630
Waterproof construction: 350, 450, 550, 650

Claims (20)

In portable communication devices,
a front cover forming the front of the portable communication device;
a rear cover forming the rear of the portable communication device;
a bezel forming at least a portion of a side of the portable communication device and including an opening;
a key disposed through the opening, the key including a first key portion exposed to the outside of the portable communication device and a second key portion protruding toward the inside of the portable communication device;
a support structure disposed adjacent to the opening;
A flexible printed circuit board including a dome button, wherein a portion of the flexible printed circuit board is attached to a surface of the support structure facing the opening; and
a watertight structure disposed between the opening and the support structure, comprising a watertight structure comprising a first watertight structure portion corresponding to the second key portion and a second watertight structure portion surrounding the first watertight structure portion;
The second waterproof structural portion protrudes in a direction substantially perpendicular to the side surface with respect to the first waterproof structural portion,
The second waterproof structural portion is in contact with an inner surface of the bezel surrounding the opening.
According to claim 1,
The second waterproof structural portion surrounds a portion of the second key portion.
According to claim 1,
A portable communication device configured such that when the key is pressed, the dome button is actuated by pressure applied to the first key portion.
According to claim 1,
The support structure includes a recessed area on which the dome button is mounted such that the dome button faces the first waterproof structure portion.
According to claim 1,
The first waterproof structural portion is a flexible portable communication device.
According to clause 5,
A portable communication device wherein when the key is subjected to pressure, the shape of the first waterproof structural portion changes according to the pressure applied to the first key portion.
According to claim 1,
A portable communication device in which the support structure and the bezel are formed separately.
According to claim 1,
A portable communication device wherein the bezel includes a recessed area, and the support structure is mounted within the recessed area.
According to claim 1,
A portable communication device wherein the front cover includes a glass front cover.
According to claim 1,
A portable communication device wherein at least a portion of the waterproof structure includes an elastic material.
According to claim 10,
The waterproof structure further includes a film disposed to surround an outer surface of the portion formed of the elastic material.
According to claim 1,
The second waterproof structural portion includes a waterproof contact surface that overlaps a portion of the inner surface of the bezel.
According to claim 12,
A portable communication device wherein the waterproof contact surface is configured to form at least one closed loop.
In portable communication devices,
A housing including a bezel;
a pressable key disposed through an opening in the bezel;
a support structure disposed adjacent to the opening;
a flexible printed circuit board attached to one surface of the support structure and including a dome button operated by a portion of the pushable key protruding toward the inside of the housing; and
A watertight structure disposed between the opening and the support structure, comprising a first watertight structure portion and a second watertight structure portion surrounding the first watertight structure portion, wherein the first watertight structure portion is positioned between the pressable key and the second watertight structure portion. It includes a waterproof structure disposed in response to the protruding portion,
The second waterproof structural portion protrudes relative to the first waterproof structural portion,
The second waterproof structural portion is in contact with an inner surface of the bezel surrounding the opening.
According to claim 14,
The second waterproof structural portion surrounds a portion of the protruding portion of the pushable key.
According to claim 14,
The support structure includes a recessed area on which the dome button is mounted such that the dome button faces the first waterproof structure portion.
According to claim 14,
The first waterproof structural portion is a flexible portable communication device.
According to claim 17,
A portable communication device wherein when the key is subjected to pressure, the shape of the first waterproof structural portion changes depending on the pressure applied to the pushable key.
According to claim 14,
A portable communication device in which the support structure and the bezel are formed separately.
According to claim 14,
A portable communication device wherein the bezel includes a recessed area, and the support structure is mounted within the recessed area.