Wearable electronic device including antenna

Abstract

According to various embodiments, a wearable electronic device comprises: a side member that has a first surface and a second surface facing in the opposite direction to the first surface, and includes a conductive member having a first opening and a non-conductive member coupled to the conductive member; a conductive cover disposed on the first surface and including a second opening that is at least partially aligned with the first opening; a substrate disposed below the second surface and including a wireless communication circuit; and a first electrical connection member that electrically connects a first point of the conductive cover and the substrate, wherein the conductive cover may be arranged to have a first gap with the conductive member through at least a portion of the non-conductive member, and the wireless communication circuit may be set to transmit and / or receive wireless signals in at least one first frequency band through the first gap.

Description

Wearable electronic device including an antenna

[0001] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a wearable electronic device 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 is applicable as prior art related to the present disclosure.

[0004] A wearable electronic device may include a watch-type wearable electronic device that is worn on a user's wrist and, in addition to the original function of a watch, can detect the user's biometric information and relay various notification information through communication with an external electronic device. The wearable electronic device may include at least one antenna for communication with the external electronic device. The at least one antenna may be separately arranged in an internal space of the wearable electronic device, or may be configured by using a conductive side bezel as a radiator and utilizing a slot between internal electrical structures.

[0005] However, in the case of antennas that are separately placed in an internal space, the layout design with surrounding electrical structures must be taken into consideration, which may reduce radiation performance, and considering radiation performance, the efficiency of the layout design may be reduced. In addition, slot antennas that utilize slots between the conductive side bezel and internal electrical structures may also be difficult to form in electronic devices because sufficient slot width must be considered for operation in a specific frequency band. Furthermore, antennas that utilize slots between the conductive side bezel and internal electrical structures may have their radiation performance reduced by interference from the human body because the signal path (e.g., radiation pattern, signal flow, or current distribution) is formed in a direction perpendicular to the user's wrist.

[0006] Various embodiments of the present disclosure can provide a wearable electronic device including an antenna having a layout structure that takes into account efficient layout design and improved radiation performance.

[0007] Various embodiments may provide a wearable electronic device including an antenna that may help slim down the device.

[0008] Various embodiments may provide a wearable electronic device including an antenna that can help improve radiation performance by guiding a signal path in a direction that minimizes the influence of the human body even when worn on the wrist.

[0009] However, the problem to be solved in this disclosure is not limited to the problem mentioned above, and may be expanded in various ways without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure.

[0010] According to various embodiments, a wearable electronic device includes a first side and a second side facing opposite the first side, the side member including a conductive member including a first opening and a non-conductive member coupled to the conductive member, a conductive cover disposed on the first side and including a second opening at least partially aligned with the first opening, a substrate disposed below the second side and including wireless communication circuitry, and a first electrical connection member electrically connecting a first point of the conductive cover to the substrate, wherein the conductive cover is disposed to have a first gap with the conductive member through at least a portion of the non-conductive member, and the wireless communication circuitry is configured to transmit and / or receive a wireless signal in at least one first frequency band through the first gap.

[0011] A wearable electronic device according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure includes a conductive cover (e.g., a conductive decorative member) coupled to the outside of a conductive side member (e.g., a bezel) and an antenna established through a gap between the conductive side members, thereby helping to design efficient arrangements of internal electrical structures and slim the electronic device, and by inducing a signal path of the antenna to be formed in a direction parallel to the wrist, helping to improve radiation performance of the antenna.

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

[0013] The effects that can be obtained from the present disclosure are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects that are not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure belongs from the description below.

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

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

[0016] FIG. 2A is a front perspective view of a wearable electronic device (200) according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 2B is a rear perspective view of the wearable electronic device (200) of FIG. 2A according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an unfolded wearable electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 4A is a plan view of an electronic device with the display removed according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 4b is a partially enlarged perspective view of the FIG. 4b area of ​​FIG. 4a according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 4C is a partially enlarged perspective view of the FIG. 4C region of FIG. 4A according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0022] FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional view of a portion of an electronic device taken along line 5A-5A of FIG. 5A according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0023] FIG. 5b is a cross-sectional view of a portion of an electronic device taken along line 5b-5b of FIG. 5a according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0024] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of an electronic device having an arrangement structure of antennas according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0025] FIG. 7A is a graph showing the radiation performance of the first antenna and the second antenna according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0026] FIGS. 7b to 7e are diagrams showing current distributions according to radiation performance of the antennas of FIG. 7a according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0027] FIGS. 8A and 8B are diagrams showing the current distribution of the first antenna according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0028] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a signal path through ground parts in a first antenna using a conductive cover according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0029] FIG. 10 is a graph showing the radiation performance of the first antenna of FIG. 9 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0030] FIG. 11A is a perspective view of an electronic device showing the arrangement structure of a first conductive plate disposed between a conductive cover and a side member and a second conductive plate overlapping the side member according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0031] FIG. 11B is a cross-sectional view of an electronic device taken along line 11B-11B of FIG. 11A according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0032] FIG. 12A is a drawing of an electronic device showing a layout structure of a first conductive plate having a first area according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0033] FIG. 12b is a graph showing the radiation performance of the first antenna and the second antenna according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0034] FIGS. 13A and 13B are drawings of an electronic device showing the arrangement structure of a first conductive plate having a second area and a third area according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0035] FIG. 13c is a graph comparing the radiation performance of the first antenna and the second antenna according to the first conductive plates of FIGS. 13a and 13b according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0036] FIG. 14 is a diagram comparing the radiation performance of a first antenna using a conductive cover according to various embodiments of the present disclosure and a comparative example.

[0037] FIGS. 15A and 15B are cross-sectional views of some electronic devices according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0038] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0039] FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of an electronic device including additional electrical components according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0040] 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.

[0041] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device within a network environment according to various embodiments.

[0042] 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)).

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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).

[0046] 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).

[0047] 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).

[0048] 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.

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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).

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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.

[0053] 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).

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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.

[0056] 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).

[0057] 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.

[0058] 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).

[0059] 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.

[0060] 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).

[0061] 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.

[0062] 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)).

[0063] 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 another 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.

[0064] 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.

[0065] 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 other embodiments of the electronic device.

[0066] 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 (201) 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 metallic 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 movable with 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.

[0067] 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.

[0068] 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.

[0069] 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).

[0070] 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.

[0071] 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.

[0072] 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.

[0073] 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).

[0074] According to various embodiments, the wearable electronic device (200) may include at least one antenna (e.g., the first antenna (A1) and / or the second antenna (A2) of FIG. 6) 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., the wireless communication module (192) of FIG. 1) disposed in an internal space of the housing (210).

[0075] At least one antenna (A1, A2) 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 parallel to the human body (e.g., wrist) through a gap (e.g., first gap (g1) of FIG. 6) between the conductive cover (230) and a conductive member (e.g., conductive member (221) of FIG. 6) included in the side member (220), it can help to improve radiation performance.

[0076] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an unfolded wearable electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0077] 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 cover (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 (2202), and an antenna member (209). In some embodiments, at least a portion of the substrate (240) may be arranged in a manner that is accommodated within the side member (220). In one embodiment, the wearable electronic device (200) may include a sensor cover (208) that is arranged 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., a biosensor module) that is arranged in a space between the back cover (207) and the sensor cover (208) 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.

[0078] 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 visible from the outside. In one embodiment, the conductive member (221) may be positioned so as not to be visible from the outside of the wearable electronic device (200). In one embodiment, at least a portion of the conductive member (221) may be positioned so as to form a same plane as the first side (2201) and / or the second side (2202) and be exposed to the first side (2201). In some embodiments, at least a portion of the conductive member (221) may be formed so as to be exposed to the first side (2201) and / or the second side (2202) and 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 so as to penetrate 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.

[0079] 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).

[0080] According to various embodiments, the conductive cover (230) may be secured to the first surface (2201) of the side member (220) so as to cover an edge of the display (201) disposed on the first surface (2201). Accordingly, the display (201) may be disposed such that its edge is not 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. In one embodiment, the display (201) may be disposed such that it is visible from the outside through the second opening (OP2). In one embodiment, the conductive cover (230) may 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) may be positioned to have a first gap (e.g., the first gap (g1) of FIG. 5A) in a direction perpendicular to the conductive member (221) (e.g., the ±z-axis direction) through the non-conductive member (222) of the side member (220).

[0081] According to various embodiments, the auxiliary cover (235) may be secured to the upper portion 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 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., metal) or a non-conductive material (e.g., polymer). In some embodiments, the auxiliary cover (235) may be omitted.

[0082] 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 such a case, the first electrical connection member (P1) may include a pogo pin or a conductive post arranged to penetrate a through hole formed in the non-conductive member (222) (e.g., the through hole (222a) of FIG. 5A). 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) partially filling the first opening (OP1). In one embodiment, the wearable electronic device (220) may include at least one antenna (e.g., the first antenna (A1) and / or the second antenna (A2) of FIG. 6) configured to transmit and / or receive wireless signals in at least one frequency band (e.g., about 600 MHz to 6000 MHz) via a conductive cover (230) electrically connected to wireless communication circuitry (192) disposed on a substrate (240).

[0083] 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 an antenna using the conductive cover (e.g., the first antenna (A1) and / or the second antenna (A2) of FIG. 6) 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.

[0084] 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., the 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, and / or a magnetic secure transmission (MST) antenna. Another antenna member may be configured to, for example, perform short-range communication with an external device, wirelessly transmit and receive power required for charging, and transmit a magnetic-based signal including a short-range communication signal or payment data.

[0085] FIG. 4A is a plan view of an electronic device with the display removed according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 4B is a partially enlarged perspective view of a portion of FIG. 4B of FIG. 4A according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 4C is a partially enlarged perspective view of a portion of FIG. 4C of FIG. 4A according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0086] Figure 4a is a plan view of the side member with the display, conductive cover, and auxiliary cover removed.

[0087] Referring to FIGS. 4A to 4C, the wearable electronic device (200) may include a side member (220) including a conductive member (221) and a non-conductive member (222) coupled to the conductive member (221). In one embodiment, the wearable electronic device (200) may include a first electrical connection member (P1) disposed at a first point (L1) of the side member (220), a second electrical connection member (P2) disposed at a second point (L2) spaced apart from the first point (L1) in a first direction (e.g., clockwise), and a third electrical connection member (P3) disposed at a third point (L3) spaced apart from the first direction (e.g., counterclockwise) of the first point (L1). In one embodiment, the first electrical connection member (P1) may electrically connect the conductive cover (230) to the wireless communication circuit of the substrate (240) (e.g., the wireless communication circuit (192) of FIG. 1). In one embodiment, the second electrical connection member (P2) may electrically connect the conductive cover (230) to the conductive member (221). Accordingly, the first point (L1) may be a power supply part (F), the second point (L2) may be a first ground part (GP1), and the third point (L3) may be a second ground part (GP2). In one embodiment, the grounding structure through the second electrical connection member (P2) disposed at the second point (L2) and / or the third electrical connection member (P3) disposed at the third point (L3) may be omitted.

[0088] According to various embodiments, the first electrical connection member (P1) may be arranged in a manner that penetrates the non-conductive member (222) of the side member (220). For example, the non-conductive member (222) may include a through hole (222a) extending from the first side (2201) to the second side (2202), and the first electrical connection member (P1) may be arranged in a manner that at least partially penetrates the through hole (222a) and then a portion thereof is exposed. In one embodiment, the first electrical connection member (P1) may be inserted into the through hole (222a) and then come into elastic contact with the conductive cover (230) and the substrate (240). In one embodiment, the wearable electronic device (200) may include a sealing member (S1) (e.g., rubber, silicone, or urethane) disposed between the conductive cover (230) and the non-conductive member within the through-hole (222a) and sealing the through-hole (222a). In one embodiment, the first electrical connection member (P1) may include a pogo pin or a conductive post penetrating the non-conductive member (222).

[0089] In various embodiments, the second electrical connection member (P2) may be positioned so as to be seated through a recess (222b) formed from the non-conductive member (222) of the side member (220) to a specified depth, up to the conductive member (221). For example, when the second electrical connection member (P2) is seated in the recess (222b), one end of the second electrical connection member (P2) may be in contact with the conductive member (221) within the recess (222b), and the other end may be exposed to the outside. In one embodiment, the conductive cover (230) may be in elastic contact with the second electrical connection member (P2) exposed from the recess (222b). In one embodiment, the wearable electronic device (200) may include a sealing member (S2) (e.g., rubber, silicone, or urethane) disposed between the conductive cover (230) and the non-conductive member (222) to seal the recess (222b). In some embodiments, the second electrical connection member (P2) may be disposed directly on the conductive member (221) exposed on the first surface (2201). In one embodiment, the second electrical connection member (P2) may include at least one of a pogo pin, a C-clip, or a conductive tape. Although not shown, a third electrical connection member (P3) may also electrically connect the conductive cover (230) and the conductive member (221) in substantially the same manner as the second electrical connection member (P2).

[0090] FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional view of a portion of an electronic device taken along line 5A-5A of FIG. 5A according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view of a portion of an electronic device taken along line 5B-5B of FIG. 5A according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0091] Referring to FIGS. 5A and 5B , a wearable electronic device (200) may include a first side (2201) and a second side (2202) facing in an opposite direction from the first side (2201), a side member (220) including a conductive member (221) and a non-conductive member (222) coupled to the conductive member (221), a conductive cover (230) coupled to the first side (2201), and a rear cover (207) coupled to the second side (2202). In one embodiment, the wearable electronic device (200) may include a substrate (240) disposed in an internal space (2001) between the side member (220) and the rear cover (207), and including wireless communication circuitry (e.g., the wireless communication module (192) of FIG. 1 ). In one embodiment, the conductive member (221) can be electrically connected to ground of the substrate (240) at at least one point in the interior space (2001) via at least one conductive contact (C) (e.g., a C-clip or conductive tape). In one embodiment, the conductive member (221) can be at least partially exposed on the second side (2202) of the side member and electrically connected to ground of the substrate (240) via at least one conductive contact (C).

[0092] According to various embodiments, the conductive cover (230) may be electrically connected to a wireless communication circuit (e.g., the wireless communication module (192) of FIG. 1) of the substrate (240) through a first electrical connection member (P1) penetrating a through hole (222a) formed in the non-conductive member (222) at a first point (L1) of the side member (220). In one embodiment, the first point (L1) may be a power supply unit (F) for the conductive cover (230). In one embodiment, the first electrical connection member (P1) may include a pogo pin, each of which has both ends elastically contacting the conductive cover (230) and the substrate (240). In one embodiment, the first electrical connection member (P1) may include a hollow pin housing (311) including a first pin (312), and a second pin (313) that is movably arranged so that only a portion of the inner space (3101) of the pin housing (311) protrudes outward, and is pressed in an opposite direction (e.g., direction ①) to the first pin (312) via a spring (314). In one embodiment, when the first electrical connection member (P1) penetrates the through hole (222a) and is assembled through the conductive cover (230), the first pin (312) may press the substrate (240), and the second pin (313) may elastically contact the conductive cover (230) to press the substrate.

[0093] According to various embodiments, the conductive cover (230) can be electrically connected to the conductive member (221) through a second electrical connection member (P2) that is at least partially seated in a recess (222b) formed in the non-conductive member (222) at a second point (L2) of the side member (220). In one embodiment, the second point (L2) can be a first ground portion (GP1) for the conductive cover (230). In one embodiment, the second electrical connection member (P2) can include a pin housing (321) that, when seated in the recess (222b), comes into contact with the conductive member (221) exposed inside the recess (222b), and a pin (322) that is pressed in the direction of the conductive cover (230) (e.g., direction ①) through a spring (323) in the internal space (3201) of the pin housing (321). In one embodiment, when the second electrical connection member (P2) is seated in the recess (222b) and the conductive cover (230) is assembled, the pin (322) can be brought into elastic contact to press the conductive cover (230). Although not shown, the third conductive connection member (P3) can also electrically connect the conductive member (221) and the conductive cover (230) at the third point (L3) of the side member (220) in substantially the same manner as the second conductive connection member (P2). In one embodiment, the third point (L3) can be a second ground portion (GP2) for the conductive cover (230). In some embodiments, the first ground portion (GP1) and / or the second ground portion (GP2) may be omitted.

[0094] According to various embodiments, the conductive cover (230) may be arranged in such a manner that it contacts the first surface (2201) of the side member (220). In this case, the conductive cover (230) may be spaced apart from the conductive member (221) through the non-conductive member (222) to have a first gap (g1). In one embodiment, the substrate (240) may be arranged in such a manner that it contacts the second surface (2202) of the side member (220). In this case, the substrate (240) (e.g., the ground of the substrate) may be spaced apart from the conductive member (221) through the non-conductive member (222) to have a second gap (g2).

[0095] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of an electronic device having an arrangement structure of antennas according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0096] Referring to FIG. 6, the conductive cover (230) may be arranged in a manner of contacting the first surface (2201) of the side member (220). In this case, the conductive cover (230) may be spaced apart from the conductive member (221) through the non-conductive member (222) to have a first gap (g1). In one embodiment, the first gap (g1) may be formed in a direction substantially parallel to the first surface (2201). In one embodiment, the wearable electronic device (220) may include a first antenna (A1) (e.g., a first resonator) that is fed to the feeding portion (F) of the first point (L1) of the conductive cover (230) and forms a signal path (e.g., a signal flow, a current distribution, a radiation path, or a radiation pattern) along the first gap (g1). In one embodiment, at least one frequency band of the first antenna (A1) may be determined based on the position of the first ground portion (GP1) located at the second point (L2) and / or the second ground portion (GP2) located at the third point (L3).

[0097] According to various embodiments, the substrate (240) may be arranged in such a way that it contacts the second surface (2202) of the side member (220). In this case, the substrate (240) (e.g., the ground of the substrate) may be spaced apart from the conductive member (221) through the non-conductive member (222) to have a second gap (g2). In one embodiment, the second gap (g2) may be formed in a direction substantially parallel to the second surface (2202). In some embodiments, the substrate (240) may be arranged to be spaced apart from the second surface (2202) of the side member (220). In some embodiments, another conductive electrical structure or conductive structure arranged in the internal space (2001) may be substituted for the substrate (240) as a conductor spaced apart from the conductive member (221) through the second gap (g2). In one embodiment, the wearable electronic device (200) may include a second antenna (A2) (e.g., a second resonator) having a signal path (e.g., a signal flow, a current distribution, a radiation path, or a radiation pattern) formed along a second gap (g2) through a conductive member (221).

[0098] According to various embodiments, the first gap (g1) and the second gap (g2) may be the same or different. In one embodiment, the first antenna (A1) and the second antenna (A2) may be configured to operate in at least one different frequency band. In some embodiments, the first antenna (A1) and the second antenna (A2) may be configured as one antenna operating in at least one frequency band. In some embodiments, the first antenna (A1) may be applied to improve radiation performance in at least one frequency band set by the second antenna (A2). In some embodiments, the second antenna (A2) may be applied to improve radiation performance in at least one frequency band set by the first antenna (A1).

[0099] FIG. 7A is a graph showing the radiation performance of the first antenna and the second antenna according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. FIGS. 7B to 7E are diagrams showing the current distribution by radiation performance of the antennas of FIG. 7A according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0100] Referring to FIGS. 7a to 7e, the first antenna (A1) using the first gap (g1) of FIG. 6 and the second antenna (A2) using the second gap (g2) can operate in various frequency bands (e.g., low band). For example, when grounding parts (e.g., the first grounding part (GP1) and the second grounding part (GP2) of FIG. 4a) are omitted and the conductive cover (230) is powered through the wireless communication circuit (e.g., the wireless communication module (192) of FIG. 1) of the substrate (240) at the first point (L1), the first antenna (A1) in which a signal path is formed through the first gap (g1) between the conductive cover (230) and the conductive member (221) can be operated in a band of about 1.23 GHz (e.g., region 7b of FIG. 7a) and a band of about 2.1 GHz (e.g., region 7c of FIG. 7a), and as shown in FIGS. 7b and 7c, it can be confirmed that current distributions corresponding to resonances of λ / 4 and λ / 2, respectively, are formed through the conductive cover (230).

[0101] In various embodiments, under the same conditions, the second antenna (A2) in which a signal path is formed through the second gap (g2) between the conductive member (221) and the substrate (240) can be operated in a band of about 1.6 GHz (e.g., region 7d of FIG. 7a) and a band of about 1.87 GHz (e.g., region 7e of FIG. 7a), and as shown in FIGS. 7d ​​and 7e, it can be confirmed that a current distribution corresponding to a resonance of λ / 2 and λ / 4, respectively, is formed through the conductive member (221).

[0102] FIGS. 8A and 8B are diagrams showing the current distribution of the first antenna according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0103] Referring to FIGS. 8A and 8B, the first antenna (A1) using the first gap (g1) of FIG. 6, in which the conductive cover (230) is electrically connected to the conductive member (221) through ground portions (e.g., the first ground portion (GP1) and the second ground portion (GP2)) and the wireless communication circuit (e.g., the wireless communication module (192) of FIG. 1) of the substrate (240) is supplied with power at the first point (L1), the first antenna (A1) in which a signal path is formed through the first gap (g1) between the conductive cover (230) and the conductive member (221) can be operated in a band of about 1.38 GHz (e.g., FIG. 8A) and a band of about 2.29 GHz (e.g., FIG. 8B), and it can be confirmed that a current distribution corresponding to a resonance of λ / 4 and λ / 2, respectively, is formed through the conductive cover (230).

[0104] This may mean that the operating frequency band of the first antenna (A1) and / or the second antenna (A2) can be adjusted depending on the number and / or position of the grounding portions (GP1, GP2).

[0105] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing signal flow through ground parts in a first antenna using a conductive cover according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0106] Referring to FIG. 9, the conductive cover (230) may be electrically connected to a wireless communication circuit (e.g., a wireless communication module (192) of FIG. 1) of a substrate (e.g., a substrate (240) of FIG. 5A) through a first electrical connection member (e.g., a first electrical connection member (P1) of FIG. 5A) penetrating a non-conductive member (e.g., a non-conductive member (221) of FIG. 5A) at a first point (L1). The first point (L1) may be a power supply portion (F) of the conductive cover (230). In one embodiment, the conductive cover (230) may be electrically connected to the conductive member (221) at a second point (L2) spaced apart from the first point (L1) in a first direction (e.g., clockwise) through a second electrical connection member (e.g., a second electrical connection member (P2) of FIG. 5A). The second point (L2) may be a first ground portion (GP1) of the conductive cover (230). In one embodiment, the conductive cover (230) may be electrically connected to the conductive member (221) through a third electrical connection member (e.g., the third electrical connection member (P3) of FIG. 4A) at a third point (L3) spaced apart from the first point (L1) in a second direction (e.g., counterclockwise) opposite to the first direction. The third point (L3) may be a second ground portion (GP3) of the conductive cover (230). In one embodiment, the distance from the first point (L1) to the second point (L2) may be different from or the same as the distance from the first point (L1) to the third point (L3).

[0107] According to various embodiments, a first antenna (e.g., the first antenna (A1) of FIG. 6) operating through a feed portion (F) of a conductive cover (230) may include a first signal path (EL1) having a first length formed from a first point (L1) in a first direction to a second point (L2). In one embodiment, the first antenna (A1) may include a second signal path (EL2) having a second length longer than the first length formed from the first point (L1) in a second direction to a third point (L2). In one embodiment, the first antenna (A1) may include a third signal path (EL3) having a third length longer than the second length formed from the first point (L1) in the first direction to a third point (L3). In one embodiment, the first antenna (A1) may include a fourth signal path (EL4) having a fourth length longer than the third length formed from the first point (L1) in a second direction to the second point (L2).

[0108] FIG. 10 is a graph showing the radiation performance of the first antenna of FIG. 9 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0109] Referring to FIG. 10, it can be confirmed that the first antenna (A1) of FIG. 9 operates in a frequency band of about 1.83 GHz (EL1 region) through the first signal path (EL1), in a frequency band of about 1.6 GHz (EL2 region) through the second signal path (EL2), in a frequency band of about 1.4 Hz (EL3 region) through the third signal path (EL3), and in a frequency band of about 1.2 GHz through the fourth signal path (EL4) (EL4 region). This may mean that the operating frequency band of the first antenna (A1) can be easily adjusted to operate in various frequency bands depending on changes in the grounding positions of the grounding parts (GP1, GP2) electrically connecting the conductive cover (230) and the conductive member (221).

[0110] FIG. 11A is a perspective view of an electronic device illustrating a configuration of a first conductive plate disposed between a conductive cover and a side member and a second conductive plate overlapping the side member according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 11B is a cross-sectional view of the electronic device taken along line 11B-11B of FIG. 11A according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0111] Referring to FIGS. 11A and 11B , the wearable electronic device (200) may include a first conductive plate (232) disposed between a conductive cover (230) and a first surface (2201) of a side member (220). In one embodiment, the first conductive plate (232) may be formed to have an area that can fill at least a portion of a first gap (g1). In one embodiment, ground portions (GP1, GP2) electrically connecting the conductive cover (230) and the conductive member (221) may be replaced with the first conductive plate (232). In one embodiment, depending on the area of ​​the first conductive plate (232) that at least partially fills the first gap (g1), a ground area in contact with the conductive cover (230) may be changed, thereby adjusting the operating frequency band of the first antenna (A1). In some embodiments, the first conductive plate may be replaced with a dielectric having a high dielectric constant.

[0112] According to various embodiments, the wearable electronic device (200) may include a second conductive plate (233) disposed under the second surface (2202) of the side member (220) and electrically connected to the ground of the substrate (240). In one embodiment, the operating frequency band of the second antenna (A2) may be adjusted depending on the area of ​​the second conductive plate (233) electrically connected to the ground of the substrate (240).

[0113] According to various embodiments, as illustrated, when the first gap (g1) between the conductive cover (230) and the first surface (2201) is completely filled through the first conductive plate (232), the first antenna (A1) may not operate. In this case, the second antenna (A2) operating through the second gap (g2) may be used as a main antenna operating in a specific frequency band (e.g., 1.7 GHz) by adjusting the contact area between the second conductive plate (233) and the conductive member (221).

[0114] FIG. 12A is a diagram of an electronic device showing the arrangement structure of a first conductive plate having a first area according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 12B is a graph showing the radiation performance of a first antenna and a second antenna according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0115] Referring to FIG. 12A, the wearable electronic device (200) may include a first conductive plate (232-1) having a first area disposed between a conductive cover (230) and a first surface (2201) of the side member (220). In one embodiment, the first conductive plate (232-1) of FIG. 12A may be disposed to have a smaller area than the first conductive plate (232) of FIG. 11A. In one embodiment, the wearable electronic device (200) may include a second conductive plate (233) disposed below the second surface (2202) of the side member (220) and electrically connected to the ground of the substrate (240). In one embodiment, the operating frequency band of the second antenna (A2) may be adjusted according to the area of ​​the second conductive plate (233) electrically connected to the ground of the substrate (240).

[0116] Referring to FIG. 12b, when the second antenna (A2) operating through the second gap (g2) is operated as a main antenna in a specific frequency band (e.g., 1.7 GHz) through a specific area of ​​the second conductive plate (233) (e.g., graph 1201), the first antenna (A1) may generate additional resonance in a specific frequency band (area 1203 and area 1204) by being coupled with the operating frequency band of the second antenna (A2) through the first conductive plate (232-1) having the first area (graph 1202). This may mean that the second antenna (A2) is used as a main antenna operating in a first frequency band (e.g., mid band), and is also operated in an additional specific frequency band (e.g., GPS band) through the resonance generated through the first antenna (A1), thereby improving the radiation performance of the antenna.

[0117] FIGS. 13A and 13B are drawings of an electronic device showing the arrangement structure of a first conductive plate having a second area and a third area according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0118] Referring to FIG. 13A, the wearable electronic device (200) may include a first conductive plate (232-2) having a second area disposed between the conductive cover (230) and the first surface (2201) of the side member (220). In one embodiment, the first conductive plate (232-2) of FIG. 13A may be disposed to have a larger area than the first conductive plate (232-1) of FIG. 12A.

[0119] Referring to FIG. 13B, the wearable electronic device (200) may include a first conductive plate (232-3) having a third area disposed between the conductive cover (230) and the first surface (2201) of the side member (220). In one embodiment, the first conductive plate (232-2) of FIG. 13B may be disposed to have a larger area than the first conductive plate (232-2) of FIG. 13A.

[0120] FIG. 13c is a graph comparing the radiation performance of the first antenna and the second antenna according to the first conductive plates of FIGS. 13a and 13b according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0121] Referring to FIG. 13c, when the second antenna (A2) operating through the second gap (g2) is operated as a main antenna in a specific frequency band (e.g., 1.7 GHz) through a specific area of ​​the second conductive plate (233) (e.g., graph 1301), it can be confirmed that the first antenna (A1) is coupled with the operating frequency band of the second antenna (A2) through the first conductive plate (232-2) having the second area, thereby generating additional resonance in a frequency band (e.g., region 1304) lower than the frequency band of the second antenna (A2) (e.g., graph 1302).

[0122] According to various embodiments, when the second antenna (A2) operating through the second gap (g2) is operated as a main antenna in a specific frequency band (e.g., 1.7 GHz) through a specific area of ​​the second conductive plate (233) (e.g., graph 1201), it can be confirmed that the first antenna (A1) is coupled with the operating frequency band of the second antenna (A2) through the first conductive plate (232-3) having the third area, thereby generating additional resonance in a frequency band (e.g., region 1305) higher than the frequency band of the second antenna (A20) (e.g., graph 1303).

[0123] For example, when the second antenna (A2) is set to operate in the main frequency band, additional resonance can be induced in a frequency band separate from the main frequency band by adjusting the area of ​​the first conductive plate (232, 232-1, 232-2, 232-3) interposed between the conductive cover (230) and the side member (220), which may mean that the radiation performance of the antenna is improved.

[0124] FIG. 14 is a diagram comparing the radiation performance of a first antenna using a conductive cover according to various embodiments of the present disclosure and a comparative example.

[0125] Referring to FIG. 14, the wearable electronic device (200) may include an antenna (e.g., a first antenna (A1)) that uses a conductive cover (230) as a radiator and forms a signal path in a direction parallel to the human body (400) (e.g., a wrist) (e.g., a direction of an arrow shown) through a gap (e.g., a first gap (g1) of FIG. 6) between the conductive cover (230) and a conductive member (e.g., a conductive member (221) of FIG. 6) of a side member (220).

[0126] According to various embodiments, as shown, a comparative example slot antenna using a slot between a conductive side member (e.g., a conductive bezel) and a conductive structure arranged in an internal space of an electronic device may have a deteriorated radiation performance due to the formation of a signal path in a direction perpendicular to the human body (400) (e.g., graph 1401), whereas an antenna of the present disclosure, in which a signal path is formed in a direction parallel to the human body (400) through a first gap (g1) between a conductive cover (230) and a conductive member (221) of a side member (220), can be confirmed to exhibit relatively excellent radiation performance (e.g., graph 1402).

[0127] FIGS. 15A and 15B are cross-sectional views of some electronic devices according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0128] In describing the wearable electronic device (200) of FIGS. 15a and 15b, the same reference numerals are given to components that are substantially the same as those of the wearable electronic device (200) of FIGS. 5a and 5b, and a detailed description thereof may be omitted.

[0129] Referring to FIGS. 15A and 15B , a wireless communication circuit (e.g., a wireless communication module (192) of FIG. 1 ) disposed on a substrate (240) may be electrically connected to a conductive member (221) of a side member (220) at a first point (L1) via an electrical connection member (P1). In this case, the wireless communication circuit (192) may be configured to transmit and / or receive a wireless signal in at least one frequency band by using the conductive member (221) as a radiator and forming a signal path as a second gap (g1) between the conductive member (221) and the substrate (240). In this case, the ground of the substrate (240) may be electrically connected to the conductive member (221) at at least one designated point via an additional electrical connection member (P4), thereby adjusting the operating frequency band of the antenna.

[0130] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0131] In describing the wearable electronic device (200) of FIG. 16, the same symbols are given to components that are substantially the same as those of the wearable electronic device (200) of FIG. 5b, and a detailed description thereof may be omitted.

[0132] Referring to FIG. 16, the conductive cover (230) may be directly electrically connected to the ground of the substrate (240) through an electrical connection member (P5) that at least partially penetrates a through hole (222c) formed from the first side (2201) to the second side (2202) in the non-conductive member (222) of the side member (220). In one embodiment, the electrical connection member (P5) may be configured to have a connection structure substantially the same as the connection structure of the first electrical connection member (P1) of FIG. 5A.

[0133] FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of an electronic device including additional electrical components according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0134] In describing the wearable electronic device (200) of FIG. 17, the same symbols are given to components that are substantially the same as those of the wearable electronic device (200) of FIG. 5A, and a detailed description thereof may be omitted.

[0135] Referring to FIG. 17, the conductive cover (230) may be electrically connected to a wireless communication circuit (e.g., a wireless communication module (192) of FIG. 1) of the substrate (240) via a first electrical connection member (P1) penetrating the non-conductive member (222). In one embodiment, the wearable electronic device (200) may include an additional connection structure (500) electrically connected to at least a portion of the wireless communication circuit (192) of the substrate (240) and / or the first electrical connection member (P1) penetrating the substrate (240). In one embodiment, the additional connection structure (500) may include at least one of a conductive structure, a wireless charging coil, a conductive pattern (e.g., an antenna pattern), or a sensor for improving radiation performance (e.g., gain enhancement and / or bandwidth expansion) of the first antenna (A1) and / or the second antenna (A2). In this case, at least a portion of the conductive member (221) may be electrically connected to the substrate (240) via an electrical connection member (C) (e.g., a C clip). For example, at least a portion of the conductive member (211) may be electrically connected to the ground of the substrate (240) via the electrical connection member (C).

[0136] According to various embodiments, a wearable electronic device includes a first surface (e.g., a first surface (2201) of FIG. 5A) and a second surface (e.g., a second surface (2202) of FIG. 5A) facing in an opposite direction from the first surface, a side surface (e.g., a side surface (220) of FIG. 5A) including a conductive member (e.g., a conductive member (221) of FIG. 5A) including a first opening (e.g., a first opening (OP1) of FIG. 3) and a non-conductive member (e.g., a non-conductive member (222) of FIG. 5A) coupled to the conductive member, a conductive cover (e.g., a conductive cover (230) of FIG. 5A) disposed on the first surface and including a second opening (e.g., a second opening (OP2) of FIG. 3) at least partially aligned with the first opening, and a wireless communication circuit (e.g., ... A substrate (e.g., substrate (240) of FIG. 5a) including a module (192)) and a first electrical connection member (e.g., first electrical connection member (P1) of FIG. 5a) electrically connecting the substrate to a first point (first point (L1) of FIG. 4a) of the conductive cover, wherein the conductive cover is arranged to have a first gap (e.g., first gap (g1) of FIG. 5a) with the conductive member through at least a portion of the non-conductive member, and the wireless communication circuit can be configured to transmit and / or receive a wireless signal in at least one first frequency band through the first gap.

[0137] According to various embodiments, when the first surface is viewed from above, the conductive cover may be positioned to at least partially overlap the conductive member.

[0138] According to various embodiments, when the first side is viewed from above, the conductive cover can be positioned to at least partially overlap the non-conductive member.

[0139] According to various embodiments, the first electrical connection member can electrically connect the conductive cover and the substrate in a manner that penetrates the non-conductive member.

[0140] According to various embodiments, at least a portion of the non-conductive member may form a side surface of the electronic device and be positioned so as to be visible from the outside.

[0141] According to various embodiments, the conductive member may be electrically connected to a ground of the substrate.

[0142] According to various embodiments, the conductive cover may be electrically connected to the conductive member at a second point (e.g., the second point (L2) of FIG. 4a) spaced apart from the first point, via a second electrical connection member (e.g., the second electrical connection member (P2) of FIG. 5a).

[0143] According to various embodiments, the at least one first frequency band may be determined based on the second point.

[0144] According to various embodiments, the conductive cover may be electrically connected to the ground of the substrate at a second point spaced apart from the first point, via a third electrical connection member (e.g., electrical connection member (P5) of FIG. 16).

[0145] According to various embodiments, the third electrical connection member can electrically connect the conductive cover and the substrate in a manner that penetrates the non-conductive member.

[0146] According to various embodiments, the device further includes a first conductive plate (e.g., the first conductive plate (232) of FIG. 11A) disposed between the conductive cover and the first surface, wherein the at least one first frequency band can be determined based on an overlapping area of ​​the first conductive plate and the conductive member.

[0147] According to various embodiments, the substrate may be spaced apart from the conductive member to have a second gap (e.g., second gap (g2) in FIG. 5A).

[0148] According to various embodiments, the wireless communication circuitry may be configured to transmit and / or receive a wireless signal in at least one second frequency band through the second gap.

[0149] According to various embodiments, the second conductive plate (e.g., the second conductive plate (233) of FIG. 1A) is disposed below the second surface and is electrically connected to the ground of the substrate, and the at least one second frequency band can be determined based on an overlapping area of ​​the second conductive plate and the conductive member.

[0150] According to various embodiments, at least a portion of the first opening may be filled with the non-conductive member.

[0151] According to various embodiments, at least a portion of the conductive member may be exposed through at least a portion of the first side and / or the second side.

[0152] According to various embodiments, the conductive cover may include a display (e.g., display (201) of FIG. 3) disposed between the conductive cover and the first surface, wherein the conductive cover may cover an edge of the display so that it is not visible from the outside.

[0153] According to various embodiments, the conductive cover may further include an auxiliary cover (e.g., auxiliary cover (235) of FIG. 3) that is coupled to an upper portion of the conductive cover and includes a third opening (e.g., third opening (OP3) of FIG. 3) that is at least partially aligned with the first opening.

[0154] According to various embodiments, the auxiliary cover may be formed of a non-conductive material.

[0155] According to various embodiments, the first electrical connection member may comprise a pogo pin or a conductive post arranged in a manner that penetrates the non-conductive member.

[0156] In addition, the embodiments of the present disclosure disclosed in this specification and drawings are merely specific examples to easily explain the technical contents according to the embodiments of the present disclosure and to help understand the embodiments of the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments of the present disclosure. Therefore, the scope of the various embodiments of the present disclosure should be interpreted as including all changes or modified forms derived based on the technical ideas of the various embodiments of the present disclosure in addition to the embodiments disclosed herein.

Claims

1. In wearable electronic devices, A side member (220) comprising a first side (2201) and a second side (2202) facing in the opposite direction to the first side, a conductive member (221) including a first opening (OP1) and a non-conductive member (222) coupled to the conductive member; A conductive cover (230) disposed on the first surface and including a second opening (OP2) at least partially aligned with the first opening; A substrate (240) disposed below the second surface and including a wireless communication circuit (F); and It includes a first electrical connection member (P1) that electrically connects the first point (L1) of the above conductive cover and the substrate, The conductive cover is arranged to have a first gap (g1) with the conductive member through at least a portion of the non-conductive member, A wearable electronic device wherein the wireless communication circuit is configured to transmit and / or receive a wireless signal in at least one first frequency band through the first gap.

2. In paragraph 1, A wearable electronic device wherein the conductive cover is positioned to at least partially overlap the conductive member when the first surface is viewed from above.

3. In paragraph 1, A wearable electronic device wherein the conductive cover is positioned to at least partially overlap the non-conductive member when the first surface is viewed from above.

4. In paragraph 1, A wearable electronic device in which the first electrical connection member electrically connects the conductive cover and the substrate in a manner that penetrates the non-conductive member.

5. In paragraph 1, A wearable electronic device wherein at least a portion of the non-conductive member forms a side surface of the electronic device and is positioned so as to be visible from the outside.

6. In paragraph 1, A wearable electronic device wherein the conductive member is electrically connected to the ground of the substrate.

7. In paragraph 6, A wearable electronic device in which the conductive cover is electrically connected to the conductive member through a second electrical connection member (P2) at a second point (L2) spaced apart from the first point.

8. In paragraph 7, A wearable electronic device wherein at least one of the first frequency bands is determined based on the second point.

9. In paragraph 6, A wearable electronic device in which the conductive cover is electrically connected to the ground of the substrate through a third electrical connection member (P5) at a second point spaced apart from the first point.

10. In paragraph 9, A wearable electronic device in which the third electrical connecting member electrically connects the conductive cover and the substrate in a manner that penetrates the non-conductive member.

11. In paragraph 1, Further comprising a first conductive plate (232) disposed between the conductive cover and the first surface, A wearable electronic device wherein the at least one first frequency band is determined based on an overlapping area of ​​the first conductive plate and the conductive member.

12. In paragraph 1, A wearable electronic device in which the substrate is spaced apart from the conductive member to have a second gap (g2).

13. In paragraph 12, A wearable electronic device wherein the wireless communication circuit is configured to transmit and / or receive a wireless signal in at least one second frequency band through the second gap.

14. In paragraph 13, A second conductive plate (233) is disposed below the second surface and is electrically connected to the ground of the substrate. The wearable electronic device wherein the at least one second frequency band is determined based on an overlapping area of ​​the second conductive plate and the conductive member.

15. In paragraph 1, A wearable electronic device wherein at least a portion of the first opening is filled by the non-conductive member.

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