WATERPROOF CASE FOR ELECTRONIC DEVICE

Abstract

A waterproof case for an electronic device is provided. The waterproof case includes: a body; a door coupled to the body, and opening and closing the body while pivotally rotating; an elastic member disposed in the body and applying elastic force to the electronic device; and a double locking unit which locks the door twice.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/904,352, which was filed in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office on May 29, 2013, the entire content of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a waterproof case for an electronic device, and more particularly to a waterproof case for an electronic device, which allows an electronic device to be easily withdrawn from the waterproof case.

2. Description of the Related Art

Recently, various electronic devices have been popularized for people. Portable electronic devices such as a portable terminal, an MP3 player, a Portable Multimedia Player (PMP), an electronic book reader, and the like have been generally used, which a user can carry with him/her while using various contents.

The portable electronic device refers to a device by which a user performs a wireless communication with a companion while carrying it with him/her. The portable electronic device essentially includes a display unit, an antenna unit, an input/output unit, and a data transmission and reception unit.

Further, with the rapid progress of multimedia technologies and display technologies, the recent portable electronic device has a display unit with an improved resolution. Furthermore, the recent portable electronic device has a touch screen which a user touches with a finger or a stylus pen.

The portable electronic device has been an indispensable thing for most people. Further, outdoor activities such as swimming in a pool, a valley, and sea, climbing, cycling, and the like have increased. Many people always carry the portable electronic device with him/her during the outdoor activities.

However, the portable electronic device is vulnerable to water. Accordingly, a waterproof case has been widely used in order to protect the portable electronic device from water.

A waterproof case made of a vinyl material has been mainly used. The waterproof case includes a vinyl case for receiving a portable electronic device, and a locking means such as zipper or a double-faced adhesive tape for tightly sealing an opening of the vinyl case after the portable electronic device is received in the case, which is formed at an end of the vinyl case.

The waterproof case has a structure in which the opening of the waterproof case is tightly sealed after receiving the portable electronic device. Where a user calls using the portable electronic device received in the waterproof case, the user opens the sealed opening of the waterproof case before the portable electronic device is withdrawn. Then, the user can call. The vinyl waterproof case makes the user to be inconvenienced. Furthermore, the waterproof case may be damaged during the withdrawing of the portable electronic device.

That is, the waterproof case has a disadvantage in that it may be easily damaged because the user frequently puts/takes the portable electronic device in/out the waterproof case before and after using the portable electronic device.

Therefore, a waterproof case is required to allow a user to easily put/take a portable electronic device in/from the waterproof case, to prevent damage, and to allow the user to use the portable electronic device in a state that the portable electronic device is received therein.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, an aspect of the present invention is to provide a waterproof case for an electronic device, which allows a user to easily put and separate the electronic device into/from the waterproof case by using elasticity of the waterproof case, and which prevent damage.

Further, another aspect of the present invention is to provide a waterproof case for an electronic device, which includes a double locking unit having a function of double locking the waterproof case, thereby preventing the waterproof case from easily being opened and closed due to external impact and being separated from the electronic device.

Furthermore, still another aspect of the present invention is to provide a waterproof case for an electronic device, which has a fingerprint recognizing cover opposite to a fingerprint recognition unit provided in the electronic device and having a thinner thickness than that of a window, thereby improving a fingerprint recognition function of the fingerprint recognition unit as well as improving a waterproof function in a fingerprint recognition region of the electronic device.

Moreover, still another aspect of the present invention is to provide a waterproof case for an electronic device, in which a fingerprint recognizing cover opposite to a fingerprint recognition unit provided in the electronic device is integrally provided on a window, and a film member is attached to an upper surface of the window and makes the window have a thicker thickness than that of the fingerprint recognition cover, thereby improving a fingerprint recognition function of the fingerprint recognition unit as well as a waterproof function in a fingerprint recognition region of the electronic device, and in which the number of parts is reduced because the fingerprint recognizing cover is integrally formed at the window, thereby simplifying an assembling process.

In addition, still another aspect of the present invention is to provide a waterproof case for an electronic device, in which a fingerprint recognizing cover opposite to a fingerprint recognition unit provided in the electronic device is integrally formed at a window, and a protrusion portion is integrally formed on the window so that the fingerprint recognizing cover has a thinner thickness than that of the window, thereby improving a fingerprint recognition function of the fingerprint recognition unit as well as a waterproof function in a fingerprint recognition region of the electronic device, and in which the number of parts is reduced because the window is integrally configured to have the fingerprint recognizing cover and the protrusion portion, thereby simplifying an assembling process.

In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, a waterproof case for an electronic device is provided. The waterproof case includes: a body; a door coupled to the body, and opening and closing the body while pivotally rotating; an elastic member disposed in the body and applying elastic force to the electronic device; and a double locking unit which locks the door twice.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a waterproof case for an electronic device is provided. The waterproof case includes: a body; a door coupled to a lower portion of the body, and opening and closing the body while pivotally rotating; an elastic member disposed in the body, which separates the electronic device from the body by elastic force when the door is open; and a double locking unit which locks the door twice.

In accordance with still another aspect of the present invention, a waterproof case for an electronic device with a fingerprint recognition unit is provided. The waterproof case includes: a body which has an opening portion to open the fingerprint recognition unit; a window which is provided in the body; a fingerprint recognition unit coupling portion which is formed at the window, and is attached to an edge of the opening portion; a first adhering portion which adheres the window to the body; a fingerprint recognition cover which is attached to the fingerprint recognition unit coupling portion so as to be opposite to the fingerprint recognition unit, and has a different thickness from that of the window; and a second adhering portion which adheres the fingerprint recognition cover to the fingerprint recognition unit coupling portion.

In accordance with still another aspect of the present invention, a waterproof case for an electronic device with a fingerprint recognition unit is provided. The waterproof case includes: a body which has an opening portion to open the fingerprint recognition unit; a window which is provided in the body; a fingerprint recognition cover which is integrally formed on the window and opposite to the fingerprint recognition unit; a film member which is provided on an inner surface or an outer surface of the window so that the window and the fingerprint recognition cover have different thicknesses; and an adhering portion which attaches the window provided with the film member to the body.

In accordance with still another aspect of the present invention, a waterproof case for an electronic device with a fingerprint recognition unit is provided. The waterproof case includes: a body which has an opening portion to open the fingerprint recognition unit; a window which is provided in the body; a fingerprint recognition cover which is integrally formed on the window and opposite to the fingerprint recognition unit; a protrusion portion which is convexly and integrally formed on an inner surface or an outer surface of the window so that the window and the fingerprint recognition cover have different thicknesses; and an adhering portion which attaches the window provided and the fingerprint recognition cover to the body.

In accordance with still another aspect of the present invention, a waterproof case for an electronic device with a fingerprint recognition unit is provided. The waterproof case includes: a window which is provided in the body; and a fingerprint recognition cover which is provided on the window so as to be opposite to the fingerprint recognition unit, and is formed to have a different thickness from that of the window.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other aspects, features, and advantages of the present disclosure will be more apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a configuration of a waterproof case for an electronic device according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a waterproof case for an electronic device according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a waterproof case for an electronic device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, which shows a state before a double locking unit is operated;

FIG. 4 is a sectional view illustrating a waterproof case for an electronic device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, which shows a state before a double locking unit is operated;

FIG. 5 is a sectional view illustrating a waterproof case for an electronic device according to the embodiment of the present invention, which shows a state in which a double locking unit is operated;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating a waterproof case for an electronic device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, which shows a state in which a double locking unit is operated;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating a waterproof case for an electronic device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, which shows a state in which an elastic member is operated;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating a waterproof case for an electronic device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, which shows a state in which the electronic device is separated from the waterproof case;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view illustrating a waterproof case for an electronic device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, which shows another example of an elastic member;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating a waterproof case for an electronic device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, which shows still another example of an elastic member;

FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a configuration of a waterproof case for an electronic device according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 12 is a cut-away perspective view illustrating a waterproof case for an electronic device according to the second embodiment of the present invention, which shows a state in which a fingerprint recognition unit is attached to the waterproof case;

FIG. 13 is an enlarged perspective view illustrating a portion indicated by a dashed dotted line A of FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a configuration of a waterproof case for an electronic device with a fingerprint recognition unit according to a third embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 15 is a cut-away perspective view illustrating a waterproof case for an electronic device according to the third embodiment of the present invention, which shows a state in which a fingerprint recognition unit is attached to the waterproof case;

FIG. 16 is an enlarged perspective view illustrating a portion indicated by a dashed dotted line B of FIG. 15;

FIG. 17 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a configuration of a waterproof case for an electronic device with a fingerprint recognition unit according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 18 is a cut-away perspective view illustrating a waterproof case for an electronic device according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, which shows a state in which a fingerprint recognition unit is attached to the waterproof case; and

FIG. 19 is an enlarged perspective view illustrating a portion indicated by a dashed dotted line C of FIG. 18.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

The detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings is provided in order to help understanding of the embodiments of the present invention as defined in the claims and the equivalents of the claims. Although the description includes various specific details to help the understanding of the embodiments of the present invention, the details will be merely regarded as examples. Further, in the description of the present invention, a detailed description of known functions and configurations incorporated herein will be omitted when it may make the subject matter of the present invention rather unclear.

Hereinafter, a waterproof case for an electronic device according to the embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The electronic device according to the embodiment of the present invention includes all information and communication devices and multimedia devices, such as a Portable Multimedia Player (PMP), an MP3 player, a navigation, a game player, a notebook, a netbook, an advertising panel, a TV, a digital broadcasting receiver, a Personal Digital Assistant, and a smart phone, as well as all kinds of mobile communication terminals which operate according to communication protocols corresponding to various communication systems, and application devices thereof.

A configuration of a waterproof case 10 according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2.

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a configuration of a waterproof case for an electronic device according to the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a waterproof case for an electronic device according to the present invention.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the waterproof case 10 includes a case body 20, a door 30, an elastic member 40, and a double locking unit 50. The body 20 of the waterproof case 10 is combined with the door 30, the elastic member 40, and the double locking unit 50. The door 30 is connected to a lower portion of the body 20 by a hinge 20 and is able to be pivotally rotated around the hinge 20 so as to open and close the body 20. The elastic member 40 is disposed in the body 20 so as to enable the electronic device 1 to be separated from the body 20 by elastic force of the elastic member 40 when the door 30 is open. The double locking unit 50 is mounted on the body 20 of the waterproof case, and double locks the door 30 in order to prevent the door 30 from being opened easily due to an external impact. In other words, the double locking unit 50 locks the door 30 twice, so as to prevent the door 30 from being opened easily due to the external impact caused by a fall of the waterproof case.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a waterproof case for an electronic device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, which shows a state before a double locking unit is operated, FIG. 4 is a sectional view illustrating a waterproof case for an electronic device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, which shows a state before a double locking unit is operated, and FIG. 5 is a sectional view illustrating a waterproof case for an electronic device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, which shows a state in which a double locking unit is operated.

Referring to FIGS. 3 to 5, the configuration of the double locking unit 50 will be described in detail. As shown in FIG. 3, the double locking unit 50 includes a locking hole 51 formed in the body 20 of the waterproof case 10, a first locker 52 formed on the door 30, a locking groove 53 formed on the body 20, and a second locker 54. The first locker 52 is formed on the door 30 to be firstly fastened with or released from the locking hole 51 when the door 30 pivotally rotates around the hinge 31. The second locker 54 is movably disposed in the locking groove 53, and moves in the locking groove 53 to secondly support that the first locker 52 is locked in or released from the locking hole 51. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the second locker 54 has at least one stopper 70 which is engaged with at least one stopping protrusion 25 or 26 formed on the body 20 so as to restrict the movement of the second locker 54. The stopper 70 includes first and second stopping grooves 71 and 72, of which the first stopping groove 71 is engaged with the first stopping protrusion 25 formed on the body 20 of the waterproof case 10, and the second stopping groove 72 is engaged with the second stopping protrusion 26 of the body 20 of the waterproof case 10.

Further, the configuration of the body 20 of the waterproof case 10 will be described in detail below.

As shown in FIG. 1, the body 20 of the waterproof case 10 includes a front cover 21, a window 22, and a rear cover 23. The front cover 21 has an opening 21a formed therein, to which the window 22 made of a transparent material is attached. The window 22 is made of the transparent material and attached to a front surface of the front cover 21, through which a user can view a display unit (not shown) of the electronic device 1 inserted in the front cover 21. The rear cover 23 is combined with the front cover 21 to cover a rear portion of the front cover 21.

Here, the front cover 21 and the rear cover 23 are adhered by an ultrasonic welding.

The front cover 21 is made of a synthetic resin material and has a rubber material attached to an inside surface thereof. Accordingly, the rubber material inside of the front cover 21 can protect the electronic device 1 from an applied external impact.

As shown in FIG. 1, the door 30 includes a hinge 31 which has a side hinge arm (not shown) formed on the body 20, and a center hinge arm (not shown) formed on the door 30 and pivotally assembled with the side hinge arm. Further, the door 30 includes an earphone jack cover 32 and an interface cover 33 which waterproof an earphone jack hole 30c and an interface hole 30d, respectively. The door 30 has a microphone hole 30a and a speaker hole 30b formed therein, and a waterproof member 34 to waterproof the microphone hole 30a and the speaker hole 30b. The waterproof member 34 is made of a waterproof material such as PTEE or TEMISH. That is, the waterproof member 34 prevents water from permeating to a microphone (not shown) and a speaker (not shown) of the electronic device 1, even though the body 20 of the waterproof case 10 is put in water. Of course, the waterproof member 34 may be made of other synthetic resin materials as well as the synthetic resin material such as PTEE or TEMISH.

Meanwhile, the elastic member 40 includes an elastic band made of a rubber material, at both ends of which mounting portions 41 are combined with protrusions 24 formed in the body 20 of the waterproof case 10 so as to fix the elastic band to the body 20. In the embodiment of the present invention, the elastic band made of the rubber material is described as an example of the elastic member 40, but the elastic member is not limited to the elastic band. That is, any configuration capable of pushing the electronic device 1 out of the body 20 by its elasticity can be applied to the present invention, as another example of the elastic member.

Hereinafter, another embodiment of the elastic member 40 will be described in detail.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view illustrating the waterproof case for the electronic device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, which shows another example of the elastic member.

As shown in FIG. 9, the elastic member 40 includes a plate spring, at one end of which at least one locking hole 51 is formed and combined with at least one protrusion 20a formed in the body 20 so as to lock the plate spring to the body 20 of the waterproof case.

That is, the plate spring fixed to the body 20 of the waterproof case 10 is pushed and compressed by one end of the electronic device 1 contacting with the plate spring when the electronic device 1 is inserted in the body 20 of the waterproof case. In this state, when the double locking unit 50 is released, the door 30 is opened, and the compressed plate spring elastically expands to apply elasticity to the electronic device 1 inserted in the body 20 of the waterproof case 10, resulting in automatically pushing out the electronic device 1.

Further, an elastic member according to still another embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating the waterproof case for the electronic device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, which shows another example of the elastic member.

As shown in FIG. 10, the elastic member 40 includes a coil spring, one end 60a of which is fixed to a fixed portion 201 formed in the body 20 of the waterproof case 10 and the other end 60b of which is coupled to a movement portion 202 mounted on the body 20 of the waterproof case 10. The coil spring is compressed or expanded as the movement portion 202 moves, at the same time when the coil spring comes in contact with the electronic device 1.

That is, the coil springs are disposed at both sides of the body 20 of the waterproof case. When the electronic device 1 is inserted in the body 20 of the waterproof case, the electronic device 1 comes in contact with the movement portion 202 coupled to the other end 60b of the coil spring. Then, when the electronic device 1 is pushed and inserted in the body 20, the electronic device 1 and the movement portion 202 move together so as to compress the coil spring. In this state, when the double locking unit 50 is released, the door 30 is opened and the compressed coil spring expands and provides an elastic force. The movement portion 202 is moved by the elastic force, while moving the electronic device 1. At this time, the electronic device 1 is automatically separated from the body 20 by the elastic force of the coil spring.

Hereinafter, a process of assembling the waterproof case according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail as follows.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the body 20 of the waterproof case includes the front cover 21 and the rear cover 23. Further, the window 22 made of the transparent material is attached to the front cover 21 to cover the opening 21a. The elastic band is assembled to the front cover 21 by combining the fixing portions 41 formed at both ends of the elastic band to the protrusions. Then, the rear cover 23 is attached to the front cover 21 by the ultrasonic welding. In turn, the door 30 is connected to the body 20 in such a manner that the center hinge arm of the door 30 is coupled to the side hinge arm of the covers to pivotally rotate around a hinge axis A1. The door 30 includes the earphone jack cover 32 and the interface cover 33, and has the microphone hole 30a and the speaker hole 30b formed therein, in which the waterproof members 34 are inserted in order to waterproof the microphone hole 30a and the speaker hole 30B, respectively. The door 30 further includes a silicon member 30e for preventing water from permeating to the waterproof case.

The body 20 of the waterproof case is open at a lower portion thereof. Accordingly, the electronic device 1 can be inserted and removed through an inserting/removing hole 20b (see FIG. 6) formed at the lower portion of the body 20 in/from the waterproof case 10. When the electronic device 1 is inserted at a predetermined depth in the body 20, it comes in contact with the elastic member 40 provided in the body 20 of the waterproof case. Then, when the electronic device 1 is fully inserted in the body 20 of the waterproof case 10, the elastic member 40 is bent. As a result, enough elastic force is generated to push the electronic device 1 out of the body of the waterproof case.

The door 30 pivotally rotates around the hinge axis A1 so that the first locker 52 formed at one end of the door 30 is inserted into the locking hole 51 formed in the body 20 so as to firstly lock the waterproof case 10. When the second locker 54 is moved in the locking groove 53, the second locker 54 comes in contact with a rear surface of the first locker 52, and secondly supports the locking of the first locker 52.

While the second locker 54 is moved, the first stopping groove 71 formed in the second locker 54 is separated from the first stopping protrusion 25 of the body 20, and the second stopping groove 72 is engaged with the second stopping protrusion 26.

That is, when the second locker 54 is moved, the first and second stopping grooves 71 and 72 move together. The second stopping groove 72 is engaged with the second stopping protrusion 26 and restricts the movement of the second locker 54.

In other words, at the same time as when the second locker 54 comes in contact with the rear surface of the first locker 52, it supports the locking of the first locker 52 while preventing the first locker 52 from being separated from the locking hole 51. Accordingly, the first locker 52 is locked twice, thereby improving the locking performance of the door 30.

As described above, when the door 30 is locked to the body 20 of the waterproof case 10 after the electronic device 1 is inserted in the body, it is possible to prevent water from permeating to the body 20.

Here, if a user wants to separate the electronic device 1 from the body 20 of the waterproof case 10, firstly, the second locker 54 is pushed and moved in the locking groove 53. At this time, the first and second stopping grooves 71 and 72 of the second locker 54 are moved along with the second locker 54. The second stopping groove 72 is separated from the second stopping protrusion 26, and the first stopping groove 71 is engaged with the first stopping protrusion 25. At this time, the first stopping groove 71 restricts the movement of the second locker 54.

The second locker 54 is separated from the first locker 52 and withdraws the support for the locking of the first locker 52. Then, when the first locker 52 is pushed, the first locker 52 is bent and is released from the locking hole 51.

When the door 30 is released, the electronic device 1 is simultaneously moved by the elastic force of the elastic member 40 and pushes the door 30 while being separated from the body 20. The door 30 opens the insertion/removing hole 20a of the body 20.

That is, the electronic device 1 rotates the door 20 around the hinge axis A1 during the separation, and opens the body 20 of the waterproof case.

The door 30 is firstly locked by the first locker 52 so as to prevent the electronic device 1 from being separated from the body 20 of the waterproof case. Furthermore, the first locker 52 is secondly locked by the second locker 54. Accordingly, the first locker 52 can prevent the door 30 from opening due to an external impact or an unconscious movement of a user. Of course, since the door 30 is not opened by means of the first and second lockers 52 and 54 under any impact, the electronic device 1 which is inserted in the body 20 of the waterproof case can be prevented from being separated.

As described above, in a conventional vinyl type waterproof case (not shown), when a user wants to use an electronic device (not shown), the user directly opens a sealed waterproof case to separate the electronic device from the waterproof case. Accordingly, there is inconvenience in that it is annoying to put and separate the electronic device in/from the waterproof case. Also, there is a disadvantage in that the conventional waterproof case is easily damaged.

However, according to the embodiment of the present invention, the elastic member 40 (see FIG. 1) is provided to the door 30 (see FIG. 8) of the body 20 (see FIG. 1) of the waterproof case. The elastic member 40 provides elastic force to push the electronic device out of the waterproof case when the door 30 is open. Accordingly, it is possible to separate the electronic device from the waterproof case easily. Furthermore, the double locking unit 50 is established to the body of the waterproof case to lock the door twice. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the waterproof case from opening due to external impact or a fall.

Hereinafter, a configuration of a waterproof case for an electronic device including a fingerprint recognition unit according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 to 13.

FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the configuration of the waterproof case for the electronic device including the fingerprint recognition unit according to the present invention, FIG. 12 is a cut-away perspective view illustrating the waterproof case for the electronic device according to the present invention, which shows a state in which the fingerprint recognition unit is attached to the waterproof case, and FIG. 13 is an enlarged perspective view illustrating a portion indicated by a dashed dotted line A of FIG. 12.

Referring to FIGS. 11 to 13, the waterproof case 100 includes a body 110, a window 120, a fingerprint recognition unit coupling portion 130, a first adhering portion 140, a fingerprint recognition cover 150 and a second adhering portion 160. The body 110 of the waterproof case includes an opening portion 110a to open a fingerprint recognition unit (not shown) which is provided in the electronic device (not shown). The opening portion 110a may include an opening hole. The window 120 may be provided on the body 110 of the waterproof case so as to be formed as the fingerprint recognition unit coupling portion 130 described below. The fingerprint recognition unit coupling portion 130 is formed at an edge of the window 120 so as to be attached to an edge of the opening portion 110a. The first adhering portion 140 is prepared on the body 110 of the waterproof case in order to attach the window 120 to the body 110 of the waterproof case. The fingerprint recognition cover 150 is attached to the fingerprint recognition unit coupling portion 130, and is simultaneously opposite to the fingerprint recognition unit (now shown). The fingerprint recognition cover 150 is provided on the opening portion 110a so as to have a different thickness from that of the window 120. The second adhering portion 160 is disposed between the fingerprint recognition unit coupling portion 130 and the fingerprint recognition cover 150 in order to attach the fingerprint recognition cover 150 to the fingerprint recognition unit coupling portion 130.

The body 110 of the waterproof case includes a front cover 111, a window 120, and a rear cover (not shown). The front cover 111 has an opening formed therein, to which the window 120 made of a transparent material is attached. The opening portion 110a is formed at a lower portion of the opening in order to open the fingerprint recognition unit (not shown) of the electronic device (not shown). The window 120 may be made of a transparent material.

Particularly, the front cover 111 is made of a synthetic resin material and has a rubber material attached to an inside surface thereof. Accordingly, the rubber material inside of the front cover 111 can protect the electronic device from an applied external impact.

As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the front cover 111 of the body 110 of the waterproof case has the fingerprint recognition cover 150, which is opposite to the fingerprint recognition unit (not shown) provided in the electronic device and has a thinner thickness than that of the window, attached thereto. Accordingly, it is possible to improve a fingerprint recognition function of the fingerprint recognition unit as well as a waterproof function in a fingerprint recognition region of the electronic device.

In addition, the fingerprint recognition cover 150 has a thinner thickness than that of the window 120 so as to allow the electronic device to easily recognize a user's fingerprint.

The first and second adhering portions 140 and 160 may include any one of an adhesive tape and an adhesive agent. In the embodiment, it is described that the first and second adhering portions 140 and 160 include the adhering tape and the adhering agent as an example. However, the first and second adhering portions 140 and 160 are not limited thereto. That is, any configuration capable of attaching the fingerprint recognition cover 150 to the window can be applied to the present invention as a modified example of the first and second adhering portions 140 and 160.

Further, the fingerprint recognition unit may be any one of an optical type, an electrostatic capacitive type, a resistive type. In the embodiment, it is described that the fingerprint recognition unit may be one of the above mentioned types. However, the fingerprint recognition unit is not limited thereto. That is, if a fingerprint recognition unit is provided in the electronic device and recognizes a user's fingerprint, various types of the fingerprint recognition units as well as the above mentioned types of the fingerprint recognition units may be applied to the present invention.

Hereinafter, a process of assembling the waterproof case with the electronic device including the fingerprint recognition unit according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail as follows.

As shown in FIG. 11, an upper surface of the window 120 is attached to a lower surface of the first adhering portion. Then, the second adhering portion 160 is attached to a lower surface of the fingerprint recognition unit coupling portion 130 formed at an edge of the window 120. In turn, the fingerprint recognition cover 150 is attached to a lower surface of the second adhering portion 160.

That is, the window 120 is attached to the lower surface of the first adhering portion 140, and the upper surface of the second adhering portion 160 is attached to the lower surface of the fingerprint recognition unit coupling portion 130 formed at an edge of the window 120. Then, the fingerprint recognition cover 150 is attached to the lower surface of the second adhering portion 160. In this state, the upper surface of the first adhering portion 140 is attached to an inside of the front cover 111 of the body 110 of the waterproof case.

Since the first adhering portion 140 has a coupling adhesive portion 170 in order to attach the fingerprint recognition unit coupling portion to the opening portion 110a of the front cover 111, the upper surface of the first adhering portion 140 is attached to the inside of the front cover 111 and simultaneously the coupling adhesive portion 170 attaches the fingerprint recognition unit coupling portion 130 provided with the fingerprint recognition cover to an edge of the opening portion 110a.

Then, the rear cover 150 (not shown) is joined to a rear surface of the front cover 111 by the ultrasonic welding. The door (not shown) connected to the lower portion of the body 110 of the waterproof case is pivotally rotated around a hinge portion (not shown) so as to open the lower portion of the body 110 of the waterproof case. Then, the electronic device (not shown) including the fingerprint recognition unit (not shown) slides and moves in the lower portion of the body 110 of the waterproof case so as to be put in the waterproof case. While the electronic device (not shown) is coupled to the body 110 of the waterproof case, the fingerprint recognition unit (not shown) of the electronic device is positioned to be opposite to the fingerprint recognition cover 150.

The fingerprint recognition cover 150 prevents water from permeating to the fingerprint recognition unit (not shown) of the electronic device (not shown), and also the waterproof case 100 prevents water from permeating to the electronic device (not shown).

When a user touches the fingerprint recognition cover 150, the fingerprint recognition unit (not shown) positioned under the fingerprint recognition cover 150 operates to detect a user's fingerprint. Accordingly, the electronic device (not shown) is unlocked and allows the user to access the electronic device and use various functions of the electronic device.

In other words, since the electronic device has an inherent fingerprint of each user stored therein through the fingerprint recognition unit, it obstructs access to the electronic device when a different fingerprint is input.

As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, accordingly, as the fingerprint recognition cover 150 has a thinner thickness than that of the window of the waterproof case 100, it is possible to easily recognize a touch on the fingerprint recognition cover 150 rather than a touch on the window provided on the waterproof case 100, and also to improve a fingerprint detecting function of the fingerprint recognizing unit.

That is, since the fingerprint recognition cover 150 and the window 120 have different thicknesses, it is possible to improve the fingerprint recognition function of the fingerprint recognition unit.

Hereinafter, a configuration of a waterproof case for an electronic device including a fingerprint recognition unit according to the third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 14 to 16.

FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the configuration of the waterproof case for the electronic device including the fingerprint recognition unit according to the present invention, FIG. 15 is a cut-away perspective view illustrating the waterproof case for the electronic device according to the present invention, which shows a state in which the fingerprint recognition unit is attached to the waterproof case, and FIG. 16 is an enlarged perspective view illustrating a portion indicated by a dashed dotted line B of FIG. 15.

Referring to FIGS. 14 and 16, the waterproof case 200 includes a body 210, a window 220, a fingerprint recognition cover 230, a film member 240, and an adhering portion 250. The body 210 of the waterproof case includes an opening portion 210a to open the fingerprint recognition unit (not shown) provided in the electronic device (not shown). The opening portion 210a may include an opening hole. The window 220 may be provided on the body 210 of the waterproof case so as to be integrated with the fingerprint recognition cover 230 described below. The fingerprint recognition cover 230 is integrally formed at an edge of the window 220 to be opposite to the fingerprint recognition unit (not shown). The film member 240 is attached to an inside or an outside of the window 220, and the window and the fingerprint recognition cover 230 have different thicknesses. The adhering portion 250 is prepared in the body 210 of the waterproof case so as to adhere the film member 240 to the window 220.

The adhering portion 250 may include any one of an adhesive tape and an adhesive agent. In the embodiment, it is described that the adhering portion 250 includes the adhering tape and the adhesive agent as an example. However, the adhering portion 250 is not limited thereto. That is, if any material is used as the adhering portion 250 to adhere the film member 240 to the window, it can be applied to the present invention as a modified embodiment.

The body 210 of the waterproof case includes a front cover 211, a window 220, and a rear cover (not shown). The front cover 211 has an opening formed therein, to which the window 220 made of a transparent material is attached. The opening portion 210a is formed at a lower portion of the opening in order to open the fingerprint recognition unit (not shown) of the electronic device (not shown). The window 220 may be made of a transparent material.

In the embodiment, the film member 240 is prepared on an outside of the window 220. Hereinafter, the film member 220 prepared on the outside of the window 220 will be described.

As shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, the film member 240 having a thicker thickness than that of the fingerprint recognition cover 230 is prepared on the outside of the window 220. The fingerprint recognition cover 230 has a thinner thickness than that of the window 220. Accordingly, it is possible to improve a waterproof function in the fingerprint recognition region of the electronic device (not shown), and also to improve a fingerprint recognition function of the fingerprint recognition unit.

In addition, since the fingerprint recognition cover 230 is integrally formed at an edge of the window, the window 220 and the fingerprint recognition cover 230 may be assembled with the body 210 of the waterproof case together, thereby simplifying an assembling process.

Hereinafter, a process of assembling the waterproof case with the electronic device including the fingerprint recognition unit according to the third embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail as follows.

As shown in FIG. 14, the film member 240 is prepared on the outside of the window 220 so that the window 220 has a thicker thickness than that of the fingerprint recognition cover 230. At this time, the film member 240 is not attached to the fingerprint recognition cover 230 integrally formed with the window 220.

As shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, the film member 240 is attached to only the window 220, and is not attached to the fingerprint recognition cover 230. Accordingly, the fingerprint recognition cover 230 is formed to have a thinner thickness than that of the window 220.

The adhering portion 250 is adhered to an edge of the film member 240 in order to attach the window 220 and the fingerprint recognition cover 230 to the front cover 211 of the body 210 of the waterproof case. The adhering portion 250 has a cover adhering portion 260 to attach the fingerprint recognition cover 230 integrally formed with the window 220 to the opening portion 210a which opens the fingerprint recognition unit (not shown) of the body 210 of the waterproof case. The cover adhering portion 260 is attached to the edge of the fingerprint recognition cover 230, and the fingerprint recognition cover 230 is attached to the opening portion 210a by using the cover adhering portion 260.

The window 220 is attached to the front cover of the body of the waterproof case by using the adhering portion 250. In addition, the fingerprint recognition cover 230 is attached to the opening portion 210a of the body 210 of the waterproof case by means of the cover adhering portion 260.

Then, the rear cover (not shown) is joined to a rear surface of the front cover 211 by the ultrasonic welding. The door (not shown) connected to the lower portion of the body 210 of the waterproof case is pivotally rotated around a hinge portion (not shown) so as to open the lower portion of the body 210 of the waterproof case. Then, the electronic device (not shown) including the fingerprint recognition unit (not shown) slides and moves in the lower portion of the body 210 of the waterproof case so as to be put in the waterproof case. While the electronic device (not shown) is coupled to the body 210 of the waterproof case, the fingerprint recognition unit (not shown) of the electronic device is positioned to be opposite to the fingerprint recognition cover 230.

The fingerprint recognition cover 230 prevents water from permeating to the fingerprint recognition unit (not shown) of the electronic device (not shown), and also the waterproof case 200 prevents water from permeating to the electronic device (not shown).

When a user touches the fingerprint recognition cover 230, the fingerprint recognition unit (not shown) positioned under the fingerprint recognition cover 230 operates to detect a user's fingerprint. Accordingly, the electronic device (not shown) is unlocked and simultaneously allows a user to access the electronic device (not shown).

As shown in FIG. 16, accordingly, as the fingerprint recognition cover 230 has a thinner thickness than that of the window of the waterproof case 220, it is possible to easily recognize a touch on the fingerprint recognition cover 220 rather than a touch on the window 220 provided on the waterproof case 210, and also to further improve a fingerprint detecting function of the fingerprint recognizing unit.

That is, the window 220 and the fingerprint recognition cover 230 integrally formed with the window 220 have different thicknesses. Accordingly, it is possible to improve a function of recognizing a user's fingerprint. Further, since the window is assembled with the body 210 of the waterproof case and simultaneously the fingerprint recognition cover 230 is assembled together, it is possible to simplify an assembling process and to reduce a manufacturing cost.

Hereinafter, a configuration of a waterproof case for an electronic device including a fingerprint recognition unit according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 17 to 19.

FIG. 17 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the configuration of the waterproof case for the electronic device including the fingerprint recognition unit according to the present invention, FIG. 18 is a cut-away perspective view illustrating the waterproof case for the electronic device according to the present invention, which shows a state in which the fingerprint recognition unit is attached to the waterproof case, and FIG. 19 is an enlarged perspective view illustrating a portion indicated by a dashed dotted line C of FIG. 18.

Referring to FIGS. 17 and 19, the waterproof case 300 includes a body 310, a window 320, a fingerprint recognition cover 330, a protrusion portion 340, and an adhering portion 350. The body 310 of the waterproof case includes an opening portion 310a to open the fingerprint recognition unit (not shown) provided in the electronic device (not shown). The opening portion 310a may include an opening hole. The fingerprint recognition cover 220 is integrally formed with the window 320, and the protrusion portion 340 is integrally formed on an inner surface or an outer surface of the window 320. The fingerprint recognition cover 330 is integrally formed at an edge of the window 320 to be opposite to the fingerprint recognition unit (not shown). The protrusion portion 340 is convexly and integrally formed on the inner surface or the outer surface of the window so that the window 320 and the fingerprint recognition cover 330 have different thicknesses. The adhering portion 350 is prepared on an edge of the outer surface of the window 320 so that the window 320 having the fingerprint recognition cover 330 and the protrusion portion 340 integrally formed therewith is attached to the body 310 of the waterproof case.

Further, the adhering portion 350 may include any one of an adhesive tape and an adhesive agent. In the embodiment, it is described that the adhering portion 350 includes the adhering tape and the adhesive agent as an example. However, the adhering portion 350 is not limited thereto. That is, if any material is used as the adhering portion 350 to adhere the protrusion portion 340 to the window 320, it can be applied to the present invention as a modified embodiment.

The body 310 of the waterproof case includes a front cover 311, a window 320, and a rear cover (not shown). The front cover 311 has an opening formed therein, to which the window 320 made of a transparent material is attached. The opening portion 310a is formed at a lower portion of the opening in order to open the fingerprint recognition unit (not shown) of the electronic device (not shown).

The window 320 may be made of a transparent material. The protrusion portion 340 may be made of a film member. In the embodiment, although it is described that the protrusion portion 340 includes a transparent film material as an example, the protrusion portion 340 is not limited thereto. That is, if any transparent material is used as the protrusion portion 340, it can be applied to the present invention as a modified embodiment.

In the embodiment, the protrusion portion 340 is prepared on the outer surface of the window 320. Hereinafter, the protrusion portion 340 prepared on the outer surface of the window 340 will be described.

As shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, the protrusion portion 340 is integrally formed on the outer surface of the window 320 having the fingerprint recognition cover 330 integrally formed therewith, so as to have a thicker thickness than that of the fingerprint recognition cover 330. That is, the fingerprint recognition cover 330 has a thinner thickness than that of the window 320. Accordingly, it is possible to improve a waterproof function in a fingerprint recognition region of the electronic device (not shown), and to further improve a fingerprint recognition function of the fingerprint recognition unit (not shown).

In addition, since the fingerprint recognition cover 330 and the protrusion portion 340 are integrally formed along with the window 320, the fingerprint recognition cover 330 and the protrusion portion 340 can be assembled along with the window 320 when the window 320 is assembled with the body 310 of the waterproof case. Accordingly, it is possible to simplify an assembling process.

Hereinafter, a process of assembling the waterproof case for the electronic device including the fingerprint recognition unit according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail as follows.

As shown in FIG. 17, the protrusion portion 340 is integrally formed on the outer surface of the window 320 so that the window 320 has a thicker thickness than that of the fingerprint recognition cover 330, and the fingerprint recognition cover 330 is integrally formed at an edge of the window 320.

That is, since the protrusion portion 340 is integrally formed only on the window 320 except for the fingerprint recognition cover 330, the fingerprint recognition cover 330 may be formed to have a thinner thickness than that of the window 320.

The adhering portion 350 is attached to an edge of the outer surface of the window 320 so that the window 320 having the fingerprint recognition cover 330 and the protrusion portion 340 integrally formed therewith is attached to the front cover of the body 310 of the waterproof case. At this time, the adhering portion 350 is attached to the edge of the window 320 having the protrusion portion 340 integrally formed thereon.

That is, the adhering portion 350 has a cover adhering portion 360 to attach the fingerprint recognition cover 330 to the opening portion 310a of the body 310 of the waterproof case. Therefore, it is possible to attach the cover adhering portion 360 to the finger recognition cover 330.

In this state, the window 320 is attached to an inside of the front cover 311 of the body 310 of the waterproof case by using the adhering portion 350, and the fingerprint recognition cover 330 is simultaneously attached to the opening portion 310a of the body 310 of the waterproof case by means of the cover adhering portion 360.

Then, the rear cover (not shown) is joined to a rear surface of the front cover 311 by the ultrasonic welding. The door (not shown) connected to the lower portion of the body 310 of the waterproof case is pivotally rotated around a hinge portion (not shown) so as to open the lower portion of the body 310 of the waterproof case. Then, the electronic device (not shown) including the fingerprint recognition unit (not shown) slides and moves in the lower portion of the body 310 of the waterproof case so as to be put in the waterproof case. While the electronic device (not shown) is coupled to the body 310 of the waterproof case, the fingerprint recognition unit (not shown) of the electronic device is positioned to be opposite to the fingerprint recognition cover 330.

The fingerprint recognition cover 330 prevents water from permeating to the fingerprint recognition unit (not shown) of the electronic device (not shown), and also the waterproof case 300 prevents water from permeating to the electronic device (not shown).

When a user touches the fingerprint recognition cover 330, the fingerprint recognition unit (not shown) positioned under the fingerprint recognition cover 330 operates to detect a user's fingerprint. Accordingly, the fingerprint recognition unit (not shown) unlocks the electronic device (not shown), and simultaneously allows a user to access and use the electronic device (not shown).

In other words, the electronic device (not shown) is equipped with the fingerprint recognition unit (not shown) and has an inherent fingerprint of each user stored therein. When an input fingerprint is not identical to the stored fingerprint, access to the electronic device (not shown) is obstructed.

As shown in FIG. 19, as the fingerprint recognition cover 330 has a thinner thickness than that of the window 320, it is possible to easily recognize a touch on the fingerprint recognition cover 330 rather than a touch on the window 320 provided on the waterproof case 300, and also to further improve a function of detecting a user's fingerprint.

Further, since the window 320 is integrally formed with the fingerprint recognition cover 330 and the protrusion portion 340, it is possible to improve a function of recognizing the user's fingerprint. Also, since the window 320 is assembled with the body 310 of the waterproof case, and the fingerprint recognition cover 330 and the protrusion portion 340 are simultaneously assembled along with the window, it is possible to simplify an assembling process, and to reduce a manufacturing cost.

While the present invention has been shown and described with reference to certain embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A waterproof case for an electronic device, comprising:

a body;

a door coupled to the body, and opening and closing the body while pivotally rotating;

an elastic member disposed in the body and applying elastic force to the electronic device; and

a double locking unit which locks the door twice.

2. The waterproof case for an electronic device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the elastic member is any one of elastic bands made of a rubber material, a plate spring, and a coil spring.

3. The waterproof case for an electronic device as claimed in claim 1, further comprising:

a body;

a door coupled to a lower portion of the body, and opening and closing the body while pivotally rotating;

an elastic member disposed in the body, which separates the electronic device from the body by elastic force when the door is open; and

a double locking unit which locks the door twice.

4. The waterproof case for an electronic device as claimed in claim 3, wherein the body comprises:

a front cover;

a window disposed on a front surface of the front cover; and

a rear cover disposed on a rear surface of the front cover.

5. The waterproof case for an electronic device as claimed in claim 4, wherein the front cover and the rear cover are adhered by an ultrasonic welding.

6. The waterproof case for an electronic device as claimed in claim 3, wherein the window is made of a transparent material.

7. The waterproof case for an electronic device as claimed in claim 3, wherein the door further includes a hinge pivotally connected to the body, an earphone jack cover, an interface cover, and waterproof members which waterproof a microphone hole and a speaker hole formed therein.

8. The waterproof case for an electronic device as claimed in claim 3, wherein the elastic member includes an elastic band, at both ends of which fixing holes are formed and coupled to protrusions formed on the body, so as to fix the elastic member to the body.

9. The waterproof case for an electronic device as claimed in claim 8, wherein the elastic band is made of a rubber material.

10. The waterproof case for an electronic device as claimed in claim 3, wherein the elastic member includes a plate spring, at one end of which at least one fixing hole is formed and coupled to at least one protrusion formed on the body, so as to fix the plate spring to the body.

11. The waterproof case for an electronic device as claimed in claim 3, wherein the elastic member includes a coil spring, one end of which is fixed to a fixing part formed on the body and other end of which is coupled to a moving part disposed in the body, which is expanded and compressed according to a movement of the moving part while being in contact with the electronic device.

12. The waterproof case for an electronic device as claimed in claim 3, wherein the double locking unit comprises:

a locking hole formed in the body;

a first locker formed on the door, which is released from the locking hole when the door rotates;

a locking groove formed in the body; and

a second locker movably disposed in the locking groove, which supports a locking of the first locker and help a releasing of the first locker while moving along the locking groove.

13. The waterproof case for an electronic device as claimed in claim 12, wherein the second locker includes at least one stopping protrusion formed the body, and at least one stopping groove which restricts a movement of the second locker while the stopping protrusion is engaged with the stopping groove.

14. The waterproof case for an electronic device as claimed in claim 13, wherein the stooping groove includes a first stopping groove engaged with a first stopping protrusion which is formed on the body, and a second stopping groove engaged with a second stopping protrusion which is formed on the body.

15. A waterproof case for an electronic device with a fingerprint recognition unit, the waterproof case comprising:

a window which is provided in the body; and

a fingerprint recognition cover which is provided on the window so as to be opposite to the fingerprint recognition unit, and is formed to have a different thickness from that of the window.

16. The waterproof case for an electronic device as claimed in claim 15, further comprising:

a body which has an opening portion to open the fingerprint recognition unit;

a window which is provided in the body;

a fingerprint recognition unit coupling portion which is formed on the window, and is attached to an edge of the opening portion;

a first adhering portion which adheres the window to the body;

a fingerprint recognition cover which is attached to the fingerprint recognition unit coupling portion so as to be opposite to the fingerprint recognition unit, and has a different thickness from that of the window; and

a second adhering portion which adheres the fingerprint recognition cover to the fingerprint recognition unit coupling portion.

17. The waterproof case for an electronic device as claimed in claim 16, wherein the fingerprint recognition cover has a thinner thickness than that of the window.

18. The waterproof case for an electronic device as claimed in claim 16, wherein the first and second adhering portions include any one of an adhesive tape or an adhesive agent.

19. The waterproof case for an electronic device as claimed in claim 16, wherein the first adhering portion further comprises a coupling adhering portion to attach the fingerprint recognition unit coupling portion to the opening portion.

20. A waterproof case for an electronic device with a fingerprint recognition unit, the waterproof case comprising:

a body which has an opening portion to open the fingerprint recognition unit;

a window which is provided in the body;

a fingerprint recognition cover which is integrally formed on the window and opposite to the fingerprint recognition unit;

a film member which is provided on an inner surface or an outer surface of the window so that the window and the fingerprint recognition cover have different thicknesses; and

an adhering portion which attaches the window provided with the film member to the body.

21. The waterproof case for an electronic device as claimed in claim 20, wherein the film member has a thinner thickness than that of the window.

22. The waterproof case for an electronic device as claimed in claim 20, wherein the adhering portion includes any one of an adhesive tape or an adhesive agent.

23. The waterproof case for an electronic device as claimed in claim 20, wherein the adhering portion further comprises a cover adhering portion which is adhered to at an edge of an upper surface of the fingerprint recognition cover, and attaches the fingerprint recognition cover to the opening portion.

24. A waterproof case for an electronic device with a fingerprint recognition unit, the waterproof case comprising:

a body which has an opening portion to open the fingerprint recognition unit;

a window which is provided in the body;

a fingerprint recognition cover which is integrally formed on the window and opposite to the fingerprint recognition unit;

a protrusion portion which is convexly and integrally formed on an inner surface or an outer surface of the window so that the window and the fingerprint recognition cover have different thicknesses; and

an adhering portion which attaches the window provided and the fingerprint recognition cover to the body.

25. The waterproof case for an electronic device as claimed in claim 24, wherein the fingerprint recognition cover has a thinner thickness than that of the window.

26. The waterproof case for an electronic device as claimed in claim 24, wherein the adhering portion includes any one of an adhesive tape or an adhesive agent.