WEARABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICE COMPRISING ANTENNA

Abstract

 Disclosed is a wearable electronic device comprising: a display module; a first printed circuit board including a ground area; a side bezel structure formed of a conductive material and disposed to surround the first printed circuit board; and an antenna including a power supply unit, the ground area, and at least a portion of the side bezel structure. The display module may comprise: a display panel; a second printed circuit board operatively connected to the display panel, and electrically connected to the first printed circuit board through a connector; and a conductive sheet disposed between the display panel and the second printed circuit board. The conductive sheet may be electrically connected to a ground terminal on the second printed circuit board through at least one connecting member. The ground terminal may be electrically connected to the ground area through the connector. Various other embodiments inferred through the specification are also possible.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] Various embodiments of the disclosure relate to a technology for an antenna included in a wearable electronic device.

[Background Art]

[0002] With the recent development of digital technologies, various types of electronic devices such as a mobile communication terminal, a smartphone, a tablet personal computer (PC), a personal digital assistant (PDA), an electronic notebook, a notebook, or a wearable device are widely used. The electronic device is reaching a stage of mobile convergence that encompasses functions of other devices. For example, the electronic device may provide a call function such as a voice call and a video call, a message transmitting and receiving service such as a short message service (SMS)/a multimedia message service (MMS) and an e-mail, an electronic notebook function, a shooting function, a broadcasting playback function, a video playback function, a music playback function, an Internet function, a messenger function, a game function, or a social networking service (SNS) function.

[0003] The electronic device is being designed in various forms. One of electronic devices of various forms may be a wearable electronic device. The wearable electronic device may be put on a part of a user's body.

[Disclosure]

[Technical Problem]

[0004] A wearable electronic device may include a side bezel structure made of a conductive material and may include an antenna using the side bezel structure. However, when the wearable electronic device is put on a human body, the side bezel structure that is utilized as a ground part contacts the human body, resulting in the reduction of performance of the antenna using the side bezel structure. Also, due to the slimness of the wearable electronic device, the area or volume of the side bezel structure decreases; in this case, it may be difficult to secure a sufficient ground part in the antenna using the side bezel structure.

[0005] Various embodiments of the disclosure may provide a wearable electronic device capable of using a side bezel structure as an antenna and capable of securing performance of the antenna by utilizing a conductive sheet included in a display module as a ground part of the antenna using the side bezel structure.

[0006] Various embodiments of the disclosure may provide a wearable electronic device capable of using a side bezel structure as an antenna and capable of securing performance of the antenna by utilizing a conductive sheet, which is disposed in a bezel structure antenna so as to be spaced from each other and at least a portion of which is surrounded by the bezel structure antenna, as a ground part of the antenna using the side bezel structure.

[Technical Solution]

[0007] A wearable electronic device according to an embodiment of the disclosure may include a display module, a first printed circuit board including a ground region, a side bezel structure formed of a conductive material and disposed to surround the first printed circuit board, and an antenna including a feeding part, the ground region, and at least a portion of the side bezel structure. The display module may include a display panel, a second printed circuit board operatively connected with the display panel and electrically connected with the first printed circuit board through a connector, and a conductive sheet disposed between the display panel and the second printed circuit board. The conductive sheet may be electrically connected with a ground terminal on the second printed circuit board through at least one connection member. The ground terminal may be electrically connected with the ground region through the connector.

[0008] Also, a wearable electronic device according to an embodiment of the disclosure may include a printed circuit board including a ground region, a conductive housing electrically connected with the ground region and disposed to surround the printed circuit board, a conductor disposed within the conductive housing and electrically connected with the ground region, and an antenna including a feeding part, the ground region, and at least a portion of the conductive housing.

[Advantageous Effects]

[0009] According to various embodiments of the disclosure, in a wearable electronic device utilizing a side bezel structure as an antenna, a conductive sheet included in a display module may be utilized as a ground part of an antenna using the side bezel structure, and thus, the performance of the antenna may be secured.

[0010] According to various embodiments of the disclosure, a frequency characteristic of an antenna using a side bezel structure may be variable by electrically connecting a conductive sheet included in a display module and a ground part of the antenna using the side bezel structure through a matching circuit and controlling the matching circuit.

[0011] According to various embodiments of the disclosure, a frequency characteristic of an antenna using a side bezel structure may be variable by electrically connecting a conductive sheet, which is disposed in the side bezel structure so as to be spaced from each other and at least a portion of which is surrounded by the side bezel structure, and a ground part of the antenna using the side bezel structure through a matching circuit and controlling the matching circuit.

[0012] Besides, a variety of effects directly or indirectly understood through this disclosure may be provided.

[Description of Drawings]

[0013] 

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of an electronic device according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of an electronic device taken along line A-A' of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a display module of FIG. 1 in one direction.

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a display module of FIG. 1 in another direction.

FIG. 5 is a view schematically illustrating a cross section of an electronic device taken along line B-B' of FIG. 3.

FIG. 6 is a view illustrating a method for connecting a first printed circuit board and a second printed circuit board of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a graph illustrating an antenna characteristic switch effect of an electronic device according to an embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating an electronic device in a network environment according to various embodiments.

[0014] With regard to description of drawings, the same or similar components will be marked by the same or similar reference signs.

[Mode for Invention]

[0015] Hereinafter, various embodiments of the disclosure may be described with reference to accompanying drawings. However, those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the disclosure is not limited to a specific embodiment, and modifications, equivalents, and/or alternatives on the various embodiments described herein can be variously made without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of an electronic device according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of an electronic device taken along line A-A' of FIG. 1. In FIG. 2, a reference numeral 101 is a cross-sectional view of an electronic device 100 taken along line A-A', and a reference numeral 103 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a display module 130 and a first printed circuit board 160 of 101.

[0017] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the electronic device 100 may include a mobile electronic device or a wearable electronic device. For example, the electronic device 100 may include a housing that includes a first surface (or a front surface), a second surface (or a rear surface), and a side surface surrounding a space between the first surface and the second surface, and a binding member (180, 190) that is connected with at least a portion of the housing and is configured to bind the electronic device 100 to a part (e.g., a wrist or an ankle) of the user's body so as to be removable.

[0018] According to an embodiment, the electronic device 100 may include a side bezel structure 110, a wheel key 120, the display module 130, a support member 140 (e.g., a bracket), a battery 150, the first printed circuit board 160, a back plate 170, and the binding member (180, 190). For example, the support member 140 may be disposed within the electronic device 100 so as to be connected with the side bezel structure 110 or may be integrally formed with the side bezel structure 110. The wheel key 120 may be disposed on the first surface (or front surface) of the housing and may be rotatable in at least one direction. A shape of the wheel key 120 may correspond to a shape of the display module 130.

[0019] According to an embodiment, the display module 130 may include a front plate 210 (or a first plate), a display panel 220, a second printed circuit board 230, a conductive sheet 240, and a shock absorbing member 250. For example, the front plate 210 may include a glass plate including various coating layers, or a polymer plate so as to be formed transparently. One surface (or a front surface) of the display panel 220 may be visually exposed through a considerable portion of the front plate 210. A shape of the display panel 220 may be a shape corresponding to a shape of the front plate 210, and the display panel 220 may be of various shapes such as a circle, an oval, or a polygon.

[0020] According to an embodiment, the display panel 220 may be coupled to a touch sensing circuit, a pressure sensor capable of measuring the intensity (or pressure) of a touch, and/or a fingerprint sensor or may be disposed adjacent thereto. The display panel 220 and the second printed circuit board 230 may be electrically connected through a connection member 221. As an example, a portion of the second printed circuit board 230 and/or the connection member 221 may be implemented with a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB). According to various embodiments, the display panel 220, the connection member 221, and the second printed circuit board 230 may be integrally formed through one board. In this case, the connection member 221 may be bent, and the display panel 220 and the second printed circuit board 230 may be disposed to face each other. Also, the second printed circuit board 230 may include an extension portion 233 integrally formed therewith.

[0021] According to an embodiment, the conductive sheet 240 may be disposed between the display panel 220 and the second printed circuit board 230. For example, the conductive sheet 240 may be formed of a conductive material such as metal (e.g., copper). The conductive sheet 240 may be attached to the display panel 220 and may play a role of supporting the display panel 220.

[0022] According to an embodiment, the shock absorbing member 250 may be disposed between the conductive sheet 240 and the second printed circuit board 230. As an example, the shock absorbing member 250 may be formed of a material, which is capable of absorbing impacts, such as a sponge. As another example, the shock absorbing member 250 may be formed of a material (e.g., a sound absorbing member or a soundproof member) reducing an electrical noise.

[0023] According to an embodiment, the display module 130 may be coupled to one surface of the support member 140, and the first printed circuit board 160 may be coupled to an opposite surface of the support member 140. For example, the support member 140 may be formed of a metal material and/or a nonmetal material (e.g., polymer). The battery 150 may be disposed between the support member 140 and the first printed circuit board 160. The battery 150 that is a device for supplying a power to at least one component of the electronic device 100 may include, for example, a primary battery incapable of being recharged, a secondary battery capable of being recharged, or a fuel cell.

[0024] According to an embodiment, the second printed circuit board 230 may be electrically connected with the second printed circuit board 230. For example, at least a portion of the extension portion 233 of the second printed circuit board 230 may be implemented with a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) and may extend along one side surface of the battery 150. The second printed circuit board 230 may include a first connector 260, and the first connector 260 may be disposed at one end of the extension portion 233. The first connector 260 may engage with a second connector 270 included in the first printed circuit board 160 so as to be electrically connected.

[0025] According to an embodiment, a processor 280 (e.g., a processor 820 of FIG. 8), a memory (e.g., a memory 830 of FIG. 8), and/or an interface (e.g., an interface 877 of FIG. 8) may be installed on the first printed circuit board 160. The processor 280 may include, for example, one or more of a central processing unit, an application processor, a graphic processing device (GPU), a sensor processor, or a communication processor. The memory may include, for example, a volatile memory or a 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, for example, the electronic device 100 with an external electronic device and may include a USB connector, an SD card/MMC connector, or an audio connector.

[0026] According to an embodiment, the back plate 170 may be formed of coated or colored glass, ceramic, polymer, metal (e.g., aluminum, stainless steel (STS), or magnesium), or a combination of at least two of the materials. In any embodiment, the back plate 170 and the side bezel structure 110 may be integrally formed and may include the same material (e.g., a metal material such as aluminum). A sensor module may be disposed in the back plate 170. For example, the sensor module may generate an electrical signal or a data value that corresponds to an internal operation state of the electronic device 100 or corresponds to an external environment state. The sensor module may include a biometric sensor module (e.g., an HRM sensor) disposed on the second surface (or rear surface) of the housing. The sensor module may include at least one of a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a grip sensor, a color sensor, an infrared (IR) sensor, a biometric sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or an illumination sensor.

[0027] According to an embodiment, the binding member (180, 190) may be bound to at least a partial region of the housing (or the side bezel structure 110) by using a locking member, so as to be removable. For example, the binding member (180, 190) may include at least one or more of a fixing member 182, one or more fixing member fastening holes 183, a band guide member 184, and a band fixing ring 185. The binding member (180, 190) may be formed of various materials and may be of various shapes. The binding member (180, 190) may be formed such that an integral type and a plurality of unit links are capable of being moved with respect to each other by woven fabric, leather, rubber, urethane, metal, ceramic, or a combination of at least two of the materials. For example, the fixing member 182 may be configured to fix the housing and the binding member (180, 190) to a part (e.g., a wrist or an ankle) of the body's body. The fixing member fastening hole 183 may fix the housing and the binding member (180, 190) to the part of the user's body through the fixing member 182. The band guide member 184 may be configured to limit a movement range of the fixing member 182 when the fixing member 182 is fastened to the fixing member fastening hole 183, and thus, the binding member (180, 190) may be bound to the part of the user's body so as to be in close contact therewith. The band fixing ring 185 may limit the movement range of the binding member (180, 190), with the fixing member 182 fastened to the fixing member fastening hole 183.

[0028] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a display module of FIG. 1 in one direction. FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a display module of FIG. 1 in another direction. FIG. 5 is a view schematically illustrating a cross section of an electronic device taken along line B-B' of FIG. 3. FIG. 6 is a view illustrating a method for connecting a first printed circuit board and a second printed circuit board of FIG. 5.

[0029] Referring to FIGS. 3 to 6, the electronic device 100 may include an antenna. For example, the antenna may include a feeding part 530, a ground part, and a portion of the side bezel structure 110. The ground part may include a ground region 161 located in the first printed circuit board 160. The feeding part 530 may be electrically connected with a first point 531 of the side bezel structure 110, The ground region 161 may be electrically connected with a second point 162 of the side bezel structure 110, which is spaced from the first point 531 as much as a specified distance. The processor 280 (e.g., a communication module or a communication module 890 to be described later) may transmit or receive a communication signal through the antenna. The antenna may operate at a specified frequency (e.g., a low-band frequency). However, when the electronic device 100 is put on a human body, the side bezel structure 110 that is utilized as a ground part contacts the human body, resulting in the reduction of performance of the antenna. Also, due to the slimness of the electronic device 100, the area or volume of the side bezel structure 110 may decrease; in this case, it may be difficult to secure a sufficient ground part in the antenna. In contrast, as the electronic device 100 utilizes the conductive sheet 240 included in the display module 130 as a ground part of the antenna, the performance of the antenna may be improved.

[0030] According to an embodiment, the shock absorbing member 250 may include at least one opening 311. For example, a conductive member 310 (e.g., a conductive tape) may be disposed in the at least one opening 311. The conductive member 310 may be electrically connected with a ground terminal 231 included in the second printed circuit board 230.

[0031] According to an embodiment, the first connector 260 may be connected with the extension portion 233 of the second printed circuit board 230 and may include a plurality of first connection pins. The second connector 270 may be disposed in the first printed circuit board 160 and may include a plurality of second connection pins that engage with the plurality of first connection pins so as to be connected with each other. For example, the plurality of first connection pins may include a first ground pin 261. The plurality of second connection pins may include a second ground pin 271. As an example, when the first connector 260 and the second connector 270 are coupled, the plurality of first connection pins and the plurality of second connection pins may engage with each other in one-to-one correspondence so as to be electrically connected. In this case, the first ground pin 261 and the second ground pin 271 may be electrically connected.

[0032] According to an embodiment, the ground terminal 231 may be electrically connected with the first ground pin 261 of the first connector 260 through a first wire 610. At least a portion of the first wire 610 may be included in the extension portion 233 of the second printed circuit board 230. When the first connector 260 and the second connector 270 are coupled, the first ground pin 261 may be electrically connected with the second ground pin 271 of the second connector 270. As an example, the second ground pin 271 may be electrically connected with a first switch 510 through a second wire 620. The first switch 510 may be electrically connected with the ground region 161 of the first printed circuit board 160 through a third wire 630. The processor 280 may control the connection between the second ground pin 271 and the ground region 161 through the first switch 510 and may form an electrical path including the conductive sheet 240 and the ground region 161. As another example, the second ground pin 271 may be directly electrically connected with the ground region 161.

[0033] According to another embodiment, the ground terminal 231 may be electrically connected with an additional ground region (not illustrated) of the second printed circuit board 230. For example, the second printed circuit board 230 may include an additional ground region (not illustrated) that is electrically connected with the ground region 161 of the first printed circuit board 160 through the extension portion 233, the first connector 260, and/or the second connector 270. The additional ground region (not illustrated) may be electrically connected with the first wire 610 through the ground terminal 231, and the first wire 610 may be electrically connected with the first connector 260.

[0034] According to an embodiment, when driving the antenna, the processor 280 may control the first switch 510 to form the electrical path including the ground region 161 and the conductive sheet 240. When the ground region 161 and the conductive sheet 240 are electrically connected, the area or volume of the ground part of the antenna may be expanded. As such, the performance of the antenna may be improved.

[0035] As various embodiments, the first switch 510 may include a matching circuit (e.g., a capacitor or an inductor). The processor 280 may control the matching circuit such that the impedance between the conductive sheet 240 and the ground region 161 is controlled; in this case, a frequency characteristic of the antenna may vary.

[0036] According to an embodiment, the ground region 161 may be electrically connected with the additional ground region (not illustrated) of the second printed circuit board 230 through a second switch 520. The processor 280 may electrically connect the ground region 161 and the additional ground region of the second printed circuit board 230 through the second switch 520 such that the area or volume of the ground part of the antenna is further expanded. The processor 280 may control the second switch 520 to form an electrical path including the additional ground region (not illustrated) and the ground region 161. According to another embodiment, the ground region 161 may be directly electrically connected with the additional ground region of the second printed circuit board 230.

[0037] According to an embodiment, the ground region 161 may be electrically connected with the conductive sheet 240 and the additional ground region (not illustrated) of the second printed circuit board 230 through the first switch 510. For example, the conductive sheet 240 and the additional ground region (not illustrated) of the second printed circuit board 230 may be electrically connected; in this case, the processor 280 may electrically connect the conductive sheet 240 and the additional ground region of the second printed circuit board 230 through the first switch 510 such that the area or volume of the ground part of the antenna is further expanded.

[0038] According to various embodiments, the side bezel structure 110 of the electronic device 100 may be used as an antenna, and the conductive sheet 240 may be disposed inside the side bezel structure 110 so as to be spaced from each other, and at least a portion of the conductive sheet 240 may be surrounded by the side bezel structure 110. For example, the processor 280 may control the first switch 510 such that the ground region 161 of the antenna using the side bezel structure 110 is electrically connected with the conductive sheet 240, which is disposed inside the side bezel structure 110 so as to be spaced from each other and at least a portion of which is surrounded by the side bezel structure 110. As such, an operation frequency characteristic of the antenna using the side bezel structure 110 may be improved.

[0039] As described above, the antenna using the side bezel structure 110 included in the electronic device 100 may utilize the conductive sheet 240 of the display module 130, and thus, the area or volume of the ground part may be expanded. Also, the conductive sheet 240 and the ground region 161 may be electrically connected through the extension portion 233 of the second printed circuit board 230, the first connector 260, and/or the second connector 270. Accordingly, the antenna may expand the area or volume of the ground part without an additional coupling pattern or an additional conductive structure.

[0040] According to various embodiments, a wearable electronic device (e.g., the electronic device 100 or an electronic device 801) may include a display module (e.g., the display module 130 or a display module 860), a first printed circuit board (e.g., the first printed circuit board 160) that includes a ground region (e.g., the ground region 161), a side bezel structure (e.g., the side bezel structure 110) that is formed of a conductive material and is disposed to surround the first printed circuit board, and an antenna that includes a feeding part (e.g., the feeding part 530), the ground region, and at least a portion of the side bezel structure. The display module may include a display panel, a second printed circuit board (e.g., the second printed circuit board 230) that is operatively connected with the display panel and is electrically connected with the first printed circuit board through a connector (e.g., the first connector 260), and a conductive sheet (e.g., the conductive sheet 240) that is disposed between the display panel and the second printed circuit board. The conductive sheet may be electrically connected with a ground terminal (e.g., the ground terminal 231) on the second printed circuit board through at least one connection member (e.g., the conductive member 310). The ground terminal may be electrically connected with the ground region through the connector.

[0041] According to various embodiments, the wearable electronic device may further include a shock absorbing member (e.g., the shock absorbing member 250) that is disposed between the conductive sheet and the second printed circuit board and includes at least one opening. The conductive sheet may electrically contact the ground terminal through a conductive member disposed in the at least one opening.

[0042] According to various embodiments, the wearable electronic device may further include a first connector (e.g., the first connector 260) that is connected with an extension portion (e.g., the extension portion 233) of the second printed circuit board and includes a plurality of first connection pins and a second connector (e.g., the second connector 270) that is disposed in the first printed circuit board and includes a plurality of second connection pins engaging with the plurality of first connection pins so as to be connected with each other. The ground terminal may be electrically connected with a first ground pin (e.g., the first ground pin 261) of the first connector through a first wire (e.g., the first wire 610) disposed in the extension portion. The first ground pin may be electrically connected with a second ground pin (e.g., the second ground pin 271) of the second connector. The second ground pin may be electrically connected with the ground region.

[0043] According to various embodiments, the wearable electronic device may further include a processor (e.g., the processor 280 or the processor 820) that is operatively connected with the first printed circuit board and a switch (e.g., the first switch 510) that is electrically connected between the second ground pin and the ground region. The processor may control a connection between the second ground pin and the ground region through the switch to form an electrical path including the conductive sheet and the ground region.

[0044] According to various embodiments, the wearable electronic device may further include a processor (e.g., the processor 280 or the processor 820) that is operatively located in the first printed circuit board and a matching circuit (e.g., a capacitor or an inductor) that is electrically connected between the second ground pin and the ground region. The processor may control the matching circuit such that an impedance between the conductive sheet and the ground region is controlled.

[0045] According to various embodiments, the wearable electronic device may further include a battery (e.g., the battery 150 or a battery 889) that is disposed between the first printed circuit board and the second printed circuit board. A portion of the extension portion may be disposed to extend along one side surface of the battery.

[0046] According to various embodiments, the conductive member may include a conductive tape.

[0047] According to various embodiments, the feeding part may be electrically connected with a first point of the side bezel structure. The ground region may be electrically connected with a second point of the side bezel structure, which is spaced from the first point as much as a specified distance.

[0048] According to various embodiments, the ground region may be electrically connected with an additional ground region included in the second printed circuit board.

[0049] According to various embodiments, the wearable electronic device may further include a processor (e.g., the processor 280 or the processor 820) that is operatively located in the first printed circuit board and a switch (e.g., the first switch 510 or the second switch 520) that is electrically connected between the ground region and an additional ground region included in the second printed circuit board. The processor may control the switch to form an electrical path including the ground region and the additional ground region.

[0050] According to various embodiments, a wearable electronic device (e.g., the electronic device 100 or the electronic device 801) may include a printed circuit board (e.g., the first printed circuit board 160) that includes a ground region (e.g., the ground region 161), a conductive housing (e.g., the side bezel structure 110) that is electrically connected with the ground region and disposed to surround the printed circuit board, a conductor (e.g., the conductive sheet 240) that is disposed within the conductive housing and is electrically connected with the ground region, and an antenna that includes a feeding part (e.g., the feeding part 530), the ground region, and at least a portion of the conductive housing.

[0051] According to various embodiments, the wearable electronic device may further include a display panel. The conductor may be disposed between the display panel and the printed circuit board.

[0052] According to various embodiments, the wearable electronic device may further include a flexible printed circuit board (e.g., the second printed circuit board 230) that is operatively connected with the display panel. The conductor may be disposed between the display panel and the flexible printed circuit board.

[0053] According to various embodiments, the wearable electronic device may further include a shock absorbing member (e.g., the shock absorbing member 250) that is disposed between the conductor and the flexible printed circuit board. The flexible printed circuit board and the printed circuit board may be electrically connected through a connector (e.g., the first connector 260 and the second connector 270). The conductor may pass through a portion of the shock absorbing member and may be electrically connected with a ground terminal included in the flexible printed circuit board. The ground terminal may be electrically connected with the ground region through the connector.

[0054] According to various embodiments, the shock absorbing member may include at least one opening. The conductor may electrically contact the ground terminal through a conductive member disposed in the at least one opening.

[0055] According to various embodiments, the wearable electronic device may further include a first connector (e.g., the first connector 260) that is connected with an extension portion (e.g., the extension portion 233) of the flexible printed circuit board and includes a plurality of first connection pins, and a second connector (e.g., the second connector 270) that is disposed in the printed circuit board and includes a plurality of second connection pins engaging with the plurality of first connection pins so as to be connected with each other. The ground terminal may be electrically connected with a first ground pin (e.g., the first ground pin 261) of the first connector through a first wire disposed in the extension portion. The first ground pin may be electrically connected with a second ground pin (e.g., the second ground pin 271) of the second connector. The second ground pin may be electrically connected with the ground region.

[0056] According to various embodiments, the wearable electronic device may further include a processor (e.g., the processor 280 or the processor 820) that is located in the printed circuit board, and a switch (e.g., the first switch 510) that is electrically connected between the second ground pin and the ground region. The processor may control a connection between the second ground pin and the ground region through the switch to form an electrical path including the conductor and the ground region.

[0057] According to various embodiments, the wearable electronic device may further include a processor (e.g., the processor 280 or the processor 820) that is located in the printed circuit board, and a matching circuit (e.g., a capacitor or an inductor) that is electrically connected between the second ground pin and the ground region. The processor may control the matching circuit such that an impedance between the conductor and the ground region is controlled.

[0058] According to various embodiments, the wearable electronic device may further include a processor (e.g., the processor 280 or the processor 820) that is located in the printed circuit board, and a switch (e.g., the first switch 510 or the second switch 520) that is electrically connected between the ground region and an additional ground region included in the flexible printed circuit board. The processor may control the switch to form an electrical path including the ground region and the additional ground region.

[0059] According to various embodiments, the feeding part may be electrically connected with a first point of the conductive housing. The ground region may be electrically connected with a second point (e.g., the second point 162) of the conductive housing, which is spaced from the first point (e.g., the first point 531) as much as a specified distance.

[0060] FIG. 7 is a graph illustrating an antenna characteristic switch effect of an electronic device according to an embodiment.

[0061] Referring to FIGS. 3 to 7, a frequency characteristic of the antenna including the side bezel structure 110 may be variable. For example, the first switch 510 that is electrically connected between the conductive sheet 240 of the display module 130 and the ground region 161 of the first printed circuit board 160 may include a matching circuit (e.g., a capacitor or an inductor). The processor 280 may control the matching circuit to change the frequency characteristic of the antenna. As an example, in FIG. 7, by controlling the matching circuit, a low-band (e.g., a band of 1GHz or lower) frequency characteristic of the antenna may be changed like a first graph 710, a second graph 720, a third graph 730, or a fourth graph 730.

[0062] FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating an electronic device 801 in a network environment 800 according to various embodiments. Referring to FIG. 8, the electronic device 801 in the network environment 800 may communicate with an electronic device 802 via a first network 898 (e.g., a short-range wireless communication network), or an electronic device 804 or a server 808 via a second network 899 (e.g., a long-range wireless communication network). According to an embodiment, the electronic device 801 may communicate with the electronic device 804 via the server 808. According to an embodiment, the electronic device 801 may include a processor 820, memory 830, an input module 850, a sound output module 855, a display module 860, an audio module 870, a sensor module 876, an interface 877, a connecting terminal 878, a haptic module 879, a camera module 880, a power management module 888, a battery 889, a communication module 890, a subscriber identification module (SIM) 196, or an antenna module 897. In some embodiments, at least one of the components (e.g., the connecting terminal 878) may be omitted from the electronic device 801, or one or more other components may be added in the electronic device 801. In some embodiments, some of the components (e.g., the sensor module 876, the camera module 880, or the antenna module 897) may be implemented as a single component (e.g., the display module 860).

[0063] The processor 820 may execute, for example, software (e.g., a program 840) to control at least one other component (e.g., a hardware or software component) of the electronic device 801 coupled with the processor 820, and may perform various data processing or computation. According to one embodiment, as at least part of the data processing or computation, the processor 820 may store a command or data received from another component (e.g., the sensor module 876 or the communication module 890) in volatile memory 832, process the command or the data stored in the volatile memory 832, and store resulting data in non-volatile memory 834. According to an embodiment, the processor 820 may include a main processor 821 (e.g., a central processing unit (CPU) or an application processor (AP)), or an auxiliary processor 823 (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 821. For example, when the electronic device 801 includes the main processor 821 and the auxiliary processor 823, the auxiliary processor 823 may be adapted to consume less power than the main processor 821, or to be specific to a specified function. The auxiliary processor 823 may be implemented as separate from, or as part of the main processor 821.

[0064] The auxiliary processor 823 may control at least some of functions or states related to at least one component (e.g., the display module 860, the sensor module 876, or the communication module 890) among the components of the electronic device 801, instead of the main processor 821 while the main processor 821 is in an inactive (e.g., sleep) state, or together with the main processor 821 while the main processor 821 is in an active state (e.g., executing an application). According to an embodiment, the auxiliary processor 823 (e.g., an image signal processor or a communication processor) may be implemented as part of another component (e.g., the camera module 880 or the communication module 890) functionally related to the auxiliary processor 823. According to an embodiment, the auxiliary processor 823 (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 801 where the artificial intelligence is performed or via a separate server (e.g., the server 808). 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.

[0065] The memory 830 may store various data used by at least one component (e.g., the processor 820 or the sensor module 876) of the electronic device 801. The various data may include, for example, software (e.g., the program 840) and input data or output data for a command related thereto. The memory 830 may include the volatile memory 832 or the non-volatile memory 834.

[0066] The program 840 may be stored in the memory 830 as software, and may include, for example, an operating system (OS) 842, middleware 844, or an application 846.

[0067] The input module 850 may receive a command or data to be used by another component (e.g., the processor 820) of the electronic device 801, from the outside (e.g., a user) of the electronic device 801. The input module 850 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).

[0068] The sound output module 855 may output sound signals to the outside of the electronic device 801. The sound output module 855 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, the receiver may be implemented as separate from, or as part of the speaker.

[0069] The display module 860 may visually provide information to the outside (e.g., a user) of the electronic device 801. The display module 860 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, the display module 860 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.

[0070] The audio module 870 may convert a sound into an electrical signal and vice versa. According to an embodiment, the audio module 870 may obtain the sound via the input module 850, or output the sound via the sound output module 855 or a headphone of an external electronic device (e.g., an electronic device 802) directly (e.g., wiredly) or wirelessly coupled with the electronic device 801.

[0071] The sensor module 876 may detect an operational state (e.g., power or temperature) of the electronic device 801 or an environmental state (e.g., a state of a user) external to the electronic device 801, and then generate an electrical signal or data value corresponding to the detected state. According to an embodiment, the sensor module 876 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.

[0072] The interface 877 may support one or more specified protocols to be used for the electronic device 801 to be coupled with the external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device 802) directly (e.g., wiredly) or wirelessly. According to an embodiment, the interface 877 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.

[0073] A connecting terminal 878 may include a connector via which the electronic device 801 may be physically connected with the external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device 802). According to an embodiment, the connecting terminal 878 may include, for example, a HDMI connector, a USB connector, a SD card connector, or an audio connector (e.g., a headphone connector).

[0074] The haptic module 879 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, the haptic module 879 may include, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electric stimulator.

[0075] The camera module 880 may capture a still image or moving images. According to an embodiment, the camera module 880 may include one or more lenses, image sensors, image signal processors, or flashes.

[0076] The power management module 888 may manage power supplied to the electronic device 801. According to one embodiment, the power management module 888 may be implemented as at least part of, for example, a power management integrated circuit (PMIC).

[0077] The battery 889 may supply power to at least one component of the electronic device 801. According to an embodiment, the battery 889 may include, for example, a primary cell which is not rechargeable, a secondary cell which is rechargeable, or a fuel cell.

[0078] The communication module 890 may support establishing a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between the electronic device 801 and the external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device 802, the electronic device 804, or the server 808) and performing communication via the established communication channel. The communication module 890 may include one or more communication processors that are operable independently from the processor 820 (e.g., the application processor (AP)) and supports a direct (e.g., wired) communication or a wireless communication. According to an embodiment, the communication module 890 may include a wireless communication module 892 (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 894 (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 898 (e.g., a short-range communication network, such as Bluetooth^™, wireless-fidelity (Wi-Fi) direct, or infrared data association (IrDA)) or the second network 899 (e.g., a long-range communication network, such as a legacy cellular network, a 5G network, a next-generation communication network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., 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 892 may identify and authenticate the electronic device 801 in a communication network, such as the first network 898 or the second network 899, using subscriber information (e.g., international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI)) stored in the subscriber identification module 896.

[0079] The wireless communication module 892 may support a 5G network, after a 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 892 may support a high-frequency band (e.g., the mmWave band) to achieve, e.g., a high data transmission rate. The wireless communication module 892 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 892 may support various requirements specified in the electronic device 801, an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device 804 ), or a network system (e.g., the second network 899). According to an embodiment, the wireless communication module 892 may support a peak data rate (e.g., 20Gbps or more) for implementing eMBB, loss coverage (e.g., 164dB or less) for implementing mMTC, or U-plane latency (e.g., 0.5ms or less for each of downlink (DL) and uplink (UL), or a round trip of 1ms or less) for implementing URLLC.

[0080] The antenna module 897 may transmit or receive a signal or power to or from the outside (e.g., the external electronic device) of the electronic device 801. According to an embodiment, the antenna module 897 may include an antenna including a radiating element composed of a conductive material or a conductive pattern formed in or on a substrate (e.g., a printed circuit board (PCB)). According to an embodiment, the antenna module 897 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 898 or the second network 899, may be selected, for example, by the communication module 890 (e.g., the wireless communication module 892) from the plurality of antennas. The signal or the power may then be transmitted or received between the communication module 890 and the external electronic device via the selected at least one antenna. According to an embodiment, 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 897.

[0081] According to various embodiments, the antenna module 897 may form a mmWave antenna module. According to an embodiment, the mmWave antenna module may include a printed circuit board, a 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.

[0082] 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)).

[0083] According to an embodiment, commands or data may be transmitted or received between the electronic device 801 and the external electronic device 804 via the server 808 coupled with the second network 899. Each of the electronic devices 802 or 804 may be a device of a same type as, or a different type, from the electronic device 801. According to an embodiment, all or some of operations to be executed at the electronic device 801 may be executed at one or more of the external electronic devices 802, 804, or 808. For example, if the electronic device 801 should perform a function or a service automatically, or in response to a request from a user or another device, the electronic device 801, 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 801. The electronic device 801 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 801 may provide ultra low-latency services using, e.g., distributed computing or mobile edge computing. In another embodiment, the external electronic device 804 may include an internet-of things (IoT) device. The server 808 may be an intelligent server using machine learning and/or a neural network. According to an embodiment, the external electronic device 804 or the server 808 may be included in the second network 899. The electronic device 801 may be applied to intelligent services (e.g., smart home, smart city, smart car, or healthcare) based on 5G communication technology or IoT-related technology.

[0084] The electronic device according to various embodiments may be one of various types of electronic devices. The electronic devices may include, for example, a mobile 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.

[0085] 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. It is to be understood that a singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of the things, unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise. 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," "coupled to," "connected with," or "connected to" 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.

[0086] 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, the module may be implemented in a form of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0087] Various embodiments as set forth herein may be implemented as software (e.g., the program 840) including one or more instructions that are stored in a storage medium (e.g., internal memory 836 or external memory 838) that is readable by a machine (e.g., the electronic device 801). For example, a processor (e.g., the processor 820) of the machine (e.g., the electronic device 801) 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 where data is semi-permanently stored in the storage medium and where the data is temporarily stored in the storage medium.

[0088] According to an embodiment, 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.

[0089] According to various embodiments, 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, 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, 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, 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.

Claims

1. A wearable electronic device comprising:

a display module;

a first printed circuit board including a ground region;

a side bezel structure formed of a conductive material and disposed to surround the first printed circuit board; and

an antenna including a feeding part, the ground region, and at least a portion of the side bezel structure,

wherein the display module includes:

a display panel;

a second printed circuit board operatively connected with the display panel and electrically connected with the first printed circuit board through a connector; and

a conductive sheet disposed between the display panel and the second printed circuit board,

wherein the conductive sheet is electrically connected with a ground terminal on the second printed circuit board through at least one connection member, and

wherein the ground terminal is electrically connected with the ground region through the connector.

2. The wearable electronic device of claim 1, further comprising:

a shock absorbing member disposed between the conductive sheet and the second printed circuit board and including at least one opening,

wherein the conductive sheet electrically contacts the ground terminal through a conductive member disposed in the at least one opening.

3. The wearable electronic device of claim 2, further comprising:

a first connector connected with an extension portion of the second printed circuit board and including a plurality of first connection pins; and

a second connector disposed in the first printed circuit board and including a plurality of second connection pins engaging with the plurality of first connection pins so as to be connected with each other,

wherein the ground terminal is electrically connected with a first ground pin of the first connector through a first wire disposed in the extension portion, and

wherein the first ground pin is electrically connected with a second ground pin of the second connector, and

wherein the second ground pin is electrically connected with the ground region.

4. The wearable electronic device of claim 3, further comprising:

a processor operatively connected with the first printed circuit board; and

a switch electrically connected between the second ground pin and the ground region,

wherein the processor is configured to:
control a connection between the second ground pin and the ground region through the switch to form an electrical path including the conductive sheet and the ground region.

5. The wearable electronic device of claim 3, further comprising:

a processor operatively located in the first printed circuit board; and

a matching circuit electrically connected between the second ground pin and the ground region,

wherein the processor is configured to:
control the matching circuit such that an impedance between the conductive sheet and the ground region is controlled.

6. The wearable electronic device of claim 3, further comprising:

a battery disposed between the first printed circuit board and the second printed circuit board,

wherein a portion of the extension portion is disposed to extend along one side surface of the battery.

7. The wearable electronic device of claim 2, wherein the conductive member includes a conductive tape.

8. The wearable electronic device of claim 1, wherein the feeding part is electrically connected with a first point of the side bezel structure, and
wherein the ground region is electrically connected with a second point of the side bezel structure, which is spaced from the first point as much as a specified distance.

9. The wearable electronic device of claim 1, wherein the ground region is electrically connected with an additional ground region included in the second printed circuit board.

10. The wearable electronic device of claim 1, further comprising:

a processor operatively located in the first printed circuit board; and

a switch electrically connected between the ground region and an additional ground region included in the second printed circuit board,

wherein the processor is configured to:
control the switch to form an electrical path including the ground region and the additional ground region.

11. A wearable electronic device comprising:

a printed circuit board including a ground region;

a conductive housing electrically connected with the ground region and disposed to surround the printed circuit board;

a conductor disposed within the conductive housing and electrically connected with the ground region; and

an antenna including a feeding part, the ground region, and at least a portion of the conductive housing.

12. The wearable electronic device of claim 11, further comprising:

a display panel,

wherein the conductor is disposed between the display panel and the printed circuit board.

13. The wearable electronic device of claim 12, further comprising:

a flexible printed circuit board operatively connected with the display panel,

wherein the conductor is disposed between the display panel and the flexible printed circuit board.

14. The wearable electronic device of claim 13, further comprising:

a shock absorbing member disposed between the conductor and the flexible printed circuit board,

wherein the flexible printed circuit board and the printed circuit board are electrically connected through a connector, and

wherein the conductor passes through a portion of the shock absorbing member and is electrically connected with a ground terminal included in the flexible printed circuit board, and

wherein the ground terminal is electrically connected with the ground region through the connector.

15. The wearable electronic device of claim 14, wherein the shock absorbing member includes at least one opening, and
wherein the conductor electrically contacts the ground terminal through a conductive member disposed in the at least one opening.

Drawing