Electronic device having two or more colors

Abstract

An electronic device comprising a frame having two or more colors is disclosed. The electronic device comprises: a frame including two or more colors; and a display arranged on one surface of the frame. The frame includes a first part colored with a dye of first color, a second part colored with a dye of second color differing from the first color, and at least one connection part, which is integrally formed with the first and second parts of the frame and connects the first and second parts of the frame. The frame includes a first frame and a second frame, which are connected to be foldable and unfoldable. The first frame or the second frame includes at least two colors.

Description

Electronic device having two or more colors

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an electronic device in which two or more parts of a frame are colored in different colors.

[0002] Due to advancements in information and communication technology and semiconductor technology, the distribution and use of various electronic devices are increasing rapidly. In particular, recent electronic devices are being developed to enable portable communication. Furthermore, these devices can output stored information in the form of audio or video. These devices are being miniaturized to allow for convenient portability by users. Regarding the fabrication of frames that form the exterior of electronic devices, research is continuously being conducted to utilize metal materials to protect various circuit components from the external environment while simultaneously creating an aesthetically pleasing appearance.

[0003] The information described above may be provided as related art for the purpose of aiding understanding of the present disclosure. No claim or determination is made as to whether any of the foregoing may be applied as prior art related to the present disclosure.

[0004] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, an electronic device may include: a frame comprising two or more colors; and a display disposed on one side of the frame. The frame may include: a first part configured to be colored with a dye of a first color; a second part configured to be colored with a dye of a second color different from the first color; and at least one connecting part formed integrally with the first part and the second part of the frame, wherein the connecting part between the first part and the second part is laser welded.

[0005] In relation to the description of the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals may be used for identical or similar components.

[0006] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an exemplary electronic device (100) capable of performing the operations described in this document.

[0007] FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating a method of coloring two or more colors of dyes on the frame of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0008] FIG. 3 is a drawing showing the process of coloring two or more colors of dyes on the frame of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0009] FIG. 4 is a drawing showing an example of an anodizing treatment apparatus for coloring a dye on the frame of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0010] FIG. 5 is a drawing showing an example of applying a first color dye to the frame of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure and then sealing the surface of the frame.

[0011] FIGS. 6 and 7 are drawings showing an example of reconnecting a connecting portion of a frame of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure using a connecting material.

[0012] FIG. 8 is a drawing showing an example in which a first color dye and a second color dye are colored on the frame of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0013] FIGS. 9, FIGS. 10, FIGS. 11, FIGS. 12, FIGS. 13 and FIGS. 14 are drawings illustrating the process of coloring a first part and a second part of a frame of an electronic device with different colored dyes according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0014] FIGS. 15, 16, 17, 18, and 19 are drawings showing examples in which two colors of dye are colored on the frames of electronic devices according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 20 is a drawing showing an example in which three colors of dye are colored on the frames of electronic devices according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] Embodiments according to the present disclosure may be subject to various modifications and may have various embodiments; specific embodiments are illustrated in the drawings and described in detail in this specification. However, this is not intended to limit the scope to specific embodiments and should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, and / or alternatives of one or more embodiments according to the present disclosure. In relation to the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar components.

[0017] In describing the present disclosure, detailed descriptions of related known functions or configurations are omitted if it is determined that such descriptions would unnecessarily obscure the essence of the present disclosure. Additionally, one or more embodiments according to the present disclosure may be modified in various different forms, and the scope of the technical concept of the present disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments. Rather, these embodiments are provided to make the present disclosure more faithful and complete and to fully convey the technical concept of the present disclosure to those skilled in the art.

[0018] The terms used in this disclosure are used merely to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of the rights. Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0019] In the present disclosure, expressions such as “have,” “may have,” “include,” or “may include” indicate the presence of such features (e.g., numerical values, functions, actions, or components such as parts) and do not exclude the presence of additional features.

[0020] In the present disclosure, expressions such as “A or B,” “at least one of A or / and B,” or “one or more of A or / and B” may include all possible combinations of items listed together. For example, “A or B,” “at least one of A and B,” or “at least one of A or B” may refer to cases including (1) at least one A, (2) at least one B, or (3) both at least one A and at least one B.

[0021] Expressions such as "first," "second," "first," or "second" used in this disclosure may modify various components regardless of order and / or importance, and are used only to distinguish one component from another and do not limit said components.

[0022] As used in this disclosure, the expression “configured to” may be replaced, depending on the context, with, for example, “suitable for,” “having the capacity to,” “designed to,” “adapted to,” “made to,” or “capable of.” The term “configured to” may not necessarily mean only “specifically designed to” in hardware.

[0023] In the present disclosure, a 'module' or 'part' performs at least one function or operation and may be implemented in hardware or software, or a combination of hardware and software. Additionally, a plurality of 'modules' or a plurality of 'parts' may be integrated into at least one module and implemented by at least one processor, except for a 'module' or 'part' that needs to be implemented in specific hardware.

[0024] Meanwhile, various elements and areas in the drawings are depicted schematically. Accordingly, the technical concept of the present disclosure is not limited by the relative sizes or spacing depicted in the attached drawings.

[0025] Hereinafter, with reference to the attached drawings, one or more embodiments according to the present disclosure are described in detail so that those skilled in the art can easily implement them.

[0026] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an exemplary electronic device (100) capable of performing the operations described in this document.

[0027] Referring to FIG. 1, the electronic device (100) may be one of various forms of electronic devices, such as a notebook (190), smartphones (191) having various form factors (e.g., a bar-type smartphone (191-1), a foldable-type smartphone (191-2), or a sliderable (or rollable)-type smartphone (191-3)), a tablet PC (192), a cellular phone (not shown), and other similar computing devices (not shown). The components, their relationships, and their functions illustrated in FIG. 1 are illustrative only and are not intended to limit the implementations described or claimed herein. The electronic device (100) may be referred to as a mobile device, a user device, a multifunction device, a portable device, or a server.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (100) may include components comprising at least one processor (110) (hereinafter referred to as processor (110)), at least one memory (120) (hereinafter referred to as memory (120)), at least one display (140) (hereinafter referred to as display (140)), at least one image sensor (150) (hereinafter referred to as image sensor (150)), at least one communication circuit (160) (hereinafter referred to as communication circuit (160)), and / or at least one sensor (170) (hereinafter referred to as sensor (170)). The components are merely exemplary. For example, the electronic device (100) may include other components (e.g., power management integrated circuitry (PMIC), audio processing circuit, antenna, rechargeable battery, or input / output interface). For example, some components may be omitted from the electronic device (100). For example, some components may be integrated into a single component.

[0029] According to one embodiment, the processor (110) may be implemented as one or more integrated circuit (or circuitry) chips and may perform various data processing operations. The processor (110) may include at least one electrical circuit and may process instructions (or programs, data, etc.) stored in memory (120) individually or collectively in a distributed manner. The processor (110) may include a processor assembly comprising one or more processing circuits. The processor (110) may include any processing circuit that is operative to control the performance and operations of one or more components of the electronic device (100) (e.g., memory (120), display (140), image sensor (150), communication circuit (160), and / or sensor (170)). For example, the processor (110) (e.g., application processor (AP)) may be implemented as a system on chip (SoC) (e.g., a single chip or chipset). For example, the processor (110) may be implemented with a plurality of cores (or at least one core circuit), a plurality of chips, or a plurality of chipsets. For example, the processor (110) may include one or more processing circuits. For example, the processor (110) may include one or more processing circuits configured to perform the various functions of the present disclosure individually and / or collectively. As an example without limitation, at least a portion of the processor (110) may be included in a first chip of the electronic device (100), and at least another portion of the processor (110) may be included in a second chip of the electronic device (100) different from the first chip of the electronic device (100).

[0030] For example, the processor (110) may include a central processing unit (111), a graphics processing unit (112), a neural processing unit (113), an image signal processor (114), a display controller (115), a memory controller (116), a storage controller (117), a communication processor (118), and / or a sensor interface (119). These components of the processor (110) are merely exemplary. For example, the processor (110) may include other components. For example, some components of the processor (110) may be omitted from the processor (110). For example, some components of the processor (110) may be included as separate components of the electronic device (100) outside of the processor (110). For example, some components of the processor (110) (e.g., memory controller (116)) may be included in other components (e.g., at least part of memory (120), an interface (e.g. available for connection to at least one component of the electronic device (100)), a display (140) and / or an image sensor (150)).

[0031] For example, the processor (110) may cause other components of the electronic device (100) to perform various operations by executing instructions stored in memory (120). The CPU (111) (or central processing circuit) may be configured to control the components of the processor (110) based on the execution of instructions stored in memory (120) (e.g., volatile memory (121) and / or non-volatile memory (122)). The GPU (112) (or graphics processing circuit) may be configured to execute parallel operations (e.g., rendering). The NPU (113) (or neural processing circuit, or AI (artificial intelligence) chip) may be configured to execute operations for an artificial intelligence model (e.g., convolution computation). An ISP (114) (or image signal processing circuit) may be configured to process a raw image acquired through an image sensor (150) into a format suitable for a component within the electronic device (100) or a component of the processor (110). A display controller (115) (or display control circuit, or DPU (display processing unit)) may be configured to process an image acquired from a CPU (111), GPU (112), ISP (114), or memory (120) (e.g., volatile memory (121)) into a format suitable for a display (140). A memory controller (116) (or memory control circuit) may be configured to control reading data from the volatile memory (121) and writing data to the volatile memory (121). A storage controller (117) (or storage control circuit) may be configured to control reading data from the non-volatile memory (122) and writing data to the non-volatile memory (122).The CP (118) (communication processing circuit) may be configured to process data obtained from a component of the processor (110) into a format suitable for transmitting to another electronic device via the communication circuit (160), or to process data obtained from another electronic device via the communication circuit (160) into a format suitable for processing by the component of the processor (110). For example, the communication circuit (160) may include one or more communication circuits. The sensor interface (119) (or sensing data processing circuit, sensor hub) may be configured to process data regarding the state of the electronic device (100) and / or the state around the electronic device (100), obtained through the sensor (170), into a format suitable for the component of the processor (110).

[0032] According to one embodiment, the memory (120) may include one or more storage media (or one or more storage devices). For example, the memory (120) may include a memory assembly comprising one or more storage media. For example, the one or more storage media may include a hard drive, a permanent memory such as flash memory, read-only memory (ROM) (e.g., non-volatile memory (122)), a semi-permanent memory such as random access memory (RAM) (e.g., volatile memory (121)), any other suitable type of storage (or storage assembly) or any combination thereof. The memory (120) may include a cache memory, which is one or more different types of memory used to temporarily store data for a function or feature of the electronic device (100). As an example not limited to, the cache memory may be included within the processor (110). The memory (120) may be fixedly embedded within the electronic device (100) or incorporated into one or more suitable types of components (e.g., a SIM (subscriber identity module) card and / or an SD (secure digital) card) that can be repeatedly inserted into and removed from the electronic device (100).

[0033] For example, memory (120) may store one or more software applications, such as operating system (or system) software applications, firmware software applications, driver software applications, plugin (e.g., add-in, add-on, and / or applet) software applications, and / or any other suitable software applications. For example, the one or more software applications may include instructions executable by the processor (110). For example, memory (120) may store instructions that can be called by an application programming interface (API). For example, memory (120) may store instructions within a library.

[0034] FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating a method of coloring a frame of an electronic device with two or more colors of dye according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the process of coloring a frame of an electronic device with two or more colors of dye according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of an anodizing treatment apparatus for coloring a frame of an electronic device with dye according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of sealing the surface of a frame after coloring a frame of an electronic device with a first color dye according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 are diagrams showing an example of reconnecting a connecting part of a frame of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure using a connecting material.

[0035] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, an electronic device (100) according to one embodiment may include a frame (210) colored with at least two different colors. For example, the frame (210) may include a first part (211) and a second part (212). The first part (211) may be colored with a first color, and the second part (212) may be colored with a second color different from the first color.

[0036] According to one embodiment, the frame (210) may have different colors applied to different parts (e.g., a first part (211), a second part (212)) included in the frame (210) through at least two anodizing steps. The frame (210) may include an anodizable metal material (e.g., aluminum, aluminum alloy (aluminum-magnesium-silicon alloy, aluminum-zinc-magnesium alloy), titanium, magnesium, niobium, tungsten, or stainless steel). Anodizing is a surface treatment method that forms an oxide film on the surface of a metal and can improve the corrosion resistance, wear resistance, and decorative properties of the metal.

[0037] According to one embodiment, the frame (210) may be machined into a first part (211) and a second part (212). For example, the frame (210) in a state prior to machining may have the form of a metal plate having a predetermined thickness before being shaped into the shapes of the first part (211) and the second part (212). The frame (210) may be cut to include the first part (211) and the second part (212) by CNC (computer numerical control) machining (see 2001 in FIG. 2). For example, CNC machining is a process of performing precision machining on a workpiece (e.g., frame (210)) by inputting numerical control in advance into a machining center or automatic milling equipment and moving a tool along a predetermined path.

[0038] According to one embodiment, the first part (211) and the second part (212) of the frame (210) may include both a connected part and a separated part. For example, the first part (211) and the second part (212) of the frame (210) may be manufactured in a separated form and may be connected to each other by a connecting part (213) provided on the inside of the frame (210). Accordingly, when the connecting part (213) is cut, the first part (211) and the second part (212) of the frame (210) can be completely separated.

[0039] For example, the edges of the first part (211) and the second part (212) of the frame (210) may form part of the outer surface of the electronic device (100) and may be applied as part of the wireless antenna of the electronic device (100). In this case, the edges of the first part (211) and the second part (212) of the frame (210) may be separated from each other by a segment (214) formed during the cutting process of the frame (210). Accordingly, the first part (211) and the second part (212) of the frame (210) may be used as antennas of different frequency bands.

[0040] According to one embodiment, an insulator (215) may be attached to a portion of the frame (210) through insert injection (see 2002 in FIG. 2). For example, the insulator (215) may be formed to fill a space (216) that separates the first part (211) and the second part (212) of the frame (210) from each other within the entire area of ​​the frame (210). The shape of the insulator (215) may vary depending on the shape of the first part (211) and the second part (212) of the frame (210) and the shape of the gap between the first part (211) and the second part (212) of the frame (210), and is not limited to a specific shape. For example, a segment (214) separating the edge of the first part (211) of the frame (210) and the second part (212) may be filled with an insulator (215). A portion of the insulator (215) filling the segment (214) may be exposed to the outside of the frame (210) (or to the outside of the electronic device (100)) and may be referred to as an exposed portion (215a). The exposed portion (215a) of the insulator (215) may be recognized as the boundary between the first part (211) and the second part (212) of the frame (210).

[0041] According to one embodiment, the first part (211) and the second part (212) of the frame (210) may be colored sequentially. For example, the second part (212) of the frame (210) may be colored after the first part (211) of the frame (210) has been colored. In this case, before coloring the first part (211) of the frame (210), the connecting part (213) may be cut to separate the first part (211) and the second part (212) of the frame (210) (see 2003 in FIG. 2). A gap (213a) having a width determined by the cutting may be formed in the connecting part (213) of the frame (210). For example, the width of the gap (213a) may correspond to the thickness of a cutter (not shown). The first part (211) and the second part (212) of the frame (210) can be physically separated and also electrically separated by a gap (213a) formed in the connection part (213). The width of the gap (213a) is not limited to a specific value.

[0042] For example, when laser welding the first part (211) and the second part (212) of the frame (210), if the gap (213a) formed in the connection part (213) is narrow (e.g., about 0.1 to 0.5 mm), welding can be performed without using a separate flux. In this case, the connection part (213) becomes the base material, and the weld (217) filling the gap (213a) may be formed by melting a part of the connection part (213). For example, when laser welding the first part (211) and the second part (212) of the frame (210), if the gap (213a) formed in the connection part (213) is wide (e.g., about 0.5 to 1.0 mm), the gap (213a) of the connection part (213) can be filled using a flux (e.g., filler wire). In this case, the weld (217) may be made of a material different from that of the connecting part (213).

[0043]

[0044] According to one embodiment, after cutting the connecting portion (213a), a dye having a first color can be penetrated into the surface of the first portion (211) of the frame (210) through a first anodizing process (see 2004 in FIG. 2). The first portion (211) of the frame (210) can be colored with the first color through an anodizing device (30).

[0045] According to one embodiment, the anodizing device (30) may include an electrolytic cell (31) filled with an electrolyte (32), a calibration electrode (33) inserted into the electrolyte (32), a working electrode (34), a magnetic stirrer (35) positioned on the outer lower side of the electrolytic cell (31), a stirring rod (36) positioned adjacent to the bottom of the electrolytic cell (31) to stir the electrolyte (32) in response to the magnetic stirrer (35), a cooling channel (37) capable of cooling the electrolytic cell (31), a power supply device (38) for supplying DC power to the calibration electrode (33) and the working electrode (34), and an instrumentation device (39). For example, the anodizing device (30) may acquire process data in real time through the instrumentation device (39) and set parameters based on the acquired data to maintain the quality and consistency of the product.

[0046] According to one embodiment, the frame (210) can be inserted into the electrolyte (32) of the electrolytic cell (31) while supported by a supporter (40). With the frame (210) inserted into the electrolyte (32), the calibration electrode (33) and the working electrode (34) can be electrically connected to the first part (211) of the frame (210). For example, if the frame (210) contains an aluminum alloy, the electrolyte (32) may contain a sulfuric acid solution to form an oxide layer on the surface of the frame (210) (e.g., the surface of the first part (211) of the frame (210). For example, the calibration electrode (33) may be a cathode containing lead (Pt), and the working electrode (34) may be an anode containing aluminum (Al).

[0047] For example, before the frame (210) is placed into the electrolyte (32), chemical cleaning can be performed using a cleaning agent (e.g., an alkaline or acidic cleaning agent) to remove foreign substances attached to the surface of the frame (210).

[0048] According to one embodiment, current can be applied to the electrolyte (32) through a power supply (38) to induce an oxidation reaction in the first part (211) of the frame (210) and form a film on the surface of the first part (211) of the frame (210). A number of conditions applied during anodizing to form a film on the surface of the first part (211) of the frame (210) may be considered. For example, a number of conditions may include current density (e.g., about 1 to 2 A / dm2), voltage (e.g., about 10 to 20 V), temperature (e.g., about 10 to 29°C), and processing time (e.g., about 10 to 50 min). In this case, the thickness of the film on the surface of the first part (211) of the frame (210) may be about 6 to 25 μm.

[0049] According to one embodiment, a barrier layer (211b) is formed on the surface (211a) of the first part (211) of the frame (210) by an oxidation reaction as shown in FIG. 5, and cells can grow as the surface of the barrier layer (211b) becomes uneven due to the volume expansion of the barrier layer (211b). Accordingly, a pore layer (211c) containing a plurality of fine pores (211d) can be formed on the barrier layer (211b).

[0050] According to one embodiment, when a metal ion (e.g., nickel, cobalt, or tin) is added to the electrolyte (32) and then an electric current is applied, a dye (211e) having a first color can be infiltrated into the plurality of pores (211d) of the pore layer (211c). The first part (211) of the frame (210) can be colored with the first color as the dye of the first color infiltrates into the plurality of pores (211d). In this way, coloring the first part (211) of the frame (210) with the first color can be carried out while immersed in the electrolyte (32) of the electrolytic cell (31), but is not limited thereto. For example, after the frame (210) is withdrawn from the electrolytic cell (31), the dye of the first color can be infiltrated into the plurality of pores (211d) by immersing it in a separate tank filled with a coloring solution corresponding to the dye of the first color. In this way, a process of coloring the first part (211) of the frame (210) with the first color can be performed outside the electrolytic cell (31).

[0051] According to one embodiment, after the frame (210) is withdrawn from the electrolytic cell (31) using a supporter (40), a sealing layer (211f) can be formed on the surface of the first part (211) of the frame (210) (e.g., the upper surface of the pore layer (211c)) through a hydration sealing treatment to close a plurality of pores (211d). The sealing layer (211f) formed on the surface of the first part (211) of the frame (210) can prevent or improve the first part (211) of the frame (210) from being colored with a second color dye during the second coloring process for the second part (212) of the frame (210).

[0052] According to one embodiment, the first part (211) and the second part (212) of the frame (210) can be physically and electrically reconnected (see 2005 in FIG. 2). In this case, the first part (211) and the second part (212) of the frame (210) can be connected by welding or reconnected using separate fasteners.

[0053] According to one embodiment, the first part (211) and the second part (212) of the frame (210) can be welded using a filler wire (not shown). In this case, the gap (213a) of the connection part (213) can be filled with a welding material (217, see FIG. 3). Alternatively, the first part (211) and the second part (212) of the frame (210) can be joined by laser welding without using a separate filler wire. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 6, the cut connection part (213) can be reconnected by welding using a filler wire in a full-sided fillet joint method (or a double-sided fillet joint method) while a conductive joint material (218-1) is attached to the cut connection part (213). In FIG. 6, reference numeral 217-1 may be a weld material in which the filler wire is molten. In this way, when the severed connection (213) is reconnected using a joint material (218), the strength of the connection (213) can be improved.

[0054] According to one embodiment, the first part (211) and the second part (212) of the frame (210) can be reconnected by riveting by a conductive connecting material (218-2). Referring to FIG. 7, the connecting material (218-2) can be fastened to a connecting part (213) cut by a plurality of rivets (219-2). Accordingly, the first part (211) and the second part (212) of the frame (210) can be physically and electrically connected by the connecting material (218-2). Alternatively, the connecting material (218-2) can be fastened to a connecting part (213) cut by a plurality of screws (not shown).

[0055] According to one embodiment, the frame (210) can be re-inserted into the electrolyte (32) of the electrolytic cell (31) while supported by a supporter (40). The surface of the second part (212) of the frame (210) can be colored with a second color dye through secondary anodizing (see 2006 in FIG. 2). For example, the secondary anodizing may be substantially similar to the primary anodizing described above. After connecting the calibration electrode (33) and the working electrode (34) to the second part (212) of the frame (210) and applying current, a barrier layer (see 211b in FIG. 5) and a porous layer (see 211c in FIG. 5) comprising a plurality of pores (see 211d in FIG. 5) on the barrier layer may be formed on the surface of the second part (212) of the frame (210).

[0056] According to one embodiment, when a metal ion (e.g., nickel, cobalt, or tin) is added to the electrolyte (32) and then an electric current is applied, a dye having a second color different from the first color (referred to as 211e in FIG. 5) can be infiltrated into a plurality of pores (referred to as 211d in FIG. 5) contained in the porous layer (referred to as 211c in FIG. 5) of the second part (212) of the frame (210). In this case, the surface of the first part (211) of the frame (210) is sealed with a sealing layer (211f), so the dye of the second color may not be colored.

[0057] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, as shown in FIG. 3, a first part (211) formed in a corner portion of a frame (210) may be colored with a first color, and a second part (212) of a frame (210) may be colored with a second color. In this way, by performing first and second anodizing to color the first part (211) and the second part (212) of the frame (210), dimensional accuracy can be increased compared to, for example, coloring each part (211, 212) of the frame (210) by a masking method, thereby minimizing or improving defects occurring at the boundary surface of the first and second colors and simplifying the process. Alternatively, compared to, for example, coloring each part (211, 212) of the frame (210) by a cutting method, cutting chips and burrs are not generated during the coloring process, thereby improving the appearance quality and minimizing or improving physical damage.

[0058] According to one embodiment, the first part (211) and the second part (212) of the frame (210) may include various shapes. For example, the second part (212) of the frame (210) shown in FIG. 3 is located approximately at the corner of the frame (210), but is not limited thereto. Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings, an example is described of coloring each part of the frame, which has a different color and has a different shape from the first part (211) and the second part (212) of the frame (210) shown in FIG. 3.

[0059] FIG. 8 is a drawing showing an example in which a first color dye and a second color dye are colored on the frame (310) of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0060] Referring to FIG. 8, a frame (310) according to one embodiment may have a roughly rectangular shape. For example, the frame (310) may be applied as a frame of a smartphone (191-1) of the type shown in FIG. 1. The frame (310) may include a first part (311) having a first color and a second part (312) having a second color different from the first color.

[0061] According to one embodiment, an insulator (315) may be disposed between the first part (311) and the second part (312) of the frame (310). For example, the first exposed part (315a-1) and the second exposed part (315a-2) of the insulator (315) may be exposed to the upper and lower parts of the frame (310), respectively, of the frame (310)'s edge. The first exposed part (315a-1) and the second exposed part (315a-2) of the insulator (315) may be recognized as the boundary between the first part (311) and the second part (312) of the frame (310). For example, the edges of the first part (311) and the second part (312) of the frame (310) may form part of the outer surface of an electronic device (e.g., referred to as 191-1 or 191-2 in FIG. 1) and may be applied as part of the wireless antenna of the electronic device (100).

[0062] According to one embodiment, the frame (310) may include a first weld (317-1) and a second weld (317-2) that interconnect the first part (311) and the second part (312). For example, the first weld (317-1) may be located at the top of the frame (310), and the second weld (317-2) may be located at the bottom of the frame. As the first weld (317-1) and the second weld (317-2) are positioned inside the rim, they may not be visible from the outside of the frame (310) (or from the outside of an electronic device (e.g., referred to as 191-1 or 191-2 in FIG. 1).

[0063] A coloring method that causes the first part (311) and the second part (312) of a frame (310) configured in this manner to have different colors is described with reference to the drawings. FIGS. 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, and 14 are drawings illustrating the process of coloring the first part and the second part of a frame of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure with dyes of different colors.

[0064] Referring to FIG. 9, a frame (310) according to one embodiment may be machined to have a first part (311) and a second part (312) formed along the upper, side, and lower portions of the first part (311). For example, the second part (312) of the frame (310) may have a roughly "C" shape. The edges of the first part (311) of the frame (310) and the edges of the second part (312) may be spaced apart by a first segment (314-1) positioned at the upper portion of the frame (310) and a second segment (314-2) positioned at the lower portion of the frame (310). The first part (311) and the second part (312) of the frame (310) may be spaced apart from each other and may be interconnected by a first connecting part (313-1) positioned at the top of the frame (310) and a second connecting part (313-2) positioned at the bottom of the frame (310).

[0065] Referring to FIG. 10, a frame (310) according to one embodiment may be formed by insert injection so that an insulator (315) fills a space (316, see FIG. 7) that separates the first part (311) and the second part (312) of the frame (310) from each other. In this case, the first segment (314-1, see FIG. 7) and the second segment (314-2, see FIG. 7) that separate the edge of the first part (311) of the frame (310) from the second part (312) may be filled with an insulator (315). A portion of the insulator (315) filling the first and second segments (314-1, 314-2) may be exposed to the outside of the frame (310) (or to the outside of the electronic device (e.g., 191-1 or 191-2 in FIG. 1)) and may be referred to as the first exposed portion (315a-1) and the second exposed portion (315a-2). The first and second exposed portions (315a-1, 315a-2) of the insulator (215) may be recognized as the boundary between the first portion (311) and the second portion (312) of the frame (310).

[0066] Referring to FIG. 11, before coloring is performed on the frame (310), the first connecting portion (313-1) and the second connecting portion (313-2) of the frame (310) can be cut to electrically separate them from each other. For example, the first and second connecting portions (313-1, 313-2) can each be cut by a cutter (not shown). In this case, a portion of the insulator (315) covering the first and second connecting portions (313-1, 313-2) can be removed.

[0067] Referring to FIG. 12, the frame (310) can be inserted into the electrolyte (e.g., referred to as 32 in FIG. 4) of an electrolytic cell (e.g., referred to as 31 in FIG. 4) using a supporter (41) to color the first part (311) of the frame (310) with a dye. For example, the supporter (41) may include a first hook (43) and a second hook (45). The first hook (43) and the second hook (45) of the supporter (41) may be coupled to a first insertion hole (351) and a second insertion hole (352), respectively, formed in the first part (311) of the frame (310).

[0068] For example, the frame (310) can be placed into the electrolyte (32) of the electrolytic cell (31) while supported by a supporter (41), and then a first anodizing can be performed. When current is applied to the electrolyte (32) through a power supply (e.g., 38 in FIG. 4), a film can be formed on the surface of the first part (311) of the frame (310) by an oxidation reaction. For example, the film may include a porous layer (referred to as 211c in FIG. 5) containing a plurality of pores (referred to as 211d in FIG. 5). After adding metal ions (e.g., nickel, cobalt, or tin) to the electrolyte (32), current can be applied to infiltrate a dye having a first color (referred to as 211e in FIG. 5) into the plurality of pores (211d) of the porous layer (211c).

[0069] Referring to FIG. 13, the first part (311) of the frame (310) may be colored with a dye having a first color. In this case, the second part (312) of the frame (310) may remain uncolored with the dye. After the frame (310) is withdrawn from the electrolytic cell (31) through the supporter (41), the first part (311) of the frame (310) may be sealed. Accordingly, a sealing layer (referred to as 211f in FIG. 5) or a hydrated sealing layer may be formed on the surface of the first part (311) of the frame (310) to close a plurality of pores (211d) of the pore layer (211c) through a hydrated sealing treatment. The sealing layer (211f) can prevent or improve the coloring of the second color dye on the first part (311) of the frame (310) while coloring the second part (313) of the frame (310) with a second color dye.

[0070] For example, as shown in FIG. 11, the first connecting part (313-1) and the second connecting part (313-1) that were cut may have a first weld (317-1) and a second weld (317-2) formed by welding (e.g., laser welding). The first part (311) and the second part (312) of the frame (310) may be physically and electrically interconnected by the first weld (317-1) and the second weld (317-2). Alternatively, each of the cut first connecting part (313-1) and the second connecting part (313-1) may be reconnected using a connecting material (e.g., see 218-1 in FIG. 6). Alternatively, each of the severed first connecting part (313-1) and second connecting part (313-1) may be reconnected by riveting or screwing with a plurality of fasteners (e.g., 219-2 in FIG. 7) using a connecting material (e.g., 218-2 in FIG. 7).

[0071] Referring to FIG. 14, the frame (310) is re-inserted into the electrolyte (32) of the electrolytic cell (31) by the supporter (41), and then a second anodizing and a second coloring can be sequentially processed on the second part (312) of the frame (310). Accordingly, the second part (312) of the frame (310) can be colored with a dye having a second color different from the first color.

[0072] Accordingly, the frame (310) according to one embodiment can minimize or improve the defect of mixing colors at the boundary surface between the first color colored in the first part (311) and the second color colored in the second part (312).

[0073] The method of coloring a frame with two or more colors according to the present disclosure can be applied to various types of electronic devices, and examples of coloring with two or more colors by applying the coloring method according to the present disclosure to various types of electronic devices are described below with reference to the drawings. FIGS. 15, 16, 17, 18, and 19 are drawings showing examples in which two colors of dye are colored on the frames of electronic devices according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0074] Referring to FIG. 15, an electronic device (100-1) according to one embodiment may be configured as a foldable type smartphone. The electronic device (100-1) may include a first frame (410) and a second frame (420) connected to be foldable and unfoldable by a hinge (not shown). For example, the electronic device (100-1) may include a flexible display (not shown) combined by the first frame (410) and the second frame (420). The flexible display may not be exposed to the outside of the electronic device (100-1) when the first frame (410) and the second frame (420) are unfolded, as in FIG. 13. The electronic device (100-1) may include a display (430) combined with the second frame (420).

[0075] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (100-1) may have two different colors. For example, the first frame (410) may be colored with a dye of the first color. The second frame (420) may include a first part (421) and a second part (422) connected by a connecting part (not shown). The first part (421) of the second frame (420) may be colored with the first color, just like the first frame (410). The second part (422) of the second frame (420) may be colored with a dye of the second color different from the first color and a third color different from the first and second colors. The first part (421) and the second part (422) of the second frame (420) may be visible to be distinguished from each other by a part (415a) of an insulator exposed outside the frame (420).

[0076] For example, the second portion (422) of the second frame (420) may be colored to have a second color up to the portion exposed to the front of the electronic device (100-1). The electronic device (100-1) may include a hinge cover (440) covering a hinge (not shown). The hinge cover (440) may be colored with a dye of the second color by a coloring method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. In this case, the hinge cover (440) may include an anodizable metal material.

[0077] In one embodiment, the electronic device (100-1) can have the first frame (410) and the first part (421) of the second frame (420) matched with the same color (e.g., the first color) when the first and second frames (410, 420) are unfolded, and the second part (422) of the second frame (420) and the hinge cover (440) adjacent to the second part (422) of the second frame (420) can be matched with the same color (e.g., the second color). Accordingly, the electronic device (100-1) can implement a design that gives a sense of unity.

[0078] Referring to FIG. 16, an electronic device (100-2) according to one embodiment may be configured as a tablet PC (e.g., see 192 in FIG. 1). For example, the frame (510) of the electronic device (100-2) may include a first part (511), a second part (512), and a third part (513). For example, the first part (511), the second part (512), and the third part (513) of the frame (510) may be connected by at least two connecting parts (not shown). In this case, the edges of the first part (511), the second part (512), and the third part (513) of the frame (510) may be exposed to the outside of the electronic device (100-2). The edges of the second part (512) and the edges of the third part (513) of the frame (510) may be arranged symmetrically with respect to each other.

[0079] For example, the first part (511) and the second part (512) of the frame (510) can be distinguished from each other by the exposed portion (515a-1) of the first insulator, and the first part (511) and the third part (513) of the frame (510) can be distinguished from each other by the exposed portion (515a-2) of the second insulator.

[0080] For example, the first part (511) of the frame (510) may be colored with a dye having a first color, and the second part (512) and the third part (513) may be colored with a dye having a second color different from the first color. The electronic device (100-2) can achieve a balanced design as the first part (511) of the frame (510) has a first color, and the second and third parts (512, 513) placed on both sides of the first part (511) have a second color.

[0081] Referring to FIG. 17, an electronic device (100-3) according to one embodiment may be configured as a laptop PC. For example, the electronic device (100-3) may include a first frame (610) and a second frame (620). For example, the first frame (610) may include a first portion (611) in which a touch pad (101-3) is placed, and a second portion (612) in which a keypad (103-3) including a plurality of keys (105-3) is placed. An exposed portion (615a) of an insulator may be placed at the boundary between the first portion (611) and the second portion (612) of the first frame (610). A display (621) may be placed in the second frame (620).

[0082] For example, a first part (611) of the first frame (610) may be colored with a dye of a first color, and a second part (612) of the first frame (610) may be colored with a dye of a second color different from the first color. The second part (612) of the first frame (610) may be visible between a plurality of keys (105-3). In this way, the electronic device (100-3) can assign different colors to the first part (611) and the second part (612) of the first frame (610) respectively through the coloring method according to the present disclosure, so various designs can be produced depending on the size and / or shape of the electronic device (100-3).

[0083] Referring to FIG. 18, an electronic device (100-4) according to one embodiment may have a ring shape so as to be worn on a finger. For example, the frame (710) of the electronic device (100-4) may include a first part (711) and a second part (712). For example, the first part (711) and the second part (712) of the frame (710) may be connected by a connecting part (not shown).

[0084] For example, the first part (711) of the frame (710) may be colored with a dye of a first color, and the second part (712) of the frame (710) may be colored with a dye of a second color different from the first color. The colors applied to the first part (711) and the second part (712) of the frame (710), respectively, may be applied as colors that harmonize with the color (e.g., black) of the inner surface of the electronic device (100-4) to improve the aesthetic appeal of the electronic device (100-4).

[0085] Referring to FIG. 19, an electronic device (100-5) according to one embodiment may include a watch that can be worn on the wrist. For example, the electronic device (100-5) may include a frame (810) comprising a first part (811) and a second part (812) that are interconnected by a connecting part (not shown). A display (830) may be placed on the upper surface of the first part (811) of the frame (810), and straps (850) may be connected to each side. A plurality of keys (820) may be placed on the second part (812) of the frame (810). The second part (812) of the frame (810) may be located on the side of the electronic device (100-5). An exposed portion (815a) of an insulator may be placed at the boundary between the first part (811) and the second part (812) of the frame (810). For example, a first part (811) of the frame (810) may be colored with a first color dye, and a second part (812) of the frame (810) may be colored with a second color dye different from the first color.

[0086] FIG. 20 is a drawing showing an example in which three colors of dye are colored on the frames of electronic devices according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0087] Referring to FIG. 20, an electronic device (100-6) according to one embodiment may be configured as a smartphone of the type that folds and unfolds in a Z shape. For example, the electronic device (100-6) may include a first frame (910), a second frame (920), a third frame (930), a first hinge (not shown) that connects the first frame (910) and the second frame (920) so as to be foldable and unfoldable, and a second hinge (not shown) that connects the second frame (920) and the third frame (930) so as to be foldable and unfoldable. For example, the electronic device (100-6) may include a flexible display (940) coupled to the first frame (910), the second frame (920), and the third frame (930).

[0088] For example, the first part (911) and the second part (912) of the first frame (910) may be distinguished from each other by the exposed portion (915a-1) of the first insulator, and the first part (931) and the second part (932) of the third frame (930) may be distinguished from each other by the exposed portion (915a-2) of the second insulator. For example, the second part (912) of the first frame (910) may be positioned closer to the second frame (920) than the first part (911) of the first frame (910). The second part (932) of the third frame (930) may be positioned closer to the second frame (920) than the first part (931) of the third frame (930).

[0089] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (100-6) may have two different colors. For example, a first part (911) of a first frame (910) may be colored with a dye of the first color. A second part (912) of the first frame (910), a second frame (420), and a second part (932) of a third frame (930) may each be colored with a dye of the second color different from the first color. A first part (931) of a third frame (930) may be colored with a dye of the third color different from the first and second colors.

[0090] An electronic device (100-1) according to one embodiment can implement a design in which, when the first and second frames (410, 420) are unfolded, the second part (912) of the first frame (910) is the same color as the second frame (920), so that the first frame (910) and the second frame (920) can be seen as having continuity without being completely distinguished. Similarly, an electronic device (100-1) can implement a design in which, when the second and third frames (920, 930) are unfolded, the second part (932) of the third frame (930) is the same color as the second frame (920), so that the second frame (920) and the third frame (930) can be seen as having continuity without being completely distinguished.

[0091] An electronic device (100-6) according to one embodiment may be designed such that the first frame (910), the second frame (920), and the third frame (930) have a tone shading or gradation of brightness that increases or decreases while maintaining the same hue and saturation from the first part (911) of the first frame (910) to the second part (912) of the first frame (910), the second frame (920), the second part (932) of the third frame (930), and the first part (931) of the third frame (930).

[0092] Although the embodiments have been described above with reference to limited embodiments and drawings, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations from the description above. For example, appropriate results may be achieved even if the described techniques are performed in a different order than described, and / or if the components of the described system, structure, device, circuit, etc. are combined or assembled in a form different from described, or replaced or substituted by other components or equivalents. Therefore, other implementations, other embodiments, and equivalents to the claims below also fall within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. In an electronic device, A frame containing two or more colors; and A display disposed on one side of the above frame; including, The above frame is, A first part configured to be colored with a first color dye; A second part configured to be colored with a dye of a second color different from the first color; and It includes at least one connecting portion formed integrally with the first portion and the second portion and connecting the first portion and the second portion, The above frame includes a first frame and a second frame connected so as to be foldable and unfoldable, and An electronic device wherein the first frame or the second frame comprises at least two colors.

2. In Paragraph 1, The above-mentioned at least one connection part is, An electronic device comprising a welding material that fills the gap between a first part of the frame and a second part of the frame by welding.

3. In Paragraph 1, The above-mentioned at least one connecting part is, An electronic device comprising a conductive joint material.

4. In Paragraph 3, The above joint material is, An electronic device in which the first part of the above frame and the second part of the above frame are connected by a fillet joint.

5. In Paragraph 4, The above joint material is, An electronic device in which a filler wire is welded to a first part of the frame and a second part of the frame by molten welding material.

6. In Paragraph 3, The above joint material is, An electronic device connected to the first part of the above frame and the second part of the above frame by means of a fastener.

7. In Paragraph 6, The above fastener is, At least one first rivet connecting the first part of the frame and the first side of the joint material; and An electronic device comprising at least one second rivet connecting a second part of the frame and a second side of the joint material.

8. In Paragraph 1, The first part of the above frame is, An electronic device having a plurality of first pores formed by infiltrating a first color dye.

9. In Paragraph 8, The first part of the above frame is, An electronic device further comprising a first sealing layer formed on the surface of a first part of the frame to close the plurality of first pores.

10. In Paragraph 8, The second part of the above frame is, An electronic device having a plurality of second pores formed by penetrating a dye of a second color different from the first color.

11. In Paragraph 10, The second part of the above frame is, An electronic device further comprising a second sealing layer formed on the surface of a second part of the frame to close the plurality of second pores.

12. In Paragraph 1, Between the first part of the frame and the second part of the frame, there is a space having a fixed length and width; and An electronic device further comprising an insulator filled in the above space.

13. In Paragraph 1, The second part of the above frame constitutes the edge of the electronic device, and In the first part of the above frame, An electronic device having at least two insertion holes formed by joining a supporter that supports the frame when the frame is anodized.

14. In Paragraph 1, The first frame and the second frame are connected in a way that allows them to be folded and unfolded, an electronic device.

15. In Paragraph 14, The above display is, An electronic device comprising a flexible display coupled to the first frame and the second frame.

Images