Wearable electronic device comprising light-emitting module

Abstract

According to various embodiments, a wearable electronic device may comprise: a housing formed of a transparent or translucent material; and a light-emitting module disposed in a first inner space of the housing and disposed to emit light to the outside through a first outer surface of the housing, wherein the housing includes an opaque first layer formed on a second outer surface other than the first outer surface, and a transparent or translucent second layer formed on at least the first outer surface, and the first outer surface may protrude relative to the second outer surface.

Description

Wearable electronic device including a light-emitting module

[0001] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a wearable electronic device including a light-emitting module.

[0002] Electronic devices may include wearable electronic devices that can be worn on a part of a user's body to enhance portability or accessibility. Wearable electronic devices may include ear-worn electronic devices that are worn on the user's ear to enable listening to music or provide convenient phone calls. Ear-worn electronic devices may include a light-emitting region that is positioned so as to be visible from the outside to provide notification information to the user. Such light-emitting regions may require a layout structure that contributes to the aesthetic appearance of the ear-worn device.

[0003] 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.

[0004] A wearable electronic device (e.g., an ear-worn wearable electronic device) may include at least one light-emitting module (e.g., a light-emitting structure, an LED indicator, or a light-emitting body) disposed in at least a portion of a housing and visible from the outside. For example, the light-emitting module may provide a user with status information of the ear-worn wearable device by emitting light in various forms.

[0005] The light-emitting module may further include a light-emitting element (e.g., an LED) positioned within the interior of the wearable electronic device and an indicator made of a light-transmitting material incorporated into a specific region of the housing. When such an indicator is coupled to the housing, light leakage may occur due to gaps or gaps resulting from assembly tolerances, thereby damaging the appearance of the wearable electronic device. Furthermore, the gaps between the two components may allow foreign substances and / or moisture to enter, making the device vulnerable to waterproofing and / or stain resistance.

[0006] Various embodiments of the present disclosure can provide a wearable electronic device including a light-emitting module that can help form an attractive appearance by forming a light-emitting region through which internal light can be emitted through at least a portion of the housing.

[0007] Various embodiments may provide a wearable electronic device including a light-emitting module that may aid in waterproofing and / or stain resistance by providing a light-emitting area solely through the structure of the housing without a separate indicator arrangement.

[0008] However, the problem to be solved in this disclosure is not limited to the problem mentioned above, and may be expanded in various ways without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure.

[0009] According to various embodiments, a wearable electronic device includes a housing formed of a transparent or translucent material and a light-emitting module disposed in a first internal space of the housing and arranged to emit light to the outside through a first outer surface of the housing, wherein the housing includes an opaque first layer formed on a second outer surface excluding the first outer surface and a transparent or translucent second layer formed on at least the first outer surface, wherein the first outer surface may protrude relatively more than the second outer surface. Various other embodiments may be possible.

[0010] According to various embodiments, a method for forming a light-emitting area disposed on an outer surface of a wearable electronic device may include a first operation of forming an opaque first layer on an outer surface of a transparent or translucent housing base material, a first operation of removing the first layer in an area corresponding to the light-emitting area, and a third operation of forming a transparent or translucent second layer in the first layer and an area from which the first layer has been removed.

[0011] According to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, a wearable electronic device may be provided with a light-emitting region in a single housing through only a painting process and a film-removal process, in which an opaque first layer is applied to the outer surface of a housing, and in a specific region, the first layer is removed, and then a transparent second layer is formed, including the first layer and the film-removal region. Since this light-emitting region is formed in a single housing without requiring a separate indicator (e.g., an indicator structure), this may help form an attractive appearance of the wearable electronic device, and may be advantageous in waterproofing and / or stain resistance.

[0012] In addition, various effects may be provided, either directly or indirectly, through this document.

[0013] 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.

[0014] In connection with the description of the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals may be used for the same or similar components.

[0015] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a wearable electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0016] FIGS. 2A and 2B are perspective views of a wearable electronic device viewed from various directions according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a wearable electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 4A is a perspective view of a light emitting module according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 4b is a perspective view showing a layout structure in which light emitting modules are arranged through a support according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a wearable electronic device taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 2B according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a manufacturing process of a light-emitting region according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0022] FIGS. 7A to 7D are cross-sectional views of a wearable electronic device taken along line 7-7 of FIG. 2B to illustrate the manufacturing process of FIG. 6 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0023] FIG. 8a is a diagram illustrating a laminated structure of region 8a of FIG. 7d according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0024] FIG. 8b is a diagram illustrating a laminated structure of region 8b of FIG. 7d according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0025] FIGS. 9A and 9B are perspective views of a wearable electronic device including a light-emitting region according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0026] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily implement the present disclosure. However, the present disclosure may be implemented in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. In connection with the description of the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals may be used for identical or similar components. Furthermore, in the drawings and related descriptions, descriptions of well-known functions and configurations may be omitted for clarity and conciseness.

[0027] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a wearable electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0028] Referring to FIG. 1, a wearable electronic device (100) may include a processor (110), a memory (120), a touch pad (130), an audio module (140), a speaker (141), a microphone (142), a sensor module (150), a light-emitting module (155), a connection terminal (160), a power management module (170), a battery (180), a communication module (190), or at least one antenna (191). According to some embodiments, the wearable electronic device (100) may omit at least one of the components of FIG. 1, or may have one or more other components added. According to some embodiments, some of these components may be implemented as a single integrated circuit.

[0029] The processor (110) may, for example, execute software to control at least one other component (e.g., hardware or software component) of the wearable electronic device (100) connected to the processor (110) and perform various data processing or operations. According to one embodiment, as at least a part of the data processing or operations, the processor (110) may load commands or data received from other components (e.g., sensor module (150) or communication module (190)) into volatile memory of the memory (120), process the commands or data stored in the volatile memory, and store the resulting data in non-volatile memory.

[0030] The memory (120) may store, for example, various data used by at least one component (e.g., the processor (110) or the sensor module (150)) of the wearable electronic device (100). The data may include, for example, software (e.g., a program) and input data or output data for commands related thereto. The memory (120) may include volatile memory or non-volatile memory. The program may be stored as software in the memory (120) and may include, for example, an operating system, middleware, or an application. The memory (120) may store, for example, instructions related to various operations performed by the processor (110).

[0031] According to various embodiments, the touch pad (130) may be a pointing device that utilizes, for example, the outer surface of the wearable electronic device (100), and may include a touch detection circuit (131) and a touch sensor IC (132). The touch detection circuit (131) may include a conductive pattern arranged inside the wearable electronic device (100). At least a portion of the wearable electronic device (100) may be positioned to at least partially overlap the touch detection circuit (131) and may be utilized as an input area (or key area) for receiving or detecting a user input (e.g., a touch input). The touch pad (130) may be implemented based on a capacitive method. The touch sensor IC (132) (e.g., a touch controller IC (touch controller integrated circuit)) may apply a voltage to the touch detection circuit (131), and the touch detection circuit (131) may form an electromagnetic field. For example, when a finger comes into contact with a part of the wearable electronic device (100) or approaches within a threshold distance, a change in electrostatic capacity based on a change in the electromagnetic field may be greater than or equal to a threshold value. When the change in electrostatic capacity is greater than or equal to the threshold value, the touch sensor IC (132) may generate an electrical signal regarding coordinates as a valid user input and transmit the signal to the processor (110). The processor (110) may recognize the coordinates based on the electrical signal received from the touch sensor IC (132). A sensor circuit for touch detection may also be referred to as a sensor circuit, including a touch detection circuit (131) and a touch sensor IC (132).

[0032] According to various embodiments, the touch sensor IC (132) can convert an analog signal acquired through the touch detection circuit (131) into a digital signal. According to various embodiments, the touch sensor IC (132) can perform various functions, such as noise filtering, noise removal, or sensing data extraction, in relation to the touch detection circuit (131). The touch sensor IC (132) can include various circuits, such as an analog-digital converter (ADC), a digital signal processor (DSP), and / or a micro control unit (MCU).

[0033] According to various embodiments, user input regarding audio data (or audio content) may be generated via the touch pad (130). For example, functions such as starting playback, pausing playback, stopping playback, adjusting playback speed, adjusting playback volume, or muting audio data may be executed based on user input via the touch pad (130). Various gesture inputs may be possible through the housing using fingers, and various functions regarding audio data may be performed based on such gesture inputs. For example, with a single tap, the processor (110) may play or pause audio data. For example, with two taps, the processor (110) may switch playback to the next audio data. For example, with three taps, the processor (110) may switch playback to the previous audio data. For example, with swiping, the processor (110) may adjust the volume regarding playback of audio data. Gesture input can be utilized for various other functions, in addition to functions related to audio data. For example, when receiving a call, the processor (110) can perform a call connection operation by double-tapping.

[0034] According to various embodiments, the touch pad (130) may further include a tactile layer (not shown). A touch pad (130) including a tactile layer may provide a tactile response to a user. According to some embodiments, a key button (not shown) aligned with the touch pad (130) may be additionally arranged, and when the housing is pressed, an input such as clicking a mouse key button may be generated. The touch pad (130) may further include or be replaced with a sensor circuit (e.g., a pressure sensor) (not shown) configured to measure the intensity of a force generated by a user input.

[0035] According to various embodiments, the wearable electronic device (100) may further include various other input devices for receiving commands or data to be used for components of the wearable electronic device (100) (e.g., processor (110)) from an external source of the wearable electronic device (100) (e.g., a user), and is not limited to the touchpad (130). The input devices may include various input devices such as physical key buttons or optical keys, for example.

[0036] According to various embodiments, the speaker (141) may output, for example, an audio signal to the outside of the wearable electronic device (100). An acoustic signal, such as a sound or voice, may be input to the microphone (142), and the microphone (142) may generate an electrical signal corresponding thereto. The audio module (140) may convert sound into an electrical signal, or vice versa. The audio module (140) may acquire sound through the microphone (142) or output sound through the speaker (141). The audio module (140) may support an audio data collection function. The audio module (140) may reproduce the collected audio data. The audio module (140) may include an audio decoder, a digital-to-analog converter (D / A converter), or an analog-to-digital converter (A / D converter). The audio decoder can convert audio data stored in the memory (120) into a digital audio signal. The D / A converter can convert the digital audio signal converted by the audio decoder into an analog audio signal. The speaker (141) can output the analog audio signal converted by the D / A converter. The A / D converter can convert the analog audio signal acquired through the microphone (142) into a digital audio signal.

[0037] According to various embodiments, the sensor module (150) may detect, for example, an operating state (e.g., power or temperature) of the wearable electronic device (100) or an external environmental state, and generate an electrical signal or data value corresponding to the detected state. According to one embodiment, the sensor module (150) may include an acceleration sensor, a gyro sensor, a geomagnetic sensor, a magnetic sensor, a proximity sensor, a temperature sensor, a gesture sensor, a grip sensor, or a biometric sensor. For example, the wearable electronic device (100) may include at least one optical sensor capable of detecting an external environment through at least a portion of a housing (e.g., the housing (210) of FIG. 2). The processor (110) may transmit an electrical signal acquired from the optical sensor to an external electronic device (e.g., a smartphone) through the communication module (190). The external electronic device may acquire various biometric information, such as a heart rate or skin temperature, based on the electrical signal acquired from the wearable electronic device (100). According to some embodiments, the processor (110) may acquire biometric information based on an electrical signal acquired from an optical sensor, and may transmit the acquired biometric information to an external electronic device through a communication module (190) or output it through a speaker (141). The processor (110) may acquire information or a signal regarding whether the wearable electronic device (100) is worn on the user's ear through the sensor module (150). The processor (110) may acquire information or a signal regarding whether the wearable electronic device (100) is coupled to an external device (e.g., a charging device) through the sensor module (150).

[0038] According to various embodiments, the wearable electronic device (100) may include a detectable member corresponding to a sensor of an external electronic device (e.g., a charging device). For example, the external electronic device may include a Hall IC disposed on a mounting portion, and the wearable electronic device (100) may include a magnet (or magnetic substance). When the wearable electronic device (100) is coupled to the mounting portion of the external electronic device, the Hall IC of the external electronic device may detect the magnet disposed on the wearable electronic device (100) and transmit an electrical signal regarding the coupling of the external electronic device and the wearable electronic device (100) to the processor (110).

[0039] According to various embodiments, the light-emitting module (155) may be positioned so as to be visible from the outside through at least a portion of the housing. For example, the light-emitting module (155) may include a light-emitting structure (e.g., an LED or a xenon lamp) that can emit light in various forms to provide the user with current status information of the wearable electronic device (100) under the control of the processor (110).

[0040] According to various embodiments, the connection terminal (160) may include a connector that allows the wearable electronic device (100) to be electrically connected to an external electronic device (e.g., a smart phone or a charging device). In one embodiment, the connection terminal (160) may include, for example, a USB connector or an SD card connector. The connection terminal (160) may include at least one conductive contact (or terminal) disposed on an outer surface of the housing. For example, when the wearable electronic device (100) is mounted on a mounting portion (not shown) of the external electronic device, at least one conductive contact of the wearable electronic device (100) may be electrically connected to at least one conductive contact (e.g., a pogo pin) disposed on the mounting portion of the external electronic device. In one embodiment, the connection terminal (160) may receive power for charging the battery (180) from the external electronic device and transmit the power to the power management module (170). According to one embodiment, the wearable electronic device (100) can perform power line communication (PLC) communication to an external electronic device (e.g., a charging device) through a connection terminal (160). The power management module (170) can, for example, manage power supplied to the wearable electronic device (100). According to one embodiment, the power management module (170) can be implemented as at least a part of a power management integrated circuit (PMIC). The battery (180) can, for example, supply power to at least one component of the wearable electronic device (100). According to one embodiment, the battery (180) can include a rechargeable secondary battery.

[0041] According to various embodiments, the communication module (190) may support the establishment of a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between, for example, the wearable electronic device (100) and an external electronic device (e.g., a server, a smartphone, a personal computer (PC), a personal digital assistant (PDA), or an access point), and the performance of communication through the established communication channel. The communication module (190) may operate independently from the processor (110) and may include one or more communication processors that support direct (e.g., wired) communication or wireless communication.

[0042] According to various embodiments, the communication module (190) may transmit or receive signals or power to or from an external electronic device, for example, via at least one antenna (or antenna radiator) (191). According to one embodiment, the communication module (190) may include a wireless communication module (e.g., a short-range wireless communication module, or a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) communication module) or a wired communication module (e.g., a local area network (LAN) communication module, or a power line communication module). Any of these communication modules may communicate with the external electronic device via a first network (e.g., a short-range communication network such as Bluetooth, Bluetooth low energy (BLE), near field communication (NFC), wireless fidelity (WiFi) direct, or infrared data association (IrDA)) or a second network (e.g., a long-range communication network such as the Internet or a computer network (e.g., a LAN or a wide area network (WAN))). These various types of communication modules may be integrated into a single component (e.g., a single chip) or implemented as multiple separate components (e.g., multiple chips). The wearable electronic device (100) may include multiple antennas, and the communication module (190) may select at least one antenna suitable for a communication method used in the communication network from the multiple antennas. Signals or power may be transmitted or received between the communication module (190) and an external electronic device via the selected at least one antenna.

[0043] According to various embodiments, all or part of the operations executed by the wearable electronic device (100) may be executed by at least one external electronic device (e.g., a smartphone). For example, when the wearable electronic device (100) is to perform a certain function or service automatically or in response to a request from a user or another device, the wearable electronic device (100) may, instead of executing the function or service on its own or in addition, request at least one external electronic device to execute at least a part of the function or service. Upon receiving such a request, the at least one external electronic device may execute at least a part 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 wearable electronic device (100). The wearable electronic device (100) may process the result as is or additionally and provide it as at least a part of a response to the request.

[0044] According to various embodiments, the command or data received by the processor (110) may be transmitted or received between the wearable electronic device (100) and an external electronic device (e.g., a smartphone) via a server connected to a second network (e.g., a long-distance communication network such as the Internet or a computer network (e.g., a LAN or WAN)).

[0045] According to various embodiments, the processor (110) may be configured to control various signal flow controls and information collection and output regarding audio data. The processor (110) may be configured to receive audio data from an external electronic device (e.g., a server, a smartphone, a PC, a PDA, or an access point) through a communication module (190) and store the received audio data in the memory (120). The processor (110) may be configured to receive non-volatile audio data (or, download audio data) from the external electronic device and store the received non-volatile audio data in the non-volatile memory. The processor (110) may be configured to receive volatile audio data (or, streaming audio data) from the external electronic device and store the received volatile audio data in the volatile memory.

[0046] According to various embodiments, the processor (110) may be configured to reproduce audio data (e.g., non-volatile audio data or volatile audio data) stored in the memory (120) and output the reproduced audio data through the speaker (141). For example, the audio module (140) may decode the audio data to generate an audio signal that can be output through the speaker (141) (e.g., audio data reproduction), and the generated audio signal may be output through the speaker (141).

[0047] According to various embodiments, the processor (110) may be configured to receive an audio signal from an external electronic device and output the received audio signal through a speaker (141). For example, the external electronic device (e.g., an audio playback device) may decode audio data to generate an audio signal and transmit the generated audio signal to the wearable electronic device (100).

[0048] According to various embodiments, a mode in which the wearable electronic device (100) reproduces volatile audio data or non-volatile audio data stored in the memory (120) and outputs the same through the speaker (141) may be paused when it is confirmed through the sensor module (150) that the wearable electronic device (100) is not worn on the user's ear. When it is confirmed through the sensor module (150) that the wearable electronic device (100) is worn on the user's ear, the mode may be resumed. A mode in which an audio signal is received from an external electronic device and outputs the same through the speaker (141) may be paused when it is confirmed through the sensor module (150) that the wearable electronic device (100) is not worn on the user's ear. When it is confirmed through the sensor module (150) that the wearable electronic device (100) is worn on the user's ear, the mode may be resumed. When a wearable electronic device (100) is connected to another wearable electronic device (not shown), one wearable electronic device may be a master device and the other wearable electronic device may be a slave device. For example, the wearable electronic device (100), which is a master device, may not only output an audio signal received from an external electronic device (e.g., a smartphone) to a speaker (141), but may also transmit the audio signal to the other wearable electronic device. The other wearable electronic device may be implemented in a manner substantially identical to the wearable electronic device (100) and may output an audio signal received from the wearable electronic device (100) through a speaker.

[0049] According to various embodiments, the wearable electronic device (100) may provide a voice recognition function that generates a voice command from an analog audio signal received through a microphone (142). The voice command may be utilized for various functions related to audio data. According to various embodiments, the wearable electronic device (100) may include a plurality of microphones (e.g., microphones (142)) to detect the direction of sound. At least some of the plurality of microphones may be utilized for a noise-cancelling function.

[0050] FIGS. 2A and 2B are perspective views of a wearable electronic device viewed from various directions according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0051] The wearable electronic device (200) of FIGS. 2A and 2B may be at least partially similar to the wearable electronic device (100) of FIG. 1 or may further include other embodiments of the wearable electronic device.

[0052] Referring to FIGS. 2A and 2B , a wearable electronic device (200) (e.g., an electronic device) may include a housing (e.g., a housing structure) including a first case (210) (e.g., a first housing) and a second case (220) (e.g., a second housing) coupled to the first case (210). In one embodiment, the wearable electronic device (200) may include a wireless earphone in which a portion of the housing is inserted into a user's ear.

[0053] According to various embodiments, the wearable electronic device (200) may include a head portion (210) formed through a first case (210) and an extension portion (212) (e.g., stem) extended from the head portion (211) to have a first length (L1). In one embodiment, the head portion (211) may be coupled to a second case (220). In one embodiment, at least a portion of the head portion (211) and the second case (220) may be formed to a size that can be inserted into a user's ear. In one embodiment, the extension portion (212) may be set to a length that is easy to grasp and manipulate by being exposed to the outside even when the head portion (211) and the second case (220) are inserted into the user's ear. In one embodiment, the wearable electronic device (200) may include an ear tip (214) that is coupled to a second case (220) and serves as a sound guide for emitting sound from a speaker placed in an internal space of the wearable electronic device (200) to the outside, and is formed of a material that can maintain the fastening position of the wearable electronic device (200) through its own elasticity after being inserted into a user's ear. In one embodiment, the ear tip (214) may be formed of at least one of rubber, urethane, or silicone.

[0054] According to various embodiments, the wearable electronic device (200) may include a terminal structure (213) positioned to be exposed at an end of the extension portion (212). In one embodiment, the terminal structure (213) may include a pair of terminals (213a, 213b) positioned to be electrically separated by an insulating structure (213c). In one embodiment, the pair of terminals (213a, 213b) are formed of a metal material and are electrically connected to a substrate assembly (e.g., substrate assembly (240) of FIG. 4) positioned in an internal space of the wearable electronic device (200), thereby being used for charging a battery positioned together.

[0055] According to various embodiments, the wearable electronic device (200) may include a light-emitting area (2123) (e.g., a third outer surface) for visually providing status information of the wearable electronic device (200) to a user. In one embodiment, the light-emitting area (2123) may be positioned so as to be exposed on the outer surface in the extension portion (212) of the first case (210). In one embodiment, the wearable electronic device (200) may include a light-emitting module (e.g., a light-emitting module (250) of FIG. 5) disposed in a first internal space (e.g., a first internal space (2101) of FIG. 5) of a first case (210). In one embodiment, the light-emitting module (250) may be disposed in the first internal space (2101) to correspond to at least a portion of a light-emitting area (2123). In one embodiment, a light-emitting structure (e.g., a light-emitting structure (252) of FIG. 5) of the light-emitting module (250) may have the same length as the light-emitting area (2123), or may be disposed in a longer or shorter manner. In one embodiment, a width of the light-emitting structure (252) of the light-emitting module (250) may be the same as, greater than, or smaller than a width of the light-emitting area (2123). In one embodiment, the light-emitting area (2123) may be disposed along a length direction of the extension portion (212). In one embodiment, the light-emitting The region (2123) may be arranged to have a length smaller than the extension (212). In some embodiments, the light-emitting region may be arranged to have a first length (L1) that is substantially the same as the extension (212). In some embodiments, the light-emitting region (2123) may extend to at least a portion of the head (211).

[0056] According to various embodiments, the extension ((212) may include a first surface (2121) and a second surface (2122) extended from the first surface (2121) to have a specific angle (θ). In one embodiment, the light-emitting area (2123) may include a boundary area between the first surface (2121) and the second surface (2122). In one embodiment, the angle (θ) formed by the first surface (2121) and the second surface (2122) may be determined within a range greater than 0 degrees and less than 180 degrees. In one embodiment, the first surface (2121) and the second surface (2122) may be connected through at least one additional surface. Accordingly, the outer surface (e.g., the first outer surface) of the first case (2100) corresponding to the light-emitting area (2123) may be connected to the peripheral outer surfaces (e.g., the first surface (2121) and the second surface (2122)) (e.g., excluding the first outer surface) The remaining second outer surface) may be relatively protruded outward. This may help improve visibility by setting the light-emitting area (2123) to protrude from the surroundings. In some embodiments, the light-emitting area (2123) may extend to a portion of the first surface (2121) and / or a portion of the second surface (2122). In one embodiment, the light-emitting area (2123) may be formed as a plane and / or a curved surface connecting the first surface (2121) and the second surface (2122). In some embodiments, the light-emitting area (2123) may be an area including a corner portion where the first surface (2121) and the second surface (2122) meet, and a portion of the first surface (2121) and / or a portion of the second surface (2122).

[0057] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the light-emitting area (2123) is a painted surface formed on the outer surface of the first case (210) formed of a transparent or translucent material (e.g., an injection-molded material), and is formed by removing an opaque layer (e.g., the first layer (310) of FIG. 8A) and can transmit light from a light-emitting module (e.g., the light-emitting module (250) of FIG. 3) disposed in the internal space. In one embodiment, the wearable electronic device (200) may include a transparent layer (e.g., the second layer (320) of FIGS. 8A and 8B) as an additional painted surface formed on the light-emitting area (2123) and the surrounding opaque layer. In one embodiment, the transparent layer may protect the painted surface of the opaque layer and the outer surface of the first case (210) corresponding to the transparent layer, and may help improve light visibility.

[0058] The light-emitting region (2123) according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure has a structure that transmits light emitted from the light-emitting module (2123) to the outside without a separate indicator (e.g., a light diffusion member or a light transmitting member) coupled with a housing (e.g., a first case (210)), thereby forming an attractive appearance of the wearable electronic device (200) and helping to improve waterproofing and stain resistance.

[0059] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a wearable electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0060] Referring to FIG. 3, a wearable electronic device (200) may include a first case (210) and a second case (220) coupled with the first case (210). In one embodiment, the first case (210) may include a head portion (211) and an extension portion (212) having a specific length extending from the head portion (211). In one embodiment, the wearable electronic device (200) may include a first internal space (e.g., the first internal space (2101) of FIG. 5) formed in a longitudinal direction in the extension portion (212). In one embodiment, the wearable electronic device (200) may include a second internal space (e.g., the second internal space (2102) of FIG. 5) formed through a second case (220) coupled with the head portion (211) of the first case (210). In one embodiment, the first internal space (2101) and the second internal space (2102) can be connected.

[0061] According to various embodiments, the wearable electronic device (200) may include a support (230) of a specific shape disposed in a first internal space (2101), a substrate assembly (240) disposed to be supported by at least a portion of the support (240), and a light emitting module (250) disposed to be supported by at least a portion of the support (230) and electrically connected to the substrate assembly (240). In one embodiment, the wearable electronic device (200) may include a terminal structure (213) coupled to an end of the extension portion (212) and electrically connected to the substrate assembly (240). In one embodiment, the terminal structure (213) may seal the first internal space (2101). In one embodiment, the wearable electronic device (200) may be disposed in a second internal space (2102) between the head unit (211) and the second case (220) and may include a speaker (260) for emitting sound to the outside through the ear tip (214). In one embodiment, the wearable electronic device (200) may include a battery (e.g., battery (B) of FIG. 5) disposed in the second internal space (2102). Although not shown, the wearable electronic device (200) may include a microphone and at least one antenna.

[0062] FIG. 4A is a perspective view of a light-emitting module according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 4B is a perspective view showing a layout structure in which a light-emitting module is arranged via a support according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0063] Referring to FIGS. 4A and 4B, the light-emitting module (250) may include a flexible substrate (251) and a light-emitting structure (252) (a light-emitting structure, a light-emitting structure, or at least one LED) disposed on the flexible substrate (251) and having a second length (L2). In one embodiment, the flexible substrate (251) may include a base (2511) on which the light-emitting structure (252) is disposed, a connector portion (2512) extending from one end of the base (2511), and a support portion (2513) extending from the other end of the base (2511). In one embodiment, the connector portion (2512) and the support portion (2513) may extend in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the base (2511). In one embodiment, the light-emitting module (250) may further include a light diffusion member (253) disposed corresponding to an upper surface of the light-emitting structure (252). In some embodiments, the light diffusion member (253) may be omitted.

[0064] According to various embodiments, the support (230) may be formed in a shape corresponding to the first internal space (2101) of the extension portion (212). For example, the support (230) may include a third surface (2311) corresponding to the first surface (2121) of the extension portion (212) and a fourth surface (2312) corresponding to the second surface (2122) of the extension portion. In one embodiment, the support (230) may include an antenna carrier for supporting at least one antenna (e.g., an antenna module, a conductive pattern, and / or a laser direct structuring (LDS) pattern). In one embodiment, the support (230) may be formed at least partially of an injection-molded material and / or a metal.

[0065] According to various embodiments, the substrate assembly (240) may be positioned to be supported by at least a portion of the support (230). In one embodiment, the substrate assembly (240) may be secured to at least a portion of the support (230) through at least one of taping, bonding, or soldering. In one embodiment, the substrate assembly (240) may include at least two substrates that are at least partially stacked via an interposer.

[0066] According to various embodiments, the light emitting module (250) may be positioned such that at least a portion of the flexible substrate (251) is supported by the support (230). In this case, the light emitting module (250) may be fixed to the support (230) such that the light emitting structure (252) is positioned corresponding to a boundary area between the third side (2311) and the fourth side (2312) of the support (230). In one embodiment, since the light emitting module (250) is positioned in the boundary area between the third side (2311) and the fourth side (2312), the connector portion (2512) of the flexible substrate (251) may be electrically connected to the substrate assembly (240) at the third side (2311). In this case, the flexible substrate (251) may be separated from the support (230) due to its own restoring force (e.g., a force to spread), which may cause a malfunction of the wearable electronic device (200). To reduce this phenomenon, the support portion (2513) of the flexible substrate (251) extending in the opposite direction to the connector portion (2512) may be fixed to the fourth surface (2312) of the support portion (230) and / or a part of the substrate assembly (240) fixed to the fourth surface (2312), thereby assisting in the solid support of the flexible substrate (251). In one embodiment, the support portion (2513) may be fixed to the support portion (230) and / or the flexible substrate (251) through at least one of taping, bonding, or soldering.

[0067] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a wearable electronic device taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 2B according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0068] Referring to FIG. 5, the wearable electronic device (200) may include a support (230) that is inserted in a manner of being fitted into a first internal space (2101) formed in an extension portion (212) of a first case (210). In this case, a substrate assembly (240) fixed to be supported by the support (230) and a light-emitting module (250) that is positioned to be supported by at least a portion of the support (230) and is electrically connected to the substrate assembly (240) may also be inserted together into the first internal space (2101). After the assembly including the support (230), the substrate assembly (240) and the light-emitting module (250) is inserted into the first internal space (2101), the first internal space (2101) may be sealed through a terminal structure (213) that is electrically connected to the substrate assembly (240).

[0069] According to various embodiments, the battery (B) and the speaker (260) may be placed in a second internal space (2102) formed by combining the second case (220) and the head portion (211). In one embodiment, the battery (B) and the speaker (260) may be electrically connected to the substrate assembly (240) through a connection structure of the first internal space (2101) and the second internal space (2102).

[0070] According to various embodiments, the light emitting structure (252) of the light emitting module (250) may be arranged along the length direction of the extension portion (212). In one embodiment, the first length (L1) of the extension portion (212) may be set to be longer than the second length (L2) of the light emitting structure (252). In some embodiments, the first length (L1) of the extension portion (212) may be set to be equal to or shorter than the second length (L2) of the light emitting structure (252). In one embodiment, the light emitting module (250) may be arranged in such a way that the light emitting structure (252) contacts the inner surface of the extension portion (212) in the first internal space (2101). In one embodiment, when the light diffusing member (253) is added, the light emitting module (250) may be arranged in such a way that the light diffusing member (253) contacts the inner surface of the extension portion (212) in the first internal space (2101).

[0071] According to various embodiments, light generated from the light emitting module (250) can be emitted to the outside through the light emitting area (2123) of the extension member (212) from the first internal space (2101). Since the light emitting area (2123) according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is formed seamlessly and integrally with the extension member (212) of the first case (210), it can form an attractive appearance of the wearable electronic device (200) and help improve waterproofing and stain resistance.

[0072] FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a manufacturing process of a light-emitting region according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0073] FIGS. 7A to 7D are cross-sectional views of a wearable electronic device taken along line 7-7 of FIG. 2B to illustrate the manufacturing process of FIG. 6 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0074] FIG. 8A is a diagram illustrating a laminated structure of region 8A of FIG. 7D according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 8B is a diagram illustrating a laminated structure of region 8B of FIG. 7D according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0075] Referring to FIG. 6 and FIGS. 7A to 8B, in operation 601, a housing base material (210') may be provided. In one embodiment, the housing base material (210') may be formed as an injection molded product of a transparent or translucent material. In one embodiment, the housing base material (210') may be a first case (e.g., the first case (210) of FIG. 2A). In one embodiment, the housing base material (210') may further include a second case (e.g., the second case (220) of FIG. 2A).

[0076] According to various embodiments, in operation 603, an opaque first layer (310) may be formed on the housing base material (210'). In one embodiment, the first layer (310) may be formed on the entire outer surface including the first side (2121), the second side (2122), and the light-emitting area (2123) of the first case (210). In one embodiment, the first layer (310) may include a colored layer (312) (e.g., a coloring layer) that does not allow light generated from a light-emitting structure (252) of a light-emitting module (250) disposed in the first internal space (2101) to be transmitted to the remaining areas (2121, 2122) (e.g., the second outer surface) except for the light-emitting area (2123) (e.g., the first outer surface). In some embodiments, the first layer (310) may include a shielding layer (311) disposed between the outer surface of the housing base material (210') and the color layer (312). In one embodiment, the shielding layer (311) may include an opaque material. In one embodiment, the opaque material may be formed in at least one layer using black ink. In one embodiment, the opaque material may be printed using a screen mask printing method and then cured using a heat drying method. In this case, since the color layer (312) is formed on top of the shielding layer (311), it may be formed using a relatively bright paint that does not take into account unintended light transmission through the housing (e.g., the first case (210)).

[0077] According to various embodiments, in operation 605, the first layer (310) may be partially removed. In one embodiment, the first layer (310) may be removed through a stripping process to expose a portion of the housing base material (210'). In one embodiment, the portion of the housing base material (210') removed through the stripping process may be a light-emitting area (2123) formed in the extension portion (212) of the first case (210). In one embodiment, the stripping process may be performed through a computerized numerical control (CNC) device or a laser cutter. In some embodiments, the stripping process may include an etching process that removes a portion of the first layer (310) corresponding to the light-emitting area (2123) through a masking process.

[0078] According to various embodiments, in operation 607, a second layer (320) of a transparent or translucent material may be formed on the de-filmed light-emitting region (2123) and the first layer (310). In one embodiment, the transparent or translucent material may include a material capable of forming a film layer in any range where a curing reaction occurs, such as UV, urethane, a molding paint, a SF paint, or a water-based paint. In one embodiment, the transparent or translucent material may include a fluid paint such as a resin, a solvent, a pigment / dye, or an additive. In one embodiment, the transparent or translucent material may be configured as a single layer or multiple layers depending on the material and the product. In one embodiment, the color of the transparent or translucent material may be a paint containing an organic / inorganic pigment, an organic dye, silver, or pearl that can transmit light. In one embodiment, the transparent or translucent material may be formed through a slit coating method and a UV curing process.

[0079] In some embodiments, the first layer (310) may include a molding layer of a transparent or translucent material (e.g., an ultraviolet molding layer). In one embodiment, the molding layer may be formed as a single layer or multiple layers. In one embodiment, the molding layer may be formed by painting with a resin of an acrylic, olefin, urethane series or higher and a paint of a UV or urethane curing method depending on the curing method. In one embodiment, the molding layer may use at least one of a resin of a chlorinated polyolefine (CPO) series (e.g., a primer of the CPO_C1 type), an acrylic modified resin, and a UV curing resin. In one embodiment, the molding layer may be cured through a process of oven or natural drying or through an ultraviolet curing method.

[0080] In some embodiments, a primer layer (P) may be formed before each layer (e.g., the shielding layer (311), the color layer (312), and the second layer (320)) is applied. In one embodiment, the primer layer (P) may induce uniform and smooth application and adhesion of each layer to its underlying layer. In one embodiment, the primer layer (P) may be formed by spraying using a SiO2-based solvent such as a glass component or an acrylic urethane. In some embodiments, the primer layer (P) may be formed using a transparent urethane paint. In one embodiment, the primer layer (P) may be cured through a process such as an oven or natural drying after being applied.

[0081] FIGS. 9A and 9B are perspective views of a wearable electronic device including a light-emitting region according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0082] In describing the wearable electronic device (200) of FIGS. 9A and 9B, the same reference numerals are given to components that are substantially the same as those of the wearable electronic device (200) of FIG. 2B, and a detailed description thereof may be omitted.

[0083] Referring to FIG. 9A, the wearable electronic device (200) may include light-emitting regions (2123a, 2123b, 2123c, 2123d, 2123e) arranged along the length direction in the extension portion (210) of the first case (210). In one embodiment, the light-emitting regions (2123a, 2123b, 2123c, 2123d, 2123e) may be formed in substantially the same manner as the light-emitting region forming process described above (e.g., the process of FIG. 6). In one embodiment, the light-emitting regions (2123a, 2123b, 2123c, 2123d, 2123e) may be arranged on the same line and spaced apart from each other at specific intervals. In one embodiment, the light-emitting regions (2123a, 2123b, 2123c, 2123d, 2123e) can transmit light generated from one light-emitting structure (e.g., light-emitting structure (252) of FIG. 5) disposed in a first internal space (e.g., first internal space (2101) of FIG. 5) of the extension portion (212) to the outside. In some embodiments, the wearable electronic device (200) may include a plurality of light-emitting structures disposed in the first internal space (2101) to correspond to each of the light-emitting regions (2123a, 2123b, 2123c, 2123d, 2123e).

[0084] Referring to FIG. 9B, the wearable electronic device (200) may include a light-emitting area (2113) formed on the outer surface of the head portion (211) of the first case (210). In this case, the light-emitting area (2113) may be formed in a curved shape corresponding to the shape of the head portion (211). In some embodiments, the light-emitting area (2113) may be replaced with various shapes.

[0085] Although not shown, the light-emitting region according to the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may be formed on the outer surface of not only the first case but also the second case through the above-described process. For example, it is obvious that the light-emitting region provided through the removal of an opaque layer formed on the outer surface of a housing made of a transparent or translucent material according to the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure can be applied not only to wearable electronic devices but also to other electronic devices.

[0086] According to various embodiments, a wearable electronic device includes a housing formed of a transparent or translucent material (e.g., a first case (210) of FIG. 2B) and a light-emitting module (e.g., a light-emitting module (250) of FIG. 5) disposed in a first internal space of the housing (e.g., a first internal space (2101) of FIG. 5), wherein the housing includes an opaque first layer (e.g., a first layer (310) of FIG. 8A) formed on a second external surface (e.g., a first surface (2121) and a second surface (2122) of FIG. 2B) other than the first external surface, and a transparent or translucent second layer (e.g., a second layer (320) of FIG. 8B) formed on at least the first external surface, wherein the first external surface may protrude relatively to the second external surface.

[0087] According to various embodiments, the second layer may be laminated to the first layer on the second outer surface of the housing.

[0088] According to various embodiments, the second layer can form a flat surface from the first outer surface to the second outer surface.

[0089] According to various embodiments, the first layer may include a shielding layer formed on the second outer surface (e.g., the shielding layer (311) of FIG. 8A) and a color layer laminated on the shielding layer (e.g., the color layer (312) of FIG. 8A).

[0090] According to various embodiments, the housing includes a first case (e.g., the first case (210) of FIG. 2B) and a second case (e.g., the second case (220) of FIG. 2B) coupled to the first case, and the first outer surface and the second outer surface may be included in the first case.

[0091] According to various embodiments, the first case includes a head portion (e.g., the head portion (211) of FIG. 2b) and an extension portion (e.g., the extension portion (212) of FIG. 2b) extending from the head portion to have a length, and the first internal space can be formed through the extension portion.

[0092] According to various embodiments, the extension portion may include a first surface (e.g., a first surface (2121) of FIG. 2B) and a second surface (e.g., a second surface (2122) of FIG. 2B) extending from the first surface to have a specified angle (e.g., an angle (θ) of FIG. 2B), and the first outer surface may include a boundary area (e.g., a light-emitting area (2123) of FIG. 2B) between the first surface and the second surface.

[0093] According to various embodiments, the boundary region may have a first length (e.g., the first length (L1) of FIG. 5) along the longitudinal direction of the extension.

[0094] According to various embodiments, the boundary region may include at least one of a plane or a curved surface.

[0095] According to various embodiments, the light emitting module may include a support (e.g., support (230) of FIG. 5) disposed in the first internal space and a substrate assembly (e.g., substrate assembly (240) of FIG. 5) disposed to be supported by the support, and the light emitting module may be supported by the support so as to face the first outer surface and be electrically connected to the substrate assembly.

[0096] According to various embodiments, the light emitting module includes a flexible substrate (e.g., the flexible substrate (251) of FIG. 4A) including a base (e.g., the base (2511) of FIG. 4A), a connector portion extending from one end of the base (e.g., the connector portion (2512) of FIG. 4A) and a support portion extending from the other end of the base (e.g., the support portion (2513) of FIG. 4A), and a light emitting structure (e.g., the light emitting structure (252) of FIG. 4A) disposed on the base of the flexible substrate, wherein the support portion can be fixed to the support or the substrate assembly in an opposite direction to the connector portion.

[0097] According to various embodiments, the light-emitting structure is arranged in the first internal space to have a second length (e.g., the second length (L2) of FIG. 5) in a direction parallel to the boundary region, and the second length may be equal to or shorter than the first length.

[0098] According to various embodiments, the second case may be coupled to the head portion of the first case and may include a speaker (260) disposed in a second internal space (e.g., the second internal space (2102) of FIG. 5) between the second case and the head portion.

[0099] According to various embodiments, the first internal space and the second internal space are configured to be connected to each other, and the speaker can be electrically connected to the substrate assembly.

[0100] According to various embodiments, sound generated from the speaker may be emitted to the outside through an ear tip (e.g., ear tip (214) of FIG. 2b) coupled to the second case.

[0101] According to various embodiments, the wearable electronic device may include a wireless earphone having at least a portion of the ear tip applied to the user's ear.

[0102] According to various embodiments, a method for forming a light-emitting area disposed on an outer surface of a wearable electronic device may include a first operation of forming an opaque first layer (e.g., the first layer (310) of FIG. 8A) on an outer surface of a transparent or translucent housing base material, a first operation of removing the first layer in an area corresponding to the light-emitting area (e.g., the light-emitting area (2123) of FIG. 2B), and a third operation of forming a transparent or translucent second layer (e.g., the second layer (320) of FIG. 8B) in the first layer and the area from which the first layer was removed.

[0103] According to various embodiments, the first operation may include an operation of forming a shielding layer (e.g., shielding layer (311) of FIG. 8A) on an outer surface of the housing base material and an operation of forming a colored layer (e.g., color layer (312) of FIG. 8A) on the shielding layer.

[0104] According to various embodiments, the first operation may include removing the first layer using a computerized numerical control (CNC) device or a laser cutting machine.

[0105] According to various embodiments, the method may further include forming a primer layer (e.g., primer layer (P) of FIG. 8a) before the first operation or the third operation.

[0106] In addition, the embodiments of the present disclosure disclosed in this specification and drawings are merely specific examples to easily explain the technical contents according to the embodiments of the present disclosure and to help understand the embodiments of the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments of the present disclosure. Therefore, the scope of the various embodiments of the present disclosure should be interpreted as including all changes or modified forms derived based on the technical ideas of the various embodiments of the present disclosure in addition to the embodiments disclosed herein.

Claims

1. In wearable electronic devices, A housing (210) formed of a transparent or translucent material; and A light emitting module (250) is disposed in the first internal space (2101) of the housing and is disposed to emit light to the outside through the first external surface (2123) of the housing. The above housing, An opaque first layer (310) formed on the remaining second outer surface (2121, 2122) excluding the first outer surface; and At least a transparent or translucent second layer (320) formed on the first outer surface, A wearable electronic device wherein the first outer surface protrudes relatively more than the second outer surface.

2. In paragraph 1, A wearable electronic device wherein the second layer is laminated on the first layer on the second outer surface of the housing.

3. In paragraph 2, A wearable electronic device in which the second layer forms a flat surface from the first outer surface to the second outer surface.

4. In paragraph 1, The first layer is a shielding layer (311) formed on the second outer surface; and A wearable electronic device comprising a color layer (312) laminated on the above shielding layer.

5. In paragraph 1, The above housing, It includes a first case (210) and a second case (220) combined with the first case, A wearable electronic device wherein the first outer surface and the second outer surface are included in the first case.

6. In paragraph 5, A wearable electronic device in which the first case includes a head portion (211) and an extension portion (212) extending from the head portion to have a length, and the first internal space is formed through the extension portion.

7. In paragraph 6, The above extension portion includes a first surface (2121) and a second surface (2122) extended from the first surface to have a specified angle (θ), A wearable electronic device wherein the first outer surface includes a boundary area (2123) between the first surface and the second surface.

8. In paragraph 7, A wearable electronic device wherein the above boundary region has a first length (L1) along the longitudinal direction of the extension.

9. In paragraph 7 A wearable electronic device wherein the above boundary region comprises at least one of a flat surface and a curved surface.

10. In paragraph 8, A support (230) arranged in the first internal space; and It includes a substrate assembly (240) arranged to be supported by the above support, A wearable electronic device in which the light-emitting module is supported by the support so as to face the first outer surface and is electrically connected to the substrate assembly.

11. In paragraph 10, The above light emitting module, A flexible substrate (251) including a base (2511), a connector portion (2512) extending from one end of the base, and a support portion (2513) extending from the other end of the base; and It includes a light emitting structure (252) placed on the base of the above flexible substrate, A wearable electronic device wherein the support portion is fixed to the support body or the substrate assembly in an opposite direction to the connector portion.

12. In paragraph 11, The light-emitting structure is arranged in the first internal space to have a second length (L2) in a direction parallel to the boundary region, A wearable electronic device wherein the second length is equal to or shorter than the first length.

13. In paragraph 10, The second case is coupled to the head of the first case, A wearable electronic device including a speaker (260) arranged in a second internal space (2102) between the second case and the head portion.

14. In paragraph 13, The first internal space and the second internal space are configured to be connected to each other, A wearable electronic device wherein the above speaker is electrically connected to the above substrate assembly.

15. In paragraph 13, A wearable electronic device in which sound generated from the above speaker is emitted to the outside through an ear tip (214) coupled to the second case.

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