Patent Application
20250147546
The disclosure relates to a wearable device comprising a printed circuit board including a conductive pattern, and an electronic device.
With the development of technologies and the demand of users, portability is increased and electronic devices including multiple functions are required. In order to improve portability, portable electronic devices are being miniaturized. With the miniaturization of electronic devices, portable devices wearable on a body part are being provided. With the increasing demand for wearable devices, such as a watch in addition to a smartphone, the wearable devices are providing electronic components to perform multiple functions in a small space.
The above information is presented as background information only to assist with an understanding of the disclosure. No determination has been made, and no assertion is made, as to whether any of the above might be applicable as prior art with regard to the disclosure.
Aspects of the disclosure are to address at least the above-mentioned problems and/or disadvantages and to provide at least the advantages described below. Accordingly, an aspect of the disclosure is to provide a wearable device comprising a printed circuit board including a conductive pattern, and an electronic device.
Additional aspects will be set forth in part in the description which follows and, in part, will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the presented embodiments.
In accordance with an aspect of the disclosure, a wearable device is provided. The wearable device includes a frame forming at least a portion of an exterior of the wearable device, a printed circuit board (PCB), disposed in an inner space surrounded by the frame, including a conductive pattern, a flexible PCB (FPCB), including a conductive portion connected to the conductive pattern of the PCB, configured to obtain an input by pressing of a key button, an antenna using the frame, the conductive pattern of the PCB, and the conductive portion of the FPCB as a radiator, and wireless communication circuitry electrically connected to the antenna.
In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, an electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes a housing including a first plate, a second plate facing the first plate, and a lateral frame, disposed between the first plate and the second plate, including a conductive portion, a PCB disposed in the housing, including a conductive pattern, a key button inserted into an opening formed in the lateral frame, an FPCB, contacted with a conductive portion connected to the conductive pattern of the PCB and a portion of the key button, including signal line configured to obtain an input signal through movement of the key button, a bracket, electrically connected to a ground portion of the PCB, disposed between the PCB and the first plate, an antenna using the lateral frame, the conductive pattern, and the conductive portion as a radiator, and wireless communication circuitry electrically connected to the antenna, wherein the conductive portion is electrically connected to the conductive pattern.
Other aspects, advantages, and salient features of the disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which, taken in conjunction with the annexed drawings, discloses various embodiments of the disclosure.
The above and other aspects, features, and advantages of certain embodiments of the disclosure will be more apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
Throughout the drawings, it should be noted that like reference numbers are used to depict the same or similar elements, features, and structures.
The following description with reference to the accompanying drawings is provided to assist in a comprehensive understanding of various embodiments of the disclosure as defined by the claims and their equivalents. It includes various specific details to assist in that understanding but these are to be regarded as merely exemplary. Accordingly, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that various changes and modifications of the various embodiments described herein can be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosure. In addition, descriptions of well-known functions and constructions may be omitted for clarity and conciseness.
The terms and words used in the following description and claims are not limited to the bibliographical meanings, but, are merely used by the inventor to enable a clear and consistent understanding of the disclosure. Accordingly, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the following description of various embodiments of the disclosure is provided for illustration purpose only and not for the purpose of limiting the disclosure as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.
It is to be understood that the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “a component surface” includes reference to one or more of such surfaces.
It should be appreciated that the blocks in each flowchart and combinations of the flowcharts may be performed by one or more computer programs which include computer-executable instructions. The entirety of the one or more computer programs may be stored in a single memory device or the one or more computer programs may be divided with different portions stored in different multiple memory devices.
Any of the functions or operations described herein can be processed by one processor or a combination of processors. The one processor or the combination of processors is circuitry performing processing and includes circuitry like an application processor (AP, e.g., a central processing unit (CPU)), a communication processor (CP, e.g., a modem), a graphical processing unit (GPU), a neural processing unit (NPU) (e.g., an artificial intelligence (AI) chip), a wireless-fidelity (Wi-Fi) chip, a Bluetooth™ chip, a global positioning system (GPS) chip, a near field communication (NFC) chip, connectivity chips, a sensor controller, a touch controller, a finger-print sensor controller, a display drive integrated circuit (IC), an audio CODEC chip, a universal serial bus (USB) controller, a camera controller, an image processing IC, a microprocessor unit (MPU), a system on chip (SoC), an IC, or the like.
Referring to
The processor 120 may execute, for example, 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 coupled with the processor 120, and may perform various data processing or computation. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, as at least part of the data processing or computation, the processor 120 may store a command or data received from another component (e.g., the sensor module 176 or the communication module 190) in volatile memory 132, process the command or the data stored in the volatile memory 132, and store resulting data in non-volatile memory 134. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the processor 120 may include a main processor 121 (e.g., a central processing unit (CPU) or an application processor (AP)), or an auxiliary processor 123 (e.g., a graphics processing unit (GPU), a neural processing unit (NPU), an image signal processor (ISP), a sensor hub processor, or a communication processor (CP)) that is operable independently from, or in conjunction 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 adapted to consume less power than the main processor 121, or to be specific to a specified function. The auxiliary processor 123 may be implemented as separate from, or as part of the main processor 121.
The auxiliary processor 123 may control at least some of functions or states related to at least one component (e.g., the display module 160, the sensor module 176, or the communication module 190) among the components of the electronic device 101, instead of the main processor 121 while the main processor 121 is in an inactive (e.g., a sleep) state, or together with the main processor 121 while the main processor 121 is in an active state (e.g., executing an application). According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the auxiliary processor 123 (e.g., an image signal processor or a communication processor) may be implemented as part of another component (e.g., the camera module 180 or the communication module 190) functionally related to the auxiliary processor 123. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the auxiliary processor 123 (e.g., the neural processing unit) may include a hardware structure specified for artificial intelligence model processing. An artificial intelligence model may be generated by machine learning. Such learning may be performed, e.g., by the electronic device 101 where the artificial intelligence is performed or via a separate server (e.g., the server 108). Learning algorithms may include, but are not limited to, e.g., supervised learning, unsupervised learning, semi-supervised learning, or reinforcement learning. The artificial intelligence model may include a plurality of artificial neural network layers. The artificial neural network may be 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), deep Q-network or a combination of two or more thereof but is not limited thereto. The artificial intelligence model may, additionally or alternatively, include a software structure other than the hardware structure.
The memory 130 may store various data used by at least one component (e.g., the processor 120 or the sensor module 176) of the electronic device 101. The various data may include, for example, software (e.g., the program 140) and input data or output data for a command related thereto. The memory 130 may include the volatile memory 132 or the non-volatile memory 134.
The program 140 may be stored in the memory 130 as software, and may include, for example, an operating system (OS) 142, middleware 144, or an application 146.
The input module 150 may receive a command or data to be used by another component (e.g., the processor 120) of the electronic device 101, from the outside (e.g., a user) of the electronic device 101. The input module 150 may include, for example, a microphone, a mouse, a keyboard, a key (e.g., a button), or a digital pen (e.g., a stylus pen).
The sound output module 155 may output sound signals to the outside of the electronic device 101. The sound output module 155 may include, for example, a speaker or a receiver. The speaker may be used for general purposes, such as playing multimedia or playing record. The receiver may be used for receiving incoming calls. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the receiver may be implemented as separate from, or as part of the speaker.
The display module 160 may visually provide information to the outside (e.g., a user) of the electronic device 101. The display module 160 may include, for example, a display, a hologram device, or a projector and control circuitry to control a corresponding one of the display, hologram device, and projector. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the display module 160 may include a touch sensor adapted to detect a touch, or a pressure sensor adapted to measure the intensity of force incurred by the touch.
The audio module 170 may convert a sound into an electrical signal and vice versa. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the audio module 170 may obtain the sound via the input module 150, or output the sound via the sound output module 155 or a headphone of an external electronic device (e.g., the external electronic device 102) directly (e.g., wiredly) or wirelessly coupled with the electronic device 101.
The sensor module 176 may detect an operational state (e.g., power or temperature) of the electronic device 101 or an environmental state (e.g., a state of a user) external to the electronic device 101, and then generate an electrical signal or data value corresponding to the detected state. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the sensor module 176 may include, for example, a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, an atmospheric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a grip sensor, a proximity sensor, a color sensor, an infrared (IR) sensor, a biometric sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or an illuminance sensor.
The interface 177 may support one or more specified protocols to be used for the electronic device 101 to be coupled with the external electronic device (e.g., the external electronic device 102) directly (e.g., wiredly) or wirelessly. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the interface 177 may include, for example, a high definition multimedia interface (HDMI), a universal serial bus (USB) interface, a secure digital (SD) card interface, or an audio interface.
A connecting terminal 178 may include a connector via which the electronic device 101 may be physically connected with the external electronic device (e.g., the external electronic device 102). According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the connecting 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).
The haptic module 179 may convert an electrical signal into a mechanical stimulus (e.g., a vibration or a movement) or electrical stimulus which may be recognized by a user via his tactile sensation or kinesthetic sensation. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the haptic module 179 may include, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electric stimulator.
The camera module 180 may capture a still image or moving images. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the camera module 180 may include one or more lenses, image sensors, image signal processors, or flashes.
The power management module 188 may manage power supplied to the electronic device 101. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the power management module 188 may be implemented as at least part of, for example, a power management integrated circuit (PMIC).
The battery 189 may supply power to at least one component of the electronic device 101. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the battery 189 may include, for example, a primary cell which is not rechargeable, a secondary cell which is rechargeable, or a fuel cell.
The communication module 190 may support establishing a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between the electronic device 101 and the external electronic device (e.g., the external electronic device 102, the external electronic device 104, or the server 108) and performing communication via the established communication channel. The communication module 190 may include one or more communication processors that are operable independently from the processor 120 (e.g., the application processor (AP)) and supports a direct (e.g., wired) communication or a wireless communication. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, 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 (PLC) module). A corresponding one of these communication modules may communicate with the external electronic device via the first network 198 (e.g., a short-range communication network, such as Bluetooth™, wireless-fidelity (Wi-Fi) direct, or infrared data association (IrDA)) or the second network 199 (e.g., a long-range communication network, such as a legacy cellular network, a fifth generation (5G) network, a next-generation communication network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., LAN or wide area network (WAN)). These various types of communication modules may be implemented as a single component (e.g., a single chip), or may be implemented as multi components (e.g., multi chips) separate from each other. The wireless communication module 192 may identify and authenticate the electronic device 101 in a communication network, such as the first network 198 or the second network 199, using subscriber information (e.g., international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI)) stored in the subscriber identification module 196.
The wireless communication module 192 may support a 5G network, after a fourth generation (4G) network, and next-generation communication technology, e.g., new radio (NR) access technology. The NR access technology may support enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), massive machine type communications (mMTC), or ultra-reliable and low-latency communications (URLLC). The wireless communication module 192 may support a high-frequency band (e.g., the millimeter wave (mmWave) band) to achieve, e.g., a high data transmission rate. The wireless communication module 192 may support various technologies for securing performance on a high-frequency band, such as, e.g., beamforming, massive multiple-input and multiple-output (massive MIMO), full dimensional MIMO (FD-MIMO), array antenna, analog beam-forming, or large scale antenna. The wireless communication module 192 may support various requirements specified in the electronic device 101, an external electronic device (e.g., the external electronic device 104), or a network system (e.g., the second network 199). According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the wireless communication module 192 may support a peak data rate (e.g., 20 Gbps or more) for implementing eMBB, loss coverage (e.g., 164 dB or less) for implementing mMTC, or U-plane latency (e.g., 0.5 ms or less for each of downlink (DL) and uplink (UL), or a round trip of 1 ms or less) for implementing URLLC.
The antenna module 197 may transmit or receive a signal or power to or from the outside (e.g., the external electronic device) of the electronic device 101. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the antenna module 197 may include an antenna including a radiating element including a conductive material or a conductive pattern formed in or on a substrate (e.g., a printed circuit board (PCB)). According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the antenna module 197 may include a plurality of antennas (e.g., array antennas). In such a case, at least one antenna appropriate for a communication scheme used in the communication network, such as the first network 198 or the second network 199, may be selected, for example, by the communication module 190 (e.g., the wireless communication module 192) from the plurality of antennas. The signal or the power may then be transmitted or received between the communication module 190 and the external electronic device via the selected at least one antenna. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, another component (e.g., a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC)) other than the radiating element may be additionally formed as part of the antenna module 197.
According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the antenna module 197 may form a mmWave antenna module. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the mmWave antenna module may include a printed circuit board, an RFIC disposed on a first surface (e.g., the bottom surface) of the printed circuit board, or adjacent to the first surface and capable of supporting a designated high-frequency band (e.g., the mmWave band), and a plurality of antennas (e.g., array antennas) disposed on a second surface (e.g., the top or a side surface) of the printed circuit board, or adjacent to the second surface and capable of transmitting or receiving signals of the designated high-frequency band.
At least some of the above-described components may be coupled mutually and communicate signals (e.g., commands or data) therebetween via an inter-peripheral communication scheme (e.g., a bus, general purpose input and output (GPIO), serial peripheral interface (SPI), or mobile industry processor interface (MIPI)).
According to an embodiment of the disclosure, commands or data may be transmitted or received between the electronic device 101 and the external electronic device 104 via the server 108 coupled with the second network 199. Each of the external electronic devices 102 or 104 may be a device of a same type as, or a different type, from the electronic device 101. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, all or some of operations to be executed at the electronic device 101 may be executed at one or more of the external electronic devices 102 or 104, or the server 108. For example, if the electronic device 101 should perform a function or a service automatically, or in response to a request from a user or another device, the electronic device 101, instead of, or in addition to, executing the function or the service, may request the one or more external electronic devices to perform at least part of the function or the service. The one or more external electronic devices receiving the request may perform the at least part of the function or the service requested, or an additional function or an additional service related to the request, and transfer an outcome of the performing to the electronic device 101. The electronic device 101 may provide the outcome, with or without further processing of the outcome, as at least part of a reply to the request. To that end, a cloud computing, distributed computing, mobile edge computing (MEC), or client-server computing technology may be used, for example. The electronic device 101 may provide ultra low-latency services using, e.g., distributed computing or mobile edge computing. In another embodiment of the disclosure, the external electronic device 104 may include an internet-of-things (IoT) device. The server 108 may be an intelligent server using machine learning and/or a neural network. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the external electronic device 104 or the server 108 may be included in the second network 199. The electronic device 101 may be applied to intelligent services (e.g., a smart home, a smart city, a smart car, or healthcare) based on 5G communication technology or IoT-related technology.
Referring to
According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the electronic device 200 may include at least one of a display 220 (see
The display 220 may be exposed, for example, through a substantial portion of the front plate 201. The shape of the display 220 may correspond to the shape of the front plate 20, such as circular (shown in
The audio modules 205 and 208 may include a microphone hole 205 and a speaker hole 208. Corresponding to the microphone hole 205, a microphone for obtaining external sound may be disposed inside, and in some embodiments of the disclosure, a plurality of microphones may be disposed to detect the direction of the sound. The speaker hole 208 may be used with an external speaker and a receiver for phone calls. In some embodiments of the disclosure, the speaker hole 208 and the microphone hole 205 may be implemented as a single hole, or a speaker (e.g., piezo speaker) may be included without the speaker hole 208.
The sensor module 211 may generate electrical signal(s) or data value(s) corresponding to internal operating state(s) of the electronic device 200 or external environmental state(s). The sensor module 211 may include, for example, a biometric sensor module 211 (e.g., heart-rate monitor (HRM) sensor) disposed on the second surface 210B of the housing 210. The electronic device 200 may further include at least one sensor module not shown, such as a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, a pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a grip sensor, a color sensor, an infrared sensor, a biometric sensor, a humidity sensor, and/or an illumination sensor.
The key input devices 202, 203, and 204 may include a wheel key 202 disposed on the first surface 210A of the housing 210 and rotatable in at least one direction, and/or side key buttons 203 and 204 disposed on the side surface 210C of the housing 210. The wheel key may have a shape corresponding to the shape of the front plate 201. In another embodiment of the disclosure, the electronic device 200 may not include some or all of the above-described key input devices 202, 203, and 204, and the not included key input devices 202, 203, and 204 may be implemented in other forms, such as soft keys on the display 220. The connector hole 209 may accommodate a connector (e.g., USB connector) for transmitting and receiving power and/or data to and from external electronic devices and may include another connector hole (not illustrated) capable of accommodating a connector for transmitting and receiving audio signals to and from an external electronic device. The electronic device 200 may further include, for example, a connector cover (not illustrated) that covers at least a part of the connector hole 209 and blocks the inflow of external foreign material into the connector hole.
The binding members 250 and 260 may be detachably attached to at least a part of the housing 210 using locking members 251, 261. The binding members 250 and 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 fixing ring 255.
The fixing member 252 may be configured to fix the housing 210 and the binding members 250 and 260 to a part of the user's body (e.g., wrist, ankle, or the like). The fixing member fastening hole 253 may correspond to the fixing member 252 to fix the housing 210 and the binding members 250 and 260 to the part of the user's body. The band guide member 254 may be configured to limit movement range of the fixing member 252 when the fixing member 252 is fastened to the fixing member fastening hole 253, so that the binding members 250 and 260 are attached to be in close contact with the part of the user's body. The band fixing ring 255 may limit the range of movement of the fixing members 250 and 260 when the fixing member 252 and the fixing member fastening hole 253 are fastened.
Referring to
The memory may include, for example, volatile memory or nonvolatile memory. The interface may include, for example, a high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI), a universal serial bus (USB) interface, an SD card interface, and/or an audio interface. The interface may electrically or physically connect the electronic device 300 to an external electronic device, for example, and may include a USB connector, an SD card/MMC connector, or an audio connector.
The battery 370 is a device for supplying power to at least one component of the electronic device 300, and may include, for example, a non-rechargeable primary battery, a rechargeable secondary battery, or a fuel battery. At least a part of the battery 370 may be disposed on substantially the same plane as, for example, the printed circuit board 380. The battery 370 may be integrally disposed inside the electronic device 200 or may be disposed in the electronic device 200 to be user detachable.
The first antenna 350 may be disposed between the display 220 and the support member 360. The first antenna 350 may include, for example, a near field communication (NFC) antenna, a wireless charging antenna, and/or a magnetic secure transmission (MST) antenna. The first antenna 350 may, for example, perform short-range communication with an external device, wirelessly transmit and receive power required for charging, and transmit short-range communication signals, such as ones containing payment data. In another embodiment of the disclosure, an antenna structure may be formed by at least a portion of the side bezel structure 310 and/or a part of the support member 360 or a combination thereof.
The second antenna 355 may be disposed between the printed circuit board 380 and the rear plate 393. The second antenna 355 may include, for example, a near field communication (NFC) antenna, a wireless charging antenna, and/or a magnetic secure transmission (MST) antenna. For example, the second antenna 355 may perform short-range communication with an external device, wirelessly transmit and receive power required for charging, and may transmit a short-range communication signal, such as ones containing payment data. In another embodiment of the disclosure, an antenna structure may be formed by at least a portion of the side bezel structure 310 and/or a part of the rear plate 393 or a combination thereof.
The sealing member 390 may be positioned between the side bezel structure 310 and the rear plate 393. The sealing member 390 may be configured to block moisture and foreign material flowing into the space surrounded by the side bezel structure 310 and the rear plate 393 from the outside.
Referring to
According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the frame 310 may form at least a portion of an exterior of the electronic device 300. The frame 310 may define an inner space of the electronic device 300. The inner space may be a space surrounded by the frame 310, a front plate (e.g., the front plate 201 of
The PCB 380 may be disposed in the inner space defined by the frame 310. A conductive pattern 481 may be formed in the PCB 380. In an embodiment of the disclosure, the conductive pattern 481 may operate as a portion of an antenna radiator that provides a signal of a designated frequency band. For example, the conductive pattern 481 may operate as an antenna radiator together with a conductive portion of the frame 310. For example, the conductive pattern 481 and the frame 310 may be configured to communicate a signal in a low band or a middle band with an external electronic device. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the antenna A may use the conductive pattern 481 and the conductive portion of the frame 310 as an antenna radiator. The antenna A using the conductive pattern 481 and the frame 310 as an antenna radiator may communicate with an external electronic device through the wireless communication circuitry 420.
According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the FPCB 410 may include a conductive portion 511 electromagnetically connected to the conductive pattern 481, and may obtain an input by pressing a key button 203 or 204. For example, the conductive portion 511 may include a ground of the FPCB 410. The conductive portion 511 of the FPCB 410 may provide a ground path. The conductive portion 511 may provide a ground path distinct from a signal line in the FPCB 410. For example, the conductive portion 511 may be coupled to the frame 310, and at least a portion thereof may be used as a radiator together with the conductive pattern 481. For example, an end of the FPCB 410 may be electrically connected to a portion of the conductive pattern 481. Another end of the FPCB 410 may be connected to a ground portion of the PCB 380. The wireless communication circuitry 420 may be configured to communicate with an external electronic device through at least a portion of the frame 310, the conductive pattern 481, and the conductive portion 511 in the FPCB 410. For example, the wireless communication circuitry 420 may provide a power supply signal to the conductive pattern 481 or the frame 310 for communication with an external electronic device.
According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the FPCB 410 may be disposed between an inner surface of the frame 310 and a lateral surface of the PCB 380. In an embodiment of the disclosure, the frame 310 may include openings 491 and 492. For example, the openings 491 and 492 may overlap a portion of the FPCB 410 when the FPCB is viewed from above. Key buttons 203 and 204, inserted into the opening 491 and 492, configured to translate may be positioned in the frame. The FPCB 410 may provide an input signal by pressing at least one of the key buttons 203 and 204. For example, when pressing the key buttons 203 and 204, the FPCB 410 may generate an input signal through a dome key (not illustrated in
According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the FPCB 410 may be substantially perpendicular to a surface of the PCB 380. For example, the FPCB 410 may be disposed along a portion of a lateral surface perpendicular to the surface of the PCB 380. The FPCB 410 may be disposed between the conductive pattern 481 and the frame 310. For example, the FPCB 410 may be disposed along a portion of an edge adjacent to the conductive pattern 481 included in the PCB 380. The FPCB 410 may be disposed along an inner surface of the frame 310 facing a portion of the conductive pattern 481. For example, the conductive pattern 481 and the frame 310 may be disposed physically close to the FPCB 410. In an embodiment of the disclosure, the conductive pattern 481 and the frame 310 may be coupled to the conductive portion 511 of the FPCB 410. For example, the conductive portion 511 of the FPCB 410, the frame 310, and the conductive pattern 481 may be coupled to each other and operate as an antenna radiator. For example, the conductive portion 511, the frame 310, and the conductive pattern 481 within a region P in which an electric field is strongly formed in a designated frequency band may be coupled to each other. The antenna A may use the frame 310, the conductive pattern 481, and the conductive portion 511 as an antenna radiator.
Referring to
According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the bracket 520 may be a structure supporting the display 220 and may include a conductive material. For example, the bracket 520 may be disposed between the display 220 and a battery 510. For example, the battery 510 may be supported by the bracket 520 and attached to a portion of the bracket 520. For example, the bracket 520 may support not only the display 220 and the battery 510 but also another electronic component disposed inside the electronic device 300. In an embodiment of the disclosure, the bracket 520 may include a conductive portion and be connected to a ground line of the PCB 380 to provide a ground to the PCB 380. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the frame 310 may operate as a ground 610.
According to an embodiment of the disclosure, a sum of a length of the conductive pattern 481 and a length of the conductive portion 511 may be ¼ of a wavelength of an electromagnetic wave including a signal in communication with the external electronic device. For example, in order to compensate for a lack of a resonance length of the frame 310, the conductive pattern 481 and the conductive portion 511 may be used as an antenna radiator. For example, when transmitting a signal in the low-band or the middle-band to the outside, a relatively long length of the antenna radiator may be required for resonance. In a case of a small wearable device, a resonance length of the frame therein may be insufficient. For the insufficient resonance length, an additional conductive pattern may be required. In order to provide a conductive pattern or a conductive portion, an additional antenna (e.g., a laser direct structuring antenna (LDS)) or a separate conductive portion may be required. When a separate antenna component is added, a mounting space may be required inside the electronic device 300. By utilizing the conductive portion 511 for grounding the FPCB 410 inside the electronic device 300, the electronic device 300 may save a mounting space of an additional component.
According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the conductive portion 511 of the FPCB 410 may be electrically connected to the conductive pattern 481. For example, the conductive portion 511 may be electrically connected to the conductive pattern 481 through a conductive structure (e.g., contact or c-clip) that is disposed on the PCB 380 and has elasticity. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the conductive portion 511 may be used as an antenna radiator together with the frame 310 and the conductive pattern 481.
According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the conductive portion 511 and/or the conductive pattern 481 may be coupled to the frame 310. For example, the conductive portion 511 faces the frame 310 and may be electrically connected to the conductive pattern 481. The conductive portion 511, the frame 310, and the conductive pattern 481, which are coupled, may be used as an antenna radiator to ensure a relatively insufficient resonance length.
Referring to
The graph 701 represents a gain according to a frequency when the conductive pattern 481 and the conductive portion 511 are connected to each other to additionally use the conductive pattern 481 and the conductive portion 511 as an antenna radiator.
The graph 703 represents a gain according to a frequency when a conductive pattern is not included, differently from the graph 701. For example, a conductive portion of the FPCB 410 may not be utilized as a portion of a radiator and may operate as a ground.
Referring to the graph 701 and the graph 703, a resonance length of a GPS band A may be secured through the conductive pattern 481 electrically connected to the conductive portion 511, thereby improving performance of a GPS antenna. For example, the frame 310, the conductive portion 511 and the conductive pattern 481 may secure a resonance length in the GPS band A, which is approximately 1.5 GHz to 1.6 GHz, and increase an antenna gain by approximately P compared to a reference electronic device.
According to the above-described embodiment of the disclosure, a resonance length may be secured by electrically connecting the conductive portion 511 of the FPCB 410 and the conductive pattern 481 of the PCB 380 to provide ¼ of a wavelength of an electromagnetic wave of a signal communicating with an external electronic device. By securing the resonance length, antenna performance in a low frequency band or a middle frequency band may be improved.
Referring to
According to an embodiment of the disclosure, a conductive portion 511 (e.g., the conductive portion 511 of
According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the FPCB 410 may be configured to identify the pressing of a key button (e.g., key buttons 203 and 204 of
According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the key buttons 203 and 204 may include a conductive material. The key buttons 203 and 204 may be connected to a conductive line distinct from the conductive portion 511 in the FPCB 410 to obtain a biometric signal through a microcurrent obtained through the conductive material. The dome keys 810 and 820 in contact with the key buttons 203 and 204 may include a conductive material. The conductive material of the key buttons 203 and 204 may be an electrode and may be electrically connected to the dome keys 810 and 820. The biometric signal obtained through the key buttons 203 and 204 may transmit the obtained biometric signal to a processor (e.g., the processor 120 of
According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the FPCB 410 may include a hole 831 corresponding to a microphone hole of the frame (e.g., the frame 310 of
According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the FPCB 410 may be disposed along a portion of a lateral surface 801 of the PCB 380. The conductive portion 511 in the FPCB 410 may be coupled to the frame 310.
Referring to
According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the PCB 380 may include a conductive portion 910 electrically connected to a connection member 890 (e.g., the connection member 890 of
According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the FPCB 410 may include a conductive pad 1010 in contact with the connection member 890. The conductive pad 1010 may be electrically connected to the conductive portion 511. For example, the conductive portion 511 may be a ground path. For example, a portion of the conductive portion 511, which is electrically connected to the conductive pattern 481 through the conductive pad 1010, may be utilized as an antenna radiator. The conductive portion 511 may be electrically connected to the dome keys 810 and 820, the microphone 830, and the connector 841. For example, the conductive portion 511 may be extended from the conductive pad 1010 to the connector 841 via the dome key 820, the microphone 830, and the dome key 810, and be connected to a ground portion of the PCB 380.
According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the PCB 380 may further include impedance matching circuitry 930. The impedance matching circuitry 930 may include switching elements and/or passive elements, such as an inductor or a capacitor. The impedance matching circuitry 930 may tune the impedance for resonance of the conductive pattern 481, the conductive portion 511 of the FPCB 410, and the frame 310, which are utilized as a radiator, through the passive element and the switching element.
According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the conductive pattern 481 may be electrically connected to the impedance matching circuitry 930 adjacent to the conductive portion 910, which is a region connected to an end of the FPCB 410. For example, the impedance matching circuitry 930 may be disposed between the conductive pattern 481 and the connection member 890. The impedance matching circuitry 930 may be electrically connected to the conductive pattern 481 and the connection member 890.
According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the conductive pattern 481 may extend along a portion of an edge (e.g., the lateral surface 801) of the PCB 380. The conductive pattern 481 may include, on the PCB 380, a region 922 (e.g., a second region) having a width different from that of a region 921 (e.g., a first region) connected to the impedance matching circuitry 930. For example, a width d1 of the first region 921 of the conductive pattern 481 connected to the impedance matching circuitry 930 may be narrower than a width d2 of the second region 922.
According to the embodiment of the disclosure, the width d2 of the second region 922 extending from the first region 921 may be approximately 1.5 mm to 2.5 mm. In an embodiment of the disclosure, the width of the second region 922 may be determined based on a frequency of an antenna including the conductive pattern 481. For example, in case that an antenna including the conductive pattern 481 supports a GPS band, a width of the region 920 extending along a surface of the FPCB may be approximately 2 mm based on an impedance matching value for each frequency.
According to an embodiment of the disclosure, a sum of a length of the conductive pattern 481 and a length of the conductive portion 511 may be ¼ of a wavelength of an electromagnetic wave including a signal communicating with the external electronic device. For example, a sum of a length of the conductive pattern 481 disposed on the PCB 380 and a length of the conductive portion 511 of the FPCB 410 may be approximately 50 mm to improve frequency performance in approximately 1.5 GHz band.
According to the above-described embodiment of the disclosure, a conductive portion connected to a ground portion disposed inside the electronic device 300 may be utilized as an antenna radiator to secure an insufficient resonance length. For example, the conductive portion, which is a ground path in the FPCB 410 that is a key flexible printed circuit board providing an input signal by contacting with a key button, may be utilized as an antenna radiator to save a mounting space for arranging the antenna radiator. A component within the electronic device 300 may be utilized to address issues of insufficient resonance length, and a product manufacturing cost may be reduced.
Referring to
The graph 1101 represents antenna performance when the width d2 of the second region 922 of the conductive pattern 481 is 0.5 mm. The graph 1103 represents antenna performance when the width d2 of the second region 922 of the conductive pattern 481 is 2 mm. The graph 1105 represents antenna performance when the width d2 of the second region 922 of the conductive pattern 481 is 2.5 mm.
The extended region 920 of the conductive pattern 481 may be a region coupled to the conductive portion 511 of the FPCB 410. When the width d2 of the extended second region 922 of the conductive pattern 481 increases, the amount of coupling due to the bandwidth expansion may increase. As the width d2 of the extended second region 922 of the conductive pattern 481 is changed, the antenna performance may be changed. For example, when looking at the graph 1103 and the graph 1105 in the GPS band A due to an increase in the amount of coupling, antenna performance may be improved due to an increase in the width d2 of the second region 922. For example, when looking at the graph 1103 and the graph 1105, due to the increase in the amount of coupling, the antenna performance due to the increase in the width d2 of the second region 922 may be improved in the GPS band A. For example, as described above, a width of the region 920 may be determined according to a frequency band. The width of the region 920 may be determined as a width advantageous for impedance matching at 2.0 mm or 2.5 mm. For example, the width d2 of the second region 922, which is determined based on the GPS band A, may be 2.0 mm. In another band B distinct from the GPS band A, correlation between antenna performance and width may be small.
According to the above-described embodiment of the disclosure, the conductive pattern 481 may increase the amount of coupling according to the width d2 of the second region 922. By increasing the width of the conductive pattern 481, the amount of coupling with the conductive portion 511 of the FPCB 410 may be increased. Based on the increased coupling amount, the antenna performance may be changed.
According to the above-described embodiment of the disclosure, a wearable device (e.g., the electronic device 101 of
According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the wearable device may further include a bracket (e.g., the bracket 520 of
According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the conductive portion in the FPCB may be electrically connected to the ground portion of the PCB. According to the above-described embodiment of the disclosure, the FPCB may reduce a component for an antenna radiator by utilizing a conductive portion utilized as a ground path. The above-described embodiment may have various effects including the above-described effects.
According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the FPCB may be disposed between the inner surface of the frame and a lateral surface of the PCB. The frame may include an opening that opens a portion of a region overlapping the FPCB when the FPCB is viewed from above, and a key button, inserted into the opening, configured to translate.
According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the FPCB may include a dome key, configured to identify pressing of the key button, disposed in a region in contact with the key button. According to the above-described embodiment of the disclosure, the FPCB may be a key FPCB for a key button. A manufacturing costs may be reduced by utilizing a component disposed inside the wearable device as an antenna radiator.
According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the key button may include a conductive material and may be connected to a conductive line distinct from the conductive portion in the FPCB, in order to obtain a biometric signal through a microcurrent obtained through the conductive material.
According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the conductive portion in the FPCB may be coupled to the frame. The above-described embodiments may utilize a conductive portion that is easily coupled to a frame in the FPCB adjacent to a frame as an antenna radiator, thereby securing a resonance length and improving antenna performance.
According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the conductive portion of the FPCB may be electrically connected to the conductive pattern through a conductive structure disposed on the PCB and pressing the FPCB.
According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the FPCB may further include, in the other end, a connector (e.g., the connector 841 of
According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the conductive pattern may extend along a portion of the inner surface of the frame.
According to the above-described embodiment of the disclosure, the FPCB may be electrically connected to the conductive pattern and the ground portion on the PCB. The FPCB may be coupled to a portion of the frame by facing a portion of the frame used as an antenna radiator, and the conductive pattern of the printed circuit board may be coupled to the conductive portion of the FPCB. The frame, the conductive pattern of the printed circuit board, and the conductive portion of the FPCB, which are coupled to each other, may be utilized as an antenna radiator to communicate with an external electronic device.
The FPCB may be substantially perpendicular to a surface of the printed circuit board. The FPCB may be disposed between the conductive pattern and the frame. The conductive pattern, the frame, and the conductive portion of the FPCB may be disposed adjacent to each other to be electrically coupled to each other. By the coupling, the conductive pattern, the frame, and the conductive portion of the FPCB may operate as an antenna radiator.
A width of a region of the conductive pattern connected to an end of the FPCB may be narrower than a width of a region (e.g., the region 920 of
According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the region extending along a surface of the FPCB may have a width of 1.5 mm to 2.5 mm. According to the above-described embodiment of the disclosure, when a width of the region extending along a surface of the FPCB in the conductive pattern is increased, the amount of coupling with the FPCB may be increased. Based on the increased coupling, antenna performance may be improved.
According to an embodiment of the disclosure, a sum of a length of the conductive pattern and a length of the conductive portion may be ¼ of a wavelength of an electromagnetic wave including a signal communicating with the external electronic device. Since lengths of the conductive pattern and the conductive portion are determined based on the wavelength of the electromagnetic wave, resonance may be formed in a designated frequency band.
According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the conductive pattern may be electrically connected to impedance matching circuitry spaced apart from a region connected to an end of the FPCB.
According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the key button may be an ECG electrode or a BIA electrode. The FPCB may be electrically connected to the key button including the ECG electrode or the BIA electrode.
According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the frame may include a microphone hole, and the FPCB may be electrically connected to a microphone to transmit an audio signal transmitted from the microphone hole through the microphone disposed in the wearable device.
According to an embodiment of the disclosure, an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device 300 of
According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the FPCB may be disposed between an inner surface of the frame and a lateral surface of the PCB. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the opening may overlap the FPCB when viewed from above.
The FPCB may include a dome key disposed at a region in contact with the key button. The FPCB may be configured to identify pressing of the key button through the dome key. According to the above-described embodiment of the disclosure, the FPCB may be a key FPCB for a key button. A manufacturing cost may be reduced by using a component disposed inside the wearable device as an antenna radiator.
According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the key button may include a conductive material. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, it may be connected to a conductive line distinct from the conductive portion in the FPCB to obtain a biometric signal through a microcurrent obtained through the conductive material. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the conductive portion may be coupled to the frame. The above-described embodiments may utilize a conductive portion that is easily coupled to a frame in the FPCB adjacent to a frame as an antenna radiator, thereby securing a resonance length and improving antenna performance.
According to an embodiment of the disclosure, a conductive portion of the FPCB may be electrically connected to the conductive pattern through a conductive structure disposed on the PCB and having elasticity. The FPCB may further include a connector connecting the conductive portion of the FPCB and the ground portion of the PCB at the other end.
According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the conductive pattern may be electrically connected to impedance matching circuitry spaced apart from a region connected to an end of the FPCB.
According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the key button may include an ECG electrode or a BIA electrode, and the FPCB may be electrically connected to the ECG electrode or the BIA electrode. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the frame may include a microphone hole. In order to transmit an audio signal transmitted from the microphone hole through a microphone disposed in the wearable device, the FPCB may be electrically connected to the microphone. According to the above-described embodiment of the disclosure, the FPCB may be a key FPCB for a key button. A manufacturing cost may be reduced by using a component disposed inside the wearable device as an antenna radiator.
The electronic device according to various embodiments of the disclosure may be one of various types of electronic devices. The electronic devices may include, for example, a portable communication device (e.g., a smartphone), a computer device, a portable multimedia device, a portable medical device, a camera, a wearable device, or a home appliance. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the electronic devices are not limited to those described above.
It should be appreciated that various embodiments of the disclosure and the terms used therein are not intended to limit the technological features set forth herein to particular embodiments and include various changes, equivalents, or replacements for a corresponding embodiment. With regard to the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used to refer to similar or related elements. As used herein, each of such phrases as “A or B,” “at least one of A and B,” “at least one of A or B,” “A, B, or C,” “at least one of A, B, and C,” and “at least one of A, B, or C,” may include any one of or all possible combinations of the items enumerated together in a corresponding one of the phrases. As used herein, such terms as “1st” and “2nd,” or “first” and “second” may be used to simply distinguish a corresponding component from another, and does not limit the components in other aspect (e.g., importance or order). It is to be understood that if an element (e.g., a first element) is referred to, with or without the term “operatively” or “communicatively”, as “coupled with,” or “connected with” another element (e.g., a second element), it means that the element may be coupled with the other element directly (e.g., wiredly), wirelessly, or via a third element.
As used in connection with various embodiments of the disclosure, the term “module” may include a unit implemented in hardware, software, or firmware, and may interchangeably be used with other terms, for example, “logic,” “logic block,” “part,” or “circuitry”. A module may be a single integral component, or a minimum unit or part thereof, adapted to perform one or more functions. For example, according to an embodiment of the disclosure, the module may be implemented in a form of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).
Various embodiments as set forth herein may be implemented as software (e.g., the program 140) including one or more instructions that are stored in a storage medium (e.g., internal memory 136 or external memory 138) that is readable by a machine (e.g., the electronic device 101). For example, a processor (e.g., the processor 120) of the machine (e.g., the electronic device 101) may invoke at least one of the one or more instructions stored in the storage medium, and execute it, with or without using one or more other components under the control of the processor. This allows the machine to be operated to perform at least one function according to the at least one instruction invoked. The one or more instructions may include a code generated by a complier or a code executable by an interpreter. The machine-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Wherein, the term “non-transitory” simply means that the storage medium is a tangible device, and does not include a signal (e.g., an electromagnetic wave), but this term does not differentiate between a case in which data is semi-permanently stored in the storage medium and a case in which the data is temporarily stored in the storage medium.
According to an embodiment of the disclosure, a method according to various embodiments of the disclosure may be included and provided in a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded as a product between a seller and a buyer. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a machine-readable storage medium (e.g., compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM)), or be distributed (e.g., downloaded or uploaded) online via an application store (e.g., PlayStore™), or between two user devices (e.g., smart phones) directly. If distributed online, at least part of the computer program product may be temporarily generated or at least temporarily stored in the machine-readable storage medium, such as memory of the manufacturer's server, a server of the application store, or a relay server.
According to various embodiments of the disclosure, each component (e.g., a module or a program) of the above-described components may include a single entity or multiple entities, and some of the multiple entities may be separately disposed in different components. According to various embodiments of the disclosure, one or more of the above-described components may be omitted, or one or more other components may be added. Alternatively or additionally, a plurality of components (e.g., modules or programs) may be integrated into a single component. In such a case, according to various embodiments of the disclosure, the integrated component may still perform one or more functions of each of the plurality of components in the same or similar manner as they are performed by a corresponding one of the plurality of components before the integration. According to various embodiments of the disclosure, operations performed by the module, the program, or another component may be carried out sequentially, in parallel, repeatedly, or heuristically, or one or more of the operations may be executed in a different order or omitted, or one or more other operations may be added.
No claim element is to be construed under the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112, sixth paragraph, unless the element is expressly recited using the phrase “means for” or “means.”
It will be appreciated that various embodiments of the disclosure according to the claims and description in the specification can be realized in the form of hardware, software or a combination of hardware and software.
Any such software may be stored in non-transitory computer readable storage media. The non-transitory computer readable storage media store one or more computer programs (software modules), the one or more computer programs include computer-executable instructions that, when executed by one or more processors of an electronic device, cause the electronic device to perform a method of the disclosure.
Any such software may be stored in the form of volatile or non-volatile storage, such as, for example, a storage device like read only memory (ROM), whether erasable or rewritable or not, or in the form of memory, such as, for example, random access memory (RAM), memory chips, device or integrated circuits or on an optically or magnetically readable medium, such as, for example, a compact disk (CD), digital versatile disc (DVD), magnetic disk or magnetic tape or the like. It will be appreciated that the storage devices and storage media are various embodiments of non-transitory machine-readable storage that are suitable for storing a computer program or computer programs comprising instructions that, when executed, implement various embodiments of the disclosure. Accordingly, various embodiments provide a program comprising code for implementing apparatus or a method as claimed in any one of the claims of this specification and a non-transitory machine-readable storage storing such a program.
While the disclosure has been shown and described with reference to various embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10-2022-0085340 | Jul 2022 | KR | national |
| 10-2022-0099485 | Aug 2022 | KR | national |
This application is a continuation application, claiming priority under § 365 (c), of an International application No. PCT/KR2023/006920, filed on May 22, 2023, which is based on and claims the benefit of a Korean patent application number 10-2022-0085340, filed on Jul. 11, 2022, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, and of a Korean patent application number 10-2022-0099485, filed on Aug. 9, 2022, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of each of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | PCT/KR2023/006920 | May 2023 | WO |
| Child | 19013529 | US |
