Electronic device for charging wearable device

Abstract

An electronic device according to the present disclosure may comprise: a housing; a cylinder that protrudes from the housing, and comprises a charging pad that contacts an inner diameter of a wearable device so as to supply power to the wearable device; and a barrier spaced apart from the cylinder and comprising a magnet, wherein the charging pad may comprise a flexible cover that contacts the wearable device, and a power transmission antenna included in the flexible cover. Various other embodiments are possible.

Description

Electronic devices for charging wearable devices

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an electronic device for charging a wearable device.

[0002] Electronic devices are being developed that include sensors that can be worn on the user's body to measure biometric information and / or fitness data.

[0003] These electronic devices are typically carried in a pocket or hand for on-the-go use, but they can also be worn on other parts of the body or various structures. Electronic devices can be defined as wearable devices because they can be worn on the user's body.

[0004] A wearable device may include, for example, a watch that can be worn on a user's wrist or a ring that is worn on a user's finger.

[0005] The above information may be provided as background art to aid in understanding the present disclosure. No claim or determination is made as to whether any of the above is applicable as prior art related to the present disclosure.

[0006] Since wearable devices are worn on the user's body, they must be compatible with the user's body size. To accommodate the diverse body sizes of users, wearable devices are typically available in a variety of sizes, even within a single model. For example, smart rings can be manufactured in a variety of sizes, from US 6 to US 13, indicating diameter. Consequently, charging devices designed to charge wearable devices in various sizes can also present challenges, requiring them to be manufactured in a variety of sizes.

[0007] The electronic device for charging a wearable device of the present disclosure can provide a cradle for universally charging wearable devices of various sizes.

[0008] The electronic device for charging a wearable device of the present disclosure can align a power receiving antenna of the wearable device to a charging pad using magnetic force.

[0009] The electronic device for charging a wearable device of the present disclosure can match a power receiving antenna of the wearable device using a flexible charging pad.

[0010] The technical tasks to be achieved in this document are not limited to the technical tasks mentioned above, and other technical tasks not mentioned will be clearly understood by those with ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which this document pertains.

[0011] The electronic device of the present disclosure may include a housing.

[0012] The electronic device of the present disclosure may include a cylinder protruding from the housing and including a charging pad that contacts the inner diameter of the wearable device to supply power to the wearable device.

[0013] The electronic device of the present disclosure may include a barrier spaced apart from the cylinder and including a magnet.

[0014] The charging pad of the present disclosure may include a flexible cover that comes into contact with the wearable device.

[0015] The charging pad of the present disclosure may include a power transmitting antenna included in the flexible cover.

[0016] The electronic device of the present disclosure can supply power to wearable devices using magnetic force and a flexible charging pad without having to provide an electronic device for charging each wearable device of different sizes.

[0017] The electronic device of the present disclosure can reduce the manufacturing cost of the electronic device and the burden of inventory by supplying power to wearable devices of various sizes using magnetic force and a flexible charging pad.

[0018] The effects that can be obtained from the present disclosure are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects that are not mentioned will be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure pertains.

[0019] In connection with the description of the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals may be used for the same or similar components.

[0020] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device within a network environment according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] FIG. 3 is a drawing showing an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] FIG. 4 is a drawing showing at least a portion of the electronic device of FIG. 3 cut in the AB direction.

[0024] FIG. 5 is a drawing of a cylinder with at least a portion thereof removed according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a first wearable device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure when mounted on an electronic device.

[0026] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a second wearable device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure when mounted on an electronic device.

[0027] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a first wearable device and a second wearable device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the configuration of a first wearable device and a second wearable device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] FIG. 10 is a drawing showing the movement of the first wearable device when the first wearable device is mounted on an electronic device.

[0030] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the first wearable device and electronic device of FIG. 10 in the CD direction.

[0031] FIG. 12 is a drawing showing a deformation of a charging pad of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] FIG. 13 is a drawing showing the inner area of ​​a cylinder when a charging pad according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is deformed.

[0033] FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram illustrating a first wearable device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure when mounted on an electronic device.

[0034] FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram illustrating a second wearable device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure when mounted on an electronic device.

[0035] FIG. 16 is a drawing showing the inner area of ​​a cylinder when a charging pad according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is deformed.

[0036] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device (101) within a network environment (100) according to various embodiments.

[0037] Referring to FIG. 1, in a network environment (100), an electronic device (101) may communicate with an electronic device (102) via a first network (198) (e.g., a short-range wireless communication network), or may communicate with at least one of an electronic device (104) or a server (108) via a second network (199) (e.g., a long-range wireless communication network). In one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may communicate with the electronic device (104) via the server (108). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include a processor (120), a memory (130), an input module (150), an audio output module (155), a display module (160), an audio module (170), a sensor module (176), an interface (177), a connection terminal (178), a haptic module (179), a camera module (180), a power management module (188), a battery (189), a communication module (190), a subscriber identification module (196), or an antenna module (197). In some embodiments, the electronic device (101) may omit at least one of these components (e.g., the connection terminal (178)), or may have one or more other components added. In some embodiments, some of these components (e.g., the sensor module (176), the camera module (180), or the antenna module (197)) may be integrated into one component (e.g., the display module (160)).

[0038] The processor (120) may control at least one other component (e.g., a hardware or software component) of the electronic device (101) connected to the processor (120) by executing, for example, software (e.g., a program (140)), and may perform various data processing or calculations. According to one embodiment, as at least a part of the data processing or calculation, the processor (120) may store a command or data received from another component (e.g., a sensor module (176) or a communication module (190)) in a volatile memory (132), process the command or data stored in the volatile memory (132), and store the resulting data in a non-volatile memory (134). According to one embodiment, the processor (120) may include a main processor (121) (e.g., a central processing unit or processor) or a secondary processor (123) (e.g., a graphics processing unit, a neural processing unit (NPU), an image signal processor, a sensor hub processor, or a communication processor) that can operate independently or together therewith. For example, if the electronic device (101) includes a main processor (121) and a secondary processor (123), the secondary processor (123) may be configured to use less power than the main processor (121) or to be specialized for a specified function. The secondary processor (123) may be implemented separately from the main processor (121) or as a part thereof.

[0039] The auxiliary processor (123) may control at least a portion of functions or states associated with at least one component (e.g., a display module (160), a sensor module (176), or a communication module (190)) of the electronic device (101), for example, on behalf of the main processor (121) while the main processor (121) is in an inactive (e.g., sleep) state, or together with the main processor (121) while the main processor (121) is in an active (e.g., application execution) state. In one embodiment, the auxiliary processor (123) (e.g., an image signal processor or a communication processor) may be implemented as a part of another functionally related component (e.g., a camera module (180) or a communication module (190)). In one embodiment, the auxiliary processor (123) (e.g., a neural network processing unit) may include a hardware structure specialized for processing artificial intelligence models. The artificial intelligence models may be generated through machine learning. This learning can be performed, for example, on the electronic device (101) itself where the artificial intelligence model is executed, or can be performed through a separate server (e.g., server (108)). The learning algorithm can include, for example, supervised learning, unsupervised learning, semi-supervised learning, or reinforcement learning, but is not limited to the examples described above. The artificial intelligence model can include multiple artificial neural network layers.The artificial neural network may be one of a deep neural network (DNN), a convolutional neural network (CNN), a recurrent neural network (RNN), a restricted Boltzmann machine (RBM), a deep belief network (DBN), a bidirectional recurrent deep neural network (BRDNN), a deep Q-network, or a combination of two or more of the above, but is not limited to the examples described above. In addition to, or alternatively to, a hardware structure, an artificial intelligence model may include a software structure.

[0040] The memory (130) can store various data used by at least one component (e.g., processor (120) or sensor module (176)) of the electronic device (101). The data can include, for example, software (e.g., program (140)) and input data or output data for commands related thereto. The memory (130) can include volatile memory (132) or non-volatile memory (134).

[0041] The program (140) may be stored as software in the memory (130) and may include, for example, an operating system (142), middleware (144), or an application (146).

[0042] The input module (150) can receive commands or data to be used in a component of the electronic device (101) (e.g., a processor (120)) from an external source (e.g., a user) of the electronic device (101). The input module (150) can include, for example, a microphone, a mouse, a keyboard, a key (e.g., a button), or a digital pen (e.g., a stylus pen).

[0043] The audio output module (155) can output audio signals to the outside of the electronic device (101). The audio output module (155) can include, for example, a speaker or a receiver. The speaker can be used for general purposes, such as multimedia playback or recording playback. The receiver can be used to receive incoming calls. In one embodiment, the receiver can be implemented separately from the speaker or as part of the speaker.

[0044] The display module (160) can visually provide information to an external party (e.g., a user) of the electronic device (101). The display module (160) may include, for example, a display, a holographic device, or a projector and a control circuit for controlling the device. According to one embodiment, the display module (160) may include a touch sensor configured to detect a touch, or a pressure sensor configured to measure the intensity of a force generated by the touch.

[0045] The audio module (170) can convert sound into an electrical signal, or vice versa, convert an electrical signal into sound. According to one embodiment, the audio module (170) can acquire sound through the input module (150), output sound through the sound output module (155), or an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (102)) (e.g., speaker or headphone) directly or wirelessly connected to the electronic device (101).

[0046] The sensor module (176) can detect the operating status (e.g., power or temperature) of the electronic device (101) or the external environmental status (e.g., user status) and generate an electrical signal or data value corresponding to the detected status. According to one embodiment, the sensor module (176) can include, for example, a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a grip sensor, a proximity sensor, a color sensor, an IR (infrared) sensor, a biometric sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or an illuminance sensor.

[0047] The interface (177) may support one or more designated protocols that may be used to directly or wirelessly connect the electronic device (101) with an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (102)). In one embodiment, the interface (177) may include, for example, a high definition multimedia interface (HDMI), a universal serial bus (USB) interface, an SD card interface, or an audio interface.

[0048] The connection terminal (178) may include a connector through which the electronic device (101) may be physically connected to an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (102)). According to one embodiment, the connection terminal (178) may include, for example, an HDMI connector, a USB connector, an SD card connector, or an audio connector (e.g., a headphone connector).

[0049] The haptic module (179) can convert electrical signals into mechanical stimuli (e.g., vibration or movement) or electrical stimuli that a user can perceive through tactile or kinesthetic sensations. According to one embodiment, the haptic module (179) can include, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

[0050] The camera module (180) can capture still images and videos. According to one embodiment, the camera module (180) may include one or more lenses, image sensors, image signal processors, or flashes.

[0051] The power management module (188) can manage power supplied to the electronic device (101). According to one embodiment, the power management module (188) can be implemented as, for example, at least a part of a power management integrated circuit (PMIC).

[0052] A battery (189) may power at least one component of the electronic device (101). In one embodiment, the battery (189) may include, for example, a non-rechargeable primary battery, a rechargeable secondary battery, or a fuel cell.

[0053] The communication module (190) may support the establishment of a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between the electronic device (101) and an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (102), electronic device (104), or server (108)), and the performance of communication through the established communication channel. The communication module (190) may operate independently from the processor (120) (e.g., application processor) and may include one or more communication processors that support direct (e.g., wired) communication or wireless communication. According to one embodiment, the communication module (190) may include a wireless communication module (192) (e.g., a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) communication module) or a wired communication module (194) (e.g., a local area network (LAN) communication module, or a power line communication module). Among these communication modules, the corresponding communication module can communicate with an external electronic device (104) via a first network (198) (e.g., a short-range communication network such as Bluetooth, wireless fidelity (WiFi) direct, or infrared data association (IrDA)) or a second network (199) (e.g., a long-range communication network such as a legacy cellular network, a 5G network, a next-generation communication network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., a LAN or WAN)). These various types of communication modules can be integrated into a single component (e.g., a single chip) or implemented as multiple separate components (e.g., multiple chips). The wireless communication module (192) can verify or authenticate the electronic device (101) within a communication network such as the first network (198) or the second network (199) by using subscriber information (e.g., an international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI)) stored in the subscriber identification module (196).

[0054] The wireless communication module (192) can support 5G networks and next-generation communication technologies following the 4G network, such as NR access technology (new radio access technology). The NR access technology can support high-speed transmission of high-capacity data (eMBB (enhanced mobile broadband)), minimization of terminal power and connection of multiple terminals (mMTC (massive machine type communications)), or high reliability and low latency (URLLC (ultra-reliable and low-latency communications)). The wireless communication module (192) can support, for example, a high-frequency band (e.g., mmWave band) to achieve a high data transmission rate. The wireless communication module (192) can support various technologies for securing performance in a high-frequency band, such as beamforming, massive multiple-input and multiple-output (MIMO), full dimensional MIMO (FD-MIMO), array antenna, analog beam-forming, or large scale antenna. The wireless communication module (192) can support various requirements specified in the electronic device (101), an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (104)), or a network system (e.g., the second network (199)). According to one embodiment, the wireless communication module (192) can support a peak data rate (e.g., 20 Gbps or more) for eMBB realization, a loss coverage (e.g., 164 dB or less) for mMTC realization, or a U-plane latency (e.g., 0.5 ms or less for downlink (DL) and uplink (UL), or 1 ms or less for round trip) for URLLC realization.

[0055] The antenna module (197) can transmit or receive signals or power to or from an external device (e.g., an external electronic device). In one embodiment, the antenna module (197) may include an antenna including a radiator formed of a conductor or a conductive pattern formed on a substrate (e.g., a PCB). In one embodiment, the antenna module (197) may include a plurality of antennas (e.g., an array antenna). In this case, at least one antenna suitable for a communication method used in a communication network, such as the first network (198) or the second network (199), may be selected from the plurality of antennas, for example, by the communication module (190). A signal or power may be transmitted or received between the communication module (190) and an external electronic device via the at least one selected antenna. In some embodiments, in addition to the radiator, another component (e.g., a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC)) may be additionally formed as a part of the antenna module (197).

[0056] According to various embodiments, the antenna module (197) may form a mmWave antenna module. In one embodiment, the mmWave antenna module may include a printed circuit board, an RFIC disposed on or adjacent a first side (e.g., a bottom side) of the printed circuit board and capable of supporting a designated high-frequency band (e.g., a mmWave band), and a plurality of antennas (e.g., an array antenna) disposed on or adjacent a second side (e.g., a top side or a side side) of the printed circuit board and capable of transmitting or receiving signals in the designated high-frequency band.

[0057] At least some of the above components can be interconnected and exchange signals (e.g., commands or data) with each other via a communication method between peripheral devices (e.g., a bus, GPIO (general purpose input and output), SPI (serial peripheral interface), or MIPI (mobile industry processor interface)).

[0058] According to one embodiment, commands or data may be transmitted or received between the electronic device (101) and an external electronic device (104) via a server (108) connected to a second network (199). Each of the external electronic devices (102 or 104) may be the same or a different type of device as the electronic device (101). According to one embodiment, all or part of the operations executed in the electronic device (101) may be executed in one or more of the external electronic devices (102, 104, or 108). For example, when the electronic device (101) is to perform a certain function or service automatically or in response to a request from a user or another device, the electronic device (101) may, instead of or in addition to executing the function or service itself, request one or more external electronic devices to perform the function or at least a part of the service. One or more external electronic devices that receive the request may execute at least a portion of the requested function or service, or an additional function or service related to the request, and transmit the result of the execution to the electronic device (101). The electronic device (101) may process the result as is or additionally and provide it as at least a portion of a response to the request. For this purpose, cloud computing, distributed computing, mobile edge computing (MEC), or client-server computing technology may be used, for example. The electronic device (101) may provide an ultra-low latency service by using distributed computing or mobile edge computing, for example. In one embodiment, the external electronic device (104) may include an Internet of Things (IoT) device. The server (108) may be an intelligent server utilizing machine learning and / or a neural network. According to one embodiment, the external electronic device (104) or the server (108) may be included in the second network (199).The electronic device (101) can be applied to intelligent services (e.g., smart home, smart city, smart car, or healthcare) based on 5G communication technology and IoT-related technology.

[0059] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an electronic device (301) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0060] In one embodiment, the electronic device (301) may include a processor (120), memory (130), charging circuitry (210), and / or communication circuitry (290).

[0061] The electronic device (301) of FIG. 2 may be identical to the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1. However, it is not limited thereto, and at least some of the components of the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1 may be added or omitted in the electronic device (301) of FIG. 2.

[0062] In one embodiment, the processor (120) can control the operation of the charging circuit (210) and / or the communication circuit (290). The processor (120) can check the charging state (e.g., charging section) of a battery included in a wearable device (e.g., a smart ring, the first wearable device (601) of FIG. 6, the second wearable device (603) of FIG. 7) and control the level of power output from the charging circuit (210).

[0063] For example, a wearable device (e.g., a smart ring, the first wearable device (601) of FIG. 6, the second wearable device (603) of FIG. 7) may include a rechargeable battery (e.g., the battery (189) of FIG. 1). The charging section of the battery may have a CC (constant current) section or a CV (constant voltage) section. The charging section of the battery may have a CC (constant current) section in which the battery is charged at a specified ampere to continuously supply a constant current, or a CV (constant voltage) section in which the battery is charged at a specified volt to maintain a constant voltage.

[0064] In one embodiment, the charging circuit (210) may output power through an antenna (e.g., a power transmission antenna (410) of FIG. 4) included in the charging circuit (210) based on power supplied from an external source under the control of the processor (120).

[0065] In one embodiment, the communication circuit (290) can receive information about a charging state (e.g., a charging section) from a wearable device (e.g., a smart ring, the first wearable device (601) of FIG. 6, the second wearable device (603) of FIG. 7). The electronic device (301), under the control of the processor (120), can control a power level output from the charging circuit (210) based on the received information about the charging state (e.g., a charging section) of the wearable device (e.g., a smart ring, the first wearable device (601) of FIG. 6, the second wearable device (603) of FIG. 7). The communication circuit (290) of FIG. 2 may be identical to the communication module (190) of FIG. 1.

[0066] In one embodiment, the memory (130) may store in advance information about a power level according to a charging state (e.g., a charging section) of a battery included in a wearable device (e.g., a smart ring, the first wearable device (601) of FIG. 6, the second wearable device (603) of FIG. 7). The electronic device (301) may control a power level output from the charging circuit (210) based on the information about the power level according to a charging state (e.g., a charging section) of a battery included in a wearable device (e.g., a smart ring, the first wearable device (601) of FIG. 6, the second wearable device (603) of FIG. 7) stored in the memory (130).

[0067] FIG. 3 is a drawing showing an electronic device (301) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0068] FIG. 4 is a drawing showing at least a portion of the electronic device (301) of FIG. 3 cut in the AB direction.

[0069] FIG. 5 is a drawing of at least a portion of a cylinder (320) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure removed.

[0070] Referring to FIGS. 3, 4 and 5, the electronic device (301) may include a housing (310), a cylinder (320) and / or a barrier (330).

[0071] In one embodiment, the electronic device (301) may be a charging cradle that supplies power to a wearable device (e.g., a smart ring, the first wearable device (601) of FIG. 6, the second wearable device (603) of FIG. 7) to charge a battery of the wearable device (e.g., a smart ring, the first wearable device (601) of FIG. 6, the second wearable device (603) of FIG. 7).

[0072] In one embodiment, the housing (301) may include a cylinder (320) and / or a barrier (330). The housing (301) may include a substantially flat disk (311) and a side member (312) surrounding the disk (311). The disk (311) and the side member (312) may define a space. A processor (120), a memory (130), a charging circuit (210), and / or a communication circuit (290) may be mounted in the space defined by the disk (311) and the side member (312).

[0073] In one embodiment, the cylinder (320) and the barrier (330) may be placed on at least a portion of the disk (311). The cylinder (320) and the barrier (330) may have a shape in which at least a portion protrudes from the plane of the disk (311).

[0074] In one embodiment, the cylinder (320) may be in contact with at least a portion of an inner surface of a wearable device (e.g., a smart ring, the first wearable device (601) of FIG. 6, the second wearable device (603) of FIG. 7). The cylinder (320) may include a charging pad (322) on at least a portion of the cylinder.

[0075] In one embodiment, the cylinder (320) may include a support member (321), a charging pad (322), and / or a lid (323).

[0076] In one embodiment, the cylinder (320) may include a rigid region and a flexible region. The rigid region may include a support member (321) and / or a lid (323). The flexible region may include a charging pad (322).

[0077] In one embodiment, the cylinder (320) may protrude from the housing (310). For example, the cylinder (320) may protrude from the housing (310) a certain height.

[0078] In one embodiment, the support member (321) may be in contact with at least a portion of an inner surface of a wearable device (e.g., a smart ring, the first wearable device (601) of FIG. 6 , the second wearable device (603) of FIG. 7 ). When the wearable device (e.g., a smart ring, the first wearable device (601) of FIG. 6 , the second wearable device (603) of FIG. 7 )) is mounted on the electronic device (301), the support member (321) may support at least a portion of the wearable device (e.g., a smart ring, the first wearable device (601) of FIG. 6 , the second wearable device (603) of FIG. 7 ).

[0079] In one embodiment, the support member (321) may form an inner space of the cylinder (320) together with the lead (323). When the elastic charging pad (322) moves, the cylinder (320) may include at least one stopper (e.g., stoppers (1311, 1312) of FIG. 13) in the inner space that may limit the movement of the charging pad (322).

[0080] In one embodiment, the charging pad (322) may correspond at least in part to a power receiving antenna (e.g., a power receiving antenna (820) of FIG. 8) of a wearable device (e.g., a smart ring, the first wearable device (601) of FIG. 6, the second wearable device (603) of FIG. 7).

[0081] In one embodiment, the charging pad (322) may include a power transmitting antenna (410) and / or a flexible cover (420).

[0082] In one embodiment, the charging pad (322) may be made of the same material as the flexible cover (420). However, this is not limited to the charging pad (322), and the charging pad (322) may be made of a different material from the flexible cover (420).

[0083] In one embodiment, the power transmitting antenna (410) may be a flexible printed circuit board.

[0084] In one embodiment, the power transmitting antenna (410) may be electrically connected at least in part to the charging circuit (210).

[0085] In one embodiment, the flexible cover (420) may correspond at least in part to a power receiving antenna (e.g., a power receiving antenna (820) of FIG. 8) of a wearable device (e.g., a smart ring, the first wearable device (601) of FIG. 6, the second wearable device (603) of FIG. 7).

[0086] In one embodiment, when a wearable device (e.g., a smart ring, the first wearable device (601) of FIG. 6, the second wearable device (603) of FIG. 7) is mounted on the cylinder (320) and the wearable device (e.g., a smart ring, the first wearable device (601) of FIG. 6, the second wearable device (603) of FIG. 7) is pulled by a magnet (e.g., a magnet (1110) of FIG. 11) included in the barrier (330), at least a portion of the flexible cover (420) may be deformed. When at least a portion of the flexible cover (420) is deformed, the power receiving antenna (e.g., the power receiving antenna (820) of FIG. 8) and the power transmitting antenna (410) may be matched. For example, the alignment may be a state in which a power receiving antenna (e.g., a power receiving antenna (820) of FIG. 8) and a power transmitting antenna (410) are arranged in parallel. The flexible cover (420) may be made of an elastic material. For example, the flexible cover (420) may include silicone, rubber, or polyurethane, or may include a composite material in which silicone, rubber, or polyurethane are combined.

[0087] In one embodiment, when a wearable device (e.g., a smart ring, a first wearable device (601) of FIG. 6, a second wearable device (603) of FIG. 7) is mounted on a cylinder (320) and the wearable device (e.g., a smart ring, a first wearable device (601) of FIG. 6, a second wearable device (603) of FIG. 7) is rotated by a magnet (e.g., a magnet (1110) of FIG. 11) included in a barrier (330), a power receiving antenna (e.g., a power receiving antenna (820) of FIG. 8) and a power transmitting antenna (410) may be aligned. For example, the alignment may be a state in which the power receiving antenna (e.g., the power receiving antenna (820) of FIG. 8) and the power transmitting antenna (410) correspond to each other.

[0088] In one embodiment, a wearable device (e.g., a smart ring, the first wearable device (601) of FIG. 6, the second wearable device (603) of FIG. 7) may include a magnetic body (e.g., a magnetic body (830) of FIG. 8) that can respond to a magnet (e.g., a magnet (1110) of FIG. 11).

[0089] In one embodiment, the barrier (330) may protrude from the housing (310). For example, the barrier (330) may protrude from the housing (310) at a specific height. In practice, the barrier (330) and the cylinder (320) may protrude from the housing (310) at substantially the same height. The barrier (330) may have a specific width.

[0090] In one embodiment, the barrier (330) may include a magnet (e.g., a magnet (1110) of FIG. 11) therein. When a wearable device (e.g., a smart ring, a first wearable device (601) of FIG. 6, a second wearable device (603) of FIG. 7) is placed on the cylinder (320), the magnet (e.g., a magnet (1110) of FIG. 11) may rotate the wearable device (e.g., a smart ring, a first wearable device (601) of FIG. 6, a second wearable device (603) of FIG. 7)) or pull the wearable device (e.g., a smart ring, a first wearable device (601) of FIG. 6, a second wearable device (603) of FIG. 7)) toward the barrier (330) based on magnetic force. When a wearable device (e.g., a smart ring, the first wearable device (601) of FIG. 6, the second wearable device (603) of FIG. 7) is rotated or pulled toward the barrier (330) by a magnet (e.g., a magnet (1110) of FIG. 11), the power receiving antenna (e.g., a power receiving antenna (820) of FIG. 8) and the power transmitting antenna (410) may be aligned or the power receiving antenna (e.g., a power receiving antenna (820) of FIG. 8) and the power transmitting antenna (410) may be matched.

[0091] In one embodiment, the barrier (330) may be spaced apart from the cylinder (320) by a specific distance (D). The specific distance (D) may be designed based on a maximum size among various sizes of wearable devices (e.g., smart rings, the first wearable device (601) of FIG. 6, the second wearable device (603) of FIG. 7).

[0092] FIG. 6 is a drawing showing a first wearable device (601) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure when mounted on an electronic device (301).

[0093] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a second wearable device (603) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure when mounted on an electronic device (301).

[0094] Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, the cylinder (320) may include a region having an outer radius of a first radius (R1) and a region having an outer radius of a second radius (R2). The second radius (R2) may be smaller than or equal to the first radius (R1). The cylinder (320) may include regions having different outer diameters in order to correspond to at least one sensor included in the wearable device (e.g., the heat rate monitor (HRM) sensor (811) of FIG. 8). However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the cylinder (320) may have a uniform outer diameter.

[0095] In one embodiment, the first wearable device (601) and the second wearable device (603) may have different sizes. For example, the wearable devices may be manufactured in various sizes, ranging from US6 to US13, indicating diameter sizes. Among the wearable devices currently in production, the first wearable device (601) may have a size with the smallest internal radius. Among the wearable devices currently in production, the second wearable device (603) may have a size with the largest internal radius.

[0096] In one embodiment, the internal radius of the first wearable device (601) may correspond to the first radius (R1) of the cylinder (320). The internal radius of the first wearable device (601) may be equal to the first radius (R1) of the cylinder (320). The internal radius of the first wearable device (601) may be greater than the first radius (R1) of the cylinder (320).

[0097] In one embodiment, the inner radius of the second wearable device (603) may correspond to a third radius (R3). The third radius (R3) may correspond to the sum of the second radius (R2) of the cylinder (320) and a specific distance (D). The third radius (R3) may be greater than the sum of the second radius (R2) of the cylinder (320) and the specific distance (D).

[0098] In one embodiment, the first wearable device (601) and the second wearable device (603) may be configured such that at least a portion of the inner surface of each of the first wearable device (601) and the second wearable device (603) may be in contact with a cylinder (320) protruding from a disk (311) of the housing (310).

[0099] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a first wearable device (601) and a second wearable device (603) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0100] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the configuration of a first wearable device (601) and a second wearable device (603) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0101] Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, the first wearable device (601) and the second wearable device (603) may include a ring-shaped housing (810).

[0102] In one embodiment, a ring-shaped housing (810) may include a power receiving antenna (820), at least one heat rate monitor (HRM) sensor (811), a magnetic body (830), and / or a circuit board (840) therein.

[0103] In one embodiment, the first wearable device (601) and the second wearable device (603) may have a power receiving antenna (820) and / or at least one heat rate monitor (HRM) sensor (811) disposed on a circuit board (840). The power receiving antenna (820) and the at least one heat rate monitor (HRM) sensor (811) may protrude outside a ring-shaped housing (810). However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the first wearable device (601) and the second wearable device (603) may further include a processor (e.g., the processor (120) of FIG. 1), a memory (e.g., the memory (130) of FIG. 1), a communication circuit (e.g., the communication module (190) of FIG. 1), a battery (e.g., the battery (189) of FIG. 1), and / or an antenna (e.g., the antenna (197) of FIG. 1). A processor (e.g., processor (120) of FIG. 1), memory (e.g., memory (130) of FIG. 1), communication circuitry (e.g., communication module (190) of FIG. 1), battery (e.g., battery (189) of FIG. 1), and / or antenna (e.g., antenna (197) of FIG. 1) may be disposed on a circuit board (840).

[0104] In one embodiment, the power receiving antenna (820) may receive power from the charging pad (322) of the electronic device (301). The received power may be stored in the batteries (e.g., battery (189) of FIG. 1) of the first wearable device (601) and the second wearable device (603).

[0105] In one embodiment, the magnetic material (830) may be a paramagnetic material or a magnetic (e.g., ferromagnetic) material.

[0106] In one embodiment, the magnetic body (830) and the power receiving antenna (820) may form a specific angle (θ1). The specific angle (θ1) may be, for example, about 180 degrees. The magnetic body (830) and the power receiving antenna (820) may be arranged substantially parallel.

[0107] In one embodiment, the barrier (330) and the charging pad (322) may be positioned at an angle equal to the specific angle (θ1) of FIG. 9. The barrier (330) and the charging pad (322) may be positioned substantially parallel.

[0108] FIG. 10 is a drawing showing the movement of the first wearable device (601) when the first wearable device (601) is mounted on the electronic device (301).

[0109] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the first wearable device (601) and electronic device (301) of FIG. 10 in the CD direction.

[0110] Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, the first wearable device (601) may have at least a portion of each inner surface of the first wearable device (601) contact a cylinder (320) protruding from a disk (311) of the housing (310).

[0111] In one embodiment, the barrier (330) may include a magnet (e.g., a magnet (1110) of FIG. 11) therein. When the first wearable device (601) is placed on the cylinder (320), the magnetic body (830) may rotate in the direction of the magnet (1110). At this time, the first wearable device (601) may rotate in the direction of the barrier (330) by the magnetic body (830) and the magnet (1110).

[0112] In one embodiment, when the first wearable device (601) is placed on the cylinder (320), the magnetic body (830) can be pulled in the direction of the magnet (1110). At this time, the first wearable device (601) can be pulled in the direction of the barrier (330) by the magnetic body (830) and the magnet (1110).

[0113] In one embodiment, when the first wearable device (601) is rotated or pulled toward the barrier (330) by the magnetic body (830) and the magnet (1110), the power receiving antenna (820) and the power transmitting antenna (410) may be aligned or matched.

[0114] In one embodiment, the flexible cover (420) can be deformed to correspond to the inner diameter surface of the first wearable device (601).

[0115] FIG. 12 is a drawing showing a deformation of a charging pad (322) of an electronic device (301) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0116] FIG. 13 is a drawing showing the inner area of ​​a cylinder (320) when a charging pad (322) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is deformed.

[0117] Reference numbers 1201 and 1301 indicate the state of the charging pad (322) before the wearable devices (the first wearable device (601) of FIG. 6 and the second wearable device (603) of FIG. 7) are placed on the electronic device (301). Reference numbers 1203 and 1303 indicate the state of the charging pad (322) when the wearable devices (the first wearable device (601) of FIG. 6 and the second wearable device (603) of FIG. 7) are placed on the electronic device (301). In FIG. 12, the description of the aforementioned components among the components of the electronic device (301) may be omitted.

[0118] In one embodiment, the charging pad (322) is elastic and can be deformed to correspond to the inner diameter surface of the wearable devices (the first wearable device (601) of FIG. 6, the second wearable device (603) of FIG. 7).

[0119] In one embodiment, the cylinder (320) may include at least one stopper (1310) in its interior space.

[0120] In one embodiment, when the charging pad (322) moves, at least one stopper (1310) can limit the movement of the charging pad (322).

[0121] In one embodiment, at least one stopper (1310) may include a first stopper (1311) and a second stopper (1312). The first stopper (1311) and the second stopper (1312) may support at least a portion of the charging pad (322).

[0122] FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram showing a first wearable device (601) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure when mounted on an electronic device (301).

[0123] FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram showing a second wearable device (603) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure when mounted on an electronic device (301).

[0124] Referring to FIGS. 14 and 15, when the first wearable device (601) is seated on the cylinder (320), at least a portion of the inner diameter surface of the first wearable device (601) may be in contact with the charging pad (322) of the cylinder (320). When the second wearable device (603) is seated on the cylinder (320), at least a portion of the inner diameter surface of the second wearable device (603) may be in contact with the charging pad (322) of the cylinder (320). An area corresponding to the inner diameter surface of the first wearable device (601) that is in contact with the charging pad (322) may include a power receiving antenna (e.g., a power receiving antenna (820) of FIG. 8). Accordingly, when the first wearable device (601) or the second wearable device (603) is mounted on the cylinder (320), the power receiving antenna (820) can be aligned and / or matched with the power transmitting antenna (410) of the electronic device (301).

[0125] FIG. 16 is a drawing showing the inner area of ​​a cylinder (320) when a charging pad (322) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is deformed.

[0126] Reference numerals 1201 and 1601 of FIG. 12 indicate the state of the charging pad (322) before the wearable devices (e.g., the first wearable device (601) of FIG. 6 and the second wearable device (603) of FIG. 7) are placed on the electronic device (301). Reference numerals 1203 and 1603 of FIG. 12 indicate the state of the charging pad (322) when the wearable devices (e.g., the first wearable device (601) of FIG. 6 and the second wearable device (603) of FIG. 7) are placed on the electronic device (301). In FIG. 16, the description of the aforementioned components among the components of the electronic device (301) may be omitted.

[0127] In one embodiment, the charging pad (322) is elastic and can be deformed to correspond to the inner diameter surface of the wearable devices (e.g., the first wearable device (601) of FIG. 6, the second wearable device (603) of FIG. 7).

[0128] In one embodiment, when the charging pad (322) moves, the cylinder (320) may include at least one stopper (1310) and a position restoration guide structure (1600) in its internal space.

[0129] In one embodiment, when the charging pad (322) moves, at least one stopper (1310) and position recovery guide structure (1600) can limit the movement of the charging pad (322).

[0130] In one embodiment, the position recovery guide structure (1600) can support at least a portion of the charging pad (322). The position recovery guide structure (1600) can provide elasticity so that the position of the charging pad (322) can quickly return to its original position when wearable devices (e.g., the first wearable device (601) of FIG. 6 and the second wearable device (603) of FIG. 7) are removed after being placed on the electronic device (301).

[0131] In one embodiment, the position recovery guide structure (1600) may include a support structure (1610), an elastic body (1620), and an elastic body cover (1630). The position recovery guide structure (1600) may include a first structure (1611) extending across the interior of the cylinder (320) and a second structure (1612) facing the charging pad (322) at a specific angle (e.g., about 90 degrees) with respect to the first structure (1611).

[0132] In one embodiment, the position recovery guide structure (1600) may be at least partially coupled to an elastic body (1620) and an elastic body cover (1630). The elastic body (1620) may be a spring. The elastic body cover (1630) may move together with the elastic body (1620) as it moves, thereby preventing the elastic body (1620) from being separated from the position recovery guide structure (1600).

[0133] In one embodiment, the electronic device (301) may include a housing (310), a cylinder (320) that protrudes from the housing (310) and includes a charging pad (322) that contacts an inner diameter of a wearable device (e.g., a first wearable device (601) of FIG. 6 , a second wearable device (603) of FIG. 7 ) to supply power to the wearable device (e.g., a first wearable device (601) of FIG. 6 , a second wearable device (603) of FIG. 7 ), and a barrier (330) that is spaced apart from the cylinder (320) and includes a magnet (e.g., a magnet (1110) of FIG. 11 ). In one embodiment, the charging pad (322) may include a flexible cover (420) that comes into contact with a wearable device (e.g., the first wearable device (601) of FIG. 6, the second wearable device (603) of FIG. 7), and a power transmitting antenna (410) included in the flexible cover (420).

[0134] In one embodiment, the charging pad (322) and the barrier (330) may be arranged parallel.

[0135] In one embodiment, the power transmitting antenna (410) may include a flexible printed circuit board.

[0136] In one embodiment, the cylinder (320) may include a stopper (1310) that supports movement of the charging pad (322), or a position recovery guide structure (1600) that restores the position of the charging pad (322).

[0137] In one embodiment, the cylinder (320) may have different outer diameters in the first region and the second region.

[0138] In one embodiment, the barrier (330) may protrude from the housing (310).

[0139] In one embodiment, the charging pad (322) may be elasticized by the flexible cover (420) and the power transmitting antenna (410).

[0140] In one embodiment, the curvature of the charging pad (322) may correspond to the curvature of the cylinder (320).

[0141] In one embodiment, the sum of the outer radius of the cylinder (320) and the specific distance may correspond to the radius of a wearable device (e.g., the first wearable device (601) of FIG. 6, the second wearable device (603) of FIG. 7).

[0142] In one embodiment, the outer radius of the cylinder (320) may correspond to the radius of a wearable device (e.g., the first wearable device (601) of FIG. 6, the second wearable device (603) of FIG. 7).

[0143] In one embodiment, the housing (310) may include at least a portion of a plane. In one embodiment, the housing (310) may include a cylinder (320) and a barrier (330) on the plane.

[0144] In one embodiment, the electronic device (301) may further include a processor (120). In one embodiment, the processor (120) may control the transmission power of the power transmission antenna (410).

[0145] In one embodiment, the electronic device (301) may further include a communication circuit (290). In one embodiment, the communication circuit (290) may receive information about a charging status from a wearable device (e.g., the first wearable device (601) of FIG. 6, the second wearable device (603) of FIG. 7).

[0146] In one embodiment, the electronic device (301) may further include a memory (130).

[0147] In one embodiment, the memory (130) can store information about transmission power according to the charging state of a wearable device (e.g., the first wearable device (601) of FIG. 6, the second wearable device (603) of FIG. 7).

[0148] In one embodiment, a wearable device (e.g., the first wearable device (601) of FIG. 6, the second wearable device (603) of FIG. 7) may include a ring-shaped housing corresponding to the shape of the cylinder (320).

[0149] In one embodiment, the ring-shaped housing may include a power receiving antenna corresponding to the charging pad (322), a battery for storing power received from the power receiving antenna, and a magnetic body (e.g., a magnetic body (830) of FIG. 8) corresponding to a magnet (e.g., a magnet (1110) of FIG. 11).

[0150] In one embodiment, a magnet (e.g., magnet (1110) of FIG. 11) can react with a magnetic body (e.g., magnetic body (830) of FIG. 8) to rotate a wearable device (e.g., first wearable device (601) of FIG. 6, second wearable device (603) of FIG. 7) to align a power receiving antenna (e.g., power receiving antenna (820) of FIG. 8) and a charging pad (322) so that they are positionally aligned.

[0151] In one embodiment, a magnet (e.g., magnet (1110) of FIG. 11) can react with a magnetic body (e.g., magnet (830) of FIG. 8) by magnetic force to pull a wearable device (a first wearable device (601) of FIG. 6, a second wearable device (603) of FIG. 7) toward the magnet (e.g., magnet (1110) of FIG. 11) so that a power receiving antenna (e.g., power receiving antenna (820) of FIG. 8) and a charging pad (322) are aligned parallel to each other.

[0152] In one embodiment, a power receiving antenna (e.g., power receiving antenna (820) of FIG. 8) and a magnetic body (e.g., magnetic body (830) of FIG. 8) may be arranged in parallel.

[0153] In one embodiment, a wearable device (e.g., the first wearable device (601) of FIG. 6, the second wearable device (603) of FIG. 7) may include a circuit board including a power receiving antenna (e.g., the power receiving antenna (820) of FIG. 8), a battery, and a magnetic body (e.g., the magnetic body (830) of FIG. 8).

[0154] In one embodiment, a wearable device (e.g., the first wearable device (601) of FIG. 6, the second wearable device (603) of FIG. 7) may include at least one heat rate monitor (HRM) sensor, a near field communication (NFC) circuit, and a temperature sensor.

[0155] Electronic devices according to the various embodiments disclosed in this document may take various forms. Electronic devices may include, for example, portable communication devices (e.g., smartphones), computer devices, portable multimedia devices, portable medical devices, cameras, wearable devices, or home appliances. Electronic devices according to the embodiments of this document are not limited to the aforementioned devices.

[0156] The various embodiments of this document and the terminology used therein are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments, but should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutes of the embodiments. In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components. The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of the items, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this document, each of the phrases "A or B", "at least one of A and B", "at least one of A or B", "A, B, or C", "at least one of A, B, and C", and "at least one of A, B, or C" can include any one of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase among those phrases, or all possible combinations thereof. Terms such as "first," "second," or "first" or "second" may be used merely to distinguish one component from another, and do not limit the components in any other respect (e.g., importance or order). When a component (e.g., a first component) is referred to as "coupled" or "connected" to another (e.g., a second component), with or without the terms "functionally" or "communicatively," it means that the component can be connected to the other component directly (e.g., wired), wirelessly, or through a third component.

[0157] The term "module" used in various embodiments of this document may include a unit implemented in hardware, software, or firmware, and may be used interchangeably with terms such as logic, logic block, component, or circuit. A module may be an integral component, or a minimum unit or part of such a component that performs one or more functions. For example, according to one embodiment, a module may be implemented in the form of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0158] Various embodiments of the present document may be implemented as software (e.g., a program (140)) including one or more instructions stored in a storage medium (e.g., an internal memory (136) or an external memory (138)) readable by a machine (e.g., an electronic device (101)). For example, a processor (e.g., a processor (120)) of the machine (e.g., an electronic device (101)) may call at least one instruction among the one or more instructions stored from the storage medium and execute it. This enables the machine to operate to perform at least one function according to the at least one called instruction. The one or more instructions may include code generated by a compiler or code executable by an interpreter. The machine-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, 'non-transitory' simply means that the storage medium is a tangible device and does not contain signals (e.g., electromagnetic waves), and the term does not distinguish between cases where data is stored semi-permanently or temporarily on the storage medium.

[0159] According to one embodiment, the method according to various embodiments disclosed in this document may be provided as a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded between sellers and buyers as a product. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a device-readable storage medium (e.g., compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM)) or may be provided through an application store (e.g., Play Store). TM ) or directly between two user devices (e.g., smart phones), online distribution (e.g., downloading or uploading). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product may be at least temporarily stored or temporarily created in a machine-readable storage medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or an intermediary server.

[0160] According to various embodiments, each component (e.g., a module or a program) of the above-described components may include one or more entities, and some of the entities may be separated and placed in other components. According to various embodiments, one or more components or operations of the aforementioned components may be omitted, or one or more other components or operations may be added. Alternatively or additionally, a plurality of components (e.g., a module or a program) may be integrated into a single component. In such a case, the integrated component may perform one or more functions of each of the plurality of components identically or similarly to those performed by the corresponding component among the plurality of components prior to the integration. According to various embodiments, the operations performed by a module, program, or other component may be executed sequentially, in parallel, iteratively, or heuristically, or one or more of the operations may be executed in a different order, omitted, or one or more other operations may be added.

Claims

1. In electronic devices, housing; A cylinder including a charging pad protruding from the housing and contacting the inner diameter of the wearable device to supply power to the wearable device; and A barrier comprising a magnet and spaced apart from the cylinder, The above charging pad A flexible cover (420) in contact with the wearable device; and An electronic device including a power transmitting antenna (410) included in the flexible cover.

2. In paragraph 1, The above charging pad and the above barrier Electronic devices arranged in parallel.

3. In paragraph 1, The above power transmitting antenna An electronic device that is a flexible printed circuit board.

4. In paragraph 1, The above cylinder A stopper that supports the movement of the charging pad; or An electronic device including a position recovery guide structure for restoring the position of the charging pad.

5. In paragraph 1, The above charging pad An electronic device having elasticity due to the flexible cover and the power transmitting antenna.

6. In paragraph 1, The above cylinder An electronic device in which the outer diameters of the first and second regions are different.

7. In paragraph 1, The above barrier is An electronic device protruding from the above housing.

8. In paragraph 1, The curvature of the above charging pad is An electronic device corresponding to the curvature of the above cylinder.

9. In paragraph 1, The sum of the outer radius of the above cylinder and a specific distance is An electronic device corresponding to the radius of the above wearable device.

10. In paragraph 1, The outer radius of the above cylinder is An electronic device corresponding to the radius of the above wearable device.

11. In paragraph 1, The above housing Contains at least some planes, An electronic device comprising the cylinder and the barrier on the above plane.

12. In paragraph 1, Including more processors, The above processor An electronic device for controlling the transmission power of the above power transmitting antenna.

13. In paragraph 1, Further comprising communication circuits, The above communication circuit is an electronic device that receives information about a charging status from the wearable device.

14. In paragraph 1, Includes more memory, The above memory is an electronic device that stores information about transmission power according to the charging status of the wearable device.

15. In paragraph 2, The above wearable device It includes a ring-shaped housing corresponding to the shape of the above cylinder, The above ring-shaped housing A power receiving antenna corresponding to the above charging pad; A battery for storing power received from the power receiving antenna; and An electronic device including a magnetic body corresponding to the above magnet.

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