Wearable electronic device with glass housing

Abstract

A wearable electronic device can include a display and a housing. The housing can include a chassis that defines a first portion of a rear outer surface of the wearable electronic device, a first portion of a side outer surface of the wearable electronic device, and an inner wall. The housing can also include a glass enclosure that defines a front wall positioned over the display and defining a front outer surface of the wearable electronic device, and a side wall extending from the front wall and overlapping the inner wall, the side wall defining a second portion of the side outer surface of the wearable electronic device. The wearable electronic device can also include a touch sensing system located within the housing and configured to detect touch inputs applied to the front outer surface of the wearable electronic device.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This Patent Cooperation Treaty patent application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 023,961, filed May 13, 2020, entitled “Wearable Electronic Device with Glass Shell,” the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The subject matter of this disclosure relates generally to electronic devices, and more specifically to housing structures for handheld electronic devices. Background Technology

[0004] Modern consumer electronics devices come in a variety of shapes and forms and have a wide range of uses and functions. Devices such as mobile phones, tablets, and watches may include touch-sensitive displays, speakers, microphones, batteries, and advanced processors and other electronic components. These and other subsystems can be integrated into compact handheld and / or wearable products that offer numerous functions while being reliable and capable of withstanding everyday use. Summary of the Invention

[0005] A wearable electronic device may include a display, a housing including a casing defining a first portion of a rear outer surface of the wearable electronic device, and a first portion of a side outer surface of the wearable electronic device; a glass housing defining a front wall positioned above the display and defining a front outer surface of the wearable electronic device; and a side wall extending from the front wall and defining a second portion of the side outer surface of the wearable electronic device. The wearable electronic device may also include a touch sensing system located within the housing and configured to detect touch input applied to the front outer surface of the wearable electronic device.

[0006] The housing may further define an inner wall, a portion of which may overlap with the inner wall and define a recessed inner surface. The wearable electronic device may also include an adhesive that bonds the recessed inner surface to the inner wall. The adhesive may define an undercut region, and the recessed inner surface of the glass housing may mechanically interlock with the undercut region of the adhesive to secure the glass housing to the housing. The glass housing may be at least partially secured to the housing via a chemical bond between the recessed inner surface and the adhesive. The second portion of the outer side surface of the wearable electronic device may extend beyond half the distance from the front outer surface to the rear outer surface of the wearable electronic device.

[0007] The wearable electronic device may also include a compliant member located within the housing and in contact with the inner wall and sidewalls, the compliant member defining a seal between the inner wall and sidewalls.

[0008] The front wall may further define the front outer surface of the wearable electronic device, which may also include an opaque mask material on a portion of a recessed inner surface and a portion of the front inner surface, and the opaque mask material may define an edge surrounding the active region of the display. The display may define: a first portion configured to display a first graphic output through the front wall; and a second portion configured to display a second graphic output through a side wall.

[0009] A watch may include a display, a capacitive touch sensing system, and a housing surrounding the display and the capacitive touch sensing system. The housing may include a glass casing defining: a front wall defining a front surface of the watch; a first pair of side walls having a first length and defining first opposite side surfaces of the watch; and a second pair of side walls having a second length greater than the first length and defining second opposite side surfaces of the watch. The housing may also include a case defining at least a portion of the rear surface of the watch and a watch strap engagement feature. The watch may include a watch strap coupled to the watch strap engagement feature.

[0010] The case may be formed of metal and may define: a rear wall defining a portion of the rear surface of the watch; and a hole extending through the rear wall. The watch may also include a sensor cover at least partially positioned within the hole and defining another portion of the rear surface of the watch, and a sensor system configured to detect the user's biometric parameters through the sensor cover. The display may be configured to display graphic output visible through the front wall and through at least one of the second pair of side walls.

[0011] The case may define an inner wall, and a first portion of the inner wall may overlap with a first portion of one of the second pair of sidewalls. The watch may also include an adhesive positioned in the gap between the first portion of the inner wall and the first portion of the second pair of sidewalls. The watch band engagement feature may include a slot formed in the case.

[0012] A wearable electronic device may include a housing comprising a casing defining: a rear wall defining a first portion of a rear outer surface of the wearable electronic device; and an aperture extending through the rear wall. The housing may also include a glass housing defining: a front wall defining a front surface of the wearable electronic device; and four side walls extending from the front wall, each of the four side walls defining a portion of a respective side surface of the wearable electronic device. The wearable electronic device may further include: a sensor cover covering the aperture and defining a second portion of the rear outer surface of the wearable electronic device; a display located within the housing; and a biometric sensor system located within the housing and configured to detect a user's biometric parameters.

[0013] The biometric sensor system may include: an optical emitter configured to emit light through a first transparent portion of a sensor cover; and an optical sensor configured to detect a portion of the light reflected by a part of the user's body through a second transparent portion of the sensor cover. The sensor cover may include: an integral structure formed of a transparent material; a masking region defining an opaque region of the sensor cover; a first unmasked region defining the first transparent portion of the sensor cover; and a second unmasked region defining the second transparent portion of the sensor cover.

[0014] The wearable electronic device may also include electrodes coupled to a sensor cover and defining a third portion of the rear outer surface of the wearable electronic device. The electrodes may be first electrodes configured to measure a first voltage. The wearable electronic device may also include a second electrode along the outer surface of the wearable electronic device and configured to measure a second voltage, and the wearable electronic device may be configured to use the first voltage and the second voltage to determine an electrocardiogram. The second electrode may be positioned along one of the four sidewalls. Attached Figure Description

[0015] This disclosure will be readily understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein similar reference numerals denote similar structural elements, and wherein:

[0016] Figures 1A to 1C An exemplary electronic device is shown;

[0017] Figure 2 It shows Figures 1A to 1C Exploded view of electronic equipment;

[0018] Figures 3A to 3B A partial cross-sectional view of an exemplary electronic device is shown;

[0019] Figures 4A to 4BA partial cross-sectional view of an exemplary electronic device is shown;

[0020] Figures 4C to 4D It shows Figure 4A A perspective view of an electronic device;

[0021] Figure 5A A partial cross-sectional view of another exemplary electronic device is shown;

[0022] Figure 5B It shows Figure 5A Rear perspective view of the electronic device;

[0023] Figure 5C It shows Figure 5A A partial cross-sectional view of an electronic device;

[0024] Figures 6A to 6C Another exemplary electronic device is shown;

[0025] Figure 6D It shows Figures 6A to 6C A perspective view of an electronic device;

[0026] Figure 7A A perspective view of the casing of the electronic device is shown;

[0027] Figure 7B A partial sectional view of the casing and housing of the electronic device is shown;

[0028] Figures 8A to 8D A partial cross-sectional view of an exemplary electronic device is shown;

[0029] Figures 9A to 9B An exemplary casing for an electronic device is shown;

[0030] Figures 10A to 10C Another exemplary casing for an electronic device is shown; and

[0031] Figure 11 A schematic diagram of an exemplary electronic device is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0032] Reference will now be made specifically to the representative embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the following description is not intended to limit the embodiments to a single preferred embodiment. Rather, it is intended to cover alternative forms, modifications, and equivalents that may be included within the substance and scope of the embodiments defined by the appended claims.

[0033] The embodiments described herein generally relate to electronic watches with housings comprising a glass casing defining multiple sides of the device. Conventionally, glass has been used in such devices to provide a transparent window above a touchscreen on the front of the device. However, this document describes electronic devices with housings that use glass to define a front surface of the housing as well as multiple side surfaces. For example, the housing of an electronic watch (also known as a smartwatch) may comprise a glass casing resembling a five-sided box fitted to (and coupled to) a case or frame member. The glass casing may have a front glass wall defining the front surface of the watch, and multiple side walls, each extending away from the front wall, and each respective side wall defining at least a portion of a respective side surface of the housing. This configuration allows for significant mechanical overlap between the case and the glass casing, and thus increases the strength of the mechanical coupling between the glass casing and the case. Additionally, by forming the side walls of the watch entirely or substantially entirely of glass, further functional and aesthetic benefits are achieved. For example, a display may be positioned adjacent to the side wall to display graphic output on (or through) the side wall. Sensors such as touch sensors and biometric sensors can utilize the transparency and / or dielectric properties of the glass sidewalls to sense or detect input applied to the sidewalls.

[0034] The configuration of the glass case's sidewalls also causes the seam or joint between the glass structure and the case to be positioned further towards the back of the watch (compared to a conventional watch configuration), away from the user-facing surface. This results in reduced distractions and a more attractive aesthetic appearance, as there can be fewer distracting seams or other interruptions between case components. The glass case also improves the watch's water resistance because the seams between case components, where water or other liquids might accumulate, are positioned further away from liquid sources (e.g., rain, sweat, splashes, etc., which may primarily or initially contact the front surface of the watch).

[0035] Figures 1A to 1B An exemplary wearable electronic device 100 is illustrated. Although the wearable electronic device 100 is shown as an electronic watch in this figure, this is merely one exemplary embodiment of an electronic device using the concepts discussed herein, and the concepts, structures, principles, and techniques described herein can be applied in the same or similar way to other electronic devices, including mobile phones, tablet computers, fitness trackers, GPS devices, laptop computers, digital media players (e.g., MP3 players) or other handheld devices, wearable devices, and / or other electronic devices.

[0036] Wearable electronic device 100 (also referred to herein as watch 100) includes a housing 102 and a strap 108 coupled to the housing 102. The strap 108 can be configured to attach watch 100 to a user, such as to the user's arm or wrist.

[0037] The housing 102 may at least partially define the internal volume of components in which the watch 100 may be positioned. The housing 102 may also define all or part of one or more outer surfaces of the electronic device, such as one or more side surfaces, a rear surface, a front surface, etc. When viewed from the front, the housing 102 may have a generally rectangular shape. In such cases, the housing 102 may have four sides and / or side surfaces and four corners. In some cases, the four sides comprise a first pair of equal-length sides and a second pair of equal-length sides shorter than the first pair. Other shapes are also contemplated, such as a generally square shape (where all sides are substantially the same length).

[0038] The housing 102 may include a housing 104 coupled to the case 106. The case 106 may be formed of a metal (e.g., aluminum, steel, titanium, magnesium, metal alloys, etc.) or another suitable material (e.g., polymer, ceramic, glass, etc.). As described herein, the housing 104 may define a plurality of walls and a plurality of outer surfaces of the housing 102. For example, the housing 104 may define a front wall that defines the front outer surface of the watch 100, and a plurality (e.g., four) of corresponding side walls, each extending rearward from the front wall to define at least a portion of a corresponding side outer surface of the watch 100. The side walls of the housing 104 may define flat side surfaces, such as… Figures 1A to 1C As shown, they may be curved, rounded, semi-circular, or any other suitable shape. The transition between the sidewalls and the top or front wall of the housing 104 (e.g., where the sidewall meets the front wall) may be sharp (e.g., defining different vertices or edges), curved, chamfered, rounded, etc.

[0039] The front surface of housing 104 may define all or substantially all of the front surface of housing 102 (and therefore the watch). In such cases, housing 104 is continuous along the front surface and does not have holes or other allowances for a separate display cover. In other examples, the front of housing 104 defines a hole, and a separate display cover is positioned in the hole and attached to housing 104 or another structure of device 100. When the front surface of housing 104 is continuous, Figure 1A The edge of the display 114 shown does not correspond to a seam or opening in the housing 104, but rather represents the edge of the display 114, a mask defining the visible area of ​​the display (e.g., output area 117), etc. When the housing 104 defines an opening in which the display cover is located, such as... Figure 1A The edge of the display 114 shown can represent the seam between the display cover and the housing 104.

[0040] The housing 104 may also define one or more through-holes to allow components such as speakers, microphones, atmospheric pressure sensors, exhaust ports, or other parts to access the external environment. For example, Figures 1A to 1CAn exemplary location of the through-hole 121 is shown. As illustrated, the through-hole can be located in the sidewall of the housing 104. Other through-holes can be located elsewhere on the housing 104, such as through different sidewalls or the front wall.

[0041] The housing 104 may be formed of glass and may be referred to as a glass housing. When the housing 104 is formed of glass, the housing may be formed of any suitable glass and may be strengthened, tempered, or treated in any other suitable manner to provide target strength, toughness, scratch resistance, appearance, or other properties. Exemplary glass compositions may include, but are not limited to, soda-lime glass, aluminosilicate glass, borosilicate glass, glass ceramics, etc. The glass material may be chemically strengthened (e.g., via an ion exchange bath or other techniques), annealed, tempered, or treated using other techniques. The housing 104 may also include one or more coatings, such as an oleophobic coating, an anti-reflective coating, an anti-scratch coating, or any other suitable coating, film, layer, etc.

[0042] The housing 104, or the glass housing, can be formed using any suitable technique. For example, the housing 104 can be processed from a single block of glass. Alternatively, the housing 104 can be formed by collapsing and / or molding a sheet of glass. Yet another example is that the housing 104 can be formed by attaching multiple glass elements together. In the latter example, four glass sidewalls can be attached to a glass front wall, or two glass sidewalls can be attached to a glass structure that defines both the front wall and the two sidewalls. The glass elements can be attached together using fusion bonding techniques (e.g., partially softening or melting the glass components and joining them together to fuse them together), adhesives, or any other suitable technique.

[0043] In other cases, housing 104 may be formed of materials other than glass, such as ceramics, glass-ceramics, sapphire, polymers, composites, laminates, etc. The material used for housing 104 may be optically transparent to facilitate the visibility of the display within the device. The material used for housing 104 may also be a dielectric material or other material to facilitate the transmission and / or reception of wireless signals into and / or out of the device. For example, the material may be selected so as not to significantly attenuate wireless signals to and / or from antennas inside the device.

[0044] The case 106 may define at least a portion of the rear outer surface of the watch 100, and may also define a portion of one or more side outer surfaces of the watch 100. The case 106 may also define a band engagement feature 119. The band engagement feature 119 facilitates attachment of the watch strap 108 to the case 102. As shown, the band engagement feature 119 includes a slot for receiving an end portion of the strap 108, but other types of band engagement features 119 are contemplated. For example, the band engagement feature 119 may be a lug (e.g., a protruding feature having a hole for receiving a spring bar), a hole (e.g., a threaded hole), a bar (e.g., a bar around which the strap can wrap), or other suitable band engagement features. While the case 102 is primarily defined by the housing 104, the non-glass case 106 may have relatively greater strength and / or fracture resistance compared to the housing 104. Therefore, configuring the housing 106 to include a joint feature (or at least a load-bearing portion defining the joint feature) results in a robust and secure attachment while maintaining the functional and aesthetic benefits of the housing 104.

[0045] The housing 104 may cover (e.g., overlay) at least a portion of the display 114, which is at least partially positioned within the internal volume of the housing 102. The display 114 may define or correspond to an output area 117 in which graphical output is displayed. The graphical output may include a graphical user interface, user interface elements (e.g., buttons, sliders, etc.), text, lists, photographs, videos, etc. The display 114 may include a liquid crystal display (LCD), an organic light-emitting diode display (OLED), or any other suitable component or display technology. The display 114 may also include or be associated with touch and / or force sensing components, as described herein.

[0046] Housing 104 may include a mask along a mask region 115. The mask region 115 may form an edge surrounding and / or defining an output region 117. The mask may be an opaque material (e.g., one or more layers of ink, dye, film, etc.) attached to an inner surface of housing 104. The mask may visually obscure the internal components of watch 100. In some cases, the mask is configured to have an appearance (e.g., color, surface texture, etc.) that resembles the appearance of display 114 when display 114 is inactive. In this way, the edge between display 114 and the mask may not be visually distinguishable to the naked eye (at a distance such as 1 foot, 2 feet, 3 feet, etc.).

[0047] Display 114 may include or be associated with touch sensors and / or force sensors that extend along the output area of ​​the display and may use any suitable sensing elements and / or sensing systems and / or technologies. Using the touch sensors, watch 100 may detect touch input applied to housing 104, including detecting the location of the touch input, the movement of the touch input (e.g., the speed, direction, or other parameters of a gesture applied to housing 104), etc. Using the force sensors, watch 100 may detect the amount or magnitude of force associated with a touch event applied to housing 104. Touch sensors and / or force sensors may detect various types of user input to control or modify the operation of the device, including taps, swipes, multi-finger input, single-finger or multi-finger touch gestures, presses, etc. Furthermore, as described herein, touch sensors and / or force sensors may detect the movement of an object (e.g., a user's finger) as it interacts with the crown 110 of watch 100.

[0048] Watch 100 may also be configured to generate tactile (e.g., sensory) outputs that can be detected by the wearer or user of watch 100. Watch 100 may generate tactile outputs in various ways. For example, watch 100 may include a movable mass that moves (e.g., translates and / or rotates, oscillates or vibrates, or otherwise moves to generate tactile outputs) and can be detected by the user when the user is wearing or otherwise contacts (e.g., touches) watch 100. The tactile output may be generated in response to watch 100 detecting input or other user interactions (such as touch input, force input, crown rotation, translation or other interactions, button presses, etc.).

[0049] The watch 100 also includes a crown 110 (also referred to herein as a crown assembly) having a knob, outer portion, component, or feature positioned along the sidewall of the case 102. At least a portion of the crown 110 (e.g., a knob) may protrude from the case 102 and may define a generally circular shape or a circular outer surface. The outer surface (or a portion thereof) of the crown 110 may be textured, knurled, grooved, or may otherwise have features that improve the tactile feel of the crown 110 and / or facilitate rotation sensing.

[0050] The crown 110 facilitates a variety of possible user interactions. For example, the crown 110 can be rotated by the user (e.g., the crown can receive rotation input). Rotation input to the crown 110 can zoom, scroll, rotate, or otherwise manipulate the user interface or other objects displayed on the display 114 (and other possible functions). The crown 110 can also be translated or pressed by the user (e.g., axially). Translation or axial input can select a highlighted object or icon, cause the user interface to return to a previous menu or display, or activate or deactivate a function (and other possible functions). In some cases, instead of being able to be rotated and translated by the user, the crown can be configured not to rotate or translate relative to the housing 102, but can still be configured to detect user interactions similar to rotation and translation input. For example, the watch 100 can use touch sensors, force sensors, optical sensors, etc., to sense touch input or gestures applied to the crown 110. Such input can include sliding a finger along the surface of the crown 110 and touching (or pressing) the end face of the crown 110. In such cases, a swipe gesture can result in an operation similar to rotational input, and a touch (or press) on the end face can result in an operation similar to translational input. As used herein, rotational input can include rotational movement of the crown (e.g., in the case where the crown is freely rotating), and swipe input generated when a user slides a finger or object along the surface of the crown in a manner similar to rotation (e.g., in the case where the crown is fixed and / or cannot rotate freely). In some cases, as described above, haptic output can be generated in response to the detection of certain types of input applied to the crown 110. For example, haptic output can be generated in response to the detection of a specific rotational input (e.g., partial rotation, such as 10° rotation, 20° rotation, 30° rotation, or any other suitable rotation), translational input, etc. With respect to a crown that is not configured to rotate or translate relative to the housing, haptic output can be generated in response to the detection of a swipe input applied to the surface of the crown, a touch input at the axial end of the crown, or a force (applied to the axial end of the crown) that satisfies a condition (e.g., exceeding a predetermined force corresponding to an actuation threshold).

[0051] The crown 110 may also include or define electrodes. For example, the crown 110 may be formed of or include a conductive material (e.g., metal), which may be electrically coupled to a biometric sensing system of the watch 100, such as an electrocardiogram (ECG) sensing system. The ECG sensing system may use electrodes on the crown (and other electrodes of the watch 100, such as...) Figure 1B The voltage detected by the electrodes 122 in the coronary 110 is used to determine the wearer's electrocardiogram. For example, the user can touch the electrode portion of the coronary 110 to allow the electrode portion of the coronary 110 to detect voltage through the wearer's skin.

[0052] In some cases, instead of or in addition to the electrodes integrated with the crown 110, electrodes may be positioned on the surface of the housing 104. For example, conductive materials (e.g., metals, indium tin oxide, conductive nanowire coatings, etc.) may be positioned on a side surface defined by the sidewalls of the housing 104, and a user may access the conductive material (e.g., with a finger or another body part) to facilitate the detection and / or measurement of voltage via the conductive material. Electrodes may also be positioned, or alternatively, on a front surface defined by the front wall of the housing 104. Electrodes mounted to the surface of the housing 104 may be coupled to the housing 104 in any suitable manner and / or using any suitable technique. For example, electrodes may be formed by plating or otherwise depositing a conductive material (e.g., metal) onto the surface of the housing 104 (e.g., using chemical vapor deposition, plasma vapor deposition, electroless plating, etc.). Alternatively, metal foil or other conductive films may be fixed to the surface of the housing 104 using adhesives or other bonding agents. Electrodes coupled to the sidewalls, front wall, or other surfaces of the housing 104 may be coupled to circuitry within the housing (e.g., voltage measurement circuitry) in various ways. For example, a through-hole may be formed through the housing 104, and a conductor (e.g., a wire, flexible circuit, etc.) may extend through the hole to electrically couple an external electrode to an internal circuit. Alternatively, the electrode may form a continuous conductor extending along a portion of the outer surface of the housing 104, around the edge of the housing 104, and along a portion of the inner surface of the housing 104. The portion extending along the inner surface of the housing 104 may be electrically coupled to a circuit within the device.

[0053] Watch 100 may also include other inputs, switches, buttons, etc. For example, watch 100 may include buttons. Buttons may be movable buttons (as shown) or touch-sensitive areas of the housing 102. Buttons can control various aspects of watch 100. For example, buttons can be used to select icons, items, or other objects displayed on display 114 to activate or deactivate functions (e.g., to mute alarms or warnings), etc. As described above, tactile output may be generated in response to detecting input applied to the button (or any other input device or system actually associated with watch 100). Buttons may be located on or along a side wall of housing 104. For example, buttons may be located next to crown 110 or on the side of watch 100 opposite crown 110. In some cases, watches include multiple inputs, switches, buttons, etc.

[0054] In cases where watch 100 includes buttons, switches, and a crown (e.g., crown 110), housing 104 may define a through-hole allowing components of the buttons, switches, crown, and / or other components to pass through housing 104 and into the internal volume of watch 100. For example, the pivot portion of the crown may extend through a through-hole defined to pass through a sidewall of housing 104. The pivot portion may be coupled to one or more sensing systems (e.g., rotation and / or translation sensing systems) within watch 100. An end or knob portion may be coupled to the pivot portion and define a component of watch 100 to be interacted with by a user (e.g., pressed, rotated) to provide input to watch 100 via crown 110.

[0055] As described herein, some specific implementations of watches or other electronic devices may include touch-sensitive and / or force-sensitive side surfaces, optionally with a display beneath the side surface. These functions can be facilitated by the transparency and dielectric properties of the material of housing 104 (e.g., glass). Thus, virtual buttons, crowns, sliders, or other input areas may be displayed on the side surface and interacted with by the user. Other types of sensors, such as biometric sensors, imaging sensors, etc., may also be configured to detect input on or through the side surface. Virtual input areas and other sensors may be combined with or replace physical input components such as buttons and crown 110.

[0056] Figure 1BThe rear portion of watch 100 is shown. As shown, case 106 defines a portion of the side surface of watch 100 and a portion of the rear outer surface of watch 100. Watch 100 may also include a sensor cover 116 coupled to case 106. Sensor cover 116 may cover an opening defined by case 106. In some cases, sensor cover 116 is at least partially positioned within the opening defined by case 106. Sensor cover 116 may be configured to allow one or more sensors within watch 100 to detect conditions outside watch 100. For example, sensor cover 116 may define transparent portions, such as sensor port 118 and transmitter port 120. Sensor port 118 and transmitter port 120 together may allow the biometric sensor system of watch 100 to detect the wearer's biometric parameters and / or biological parameters. For example, sensor port 118 and transmitter port 120 may facilitate the operation of a photovolume change profiler, wherein light is emitted by an optical transmitter through transmitter port 120, and the light may be reflected (by the wearer's body) and detected by an optical sensor through sensor port 118. Sensor port 118 and transmitter port 120 may be transparent portions of sensor cover 116 (e.g., transparent for a specific wavelength of light used by at least the sensors and transmitters of watch 100). In some cases, sensor cover 116 may comprise a single material element (e.g., an integral structure) defining two transparent portions (e.g., sensor port 118 and transmitter port 120) and other portions of sensor cover 116 (e.g., non-transparent or opaque portions of sensor cover 116 surrounding sensor port 118 and transmitter port 120). The opaque portions of sensor cover 116 may be defined by masked areas of sensor cover 116, and the transparent portions of sensor cover 116 (e.g., sensor ports and transmitter ports) may be defined by unmasked areas of sensor cover 116.

[0057] In some cases, the sensor cover 116 may be a component, or otherwise comprise multiple materials or parts. For example, the sensor port 118 and the transmitter port 120 may be defined by a lens or other suitable transparent cover, window, or other material positioned in an opening in the carrier (e.g., the main structure of the sensor cover 116 that houses the sensor port 118 and the transmitter port 120). Although Figure 1B Two circular sensor ports 118 and two circular transmitter ports 120 are shown, but more or fewer sensor ports 118 and transmitter ports 120 may be used, and these ports may have different characteristics. Figure 1B The shapes and / or positions of those shown.

[0058] Other types of sensors may also be integrated with the sensor cover 116, or alternatively. For example, electrode 122 may be positioned on the sensor cover 116 and electrically coupled to components of a sensor system (e.g., an electrocardiogram sensing system) within the watch 100. Electrode 122 may be metal or other conductive material and may be fixed or applied to the sensor cover 116 in various ways. For example, electrode 122 may be plated, adhered, or bonded to the sensor cover 116 and may wrap around one side of the sensor cover 116 and along its inner surface, such that electrode 122 can electrically couple the user's skin to the sensing system of the watch 100. Exemplary configurations of electrode 122 are described herein. Watch 100 may include two electrodes 122, as shown, or more or fewer electrodes (e.g., one electrode, three electrodes, four electrodes, or more electrodes).

[0059] Figure 1C This is a side view of watch 100. (As shown) Figure 1C As shown, housing 104 defines a first portion of the outer side surface of outer casing 102, and housing 106 defines a second portion of the outer side surface of outer casing. As shown, housing 104 defines more than half the height of the side surface, thus extending almost the entire distance from the front surface to the rear surface. In some cases, the sidewalls of housing 104 extend by approximately 50%, approximately 60%, approximately 70%, approximately 80%, approximately 90%, or approximately 100% of the distance from the front surface to the rear surface.

[0060] Figure 2 It shows Figures 1A to 1C The exploded view of the watch 100 shows the housing 104 removed from the case 106. The housing 104 defines a front wall 201 (also referred to herein as a top wall) that defines the front surface of the watch 100. The front wall 201 may also define a touch-sensitive and / or force-sensitive input surface of the watch 100, which a user can interact with to control the operation of the watch 100.

[0061] The housing 104 further defines a first pair of sidewalls 202 (e.g., sidewall 202-1 and opposite sidewall 202-2) extending rearward from the front wall 201, and a second pair of sidewalls 204 (e.g., sidewall 204-1 and opposite sidewall 204-2) extending rearward from the front wall 201. The sidewalls of the second pair of sidewalls 204 may be longer than the sidewalls of the first pair of sidewalls 202. For example, the first pair of sidewalls 202 may be shorter than the second pair of sidewalls 204 because of the presence of engagement features 208 (e.g., engagement features 208-1, 208-2) on those same sides of the watch 100. In some examples, these sidewalls all have substantially the same length.

[0062] like Figure 2 As shown, the belt engagement feature 208 is defined by a slot formed into the housing 106, but this is merely an exemplary belt engagement feature. In other cases, the belt engagement feature may be or may include lugs, holes, rods, protrusions, or other structures.

[0063] The housing 106 may define an inner wall 206 extending from the rear portion of the housing 106. The inner wall 206 may extend around and at least partially define an internal volume 207 in which internal components of the watch 100 may be positioned. The inner wall 206 may extend toward the front of the watch 100 and may overlap with and be secured to the inner surfaces of the side walls 202 and 204, as described herein.

[0064] Figure 2 An example of a display 114 is also shown, which may be covered by housing 104 and configured to produce graphic output visible through the front wall of housing 104. Display module 114 may also be configured to wrap around or bend along one or more sidewalls (which may be curved) of housing 104 and may be configured to display graphic output visible through one or more sidewalls. In some cases, additional display modules may be configured to display graphic output visible through the sidewalls.

[0065] Figures 3A to 3B It is along Figure 1A A partial cross-sectional view of the implementation of watch 100 observed along line AA. Figure 3A An exemplary configuration of housing 102 is shown, which may be at least partially defined by housing 104, housing 106 and sensor cover 116. Figure 3B Another exemplary configuration of housing 102 is shown, which may be at least partially defined by housing 300, housing 312 and sensor cover 116. Figures 3A to 3B The outer casing, defined by the housing and the enclosure, defines an internal volume in which components such as the display 114, sensor module 310, and other internal components 302 can be located. Internal components 302 may include components such as a battery, processor, memory, logic board, battery charging circuitry (including wireless or inductive charging components such as induction coils), wireless communication circuitry, and antennas.

[0066] like Figures 3A to 3B As shown, sidewall 204 ( Figure 3A ) and 318 Figure 3B Each defines a portion of the side surface of the watch 100, and the case 106 ( Figure 3A ) and 312 ( Figure 3BThis defines the second portion of the side surface of watch 100. However, as shown, each of these sidewalls extends rearward beyond half the distance between the front surface and the rear surface 303 of watch 100. This results in a greater seal and a more attractive appearance, as the seam between the case and the movement is positioned further away from the front surface of watch 100.

[0067] Although Figure 3A A flat sidewall 204 is shown, but in some cases, the sidewall defines a curved portion, such as a curve near the distal end of the sidewall (e.g., the location where sidewall 318 meets housing 312, such as...). Figure 3B As shown), near the point where the front wall meets the side wall (e.g.) Figure 4B The curve shown), and / or the continuous curvature extending from the front wall of the housing to the end of the side wall (e.g., Figure 3B and Figure 4B (The combination of curvatures shown). Figure 3B An embodiment of watch 100 is shown, wherein the case 300 defines a curve of the distal end 309 near the sidewall 318. Thus, the outermost point 305 (e.g., 305-1, 305-2) of the side surface of watch 100 is defined by the case 300, and the outermost point 305 of the curved sidewall can visually obscure or hide the seam (at least in some observation configurations).

[0068] Figure 3B An example is shown in which the sidewall 318 defines a curved portion near the distal end 309 of the sidewall 318 (the location where the sidewall 318 meets the housing 312). In some cases, there is also a curvature where the front wall 316 meets the sidewall 318 (e.g., similar to...). Figure 4B The curvature shown is such that a continuous curvature is defined along the sidewall extending from the front wall 316 to the distal end 309 of the sidewall 318. In such cases, the entire outer surface of the sidewall can be curved (e.g., such that the sidewall does not define a flat or planar outer surface portion). The continuously curved sidewall may define a vertex at its outermost point, which may visually obscure or conceal the seam between the distal end of the sidewall and the housing, similar to... Figure 3A The configuration shown.

[0069] As described above, the housing may define the inner wall ( Figure 3A Inner wall 206 and Figure 3B The inner wall 314 of the shell can be connected to the side wall of the shell (e.g., the inner wall of the shell). Figure 3A Sidewall 204 and Figure 3B The side wall 318 (and also Figure 2 The sidewalls 202 overlap. The inner wall may extend around the perimeter of the housing and may consist of multiple wall segments (e.g., four wall segments, such as...). Figure 2(As shown) The inner wall may resemble a rib or flange extending from the rear wall defined by the housing. The inner wall may be attached to the sidewall of the housing by any suitable means, such as adhesives, fasteners, etc. In some cases, such as Figure 3B As shown, the gap can be defined between the inner surfaces of the inner wall 314 and the side wall 318. Adhesive 304 or other bonding agent can be positioned in this gap to secure the housing 300 to the housing 312.

[0070] refer to Figure 3B Adhesive 304 can form an adhesive bond with sidewall 318 and inner wall 314, thereby retaining housing 300 to housing 312. As used herein, adhesive bond can refer to a bond formed due to chemical bonding, intermolecular forces (e.g., van der Waals forces), mechanical bonding (e.g., the adhesive engaging with pores, textures or other surface irregularities of a material), electrostatic forces and / or any other suitable adhesion mechanism.

[0071] In some cases, the shape of the inner surface of the sidewall 318 can facilitate mechanical interlocking between the housing 300 and the casing 312. For example, the curvature of the sidewall 318 can define a convex outer surface and a corresponding recessed inner surface of the housing 300. The recessed inner surface can define features that mechanically interlock with the adhesive 304 to hold the housing 300 to the casing 312 and / or prevent the housing 300 from being removed from the casing 312. More specifically, the distal end 309 of the sidewall 318 is further toward the center of the device than the outermost point 305 of the sidewall 318. Therefore, when the adhesive 304 hardens (e.g., cures, solidifies, etc.), the distal end 309 of the sidewall 318 mechanically interlocks with the undercut region of the adhesive 304, thereby inhibiting separation of the housing 300 from the casing 312.

[0072] The housing 104, 300 may have a substantially uniform thickness. For example, the thickness of the sidewalls of the housing (e.g., sidewalls 202, 204, 318) may be substantially the same as the thickness of the front wall of the housing. The housing may have a thickness between about 1.5 mm and about 0.5 mm. In some cases, the thickness may be about 1.5 mm, about 1.25 mm, about 1.0 mm, about 0.75 mm, about 0.5 mm, or any other suitable thickness. In some cases, different portions of the housing may be thicker than other portions. For example, the distal ends of the housing (e.g., the free ends of the sidewalls) and / or the curved portions of the sidewalls may be thicker than other portions of the housing.

[0073] Although Figures 3A to 3B The physical connection between the housing and a pair of sidewalls (e.g., sidewalls 204, 318) is shown, but it should be understood that sidewall 202 as described herein, or any other sidewall of the housing, may have a similar connection. Figures 3A to 3B The sidewalls shown have the same or similar configuration, and the same or similar structures and techniques can be used to physically join the housing and the casing.

[0074] As described above, watch 100 may include a display 114. The display 114 may be coupled to an inner surface of the front wall of the housing (e.g., Figure 3A Anterior wall 201 or Figure 3B The front wall 316 of the display 114, or otherwise positioned within the case of the watch 100, allows the display to produce graphic output visible through the front wall. To define the boundaries of the active area of ​​the display 114 and / or prevent the visibility of internal components of the watch 100, an opaque mask 306 (such as...) can be positioned along the front inner surface of the case. Figure 3A and Figure 3B (As shown). In some cases, the opaque mask 306 is positioned along the entire inner surface of the housing, except for the active display area (e.g., such that the opaque mask 306 defines the opaque boundary of the transparent portion visible through the viewing display surrounding the housing). In other cases, the opaque mask 306 may be omitted from certain areas of the inner surface. For example, where the display, sensor, or other component may require transparency or translucency, the opaque mask may be omitted from that specific area. The opaque mask 306 may be one or more layers of ink, dye, film, deposited layer (e.g., a layer of material deposited by vapor or other deposition techniques), coating, etc.

[0075] like Figures 3A to 3B As shown, watch 100 also includes one or more sensors represented by sensor module 310. Sensor module 310 may not represent the exact size, location, or configuration of sensors in watch 100, but is intended more as a schematic diagram of sensors. In some cases, sensor module 310 may include a sensing system (or components thereof), such as a photoplethysmography (PPG), electrocardiograph, pulse oximeter, or other biometric sensing system. Biometric sensing systems may be configured to detect and / or measure the wearer's biometric parameters. Such sensing systems may include components such as voltage sensors, optical transmitters, optical sensors, cameras, or any other suitable components to facilitate biometric sensing or other sensing. The sensing system of watch 100 may access or otherwise interact with the external environment via sensor cover 116, which may be positioned in an opening 307 in the case.

[0076] The sensor cover 116 may be formed of a transparent material such as glass, ceramic, sapphire, metal, polymer, or composite material (e.g., fiber-reinforced polymer). In some cases, the sensor cover 116 may be formed of an opaque material and may define an opening therein for positioning a transparent material or component, as described herein.

[0077] As described above, the sensor cover 116 may define transparent portions, such as the sensor port 118 and the transmitter port 120. Figure 1B ). Figure 3A and Figure 3B An exemplary configuration of the sensor cover 116 is shown, wherein the sensor port 118 is defined by a transparent or translucent material in an opening located in the carrier member 311. The carrier member 311 may be formed of an opaque material, or may be formed of a transparent material and include a mask (e.g., dye, ink, film, etc.) to produce an opaque appearance.

[0078] In other cases, instead of a separate material or component positioned in an opening in the carrier member 311, the sensor port 118 may be defined by a transparent portion of the integral carrier member 311. In such cases, the carrier member 311 may be formed of a transparent material and may include a mask (e.g., dye, ink, film, etc.) to define an opaque area in the region other than the sensor port 118 (e.g., surrounding the sensor port 118). Although Figures 3A to 3B An exemplary configuration of sensor port 118 is shown, but the same and / or similar configurations may also be applied to transmitter port 120. Sensor cover 116 may also use embedded transparent material to provide optical access for some sensor components and use an integral transparent area of ​​the carrier to provide optical access for other sensor components.

[0079] As described above, electrode 122 may be positioned on sensor cover 116 and electrically coupled to an electrocardiogram sensing system (represented by sensor module 310). Electrode 122 may be metal or other conductive material. Electrode 122 may wrap around the edge of sensor cover 116 to define an outer portion and an inner portion of each electrode. The outer portion may define a portion of the rear surface of watch 100 and may be positioned such that it may come into contact with the user when watch 100 is worn. The inner portion of the electrode may be electrically coupled to a voltage sensor or other component or system, and voltage measurements from the electrode (optionally together with voltage measurements from other electrodes on sensor cover 116, crown 110, and / or elsewhere on the device) may be used by an electrocardiograph to determine the wearer's electrocardiogram.

[0080] Figure 4A An exemplary cross-section of watch 400 is shown, which may be an embodiment of watch 100. The description of the various parts and components of watch 100 is also applicable. Figure 4A The watch shown is 400. For clarity, redundant descriptions of some components will not be repeated here.

[0081] While watch 100 includes a display visible through the front wall 404 of the case, watch 400 includes a display 402 visible through the front wall 404 of the case 401 (which may be the same as or similar to the case 104) and through the side wall 406 of the case 401. For example, display 402 may define a first portion 418 adjacent to (or otherwise visible through) the front wall 404 of the case 401, and a second portion 420 adjacent to (or otherwise visible through) the side wall 406 of the case 401. Display 402 may be a single display element that is bent, flexed, or otherwise formed into the contour of the inner surface of the case 401. In other cases, display 402 may include separate display elements. For example, a physical display stack may be used to display graphic output through the front wall 404 of the case 401, while a separate physical display stack may be used to display graphic output through side wall 406-1, and yet another separate physical display stack may be used to display graphic output through side wall 406-2. The boundary between the physical display stack-up structures may be located at line 416, but this is merely an example. In some cases, the stack-up structure visible through the front wall 404 is substantially planar, and the stack-up structure visible through the side walls is non-planar (e.g., curved). In cases where a single display stack-up structure is used to display graphic output through both the front wall and one or more side walls, line 416 may represent the functional boundary between the "forward" display area and the "lateral" display area. Furthermore, while watch 400 shows a display adjacent to two side walls, this is merely one embodiment, and watches as described herein may have displays capable of displaying graphic output on one, two, three, or four side walls of the device.

[0082] The watch 400 may also include a mask 410 along some portions of the inner surface of the case 401. For example, the mask 410 may be positioned along the portion of the case 401 that contacts the adhesive 414 (where the adhesive 414 is positioned in a manner similar to...). Figure 3B The housing 401 is attached to the housing 408 by means of adhesive 304. The mask 410 may also be positioned along other parts of the housing 401 to mask or cover the boundaries between different display stack-up structures (e.g., to cover the gap between components at line 416). The mask 410 may be an opaque material (e.g., one or more layers of ink, dye, film, etc.) attached to the inner surface of the housing 401.

[0083] Figure 4BAnother example of a watch 400 is shown, wherein a housing 431 defines a curved surface where a sidewall 432 meets a front wall 433. The curved surface may have a corresponding curved (e.g., recessed) inner surface to which a display 434 can be proximate or attached. In some cases, the display 434 is adhered to the inner surface of the housing 431, including along the inner surface of the front wall 433, the inner surface of the sidewall 432, and the recessed surface located between (and connecting) the front wall 433 and the sidewall 432. Figure 4B When the sidewall 432 does not define a curve at its distal end, the sidewall 432 may define flanges 435 that can be engaged with adhesive 436 (in a manner similar to...). Figure 4A (In the manner of sidewall 406 and adhesive 414) to hold housing 431 to housing 408.

[0084] Figures 4C to 4D It shows Figure 4A The watch 400 includes a display 402 whose graphic output is shown via the sidewall of a lateral portion (e.g., the second portion 420-1 of the display 402). Notably, the display 402 can produce various types of graphic output on the side of the device and can dynamically change or modify the graphic output based on factors such as the time of day, the active application of the watch 400, the wearer's current activity (e.g., exercising, listening to music, watching video media, sleeping, working, running, swimming, etc.), or any other suitable factors. Additionally, the watch 400 may include a touch sensing system, a force sensing system, or other types of sensing systems capable of detecting input applied to the front and / or sidewalls of the watch 400 (e.g., touch input applied by the user). Therefore, the graphic output displayed on the side of the watch 400 can be buttons, sliders, or other power indicators.

[0085] For example, Figure 4C The watch 400 is shown when a first set of graphic outputs is displayed on the side display area 425 of the watch 400. For example, the graphic outputs may include buttons 422, 424, and 426, wherein buttons 424 and 426 are configured as directional buttons (e.g., arrows). Buttons 422, 424, and 426 can be used to navigate within a graphical user interface displayed on the front display area 423 of the watch 400 (e.g., to move the cursor or other "active" element indicators via the directional buttons, and to select a specific power indicator, function, or other element via button 422). Directional buttons 424 and 426 can control functions such as the volume of the watch 400's speaker or other devices that can be controlled by the watch (such as a telephone, headset, tablet computer, wireless speaker unit, etc.).

[0086] Figure 4D The watch 400 is shown when the second set of graphic outputs is displayed on the side display area 425 of the watch 400. For example, Figure 4D The graphical output may include a start button 428 and a stop button 430. When activating an application, detecting wearer activity, etc., the watch 400 may display a first set of graphical outputs (e.g., ...). Figure 4C The displayed graphics outputs (or any other graphic outputs, or even the blank side display area) are switched to a second set of graphic outputs. For example, the start button 428 and the stop button 430 can control a stopwatch or other fitness tracker, or can control music or other media playback.

[0087] Figures 4C to 4D The buttons shown are merely examples of buttons, power indicators, images, or other graphical outputs that can be displayed on the side display area of ​​the watch 400. Other types of graphical outputs may be displayed on the side display area of ​​the watch, depending on user settings, detected watch and / or user conditions, or based on other factors or triggering events.

[0088] In some cases, other types of sensing systems may be integrated with or otherwise utilize the sidewalls of the watch as an input surface. For example, a fingerprint sensor may be positioned adjacent to the sidewall of the housing 401 within the watch 400. A user may place their finger on the sidewall in the area of ​​the fingerprint sensor (which may be graphically indicated by a display's graphic output, markings on the housing 401, etc.), and the fingerprint sensor may capture an image or other representation of the user's fingerprint to authenticate the user and optionally unlock the watch 400 and / or other devices with which the watch 400 may communicate. In some cases, cameras, optical sensors, photoplethysmography (PPG), blood oxygen sensors, ambient light sensors, depth sensors, etc., may be positioned within the watch 400 and configured to access the external environment using the transparency of the housing 401 (including the sidewalls of the housing 401).

[0089] In some cases, a watch may include a glass (or other transparent dielectric material) case that defines at least a portion of the watch's front and side surfaces, similar to the description of... Figures 1A to 4D The aforementioned glass (or other transparent dielectric material) components that define another portion of the back and side surfaces of the watch. Figures 5A to 5C An exemplary watch 500 is shown, which includes a first housing 502 (e.g., a first glass housing) defining a top or front surface 504 of the watch 500 and a first portion of a side surface 506 of the watch 500, and a second housing 508 (e.g., a second glass housing) defining a portion of a rear surface 510 and a second portion of the side surface 506.

[0090] The second housing 508 may be attached to the first housing 502 via an adhesive 520, which may be similar in material, function, etc., to adhesives described elsewhere herein (e.g., Figure 3BThe adhesive 304 may be the same as or similar to the first housing 502 and the second housing 508 (respectively). These masks 522, 523 may be positioned along the inner surfaces of the first housing 502 and the second housing 508 (e.g., along a portion of the front inner surface and the side inner surface (which may have a concave curvature) of the first housing 502 and along a portion of the rear inner surface). In some cases, the masks are opaque and conceal, cover, or obscure internal components. Openings in the masks (or areas where no mask is applied) may define a display area or other windows, openings, or transparent areas for displays, sensors, or other components or functions. Masks 522, 523 may be an opaque material (e.g., one or more layers of ink, dye, film, etc.) attached to the inner surface of the housing.

[0091] The watch 500 may also include a frame 512 within the watch 500. The frame 512 may serve as a case or main structural component to which other components of the watch 500 can be coupled. For example, a second housing 508 may be secured to the frame 512 (e.g., via fasteners, adhesives, mechanical interlocks, or any other suitable attachment technique). Other components (e.g., logic board, processor, battery, sensor module, display, memory, battery charging circuitry, etc.) may also be coupled to the frame 512. The frame 512 may be formed of a metal (e.g., aluminum, steel, aluminum alloy, etc.), polymer, composite material, or any other suitable material.

[0092] The second housing 508 may also define a sensor cover 514. The sensor cover 514 may be configured to allow one or more sensors within the watch 500 to detect conditions outside the watch 500. For example, the sensor cover 514 may define transparent portions, such as sensor ports 525 and 527, which may be the same as or similar to sensor ports 118 and transmitter ports 120 described herein. Figure 5B For clarity, redundant descriptions of some components will not be repeated here. The sensor cover 514 protrudes outward from the back of the watch, allowing it to press against the skin of the user's wrist. This helps to promote positive contact between the sensor cover 514 and the user's skin, thereby improving the effectiveness of the watch's biometric sensor.

[0093] Similar to other watches described herein, electrode 516 may be positioned on sensor cover 514 and electrically coupled to components of a sensor system (e.g., an electrocardiogram sensing system) within watch 500. Electrode 516 may be metal or other conductive material and may be fixed or applied to sensor cover 514 in various ways. For example, electrode 516 may be plated, adhered, or bonded to sensor cover 514 and may extend through a hole 518 formed to pass through sensor cover 514 (or more generally, formed to pass through second housing 508), such that electrode 516 can electrically couple the user's skin to the sensing system of watch 500. Watch 500 may include two electrodes 516, as shown, or more or fewer electrodes (e.g., one electrode, three electrodes, four electrodes, or more electrodes).

[0094] In some cases, such as Figure 5A As shown, the sensor cover 514 may protrude slightly from the area surrounding the rear surface 510. The protrusion of the sensor cover 514 may be formed by a region of the second housing 508 that has an increased thickness relative to the region surrounding or adjacent to the sensor cover 514. For example, in the case of a glass second housing 508, the increased thickness may be formed by forming a single integral glass piece such that the glass piece defines the increased thickness region, or by applying one or more additional glass layers to the second glass housing 508. Figure 5A An exemplary location of the seam or boundary 524 is shown where an additional layer of glass (or other suitable material) has been applied to the main portion of the second housing 508 to define an increased thickness region of the sensor cover 514. The glass layer can be attached to the main portion of the second housing 508 in any suitable manner, such as with adhesives, by directly fusing the layer to the main portion (e.g., via applying heat and pressure to the layer and the main portion), laser welding, or by any other suitable technique. In other cases, protrusions may be formed by curved regions formed in an additional region of the second housing 508 having a substantially uniform thickness (e.g., such that a recess is defined along the inner surface and a protruding bump is defined along the outer surface of the second housing 508).

[0095] Figure 5B The rear perspective view of watch 500 is shown. Figure 5B As shown, the back surface 510 of the watch may be a substantially continuous piece of glass (excluding the electrodes 516 (if equipped) and lenses, windows or other embedded components for the transmitter port and receiver port (if equipped)). Figure 5B Also shown is a watch strap 529 attached to the watch case via a watch strap engagement feature, as per [reference to...]. Figure 5C More detailed description.

[0096] Figure 5CIt is along a path similar to Figure 1A The line BB is observed in a partial cross-sectional view of the watch 500. Figure 5C An exemplary configuration is shown where the watch strap engagement feature is defined by a frame 512. For example, the frame 512 may define structural segments 530 that extend through openings 531 in a first housing 502 (and / or a second housing 508, depending on the specific structural configuration of the housing). Structural segments 530 may define a watch strap 529 ( Figure 5B The watch strap engagement feature 532 is coupled to the watch strap 529. As shown, the watch strap engagement feature 532 includes a slot for receiving the end of the watch strap 529, but this is merely one exemplary embodiment. In other cases, the watch strap engagement feature 532 may be a bar, fastener, threaded hole, lug, or any other suitable structure for coupling the watch strap to the watch 500. Figure 5C One potential advantage of the configuration shown is that any load from the watch strap 529 is directly coupled to internal structural components (e.g., frame 512), rather than the housings 502, 508. This could facilitate the use of thinner materials (e.g., glass) for the housing, or could additionally help prevent or reduce damage to the housing.

[0097] In some cases, the engagement feature can be directly coupled to the housing. Figures 6A to 6D An exemplary watch 600 is shown in which an engagement feature (specifically, a lug) can be directly attached to the outer surface of the top and side surfaces of a defined watch 600 housing.

[0098] For example, Figure 6A A portion of a watch 600 is shown, wherein a case 602 is separate from a movement case 604. The case 602 may define a top or front wall and four side walls, and the movement case 604 may define an inner wall that overlaps with and is configured to attach to the side walls of the case 602. While some cases described herein may have side walls of different lengths, the four side walls of the case 602 may have substantially the same length. More specifically, the shorter side walls of other cases described herein may be configured to enclose the watch strap engagement feature. Because the watch strap engagement feature of the watch 600 is directly attached to the case 602, all the side walls of the case 602 may be of the same or substantially the same length. Of course, side walls of different lengths may be used.

[0099] Figure 6B The watch 600 is shown with the case 604 and housing 602 attached to each other and a set of engagement features 606 shown as being separated from the housing 602. Figure 6C The watch 600 is shown with the engagement feature 606 coupled to the housing 602. Figure 6DThis is a perspective view of watch 600, in which a strap engagement feature 606 is attached to a case 602 and a watch strap 608 is coupled to the watch case via the strap engagement feature 606. The watch strap 608 can be coupled to the strap engagement feature 606 in any suitable manner. For example, the strap engagement feature 606 may define holes into which a spring bar (or any other suitable rod, bar, or other component) may extend to define a bar to which the strap 608 can be attached. The strap engagement feature 606 may be formed of any suitable material. For example, they may be formed of metal, metal alloy, glass, polymer, ceramic, etc.

[0100] The engaging feature 606 can be attached to the housing 602 in various ways. For example, the engaging feature 606 can be attached to the housing 602 via adhesives, fasteners, fusion bonding, mechanical interlocking, etc. In some cases, the engaging feature 606 can be formed of glass and can be attached to the housing 602 by fusing the glass of the engaging feature 606 to the glass of the housing 602. In some cases, instead of attaching the engaging feature 606 separately to the housing 602, the engaging feature 606 can be integrally formed with the housing 602 (e.g., the housing 602 and the engaging feature 606 can be formed as a single integral structure).

[0101] In some cases, the engagement feature 606 may be secured to housing 604 instead of housing 602. In such cases, a hole may be defined to pass through housing 602, and the engagement feature 606 may be secured to housing 604 through the hole. Housing 604 may also define a hole (e.g., a threaded hole), and the engagement feature 606 may be secured to housing 604 via fasteners (e.g., threaded fasteners) that engage the hole in housing 604. Other techniques for securing the engagement feature 606 to housing 604 are also contemplated.

[0102] As described herein, the housing can be attached to the casing via an adhesive positioned in the gap defined between the overlapping portions of the inner wall of the housing and the side walls of the housing. Any suitable type of adhesive can be used to attach the housing to the casing, including but not limited to thermosetting adhesives, thermoplastic adhesives, epoxy resins, resins, etc.

[0103] Figures 7A to 7B Exemplary structures and techniques are shown that can be used to introduce adhesives or other bonding agents into gaps. For example, Figure 7A An exemplary housing 700 is shown, which may be an implementation of other housings described herein (e.g., housings 106, 408, 604, etc.).

[0104] The housing 700 may define a rear wall 702 and a wall 704 extending from the rear wall (e.g., an inner wall, such as inner wall 206), which may define a portion of the rear surface of the watch in which the housing 700 is used. The housing 700 may also define an aperture 706 in the rear wall 702. The aperture 706 may be adapted to receive a sensor cover, such as the sensor cover 116 described above, and may facilitate access to the external environment for the sensor system in the watch. The housing 700 may also define an adhesive inlet 708. The adhesive inlet 708 may pass through the aperture extending through the wall 704 and communicate with the gap between the wall 704 and the sidewall of the housing. As shown, the adhesive inlet 708 is formed to pass through the wall 704, but it may be formed to pass through any portion of the housing 700 communicating with the gap. Furthermore, although one adhesive inlet is shown, the housing 700 may also include additional adhesive inlets to facilitate the introduction of adhesive into the gap. The housing 700 may also include a vent to allow air to escape from the gap as adhesive flows into the gap.

[0105] Figure 7B A partial cross-sectional view of housing 700 and housing 710 after they have been assembled so that they can be glued together (as shown along...). Figure 1A (Observe the line CC in the middle). For example Figure 7B As shown, gap 714 may be defined between the inner surface of the sidewall of housing 710 and the inner wall 704 of housing 700. Once housing 710 and housing 700 are in the desired position relative to each other, adhesive may be introduced into gap 714 through adhesive inlet 708, as indicated by flow line 712. Adhesive may flow into gap 714 and around inner wall 704 such that it occupies at least a portion of gap 714. The adhesive may then be cured or hardened, thereby securing housing 710 to housing 700.

[0106] The housing 710 and the casing 700 may be attached to each other before all internal components of the device are positioned within the internal cavity. In this case, the components may be positioned within the device by passing them through holes 706 in the rear wall 702 of the casing 700.

[0107] Figures 8A to 8D A partial cross-sectional view of the housing and casing is shown, illustrating various configurations and techniques for delivering adhesive to the desired location and containing the adhesive. Figures 8A to 8D The sectional view in the middle is along a path similar to Figure 1A The line AA in the diagram is observed.

[0108] For example, Figure 8AThe system includes a housing 800 and a casing 802 (which may be embodiments of housing 104 and casing 106). As described herein, the casing defines an inner wall 803 that overlaps with a side wall 805 of the housing 800, and a gap is defined between the inner surfaces of the inner wall 803 and the side wall 805. An adhesive 804 is introduced into the gap to hold the housing 800 and casing 802 together, as described herein. For example, the adhesive 804 in a flowable state may be introduced into the gap through a hole in the casing 802. Figure 8A An exemplary engagement feature 807 that may be formed on the outer side of the sidewall 805 is also shown. The engagement feature 807 may be configured to mechanically engage and / or interlock with the adhesive 804 to help retain the adhesive 804 to the inner wall 803, thereby facilitating mechanical coupling between the housing 800 and the casing 802. The engagement feature 807 is shown as a channel extending along the inner wall 803, but other features such as holes, textures, dovetails, protrusions, bumps, recesses, pits, columnar elements, etc., are also contemplated.

[0109] To accommodate the adhesive 804 within the gap during its introduction, a compliant member 806 may be positioned and contacting the inner surface of the inner wall 803 of the housing 802 and the inner surface of the side wall 805 of the housing 800. The compliant member 806 may be an elastic or deformable polymer or other material compressible between the housing 800 and the housing 802, such that the compliant member 806 conforms to the shape of the surface it contacts and forms a seal between the compliant member and the surface. The compliant member 806 may be an O-ring, foam applied to the housing 802, or any other suitable sealing material or component. The compliant member 806 (and any other compliant member described herein) may be formed from any suitable material such as silicone, nitrile, rubber, nitrile rubber, etc.

[0110] During the introduction of adhesive 804, compliant member 806 helps to contain adhesive 804 in the gap between housing 800 and casing 802. This helps ensure that adhesive 804 fills the gap, rather than simply overflowing into the interior of the device and / or contacting the display stack 808. Compliant member 806 may be secured to the inner wall 803 of casing 802 (e.g., via adhesive, self-adhesion, mechanical means, etc.) so that it remains in place during assembly and during the introduction of adhesive 804. Compliant member 806 may also act as an environmental seal to help prevent the ingress of liquids or other contaminants (e.g., if any gaps exist in adhesive 804, or if adhesive 804 otherwise fails to provide an environmental seal).

[0111] Figure 8BAnother exemplary configuration of housing 810 and housing 812 is shown. In this example, the sidewall 815 of housing 810 may not define a recessed inner surface, but may have an increased thickness (e.g., relative to the top or front wall of housing 810), and may define a substantially planar inner surface. Housing 812 may define an inner wall 817, and a compliant member 816 may be positioned between and contacting the sidewall 815 of housing 812 and housing 810.

[0112] The increased thickness of the sidewall 815 may result in little or no gap between the inner surface of the sidewall 815 and the inner wall of the case 812. Therefore, in some cases, little or no adhesive may be introduced into the gap, and the case 810 may be secured to the case 812 using mechanical interlocking, fasteners, or other materials and / or techniques. In other cases, an adhesive with a lower viscosity than other adhesives may be introduced into the gap to secure the case 810 to the case 812. The compliant member 816, which may otherwise be the same as or similar to the compliant member 806, may prevent liquids or other contaminants from entering the watch interior. The watch may also include a display stack 818.

[0113] Figure 8C Another exemplary configuration of housing 820 and housing 822 is shown. In this example, inner wall 827 defines flange portion 829. Flange portion 829 may be connected to a main portion of inner wall 827 (e.g., a vertical portion, such as...). Figure 8C The flange portion 829 extends at an angle (oriented in the center) and may have the same or otherwise conform to the curves, angles, profiles, or shapes of the sidewalls 825 of the housing 820. The flange portion 829 may be positioned closer to the inner surface of the sidewall 825, thus forming a region with a reduced gap between the sidewall 825 and the inner wall 827 (relative to other areas of the gap). This improves the effectiveness of the compliant member 826 because the smaller gap reduces the amount and / or pressure of the adhesive 824 on the compliant member 826 during the adhesive introduction process. This helps ensure that the adhesive 824 fills the gap, rather than simply overflowing into the interior of the device and / or contacting the display stack 828. The flange portion 829 also increases the strength and / or durability of the assembled device because, in the event of a drop event or other impact that could force the housing 822 and housing 820 into contact with each other, the flange portion 829 creates a larger contact area between the housing 822 and housing 820.

[0114] Figure 8DAnother exemplary configuration of housing 830 and enclosure 832 is shown. In this example, at least a portion of the seal from the gap between the inner wall 837 and the side wall 835 is omitted, allowing adhesive 834 to flow out of the gap and into other areas of the device. For example, a channel 839 may be defined between the inner surface of the side wall 835 and the inner wall 837 of the enclosure. When adhesive 834 is introduced into the gap between the side wall 835 and the inner wall 837, adhesive 834 can flow through channel 839. As shown, adhesive 834 flows along the rear-facing surface of the display stack 838. Adhesive 834 can act as a sealing or potting material to help seal and / or encapsulate the display stack 838 (which may include display components, touch sensing and / or force sensing components, etc.). Adhesive 834 can also act as a mask to suppress the visibility of internal components of the device.

[0115] The thickness of the adhesive 834 along the display stack 838 (or at any other location other than the gap between the sidewall 835 and the inner wall 837) can be defined by placing the removable mold surface within the internal cavity defined by the housing 830 and the casing 832. For example, the removable sheet can be configured to be separated from the rear-facing surface of the display stack 838. When the adhesive 834 is introduced into the gap between the sidewall 835 and the inner wall 837, the adhesive 834 flows into the gap, flows through the channel 839, and then flows into the space between the removable sheet and the display stack 838. Once at least partially cured and / or hardened, the removable sheet can be removed. Where electronic components are covered and / or encapsulated by the adhesive 834, portions of the adhesive 834 can be dissolved or removed to expose the components. For example, the adhesive can be removed to expose electrical contacts, connectors, circuit elements, or other features or components. In some cases, the adhesive 834 can be prevented from contacting and / or covering electrical connectors, contacts, circuit elements, etc., so that they are accessible without having to remove the adhesive 834 from those areas. Although Figure 8D Adhesive 834 is shown covering at least a portion of the stack 838, but adhesive 834 may be allowed to flow against other internal components. In some cases, adhesive 834 may be injected such that it occupies substantially all unused or empty internal space in the device.

[0116] Figures 9A to 9B Exemplary housing 902 and case 904 are shown that can be used to form at least a portion of the case of a watch. Housing 902 and case 904 may be embodiments of housing 104 and case 106 described above.

[0117] Figure 9AA housing 902, separate from the case 904, is shown. As shown, the watch strap engagement feature 908 is entirely defined by the case 904. For example, all surfaces of the slot configured to receive the watch strap are defined by the case 904. Furthermore, the watch strap engagement feature 908 may be formed in the case 904 before the case 904 is attached to the housing 902. The housing 902 may define a cutout region 906 that engages with and / or receives the portion of the case 904 that forms the watch strap engagement feature 908. Figure 9B This is a side view of the assembled housing 902 and housing 904. (See attached image.) Figure 9B As shown, the housing 902 does not extend into or otherwise define any surface or edge of the watch strap engagement feature 908.

[0118] Figures 10A to 10C Exemplary housing 1002 and case 1004 are shown, which can be used to form at least a portion of the watch case. More specifically, Figures 10A to 10C An exemplary configuration and manufacturing process are shown, wherein a watch strap engagement feature (e.g., a slot) is formed after the housing 1002 and the case 1004 are assembled together, and wherein a portion of the housing 1002 may define a portion of the watch strap engagement feature 1012.

[0119] Figure 10A A housing 1002, separate from the case 1004, is shown. As shown, the case 1004 includes material at location 1006 where a watch band engagement feature (e.g., a watch band slot) is to be formed. The housing 1002 can be attached to the case 1004 before the watch band engagement feature is formed. Adhesive (e.g., ...) Figure 10B Adhesive 1010 can be used to secure housing 1002 to housing 1004. For example, adhesive 1010 can be used with respect to... Figures 7A to 7B The described technique is used to apply it.

[0120] Once the housing 1002 is secured to the case 1004, the components can be machined or otherwise processed to form the watch strap engagement feature 1012. For example, Figure 10C The housing 1002 and case 1004 are shown after the watch strap joining feature 1012 has been formed. The watch strap joining feature 1012 can be formed by one or more suitable operations such as machining, grinding, laser cutting, or other beam-based cutting operations. Operations such as grinding and / or polishing can also be performed after the first material removal operation to produce a desired surface finish or texture (or no texture) on the surface of the watch strap joining feature 1012.

[0121] In some cases, the operation of forming the watch strap engagement feature 1012 results in the removal of material from both the housing 1002 and the case 1004. This may also result in the housing 1002 defining a portion of the watch strap engagement feature 1012. For example, as Figure 10B As shown, the end face 1014 of the housing 1002 may define a portion of a watchband slot, and the watchband may contact the end face 1014 of the housing 1002 when attached to the housing via the watchband slot. In some cases, a coating or covering may be applied to the end face 1014 of the housing 1002. For example, a polymer coating may be applied to the end face 1014 to prevent breakage or other damage to the housing 1002.

[0122] Figure 11 An exemplary schematic diagram of an electronic device 1100 is shown. The electronic device 1100 may be an embodiment of a watch 100 (or any other watch or device described herein) or otherwise represent the watch. The device 1100 includes one or more processing units 1101 configured to access a memory 1102 on which instructions are stored. These instructions or computer programs may be configured to perform one or more of the operations or functions described herein with respect to the electronic device. For example, these instructions may be configured to control or coordinate the operation of one or more displays 1108, one or more touch sensors 1103, one or more force sensors 1105, one or more communication channels 1104, one or more audio input systems 1109, one or more audio output systems 1110, one or more positioning systems 1111, one or more sensors 1112, and / or one or more haptic feedback devices 1106.

[0123] Figure 11 The processing unit 1101 can be implemented as any electronic device capable of processing, receiving, or transmitting data or instructions. For example, the processing unit 1101 may include one or more of the following: a microprocessor, a central processing unit (CPU), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a digital signal processor (DSP), or a combination of such devices. As described herein, the term "processor" is intended to cover a single processor or processing unit, multiple processors, multiple processing units, or one or more other suitably configured computing elements. The processing unit 1101 may be coupled to a circuit board.

[0124] Memory 1102 can store electronic data that can be used by device 1100. For example, memory can store electronic data or content such as, for example, audio and video files, images, documents and applications, device settings and user preferences, programs, instructions, timing and control signals or data for various modules, data structures, or databases, etc. Memory 1102 can be configured as any type of memory. By way of example only, memory can be implemented as random access memory, read-only memory, flash memory, removable memory, other types of storage elements, or combinations of such devices.

[0125] Touch sensor 1103 (also referred to herein as a touch sensing system) can detect various types of touch-based input and generate signals or data accessible using processor instructions. Touch sensor 1103 can use any suitable component and can rely on any suitable phenomenon to detect physical input. For example, touch sensor 1103 can be a capacitive touch sensor, a resistive touch sensor, an acoustic sensor, etc. Touch sensor 1103 may include any suitable component for detecting touch-based input and generating signals or data accessible using processor instructions, including electrodes (e.g., electrode layers), physical components (e.g., substrates, spacers, structural supports, compressible elements, etc.), processors, circuitry, firmware, etc. Touch sensor 1103 can be integrated with or otherwise configured to detect touch input applied to any part of device 1100. For example, touch sensor 1103 can be configured to detect touch input applied to any part of device 1100, including a display (and potentially integrated with a display). For example, touch sensor 1103 can be configured to detect touch input applied to the front and / or side surfaces of a housing. Touch sensor 1103 may work in conjunction with force sensor 1105 to generate signals or data in response to touch input. Touch sensors or force sensors positioned above or otherwise integrated with a display may be referred to herein as touch-sensitive displays, force-sensitive displays, or touchscreens.

[0126] Force sensor 1105 can detect various types of force-based inputs and generate signals or data accessible using processor instructions. Force sensor 1105 can use any suitable component and can rely on any suitable phenomenon to detect physical inputs. For example, force sensor 1105 can be a strain-based sensor, a piezoelectric-based sensor, a piezoresistive-based sensor, a capacitive sensor, a resistive sensor, etc. Force sensor 1105 can include any suitable component for detecting force-based inputs and generating signals or data accessible using processor instructions, including electrodes (e.g., electrode layers), physical components (e.g., substrates, spacers, structural supports, compressible elements, etc.), processors, circuitry, firmware, etc. Force sensor 1105 can be used with various input mechanisms to detect various types of inputs. For example, force sensor 1105 can be used to detect presses or other force inputs that meet a force threshold (which may represent a more forceful input than a typical "touch" input). Similar to touch sensor 1103, force sensor 1105 can be integrated with any part of device 1100 or otherwise configured to detect force inputs applied to any part of the device. As a specific example, force sensor 1105 may be configured to detect force input applied to the front and / or side surfaces of the housing. Force sensor 1105 may be configured to detect force input applied to a portion of device 1100 including (and potentially integrated with) a display. Force sensor 1105 may cooperate with touch sensor 1103 to generate signals or data in response to touch- and / or force-based input.

[0127] Device 1100 may also include one or more haptic feedback devices 1106 (also simply referred to as haptic devices 1106). Haptic devices 1106 may include one or more of a variety of haptic technologies, such as, but not limited to, rotary haptic devices, linear actuators, piezoelectric devices, vibrating elements, etc. Typically, haptic devices 1106 may be configured to provide intermittent and varied feedback to the user of the device. More specifically, haptic devices 1106 may be adapted to generate tapping or tactile sensations and / or vibrational sensations. Such haptic outputs may be provided in response to the detection of touch and / or force input and may be imparted to the user via an outer surface of device 1100 (e.g., via the front, side, and / or rear surface of a wearable device such as a watch).

[0128] One or more communication channels 1104 may include one or more wireless interfaces adapted to provide communication between processing unit 1101 and external devices. One or more communication channels 1104 may include antennas, communication circuitry, firmware, software, or any other components or systems facilitating wireless communication with other devices. Typically, one or more communication channels 1104 may be configured to transmit and receive data and / or signals that can be interpreted by instructions executed on processing unit 1101. In some cases, the external device is part of an external communication network configured to exchange data with the wireless device. Generally, the wireless interface may communicate via, but is not limited to, radio frequency, optical, acoustic, and / or magnetic signals and may be configured to operate on a wireless interface or protocol. Example wireless interfaces include radio frequency cellular interfaces (e.g., 2G, 3G, 4G, 4G LTE, 5G, GSM, CDMA, etc.), fiber optic interfaces, acoustic interfaces, Bluetooth interfaces, infrared interfaces, USB interfaces, Wi-Fi interfaces, TCP / IP interfaces, network communication interfaces, or any conventional communication interface.

[0129] like Figure 11 As shown, device 1100 may include a battery 1107 for storing power and supplying power to other components of device 1100. Battery 1107 may be a rechargeable power source configured to supply power to device 1100. Battery 1107 may be coupled to a charging system (e.g., a wired and / or wireless charging system) and / or other circuitry to control the power supplied to battery 1107 and to control the power supplied from battery 1107 to device 1100.

[0130] Device 1100 may also include one or more displays 1108 configured to display graphical output. Displays 1108 may use any suitable display technology, including liquid crystal displays (LCDs), organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs), active-matrix organic light-emitting diode displays (AMOLEDs), etc. Displays 1108 may display graphical user interfaces, images, icons, or any other suitable graphical output. One or more displays 1108 may include displays configured to display graphical output visible through the front and / or side walls of the device. One or more displays 1108 may correspond to display 114, display 402, or any other display described herein.

[0131] The device 1100 may also provide audio input functionality via one or more audio input systems 1109. The audio input system 1109 may include a microphone, transducer, or other device that captures sound for use in voice calls, video calls, audio recording, video recording, voice commands, etc.

[0132] Device 1100 may also provide audio output functionality via one or more audio output systems (e.g., speakers) 1110. Audio output system 1110 may generate sound from voice calls, video calls, streaming or local audio content, streaming or local video content, warnings or notifications, etc.

[0133] Device 1100 may also include a positioning system 1111. Positioning system 1111 may be configured to determine the location of device 1100. For example, positioning system 1111 may include a magnetometer, gyroscope, accelerometer, optical sensor, camera, Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver, inertial positioning system, etc. Positioning system 1111 can be used to determine spatial parameters of device 1100, such as the location of device 1100 (e.g., geographic coordinates of the device), measurements or estimates of the physical movement of device 1100, orientation of device 1100, etc.

[0134] Device 1100 may also include one or more additional sensors 1112 to receive input (e.g., from a user or another computer, device, system, network, etc.) or detect any suitable attributes or parameters of the device, the environment surrounding the device, people or objects interacting with the device (or near the device), etc. For example, the device may include temperature sensors, biometric sensors (e.g., fingerprint sensors, photoplethysmography, blood oxygen sensors, blood glucose sensors, electrocardiogram sensors, etc.), eye-tracking sensors, retinal scanners, humidity sensors, buttons, switches, etc.

[0135] Reference Figure 11 The various functions, operations, and structures described herein are disclosed as part of, incorporated into, or performed by the device 1100. It should be understood that various embodiments may omit any or all of such described functions, operations, and structures. Therefore, different embodiments of the device 1100 may have some or all of, or none of, the various capabilities, means, physical characteristics, modes, and operating parameters described herein. Furthermore, the systems included in the device 1100 are not exclusive, and the device 1100 may include alternative or additional systems, components, modules, programs, instructions, etc., that may be necessary or useful for performing the functions described herein.

[0136] For illustrative purposes, the foregoing description uses specific names to provide a thorough understanding of the described embodiments. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that specific details are not required to practice the described embodiments. Therefore, the foregoing description of specific embodiments described herein is presented for illustrative and descriptive purposes. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the embodiments to the precise forms disclosed. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many modifications and variations are possible in light of the teachings above. Moreover, when used herein to refer to the position of components, the terms above, below, above, under, left, or right (or other similar relative positional terms) do not necessarily refer to an absolute position relative to an external reference, but rather to the relative position of the component in the referenced figure.

[0137] As used herein, the phrase "at least one of" following a series of items separated by the terms "and" or "or" modifies the list as a whole, not each member of the list. The phrase "at least one of" does not require selection of at least one of each of the listed items; rather, it allows for the inclusion of at least one of any item in the list and / or at least one of any combination of items and / or at least one of each item in the list. For example, the phrases "at least one of A, B, and C" or "at least one of A, B, or C" respectively refer to only A, only B, or only C; any combination of A, B, and C; and / or one or more of each of A, B, and C. Similarly, it should be understood that the order of elements presented with respect to the combined or separate lists provided herein should not be construed as limiting this disclosure to the order provided.

Claims

1. A wearable electronic device, the wearable electronic device comprising: monitor; Housing, the housing comprising: Housing, the housing being defined as follows: The rear portion, which defines a first portion of the rear outer surface of the wearable electronic device; and The inner wall extending from the rear portion; Glass housing, the glass housing defining: Front wall, positioned above the display and defining the front outer surface of the wearable electronic device; and A sidewall extending from the front wall, and the sidewall defining: The protruding outer surface of the wearable electronic device, and A recessed inner surface opposite the protruding outer surface, a portion of the sidewall overlapping a portion of the inner wall of the housing, thereby defining a gap between the inner wall of the housing and the recessed inner surface of the sidewall; and An adhesive, positioned in the gap defined between the recessed inner surfaces of the inner wall and the side wall of the housing, the adhesive bonding the recessed inner surfaces of the side wall to the inner wall of the housing, and the adhesive defining an undercut region thereby mechanically interlocking the recessed inner surfaces with the undercut region of the adhesive to secure the glass housing to the housing; and A touch sensing system located within the housing and configured to detect touch input applied to the front outer surface of the wearable electronic device.

2. The wearable electronic device according to claim 1, wherein, The glass housing is at least partially secured to the housing via a chemical bond between the recessed inner surface and the adhesive.

3. The wearable electronic device according to claim 1, further comprising: A compliant member is located within the housing and contacts the inner wall and the side wall, the compliant member defining a seal between the inner wall and the side wall and being configured to accommodate the adhesive in the gap.

4. The wearable electronic device according to claim 1, wherein, The sidewall extends beyond half the distance from the front outer surface of the wearable electronic device to the rear outer surface of the wearable electronic device.

5. The wearable electronic device according to claim 1, wherein: The front wall further defines the front inner surface of the wearable electronic device; The wearable electronic device further includes an opaque mask material located on a portion of the recessed inner surface and a portion of the front inner surface; and The opaque mask material defines the edge surrounding the active region of the display.

6. The wearable electronic device according to claim 1, wherein, The display is defined as follows: The first part is configured to display a first graphic output through the front wall; as well as The second part is configured to display a second graphic output through the sidewall.

7. A watch, said watch comprising: monitor; Capacitive touch sensing system; as well as A housing that surrounds the display and the capacitive touch sensing system and includes: Housing, the housing being defined as follows: At least a portion of the back surface of the watch; Watch strap engagement features; and Inner wall; Glass housing, the glass housing defining: Front wall, the front wall defining the front surface of the watch; A first pair of sidewalls, the first pair of sidewalls having a first length and defining a first pair of side surfaces of the watch; and The second pair of sidewalls has a second length greater than the first length and defines a second pair of side surfaces of the watch. At least one of the second pair of sidewalls defines a protruding outer surface and a recessed inner surface opposite to the protruding outer surface. A portion of the at least one sidewall overlaps with a portion of the inner wall, thereby defining a gap between the inner wall and the recessed inner surface. An adhesive, positioned in the gap defined between the inner wall and the recessed inner surface, the adhesive bonding the recessed inner surface to the inner wall, and the adhesive defining an undercut region, thereby mechanically interlocking the recessed inner surface with the undercut region of the adhesive to secure the glass housing to the housing; and A watch strap, the watch strap being coupled to the watch strap engagement feature.

8. The watch according to claim 7, wherein: The housing is formed of and defined by metal: The rear wall defines the portion of the rear surface of the watch; as well as A hole extending through the rear wall; and The watch also includes: A sensor cover, which is at least partially positioned in the hole and defines another portion of the rear surface of the watch; as well as A sensor system configured to detect a user's biometric parameters through the sensor cover.

9. The watch according to claim 7, wherein, The watch strap engagement feature includes a slot formed in the case.

10. The watch according to claim 7, wherein, The display is configured to display graphic output visible through the front wall and through at least one of the second pair of side walls.

11. A wearable electronic device, the wearable electronic device comprising: Housing, the housing comprising: Housing, the housing being defined as follows: Rear wall, the rear wall defining a first portion of the rear outer surface of the wearable electronic device; The inner wall extending from the rear wall; and A hole extending through the rear wall; Glass housing, the glass housing defining: Front wall, the front wall defining the front surface of the wearable electronic device; and Four sidewalls extending from the front wall, each of the four sidewalls defining a portion of a corresponding side surface of the wearable electronic device, at least one of the four sidewalls defining a protruding outer surface and a recessed inner surface opposite the protruding outer surface, a portion of the at least one sidewall overlapping a portion of the inner wall, thereby defining a gap between the inner wall and the recessed inner surface; and A sensor cover that covers the hole and defines a second portion of the rear outer surface of the wearable electronic device; An adhesive, positioned in the gap defined between the inner wall and the recessed inner surface, the adhesive bonding the recessed inner surface to the inner wall, and the adhesive defining an undercut region, thereby mechanically interlocking the recessed inner surface with the undercut region of the adhesive to secure the glass housing to the housing; Display, the display being located within the housing; and A biometric sensor system, located within the housing and configured to detect the user's biometric parameters.

12. The wearable electronic device according to claim 11, wherein, The biometric sensor system includes: An optical emitter configured to emit light through a first transparent portion of the sensor cover; and An optical sensor configured to detect a portion of the light reflected by a part of the user's body through a second transparent portion of the sensor cover.

13. The wearable electronic device according to claim 12, wherein, The sensor cover includes: An integral structure, wherein the integral structure is formed of a transparent material; A shielding area, the shielding area defining an opaque region of the sensor cover; A first unmasked area, the first unmasked area defining the first transparent portion of the sensor cover; and The second unmasked area defines the second transparent portion of the sensor cover.

14. The wearable electronic device according to claim 11, further comprising: An electrode, which is coupled to the sensor cover and defines a third portion of the rear outer surface of the wearable electronic device.

15. The wearable electronic device according to claim 14, wherein: The electrode is a first electrode configured to measure a first voltage; The wearable electronic device further includes a second electrode, which is located along the outer surface of the wearable electronic device and configured to measure a second voltage; and The wearable electronic device is configured to use the first voltage and the second voltage to determine an electrocardiogram.

16. The wearable electronic device according to claim 15, wherein, The second electrode is positioned along one of the four sidewalls.

Images