Patent Description:
In line with remarkable development of information/communication technologies and semiconductor technologies, various types of electronic devices have been widespread and used at an increasing pace. Particularly, recent electronic devices have been developed to be carried and used for communication.

In addition, electronic devices may output stored information as sounds or images. In line with the increasing degree of integration of electronic devices and the widespread use of super-fast large-capacity wireless communication, it has recently become possible to equip a single electronic device (for example, mobile communication terminal) with various functions. For example, not only a communication function, but also an entertainment function (for example, gaming), a multimedia function (for example, music/video playback), communication and security functions for mobile banking and the like, a scheduling function, and an electronic wallet function are integrated in a single electronic device. Such electronic devices have become compact such that users can conveniently carry the same.

In line with recent attention to compactness, flatness, or portability of portable electronic devices (for example, smartphones), there has been ongoing research to make the exterior of electronic devices aesthetic from design viewpoints.

<CIT> describes a housing of an electronic device that includes an oxide layer disposed on the outermost surface of the housing and exposed to the outside in order to prevent abrasion and peeling of paint. In this device, a color layer is formed in a first region between protrusions, and an oxide layer is formed in a second region on a protrusion.

<CIT> describes a process of manufacturing an OLED display using an organic deposition mark having deposition openings formed on a thin board by electrochemical machining.

<CIT> describes a method of coloring an oxide layer of a housing of an electronic device using a dye.

Design-related demands for improving the aesthetic appearance of electronic devices are on the rise. In order to implement various colors or textures, an electronic device may include a housing having a convex and concave pattern formed thereon. However, if a mechanical tool or chemical etching is used, it may be difficult to evenly process the exterior surface of a housing including a difficult-to-cut material (for example, stainless steel or titanium), and a prolonged time may be necessary to process the housing.

Embodiments of the disclosure may provide a housing including a convex and concave pattern formed substantially uniformly using electro chemical machining.

Problems addressed by the disclosure are not limited to the above-mentioned problems, and may be variously expanded without deviating from the idea of the disclosure.

There is provided an electronic device, according to the claims.

A housing of an electronic device according to various example embodiments of the disclosure may be fabricated using ECM. The surface of the housing, which is fabricated using ECM, may have a substantially uniform pitch and a substantially uniform depth.

A method for manufacturing an electronic device according to various example embodiments of the disclosure may manufacture multiple housings substantially simultaneously using ECM. By simultaneously manufacturing multiple housings, the cost and time for manufacturing the housings using ECM may be reduced compared with the cost and time for manufacturing housings using mechanical processing.

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

According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may include a processor <NUM>, memory <NUM>, an input module <NUM>, a sound output module <NUM>, a display module <NUM>, an audio module <NUM>, a sensor module <NUM>, an interface <NUM>, a connecting terminal <NUM>, a haptic module <NUM>, a camera module <NUM>, a power management module <NUM>, a battery <NUM>, a communication module <NUM>, a subscriber identification module (SIM) <NUM>, or an antenna module <NUM>. In various embodiments, at least one of the components (e.g., the connecting terminal <NUM>) may be omitted from the electronic device <NUM>, or one or more other components may be added in the electronic device <NUM>. In various embodiments, some of the components (e.g., the sensor module <NUM>, the camera module <NUM>, or the antenna module <NUM>) may be implemented as a single component (e.g., the display module <NUM>).

The auxiliary processor <NUM> may control, for example, at least some of functions or states related to at least one component (e.g., the display module <NUM>, the sensor module <NUM>, or the communication module <NUM>) among the components of the electronic device <NUM>, instead of the main processor <NUM> while the main processor <NUM> is in an inactive (e.g., sleep) state, or together with the main processor <NUM> while the main processor <NUM> is in an active (e.g., executing an application) state.

According to an embodiment, the audio module <NUM> may obtain the sound via the input module <NUM>, or output the sound via the sound output module <NUM> or an external electronic device (e.g., an electronic device <NUM> (e.g., a speaker or a headphone)) directly or wirelessly coupled with the electronic device <NUM>.

The interface <NUM> may support one or more specified protocols to be used for the electronic device <NUM> to be coupled with the external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM>) directly or wirelessly.

The wireless communication module <NUM> may identify or authenticate the electronic device <NUM> in a communication network, such as the first network <NUM> or the second network <NUM>, using subscriber information (e.g., international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI)) stored in the subscriber identification module <NUM>.

The wireless communication module <NUM> 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 beamforming, or large scale antenna. According to an embodiment, the wireless communication module <NUM> may support a peak data rate (e.g., <NUM> Gbps or more) for implementing eMBB, loss coverage (e.g., <NUM> dB or less) for implementing mMTC, or U-plane latency (e.g., <NUM> or less for each of downlink (DL) and uplink (UL), or a round trip of <NUM> or less) for implementing URLLC.

According to an embodiment, the antenna module 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)). In such a case, at least one antenna appropriate for a communication scheme used in the communication network, such as the first network <NUM> or the second network <NUM>, may be selected, for example, by the communication module <NUM> from the plurality of antennas.

According to an embodiment, 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.

Each of the external electronic devices <NUM> or <NUM> may be a device of a same type as, or a different type, from the electronic device <NUM>. In an embodiment, the external electronic device <NUM> may include an internet-of-things (IoT) device. The electronic device <NUM> may be applied to intelligent services (e.g., smart home, smart city, smart car, or healthcare) based on <NUM> communication technology or loT-related technology.

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, a home appliance, or the like.

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), 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, or any combination thereof, and may interchangeably be used with other terms, for example, "logic", "logic block", "part", or "circuitry".

According to various embodiments, one or more of the above-described components or operations may be omitted, or one or more other components or operations may be added. In such a case, 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.

<FIG> is a front perspective view of an electronic device according to various embodiments. <FIG> is a rear perspective view of an electronic device according to various embodiments.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> according to an embodiment may include a housing <NUM> including a front surface 210A, a rear surface 210B, and side surface 210C surrounding a space between the front surface 210A and the rear surface 210B. In an embodiment (not shown), a structure configuring a part of the front surface 210A of <FIG>, the rear surface 210B of <FIG>, and the side surface 210C may be referred to as a housing. For example, the housing <NUM> may include a front plate <NUM> and a rear plate <NUM>. According to an embodiment, at least a portion of the front surface 210A may be formed by a front plate <NUM> (e.g., a glass plate including various coating layers, or a polymer plate) which is substantially transparent. The second surface 210B may be formed by a rear plate <NUM>. The rear plate <NUM> may be formed by, for example, glass, ceramic, a polymer, a metal (e.g., titanium (Ti), stainless steel (STS), aluminum (Al), and/or magnesium (Mg)), or a combination of at least two of the above materials. The side surface 210C may be formed by a side bezel structure <NUM> (or "side surface member") that is coupled to the front plate <NUM> and the rear plate <NUM> and includes a metal and/or a polymer. In an embodiment, the rear plate <NUM> and side bezel structure <NUM> may be integrally formed with each other and include the same material (e.g., glass, a metal material such as aluminum, or ceramic). In an embodiment, the front surface 210A and/or the front plate <NUM> may be understood as a part of the display <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may include at least one of a display <NUM>, audio modules <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> (e.g., the audio module <NUM> of <FIG>), a sensor module (e.g., the sensor module <NUM> of <FIG>), camera modules <NUM> and <NUM> (e.g., the camera module <NUM> of <FIG>), key input devices <NUM> (e.g., the input module <NUM> of <FIG>), and connector holes <NUM> and <NUM> (e.g., the connection terminal <NUM> of <FIG>). In an embodiment, one or more of the elements (e.g., the connector hole <NUM>) may be omitted from the electronic device <NUM> or another element may be added thereto. According to an embodiment, the display <NUM> may be visually exposed (e.g., visible) through, for example, a substantial portion of the front plate <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the surface (or the front plate <NUM>) of the housing <NUM> may include a screen display region formed when the display <NUM> is visually exposed (e.g., visible). For example, the screen display region may include the front surface 210A.

In an embodiment (not shown), the electronic device <NUM> may include a recess or opening formed in a portion of the screen display area (e.g., the front surface 210A) of the display <NUM>, and may include at least one of an audio module <NUM> aligned with the recess or opening, a sensor module (not shown), a light emitting element (not shown), and a camera module <NUM>. In an embodiment (not shown), the rear surface of the screen display region of the display <NUM> may include at least one of an audio module <NUM>, a sensor module (not shown), a camera module <NUM>, a fingerprint sensor (not shown), and a light emitting element (not shown).

In an embodiment (not shown), the display <NUM> may be coupled to or disposed adjacent to a touch sensing circuit, a pressure sensor capable of measuring the intensity (pressure) of a touch, and/or a digitizer configured to detect a magnetic field type stylus pen.

In an embodiment, at least one of the key input devices <NUM> may be disposed on the side bezel structure <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the audio modules <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may include, for example, a microphone hole <NUM> and speaker holes <NUM> and <NUM>. The microphone hole <NUM> may include a microphone disposed inside thereof and configured to acquire external sound, and in an embodiment, may include a plurality of microphones arranged to sense the direction of sound. The speaker holes <NUM> and <NUM> may include an external speaker hole <NUM> and a call receiver hole <NUM>. In an embodiment, the speaker holes <NUM> and <NUM> and the microphone hole <NUM> may be implemented as a single hole, or a speaker may be provided without the speaker holes <NUM> and <NUM> (e.g., a piezo speaker).

According to an embodiment, the sensor module (not shown) may generate an electrical signal or a data value corresponding to, for example, an internal operating state of the electronic device <NUM> or an external environment state. The sensor module (not shown) may include, for example, a first sensor module (not shown) (e.g., a proximity sensor) and/or a second sensor module (not shown) (e.g., a fingerprint sensor) disposed on the front surface 210A of the housing <NUM>. The sensor module (not shown) may include a third sensor module (not shown) (e.g., a HRM sensor) and/or a fourth sensor module (not shown) (e.g., a fingerprint sensor) disposed on the rear surface 210B of the housing <NUM>. In an embodiment (not shown), the fingerprint sensor may be disposed not only on the front surface 210A (e.g., the display <NUM>) of the housing <NUM> but also on the rear surface 210B thereof. The electronic device <NUM> may further include a sensor module (not shown), for example, 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 illuminance sensor (not shown).

According to an embodiment, the camera modules <NUM> and <NUM> may include, for example, a front camera module <NUM> disposed on the front surface 210A of the electronic device <NUM>, and a rear camera module <NUM> and/or a flash <NUM> disposed on the rear surface 210B thereof. The camera modules <NUM> and <NUM> may include one or more lenses, an image sensor, and/or an image signal processor. The flash <NUM> may include, for example, a light emitting diode or a xenon lamp. In an embodiment, two or more lenses (an infrared camera, and a wide-angle and telephoto lens) and image sensors may be disposed on one surface of the electronic device <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the key input devices <NUM> may be disposed, for example, on the side surface 210C of the housing <NUM>. In an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may not include one or all of the key input devices <NUM> mentioned above, and the key input device <NUM> which is not included therein may be implemented in a different form, such as a soft key, on the display <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the light emitting device (not shown) may be disposed on the front surface 210A of the housing <NUM>. For example, the light emitting element (not shown) may provide, for example, state information of the electronic device <NUM> in the form of light. In an embodiment, the light emitting device (not shown) may provide, for example, a light source interworking with the operation of the front camera module <NUM>. The light emitting element (not shown) may include, for example, an LED, an IR LED, and/or a xenon lamp.

According to an embodiment, the connector holes <NUM> and <NUM> may include, for example, a first connector hole <NUM> capable of accommodating a connector (e.g., a USB connector) configured to transmit and receive power and/or data to and from an external electronic device or a connector (e.g., an earphone jack) configured to transmit and receive audio signals to and from an external electronic device, and/or a second connector hole <NUM> capable of accommodating a storage device (e.g., a subscriber identification module (SIM) card). According to an embodiment, the first connector hole <NUM> and/or the second connector hole <NUM> may be omitted.

<FIG> is an exploded perspective view of an electronic device according to various embodiments.

Referring to <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> (e.g., the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>) may include at least one of a front plate <NUM> (e.g., the front plate <NUM> of <FIG>), a display <NUM> (e.g., the display <NUM> of <FIG>), a first support member <NUM> (e.g., a bracket), a printed circuit board <NUM>, a battery <NUM>, a second support member <NUM> (e.g., a rear case), an antenna <NUM>, and a rear plate <NUM> (e.g., the rear plate <NUM> in <FIG>). In an embodiment, one or more (e.g., the first support member <NUM> or the second support member <NUM>) of the elements may be omitted from the electronic device <NUM> or another element may be added thereto. At least one of the elements of the electronic device <NUM> may be the same as or similar to at least one of the elements of the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG> or <FIG>, and overlapping descriptions will be omitted below.

According to an embodiment, the first support member <NUM> may be disposed inside the electronic device <NUM> to be connected to the side bezel structure <NUM> or may be integrally formed with the side bezel structure <NUM>. The first support member <NUM> may be formed of, for example, a metal material and/or a non-metal material (e.g., a polymer). The first support member <NUM> may have the display <NUM> coupled to one surface thereof and the printed circuit board <NUM> coupled to the other surface thereof. The printed circuit board <NUM> may be equipped with a processor, a memory, and/or an interface. The processor may include, for example, one or more of a central processing unit, an application processor, a graphics processing unit, an image signal processor, a sensor hub processor, or a communication processor. According to an embodiment, the memory may include, for example, a volatile memory or a non-volatile memory. According to an embodiment, 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, for example, electrically or physically connect the electronic device <NUM> to an external electronic device, and may include a USB connector, an SD card/MMC connector, or an audio connector. According to an embodiment, the battery <NUM>, which is a device for supplying power to at least one element (e.g., the camera module <NUM>) of the electronic device <NUM>, may include, for example, a non-rechargeable primary battery or a rechargeable secondary battery, or a fuel cell. At least a portion of the battery <NUM> may be disposed, for example, on a substantially same plane as the printed circuit board <NUM>. The battery <NUM> may be integrally disposed inside the electronic device <NUM> or may be disposed to be detachable from the electronic device <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the second support member <NUM> (e.g., a rear case) may be disposed between the printed circuit board <NUM> and the antenna <NUM>. For example, the second support member <NUM> may include one surface to which at least one of the printed circuit board <NUM> and the battery <NUM> is coupled, and the other surface to which the antenna <NUM> is coupled.

According to an embodiment, the antenna <NUM> may be disposed between the rear plate <NUM> and the battery <NUM>. The antenna <NUM> may, for example, perform short-range communication with an external device or wirelessly transmit/receive power required for charging. For example, the antenna <NUM> may include a coil for wireless charging. In an embodiment, an antenna structure may be formed by a part of the side bezel structure <NUM> and/or the first support member <NUM> or a combination thereof.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device <NUM> may include a camera module <NUM> disposed in a housing (e.g., the housing <NUM> of <FIG>). According to an embodiment, the camera module <NUM> may be disposed on the first support member <NUM> and may be a rear camera module (e.g., the camera module <NUM> of <FIG>) capable of acquiring an image of a subject located in the rear (e.g., - Z direction) of the electronic device <NUM>. According to an embodiment, at least a portion of the camera module <NUM> may be exposed to the outside of the electronic device <NUM> through an opening <NUM> formed through the rear plate <NUM>.

Although the electronic device <NUM> shown in <FIG> has a bar type or plate type exterior, the disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the illustrated electronic device may be a rollable electronic device or a foldable electronic device. The term "rollable electronic device" may refer to an electronic device that includes a display (e.g., the display <NUM> of <FIG>) capable of bending deformation such that at least a portion thereof is wound or rolled or accommodated in a housing (e.g., the housing <NUM> of <FIG>). According to a user's need, the rollable electronic device may have an expanded screen display region available by unfolding a display or causing a larger area of the display to be visible to the outside. The term "foldable electronic device" may refer to an electronic device that can be folded such that two different regions of a display face each other or face directions opposite to each other. In general, when the foldable electronic device is carried, the display may be folded such that the different regions thereof face each other or face directions opposite to each other, and when the same is used, a user may unfold the display such that the two different regions thereof form a substantially flat plate. In an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> according to various embodiments disclosed herein may be understood as various electronic devices including a laptop computer, a wearable electronic device (e.g., a smart watch), or a camera, as well as a portable electronic device such as a smart phone.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view of a housing <NUM> according to various embodiments. <FIG> is a diagram illustrating an example manufacturing process <NUM> of a housing, according to various embodiments.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the housing <NUM> according to the invention includes a metal member <NUM>, a first convex and concave pattern <NUM>, and an oxide coating layer <NUM>. The first convex and concave pattern <NUM> of the metal member <NUM> may be formed using a jig <NUM> including a second convex and concave pattern <NUM>. The configuration of the housing <NUM> of <FIG> may be all or partly the same as that of the housing <NUM> of <FIG> and <FIG>.

According to the invention, the housing <NUM> forms at least a part of the exterior of the electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>), and accomodates at least a part of a component (e.g., the processor <NUM> of <FIG>) of the electronic device <NUM>. For example, the housing <NUM> may include at least one of a side bezel structure (e.g., the side bezel structure <NUM> of <FIG>), a first support member (e.g., the first support member <NUM> of <FIG>), and/or a rear plate (e.g., the rear plate <NUM> of <FIG>). As another example, the electronic device may be understood as a wearable electronic device (e.g., a smart watch), and the housing <NUM> may be understood as a bezel ring structure (not shown) of the wearable electronic device.

According to the invention, the manufacturing process <NUM> of the housing <NUM> includes electro chemical machining (ECM). For example, the electro chemical machining may include a machining method using electrolysis. According to the invention, the first convex and concave pattern <NUM> of the metal member <NUM> are formed using electro chemical machining (ECM). For example, in the manufacturing process <NUM> of the housing <NUM> and/or the metal member <NUM>, a metal blank <NUM> and the jig <NUM> may be introduced into an electrolyte <NUM> located in a container <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the metal blank <NUM> may be electrically connected to a positive electrode using a first electric wire <NUM>, and the jig <NUM> may be electrically connected to a negative electrode using a second electric wire <NUM>. According to an embodiment, while the metal blank <NUM> and the jig <NUM> are located in the electrolyte <NUM>, the surface of the metal blank <NUM> connected to the positive electrode may be formed to correspond to the shape of the second convex and concave pattern <NUM> connected to the negative electrode.

According to various embodiments, the electrolyte <NUM> may be a low-concentration slightly acidic solution. For example, the electrolyte <NUM> may include sodium chloride (NaCl) and/or sodium nitrate (NaNO3).

According to various embodiments, the jig <NUM> may include the second convex and concave pattern <NUM>. The second convex and concave pattern <NUM> may include a plurality of second protrusions <NUM> and a plurality of second grooves <NUM>. The second protrusions <NUM> and/or the second grooves <NUM> may be formed at a second depth (d2) and may be arranged at a second pitch (p2). According to an embodiment, the first convex and concave pattern (e.g., the first convex and concave pattern <NUM> of <FIG>) may be formed in a shape corresponding to the second convex and concave pattern <NUM>. For example, the first height (e.g., the first depth (d1) of <FIG>) of the first protrusion (e.g., the first protrusion <NUM> of <FIG>) may be substantially equal to the second height (d2) of the second protrusion <NUM>. The first pitch (e.g., the first pitch (p1) of <FIG>) at which the plurality of first protrusions <NUM> are arranged may be substantially equal to the second pitch (p2) at which the plurality of second protrusions <NUM> are arranged.

According to an embodiment, the rigidity of the jig <NUM> may be lower than that of the metal member <NUM> and/or the metal blank <NUM>. For example, the second convex and concave pattern <NUM> may be formed using a mechanical tool and/or chemical etching. According to an embodiment, the metal blank <NUM> may be spaced apart from the jig <NUM> while the metal blank <NUM> and the jig <NUM> are located in the electrolyte <NUM>.

According to the invention, the metal member <NUM> includes the first convex and concave pattern <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the metal member <NUM> may be understood as the metal blank <NUM> having the first convex and concave pattern <NUM> formed using the jig <NUM> including the second convex and concave pattern <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the first convex and concave pattern <NUM> may include the plurality of first protrusions <NUM> and the plurality of first grooves <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the first convex and concave pattern <NUM> of the metal member <NUM> may be formed in a shape corresponding to the second convex and concave pattern <NUM> of the jig <NUM>. For example, the first groove <NUM> may be formed in a portion of the metal blank <NUM> facing the second protrusion <NUM> of the second convex and concave pattern <NUM>, and the first protrusion <NUM> may be formed in a portion of the metal blank <NUM> facing the second groove <NUM> of the second convex and concave pattern <NUM>. According to an embodiment, since the first convex and concave pattern <NUM> is formed using electro chemical machining, the first convex and concave pattern <NUM> may be formed to have a substantially uniform pitch and/or a substantially uniform height. According to an embodiment, the height of the first convex and concave pattern <NUM> may be changed based on a processing time and/or strength of a voltage transferred to the jig <NUM>. The first convex and concave pattern <NUM> formed at a substantially uniform pitch and a substantially uniform height may be understood as the first convex and concave pattern <NUM> formed uniformly at a specified pitch and/or height in a designated region of the housing <NUM>, and should not be understood as a structure in which a pitch and/or height of the first convex and concave pattern <NUM> is not a structure in which a pitch and/or height of the convex and concave pattern <NUM> is formed to be the same throughout the housing <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the metal member <NUM> may include a first surface 310a facing the outside of the electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>) and a second surface 310a facing the inside of the electronic device <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the first protrusion <NUM> may form at least a portion of the first surface 310a.

According to an embodiment, the metal member <NUM> may be a difficult-to-cut material. For example, the metal member <NUM> may include at least one of titanium (Ti), stainless steel (STS), or an amorphous alloy. The amorphous alloy may be understood as a metal including atoms irregularly arranged using rapid cooling. The metal member <NUM> including a difficult-to-cut material is processed using the electro chemical machining. According to an embodiment, the metal member <NUM> may include at least one of aluminum (Al) and magnesium (Mg).

According to an embodiment, the manufacturing time and/or manufacturing cost of the metal member <NUM> including the first convex and concave pattern <NUM> formed using electro chemical machining may be lower than the manufacturing time and/or manufacturing cost of the metal member <NUM> including a convex and concave pattern (not shown) formed using a mechanical tool and/or chemical etching. For example, the plurality of metal blanks <NUM> may be machined in the container <NUM> at substantially the same time.

According to various embodiments, the texture and/or exterior of the housing <NUM> may be determined based on a shape of the first convex and concave pattern <NUM>. For example, based on the pitch and/or height of the first convex and concave pattern <NUM>, the refractive index and/or diffuse reflection ratio of light incident onto the housing <NUM> may be changed, and the color and/or texture of the housing <NUM> may be changed.

According to an embodiment, the gloss of the housing <NUM> may be determined based on the first height (d1) of the first protrusion <NUM> (or the first height of the first groove <NUM>). For example, as the first height (d1) decreases, the gloss of the housing <NUM> may increase. According to an embodiment, the first height (d1) of the first protrusion <NUM> may be in a range of about <NUM> to <NUM>. The first height (d1) may be understood as a first depth of the first groove <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the texture and/or color of the housing <NUM> may be determined based on a first pitch (p1) of the plurality of first protrusions <NUM>. For example, as the first pitch (p1) shortens, the roughness of the housing <NUM> perceived by a user may be reduced. According to an embodiment, the first pitch (p1) of the first protrusions <NUM> may be in a range of about <NUM> to <NUM>. The first pitch (p1) may be understood as an interval between the plurality of first grooves <NUM>.

According to the invention, the housing <NUM> includes an oxide coating layer which is disposed on the metal member <NUM>. For example, the oxide coating layer <NUM> may be positioned in the first direction (+Z direction) facing the outside of the housing <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the oxide coating layer <NUM> may be formed on the metal member <NUM> using various methods. For example, the oxide coating layer <NUM> may be formed by at least one of a coating method, anodizing method, plating method, or chemical conversion in a direction (e.g., the first direction (+Z direction)) facing the outside of the housing <NUM> from the metal member <NUM>. According to the invention, the oxide coating layer <NUM> is formed on the plurality of first protrusions <NUM> of the first convex and concave pattern <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, when an external force is applied to the housing <NUM>, the oxide coating layer <NUM> which is exposed to the outside may protect the metal member <NUM> from external impact. According to the invention, exposure of the metal member <NUM> to the outside is prevented and/or reduced by the oxide coating layer <NUM>. The metal member <NUM> of the housing <NUM> including the oxide coating layer <NUM> may have durability and corrosion resistance which are higher than the durability and corrosion resistance of the metal member <NUM> of the housing which does not include the oxide coating layer <NUM>. According to an embodiment, a first thickness (d3) of the oxide coating layer <NUM> may be in a range of about <NUM> to <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the housing <NUM> may include a color layer <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the color layer <NUM> may be formed on at least a portion of the oxide coating layer <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the color layer <NUM> may be formed on the oxide coating layer <NUM> using at least one of a dipping method or an electrolytic coloring method. The dipping method may be understood as a method of depositing a solution in which a paint is dissolved on the oxide coating layer <NUM> to implement a color from the diffused and adsorbed paint. The electrolytic coloring method may be understood as a method of electrolytically implementing a color on the oxide coating layer <NUM> using a metal salt during or after the formation of the oxide coating layer <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the color layer <NUM> may include a paint for expressing a color and thus may provide various colors.

<FIG>, <FIG> are cross-sectional views of an example metal member according to various embodiments.

Referring to <FIG>, <FIG>, the metal member <NUM> may be formed in various shapes. According to an embodiment, the metal member <NUM> may include the first convex and concave pattern <NUM> having various shapes. The color and/or texture of the housing (e.g., the housing <NUM> of <FIG>) may be changed based on the shape of the first convex and concave pattern <NUM>. For example, based on the shape of the first convex and concave pattern <NUM>, a diffusely reflected amount of light incident onto the housing (e.g., the housing <NUM> of <FIG>) and/or a refracted angle of the light may be changed and the color and/or texture of the housing <NUM> recognized by a user may be changed. The configuration of the metal member <NUM> of <FIG>, <FIG> may be all or partly the same as that of the metal member <NUM> of <FIG>.

According to various embodiments, the first convex and concave pattern <NUM> may be arranged in various directions. For example, the first convex and concave pattern <NUM> may include the plurality of first protrusions <NUM> extending in the longitudinal direction (e.g., Y-axis direction) or the width direction (e.g., X-axis direction) of the electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>) and protruding in the thickness direction (e.g., the first direction (+Z direction)) of the electronic device <NUM>. As another example, the first convex and concave pattern <NUM> may include the plurality of first protrusions <NUM> arranged in a shape of check board array in the first direction (+Z direction).

According to an embodiment (e.g., <FIG>), the metal member <NUM> may include the first convex and concave pattern <NUM> having a substantially triangular cross section.

According to various embodiments (e.g., <FIG>, <FIG>), the metal member <NUM> may include the first convex and concave pattern <NUM> having a rectangular cross section. For example, the metal member <NUM> may include a first surface 310a forming at least a portion of the first protrusion <NUM>, a second surface 310b opposite to the first surface 310a and facing the inside of the electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>), and a third surface 310c positioned between the plurality of first protrusions <NUM>. The first groove <NUM> may be understood as an empty space surrounded by the first surface 310a and the third surface 310c. According to an embodiment (e.g., <FIG>), the first protrusion <NUM> and/or the first groove <NUM> may have a substantially rectangular shape. According to an embodiment (e.g., <FIG>), the first protrusion <NUM> and/or the first groove <NUM> of the first convex and concave pattern <NUM> may be formed in a substantially symmetrical trapezoidal shape. According to an embodiment (e.g., <FIG>), the first protrusion <NUM> and/or the first groove <NUM> of the first convex and concave pattern <NUM> may be formed in a substantially asymmetric trapezoidal shape.

The first convex and concave pattern <NUM> having a triangular or quadrangular shape is illustrated in <FIG>, but the shape of the first convex and concave pattern <NUM> is not limited thereto. For example, the second convex and concave pattern (e.g., the second convex and concave pattern <NUM> of <FIG>) may be formed in a substantially polygonal and/or partially curved shape, and the first convex and concave pattern <NUM> may be formed in a shape corresponding to the second convex and concave pattern <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the metal member <NUM> may include the first convex and concave pattern <NUM> having a different shape according to each region thereof. For example, a portion of the metal member <NUM> may include the first convex and concave pattern <NUM> of <FIG>, and another portion thereof may include the first convex and concave pattern <NUM> of at least one of <FIG>, <FIG>.

<FIG> are photographs of a cross section of a metal member including a first convex and concave pattern formed at a different pitch, according to various embodiments. <FIG> are photographs of the upper portion of a metal member including a first convex and concave pattern formed at a different pitch, according to various embodiments.

Referring to <FIG>, <FIG>, the first convex and concave pattern <NUM> of the metal member <NUM> may be arranged at a first pitch (p1). For example, the plurality of first protrusions <NUM> and/or each of the plurality of first grooves <NUM> may be arranged at a first pitch (p1), respectively. The configuration of the metal member <NUM> and the first convex and concave pattern <NUM> in <FIG>, <FIG> may be all or partly the same as that of the metal member <NUM> and the first convex and concave pattern <NUM> in <FIG>.

According to various embodiments, the first pitch (p1) may be variously configured to adjust the texture and/or color of the housing (e.g., the housing <NUM> of <FIG>). For example, the first pitch (p1) may be in a range of about <NUM> to <NUM>. According to an embodiment (e.g., <FIG> and <FIG>), the first pitch (p1) may be in a range of about <NUM> to <NUM>. According to an embodiment (e.g., <FIG> and <FIG>), the first pitch (p1) may be in a range of about <NUM> to <NUM>. According to an embodiment (e.g., <FIG> and <FIG>), the first pitch (p1) may be in a range of about <NUM> to <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the metal member <NUM> may include the first convex and concave pattern <NUM> arranged at a first pitch (p1) different according to each region. For example, a pitch (e.g., <FIG> and <FIG>) at which a part of the first convex and concave pattern <NUM> is arranged may be different from a pitch (e.g., <FIG>, <FIG>, and/or <FIG>) at which another part of the first convex and concave pattern <NUM> is arranged.

<FIG>, and <FIG> are photographs of a cross section of a metal member including a first convex and concave pattern formed at a different height, according to various embodiments.

Referring to <FIG>, and <FIG>, the first convex and concave pattern <NUM> of the metal member <NUM> may be formed to have a first height (d1). For example, the first convex and concave pattern <NUM> may include a plurality of first protrusions <NUM> having a first height (d1). The configuration of the metal member <NUM> and the first convex and concave pattern <NUM> of <FIG>, and <FIG> may be all or partly the same as that of the metal member <NUM> and the first convex and concave pattern <NUM> of <FIG>.

According to various embodiments, the first height (d1) may be variously configured to adjust the texture and/or color of the housing (e.g., the housing <NUM> of <FIG>). For example, the first height (d1) may be in a range of about <NUM> to <NUM>. According to an embodiment (e.g., <FIG>), the first height (d1) may be in a range of about <NUM> to <NUM>. According to an embodiment (e.g., <FIG>), the first height (d1) may be in a range of about <NUM> to <NUM>. According to an embodiment (e.g., <FIG>), the first height (d1) may be in a range of about <NUM> to <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the metal member <NUM> may include the first convex and concave pattern <NUM> formed at a first height (d1) which is different according to each region. For example, a height (e.g., <FIG>) at which a part of the first convex and concave pattern <NUM> is formed may be different from a depth (e.g., <FIG> and/or <FIG>) at which another part of the first convex and concave pattern <NUM> is formed.

<FIG> is a flowchart illustrating an example manufacturing process of an electronic device according to various embodiments of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, a manufacturing process <NUM> of an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>) may include an etching process <NUM> of forming the first convex and concave pattern <NUM> on the housing <NUM> using electro chemical machining, and an anodizing process <NUM> of forming an oxide coating layer <NUM>. The configuration of the first convex and concave pattern <NUM> and the oxide coating layer <NUM> of the housing <NUM> in <FIG> may be all or partly the same as that of the first convex and concave pattern <NUM> and the oxide coating layer <NUM> of the housing <NUM> in <FIG>.

According to various embodiments, the etching process <NUM> may form the first convex and concave pattern <NUM> on the housing <NUM> using a jig (e.g., the jig <NUM> of <FIG>) on which the second convex and concave pattern (e.g., the second convex and concave pattern <NUM> of <FIG>) is formed. For example, the etching process <NUM> may be understood as a process of changing a metal blank (e.g., the metal blank <NUM> of <FIG>) using electro chemical machining (ECM) to the first metal member <NUM> including the first convex and concave pattern <NUM> such that the metal blank corresponds to the shape of the second convex and concave pattern <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the metal blank <NUM> may be positioned in the electrolyte <NUM> while facing the jig <NUM> on which the second convex and concave pattern <NUM> is formed. The metal blank <NUM> may be electrolyzed to correspond to the shape of the second convex and concave pattern <NUM>. According to an embodiment, sparks may not be generated in the etching process <NUM> using electro chemical machining. Accordingly, the deformation of the jig in the etching process <NUM> using electro chemical machining may be less than that of the jig in an etching process using mechanical machining.

According to various embodiments, the manufacturing process <NUM> of an electronic device may include a polishing process <NUM> of adjusting the surface roughness of the housing <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the polishing process <NUM> may include a blasting process. For example, the polishing process <NUM> may reduce the surface roughness of the outer surface (e.g., the first surface 310a of <FIG>) of the metal member (e.g., the metal member <NUM> of <FIG>) using at least one of media blasting or sand blasting. According to an embodiment, the polishing process <NUM> may include a barrel polishing process. According to an embodiment, the color and/or texture of the housing <NUM> (e.g., the metal member <NUM> of <FIG>) may be adjusted using the polishing process <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the anodizing process <NUM> may form an oxide coating layer <NUM> on the outer surface of the housing <NUM>. For example, the oxide coating layer <NUM> may be formed on the outer surface (e.g., the first surface 310a of FIG. 5A) of the metal member (e.g., the metal member <NUM> of <FIG>). According to an embodiment, at least a portion of the oxide coating layer <NUM> may be formed on the first convex and concave pattern (e.g., the first convex and concave pattern <NUM> of <FIG>) and be exposed to the outside of the housing <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the anodizing process <NUM> may be replaced with another process of forming the oxide coating layer <NUM>. For example, the manufacturing process <NUM> of the electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>) may include a coating method, a plating method, or chemical conversion process for forming the oxide coating layer <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the manufacturing process <NUM> of the electronic device may include a coloring process <NUM> of changing the color of the oxide coating layer <NUM>. For example, the coloring process <NUM> may form a color layer (e.g., the color layer <NUM> of <FIG>) on at least a portion of the oxide coating layer <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the coloring process <NUM> may include at least one of a dipping method or an electrolytic coloring method.

According to various example embodiments of the disclosure, an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>) may include: a housing (the housing <NUM> of <FIG>), a processor (e.g., the processor <NUM> of <FIG>) disposed inside the housing, the housing may include a metal member comprising a metal and (e.g., the metal member <NUM> of <FIG>) including a first convex and concave pattern (e.g., the first convex and concave pattern <NUM> of <FIG>) formed in a shape corresponding to a shape of a second convex and concave pattern formed on a jig, wherein the jig is formed for use in electro chemical machining (ECM), and the first convex and concave pattern may have at least a portion formed at a substantially uniform pitch and a substantially uniform height.

According to various example embodiments, the metal member may include at least one of titanium, stainless steel, or an amorphous alloy.

According to various example embodiments, the first convex and concave pattern may include a plurality of protrusions (e.g., the protrusions <NUM> of <FIG>) having a first height (e.g., the first height (d1) of <FIG>) in a range of about <NUM> to <NUM>.

According to various example embodiments, the first convex and concave pattern may include a plurality of protrusions (e.g., the protrusions <NUM> of <FIG>) arranged at a first pitch (e.g., the first pitch (p1) of <FIG>) in a range of about <NUM> to <NUM>.

According to various example embodiments, the housing may include an oxide coating layer (e.g., the oxide coating layer <NUM> of <FIG>) disposed on the metal member.

According to various example embodiments, the oxide coating layer may have a first thickness (e.g., the first thickness (d3) of <FIG>) in a range of about <NUM> to <NUM>.

According to various example embodiments, the housing may include a color layer (e.g., the color layer <NUM> of <FIG>) formed on the oxide coating layer.

According to various example embodiments, the second convex and concave pattern may include a plurality of second protrusions (e.g., the second protrusion <NUM> of <FIG>) formed at a second height (e.g., the second height (d2) of <FIG>) and arranged at a second pitch (e.g., the second pitch (p2) of <FIG>), and the first convex and concave pattern may include a plurality of first protrusions (e.g., the first protrusion <NUM> of <FIG>) formed at a first depth (e.g., the first depth (d1) of <FIG>) substantially equal to the second depth and arranged at a first pitch (e.g., the first pitch (p1) of <FIG>) substantially equal to the second pitch.

According to various example embodiments, the housing may include a rear plate (e.g., the rear plate <NUM> of <FIG>).

According to various example embodiments of the disclosure, a method for manufacturing an electronic device (e.g., the manufacturing process <NUM> of the electronic device of <FIG>) may include: an etching process (e.g., the etching process <NUM> of <FIG>) of forming a first convex and concave pattern (e.g., the first convex and concave pattern <NUM> of <FIG>) on the outer surface (e.g., the first surface 310a of <FIG>) of the housing (e.g., the housing <NUM> of <FIG>) of the electronic device by electro chemical machining (ECM) using a jig (e.g., jig <NUM> of <FIG>) including a second convex and concave pattern (e.g., the second convex and concave pattern <NUM> of <FIG>), and an anodizing process (e.g., the anodizing process <NUM> of FIG. <NUM>) of forming an oxide coating layer on the housing.

According to various example embodiments, the method for manufacturing the electronic device may further include a polishing process (e.g., the polishing process <NUM> of <FIG>) for adjusting the surface roughness of the housing.

According to various example embodiments, the polishing process may include at least one of a blasting process or a barrel polishing process.

According to various example embodiments, the method for manufacturing the electronic device may further include a coloring process (e.g., the coloring process <NUM> of <FIG>) of changing a color of the oxide coating layer.

According to various example embodiments, the housing may include at least one of titanium, stainless steel, or an amorphous alloy.

According to various example embodiments, the second convex and concave pattern may include a plurality of second protrusions (e.g., the second protrusion <NUM> of <FIG>) formed at a second depth (e.g., the second depth (d2) of <FIG>) and arranged at a second pitch (e.g., the second pitch (p2) of <FIG>), and the first convex and concave pattern may include a plurality of first protrusions (e.g., the first protrusion <NUM> of <FIG>) formed at a first depth (e.g., the first depth (d1) of <FIG>) substantially equal to the second depth and arranged at a first pitch (e.g., the first pitch (p1) of <FIG>) substantially equal to the second pitch.

A housing (e.g., the housing <NUM> of <FIG>) according to various example embodiments of the disclosure may include: a metal member comprising a metal and (e.g., the metal member <NUM> of <FIG>) including a first convex and concave pattern (e.g., the first convex and concave pattern <NUM> of <FIG>) corresponding to a second convex and concave pattern (e.g., the second convex and concave pattern <NUM> of <FIG>) formed on a jig, the jig being formed for use in electro chemical machining (ECM), and an oxide coating layer (e.g., the oxide coating layer <NUM> of <FIG>) disposed on the first convex and concave pattern, the first convex and concave pattern may have at least a portion formed at a substantially uniform pitch and a substantially uniform depth, and the metal member may include at least one of titanium, stainless steel, or an amorphous alloy.

According to various example embodiments, the first convex and concave pattern may include a plurality of first protrusions (e.g., the first protrusion <NUM> of <FIG>) having a first depth (e.g., the first depth (d1) of <FIG>) in a range of about <NUM> to <NUM>.

According to various example embodiments, the first convex and concave pattern may include a plurality of first protrusions (e.g., the first protrusion <NUM> of <FIG>) arranged at a first pitch (e.g., the first pitch (p1) of <FIG>) in a range of about <NUM> to <NUM>.

Claim 1:
An electronic device (<NUM>) comprising:
a housing (<NUM>); and
a processor (<NUM>) disposed inside the housing (<NUM>),
wherein the housing (<NUM>) comprises:
a metal member (<NUM>) comprising a metal including an electro chemical machined first convex and concave pattern (<NUM>) formed into a surface of the metal member (<NUM>), and
an oxide coating layer (<NUM>) exposed to an outside of the housing (<NUM>) and disposed on the surface of the first convex and concave pattern (<NUM>) of the metal with a shape corresponding to the shape of the first convex and concave pattern (<NUM>), and
wherein the first convex and concave pattern (<NUM>) has at least a portion formed at a substantially uniform pitch and a substantially uniform height.