Wearable electronic device comprising antenna

Abstract

A wearable electronic device that can be worn on the ear of a user, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, comprises: a housing including a body and a stem extending from the body; a carrier disposed inside the stem; a printed circuit board which is disposed on the carrier and which has a power supply disposed thereon; a flexible connection member connected to the printed circuit board; and a conductive pattern formed on the outer surface of the carrier, wherein the conductive pattern can include: a power supply point electrically connected to the power supply; an antenna pattern extending from the power supply point; and a ground pattern which extends from the power supply point, and which overlaps the flexible connection member so as to form capacitive coupling.

Description

Wearable electronic device including an antenna

[0001] Various embodiments disclosed in this document relate to wearable electronic devices that can be worn on the ear of a wearable user, for example, to wearable electronic devices that include an antenna.

[0002] With the advancement of electronics, information, and communication technologies, a single electronic device is increasingly incorporating diverse functions. For example, electronic devices (e.g., smartphones) incorporate functions such as audio playback, imaging, and electronic notebooks in addition to communication capabilities. Furthermore, the installation of additional applications can enable smartphones to implement even more diverse functions. In addition to executing pre-installed applications or stored functions, electronic devices can also access servers or other electronic devices via wired or wireless means to receive a variety of information in real time.

[0003] As the use of electronic devices becomes more commonplace, user demand for portability and usability may increase. This demand has led to the commercialization of electronic devices that can be carried and used while worn on the body, similar to wristwatches or glasses (hereinafter referred to as "wearable electronic devices"). Prior to wristwatch- or glasses-type electronic devices, wearable electronic devices such as earphones or hands-free sets, such as audio devices, have provided a more convenient environment for using other electronic devices such as smartphones. With the widespread adoption of short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth, wearable electronic devices such as earphones or hands-free sets can transmit and receive audio signals wirelessly with other electronic devices while worn on the user's body (e.g., the ear). As the use of audio devices such as earphones or hands-free sets, or electronic devices containing them, becomes more widespread, users can conveniently listen to or watch music, videos, or streaming audio / video while on the go. Wearable electronic devices are becoming increasingly slimmer to meet consumer purchasing needs as the functional gap between manufacturers narrows significantly, increasing the usability of the devices while simultaneously differentiating their functional elements.

[0004] 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 in connection with the present disclosure.

[0005] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a wearable electronic device that can be worn on a user's ear includes a housing including a body, a stem extending from the body, a carrier disposed inside the stem, a printed circuit board disposed on the carrier and having a power supply disposed thereon, a flexible connection member connected to the printed circuit board, and a conductive pattern formed on an outer surface of the carrier, wherein the conductive pattern may include a power supply point electrically connected to the power supply, an antenna pattern extending from the power supply point, and a ground pattern extending from the power supply point and overlapping the flexible connection member to form a capacitive coupling.

[0006] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a wearable electronic device that can be worn on a user's ear includes a body, a housing including a stem extending from the body, a carrier disposed inside the stem, a printed circuit board disposed on the carrier and having a conductive member and a feed disposed thereon, a flexible connection member connected to the printed circuit board, and a conductive pattern formed on an outer surface of the carrier, wherein the conductive pattern includes a contact point electrically connected to the conductive member, a feed point electrically connected to the feed point, a ground pattern connected to the contact point, and an antenna pattern extending from the feed point, wherein the ground pattern can overlap the flexible connection member to form a capacitive coupling when viewed from above the ground pattern.

[0007] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an electronic device within a network environment according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0008] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an audio module according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, as illustrated in FIG. 1.

[0009] FIG. 3 illustrates a wearable electronic device worn on a user's ear according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0010] FIG. 4 illustrates a view of a wearable electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure worn on a user's ear as viewed from the view direction illustrated in FIG. 3.

[0011] FIG. 5 is a side view of a wearable electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0012] FIG. 6 is a side view of a wearable electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, viewed from a different direction than FIG. 5.

[0013] FIG. 7 is a side view of a portion of a wearable electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure illustrated in FIG. 5, with a portion of the housing separated.

[0014] FIG. 8 is a side view of a portion of a wearable electronic device with the housing separated from the body according to one embodiment of the present disclosure illustrated in FIG. 6.

[0015] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a wearable electronic device taken along line AA' of FIG. 6.

[0016] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a wearable electronic device taken along line BB' of FIG. 6.

[0017] FIG. 11 is a side view of a carrier according to one embodiment of the present disclosure illustrated in FIG. 7.

[0018] FIG. 12 is a side view of a carrier according to one embodiment of the present disclosure illustrated in FIG. 8.

[0019] FIG. 13 is a graph showing the radiation efficiency of an antenna pattern according to a frequency of a wearable electronic device according to a comparative example and an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 14 is a side view of a portion of a wearable electronic device with a portion of the housing separated, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 15 is a side view of a portion of a wearable electronic device with a portion of the housing separated, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] FIG. 16 is a side view of a carrier having a conductive pattern arranged thereon according to one embodiment of the present disclosure illustrated in FIG. 14.

[0023] FIG. 17 is a side view of a carrier having a conductive pattern arranged thereon according to one embodiment of the present disclosure illustrated in FIG. 15.

[0024] FIG. 18 is a side view of a portion of a wearable electronic device with a portion of the housing separated, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] FIG. 19 is a side view of a portion of a wearable electronic device with a portion of the housing separated, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of a wearable electronic device taken along line CC' of FIG. 19.

[0027] FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view of a wearable electronic device taken along line DD' of FIG. 19.

[0028] The following description of the accompanying drawings may provide an understanding of various exemplary implementations of the present disclosure, including the claims and their equivalents. While the exemplary embodiments disclosed in the following description include numerous specific details to aid understanding, they are to be considered as one example of various exemplary embodiments. Accordingly, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications and variations of the various implementations described herein may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosure. Furthermore, descriptions of well-known functions and configurations may be omitted for clarity and conciseness.

[0029] The terms and words used in the following description and claims are not limited to their reference meanings and can be used to clearly and consistently describe one embodiment of the present disclosure. Therefore, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the following description of various implementations of the disclosure is provided for illustrative purposes, not for the purpose of limiting the scope of the disclosure and its equivalents.

[0030] Unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, the singular forms of "a," "an," and "the" should be understood to include plural meanings. Thus, for example, "a component surface" could be understood to include one or more of the surfaces of the component.

[0031] The various embodiments and terminology used in this document are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments, but should be understood to encompass various modifications, equivalents, or alternatives of the embodiments. In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used to refer to 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.

[0032] 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" may include any one of the items listed together in that phrase, or all possible combinations thereof.

[0033] Terms such as "first," "second," or "first" or "second" may be used simply to distinguish one component from another, and do not qualify the components in any other respect (e.g., importance or order).

[0034] When a component (e.g., a first component) is referred to as being “coupled” or “connected” to another component (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.

[0035] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device (101) within a network environment (100) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to FIG. 1 , in the network environment (100), the electronic device (101) may communicate with the electronic device (102) via a first network (198) (e.g., a short-range wireless communication network), or may communicate with at least one of the electronic device (104) or the server (108) via a second network (199) (e.g., a long-range wireless communication network). According to 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 one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may have at least one of these components (e.g., the connection terminal (178)) omitted, or one or more other components added. In one embodiment, 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)).

[0036] The processor (120) may, for example, execute software (e.g., a program (140)) to control at least one other component (e.g., a hardware or software component) of the electronic device (101) connected to the processor (120) and perform various data processing or operations. According to one embodiment, as at least a part of the data processing or operations, the processor (120) may store commands or data received from other components (e.g., a sensor module (176) or a communication module (190)) in a volatile memory (132), process the commands or data stored in the volatile memory (132), and store result 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 an application processor), or an auxiliary 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 with the main processor (121). For example, when the electronic device (101) includes the main processor (121) and the auxiliary processor (123), the auxiliary processor (123) may be configured to use less power than the main processor (121) or to be specialized for a given function. The auxiliary processor (123) may be implemented separately from the main processor (121) or as a part thereof.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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).

[0039] 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).

[0040] 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).

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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).

[0044] 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.

[0045] The interface (177) may support one or more designated protocols that may be used to directly or wirelessly connect the electronic device (101) to 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.

[0046] 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).

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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.

[0049] The power management module (188) can manage the 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).

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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 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).

[0052] 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.

[0053] 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 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 one embodiment, 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).

[0054] In one embodiment, 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) of the printed circuit board and capable of transmitting or receiving signals in the designated high-frequency band.

[0055] 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)).

[0056] 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.

[0057] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an audio module (170) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure illustrated in FIG. 1. Referring to FIG. 2, the audio module (170) may include, for example, an audio input interface (210), an audio input mixer (220), an analog to digital converter (ADC) (230), an audio signal processor (240), a digital to analog converter (DAC) (250), an audio output mixer (260), or an audio output interface (270).

[0058] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the audio input interface (210) may receive an audio signal corresponding to a sound acquired from the outside of the electronic device (101) as part of the input module (150) or through a microphone (e.g., a dynamic microphone, a condenser microphone, or a piezo microphone) configured separately from the electronic device (101). For example, when the audio signal is acquired from an external electronic device (102) (e.g., a headset or a microphone), the audio input interface (210) may be directly connected to the external electronic device (102) through a connection terminal (178) or wirelessly (e.g., Bluetooth communication) through a wireless communication module (192) to receive the audio signal. According to one embodiment, the audio input interface (210) may receive a control signal (e.g., a volume control signal received through an input button) related to the audio signal acquired from the external electronic device (102). The audio input interface (210) includes a plurality of audio input channels and can receive different audio signals for each corresponding audio input channel among the plurality of audio input channels. According to one embodiment, additionally or alternatively, the audio input interface (210) can receive audio signals from other components of the electronic device (101), such as the processor (120) or the memory (130).

[0059] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the audio input mixer (220) can synthesize a plurality of input audio signals into at least one audio signal. For example, according to one embodiment, the audio input mixer (220) can synthesize a plurality of analog audio signals input through the audio input interface (210) into at least one analog audio signal.

[0060] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the ADC (230) can convert an analog audio signal into a digital audio signal. For example, according to one embodiment, the ADC (230) can convert an analog audio signal received through an audio input interface (210), or additionally or alternatively, an analog audio signal synthesized through an audio input mixer (220), into a digital audio signal.

[0061] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the audio signal processor (240) may perform various processing on a digital audio signal input through the ADC (230) or a digital audio signal received from another component of the electronic device (101). For example, according to one embodiment, the audio signal processor (240) may change a sampling rate, apply one or more filters, perform interpolation processing, amplify or attenuate all or part of a frequency band, process noise (e.g., noise or echo reduction), change a channel (e.g., switching between mono and stereo), mix, or extract a specified signal on one or more digital audio signals. According to one embodiment, one or more functions of the audio signal processor (240) may be implemented in the form of an equalizer.

[0062] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the DAC (250) can convert a digital audio signal into an analog audio signal. For example, according to one embodiment, the DAC (250) can convert a digital audio signal processed by an audio signal processor (240) or a digital audio signal obtained from another component of the electronic device (101) (e.g., a processor (120) or a memory (130)) into an analog audio signal.

[0063] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the audio output mixer (260) can synthesize a plurality of audio signals to be output into at least one audio signal. For example, according to one embodiment, the audio output mixer (260) can synthesize an audio signal converted into analog through the DAC (250) and another analog audio signal (e.g., an analog audio signal received through the audio input interface (210)) into at least one analog audio signal.

[0064] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the audio output interface (270) can output an analog audio signal converted by the DAC (250), or additionally or alternatively, an analog audio signal synthesized by the audio output mixer (260), to the outside of the electronic device (101) through the audio output module (155). The audio output module (155) can include, for example, a speaker, such as a dynamic driver or a balanced armature driver, or a receiver. According to one embodiment, the audio output module (155) can include a plurality of speakers. In this case, the audio output interface (270) can output an audio signal having a plurality of different channels (e.g., stereo or 5.1 channels) through at least some of the plurality of speakers. According to one embodiment, the audio output interface (270) can output an audio signal by being connected directly to an external electronic device (102) (e.g., an external speaker or headset) through a connection terminal (178) or wirelessly through a wireless communication module (192).

[0065] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the audio module (170) can generate at least one digital audio signal by synthesizing a plurality of digital audio signals using at least one function of the audio signal processor (240) without separately having an audio input mixer (220) or an audio output mixer (260).

[0066] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the audio module (170) may include an audio amplifier (not shown) (e.g., a speaker amplifier circuit) capable of amplifying an analog audio signal input through an audio input interface (210) or an audio signal to be output through an audio output interface (270). According to one embodiment, the audio amplifier may be configured as a separate module from the audio module (170).

[0067] The description of the electronic device (101) described with reference to FIG. 1 above and the description of the audio module (170) described with reference to FIG. 2 can be substantially equally applied to the wearable electronic device (300) described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 19 to the extent that they are not arranged with each other. Hereinafter, a wearable electronic device (300) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 19.

[0068] FIG. 3 illustrates a wearable electronic device (300) worn on a user's ear (E) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 3 illustrates a forward direction (F) and a rearward direction (R) defined with respect to the user. The view direction (V) will be described later with reference to FIG. 4. As an example, the wearable electronic device (300) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include an earphone, an earset, an in-ear earset, or earbuds that can be worn on a user's ear (E). FIG. 3 also illustrates a view direction (V) corresponding to the longitudinal direction of the stem (320). The view direction (V) will be described later with reference to FIG. 4.

[0069] Referring to FIG. 3, a wearable electronic device (300) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a body (310) configured to be worn on a user's ear (E) and a stem (320). The stem (320) may extend from the body (310). As an example, the stem (320) may extend from the body (310) in a direction toward the user's front (F) or in a direction inclined with respect to the user's front (F).

[0070] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the body (310) may include a speaker (e.g., an audio output module (155) of FIG. 1). The speaker may be placed inside the body (310). The stem (320) may include a printed circuit board (390, see FIG. 8) to which electronic components (e.g., a speaker, a battery, and / or a microphone, etc.) included in the wearable electronic device (300) are connected. The body (310) and the stem (320) may be understood as a part of a housing (330, see FIGS. 5 and 6). As an example, the body (310) may have a bean shape, and the stem (320) may extend substantially straight from the body (310) to be seated on the concha portion of the user's ear (E).

[0071] FIG. 3 illustrates, by way of example, a wearable electronic device (300) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, mounted on a user's left ear (E). However, the wearable electronic device (300) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may also be mounted on a user's right ear (not shown), and when mounted on a user's right ear, the wearable electronic device (300) may have a structure and shape that are symmetrical from the structures and shapes described with reference to FIGS. 4 to 17.

[0072] FIG. 4 illustrates a view of a wearable electronic device (300) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure worn on a user's ear (E) as viewed from the view direction (V) illustrated in FIG. 3. FIG. 4 illustrates an inward direction (I) and an outward direction (O) defined with respect to the user in FIG. 3 . The inward direction (I) may be understood as a direction from the wearable electronic device (300) toward a body part of the user (U) (e.g., the user's cheek). The outward direction (O) may be understood as a direction away from the user (U), for example, a direction opposite to the inward direction (I).

[0073] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, a stem (320) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a plurality of outer lateral surfaces (333, 334, 335, 336). As an example, the plurality of outer lateral surfaces (333, 334, 335, 336) may include a first surface (333), a second surface (334), a third surface (335), and / or a fourth surface (336) that intersect with each other.

[0074] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, when the wearable electronic device (300) is worn on the user's ear (E), the first side (333) of the stem (320) may face approximately inwardly (I). For example, the first side (333) may face a direction between the inwardly (I) and the forward (F). When the wearable electronic device (300) is worn on the user's ear (E), the second side (334) of the stem (320) may face approximately outwardly (O). For example, the second side (334) may face a direction between the outwardly (O) and the rear (R). When the wearable electronic device (300) is worn on the user's ear (E), the third side (335) of the stem (320) may face approximately inwardly (F). As an example, the third side (335) may face in a direction between the front (F) and the medial direction (I) or in a direction between the front (F) and the outward direction (O). When the wearable electronic device (300) is worn on the user's ear (E), the fourth side (336) of the stem (320) may face approximately in the medial direction (I). As an example, the fourth side (336) may face in a direction between the medial direction (I) and the rearward direction (F). The first side (333), the second side (334), the third side (335), and / or the fourth side (336) will be described in detail below with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10 .

[0075] FIG. 5 is a side view of a wearable electronic device (300) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 6 is a side view of a wearable electronic device (300) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, showing a view from a different direction than FIG. 5.

[0076] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, a wearable electronic device (300) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include an audio output module (155). Sound generated from the audio output module (155) may be radiated to the outside of the wearable electronic device (300) through a sound grill (311) of a housing (330). The sound grill (311) may be disposed on a body (310) of the wearable electronic device (300).

[0077] A wearable electronic device (300) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a housing (330) forming an exterior. The housing (330) may include a first portion (331) and a second portion (332) coupled to the first portion (331). A sound grill (311) may be disposed on the first portion (331) of the housing (330). The first portion (331) may form at least a portion of the body (310). The second portion (332) may form at least a portion of the stem (320).

[0078] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the second portion (332) of the housing (330) may include a first face (333) and a second face (334). The first face (333) and the second face (334) may be understood as outer surfaces of the stem (320). As an example, the first face (333) and the second face (334) may be two outer surfaces of the stem (320) that face in opposite directions. The first face (333) and the second face (334) will be described in detail below with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10 .

[0079] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a wearable electronic device (300) may include a microphone module (340) (e.g., the input module (150) of FIG. 1). The microphone module (340) may be disposed inside the body (310). The wearable electronic device (300) may include a microphone grill (341) disposed in the body (310). As an example, the microphone grill (341) may be disposed in a second portion (332) of the housing (330). Sound from outside the wearable electronic device (300) may be introduced into the interior of the wearable electronic device (300) through the microphone grill (341) and detected by the microphone module (340).

[0080] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a wearable electronic device (300) may include a charging terminal (351). The charging terminal (351) may be electrically connected to an external power source (not shown) to provide a path for connecting the external power source and a battery (189, see FIGS. 1 and 8).

[0081] FIG. 7 is a side view of a portion of a wearable electronic device (300) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure illustrated in FIG. 5, with a portion of the housing (330) (e.g., the second portion (332)) separated. FIG. 8 is a side view of a portion of a wearable electronic device (300) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure illustrated in FIG. 6, with a portion of the housing (330) (e.g., the second portion (332)) separated.

[0082] Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, a wearable electronic device (300) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a carrier (360) disposed inside a stem (320, see FIG. 5 ). The carrier (360) may extend along a longitudinal direction of the stem (320) (e.g., the Z-axis direction of FIGS. 5 and 6 ). The carrier (360) may be surrounded by a second portion (332) of a housing (330). The carrier (360) may function as a frame for supporting internal components of the stem (320) (e.g., a printed circuit board (390) and a flexible connecting member (370)). The carrier (360) may be formed of a non-conductive material (e.g., an epoxy resin).

[0083] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a wearable electronic device (300) may include a terminal portion (350) having a charging terminal (351) disposed thereon. The terminal portion (350) may be visually exposed to the outside of the wearable electronic device (300). The terminal portion (350) may be positioned at an end of a stem (320). As an example, the terminal portion (350) may be coupled to one side of a carrier (360) adjacent to the end of the stem (320).

[0084] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a wearable electronic device (300) may include a printed circuit board (390) disposed on a carrier (360). Surface mount devices (SMDs) for operation and control of the wearable electronic device (300) (e.g., a communication module (190), a power management module (188), and / or a processor (120) of FIG. 1) may be disposed on the printed circuit board (390).

[0085] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a printed circuit board (390) may be positioned between a second surface (334, see FIG. 6) of a housing (330) and a carrier (360). The printed circuit board (390) may have a shape extending in the longitudinal direction of the stem (320). A feed (391) may be arranged on a back surface of the printed circuit board (390) facing an outer surface of the carrier (360) (e.g., a third region (364) of FIG. 12). The feed (391) may provide an RF (radio frequency) signal to an antenna pattern (410) described below. As an example, the feed (391) may include a conductive member that contacts the antenna pattern (410) to transmit an RF signal.

[0086] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a wearable electronic device (300) may include a printed circuit board (390) and a flexible connecting member (370) that connects components of the wearable electronic device (300). As an example, the flexible connecting member (370) may be a flexible printed circuit board.

[0087] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a flexible connecting member (370) may include a board portion (374, 375) and a flexible portion (371, 372, 373). The flexible portions (371, 372, 373) may connect the board portions (374, 375) and components inside the wearable electronic device (300), such as an audio output module (155), a battery (189), and a microphone module (340). For convenience of explanation, the illustrated flexible portions (371, 372, 373) may be referred to as a first flexible portion (371), a second flexible portion (372), and a third flexible portion (373), and the illustrated substrate portions (374, 375) may be referred to as a first substrate portion (374) and a second substrate portion (375).

[0088] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first substrate portion (374) may be disposed inside the stem (320). The first substrate portion (374) may be supported by the carrier (360). The first substrate portion (374) may be positioned between the first surface (333) of the housing (330, see FIG. 5) and the carrier (360). As an example, the first substrate portion (374) and the printed circuit board (390) may be disposed on opposite sides of the carrier (360). The first substrate portion (374) may be connected to the first flexible portion (371), the second flexible portion (372), and the third flexible portion (373). As an example, the first substrate portion (374) may be understood as a multi-layer circuit board composed of a plurality of layers.

[0089] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the second substrate portion (375) may be disposed within the stem (320). The second substrate portion (375) may be connected to the first substrate portion (374). As an example, the second substrate portion (375) and the first substrate portion (374) may extend substantially parallel to each other toward the terminal portion (350). As an example, the second substrate portion (375) may be understood as a multi-layer circuit board composed of a plurality of layers. The first substrate portion (374) and the second substrate portion (375) may be positioned on two opposite sides of the carrier (360). As an example, the first substrate portion (374) may be positioned between the carrier (360) and the first surface (333) of the housing (330), and the second substrate portion (375) may be positioned between the carrier (360) and the second surface (334) of the housing (330).

[0090] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the second substrate portion (375) may be supported by the carrier (360). The second substrate portion (375) may be positioned between the second surface (334) of the housing (330, see FIG. 5) and the carrier (360). The second substrate portion (375) may be connected to the first flexible portion (371), the second flexible portion (372), and the third flexible portion (373).

[0091] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first flexible portion (371) can connect the first substrate portion (374) and the second substrate portion (375). The first flexible portion (371) can extend from the first substrate portion (374) to surround a side surface (365, see FIG. 11) of the carrier (360) and be connected to a printed circuit board (390). The second substrate portion (375) can be connected to a touch panel (380) described below.

[0092] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a wearable electronic device (300) may include a touch panel (380) configured to detect a user's touch. The touch panel (380) may be disposed on a second substrate portion (375). The touch panel (375) may be positioned between a second surface (334) of a housing (330) and the second substrate portion (375). The touch panel (380) may detect a user's touch input (or pressure) transmitted through the second surface (334) of the housing (330). The touch panel (380) may be connected to the first substrate portion (374) via a first flexible portion (371). According to another embodiment, the touch panel (380) may be directly connected to a printed circuit board (390). The touch panel (380) may have a shape extending substantially parallel to the printed circuit board (390) and the second side (334) of the housing (330).

[0093] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the third flexible portion (373) can connect the first substrate portion (374) and an electronic component (e.g., an audio output module (155) and / or a battery (189)) disposed inside the body (310). The third flexible portion (373) can extend from the first substrate portion (374) disposed inside the stem (320) to the interior of the body (310). As an example, the third flexible portion (373) can connect the first substrate portion (374) and the audio output module (155).

[0094] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the second flexible portion (372) may extend from the first substrate portion (374) toward the end of the stem (320). As an example, the second flexible portion (372) may connect the first substrate portion (374) and the terminal portion (350). As an example, electricity supplied from the external power source may be supplied to the battery (189) through the first substrate portion (374). As an example, the second flexible portion (372) may extend in the longitudinal direction of the stem (320).

[0095] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a wearable electronic device (300) may include a conductive pattern (400) formed on an outer surface of the carrier (360). The antenna pattern (410) may include a conductive material deposited on a surface of the carrier (360) facing the outside of the stem (320). As an example, the conductive pattern (400) may be understood as an electric circuit formed (deposited) on the outer surface of the carrier (360) through a laser direct structuring (LDS) method. The conductive pattern (400) may be referred to as a conductive coating or a conductive layer.

[0096] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the conductive pattern (400) may include a feeding point (430) electrically connected to the feed (391). As an example, the feeding point (430) may be in contact with the feed (391). An RF signal transmitted from a printed circuit board (390) (e.g., a communication module (190) of FIG. 1) may be transmitted to the antenna pattern (410) via the feeding point (430).

[0097] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the conductive pattern (400) may include an antenna pattern (410) configured to transmit / receive radio waves. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, radio waves of about 2.4 GHz to 2.5 GHz may be transmitted / received through the antenna pattern (410). The antenna pattern (410) may be connected to a feed point (430) and may extend from the feed point (430). As an example, the antenna pattern (410) may extend in a loop shape on a side surface (361) of the carrier (360). When viewed from above, the antenna pattern (410) may not overlap with the flexible portions (371, 372, 373) of the flexible connecting member (370). The antenna pattern (410) may be referred to as a first conductive portion. The radio wave radiation direction of the antenna pattern (410) will be described in detail later with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10.

[0098] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the conductive pattern (400) may include a ground pattern (420) extending from a feed point (430). The ground pattern (420) may be electrically connected to the feed point (430) for providing an RF signal to the antenna pattern (410). The ground pattern (420) may be located on the inner side of the first surface (333) of the housing (330). The ground pattern (420) may extend along the longitudinal direction (e.g., the Z-axis direction) of the carrier (360). As an example, the ground pattern (420) and the feed point (430) may be located on two opposite outer surfaces of the carrier (360). The ground pattern (420) may be referred to as a second conductive portion.

[0099] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the ground pattern (420) may be spaced apart from the antenna pattern (410). As an example, the ground pattern (420) and the antenna pattern (410) may be spaced apart in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (e.g., Z-axis direction) of the carrier (360) (e.g., X-axis direction or Y-axis direction).

[0100] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the electrical connection between the antenna pattern (410), the ground pattern (420), and the printed circuit board (390) can be made by a single contact point (e.g., the feed point (430)). Therefore, compared to a case where the ground pattern (420) and the antenna pattern (410) are connected to the printed circuit board (390) through independent contact points, a mounting space of the wearable electronic device (300) can be secured, and accordingly, the mounting structure of the wearable electronic device (300) can be optimized.

[0101] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the ground pattern (420) can be electrically connected to the flexible connecting member (370). As an example, the ground pattern (420) can be coupled to the flexible connecting member (370). As another example, the ground pattern (420) can be in direct contact with the conductive portion of the flexible connecting member (370) or connected through a connector. Accordingly, when the antenna pattern (410) is operated, the occurrence of parasitic resonance in the flexible connecting member (370) located around the antenna pattern (410) can be minimized.

[0102] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the ground pattern (420) may include a first region (422) facing the first substrate portion (374). The first region (422) of the ground pattern (420) may be located on the second region (363) of the outer surface of the carrier (360). When viewed from above the ground pattern (420), the first region (422) of the ground pattern (420) may overlap the first substrate portion (374). The first substrate portion (374) may include at least one ground layer. The first region (422) of the ground pattern (420) may be coupled to the ground layer of the first substrate portion (374) to minimize parasitic resonance generation in the flexible connecting member (370).

[0103] According to another embodiment (not shown), the ground pattern (420) may be formed in a shape different from that shown in FIG. 7, such that it may have a shape that couples with the substrate portions (374, 375) and the flexible portions (371, 372, 373) of the flexible connecting member (370), or may have a shape that couples with the flexible portions (371, 372, 373) but is not coupled with the substrate portions (374, 375). As an example, the ground pattern (420) may be formed on a side surface (e.g., side surface (365) of FIGS. 11 and 12) of the carrier (360) facing the flexible portion (e.g., the first flexible portion (371)) and may be coupled with the flexible portion (e.g., the first flexible portion (371)).

[0104] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the ground pattern (420) may include a second region (421) extending from a first region (422). The second region (421) of the ground pattern (420) may be located on the first region (362) of the outer surface of the carrier (360). The second region (421) of the ground pattern (420) may not overlap with the first substrate portion (374). As an example, the second region (421) of the ground pattern (420) may extend from the first region (422) toward the end of the stem (420).

[0105] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the conductive pattern (400) may include a ground line (423). The ground line (423) may extend from the power supply point (430) and be connected to the ground pattern (420). As an example, the ground line (423) may have a narrower width than the ground pattern (420).

[0106] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the microphone module (340) may include a microphone grill (341) and a microphone device (342). The microphone device (342) may be located inside the microphone grill (341). The microphone device (342) may be configured to convert sound introduced through the microphone grill (341) into an electrical signal. The microphone device (342) may include a diaphragm and a transducer. The microphone device (342) may be disposed inside the body (310).

[0107] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the battery (189) of the wearable electronic device (300) may be placed inside the body (310). The battery (189) may receive electricity from an external power source through a charging terminal (351).

[0108] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a wearable electronic device (300) taken along line AA' of FIG. 6. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a wearable electronic device (300) taken along line BB' of FIG. 6. The front (F), rear (R), inward (I), and outward (O) directions illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10 may be understood as directions defined with respect to a user while the user wears the wearable electronic device (300) described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4. Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, when the wearable electronic device (300) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is worn on a user's ear (E, see FIG. 3) (e.g., left ear), a third surface (335) of a housing (330) may face the forward direction (F) of the user. The antenna pattern (410) may be positioned spaced apart from the third surface (335) toward the inside of the wearable electronic device (300). The antenna pattern (410) may be positioned toward the inside of the third surface (335). At least a portion of the radio waves radiated from the antenna pattern (410) may propagate forward (F) through the third surface (335). The forward (F) may be understood as the radiation direction of the antenna pattern (410).

[0109] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, when the wearable electronic device (300) is worn, the second side (334) may face in the outward direction (O). As an example, the second side (334) may face in a direction between the outward direction (O) and the rearward direction (R). The touch panel (380) may be positioned spaced apart from the second side (334) toward the inside of the wearable electronic device (300). The touch panel (380) may be positioned on the inside of the second side (334). The touch panel (380) may be configured to detect a user input applied to the second side (334).

[0110] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, when the wearable electronic device (300) is worn, the first side (333) may face inwardly (I). For example, the first side (333) may face in a direction between the inward direction (I) and the front (F). When the wearable electronic device (300) is worn on the user's ear (E), the fourth side (336) of the stem (320) may face inwardly (I). For example, the fourth side (336) may face in a direction between the inward direction (I) and the rear (F).

[0111] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, when the wearable electronic device (300) is worn, a portion of the antenna pattern (410) may face the outward direction (O) of the user or a direction between the outward direction (O) and the rearward direction (R). The ground pattern (420) may have a direction in which the radio wave radiation direction of the antenna pattern (410) (e.g., forward (F)) and a direction facing the second region (421) of the ground pattern (420) (e.g., a direction between the forward (F) and the inward direction (I), or the inward direction (I)) may intersect with each other.

[0112] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a first region (422) of a ground pattern (420, see FIG. 7) may be spaced apart from a first substrate portion (374). The first region (422) of the ground pattern (420) may face the first substrate portion (374). The first region (422) of the ground pattern (420) may form a capacitive coupling (e.g., coupling) with the first substrate portion (374).

[0113] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a wearable electronic device (300) may include a support member (393). The support member (393) may be disposed on a printed circuit board (390). The support member (393) may be disposed on one surface of the printed circuit board (390) facing the rear (R). The support member (393) may cover SMD components (e.g., a communication module (190), a power management module (188), a processor (120), etc. of FIG. 1 ) disposed on the printed circuit board (390). The support member (393) may include a non-conductive material (e.g., an epoxy resin). The second substrate portion (375) may be supported by the support member (393). The touch panel (380) may be supported by the support member (393).

[0114] FIG. 11 is a side view of a carrier (360) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure illustrated in FIG. 7. FIG. 12 is a side view of a carrier (360) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure illustrated in FIG. 8.

[0115] Referring to FIGS. 11 and 12 , according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, an outer surface of a carrier (360) may include a first region (362) and a second region (363). A second region (421) of a ground pattern (420) may be formed on the first region (362) of the outer surface of the carrier (360). The first region (422) of the ground pattern (420) may be positioned on the second region (363) of the outer surface of the carrier (360). A first substrate portion (e.g., the first substrate portion (374) of FIG. 7 ) of a flexible connecting member (370) may be disposed on the second region (363) of the outer surface of the carrier (360).

[0116] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first region (362) and the second region (363) may be defined by a boundary (B) on the outer surface of the carrier (360). As an example, the second region (363) may be understood as a region recessed from the first region (362), and the boundary (B) may include a step positioned between the first region (362) and the second region (363).

[0117] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the outer surface of the carrier (360) may include a third region (364) in which a feed point (430) is formed. A printed circuit board (390) may be placed in the third region (364). As an example, the first region (362) and the second region (363) of the outer surface of the carrier (360) may face opposite directions to the third region (364). The third region (364) and the second region (363) of the outer surface may be connected to each other by a side surface (365) of the carrier (360).

[0118] FIG. 13 is a graph illustrating the radiation efficiency of an antenna pattern (410) according to a frequency of a wearable electronic device (not shown) according to a comparative example and a wearable electronic device (300) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The radiation efficiency described below may be understood as a ratio of the power radiated as a radio wave through the antenna pattern (410) to the power applied to the antenna pattern (410) for propagation of an electromagnetic wave.

[0119] FIG. 13 includes an X-line and a Y-line, and the radiation efficiency of one embodiment of the present disclosure described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 12 corresponds to the Y-line with a thick solid line, and the radiation efficiency of the comparative embodiment may correspond to the X-line with a thin solid line. Unlike one embodiment of the present disclosure, the comparative embodiment is an embodiment in which the ground pattern (420) (and the ground line (423)) is omitted, and FIG. 13 shows the difference in radiation efficiency of the antenna pattern (410) depending on the presence or absence of the ground pattern (420).

[0120] Referring to FIG. 13, it can be confirmed that the radiation efficiency of the antenna pattern (410) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is higher in a frequency band of about 2.4 GHz to 2.5 GHz. In the case of the comparative example, it can be confirmed that the radiation efficiency is relatively low due to parasitic resonance generated in the flexible connecting member (370) located around the antenna pattern (410) during the operation of the antenna pattern (410). On the other hand, it can be confirmed that the wearable electronic device (300) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure has a relatively high radiation efficiency in a frequency band of about 2.4 GHz to 2.5 GHz by including a ground pattern (420) coupled to the flexible connecting member (370) (e.g., the first substrate portion (374)).

[0121] The description of the components described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 12 (e.g., printed circuit board (390), feed (391), conductive pattern (400), antenna pattern (410), ground pattern (420), first region (422) and second region (421) of ground pattern (420), ground line (423), and / or feed point (430)) can be substantially identically applied to the components of the same name shown in FIGS. 14 to 17 (e.g., printed circuit board (1390), feed (1391), conductive pattern (1400), antenna pattern (1410), ground pattern (1420), first region (1422) and second region (1421) of ground pattern (1420), ground line (1423), and / or feed point (1431)) to the extent that they are not arranged with each other.

[0122] FIG. 14 is a side view of a portion of a wearable electronic device (300) with a portion of a housing (330) (e.g., a second portion (332)) separated, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 15 is a side view of a portion of a wearable electronic device (300) with a portion of a housing (330) (e.g., a second portion (332)) separated, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 16 is a side view of a carrier (360) with a conductive pattern (1400) disposed, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure illustrated in FIG. 14. FIG. 17 is a side view of a carrier (360) with a conductive pattern (1400) disposed, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure illustrated in FIG. 15.

[0123] Referring to FIGS. 14 to 17, a printed circuit board (1390) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may have a conductive member (1392) and a feed (1391) disposed thereon. A ground pattern (1420) may be electrically connected to the printed circuit board (1390) through the conductive member (1392). An antenna pattern (1410) may be electrically connected to the printed circuit board (1390) through the feed (1391). As an example, at least one of the conductive member (1392) and the feed (1391) may have a curved shape, such as a 'C shape', and may be compressed between the printed circuit board (1390) and the outer surface of the carrier (360), thereby providing an electrical connection between the printed circuit board (1390) and the conductive pattern (1400) through contact. As another example, the conductive member (1392) can be soldered to a contact (1432) described below to electrically connect the printed circuit board (1390) and the ground pattern (1420). Similarly, as another example, the power supply (1391) can be soldered to the power supply point (1431) to electrically connect the printed circuit board (1390) and the ground pattern (1420).

[0124] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the conductive pattern (1400) may include a connection pattern (1430) electrically connected to a printed circuit board (1390). The connection pattern (1430) may include a contact point (1432) connected to a ground pattern (1420) and a feed point (1431). The contact point (1432) may be spaced apart from the feed point (1431). The contact point (1432) may be in contact with a conductive member (1392). The ground pattern (1420) may be connected to the contact point (1432) through a ground line (1423). The ground pattern (1420) may be connected to the printed circuit board (1390) through the contact point (1432) and the conductive member (1392).

[0125] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a ground pattern (1420) can be coupled to a flexible connecting member (370). A first region (1422) of the ground pattern (1420) can be coupled to a first substrate portion (374) of the flexible connecting member (370). Accordingly, occurrence of parasitic resonance in the flexible connecting member (370) can be minimized by the pattern (1420).

[0126] FIG. 18 is a side view of a portion of a wearable electronic device (2300) with a portion of a housing (e.g., a second portion (332) of the housing (330) of FIG. 5) separated, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 19 is a side view of a portion of a wearable electronic device (2300) with a portion of a housing (e.g., a second portion (332) of the housing (330) of FIG. 6) separated, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of the wearable electronic device (2300) taken along line CC' of FIG. 19. FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view of the wearable electronic device (2300) taken along line DD' of FIG. 19.

[0127] Components described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 12 (e.g., wearable electronic device (300), body (310), stem (320), multiple outer surfaces (333, 334, 335, 336) of the stem (320), first part (331) of the housing (330), second part (332) of the housing (330), carrier (360), side surface (361) and regions (362, 363, 364) of the carrier (360), flexible connecting member (370), flexible part (371, 372, 373) and substrate part (374, 375) of the flexible connecting member (370), touch panel (380), printed circuit board (390), power supply (391), support member (393), conductive pattern (400), antenna pattern (410), ground The description of the pattern (420), the first region (422) and the second region (421) of the ground pattern (420) and / or the feed point (430)) is related to the components of the same name as illustrated in FIGS. 18 to 21 (e.g., the wearable electronic device (2300), the body (310), the stem (2320), the multiple outer surfaces (2333, 2334, 2335, 2336) of the stem (2320), the first part (331) of the housing, the second part (2332) of the housing, the carrier (2360), the side surface (2361) and the regions (2362, 2363, 2364) of the carrier (2360), the flexible connecting member (2370), the flexible part (2371, 2372, 2373) of the flexible connecting member (2370) and the substrate. For the first region (2422) and second region (2421) of the ground pattern (2420), the first region (2422) and second region (2421) of the portion (2374, 2375), the touch panel (2380), the printed circuit board (2390), the power supply (2391), the support member (2393), the conductive pattern (2400), the antenna pattern (2410), the ground pattern (2420), and / or the power supply point (2430), it can be applied substantially identically within a range where they are not arranged with each other.

[0128] Referring to FIGS. 18 to 21, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the antenna pattern (2410) and the ground pattern (2420) can receive an electrical signal (e.g., an RF signal) through a feed (2391). According to another embodiment (e.g., see FIGS. 14 to 17), the antenna pattern (2410) and the ground pattern (2420) can receive an electrical signal (e.g., an RF signal) through conductive portions (e.g., the feed (1391) and the conductive member (1392) of FIG. 15) disposed on a printed circuit board (2390). The antenna pattern (2410) and the ground pattern (2420) receiving the RF signal can radiate radio waves according to their shapes (e.g., the length and width of the antenna pattern or the ground pattern).

[0129] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the ground pattern (2420) can be spaced apart from the antenna pattern (2410). For example, the ground pattern (2420) and the antenna pattern (2410) can be spaced apart in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the stem (2320) (e.g., the Z-axis direction of FIGS. 18 and 19) (e.g., the X-axis direction and / or the Y-axis direction). The ground pattern (2420) can overlap with the flexible connecting member (2370). For example, a first region (2422) of the ground pattern (2420) can overlap with a substrate portion (2374) of the flexible connecting member (2370) to form a capacitive coupling (e.g., coupling) with the substrate portion (2374).

[0130] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a stem (2320) of a wearable electronic device (2300) may include a plurality of outer surfaces (2333, 2334, 2335, 2336). For convenience of explanation, the plurality of outer surfaces (2333, 2334, 2335, 2336) of the stem (2320) may be referred to as a first surface (2333), a second surface (2334), a third surface (2335), and a fourth surface (2336).

[0131] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the third side (2335) of the stem (2320) may face at least a portion of the antenna pattern (2410). The third side (2335) of the stem (2320) may substantially face the outward direction (O). As an example, the third side (2335) of the stem (2320) may face a direction between the outward direction (O) and the front (F) (hereinafter, referred to as the first outward direction). The antenna pattern (2410), which receives an RF signal through the feed (2391), may radiate radio waves toward the first outward direction.

[0132] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a first surface (2333) of a stem (2320) may face a ground pattern (2420). The first surface (2333) of the stem (2320) may substantially face the outward direction (O). As an example, the first surface (2333) of the stem (2320) may face a direction between the outward direction (O) and the rearward direction (R) (hereinafter, referred to as a second outward direction). The first outward direction and the second outward direction may intersect each other. At least a portion of the ground pattern (2420) may face the direction in which the first surface (2333) of the stem (2320) faces. The ground pattern (2410), which receives an RF signal through the feed (2391), may radiate radio waves toward the second outward direction depending on its shape (e.g., the length and width of the antenna pattern or the ground pattern).

[0133] As wearable electronic devices (e.g., earbuds) become smaller and lighter, their mounting space may become limited. To overcome these mounting space constraints, flexible connecting members that connect printed circuit boards and components (e.g., speakers, microphones, etc.) may be used. However, in the case of wearable electronic devices including antennas, parasitic resonance may occur in the flexible connecting members during the antenna's operation, which may degrade the antenna's radiation performance. Therefore, extensive research is being conducted to improve the antenna's radiation performance.

[0134] The problem to be solved in the present disclosure may be to improve the antenna radiation performance of a wearable electronic device by eliminating parasitic resonance generated in electronic components (e.g., FPCB) around the antenna by the antenna.

[0135] A problem to be solved in the present disclosure may be to improve the mounting space of an antenna in a wearable electronic device.

[0136] However, the problem to be solved in this disclosure is not limited to the problem mentioned above, and may be determined in various ways without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure.

[0137] A wearable electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure can improve the radiation performance of an antenna by coupling a ground pattern connected to an antenna pattern to electronic components around the antenna to eliminate parasitic resonance generated in the electronic components.

[0138] A wearable electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure can increase the mounting space of the wearable electronic device by connecting the ground pattern to the feed point of the antenna pattern, thereby eliminating a contact point for the ground pattern.

[0139] 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 can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure belongs from the description below.

[0140] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a wearable electronic device (300) may be configured to be worn on a user's ear.

[0141] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a wearable electronic device (300) may include a body (310) and a housing (330) including a stem (320) extending from the body (310).

[0142] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a wearable electronic device (300) may include a carrier (360) disposed inside the stem (320).

[0143] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a wearable electronic device (300) may be disposed on the carrier (360) and include a printed circuit board (390) on which a power supply (391) is disposed.

[0144] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a wearable electronic device (300) may include a flexible connecting member (370) connected to the printed circuit board (390).

[0145] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a wearable electronic device (300) may include a conductive pattern (410, 420, 430) formed on an outer surface of the carrier (360).

[0146] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the conductive pattern (410, 420, 430) may include a feed point (430) electrically connected to the feed (391).

[0147] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the conductive pattern (410, 420, 430) may include an antenna pattern (410) extending from the feed point (430).

[0148] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the conductive pattern (410, 420, 430) may include a ground pattern (420) extending from the feed point (430) and overlapping the flexible connecting member (370) to form a capacitive coupling.

[0149] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the flexible connecting member (370) may include a substrate portion (374) that overlaps the ground pattern (420) when viewed from above the ground pattern (420).

[0150] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the flexible connecting member (370) may include a flexible portion (371, 372, 373) extending from the substrate portion (374).

[0151] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the substrate portion (374) and the printed circuit board (390) may be disposed on opposite sides of the carrier (360).

[0152] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the flexible portion (371, 372, 373) may extend from the substrate portion (374) to surround the carrier (360) and may be connected to the printed circuit board (390).

[0153] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the flexible portion (371, 372, 373) may not overlap with the antenna pattern (410).

[0154] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the substrate portion (374) may include a ground layer coupled with the ground pattern (420).

[0155] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the ground pattern (420) may include a first region (422) facing the substrate portion (374) and spaced apart from the substrate portion (374).

[0156] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the ground pattern (420) may include a second region (421) extending from the first region (422) and not overlapping with the substrate portion (374).

[0157] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the ground pattern (420) may have a direction in which the radio wave radiation of the antenna pattern (410) and a direction (F) facing the second area (421) of the ground pattern (420) may intersect each other.

[0158] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the conductive pattern (410, 420, 430) may include a ground line (423) connecting the power supply point (430) and the ground pattern (420).

[0159] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the ground line (423) may overlap with the flexible portion (372).

[0160] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the antenna pattern (410) and the ground pattern (420) may be branched from the feed point (430).

[0161] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the carrier (360) and the printed circuit board (390) may extend in the longitudinal direction of the stem (320).

[0162] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the feed point (430) and the ground pattern (420) may be arranged on two opposite outer surfaces of the carrier (360).

[0163] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a wearable electronic device (300) may be disposed on the carrier (360) and include a printed circuit board (1390) having a conductive member (1392) and a power supply (1391) disposed thereon.

[0164] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a wearable electronic device (300) may include a conductive pattern (1410, 1420, 1430) formed on an outer surface of the carrier (360).

[0165] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the conductive pattern (1410, 1420, 1430) may include a contact (1432) electrically connected to the conductive member (1392).

[0166] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the conductive pattern (1410, 1420, 1430) may include a feed point (1431) electrically connected to the feed (1391).

[0167] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the conductive pattern (1410, 1420, 1430) may include a ground pattern (1420) connected to the contact (1432).

[0168] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the conductive pattern (1410, 1420, 1430) may include an antenna pattern (1410) extending from the feed point (1431).

[0169] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the ground pattern (1420) may overlap the flexible connecting member (370) to form a capacitive coupling when viewed from above the ground pattern (1420).

[0170] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the flexible connecting member (370) may include a substrate portion (374) that overlaps the ground pattern (1420) when viewed from above the ground pattern and is connected to the printed circuit board (1390).

[0171] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the flexible connecting member (370) may include a flexible portion (371, 372, 373) extending from the substrate portion (374).

[0172] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the flexible portion (371) may extend from the substrate portion (374) to surround the carrier (360), be connected to the printed circuit board (1390), and may not overlap the antenna pattern (1410).

[0173] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the substrate portion (374) may include a ground layer coupled with the ground pattern (1420).

[0174] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the ground pattern (1420) may include a first region (1422) facing the substrate portion (374) and spaced apart from the substrate portion (374).

[0175] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the ground pattern (1420) may include a second region (1421) extending from the first region (1422) and not overlapping with the substrate portion (374).

[0176] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the radio wave radiation direction of the antenna pattern (1410) and the direction (F) facing the second area (1421) of the ground pattern (1420) may intersect each other.

[0177] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the carrier (360) and the printed circuit board (1390) may extend in the longitudinal direction of the stem (320).

[0178] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the feed point (1432) and the ground pattern (1420) may be arranged on two opposite outer surfaces of the carrier (360).

[0179] Although the detailed description of this document has described specific embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications are possible without departing from the scope of this document.

Claims

1. In a wearable electronic device (300) that can be worn on a user's ear, A housing (330) including a body (310) and a stem (320) extending from the body (310); A carrier (360) placed inside the above stem (320); A printed circuit board (390) disposed on the carrier (360) and having a power supply (391) disposed thereon; A flexible connecting member (370) connected to the printed circuit board (390); and It includes a conductive pattern (400) formed on the outer surface of the carrier (360), The above challenging pattern (400) is: A power supply point (430) electrically connected to the above power supply (391); Antenna pattern (410) extending from the above feed point (430); A wearable electronic device including a ground pattern (420) extending from the above-mentioned power supply point (430) and overlapping the above-mentioned flexible connecting member (370) to form a capacitive coupling.

2. In paragraph 1, The above flexible connecting member (370) is: When viewed from above the ground pattern (420), the substrate portion (374) overlapping the ground pattern (420); and A wearable electronic device comprising a flexible portion (371, 372, 373) extending from the substrate portion (374).

3. In paragraph 2, A wearable electronic device in which the substrate portion (374) and the printed circuit board (390) are positioned on opposite sides of the carrier (360).

4. In paragraph 3, The above flexible part (371) is A wearable electronic device extending from the substrate portion (374) to surround the carrier (360), connected to the printed circuit board (390), and not overlapping the antenna pattern (410).

5. In any one of paragraphs 2 to 4, The above substrate portion (374) is A wearable electronic device comprising a ground layer coupled with the above ground pattern (420).

6. In any one of paragraphs 2 to 5, The above ground pattern (420) is: A first region (422) facing the substrate portion (374) and spaced apart from the substrate portion (374); and A wearable electronic device including a second region (421) extending from the first region (422) and not overlapping the substrate portion (374).

7. In any one of paragraphs 2 to 6, A wearable electronic device in which the radio wave radiation direction (F) of the antenna pattern (410) and the direction (I) facing the second area (421) of the ground pattern (420) intersect each other.

8. In any one of paragraphs 2 to 7, The above challenge pattern (400) is A wearable electronic device comprising a ground line (423) connecting the above-mentioned power supply point (430) and the above-mentioned ground pattern (420) and overlapping the above-mentioned flexible portion (372).

9. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 8, A wearable electronic device in which the antenna pattern (410) and the ground pattern (420) are branched from the feeding point (430).

10. In paragraph 9, The carrier (360) and the printed circuit board (390) are A wearable electronic device extending in the longitudinal direction of the above stem (320).

11. In paragraph 10, A wearable electronic device in which the above-mentioned power supply point (430) and the above-mentioned ground pattern (420) are arranged on two opposite outer surfaces of the carrier (360).

12. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 11, A wearable electronic device in which the antenna pattern (2410) faces a first outer direction and the ground pattern (2420) faces a second outer direction intersecting the first outer direction.

13. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 12, A wearable electronic device further comprising a speaker disposed inside the body (310) and connected to the printed circuit board (390).

14. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 13, The above emergency power supply (391) is A wearable electronic device comprising a conductive member disposed on the surface of the printed circuit board (390) and in contact with the power supply point (430).

15. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 14, The above antenna pattern (410) is a wearable electronic device including a conductive material deposited on the surface of the carrier (360) facing the outside of the stem (320).

Images