Electronic device including waterproof structure

By employing a waterproof structure in foldable electronic devices, including waterproof components and mounting brackets, the problem of insufficient space on flexible printed circuit boards is solved, enabling the thinning of electronic devices and improved assembly.

CN121793290APending Publication Date: 2026-04-03SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Applications(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2023-11-02
Publication Date
2026-04-03

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

As foldable electronic devices become thinner and flexible displays diversify their folding methods, the space required for the curved portions of flexible printed circuit boards increases, making it difficult to achieve thinner electronic devices. Furthermore, existing waterproof structures cannot guarantee the elastic deformation space of flexible printed circuit boards.

Method used

The structure employs a waterproof design, including first and second waterproof components and a mounting bracket, which are positioned on the housing around the outer periphery of the through-hole to ensure waterproofing in the bending areas of the flexible printed circuit board.

Benefits of technology

By ensuring the flexible deformation space of the printed circuit board, it helps to make electronic devices thinner and improve the assembly process, while maintaining operational reliability and waterproof performance.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

According to various embodiments, an electronic device includes: a first housing having a through hole; a second housing; the hinge device is used for coupling the first shell and the second shell; a flexible printed circuit board disposed to pass through the through hole and electrically connected to a first electronic component in the first case and a second electronic component in the second case; a reinforcing member disposed on the flexible printed circuit board; a first waterproof member disposed within the through hole or adjacent to the through hole, where the stiffener and the first waterproof member form a ring structure having an opening at least partially overlapping the through hole; a second waterproof member disposed to at least partially overlap the opening and seal at least the through hole; and a fixing bracket disposed above the reinforcing member and the first waterproof member to cover the opening.
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Description

Cross-references to related applications

[0001] This application is a divisional application of patent application No. 2023800819265, filed on November 2, 2023, entitled "Electronic Device Including Waterproof Structure," and claims priority thereto. The contents of the aforementioned patent application are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] Various embodiments of this disclosure relate to an electronic device including a waterproof structure. Background Technology

[0003] As the functional differences between electronic devices from different manufacturers significantly narrow, devices are becoming increasingly thinner to meet consumer demand. Simultaneously, the rigidity of electronic devices is increasing, and their design aspects are being strengthened, while improvements are being made to differentiate their functional components. Electronic devices can have deformable structures that allow for convenient portability and the use of large-screen displays when in use. For example, electronic devices can include foldable devices that are rotatably coupled to each other via hinge mechanisms. Foldable electronic devices need to be designed to ensure efficient layout of internal electronic components and reliable operation in response to folding operations. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Technical issues The electronic device may include a foldable electronic device comprising a first housing and a second housing foldably connected to the first housing via a hinge mechanism (e.g., a hinge module, hinge structure, or hinge assembly). The first and second housings are rotatably coupled to each other via the hinge mechanism, thereby ensuring operational reliability in a folded and / or unfolded state. By utilizing the hinge mechanism to rotate the first housing relative to the second housing within a range of 0 to 360 degrees, the foldable electronic device can operate in an inward-folding and / or outward-folding manner. The foldable electronic device may include a flexible display configured to be supported by the first and second housings in a 180-degree open state.

[0005] Foldable electronic devices may include flexible printed circuit boards (FPCBs) electrically connecting a first housing and a second housing. The flexible printed circuit board may be disposed within the internal space of a hinge housing housing housing a hinge mechanism and includes a curved portion formed in a bent shape (e.g., a shape that bends at least once), the curved portion being at least partially elastic (e.g., resilient) to accommodate length deformation according to a folding operation of the foldable electronic device. The flexible printed circuit board may be configured such that one end passes through at least a portion of the first housing and is then electrically connected to a first printed circuit board (e.g., a main printed circuit board), and the other end passes through at least a portion of the second housing and is then electrically connected to a second printed circuit board (e.g., a sub-printed circuit board).

[0006] The foldable electronic device may include a fixing structure formed in portions of the device that extend from the curved portion into the first and second housings. For example, the fixing structure may be configured such that a reinforcement disposed on a flexible printed circuit board is attached to at least a portion of the first or second housing. The foldable electronic device may include a waterproof structure for preventing or reducing the ingress of external moisture or foreign matter, provided by a flexible printed circuit board disposed through each housing. This waterproof structure may be configured such that a sealing structure seals through-holes through which the flexible printed circuit board passes through the first and second housings.

[0007] However, as foldable electronics become thinner or the folding methods of flexible displays diversify (e.g., folding into a teardrop shape), the space for accommodating the bent portion of the flexible printed circuit board, from the fixed structure to the internal space of the hinge housing (e.g., the space required for elastic deformation of the bending region), may become narrower. For example, as the space of the folding region of a flexible display increases, the space required for the bent portion of the flexible printed circuit board also increases, which may make it difficult to make the electronics thinner.

[0008] According to various embodiments of this disclosure, an electronic device may be provided that includes a waterproof structure capable of helping to make the electronic device thinner.

[0009] According to various embodiments, an electronic device with a waterproof structure can be provided, the waterproof structure including a waterproof structure that helps to make the electronic device thinner, while guiding the smooth operation of the electronic device by ensuring space for the elastic deformation of the flexible printed circuit board.

[0010] According to various embodiments, an electronic device may be provided that includes a waterproof structure that can help improve assembly.

[0011] However, the purpose of this disclosure is not limited to the above-mentioned purposes, but can be extended in various ways without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure.

[0012] Solution to the problem According to various embodiments, the electronic device may include: a first housing including at least one first electronic component; a second housing including at least one second electronic component; a hinge mechanism rotatably connecting the first housing and the second housing to each other; a flexible printed circuit board extending through a through-hole formed in the first housing and / or the second housing and electrically connecting at least one first electronic component and at least one second electronic component; and a waterproof structure disposed in the through-hole, wherein the waterproof structure may include: a first waterproof member coupled to a reinforcement disposed on the flexible printed circuit board to form a ring structure including an opening; a second waterproof member disposed on the reinforcement and the first waterproof member to cover the opening, wherein the reinforcement and the first waterproof member may be disposed on the first housing and / or the second housing in such a way that the ring structure surrounds the outer periphery of the through-hole.

[0013] According to various embodiments, the electronic device may include a first housing including at least one first electronic component; a second housing including at least one second electronic component; a hinge mechanism rotatably connecting the first and second housings to each other; a flexible printed circuit board (PCB) passing through through-holes formed in the first and second housings and electrically connecting at least one first electronic component and at least one second electronic component; and waterproof structures, each disposed in one of the through-holes, wherein the waterproof structures may include: a first waterproof member coupled to a reinforcement disposed on the PCB substrate to form an open ring structure; a second waterproof member disposed on the reinforcement and the first waterproof member to cover the opening; a third waterproof member disposed between the first housing and / or the second housing and the reinforcement and the first waterproof member; and a fixing bracket configured to overlap with at least a portion of the second waterproof member and be fixed to the first housing and / or the second housing, wherein the reinforcement and the first waterproof member may be disposed on the first and second housings in such a way that the ring structure surrounds the outer periphery of the through-hole.

[0014] Beneficial effects of the invention An electronic device according to an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure (in which the fixing structure and waterproof structure of the flexible printed circuit board are implemented together at the through-hole) can improve flexibility by ensuring the drive length of the flexible printed circuit board according to the folding operation of the electronic device, and can help to make the electronic device thinner without increasing its thickness. Furthermore, the waterproof structure of the flexible printed circuit board is provided together with the fixing structure, which can help improve assembly.

[0015] In addition, it can provide various effects that can be identified directly or indirectly through this article.

[0016] The effects obtained through this disclosure are not limited to those described above, and those skilled in the art will clearly understand other effects not mentioned above through the following description. Attached Figure Description

[0017] In conjunction with the description in the accompanying drawings, the same or similar reference numerals may be used for the same or similar constituent elements.

[0018] Figure 1a This is a perspective view showing the front surface of an electronic device in an unfolded (or flattened) state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0019] Figure 1b This is a top view showing the front surface of an electronic device in an unfolded state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0020] Figure 1c This is a top view showing the rear surface of an electronic device in an unfolded state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0021] Figure 2a This is a perspective view of an electronic device in a folded state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0022] Figure 2b This is a perspective view of an electronic device in an intermediate state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0023] Figure 3 This is an exploded perspective view of an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0024] Figure 4 Electronic devices according to various embodiments of the present disclosure Figure 1c A partial cross-sectional view taken from line 4-4.

[0025] Figure 5a This is an exploded perspective view of a waterproof structure according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0026] Figure 5b This is a flowchart illustrating the assembly sequence of a waterproof structure according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0027] Figures 6a to 6g This is a view illustrating the coupling process according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0028] Figure 1a This is a perspective view of an electronic device showing an unfolded (or flat) state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 1b This is a plan view showing the front surface of an electronic device in an unfolded state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 1c This is a plan view showing the rear surface of an electronic device in an unfolded state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0029] Figure 2a This is a perspective view of an electronic device in a folded state, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 2b This is a perspective view of an electronic device showing an intermediate state of an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0030] refer to Figures 1a to 2b The electronic device 100 may include a hinge-based device (e.g., Figure 1b The hinge device 140) is foldably coupled to a first housing 110 and a second housing 120 (e.g., a foldable housing structure). In one embodiment, the hinge device (e.g., Figure 1b The hinge device 140 can be positioned in the X-axis direction or the Y-axis direction. According to one embodiment, the electronic device 100 may include a first display 130 (e.g., a flexible display, a foldable display, or a main display) disposed in a region (e.g., a recess) formed by the first housing 110 and the second housing 120. According to one embodiment, the first housing 110 and the second housing 120 may be disposed on both sides around a folding axis F and may have a substantially symmetrical shape about the folding axis F. According to one embodiment, the angle or distance between the first housing 110 and the second housing 120 may vary depending on the state of the electronic device 100. For example, the angle or distance between the first housing 110 and the second housing 120 may differ depending on whether the electronic device is in an unfolded (or flat) state, a folded state, or an intermediate state.

[0031] According to one embodiment, in the unfolded state of the electronic device 100, the first housing 110 may include a first surface 111 pointing in a first direction (e.g., forward direction) (z-axis direction) and a second surface 112 pointing in a second direction opposite to the first surface 111 (e.g., rearward direction) (-z-axis direction). According to one embodiment, in the unfolded state of the electronic device 100, the second housing 120 may include a third surface 121 pointing in the first direction (z-axis direction) and a fourth surface 122 pointing in the second direction (-z-axis direction). According to one embodiment, in the unfolded state of the electronic device 100, the first surface 111 of the first housing 110 and the third surface 121 of the second housing 120 may point in substantially the same first direction (z-axis direction). In one embodiment, in the folded state of the electronic device 100, the first surface 111 of the first housing 110 and the third surface 121 of the second housing 120 may face each other. According to one embodiment, in the unfolded state of the electronic device 100, the second surface 112 of the first housing 110 and the fourth surface 122 of the second housing 120 can point in substantially the same second direction (-z-axis direction). In one embodiment, in the folded state of the electronic device 100, the second surface 112 of the first housing and the fourth surface 122 of the second housing 120 can point in opposite directions. For example, in the folded state of the electronic device 100, the second surface 112 can point in a first direction (z-axis direction), and the fourth surface 122 can point in a second direction (-z-axis direction). In this case, the first display 130 can be hidden from the outside (inward folding). In one embodiment, the electronic device 100 can be folded such that the second surface 112 of the first housing 110 and the fourth surface 122 of the second housing 120 face each other. In this case, the first display 130 can be positioned to be seen from the outside (outward folding).

[0032] According to various embodiments, a first housing 110 (e.g., a first housing structure) may include a first side member 113 forming the appearance of an electronic device 100, and a first rear cover 114 coupled to the first side member 113 and forming at least a portion of a second surface 112 of the electronic device 100. According to one embodiment, the first side member 113 may include a first side surface 113a, a second side surface 113b extending from one end of the first side surface 113a, and a third side surface 113c extending from the other end of the first side surface 113a. According to one embodiment, the first side member 113 may be formed in a quadrilateral (e.g., square or rectangular) shape defined by the first side surface 113a, the second side surface 113b, and the third side surface 113c.

[0033] According to various embodiments, the second housing 120 (e.g., a second housing structure) may include a second side member 123 that at least partially forms the appearance of the electronic device 100, and a second rear cover 124 that is coupled to the second side member 123 and forms at least a portion of the fourth surface 122 of the electronic device 100. According to one embodiment, the second side member 123 may include a fourth side surface 123a, a fifth side surface 123b extending from one end of the fourth side surface 123a, and a sixth side surface 123c extending from the other end of the fourth side surface 123a. According to one embodiment, the second side member 123 may be formed in a quadrilateral shape defined by the fourth side surface 123a, the fifth side surface 123b, and the sixth side surface 123c.

[0034] According to various embodiments, the first housing 110 and the second housing 120 are not limited to the shapes and combinations shown, and can be implemented by combinations and / or synthesis of other shapes or components. In one embodiment, the first side member 113 may be integrally formed with the first rear cover 114, and the second side member 123 may be integrally formed with the second rear cover 124.

[0035] According to various embodiments, in the unfolded state of the electronic device 100, the second side surface 113b of the first side member 113 and the fifth side surface 123b of the second side member 123 can be connected to each other without gaps. According to one embodiment, in the unfolded state of the electronic device 100, the third side surface 113c of the first side member 113 and the sixth side surface 123c of the second side member 123 can be connected to each other without gaps. According to one embodiment, in the unfolded state of the electronic device 100, the sum of the lengths of the second side surface 113b and the fifth side surface 123b can be configured to be longer than the lengths of the first side surface 113a and / or the fourth side surface 123a. According to one embodiment, in the unfolded state of the electronic device 100, the sum of the lengths of the third side surface 113c and the sixth side surface 123c can be configured to be longer than the lengths of the first side surface 113a and / or the fourth side surface 123a.

[0036] refer to Figure 2a and Figure 2bThe first side member 113 and / or the second side member 123 may be formed of metal, or may further include a polymer injected into the metal. According to one embodiment, the first side member 113 may include at least one conductive portion 116 electrically divided by at least one segmented portion 1161, 1162 formed of polymer, and the second side member 123 may include at least one conductive portion 126 electrically divided by at least one segmented portion 1261, 1262 formed of polymer. In this case, at least one conductive portion 116 and / or at least one conductive portion 126 may be electrically connected to a wireless communication circuit included in the electronic device 100, and thus can be used as at least a portion of an antenna operating in at least one specified frequency band (e.g., a legacy band).

[0037] According to various embodiments, the first back cover 114 and / or the second back cover 124 may be formed of, for example, coated or colored glass, ceramic, polymer or metal (e.g., aluminum, stainless steel (STS) or magnesium) or at least a combination of two of them.

[0038] According to various embodiments, the first display 130 can be configured to extend beyond the hinge mechanism (e.g., Figure 1b The hinge device 140 extends from a first surface 111 of the first housing 110 to at least a portion of a third surface 121 of the second housing 120. In one embodiment, the first display 130 may include a first region 130a substantially corresponding to the first surface 111, a second region 130b corresponding to the second surface 112, and a third region 130c (e.g., a flexible region or a folding region) connecting the first region 130a and the second region 130b to each other. According to one embodiment, the third region 130c may be a portion of the first region 120a and / or the second region 130b, and may be positioned with respect to the hinge device (e.g., Figure 1b The hinge device 140 is located at a position corresponding to the hinge device 140. According to one embodiment, the electronic device 100 may include a support hinge device (e.g., Figure 1b The hinge housing 141 (e.g., hinge cover) of the hinge device 140. In one embodiment, the hinge housing 141 may be configured to be exposed to the outside when the electronic device 100 is in a folded state and not visible from the outside when the electronic device 100 is in an unfolded state, as it is pulled into the interior space of the first housing 110 and the interior space of the second housing 120.

[0039] According to various embodiments, the electronic device 100 may include a second display 131 (e.g., a sub-display) disposed separately from the first display 130. According to one embodiment, the second display 131 may be configured to be at least partially exposed on a second surface 112 of the first housing 110. In one embodiment, when the electronic device 100 is in a folded state, the second display 131 may display at least a portion of the status information of the electronic device 100 in place of at least a portion of the display function of the first display 130. According to one embodiment, the second display 131 may be configured to be viewed from the outside through at least a portion of a first rear cover 114. In one embodiment, the second display 131 may be disposed on a fourth surface 122 of the second housing 120. In this case, the second display 131 may be configured to be viewed from the outside through at least a portion of a second rear cover 124.

[0040] According to various embodiments, electronic device 100 may include at least one of an input device 103 (e.g., a microphone), sound output devices 101 and 102, a sensor module 104, a camera device (e.g., a first camera device 105 and a second camera device 108), a key input device 106, and / or a connector port 107. In one illustrated embodiment, although the input device 103 (e.g., a microphone), sound output devices 101 and 102, sensor module 104, first camera device 105, second camera device 108, key input device 106, or connector port 107 are shown as holes or circular elements formed on the first housing 110 or the second housing 120, these are illustrative examples for explanation and are not limiting. According to various embodiments, input device 103 may include at least one microphone disposed on the second housing 120. In one embodiment, input device 103 may include a plurality of microphones configured to sense the direction of sound. In one embodiment, the plurality of microphones may be disposed in appropriate locations on the first housing 110 and / or the second housing 120. According to one embodiment, sound output devices 101 and 102 may include at least one speaker. According to one embodiment, at least one speaker of the sound output device 101 may include a receiver for communication disposed on the first housing 110, and the speaker of the sound output device 102 may be disposed on the second housing 120. In one embodiment, the input device 103, the sound output devices 101 and 102, and the connector port 107 may be disposed within the space provided in the first housing 110 and / or the second housing 120 of the electronic device 100, and may be exposed to the external environment through at least one hole formed in the first housing 110 and / or the second housing 120. According to one embodiment, at least one connector port 107 may be used to send power and / or data to and receive power and / or data from an external electronic device. In one embodiment, at least one connector port (e.g., a headphone jack) may accommodate a connector (e.g., a headphone jack) for sending audio signals to and receiving audio signals from an external electronic device. In one embodiment, the holes formed in the first housing 110 and / or the second housing 120 may be commonly used for the input device 103 and the sound output devices 101 and 102. In one embodiment, the sound output devices 101 and 102 may include a loudspeaker (e.g., a piezoelectric loudspeaker) that is not exposed through holes formed in the first housing 110 and / or the second housing 120.

[0041] According to various embodiments, sensor module 104 can generate electrical signals or data values ​​corresponding to the internal operating state or external environmental state of electronic device 100. According to one embodiment, sensor module 104 can detect the external environment via a first surface 111 of the first housing 110. In one embodiment, electronic device 100 may further include at least one sensor module configured to detect the external environment via a second surface 112 of the first housing 110. According to one embodiment, sensor module 104 (e.g., an illuminance sensor) may be configured to detect the external environment below the first display 130 via the first display 130. According to one embodiment, sensor module 104 may include at least one of a gesture sensor, gyroscope sensor, barometric pressure sensor, magnetic sensor, accelerometer, grip sensor, color sensor, infrared (IR) sensor, biosensor, temperature sensor, humidity sensor, illuminance sensor, proximity sensor, biosensor, ultrasonic sensor, and illuminance sensor.

[0042] According to various embodiments, the camera device may include a first camera device 105 (e.g., a front-facing camera device) disposed on a first surface 111 of the first housing 110 and a second camera device 108 disposed on a second surface 112 of the first housing 110. In one embodiment, the electronic device 100 may further include a flash 109 disposed near the second camera device 108. According to one embodiment, the first camera device 105 and the second camera device 108 may include at least one lens, an image sensor, and / or an image signal processor. According to one embodiment, the first camera device 105 and the second camera device 108 may be configured such that two or more lenses (e.g., wide-angle lenses, ultra-wide-angle lenses, or telephoto lenses) and two or more image sensors are located on a surface of the electronic device 100 (e.g., the first surface 111, the second surface 112, the third surface 121, and / or the fourth surface 122). In one embodiment, the first camera device 105 and the second camera device 108 may include a lens and / or an image sensor for time-of-flight (TOF) measurement.

[0043] According to various embodiments, a key input device 106 (e.g., a key button) may be disposed on a third side surface 113c of a first side member 113 of the first housing 110. In one embodiment, the key input device 106 may be disposed on at least one of a first side surface 113a and / or a second side surface 113b of the first housing 110 and / or a fourth side surface 123a, a fifth side surface 123b, and a sixth side surface 123c of the second housing 120. In one embodiment, the electronic device 100 may not include some or all of the key input devices 106, and the un-included key input devices 106 may be implemented on the first display 130 in another form (such as soft keys). In one embodiment, the key input device 106 may be implemented using a pressure sensor included in the first display 130.

[0044] According to various embodiments, one of the camera device (e.g., the first camera device 105) or the sensor module 104 may be configured to be exposed through the first display 130. According to one embodiment, the first camera device 105 or the sensor module 104 may be optically exposed to the outside within the internal space of the electronic device 100 through an opening (e.g., a through-hole) at least partially formed on the first display 130. According to one embodiment, at least a portion of the sensor module 104 within the internal space of the electronic device 100 may be configured not to be visually exposed through the first display 130. Reference Figure 2b Through a hinge mechanism (e.g., Figure 1b (Hinge device 140), the electronic device 100 can be operated to maintain at least one specified folding angle in the intermediate state. In this case, the electronic device 100 can control the first display 130 so that different kinds of content are displayed on the display area corresponding to the first surface 111 and the display area corresponding to the third surface 121. According to one embodiment, by means of the hinge device (e.g., Figure 1b The hinge device 140), the electronic device 100 can operate in a substantially unfolded state based on a specific folding angle (e.g., the angle between the first housing 110 and the second housing 120 when the electronic device 100 is in the intermediate state). Figure 1a (in the unfolded state) and / or in the substantially folded state (e.g., Figure 2a (The folded state). In one embodiment, if the electronic device 100 is connected by a hinge device (e.g., Figure 1b When the hinge device 140 is unfolded to a specific folding angle and a pressing force is applied in the unfolding direction (direction A), the electronic device 100 can be operated to switch to the unfolded state (e.g., Figure 1a (The unfolded state). In one embodiment, if the electronic device 100 is connected by a hinge device (e.g., Figure 1bWhen the hinge device 140 is unfolded to a specific folding angle and a pressing force is applied in the folding direction (direction B), the electronic device 100 can be operated to switch to the folded state (e.g., Figure 2a (The folded state). In one embodiment, the electronic device 100 can be operated via a hinge mechanism (e.g., Figure 1b The hinge device 140) is kept in an extended state at various angles, which can be called a free stop function.

[0045] Figure 3 This is an exploded perspective view of an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0046] Reference Figure 3 The electronic device 100 may include: a first housing 110 (e.g., a first housing structure) including a first side member 113 (e.g., a first side frame or a first side border); a second housing 120 (e.g., a second housing structure) foldably connected to the first housing 110 via a hinge device 140 and including a second side member 123 (e.g., a second side frame or a second side border); and a first display 130 (e.g., a flexible display) configured to be supported by the first housing 110 and the second housing 120. In an embodiment, the first housing 110 may include a first rear cover 114 coupled to the first side member 113. In an embodiment, the first housing 110 may include a first support member 1131 (e.g., a first support plate) extending at least partially from the first side member 113 and including a first surface 1131a and a second surface 1131b facing in a direction opposite to the first surface 1131a. In an embodiment, the first housing 110 may include a first space formed between the second surface 1131b of the first support member 1131 and the first rear cover 114 (e.g., Figure 4 The first space 1101 in the first space). In an embodiment, the second housing 120 may include a second rear cover 124 coupled to the second side member 123. In an embodiment, the second housing 120 may include a second support member 1231 (e.g., a second support plate) that extends at least partially from the second side member 123 and includes a third surface 1231a facing the same direction as the first surface 1131a in the unfolded state and a fourth surface 1231b facing the opposite direction to the third surface 1231a. In an embodiment, the second housing 120 may include a second space (e.g., a second space) formed between the fourth surface 1231b and the second rear cover 124. Figure 4The second space 1201 is described above. In an embodiment, the first support member 1131 may be integrally formed with the first side member 113, or may be structurally coupled to the first side member 113. In an embodiment, the second support member 1231 may be integrally formed with the second side member 123, or may be structurally coupled to the second side member 123. In an embodiment, the first display 130 may be configured to be supported by a first surface 1131a of the first support member 1131 and a third surface 1231a of the second support member 1231. In an embodiment, the first side member 113 and the first rear cover 114 may be integrally formed. In an embodiment, the second side member 123 and the second rear cover 124 may be integrally formed. In an embodiment, the electronic device 100 may include a second display 131 disposed in the first space 1101 and visible from the outside through at least some areas of the first rear cover 114.

[0047] According to various embodiments, the electronic device 100 may include a first printed circuit board 151 (e.g., a first printed circuit board assembly or a main printed circuit board) disposed in a first space 1101 and at least one electronic component (e.g., a camera module 105, a receiver 101, or a first battery B1) disposed on the first printed circuit board 151. In embodiments, the electronic device 100 may include a second printed circuit board 152 (e.g., a second printed circuit board assembly or a sub-printed circuit board) disposed in a second space 1201, and at least one electronic component (e.g., a speaker 102 or a battery B2) disposed on the second printed circuit board. In embodiments, the electronic device may include a flexible printed circuit board 160 (e.g., a flexible substrate, an FPCB, or a wiring component) that electrically connects the first printed circuit board 151 and the second printed circuit board 152 via a hinge device 140. In embodiments, the electronic device 100 may include a hinge housing 141 disposed in a region corresponding to the hinge device 140. In embodiments, the hinge device 140 may be configured to be invisible from the outside of the electronic device 100 via the hinge housing 141. In an embodiment, at least a portion of the flexible printed circuit board 160 may be disposed in a way that is elastically deformable and not visible from the outside in the space formed by the hinge housing 141 (e.g., Figure 4 In the space 1411).

[0048] According to an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the flexible printed circuit board 160 can be arranged in the region corresponding to the hinge device 140 in such a way that it is bent once or multiple times in different directions (e.g., Figure 4In the space 1411). In an embodiment, the bending region of the flexible printed circuit board 160 can accommodate the length variation of the flexible printed circuit board 160, which can be stretched or contracted according to the folding operation of the electronic device 100. In an embodiment, the electronic device 100 may include waterproof structures 200 and 200-1 for the flexible printed circuit board 160. For example, waterproof structures 200 and 200-1 may include: a first waterproof structure 200, which, when the flexible printed circuit board 160 passes through a first through-hole formed in the first support member 1131 (e.g., Figure 4 When the flexible printed circuit board 160 is electrically connected to the first printed circuit board 151 through the first through-hole 1131c in the second support member 1231, the first waterproof structure 200 seals the first through-hole 1131c to block external moisture or foreign matter; and a second waterproof structure 200-1, when the flexible printed circuit board 160 is electrically connected to the second printed circuit board 152 through the second through-hole 1231c in the second support member 1231, the second waterproof structure 200-1 seals the second through-hole 1231c to block external moisture and foreign matter. In an embodiment, the electronic device 100 may include a fixing structure configured to prevent movement of the flexible printed circuit board 160 housed in the first housing 110 and the second housing 120 when the electronic device 100 performs a folding operation. An electronic device 100 configured with a fixing structure together with waterproof structures 200 and 200-1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, compared with a layout structure in which the fixing structure is set separately, can help to make the electronic device 100 thinner and / or improve assembly without increasing the thickness of the electronic device 100 by ensuring sufficient bending area for the flexible printed circuit board 160 (e.g., by ensuring sufficient drive length for the flexible printed circuit board).

[0049] Figure 4 Electronic devices according to various embodiments of the present disclosure Figure 1c A partial cross-sectional view taken from line 4-4.

[0050] Reference Figure 4 The electronic device 100 may include: a second housing 120, which is connected by a hinge mechanism (e.g., Figure 3 The hinge device 140 is coupled in a rotatable manner relative to the first housing 110; and the flexible display 130 (e.g., Figure 3The first display 130 in the flexible display is configured to be supported by a first housing 110 and a second housing 110. In an embodiment, the first housing 110 may include a first side member 113 and a first rear cover 114, the first rear cover 114 being coupled to the first side member 13 and forming a first space 1101. In an embodiment, the second housing 120 may include a second side member 123 and a second rear cover 124, the second rear cover 124 being coupled to the second side member 123 and forming a second space 1201. In an embodiment, the first side member 113 may at least partially form the side surface of the electronic device 100 (e.g., Figure 1a The appearance of the first side surface 113a, the second side surface 113b, and the third side surface 113c in the device 100, and may include a first support member 1131 extending from the side surface into at least a portion of the first space 1101. In an embodiment, the first space 1101 may be provided by coupling the first support member 1131 and the first rear cover 114. In an embodiment, the second side member 123 may at least partially form the side surface of the electronic device 100 (e.g., Figure 1a The fourth side surface 123a, the fifth side surface 123b, and the sixth side surface 123c of the second space 1201 may be included, and may include a second support member 1231 extending from the side surfaces into at least a portion of the second space 1201. In an embodiment, the second space 1201 may be provided by coupling the second support member 1231 and the second rear cover 124. In an embodiment, the first support member 1131 may include a first surface 1131a facing a first direction (e.g., the z-axis direction) and a second surface 1131b facing a second direction opposite to the first direction (e.g., the -z-axis direction) in the unfolded state. In an embodiment, the second support member 1231 may include a third surface 1231a facing the same direction as the first surface 1131a and a fourth surface 1231b facing the opposite direction to the third surface 1232a in the unfolded state. In an embodiment, the flexible display 130 may be configured to be supported by the first surface 1131a and the third surface 1231a. In an embodiment, the electronic device 100 may include a hinge housing 141, which includes a receiving space 1411 disposed between a first housing 110 and a second housing 120, and is intended to accommodate a hinge device (e.g., Figure 3 The hinge housing 141 is configured such that it is not visible from the outside when the electronic device 100 is in a folded state, and is shielded from the outside by a first housing 110 and a second housing 120 in an unfolded state.

[0051] According to various embodiments, the electronic device 100 may include at least one flexible printed circuit board 160 (e.g., FPCB, flexible printed circuit board, or FRC, flexible RF cable) for electrically connecting at least one first electronic component disposed in a first space 1101 of the first housing 110 and at least one second electronic component disposed in a second space 1201 of the second housing 120. In embodiments, at least one first electronic component may include a main printed circuit board (e.g., Figure 3 The first printed circuit board 151 in the embodiment). In an embodiment, at least one second electronic component may include a sub-printed circuit board (e.g., Figure 3 The second printed circuit board 152 in the first space 1101 and / or the second electronic component may include at least one battery B1 or B2, at least one antenna radiator, at least one sensor module, or at least one input / output device disposed in the first space 1101 and / or the second space 1201. For example, the flexible printed circuit board 160 may be configured to electrically connect the various electronic components disposed in the first space 1101 and the second space 1201 to each other. In an embodiment, the flexible printed circuit board 160 may be configured such that it passes through a first through hole 1131c formed in the first support member 1131 of the first housing 110, passes through the receiving space 1411 of the hinge housing 141, and is received in the second space 1201 after passing through a second through hole 1231c formed in the second support member 1231 of the second housing 120. In an embodiment, the flexible printed circuit board 160 may be disposed in the receiving space 1411 of the hinge housing 141 in such a way that the flexible printed circuit board 160 has a shape and additional length for accommodating length changes caused by folding operations of the electronic device 100. For example, the flexible printed circuit board 160 may be formed to have a shape that bends at least once in the receiving space 1411 and is capable of elastic recovery.

[0052] According to various embodiments, the electronic device 100 may include a first waterproof structure 200 for sealing a first through-hole 1131c and a second waterproof structure 200-1 for sealing a second through-hole 1231c. In embodiments, the first waterproof structure 200 and the second waterproof structure 200-1 can prevent or reduce the penetration of external moisture and / or foreign matter into the first space 1101 and the second space 1201 through the first through-hole 1131c and the second through-hole 1231c. In embodiments, the first waterproof structure 200 may include a first waterproof member 210 coupled to a reinforcement 161 fixed to a first support member 1131 and disposed on a flexible printed circuit board 160. In embodiments, the first waterproof member 210 may include an opening (e.g., Figure 6b The flexible printed circuit board 160 passes through an opening 214. In one embodiment, the first waterproof member 210 and the reinforcement 161 may be arranged on the first support member 1131 in a ring structure surrounding the outer periphery of the first through hole 1131c. In another embodiment, the first waterproof structure 200 may include: a second waterproof member 220 configured to seal the opening 214; and a fixing bracket 230 positioned above the second waterproof member 220 and coupled to the first support member 1131. In yet another embodiment, the first waterproof structure 200 may include the first support member 1131 and a third waterproof member 240 disposed between the first waterproof member 210 and the reinforcement 161. In yet another embodiment, the second waterproof structure 200-1 may have substantially the same construction as the first waterproof structure 200 and may seal the second through hole 1231c.

[0053] An electronic device 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may have a fixing structure for a reinforcement 161 for securing a flexible printed circuit board 160, configured together with waterproof structures 200 and 200-1. This configuration helps ensure sufficient bending area 1142 of the flexible printed circuit board 160 according to folding operations without increasing the thickness of the electronic device 100, thereby helping to make the electronic device 100 thinner and / or improve assembly.

[0054] The first waterproof structure 200 disposed on the first support member 1131 of the first housing 110 is shown and described below. However, the second waterproof structure 200-1 disposed on the second support member 1231 of the second housing 120 may also have a substantially the same layout.

[0055] Figure 5a This is an exploded perspective view of a waterproof structure according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 5b This is a flowchart illustrating the assembly sequence of a waterproof structure according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0056] Figures 6a to 6g This is a view illustrating the coupling process according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0057] Reference Figures 5a to 6gThe electronic device 100 may include a first housing 110, which includes a first side member 113. In an embodiment, the first housing 110 may extend from the first side member 113 and includes a first surface 1131a facing a first direction (e.g., the z-axis direction) and a second surface 1131b facing a direction opposite to the first surface 1131a (e.g., the -z-axis direction). In an embodiment, the first side member 113 may include a through-hole 1131c extending from the first surface 1131a to the second surface 1131b. In an embodiment, the through-hole 1131c may be formed in a recess 1131d formed on the second surface 1131b of the first support member 1131. In an embodiment, the recess 1131d may be formed to be lower than the second surface 1131b. In an embodiment, the through-hole 1131c may be formed to have a length in a third direction (e.g., the ±x-axis direction), which is perpendicular to the first direction and parallel to the surface of the flexible display 130.

[0058] According to various embodiments, the electronic device 100 may include a flexible printed circuit board 160 passing through a through-hole 1131c. In embodiments, the flexible printed circuit board 160 may be accessible from a first space of the first housing 110 (e.g., Figure 4 The first space 1101 in the middle) passes through the through hole 1131c and is then introduced into the hinge housing (e.g., Figure 4 The receiving space of the hinge housing 141 in the middle (e.g., Figure 4 The flexible printed circuit board 160 may include a reinforcement 161, which is at least partially attached to or formed in the recess 1131d and disposed near the through-hole 1131c. In an embodiment, the reinforcement 161 may be coupled to the flexible printed circuit board 160 and may be formed of a metal or polymer material. In an embodiment, the two ends of the reinforcement 161 may include a pair of coupling grooves 1611 and 1612 recessed from the outer periphery.

[0059] According to various embodiments, the electronic device 100 may include a waterproof structure 200 (e.g., Figure 4The first waterproof structure 200 is provided through a through hole 1131c in the recess 1131d to seal the through hole 1131c through which the flexible printed circuit board 160 passes. In an embodiment, the waterproof structure 200 may include: a first waterproof member 210, which is at least partially coupled to the reinforcement 161; a second waterproof member 220, which is coupled to the first waterproof member 210 and the reinforcement 161; and a fixing bracket 230, which is disposed above the second waterproof member 220 to fix the first waterproof member 210, the second waterproof member 220 and the reinforcement 160 in the recess 1131d. In one embodiment, the fixing bracket 230 may include: a plate portion 231 configured to at least partially overlap the second waterproof member 220; and a pair of extensions 232 and 233 extending from both ends of the plate portion 231 and designed to be fastened with screws S into screw holes 1135 formed in the recess 1131d. In another embodiment, the waterproof structure 200 may include a third waterproof member 240 applied to the recess 1131d along the periphery of the through hole 1131c before the reinforcement 161 and the first waterproof member 210 are disposed in the recess 1131d. In some embodiments, the third waterproof member 240 may be omitted.

[0060] According to various embodiments, the first waterproof member 210 may include a body 211 and a pair of coupling protrusions 212 and 213 formed at both ends of the body 211. In embodiments, for example, the first waterproof member 210 may have a partially open annular shape. In embodiments, the first waterproof member 210 may be formed as... Shape. In embodiments, the body 211 may be formed of a rigid material, and the paired coupling protrusions 212 and 213 coupled to the body 211 may be formed of a flexible soft material. In embodiments, the body 211 may be formed of metal or polycarbonate (PC). In embodiments, the paired coupling protrusions 212 and 213 may be formed of a flexible material such as silicone, rubber, or polyurethane. In embodiments, the body 211 and the paired coupling protrusions 212 and 213 may be coupled by injection molding. In embodiments, the body 211 and the paired coupling protrusions 212 and 213 may be coupled by an attachment method such as adhesive or tape. In embodiments, the body 211 and the paired coupling protrusions 212 and 213 may be coupled by structural shape. In embodiments, the reinforcement 161 may include the paired coupling protrusions 212 and 213. For example, the paired coupling protrusions 212 and 213 coupled to the reinforcement 161 may be formed of a flexible soft material. For example, the reinforcement 161 and the paired coupling protrusions 212 and 213 can be coupled by an attachment method such as adhesive or tape. In some embodiments, the reinforcement 161 and the paired coupling protrusions 212 and 213 can be coupled by structural shape. In some embodiments, the coupling protrusions 212 and 213 can be formed on the reinforcement. In this case, coupling grooves 1611 and 1612 coupled to the coupling protrusions 212 and 213 can be formed on the first waterproof member 210. For example, the coupling groove coupled to the body 211 can also be formed of an elastic material.

[0061] The assembly sequence of the waterproof structure 200 is as follows.

[0062] Reference Figures 5b to 6g In the first operation 501, before applying the waterproof structure 200 to the electronic device 100, the reinforcement 161 of the flexible printed circuit board 160 and the first waterproof member 210 can be coupled firstly. In an embodiment, the first waterproof member 210 can be coupled by inserting (e.g., press-fitting) pairs of coupling protrusions 212 and 213 into pairs of coupling grooves 1611 and 1612 of the reinforcement 161. In an embodiment, the pairs of coupling protrusions 212 and 213 are formed of a flexible soft material and are therefore tightly coupled in an overlapping manner with the pairs of coupling grooves 1611 and 1612, which helps to maintain the waterproof function. In an embodiment, the open annular shape of the first waterproof member 210 can be transformed into a closed-loop shape by coupling with the reinforcement 161, thereby forming an opening 214. Thus, the flexible printed circuit board 160 can pass through the through-hole 1131c below the opening 214.

[0063] Then, as Figure 6cAs shown, a third waterproofing member 240 can be disposed in the recess 1131d to surround the outer periphery of the through hole 1131c. In an embodiment, the third waterproofing member 240 may include waterproof tape (e.g., double-sided tape) attached to the recess 1131d. In an embodiment, the third waterproofing member 240 may be attached to the entire area of ​​the recess 1131d except for the through hole 1131c and the screw fastening hole 1135. In some embodiments, the third waterproofing member 240 may be omitted.

[0064] In the second operation 503, such as Figure 6d As shown, the reinforcing member 161 and the first waterproof member 210 coupled to the reinforcing member 161 can be disposed in the recess 1131d. In this case, the reinforcing member 161 and the first waterproof member 210 coupled to the reinforcing member 161 can be disposed on the third waterproof member 240. In an embodiment, the closed ring structure formed by the reinforcing member 161 and the first waterproof member 210 can be configured to contact along the outer periphery of the through hole 1131c. For example, when the first waterproof member 210 is viewed from above, or when the second surface 1131b is viewed from above, the opening 214 can overlap with the through hole 1131c. In an embodiment, the opening 214 can be smaller than the through hole 1131c. In some embodiments, the opening 214 can be formed to be substantially the same size as the through hole 1131c. In some embodiments, the opening 214 can be formed to be larger than the through hole 1131c. In one embodiment, once the reinforcement 161 and the first waterproof member 210 coupled to the reinforcement 161 are placed in the recess 1131d, the flexible printed circuit board 160 can pass through the through hole 1131c.

[0065] In the third operation 505, such as Figure 6e As shown, the second waterproof component 220 can be disposed above the reinforcement 161 and the first waterproof component 210 in a manner that covers the opening 214. In one embodiment, the second waterproof component 220 may include waterproof tape. In another embodiment, the second waterproof component 220 may include double-sided tape.

[0066] In the fourth operation 507, such as Figure 6f and 6gAs shown, the fixing bracket 230 can be fixed in the following manner: the plate portion 231 is disposed above the second waterproof member 220, and the extensions 232 and 233 at both ends are securely fastened to the screw fastening holes 1135 formed in the recess 1131d using screws S. In an embodiment, the plate portion 231 of the fixing bracket 230 can be formed to at least cover the opening 214 when the first waterproof member 210 is viewed from above, and can be configured to overlap with the opening 214. Therefore, the opening 214 of the through hole 1131c can be sealed and covered by the second waterproof member 220 and the third waterproof member 240. Furthermore, the first waterproof member 210, the second waterproof member 220, the third waterproof member 240, and the reinforcing member 161 can be securely fixed in the recess 1131d of the first housing 110 by the fixing bracket 230. In an embodiment, after the waterproof structure 200 is fully assembled, the plate portion 231 of the fixing bracket 230 may be configured to align with the second surface 1131b of the first support member 1131, or to be set to be lower than the second surface 1131b within the recess 1131d.

[0067] According to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, an electronic device 100 in which the fixing structure of the reinforcing member 161 for fixing the flexible printed circuit board 160 is configured together with the waterproof structure 200 can help to make the electronic device 100 thinner and / or improve assembly without increasing the thickness of the electronic device 100 by ensuring sufficient bending area for the flexible printed circuit board 160 due to folding operations.

[0068] According to various embodiments, the electronic device may include a first housing (e.g., Figure 3 The first housing 110 in the middle includes at least one first electronic component (e.g., Figure 3 The first printed circuit board 151 in the middle); the second housing (e.g., Figure 3 The second housing 120 in the middle includes at least one second electronic component (e.g., Figure 3 The second printed circuit board 152 in the middle); hinge device (e.g., Figure 3 The hinge device 140 in the middle rotatably connects the first housing and the second housing to each other; flexible printed circuit board (e.g., Figure 4 The flexible printed circuit board 160 in the first housing and / or the second housing has a through-hole formed therein (e.g., Figure 4 Through holes 1131c and 1231c in the middle), and electrically connect at least one first electronic component and at least one second electronic component; and a waterproof structure (e.g., Figure 4 Waterproof structures 200 and 200-1 in the example), the waterproof structure is disposed in the through hole, wherein the waterproof structure (e.g., Figure 4The first waterproof structure 200 in the structure may include: a first waterproof component (e.g., Figure 5a The first waterproof component 210 in the flexible printed circuit board (e.g., the first waterproof component and the reinforcement disposed on the flexible printed circuit board) Figure 4 The reinforcing member 161 is coupled to form an opening (e.g., Figure 6b The ring structure of the opening 214 in the middle; and the second waterproof component (e.g., Figure 5a The second waterproof component 220 is disposed on the reinforcement and the first waterproof component in a manner that covers the opening, wherein the reinforcement and the first waterproof component may be disposed on the first housing and / or the second housing in a manner that surrounds the outer periphery of the through hole in a ring structure.

[0069] According to various embodiments, the first waterproof component includes an open ring structure, and the open ring structure can be transformed into a closed ring structure by coupling with a reinforcement.

[0070] According to various embodiments, when viewed from above, the opening may overlap with the through hole.

[0071] According to various embodiments, the opening can be formed to be smaller than a through hole.

[0072] According to various embodiments, the first waterproof component may include a body formed of a rigid material and a pair of coupling protrusions formed of a flexible soft material, each of the pair of coupling protrusions being coupled to both ends of the body.

[0073] According to various embodiments, the reinforcement may include a pair of coupling grooves formed at both ends for coupling with a pair of coupling protrusions.

[0074] According to various embodiments, the body may be formed of metal, and the paired coupling protrusions may be formed of at least one of rubber, polyurethane, or silicone.

[0075] According to various embodiments, the electronic device may include a third waterproof member disposed between the first housing and / or the second housing and the reinforcement and the first waterproof member. The third waterproof member may be configured to cover the through-holes and / or openings.

[0076] According to various embodiments, the second and third waterproof components may include waterproof tape.

[0077] According to various embodiments, the electronic device may include a mounting bracket disposed on a second waterproof member, overlapping at least a portion of the second waterproof member, and secured to a first housing and / or a second housing.

[0078] According to various embodiments, the mounting bracket may include: a plate portion configured to overlap with a second waterproof member; and a pair of extensions extending from both ends of the plate portion, the extensions being configured to be secured to a first housing and / or a second housing.

[0079] According to various embodiments, the mounting bracket can be secured in such a way that paired extensions are fastened to the first housing and / or the second housing by screws.

[0080] According to various embodiments, through holes may be formed in recesses formed in the first housing and / or the second housing.

[0081] According to various embodiments, the waterproof structure can be configured not to protrude from the recess.

[0082] According to various embodiments, at least one first electronic component may include a main printed circuit board, and at least one second electronic component may include a sub-printed circuit board.

[0083] According to various embodiments, the electronic device may include a first housing (e.g., Figure 3 The first housing 110 in the middle includes at least one first electronic component (e.g., in the first housing 110). Figure 3 The first printed circuit board 151 is located in the middle; the second housing (e.g., Figure 3 The second housing 120 in the middle includes at least one second electronic component (e.g., Figure 3 The second printed circuit board 152 in the middle); hinge device (e.g., Figure 3 The hinge device 140 in the middle rotatably connects the first housing and the second housing to each other; flexible printed circuit board (e.g., Figure 4 The flexible printed circuit board 160 in the first housing and / or the second housing has through-holes formed in each of them (e.g., Figure 4 Through holes 1131c and 1231c in the middle), and electrically connect at least one first electronic component and at least one second electronic component; and a waterproof structure (e.g., Figure 4 Waterproof structures 200 and 200-1 are respectively disposed in through holes, wherein the waterproof structures (e.g., Figure 4 The first waterproof structure 200 in the structure may include: a first waterproof component (e.g., Figure 5a The first waterproof component 210 in the flexible printed circuit board (e.g., the first waterproof component and the reinforcement disposed on the flexible printed circuit board) Figure 4 The reinforcing member 161 is coupled to form an opening (e.g., Figure 6b The ring structure of the opening 214 in the middle; the second waterproof component (e.g., Figure 5aThe second waterproof component 220 is disposed on the reinforcement and the first waterproof component to cover the opening; the third waterproof component (e.g., Figure 5a The third waterproof component 240 is disposed between the first housing and / or the second housing and the reinforcement and the first waterproof component; and the fixing bracket (e.g., Figure 5a The fixing bracket 230 is configured to overlap with at least a portion of the second waterproof component and be fixed to the first housing and / or the second housing, wherein the reinforcement and the first waterproof component can be arranged on the first housing and the second housing in such a way that they surround the outer periphery of the through hole in a ring structure.

[0084] According to various embodiments, the first waterproof component includes an open ring structure, and the open ring structure can be transformed into a closed ring structure by coupling with a reinforcement.

[0085] According to various embodiments, when viewed from above, the opening may overlap with the through hole.

[0086] According to various embodiments, the first waterproof component may include a body formed of a rigid material and a pair of coupling protrusions formed of a flexible soft material, each of the pair of coupling protrusions being coupled to both ends of the body.

[0087] According to various embodiments, the reinforcement may include a pair of coupling grooves formed at both ends for coupling with a pair of coupling protrusions.

[0088] Furthermore, the embodiments of this disclosure disclosed herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings are provided as specific examples to facilitate the explanation of the technical content of the embodiments according to this disclosure and to aid in understanding the specific embodiments of this disclosure, but are not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments of this disclosure. Therefore, in addition to the disclosed embodiments, the scope of the various embodiments of this disclosure should be interpreted to include all changes or modifications derived from the technical spirit of the various embodiments of this disclosure.

Claims

1. An electronic device, the electronic device comprising: A first housing, the first housing having a through hole; Second shell; A hinge mechanism that couples the first housing and the second housing; A flexible printed circuit board, wherein the flexible printed circuit board is configured to pass through the through hole and be electrically connected to a first electronic component in the first housing and a second electronic component in the second housing; A reinforcing member is disposed on the flexible printed circuit board; A first waterproof component is disposed in or adjacent to the through hole, wherein the reinforcing member and the first waterproof component form a ring structure, the ring structure having an opening that at least partially overlaps with the through hole; A second waterproof component, configured to at least partially overlap the opening, and the second waterproof component at least seals the through-hole; and A fixing bracket is disposed above the reinforcing member and the first waterproof component to cover the opening.

2. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein, The flexible printed circuit board and the reinforcing member are disposed in the space between the fixed bracket and the first housing.

3. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein, The opening is at least partially aligned with the through hole.

4. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein, The size of the opening is smaller than the size of the through hole.

5. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein, The fixing bracket includes a plate portion that at least partially overlaps with the reinforcing member and the first waterproof component.

6. The electronic device according to claim 5, wherein, The fixing bracket includes a pair of extensions that extend from opposite ends of the plate portion. The paired extensions are coupled to the first housing.

7. The electronic device according to claim 6, wherein, The paired extensions are fastened to the first housing by screws.

8. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein, The through hole is formed in a recess in the first housing.

9. The electronic device according to claim 8, wherein, The first waterproof component does not protrude beyond the recess.

10. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein, The first electronic component includes a main printed circuit board, and The second electronic component includes a sub-printed circuit board.

11. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein, The second housing has another through hole, and the flexible printed circuit board is configured to pass through the other through hole of the second housing.

12. The electronic device of claim 11, further comprising: Another reinforcing member is disposed on the flexible printed circuit board; A third waterproof component is disposed in or adjacent to the other through hole, such that the other reinforcement and the third waterproof component form another ring structure, the other ring structure having another opening that at least partially overlaps with the other through hole; A fourth waterproof component is configured to at least partially overlap with the other opening, and the fourth waterproof component at least seals the other through-hole through the other opening; as well as Another fixing bracket is disposed above the other reinforcement and the third waterproof component to cover the other opening.

13. An electronic device, the electronic device comprising: A first housing, the first housing containing a first electronic component; A second housing, which accommodates a second electronic component; A hinge mechanism that couples the first housing and the second housing; A flexible printed circuit board, wherein the flexible printed circuit board is electrically connected to the first electronic component and the second electronic component; A reinforcing member located on the flexible printed circuit board; A first waterproof component, which is combined with the reinforcing member to form an opening; A second waterproof component is located on the reinforcing member and the first waterproof component, and the second waterproof component covers the boundary of the opening; as well as A fixing bracket is located on the second waterproof component.

14. The electronic device according to claim 13, wherein, The flexible printed circuit board and the reinforcing member are located in the space between the fixed bracket and the first housing.

15. The electronic device according to claim 13, wherein, The opening is at least partially aligned with the through-hole formed in the first housing.

16. The electronic device according to claim 13, wherein, The size of the opening is smaller than the size of the through hole formed in the first housing.

17. The electronic device according to claim 13, wherein, The fixing bracket includes a plate portion that at least partially overlaps with the reinforcing member and the first waterproof component.

18. The electronic device according to claim 17, wherein, The fixing bracket includes a pair of extensions that extend from opposite ends of the plate portion. The paired extensions are coupled to the first housing.

19. The electronic device according to claim 18, wherein, The paired extensions are secured to the first housing by screws.

20. An electronic device, the electronic device comprising: A first housing, the first housing having a through hole; Second shell; A hinge mechanism that couples the first housing and the second housing; A flexible printed circuit board, which extends through the through-hole and electrically connects a first electronic component in the first housing to a second electronic component in the second housing; A first waterproof component is disposed in or adjacent to the through hole, such that the first waterproof component forms a ring structure, the ring structure having an opening that at least partially overlaps with the through hole; A second waterproof component, which at least partially overlaps the opening and at least seals the through hole; as well as A fixing bracket is disposed above the second waterproof component.