Wearable electronic device comprising antenna

Abstract

The present invention relates to a wearable electronic device comprising an antenna. The wearable electronic device may comprise: a housing; a display disposed in the housing and facing the front surface of the housing; a rear plate disposed on the rear surface of the housing and forming at least a portion of the exterior of the wearable electronic device, and comprising a first surface facing the display, and a second surface which is the opposite side to the first surface; an antenna member disposed on the second surface of the rear plate and transmitting or receiving a radio signal, and comprising a first antenna portion, a second antenna portion disposed on the outer side of the first antenna portion, and at least one connection portion connecting the first antenna portion and the second antenna portion; a cover member having at least a portion thereof disposed on the second surface of the rear plate, and comprising a first cover member covering at least a portion of the first antenna portion, and a second cover member covering at least a portion of the second antenna portion; and a waterproof member disposed between the cover member and the rear plate.

Description

Wearable electronic device including an antenna

[0001] Various embodiments disclosed in this document relate to electronic devices, including wearable electronic devices including an antenna.

[0002] The electronic device may include a wearable electronic device that can be worn on a part of the user's body to improve portability or accessibility. The wearable electronic device may include a watch-type wearable electronic device that is worn on the user's wrist. The wearable electronic device may include at least one antenna for transmitting and / or receiving data with an external device (e.g., a portable communication device or a mobile terminal). At least one antenna may require improved radiation performance considering the layout design with respect to surrounding electrical components.

[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-described matters constitute prior art related to the present disclosure.

[0004] A wearable electronic device may include a housing forming an exterior appearance. In one embodiment, a display may be arranged on the front surface of the housing. The rear surface of the housing may be a portion that comes into contact with the user's body, and a biosensor module for detecting the user's biosignal may be arranged thereon. The rear surface of the housing may include a back plate and a cover member, which constitute part of the exterior appearance of the wearable electronic device. The biosensor module may be arranged between the back plate and the cover member. Accordingly, the biosensor module may be in contact with the user's body when the user wears the wearable electronic device.

[0005] Meanwhile, an antenna member capable of transmitting or receiving a wireless signal to or from an external electronic device may be disposed between the cover member and the rear plate. In addition, a waterproof member may be disposed between the cover member and the rear plate to prevent the ingress of external foreign substances and / or moisture. Wearable electronic devices may require tuning of the resonant frequency of the antenna member depending on the usage environment and usage conditions. However, since a mechanism such as a waterproof member is disposed between the cover member and the rear plate, it may be difficult to expand the antenna member to change the antenna pattern. In addition, if the antenna member is expanded without considering the placement space of the waterproof member, the waterproof performance of the wearable electronic device may be degraded.

[0006] The technical tasks to be achieved in this document are not limited to the technical tasks mentioned above, and other technical tasks not mentioned will be clearly understood by those with ordinary skill in the technical field to which this document pertains from the description below.

[0007] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a wearable electronic device may include a housing. The wearable electronic device may include a display disposed in the housing and facing a front surface of the housing. The wearable electronic device may include a back plate having a first surface facing the display and a second surface opposite the first surface, and formed at least a portion of an exterior appearance of the wearable electronic device. The wearable electronic device may include a first antenna portion, a second antenna portion disposed outside the first antenna portion, and at least one connecting portion connecting the first antenna portion and the second antenna portion, and an antenna member disposed on a second surface of the back plate and configured to transmit or receive a wireless signal. The wearable electronic device may include a first cover member covering at least a portion of the first antenna portion and a second cover member covering at least a portion of the second antenna portion, and a cover member having at least a portion disposed on the second surface of the back plate. The wearable electronic device may include a waterproof member disposed between the cover member and the rear plate.

[0008] According to various embodiments disclosed in this document, an antenna member for transmitting or receiving a wireless signal to or from an external electronic device may be disposed between a cover member and a rear plate, which constitute part of the exterior of a wearable electronic device. In one embodiment, the antenna member may be composed of a plurality of parts between the cover member and the rear plate.

[0009] The antenna element may have multiple parts connected to each other through a connecting portion. Since the multiple parts are connected to each other through the connecting portion, the antenna element may be arranged in the space between the cover element and the rear plate, avoiding a mechanism (e.g., a waterproofing member) that would otherwise be placed between the cover element and the rear plate. Accordingly, since the multiple parts are connected through the connecting portion, the antenna element may have improved autonomy in placement space within a wearable electronic device. Furthermore, the wearable electronic device may implement various antenna patterns through the antenna element to transmit or receive wireless signals in various bands.

[0010] The resonant frequency range of the antenna element can be changed by changing the number of connecting portions and / or the relative positions of the connecting portions with respect to multiple portions of the antenna element. Accordingly, the wearable electronic device can tune the resonant frequency by changing the antenna length of the antenna element.

[0011] 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.

[0012] In connection with the description of the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals may be used for the same or similar components.

[0013] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device in a network environment according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 2A is a front perspective view of a wearable electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 2B is a rear perspective view of the wearable electronic device of FIG. 2A according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an unfolded wearable electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 4A is a drawing for explaining the stacking relationship of a rear plate, an antenna member, and a cover member of a wearable electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 4b is a drawing for explaining the stacking relationship of a back plate, a waterproof member, and a cover member of a wearable electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 5A is a drawing of an antenna member disposed on a rear plate of a wearable electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 5b is a drawing of a state in which an antenna member is disposed on a rear plate of a wearable electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure, and a portion of a cover member is disposed on the rear plate to cover a portion of the antenna member.

[0021] FIGS. 6A and 6B are cross-sectional views of a portion of a wearable electronic device, viewed from the side of the wearable electronic device, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0022] FIG. 6c is a drawing of an antenna member of the present disclosure arranged on a portion of a rear plate formed of a conductive material.

[0023] Fig. 7a is a cross-sectional view taken along line 7a-7a of Fig. 5a.

[0024] Figure 7b is a cross-sectional view taken along line 7b-7b of Figure 5a.

[0025] FIGS. 8A, 8B, and 8C are drawings for explaining the stacking relationship of a back plate, a flexible printed circuit board, a shield can, and a substrate according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0026] FIG. 9A is a graph showing the antenna radiation performance of an antenna member disposed on a rear plate according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0027] FIG. 9b is a diagram showing the relationship between the resonant frequency and the input reflection coefficient of an antenna member disposed on a rear plate according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0028] 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.

[0029] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device within a network environment according to various embodiments.

[0030] Referring to FIG. 1, in a network environment (100), an electronic device (101) may communicate with an electronic device (102) via a first network (198) (e.g., a short-range wireless communication network), or may communicate with an electronic device (104) or a server (108) via a second network (199) (e.g., a long-range wireless communication network). In one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may communicate with the electronic device (104) via the server (108). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include a processor (120), a memory (130), an input module (150), an audio output module (155), a display module (160), an audio module (170), a sensor module (176), an interface (177), a connection terminal (178), a haptic module (179), a camera module (180), a power management module (188), a battery (189), a communication module (190), a subscriber identification module (196), or an antenna module (197). In some embodiments, the electronic device (101) may omit at least one of these components (e.g., the connection terminal (178)), or may have one or more other components added. In some embodiments, some of these components (e.g., the sensor module (176), the camera module (180), or the antenna module (197)) may be integrated into one component (e.g., the display module (160)).

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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, in the electronic device (101) itself where artificial intelligence is performed, 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.

[0033] 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).

[0034] 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).

[0035] 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).

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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).

[0039] 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.

[0040] The interface (177) may support one or more designated protocols that may be used to directly or wirelessly connect the electronic device (101) with an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (102)). In one embodiment, the interface (177) may include, for example, a high definition multimedia interface (HDMI), a universal serial bus (USB) interface, an SD card interface, or an audio interface.

[0041] 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).

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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.

[0044] The power management module (188) can manage power supplied to the electronic device (101). According to one embodiment, the power management module (188) can be implemented as, for example, at least a part of a power management integrated circuit (PMIC).

[0045] 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.

[0046] The communication module (190) may support the establishment of a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between the electronic device (101) and an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (102), electronic device (104), or server (108)), and the performance of communication through the established communication channel. The communication module (190) may operate independently from the processor (120) (e.g., application processor) and may include one or more communication processors that support direct (e.g., wired) communication or wireless communication. According to one embodiment, the communication module (190) may include a wireless communication module (192) (e.g., a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) communication module) or a wired communication module (194) (e.g., a local area network (LAN) communication module, or a power line communication module). Among these communication modules, the corresponding communication module can communicate with an external electronic device (104) via a first network (198) (e.g., a short-range communication network such as Bluetooth, wireless fidelity (WiFi) direct, or infrared data association (IrDA)) or a second network (199) (e.g., a long-range communication network such as a legacy cellular network, a 5G network, a next-generation communication network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., a LAN or WAN)). These various types of communication modules can be integrated into a single component (e.g., a single chip) or implemented as multiple separate components (e.g., multiple chips). The wireless communication module (192) can verify or authenticate the electronic device (101) within a communication network such as the first network (198) or the second network (199) by using subscriber information (e.g., an international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI)) stored in the subscriber identification module (196).

[0047] 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.

[0048] The antenna module (197) can transmit or receive signals or power to or from an external device (e.g., an external electronic device). In one embodiment, the antenna module (197) may include an antenna including a radiator formed of a conductor or a conductive pattern formed on a substrate (e.g., a PCB). In one embodiment, the antenna module (197) may include a plurality of antennas (e.g., an array antenna). In this case, at least one antenna suitable for a communication method used in a communication network, such as the first network (198) or the second network (199), may be selected from the plurality of antennas, for example, by the communication module (190). A signal or power may be transmitted or received between the communication module (190) and an external electronic device via the at least one selected antenna. In some embodiments, in addition to the radiator, another component (e.g., a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC)) may be additionally formed as a part of the antenna module (197).

[0049] According to various embodiments, the antenna module (197) may form a mmWave antenna module. In one embodiment, the mmWave antenna module may include a printed circuit board, an RFIC disposed on or adjacent a first side (e.g., a bottom side) of the printed circuit board and capable of supporting a designated high-frequency band (e.g., a mmWave band), and a plurality of antennas (e.g., an array antenna) disposed on or adjacent a second side (e.g., a top side or a side side) of the printed circuit board and capable of transmitting or receiving signals in the designated high-frequency band.

[0050] 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)).

[0051] 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.

[0052] FIG. 2A is a front perspective view of a wearable electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 2B is a rear perspective view of the wearable electronic device of FIG. 2A according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0053] The wearable electronic device (200) of FIGS. 2A and 2B may be at least partially similar to the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1 or may further include various embodiments of the electronic device.

[0054] Referring to FIGS. 2A and 2B , a wearable electronic device (200) may include a housing (210) (e.g., a housing structure) including a first side (210A) (or front side), a second side (210B) (or back side), and a side surface (210C) enclosing a space between the first side (210A) and the second side (210B), and a fastening member (250, 260) (e.g., a strap, a connecting member, or a joining member) connected to at least a portion of the housing (210) and configured to releasably fasten the wearable electronic device (200) to a portion of a user's body (e.g., a wrist, an ankle, etc.). In some embodiments, the housing (210) may also refer to a structure forming a portion of the first side (210A), the second side (210B), and the side surface (210C) of FIG. 2A . In one embodiment, the first side (210A) may be formed by a front plate (202) (e.g., a front cover) that is at least partially transparent (e.g., a glass plate including various coating layers, or a polymer plate). The second side (210B) may be formed by a substantially opaque back plate (207) (e.g., a back cover) and a sensor cover (208) coupled with the back plate (207). The back plate (207) may be formed of, for example, coated or colored glass, ceramic, polymer, metal (e.g., aluminum, stainless steel (STS), or magnesium), or a combination of at least two of the foregoing materials. The side surface (210C) may be formed by a side member (e.g., a side bezel structure) (220) coupled with the front plate (202) and the back plate (207) and comprising a metal and / or a polymer. In some embodiments, the back plate (207) and side members (220) may be formed integrally and comprise the same material (e.g., a metal material such as aluminum). The fastening members (250, 260) may be formed of various materials and shapes.The integral and multiple unit links can be formed to be fluidly connected to each other by a combination of at least two of the above materials, such as woven fabric, leather, rubber, urethane, metal, ceramic, or at least two of the above materials.

[0055] According to various embodiments, the wearable electronic device (200) may include at least one of a display (201), an audio module (205), a sensor module (211), and a key input device (203). In some embodiments, the wearable electronic device (200) may omit at least one of the components (e.g., the key input device (203) or the sensor module (211)) or may additionally include other components.

[0056] According to various embodiments, the display (201) may be visible through a significant portion of the front plate (202). The shape of the display (201) may correspond to the shape of the front plate (202), and may be in various shapes such as circular, oval, or polygonal. The display (201) may be coupled to or disposed adjacent to a touch sensing circuit, a pressure sensor capable of measuring the intensity (pressure) of a touch, and / or a fingerprint sensor.

[0057] According to various embodiments, the audio module (205) may include a microphone hole (205) and a speaker hole (not shown). The microphone hole (205) may have a microphone positioned inside to acquire external sounds, and in some embodiments, multiple microphones may be positioned to detect the direction of sounds. The speaker hole may be used as an external speaker and a receiver for calls. In some embodiments, the speaker hole and the microphone hole (205) may be implemented as a single hole, or a speaker may be included without a speaker hole (e.g., a piezo speaker).

[0058] According to various embodiments, the sensor module (211) may generate an electrical signal or data value corresponding to an internal operating state of the electronic device (200) or an external environmental state. The sensor module (211) may include, for example, a biometric sensor module (211) (e.g., an HRM sensor) disposed on a second surface (210B) of the housing (210). The wearable electronic device (200) may further include at least one of a sensor module not shown, for example, a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a grip sensor, a color sensor, an IR (infrared) sensor, a biometric sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or an illuminance sensor.

[0059] According to various embodiments, the key input device (203) may include a wheel key (not shown) disposed on a first side (210A) of the housing (210) and rotatable in at least one direction, and / or a side key button (203) disposed on a side surface (210C) of the housing (210). The wheel key may have a shape corresponding to the shape of the front plate (202). In some embodiments, the wearable electronic device (200) may not include some or all of the above-mentioned key input devices (203), and the key input devices (203) that are not included may be implemented in other forms, such as soft keys, on the display (201). The connector hole (not shown) may include another connector hole (not shown) that may accommodate a connector (e.g., a USB connector) for transmitting and receiving power and / or data with an external electronic device, and may accommodate a connector for transmitting and receiving audio signals with the external electronic device. The wearable electronic device (200) may further include, for example, a connector cover (not shown) that covers at least a portion of the connector hole and blocks the inflow of external foreign substances into the connector hole.

[0060] According to various embodiments, the fastening member (250, 260) may be removably fastened to at least a portion of the housing (210) using a locking member (251, 261). The fastening member (250, 260) may include one or more of a fixing member (252), a fixing member fastening hole (253), a band guide member (254), and a band fastening ring (255). The fastening member (252) may be configured to fasten the housing (210) and the fastening member (250, 260) to a part of the user's body (e.g., a wrist, an ankle, etc.). The fastening member fastening hole (253) may correspond to the fastening member (252) to fasten the housing (210) and the fastening member (250, 260) to a part of the user's body. The band guide member (254) is configured to limit the range of movement of the fixing member (252) when the fixing member (252) is fastened to the fixing member fastening hole (253), thereby allowing the fastening member (250, 260) to be fastened in close contact with a part of the user's body. The band fastening member (255) can limit the range of movement of the fastening member (250, 260) when the fixing member (252) and the fixing member fastening hole (253) are fastened.

[0061] According to various embodiments, the wearable electronic device (200) may include a conductive cover (230) (e.g., a decorative member or deco cover) coupled to the side member (220) on the front surface (210A) and covering the edge of the display (201) so that it is not visible from the outside. In one embodiment, the wearable electronic device (200) may include an auxiliary cover (235) disposed on the upper portion of the conductive cover (230) and capable of assisting in forming an attractive appearance. In one embodiment, the conductive cover (230) and the auxiliary cover (235) may be used as decorative members (e.g., deco) of the wearable electronic device (200).

[0062] According to various embodiments, the wearable electronic device (200) may include at least one antenna configured to transmit and / or receive a wireless signal in a specific frequency band through a conductive cover (230) electrically connected to a wireless communication circuit (e.g., a wireless communication module (192) of FIG. 1) disposed in an interior space of the housing (210).

[0063] At least one antenna using a conductive cover (230) according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure is arranged on the outside of the housing (210), thereby inducing efficient arrangement of internal electrical components, and since an effective volume for radiation performance according to the antenna arrangement in the internal space is not considered, it can help to slim down the wearable electronic device (200). In addition, since the conductive cover (230) is used as a radiator, and a signal path is formed in a direction substantially parallel to the human body (e.g., wrist) through a gap between the conductive cover (230) and the conductive member included in the side member (220), it can help to improve radiation performance.

[0064] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an unfolded wearable electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0065] Referring to FIG. 3, a wearable electronic device (200) may include a display (201) including a first side (2201), a side member (220) having a second side (2202) facing in an opposite direction to the first side (2201), a front plate (202) disposed on the first side (2201) of the side member (220), a conductive cover (230) covering an edge of the display (201) and fixed to the first side (2201), and an auxiliary cover (235) coupled to an upper portion of the conductive cover (230). In one embodiment, the wearable electronic device (200) may include a rear cover (207) coupled to the second side (2202) of the side member (220), a substrate (240) disposed in a space between the second side (2202) and the rear cover (207), and an antenna member (209). In some embodiments, at least a portion of the substrate (240) may be disposed in such a way that it is accommodated within the side member (220). In one embodiment, the wearable electronic device (200) may include a sensor cover (208) that is disposed on an outer surface of the back cover (207) or is coupled with the back cover (207) to be applied to the back of the wearable electronic device (200) (e.g., the back (210B) of FIG. 2B). In one embodiment, the wearable electronic device (200) may include a sensor module (e.g., the biometric sensor module (330) of FIG. 4A) disposed in a space between the back cover (207) and the sensor cover (208), and / or between the back cover (207) and the side member (220). In one embodiment, the wearable electronic device (200) may include a sealing member (2071) (e.g., rubber, silicone, or urethane) disposed between the second side (2202) of the side member (220) and the rear cover (207) to provide a sealed space for waterproofing and / or stain resistance.

[0066] According to various embodiments, the side member (220) may include a conductive member (221) (e.g., a conductive portion) (e.g., a metal) including a first opening (OP1) and a non-conductive member (222) (e.g., a non-conductive portion) (e.g., a polymer) coupled to the conductive member (221). In one embodiment, the conductive member (221) and the non-conductive member (222) may be coupled via injection molding or via a structural shape. In one embodiment, the conductive member (221) may be coupled to the non-conductive member (222) so as to be at least partially invisible from the outside. In one embodiment, at least a portion of the non-conductive member (222) may form at least a portion of a side surface of the wearable electronic device (200) (e.g., side surface (210C) of FIG. 2A) and may be positioned so as to be visually visible from the outside. In one embodiment, the conductive member (221) may be positioned so as to be visually invisible from the outside of the wearable electronic device (200). In one embodiment, at least a portion of the conductive member (221) may form a substantially coplanar plane with the first side (2201) and / or the second side (2202), and may be positioned on at least a portion of the first side (2201). In some embodiments, at least a portion of the conductive member (221) may be positioned on the first side (2201) and / or the second side (2202), and may be formed to be at least partially lower or higher than the first side (2201) and / or the second side (2202). In one embodiment, at least a portion of the conductive member (221) may be positioned in a manner that extends from the first side (2201) to the second side (2202). In one embodiment, at least a portion of the conductive member (221) may be electrically connected to a ground plane of the substrate (240) at at least one point.

[0067] According to various embodiments, the first opening (OP1) may be formed to have a circular closed loop shape. In some embodiments, the first opening (OP1) may be formed to have a circular open loop shape. In some embodiments, the first opening (OP1) may be formed in a closed or open loop shape of various shapes other than a circle, such as a square or an oval. In one embodiment, the first opening (OP1) may be filled through at least a portion of the non-conductive member (222). In this case, at least a portion of the conductive member (221) and at least a portion of the non-conductive member (222) may be defined as a support member (e.g., an extension member) that extends from the side surface (210C) of the electronic device (200) into the internal space and is part of the side surface member (220).

[0068] According to various embodiments, the conductive cover (230) may be secured to the first surface (2201) of the side member (220) to cover an edge of the display (201) disposed on the first surface (2201). Accordingly, the edge of the display (201) may be positioned so as not to be visually visible from the outside through the conductive cover (230). In one embodiment, the conductive cover (230) may include a second opening (OP2) that may be at least partially aligned with (e.g., overlapped with) the first opening (OP1) when the first surface (2201) is viewed from above (e.g., in the +z to -z direction). In one embodiment, the display (201) may be positioned so as to be visible from the outside through the second opening (OP2). In one embodiment, the conductive cover (230) can be secured to the first surface (2201) of the side member (220) through at least one of screw fastening, bonding, taping, or fusion. In one embodiment, the conductive cover (230) can be arranged to have a first gap in a direction perpendicular to the conductive member (221) (e.g., in the ±z-axis direction) through the non-conductive member (222) of the side member (220).

[0069] According to various embodiments, the auxiliary cover (235) may be secured to an upper portion (e.g., in the +z direction) of the conductive cover (230). In one embodiment, the auxiliary cover (235) may include a third opening (OP3) that may be at least partially aligned with (e.g., overlapped with) the second opening (OP2) of the conductive cover (230). For example, the display (201) may be arranged to be visually visible from the outside through the second opening (OP2) of the conductive cover (230) and the third opening (OP3) of the auxiliary cover (235). In one embodiment, the auxiliary cover (235) may be formed of a conductive material (e.g., a metal) or a non-conductive material (e.g., a polymer). In some embodiments, the auxiliary cover (235) may be omitted.

[0070] According to various embodiments, the wearable electronic device (200) may include a first electrical connection member (P1) that electrically connects the conductive cover (230) and the substrate (240). In one embodiment, the conductive cover (230) may be electrically connected to a wireless communication circuit (e.g., the wireless communication module (192) of FIG. 1) disposed on the substrate (240) through the first electrical connection member (P1). In one embodiment, the first electrical connection member (P1) may be disposed in a manner that penetrates the non-conductive member (222) in the side member (220), thereby electrically connecting the conductive cover (230) and the substrate (240) while maintaining an electrically disconnected state from the conductive member (221). In this case, the first electrical connection member (P1) may include a pogo pin or a conductive post arranged in a manner of penetrating a through hole formed in the non-conductive member (222). In some embodiments, the first electrical connection member (P1) may include a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) or a flexible RF cable (FRC) that is bypassed to the outer surface of the non-conductive member (222) that partially fills the first opening (OP1). In one embodiment, the wearable electronic device (220) may include at least one antenna configured to transmit and / or receive a wireless signal in at least one frequency band (e.g., about 600 MHz to 6000 MHz) through a conductive cover (230) that is electrically connected to a wireless communication circuit (192) arranged on the substrate (240).

[0071] According to various embodiments, the wearable electronic device (200) may include a second electrical connection member (P2) and / or a third electrical connection member (P3) that electrically connect at least one point of the conductive cover (230) and the conductive member (221). In one embodiment, the conductive cover (230) may be grounded by being connected to the conductive member (221) connected to the ground of the substrate (240) at a specific point through the second electrical connection member (P2) and / or the third electrical connection member (P3). Through this grounding structure, the operating frequency band of the antenna using the conductive cover (230) may be determined. In some embodiments, at least one of the second electrical connection member (P2) or the third electrical connection member (P3) may be omitted. In some embodiments, in addition to the second electrical connection member (P2) and / or the third electrical connection member (P3), at least one other electrical connection member may be additionally applied for grounding.

[0072] According to various embodiments, the antenna member (209) may include at least one of a conductive member, a conductive plate, a flexible substrate, or a conductive pattern that is electrically connected to a wireless communication circuit (e.g., a wireless communication module (192) of FIG. 1) disposed on the substrate (240) to transmit and / or receive a wireless signal in a designated frequency band. In some embodiments, the antenna member (209) may be disposed in a space between the rear cover (207) and the sensor cover (208), and may be electrically connected to the substrate (240). In some embodiments, the electronic device (200) may include another antenna member (not shown), for example, a near field communication (NFC) antenna, a wireless charging antenna (e.g., a wireless charging antenna (420) of FIG. 6A), and / or a magnetic secure transmission (MST) antenna. Another antenna element may be configured to, for example, communicate with an external device over a short distance, wirelessly transmit and receive power required for charging, or transmit a magnetic-based signal including a short-range communication signal or payment data. Referring to FIG. 6A, which will be described later, the wearable electronic device (200) may include a wireless charging antenna (420). The wireless charging antenna (420) may communicate with an external electronic device over a short distance, or wirelessly transmit and receive power required for charging. In one embodiment, the wireless charging antenna (420) may be connected to a battery (189) and charge the battery (189) via an induced current supplied by an external charging device (not shown).

[0073] In one embodiment, the wearable electronic device (200) may include a magnetic member (not shown) disposed around the wireless charging antenna (420). In one embodiment, the magnetic member may be disposed in a form that surrounds the wireless charging antenna (420) or may be disposed inside the wearable electronic device (200) adjacent to the wireless charging antenna (420). In one embodiment, the external charging device may be disposed on the back surface (210B) of the wearable electronic device (200). As an attractive force is generated between the magnet of the external charging device and the magnetic member of the wearable electronic device (200), the external charging device may be fixed in position on the back surface (210B) of the wearable electronic device (200). In one embodiment, the wireless charging antenna (420) may transmit and receive power to and from a transmission coil of the external charging device in a frequency band corresponding to the WPC (Wireless Power Consortium) standard. In one embodiment, an induced current may be generated in the receiving coil of the wireless charging antenna (420) by a magnetic field generated from the transmitting coil of an external charging device. The wireless charging antenna (420) may charge the battery (189) through the induced current.

[0074] FIG. 4A is a diagram for explaining a stacking relationship between a rear plate, an antenna member, and a cover member of a wearable electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 4B is a diagram for explaining a stacking relationship between a rear plate, a waterproof member, and a cover member of a wearable electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 5A is a diagram for explaining a stacking relationship between a rear plate, a waterproof member, and a cover member of a wearable electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 5B is a diagram for explaining a state in which an antenna member is disposed on a rear plate of a wearable electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B are cross-sectional views of a portion of a wearable electronic device when viewed from the side of the wearable electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 6C is a diagram for explaining a state in which an antenna member of the present disclosure is disposed on a portion of a rear plate formed of a conductive material.

[0075] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a wearable electronic device (200) may include a housing (210) that includes a first side (210A) (or front side), a second side (210B) (or back side), and a side surface (210C) surrounding a space between the first side (210A) and the second side (210B). The housing (210) may also refer to a structure that forms a portion of the first side (210A), the second side (210B), and the side surface (210C) of FIG. 2A. In one embodiment, the second side (210B) of the housing (210) may be formed by a back plate (310) (e.g., a back cover, the back plate (207) of FIG. 2B) and a cover member (320) coupled with the back plate (310) (e.g., a sensor cover (208) of FIG. 2B). In one embodiment, the back plate (310) and the cover member (320) may at least partially form part of the exterior of the wearable electronic device (200).

[0076] According to various embodiments, as illustrated in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the cover member (320) may be disposed and coupled to the rear plate (310). In one embodiment, the cover member (320) may include a first cover member (321) and a second cover member (322). In one embodiment, the biosensor module (330) of the wearable electronic device (200) (e.g., the sensor module (211) of FIG. 2B) may be disposed between the first cover member (321) and the rear plate (310). In one embodiment, the first cover member (321) may serve as a cover that protects the biosensor module (330) and at least a portion of the first cover member (321) may constitute a portion of the exterior of the wearable electronic device (200). The first cover member (321) may be brought into contact with a part of the user's body (e.g., a wrist) to receive a biosignal of the user through the biosensor module (330). In one embodiment, the second cover member (322) may be formed in a shape that surrounds the exterior of the first cover member (321).

[0077] According to various embodiments, the first cover member (321), the second cover member (322), and the rear plate (310) may be coupled via an adhesive member (e.g., bond, double-sided tape). For example, the first cover member (321) and the second cover member (322) may be coupled via an adhesive member disposed between the first cover member (321) and the second cover member (322). The second cover member (322) and the rear plate (310) may be coupled via an adhesive member disposed between the second cover member (322) and the rear plate (310).

[0078] In one embodiment, referring to FIGS. 4A to 6A, the first cover member (321) may be disposed on the second cover member (322). Referring to FIG. 6A, the first cover member (321) and the second cover member (322) may cover different portions of the antenna member (410) disposed on the rear plate (310). In one embodiment, the first cover member (321) may cover the first antenna portion (411) of the antenna member (410) disposed on the rear plate (310) when the rear plate (310) is viewed from above (e.g., in the + Z direction of FIG. 6A). The second cover member (322) may cover the second antenna portion (412) of the antenna member (410) disposed on the outside of the first antenna portion (411) when the rear plate (310) is viewed from above (e.g., in the + Z direction of FIG. 6A). In the above description, the first cover member (321) and the second cover member (322) are described as physically distinct structures, but may not be limited thereto. In one embodiment, the first cover member (321) and the second cover member (322) are formed integrally and may be distinguished according to a portion facing the antenna member (410) arranged on the rear plate (310) (e.g., the first antenna portion (411), the second antenna portion (412)).

[0079] According to various embodiments, as illustrated in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the rear plate (310) may include a first surface (310A) facing the display (201) and a second surface (310B) opposite the first surface (310A). In one embodiment, an antenna member (410) may be disposed on the second surface (310B) of the rear plate (310). In one embodiment, the antenna member (410) may include a conductive material. For example, the antenna member (410) may be a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) antenna formed of a flexible material. However, the antenna member (410) may include various antennas, such as an LDS antenna, a PIFA antenna, and a monopole antenna, in addition to the FPCB. The antenna member (410) is electrically connected to a printed circuit board (301) (e.g., the board (240) of FIG. 3, the printed circuit board (301) of FIG. 8A) that is electrically connected to a wireless communication circuit (e.g., the wireless communication module (192) of FIG. 1) so as to transmit and / or receive a wireless signal in a specific resonant frequency band. Referring to FIG. 8A described below, the printed circuit board (301) may be arranged between the front plate (202) and the first surface (310A) of the rear plate (310) and may be arranged in the internal space of the housing (210).

[0080] According to various embodiments, the wireless communication circuit (192) can transmit a wireless signal to an external electronic device or receive a wireless signal from an external electronic device in a preset resonant frequency band through the antenna member (410). The antenna member (410) can operate as an antenna supporting a frequency band of 3G (generation), LTE (long term evolution), GPS (global positioning system), and / or Wi-Fi by being powered through the wireless communication circuit (192). For example, the antenna member (410) can transmit or receive wireless communication signals in a low band (e.g., about 600 MHz to 1 GHz), a mid band (e.g., about 1.5 GHz to 2.2 GHz), a high band (e.g., about 2.2 GHz to 2.7 GHz), a global positioning system (GPS) (e.g., L1 frequency, L2 frequency, L3 frequency, L4 frequency, L5 frequency), a Wifi band (e.g., about 2.4 GHz, about 5 to 6 GHz) band by being powered through a wireless communication circuit (192). In addition, the antenna member (410) can transmit or receive wireless signals in various frequency bands.

[0081] According to various embodiments, as illustrated in FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 5A, the antenna member (410) may be composed of a plurality of parts. In one embodiment, the antenna member (410) may include a first antenna part (411), a second antenna part (412) disposed outside the first antenna part (411), and at least one connecting portion (413) connecting the first antenna part (411) and the second antenna part (412) between the first antenna part (411) and the second antenna part (412). In one embodiment, the second antenna part (412) may be disposed outside the first antenna part (411) to surround at least a portion of the first antenna part (411). In one embodiment, the wearable electronic device (200) may change the resonant frequency band of the antenna member (410) by increasing the electrical length of the antenna member (410) as the first antenna portion (411) and the second antenna portion (412) are connected through the connection portion (413). In one embodiment, the wearable electronic device (200) may change the band of the resonant frequency through the antenna member (410) depending on the number of connection portions (413) and / or the relative positions of the connection portions (413) with respect to the first antenna portion (411) and the second antenna portion (412). For example, as the electrical length of the antenna member (410) increases, the resonant frequency band of the antenna member (410) may shift to the low band range. Conversely, as the electrical length of the antenna member (410) decreases, the resonant frequency band of the antenna member (410) may shift to the mid / high band range.

[0082] According to various embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 5A, the antenna member (410) may include a plurality of connecting portions (413). In one embodiment, the first antenna portion (411) and the second antenna portion (412) of the antenna member (410) may be electrically connected via the first connecting portion (4131) and the second connecting portion (4132). Accordingly, the antenna member (410) may adjust the resonant frequency band by changing the number of antenna portions (411, 412), the connecting portions (413), and / or the relative positions of the connecting portions (413) with respect to the first antenna portion (411) and the second antenna portion (412). Referring to FIGS. 9A and 9B described below, it can be confirmed that the resonant frequency shifts as the relative positions of the connecting portions (413) with respect to the first antenna portion (411) and the second antenna portion (412) are changed.

[0083] According to various embodiments, the antenna element (410) can operate as a multi-band antenna in different frequency bands depending on the number of antenna portions (411, 412), the number of connecting portions (413) and / or the relative positions of the connecting portions (413) with respect to the first antenna portion (411) and the second antenna portion (412).

[0084] According to various embodiments, the wearable electronic device (200) may include at least one switching circuit disposed in an electrical path connecting the antenna member (410) and the ground of the printed circuit board (301). The switching circuit may be connected to a plurality of elements including capacitors and / or inductors having different element values. The switching circuit may include a switch for electrically connecting at least one of the plurality of elements or opening an electrical path. A processor (e.g., processor (120) of FIG. 1) may control the switching circuit so that a resonant frequency band operated in the antenna member (410) may be varied based on status information of the wearable electronic device (200). For example, the processor (120) may check the signal strength of the wireless communication circuit (192) and adjust the resonant frequency band operated in the antenna member (410) through the switching circuit based on the fact that a certain level of signal strength is not secured in a specific resonant frequency band. In one embodiment, the processor (120) may adjust the resonant frequency band operated in the antenna element (410) to optimize power consumption of the wearable electronic device (200). In one embodiment, the processor (120) may control a switching circuit to adjust the resonant frequency operated in the antenna element (410) so as to transmit or receive a wireless communication signal in a specific band. In addition, the processor (120) may control the switching circuit based on various status information of the wearable electronic device (200) to adjust the resonant frequency band operated in the antenna element (410).

[0085] In one embodiment, the antenna member (410) may be formed in various shapes. Referring to FIG. 4A, the first antenna portion (411) and the second antenna portion (412) of the antenna member (410) may be formed in a shape that is at least partially circular. In some embodiments, the first antenna portion (411) and the second antenna portion (412) may be formed in a polygonal or linear shape other than a circle.

[0086] In the above description, the antenna member (410) is described as being divided into a first antenna portion (411), a second antenna portion (412), and a connection portion (413), but may not be physically divided. For example, the first antenna portion (411), the second antenna portion (412), and the connection portion (413) may be conceptually divided for convenience of description, and may be formed as one piece.

[0087] Additionally, the antenna member (410) may include an additional antenna portion disposed on the inner side of the first antenna portion (411) and / or the outer side of the second antenna portion (412), and the additional antenna portion may be electrically and physically connected to another antenna portion (e.g., the first antenna portion (411) and / or the second antenna portion (412)) via a connection portion (413).

[0088] According to various embodiments, at least one waterproof member (e.g., the sealing member (2071) of FIG. 3, the first waterproof member (WP1), the second waterproof member (WP2), and / or the third waterproof member (WP) of FIG. 4B) may be disposed between the rear plate (310) and the cover member (320), as illustrated in FIGS. 4B and 6A. In one embodiment, the waterproof member may form a sealed space in the wearable electronic device (200) for waterproofing and / or repelling moisture and foreign substances that may enter from the outside of the wearable electronic device (200).

[0089] In one embodiment, referring to FIGS. 4B and 6A, the waterproofing member may include a first waterproofing member (WP1) disposed between the second cover member (322) and the rear plate (310), a second waterproofing member (WP2) disposed between the second cover member (322) and the rear plate (310), and a third waterproofing member (WP3) disposed between the first cover member (321) and the second cover member (322). In one embodiment, the first waterproofing member (WP1) and the second waterproofing member (WP2) may form at least one waterproof space between the second cover member (322) and the rear plate (310). For example, referring to FIG. 6A, the first waterproofing member (WP1) may be disposed between the first antenna portion (411) and the second antenna portion (412) of the antenna portion (410) in the rear plate (310). The second waterproofing member (WP2) may be arranged on the outer side of the second antenna portion (412) of the antenna member (410) in the rear plate (310). Accordingly, a waterproof space may be formed in the space between the first waterproofing member (WP1) and the second waterproofing member (WP2), the inner space of the first waterproofing member (WP1), and the inner space of the second waterproofing member (WP2) through the first waterproofing member (WP1) and the second waterproofing member (WP2). In one embodiment, the third waterproofing member (WP3) may be arranged between the first cover member (321) and the second cover member (322) to block moisture and / or dust that may flow between the first cover member (321) and the second cover member (322). In one embodiment, referring to FIGS. 6A and 6B and FIGS. 7A and 7B described below, the third waterproof member (WP3) may not overlap the first antenna portion (411) and the second antenna portion (412) when the rear plate (310) is viewed from above (e.g., in the +Z direction of FIG. 6A).Additionally, the third waterproofing member (WP3) may or may not overlap at least partially with the first waterproofing member (WP1) and the second waterproofing member (WP2) when the rear plate (310) is viewed from above (e.g., in the + Z direction of FIG. 6a).

[0090] According to various embodiments, as illustrated in FIGS. 4B and 5A, the first waterproofing member (WP1) may be segmented into a plurality of parts. In one embodiment, the first waterproofing member (WP1) may be disposed between the first antenna portion (411) and the second antenna portion (412) and may be disposed so as not to overlap with the connection portion (413) of the antenna portion (410) when the rear plate (310) is viewed from above. Accordingly, the first waterproofing member (WP1) may be segmented into a plurality of parts and may be disposed on the rear plate (310) so as not to overlap with the connection portion (413) between the first antenna portion (411) and the second antenna portion (412). In addition, in the above description, the number and shape of the waterproofing members disposed between the first cover member (321) and the second cover member (322) and between the second cover member (322) and the rear plate (310) are exemplary, and the number and shape of the waterproofing members may be variously modified.

[0091] According to various embodiments, as illustrated in FIGS. 6A and 6B , the wearable electronic device (200) may include a wireless charging antenna (420). In one embodiment, the wireless charging antenna (420) may be configured to perform short-range communication with an external electronic device, wirelessly transmit and receive power required for charging, and transmit a magnetic-based signal including a short-range communication signal or payment data. In one embodiment, the wireless charging antenna (420) may support one or more of various wireless charging methods, including a magnetic resonance method or a magnetic induction method.

[0092] In one embodiment, referring to FIGS. 6A and 6B, the wireless charging antenna (420) may be disposed between the first cover member (321) and the second surface (310B) of the rear plate (310). The wireless charging antenna (420) may be disposed in a separate mechanism (e.g., a support bracket (421)) disposed between the first cover member (321) and the second surface (310B) of the rear plate (310). In one embodiment, referring to FIG. 6B, the wireless charging antenna (420) may be fixed to the first cover member (321) via an adhesive member (402). In one embodiment, the support bracket (421) may be formed of a metal or non-metal material. The battery of the wearable electronic device (200) (e.g., battery (189) of FIG. 1) can be charged via a wireless charging antenna (420) as the charger is placed on the cover member (320).

[0093] According to various embodiments, as illustrated in FIGS. 4a to 6b, the rear plate (310) may be formed of a non-metallic material, such as a portion (e.g., a first portion (311)) where the antenna member (410) is disposed, so that the rear plate (310) does not deteriorate the quality of signal reception or signal transmission of the antenna member (410). In one embodiment, the rear plate (310) may include a first portion (311) (e.g., a first rear plate) comprising a non-metallic material and a second portion (312) (e.g., a second rear plate) comprising a metal material. In one embodiment, the rear plate (310) may be formed of different materials (e.g., a non-metallic material and a metal material) through an insert injection process. In one embodiment, the metal material may include an alloy such as aluminum, stainless steel (STS, SUS), iron, magnesium, titanium, etc., and the non-metallic material may include a synthetic resin, ceramic, or engineering plastic. In one embodiment, the first portion (311) may be formed of a rear The plate (310) may be a portion where the antenna member (410) is placed. The second portion (312) is located on the outside of the first portion (311) and may constitute at least a portion of the exterior of the wearable electronic device (200). Accordingly, the rear plate (310) may not reduce the radiation performance of the antenna member (410) by forming the portion (e.g., the first portion (311)) where the antenna member (410) is placed from a non-metallic material.

[0094] In one embodiment, FIG. 6B may be a schematic diagram of FIG. 6A with the second portion (312) of the rear plate (310) omitted. In one embodiment, a step may be formed in the first portion (311) of the rear plate (310) between the area where the first antenna portion (411) and the second antenna portion (412) of the antenna member (410) are arranged. In one embodiment, the first antenna portion (411) and the second antenna portion (412) may be physically / electrically connected through a connecting portion (413) located in the step area formed in the first portion (311) of the rear plate (310). Referring to FIG. 7A, which will be described later, the step area of ​​the first part (311) (e.g., the third area (3103) of FIG. 7A) may be formed to be inclined so as to connect the area where the first antenna part (411) is arranged (e.g., the first area (3101) of FIG. 7A) and the area where the second antenna part (412) is arranged (e.g., the second area (3102) of FIG. 7A).

[0095] In one embodiment, FIG. 6c may be an embodiment in which the antenna member (410) is disposed on a portion (e.g., the second portion (312)) formed of a metal material in the rear plate (310). In one embodiment, a step may be formed in the second portion (312) of the rear plate (310) between an area where the first antenna portion (411) and the second antenna portion (412) of the antenna member (410) are disposed. In one embodiment, the first antenna portion (411) and the second antenna portion (412) may be physically / electrically connected through a connecting portion (413) located in the stepped area formed in the second portion (312) of the rear plate (310). In one embodiment, a shielding member (403) including a conductive material may be disposed between the second portion (312) of the back plate (310) and the first antenna portion (411) and / or between the second portion (312) of the back plate (310) and the second antenna portion (412). In one embodiment, the shielding member (403) may shield electromagnetic waves generated from the antenna member (410) from being applied to electronic components adjacent to the antenna member (410) or may shield electromagnetic waves generated from electronic components from being applied to the antenna member (410).

[0096] Fig. 7a is a cross-sectional view taken along line 7a-7a of Fig. 5a. Fig. 7b is a cross-sectional view taken along line 7b-7b of Fig. 5a.

[0097] According to various embodiments, as illustrated in the aforementioned FIGS. 5A, 7A, and 7B, the back plate (310) may be formed on the second surface (310B) and may include a first region (e.g., first portion) (3101) where the antenna member (410) is disposed, a second region (e.g., second portion) (3102), and a third region (e.g., third portion) (3103). In one embodiment, the first region (3101) may be a portion of the back plate (310) where the first antenna portion (411) of the antenna member (410) is disposed. The second region (3102) may be a portion of the back plate (310) where the second antenna portion (412) of the antenna member (410) is disposed, and may be formed on the outside of the first region (3101). The third region (3103) may be a portion of the rear plate (310) where the connection portion (413) of the antenna member (410) is disposed. In one embodiment, the first region (3101) may be a groove or recess formed in the second face (310B) of the rear plate (310) so that the first antenna portion (411) may be accommodated therein. In one embodiment, the second region (3102) may be a groove or recess formed in the second face (310B) of the rear plate (310) so that the second antenna portion (412) may be accommodated therein. In one embodiment, the third region (3103) may connect the first region (3101) and the second region (3102). Accordingly, a connection portion (413) may be disposed to connect the first antenna portion (411) and the second antenna portion (412).

[0098] According to various embodiments, as illustrated in FIGS. 7A and 7B , the second region (3102) may be positioned lower (e.g., in the + Z direction of FIG. 7A ) than the first region (3101) when the wearable electronic device (200) is viewed from the side (210C). For example, the second region (3102) may be positioned in a direction from the second surface (310B) of the rear plate (310) toward the first surface (310A) with respect to the first region (3101) when the second surface (310B) of the rear plate (310) is viewed. Accordingly, when the wearable electronic device (200) is viewed from the side (210C), the first region (3101) and the second region (3102) are not substantially positioned on the same plane, and thus a step may be formed between the first region (3101) and the second region (3102). In one embodiment, the third region (3103) may be formed to be inclined so that the first region (3101) and the second region (3102) may be connected. For example, referring to FIG. 7A described below, the third region (3103) may be formed to be inclined from the first region (3101) toward the second region (3102). The first antenna portion (411) disposed in the first region (3101), the second antenna portion (412) disposed in the second region (3102), and the third antenna portion (413) disposed in the third region (3103) may be connected to each other. However, the positional relationship between the first region (3101) and the second region (3102) described above is exemplary, and in some embodiments, the first region (3101) may be located below the second region (3102) (e.g., in the + Z direction of FIG. 7A). In this case, when looking at the second surface (310B) of the rear plate (310), the first region (3101) may be located in a direction from the second surface (310B) toward the first surface (310A) with respect to the second region (3102). In some embodiments, the first region (3101) and the second region (3102) may be positioned substantially parallel.

[0099] According to various embodiments, the first antenna portion (411) and the second antenna portion (412) of the antenna member (410) may be spaced apart in a direction perpendicular to the rear plate (310) (e.g., in the Z-axis direction of FIG. 7A) by forming a step between the first region (3101) and the second region (3102). In one embodiment, the antenna member (410) may have its resonant frequency adjusted based on the vertical distance (e.g., the length in the Z-axis direction of FIG. 7A) between the first antenna portion (411) and the second antenna portion (412). Accordingly, the height of the step between the first region (3101) and the second region (3102) may be formed based on the vertical distance (e.g., the length in the Z-axis direction of FIG. 7A) between the first antenna portion (411) and the second antenna portion (412).

[0100] FIGS. 8A, 8B, and 8C are drawings for explaining the stacking relationship of a back plate, a flexible printed circuit board, a shield can, and a substrate according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0101] According to various embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 8A, a flexible printed circuit board (303), a shield can (302), and a printed circuit board (301) may be stacked on a first surface (310A) of the rear plate (310). In one embodiment, referring to FIG. 8C, an antenna member (410) - a flexible printed circuit board (303) - a shield can (302) - a printed circuit board (301) may be sequentially stacked inside the wearable electronic device (200). In one embodiment, the flexible printed circuit board (303) may electrically connect the biosensor module (330) and the printed circuit board (301). In one embodiment, the shield can (302) may be arranged on one surface of the printed circuit board (301) to accommodate electronic components arranged on the printed circuit board (301). In one embodiment, the flexible printed circuit board (303) may be bonded to the shield can (302) via an adhesive member (401) disposed between the shield can (302) and the flexible printed circuit board (303).

[0102] According to various embodiments, as illustrated in FIGS. 8B and 8C, the antenna member (410), the flexible printed circuit board (303), and the printed circuit board (301) can be spaced apart from each other by the adhesive member (401). For example, the flexible printed circuit board (303) can be placed on the first side (310A) of the rear plate (310) and can be bonded to the shield can (302) by the adhesive member (401). Accordingly, the flexible printed circuit board (303) can be fixed in position relative to the adjacently placed printed circuit board (301) and the antenna member (410) by being fixed to the shield can (302) by the adhesive member (401). For example, the movement of the flexible printed circuit board (303) relative to the printed circuit board (301) and the antenna member (410) can be reduced compared to before it is fixed to the shield can (302) by the adhesive member (401). Accordingly, the antenna member (410) can be prevented from reducing the antenna radiation efficiency that may occur when the flexible printed circuit board (303) and the printed circuit board (301) unintentionally come close to the antenna member (410) by maintaining a gap with respect to the adjacently arranged electrical materials, the flexible printed circuit board (303) and the printed circuit board (301).

[0103] FIG. 9A is a graph illustrating the antenna radiation performance of an antenna element disposed on a rear plate according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 9B is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the resonant frequency and the input reflection coefficient of an antenna element disposed on a rear plate according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0104] According to various embodiments, the X-axis (horizontal axis) of the graph of FIG. 9a may be frequency (MHz), and the Y-axis (vertical axis) may be antenna radiation performance. The X-axis (horizontal axis) of the graph of FIG. 9b may be frequency (MHz), and the Y-axis (vertical axis) may be input reflection coefficient.

[0105] According to various embodiments, FIGS. 9A and 9B may be graphs showing radiation efficiency and input reflection coefficient of the antenna member (410) as the positions of the connection portions (413) for the first antenna portion (411) and the second antenna portion (412) of the antenna member (410) are varied. In one embodiment, the first-first graph (511) of FIG. 9A and the second-first graph (521) of FIG. 10A may be graphs for radiation efficiency and input reflection coefficient before the positions of the connection portions (413) for the first antenna portion (411) and the second antenna portion (412) are varied. In one embodiment, the 1-2 graph (512) of FIG. 9a and the 2-2 graph (522) of FIG. 10a may be graphs of radiation efficiency and input reflection coefficient after the positions of the connection portions (413) for the first antenna portion (411) and the second antenna portion (412) are changed.

[0106] In one embodiment, referring to FIGS. 9A and 9B , the antenna length of the antenna member (410) can be varied by changing the positions of the connection portion (413) with respect to the first antenna portion (411) and the second antenna portion (412). For example, as the antenna length of the antenna member (410) increases, it can be confirmed that the antenna radiation efficiency increases in a band where the resonant frequency is relatively low, as shown by the change from the 1-1 graph (511), which is a radiation efficiency graph of the antenna member (410), to the 1-2 graph (512). In addition, it can be confirmed that the 2-2 graph (522), which represents the input reflection coefficient of the antenna member (410) after the movement of the connection portion (413), has a relatively low input reflection coefficient in a band where the input reflection coefficient is reduced compared to the 2-1 graph (521), which is an input reflection coefficient graph before the movement of the connection portion (413). As the input reflection coefficient decreases, the antenna radiation performance can be higher. Accordingly, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the wearable electronic device (200) can change the resonant frequency of the antenna member (410) by changing the position and / or number of the connecting portions (413).

[0107] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a wearable electronic device (200) may include a housing (210). The wearable electronic device may include a display (160, 201) disposed in the housing and facing a front side (210A) of the housing. The wearable electronic device may include a first side (310A) facing the display and a second side (310B) opposite the first side, and a rear plate (207, 310) disposed on a rear side (210B) of the housing and forming at least a portion of an exterior of the wearable electronic device. The wearable electronic device may include a first antenna portion (411), a second antenna portion (412) disposed on an outer side of the first antenna portion, and at least one connecting portion (413) connecting the first antenna portion and the second antenna portion, and an antenna member (410) disposed on a second surface of the rear plate and configured to transmit or receive a wireless signal. The wearable electronic device may include a first cover member (321) covering at least a portion of the first antenna portion and a second cover member (322) covering at least a portion of the second antenna portion, and may include a cover member (320) at least a portion of which is disposed on the second surface of the rear plate. The wearable electronic device may include a waterproof member (WP1, WP2, WP3) disposed between the cover member and the rear plate.

[0108] In one embodiment, the rear plate may include a first region (3101) in which the first antenna portion is disposed, a second region (3102) in which the second antenna portion is disposed, and a third region (3103) in which the connecting portion is disposed. The first region and the second region may be recesses formed on a second surface of the rear plate.

[0109] In one embodiment, the second region may be positioned in a direction from the second surface toward the first surface with respect to the first region when looking at the second surface of the back plate.

[0110] In one embodiment, the third region may be inclined relative to the first region and the second region.

[0111] In one embodiment, the resonant frequency of the antenna element may be varied based on the distance between the first antenna portion and the second antenna portion and the number of connecting portions. The distance between the first antenna portion and the second antenna portion may be a distance in a direction perpendicular to the rear plate.

[0112] In one embodiment, the waterproof member may include a first waterproof member (WP1) disposed between the cover member and the rear plate, and disposed between the first antenna portion and the second antenna portion when the cover member is viewed from above.

[0113] In one embodiment, the first waterproof member may not overlap the connecting portion when the rear plate is viewed from above.

[0114] In one embodiment, the waterproof member may include a second waterproof member (WP2) disposed between the second cover member and the rear plate, and disposed on the outside of the second antenna portion when the cover member is viewed from above.

[0115] In one embodiment, the waterproof member may include a third waterproof member (WP3) disposed between the first cover member and the second cover member.

[0116] In one embodiment, the third waterproof member may be disposed between the first antenna portion and the second antenna portion when the rear plate is viewed from above.

[0117] In one embodiment, the back plate may include a first portion (311) comprising a non-metallic material and a second portion (312) comprising a metallic material and surrounding the first portion. The antenna member may be disposed in the first portion.

[0118] In one embodiment, the second portion of the back plate may form at least a portion of the exterior of the wearable electronic device.

[0119] In one embodiment, the device may further include a biometric sensor module (330) disposed on the second side of the rear plate and overlapping at least a portion of the first antenna portion when the cover member is viewed from above. The biometric sensor module may be disposed between the first cover member and the rear plate.

[0120] In one embodiment, the wearable electronic device may further include a printed circuit board (240, 301) disposed in the housing, a shield can (302) disposed on the printed circuit board and facing a first surface of the rear plate, a flexible printed circuit board (303) disposed on the first surface of the rear plate and connecting the biosensor module and the printed circuit board, and an adhesive member (401) disposed between the flexible printed circuit board and the shield can.

[0121] In one embodiment, the wireless charging antenna (420) may further be disposed between the first cover member and the second surface of the rear plate.

[0122] In one embodiment, at least a portion of the first antenna portion and the second antenna portion may be circular or polygonal.

[0123] In one embodiment, the first cover member and the second cover member may be formed integrally.

[0124] In one embodiment, the antenna element can transmit or receive wireless signals in different frequency bands.

[0125] In one embodiment, the wearable electronic device may further include a printed circuit board (240, 301), a wireless communication circuit (192) disposed on the printed circuit board and electrically connected to the antenna member to transmit or receive a wireless signal in at least one frequency band. The wireless communication circuit may transmit or receive a wireless signal in at least one of a low band, a mid band, and a high band frequency band through the antenna member.

[0126] According to various embodiments disclosed in this document, an antenna member (410) for transmitting or receiving a wireless signal to or from an external electronic device may be disposed between a cover member (320) and a rear plate (310) that constitute a part of the exterior of a wearable electronic device (200). In one embodiment, the antenna member (410) may be composed of a plurality of parts (e.g., a first antenna part (411) and a second antenna part (412)) between the cover member (320) and the rear plate (310).

[0127] The antenna member (410) may have multiple parts that are connected to each other through at least one connecting portion (413). As the multiple parts are connected to each other through the connecting portion (413), the antenna member (410) may be arranged in the space between the cover member (320) and the rear plate (310) while avoiding a mechanism (e.g., waterproof members (WP1, WP2, WP3)) that is arranged between the cover member (320) and the rear plate (310). Accordingly, as the multiple parts of the antenna member (410) are connected through the connecting portion (413), the autonomy of the arrangement space within the wearable electronic device (200) may be improved. In addition, the wearable electronic device (200) may implement various antenna patterns through the antenna member (410) to transmit or receive wireless signals in various bands.

[0128] The resonant frequency range of the antenna member (410) can be changed as the number of connecting portions (410) and / or the relative positions of the connecting portions (413) with respect to the plurality of portions (411, 412) of the antenna member (410) are changed. Accordingly, the wearable electronic device (200) can tune the resonant frequency by changing the antenna length of the antenna member (410).

[0129] Electronic devices according to the various embodiments disclosed in this document may take various forms. Electronic devices may include, for example, portable communication devices (e.g., smartphones), computer devices, portable multimedia devices, portable medical devices, cameras, wearable devices, or home appliances. Electronic devices according to the embodiments of this document are not limited to the aforementioned devices.

[0130] The various embodiments of this document and the terminology used therein are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments, but should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutes of the embodiments. In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components. The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of the items, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this document, each of the phrases "A or B", "at least one of A and B", "at least one of A or B", "A, B, or C", "at least one of A, B, and C", and "at least one of A, B, or C" can include any one of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase among those phrases, or all possible combinations thereof. Terms such as "first," "second," or "first" or "second" may be used merely to distinguish one component from another, and do not limit the components in any other respect (e.g., importance or order). When a component (e.g., a first component) is referred to as "coupled" or "connected" to another (e.g., a second component), with or without the terms "functionally" or "communicatively," it means that the component can be connected to the other component directly (e.g., wired), wirelessly, or through a third component.

[0131] The term "module" used in various embodiments of this document may include a unit implemented in hardware, software, or firmware, and may be used interchangeably with terms such as logic, logic block, component, or circuit. A module may be an integral component, or a minimum unit or part of such a component that performs one or more functions. For example, according to one embodiment, a module may be implemented in the form of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0132] Various embodiments of the present document may be implemented as software (e.g., a program (140)) including one or more instructions stored in a storage medium (e.g., an internal memory (136) or an external memory (138)) readable by a machine (e.g., an electronic device (101)). For example, a processor (e.g., a processor (120)) of the machine (e.g., an electronic device (101)) may call at least one instruction among the one or more instructions stored from the storage medium and execute it. This enables the machine to operate to perform at least one function according to the at least one called instruction. The one or more instructions may include code generated by a compiler or code executable by an interpreter. The machine-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, 'non-transitory' simply means that the storage medium is a tangible device and does not contain signals (e.g., electromagnetic waves), and the term does not distinguish between cases where data is stored semi-permanently or temporarily on the storage medium.

[0133] According to one embodiment, the method according to various embodiments disclosed in this document may be provided as a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded between sellers and buyers as a product. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a device-readable storage medium (e.g., compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM)) or may be provided through an application store (e.g., Play Store). TM ) or directly between two user devices (e.g., smart phones), online distribution (e.g., downloading or uploading). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product may be at least temporarily stored or temporarily created in a machine-readable storage medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or an intermediary server.

[0134] According to various embodiments, each component (e.g., a module or a program) of the above-described components may include one or more entities, and some of the entities may be separated and placed in other components. According to various embodiments, one or more components or operations of the aforementioned components may be omitted, or one or more other components or operations may be added. Alternatively or additionally, a plurality of components (e.g., a module or a program) may be integrated into a single component. In such a case, the integrated component may perform one or more functions of each of the plurality of components identically or similarly to those performed by the corresponding component among the plurality of components prior to the integration. According to various embodiments, the operations performed by a module, program, or other component may be executed sequentially, in parallel, iteratively, or heuristically, or one or more of the operations may be executed in a different order, omitted, or one or more other operations may be added.

Claims

1. In a wearable electronic device (200), Housing (210); A display (160, 201) disposed in the housing and facing the front (210A) of the housing; A back plate (207, 310) including a first side (310A) facing the display and a second side (310B) opposite the first side, and disposed on the back surface (210B) of the housing and forming at least a part of the exterior of the wearable electronic device; An antenna member (410) comprising a first antenna portion (411), a second antenna portion (412) disposed on the outside of the first antenna portion, and at least one connecting portion (413) connecting the first antenna portion and the second antenna portion, and which is disposed on the second surface of the rear plate and transmits or receives a wireless signal; A cover member (320) comprising a first cover member (321) covering at least a portion of the first antenna portion and a second cover member (322) covering at least a portion of the second antenna portion, at least a portion of which is disposed on the second surface of the rear plate; and A wearable electronic device comprising a waterproof member (WP1, WP2, WP3) disposed between the cover member and the rear plate.

2. In paragraph 1, The above rear plate, It includes a first area (3101) where the first antenna part is arranged, a second area (3102) where the second antenna part is arranged, and a third area (3103) where the connecting part is arranged. The first area and the second area are, A wearable electronic device having a recess formed on the second surface of the rear plate.

3. In paragraph 2, A wearable electronic device wherein the second region is positioned in a direction from the second region toward the first surface when looking at the second surface of the rear plate.

4. In paragraph 3, The third area above is, A wearable electronic device having an inclined surface with respect to the first region and the second region.

5. In paragraph 1, The resonant frequency of the above antenna member is It changes based on the distance between the first antenna part and the second antenna part and the number of connecting parts, The distance between the first antenna portion and the second antenna portion is A wearable electronic device, the distance being perpendicular to the rear plate.

6. In paragraph 1, The above waterproofing material is, A wearable electronic device comprising a first waterproof member (WP1) disposed between the cover member and the rear plate, and disposed between the first antenna portion and the second antenna portion when the cover member is viewed from above.

7. In paragraph 6, The above first waterproofing member is, A wearable electronic device in which the rear plate does not overlap with the connecting portion when viewed from above.

8. In paragraph 7, The above waterproofing material is, A wearable electronic device comprising a second waterproof member (WP2) disposed between the second cover member and the rear plate, and disposed on the outer side of the second antenna portion when the cover member is viewed from above.

9. In paragraph 6, The above waterproofing material is, Including a third waterproof member (WP3) disposed between the first cover member and the second cover member, The third waterproofing member is, A wearable electronic device disposed between the first antenna portion and the second antenna portion when the rear plate is viewed from above.

10. In paragraph 1, The above rear plate, It includes a first part (311) including a non-metallic material and a second part (312) including a metal material and surrounding the first part, The above antenna member is, A wearable electronic device disposed in the first section above.

11. In paragraph 10, The second part of the above rear plate is, A wearable electronic device forming at least a portion of the exterior of the wearable electronic device.

12. In paragraph 1, It further includes a biometric sensor module (330) disposed on the second side of the rear plate and overlapping at least a portion of the first antenna portion when the cover member is viewed from above; The above biosensor module, A wearable electronic device disposed between the first cover member and the rear plate.

13. In paragraph 12, A printed circuit board (240, 301) placed in the above housing; A shield can (302) placed on the printed circuit board and facing the first side of the rear plate; A flexible printed circuit board (303) disposed on the first surface of the rear plate and connecting the biosensor module and the printed circuit board; and A wearable electronic device further comprising an adhesive member (401) disposed between the flexible printed circuit board and the shield can.

14. In paragraph 1, A wearable electronic device further comprising a wireless charging antenna (420) disposed between the first cover member and the second surface of the rear plate.

15. In paragraph 1, A wearable electronic device in which the first cover member and the second cover member are formed integrally.

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