Patent Description:
Typically, an electronic device may mean a device that performs a specific function according to a program provided therein (e.g., an electronic scheduler, a portable multimedia reproducer, a mobile communication terminal, a tablet personal computer (PC), an image/sound device, a desktop/laptop PC, or a vehicle navigation system), as well as a home appliance. As the integration degree of electronic devices has increased and super-high speed and large capacity wireless communication has become popular, various functions have recently been provided in a single electronic device, such as a mobile communication terminal. For example, various functions, such as an entertainment function (e.g., a game function), a multimedia function (e.g., a music/video reproducing function), a communication and security function for mobile banking, a schedule management function, or an e-wallet function, are integrated in a single electronic device, in addition to a communication function. With the development of electronic and communication technology, electronic devices have been reduced in size and weight, so that the electronic devices can be used without any inconvenience even in the state in which the electronic devices are worn on a body.

<CIT> relate to a wearable electronic device, such as a watch, with electrodes for sensing biological parameters. The electronic device has a housing including a set of electrodes on the exterior surface thereof. An additional electrode is operable to be contacted by a finger of a user of the electronic device while another electrode is positioned against skin of the user. <CIT> relates to an input module including a switch, a rotatable and translatable input member operably connected to the switch and configured to actuate the switch, and an electrical contact operably connected to the switch and in electrical communication with the input member.

Since an electronic device wearable on a human body may be maintained for a considerable amount of time in the state of being in contact with the user's body, the electronic device may be useful for medical or health care. For example, depending to sensors mounted therein, the electronic device may detect the user's biological information, such as a photo plethysmo graph (PPG), a sleep interval, a skin temperature, a heart rate, or an electrocardiogram. The detected biometric information may be stored in the electronic device or transmitted to a medical institution in real time to be used for health care of the user.

However, in an electronic device that is small enough to be used without discomfort even when worn on a body, there may be a limitation in arranging sensors or electrodes for detecting biometric information. For example, in electrocardiogram measurement, when a plurality of electrodes is disposed at sufficient intervals, accuracy of the detected biometric information may be ensured. However, there may be a limitation in securing intervals between electrodes in a miniaturized electronic device. Here, the term "intervals between electrodes" may mean intervals between body portions with which the electrodes come into contact. In some embodiments of the disclosure, when the signal path formed between the electrodes on the user's body is formed closer to the heart, biometric information, such as an electrocardiogram may be more accurate. However, it may be difficult to form such a signal path only with a miniaturized electronic device.

Accordingly, an aspect of the disclosure is to provide an electronic device capable of detecting biometric information, such as a photo plethysmo graph, a sleep interval, a skin temperature, a heart rate, or an electrocardiogram.

Another aspect of the disclosure is to provide an electronic device capable of improving accuracy of biometric information.

The extent of the protection conferred is determined from the claims. According to the present invention there is provided an electronic device in accordance with claim <NUM>. Preferred embodiments are defined in dependent claims <NUM>-<NUM>.

According to various embodiments disclosed herein, the electronic device includes one or more electrodes, which come into contact with the user's body even in the state in which the electronic device is merely worn, and an electronic device capable of coming into contact with a body portion other than the portion in which the electronic device is worn. Thus, in detecting biometric information, such as an electrocardiogram, it is possible to improve the accuracy of the biometric information. In an embodiment of the disclosure, a portion of a key or button disposed on the electronic device is made of an electrically conductive material, and can be used as an electrode for measuring biometric information. For example, an electrode for detecting biometric information is disposed without lowering the degree of freedom in designing the electronic device. Thus, it is possible to improve the accuracy of detected biometric information. A connection member is disposed on a printed circuit board, which is disposed to correspond to a key or button as an input device and electrically connects the electrode on the key or button to the printed circuit board. Thus, it is easy to secure wires for connecting an electrode for detecting biometric information to a circuit unit (e.g., a processor).

Various embodiments as set forth herein may be implemented as software (e.g., the program) including one or more instructions that are stored in a storage medium (e.g., internal memory or external memory) that is readable by a machine (e.g., the electronic device). For example, a processor (e.g., the processor) of the machine (e.g., the electronic device) 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.

<FIG> is a front side perspective view illustrating an electronic device according to an embodiment of the disclosure. <FIG> is a rear side perspective view illustrating an electronic device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, an electronic device <NUM> according to an embodiment of the disclosure may include a housing <NUM> including a front face 110A, a rear face 110B, and a side face 110C surrounding a space between the front face 110A and the rear face 110B, and binding members <NUM> and <NUM> connected to at least a portion of the housing <NUM> and configured to detachably bind the electronic device <NUM> on a portion of a user's body (e.g., a wrist or an ankle). In another embodiment (not illustrated) of the disclosure, the term "housing" may refer to a structure forming a part of the front face 110A, the rear face 110B, and the side face 110C.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, at least a portion of the front face 110A may be formed by a substantially transparent front plate <NUM> (e.g., a glass plate or a polymer plate including various coating layers). The rear face 110B may be formed of a substantially opaque rear plate <NUM>. The rear plate <NUM> may be formed of, for example, coated or colored glass, ceramic, a polymer, a metal (e.g., aluminum, stainless steel (STS), or magnesium), or a combination of two or more of these materials. The side face 110C may be formed by a side bezel structure <NUM> (or a "side member") coupled to the front plate <NUM> and the rear plate <NUM> and including a metal and/or a polymer. In some embodiments of the disclosure, the rear plate <NUM> and the side bezel structure <NUM> may be integrally formed, and may include the same material (e.g., a metallic material, such as aluminum). The binding members <NUM> and <NUM> may be formed of various materials and in various shapes. The binding members <NUM> and <NUM> may be formed by coupling a plurality of integrated-type unit links to be movable with respect to each other using a woven material, leather, rubber, urethane, metal, ceramic, or a combination of at least two of the above-mentioned materials.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the electronic device <NUM> may include at least one of a display (e.g., a display device <NUM> in <FIG>), audio modules <NUM> and <NUM>, a sensor module <NUM>, key input devices <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>, and a connector hole <NUM>. In some embodiments of the disclosure, in the electronic device <NUM>, at least one of the components (e.g., the key input devices <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>, the connector hole <NUM>, or the sensor module <NUM>) may be omitted, or other components may be additionally included.

The display may be exposed through, for example, a substantial portion of the front plate <NUM>. The shape of the display may correspond to the shape of the front plate <NUM>, and may be any of various shapes, such as a circle, an ellipse, and a polygon. The display may be coupled to or disposed adjacent to a touch sensing circuit, a pressure sensor capable of measuring the intensity (pressure) of a touch, and/or a fingerprint sensor.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the audio modules <NUM> and <NUM> may include a microphone hole <NUM> and a speaker hole <NUM>. The microphone hole <NUM> may include a microphone disposed therein so as to acquire external sound, and in some embodiments of the disclosure, multiple microphones may be disposed therein so as to detect the direction of sound. The speaker hole <NUM> may be used for an external speaker and a phone call receiver. In some embodiments of the disclosure, the speaker hole <NUM> and the microphone hole <NUM> may be implemented as a single hole, or a speaker may be included without a speaker hole <NUM> (e.g., a piezo speaker).

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the sensor module <NUM> may generate an electrical signal or a data value corresponding to an internal operating state of the electronic device <NUM> or an external environmental state. The sensor module <NUM> may include, for example, a biometric sensor module <NUM> (e.g., a heart rate monitor (HRM) sensor) disposed on the rear face 110B of the housing <NUM>. The electronic device <NUM> may further include at least one of sensors (not illustrated in the drawings), such as a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, an atmospheric 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. In an embodiment of the disclosure, the sensor module <NUM> may include a plurality of electrodes, and when the user wears the electronic device <NUM> using the binding members <NUM> and <NUM>, at least one of the electrodes of the sensor module <NUM> may be brought into contact with the user's body.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the key input devices <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may include a wheel key <NUM> disposed on the front face 110A of the housing <NUM> and configured to be rotatable in at least one direction, and/or side key buttons <NUM> and <NUM> disposed on the side face 110C of the housing <NUM>. The wheel key <NUM> may have a shape (e.g., a circular frame) corresponding to the shape of the front plate <NUM>. In another embodiment of the disclosure, the electronic device <NUM> may not include some or all of the above-mentioned key input devices <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>, and a non-included key input device <NUM>, <NUM>, or <NUM> may be implemented in another form, such as a soft key on the display.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the connector hole <NUM> may accommodate a connector (e.g., a universal serial bus (USB) connector) configured to transmit and receive power and/or data to and from an external electronic device, and may include another connector hole (not illustrated) capable of accommodating a connector configured to transmit and receive an audio signal to and from an external electronic device. The electronic device <NUM> may further include, for example, a connector cover (not illustrated) that covers at least a portion of the connector hole <NUM> and blocks entry of external foreign matter into the connector hole.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the binding members <NUM> and <NUM> may be detachably bound to at least a portion of the housing <NUM> using locking members <NUM> and <NUM>, respectively. In an embodiment of the disclosure, each of the binding members <NUM> and <NUM> may include at least one of a fixing member <NUM>, fixing member fastening holes <NUM>, a band guide member <NUM>, and a band fixing ring <NUM>.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the fixing member <NUM> may be configured to fasten the housing <NUM> and the binding members <NUM> and <NUM> to the user's body part (e.g., a wrist or an ankle). The fixing member fastening holes <NUM> allow the housing <NUM> and the binding members <NUM> and <NUM> to be fixed to a portion of the user's body in cooperation with the fixing member <NUM>. The band guide member <NUM> is configured to limit the movement range of the fixing member <NUM> when the fixing member <NUM> is fastened to any of the fixing member fastening holes <NUM> so as to ensure that the binding members <NUM> and <NUM> are brought into close contact with and bound on the user's body part. The band fixing ring <NUM> is capable of limiting the movement range of the binding members <NUM> and <NUM> in the state in which the fixing member <NUM> and the fixing member fastening hole <NUM> are fastened to each other.

<FIG> is an exploded perspective illustrating an electronic device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

<FIG> is a perspective view illustrating an electronic device in an assembled state according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, an electronic device <NUM> (e.g., the electronic device <NUM> in <FIG>) according to an embodiment of the disclosure may include a housing <NUM> (e.g., the housing <NUM> in <FIG>), a support member <NUM> and/or a first printed circuit board <NUM>. In some embodiments of the disclosure, the housing <NUM> may at least partially include an electrically conductive material, and may transmit or receive a wireless signal when the electrically conductive material of the housing <NUM> is electrically connected to the first printed circuit board <NUM>. For example, a portion of the housing <NUM> may function as an antenna of the electronic device <NUM>.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, at least one of the components of the electronic device <NUM> may be the same or similar to at least one of the components of the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>, and a redundant description may be omitted in the following description. According to another embodiment of the disclosure, the electronic device <NUM> may include the binding members <NUM> and <NUM> of <FIG>, whereby the user is capable of carrying or using the electronic device <NUM> in the state in which the electronic device <NUM> is worn on the user's body.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the housing <NUM> may include a front face (e.g., the front face 110A in <FIG>) oriented in a first direction D1, a rear face (e.g., the rear face 110B in <FIG>) oriented in a second direction D2 opposite the first direction D1, and a side member 211a (e.g., the side bezel structure <NUM> in <FIG>) at least partially surrounding a space (e.g., the space denoted by reference numeral "211b") between the front face 110A and the rear face 110B. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the electronic device <NUM> may include a display device <NUM> disposed on the front face 110A or the top face, and the front face 110A of the housing <NUM> may be substantially formed by the display device <NUM>. In another embodiment of the disclosure, the electronic device <NUM> may include a cover member <NUM> disposed on the rear face (e.g., the rear face 110B in <FIG>) or the bottom face, and the rear face of the housing <NUM> may be substantially formed by the cover member <NUM>.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the display device <NUM> or the cover member <NUM> may include a glass plate or a polymer plate including various coating layers. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, in the display device <NUM>, at least a portion of the region made of a glass plate or a polymer plate is a transparent region, which is capable of transmitting a screen to the outside. According to another embodiment of the disclosure, the cover member <NUM> may be formed of, for example, coated or colored glass, ceramic, a polymer, a metal (e.g., aluminum, stainless steel (STS), or magnesium), or a combination of at least two of above-mentioned materials.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the display device <NUM> or the cover member <NUM> may be made of a glass or ceramic material, and a partial region of the display device <NUM> of the cover member <NUM> may be disposed adjacent to the metallic material portion of the side member 211a. In an embodiment of the disclosure, when a partial region of the cover member <NUM>, made of a glass or ceramic material, is disposed adjacent to the metallic material portion of the side member 211a, a member or layer made of a synthetic resin may be interposed therebetween so as to prevent direct contact between the glass or ceramic material and the metallic material portion. For example, it is possible to prevent the cover member <NUM> made of the glass or ceramic material from being damaged by an external impact.

Although the housing <NUM>, the display device <NUM>, and the cover member <NUM> are described as separate components in various embodiments disclosed herein, this is for brevity of description, and the appearance of the electronic device <NUM> may substantially be formed by coupling the display device <NUM> and the cover member <NUM> to the housing <NUM>. For example, it is noted that the "housing" referred to in a specific embodiment may be understood to include the display device <NUM> and the cover member <NUM>.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the side member 211a may substantially form the side wall of the electronic device <NUM>, for example, the housing <NUM>, and may accommodate the support member <NUM> or the first printed circuit board <NUM> in the inner space 211b (e.g., the space between the front face 110A and the rear face 110B). Although not illustrated, wearing bands (e.g., the binding members <NUM> and <NUM> in <FIG>) may be provided on the outer surface of the side member 211a so as to allow the user to wear the electronic device <NUM> on his/her body. In some embodiments of the disclosure, the housing <NUM> may include a plurality of keys 213c (e.g., side key buttons <NUM> and <NUM> in <FIG>) mounted on the side member 211a, and the plurality of keys 213c may be used as input devices when the electronic device <NUM> is used. The side member 211a may be partially or entirely made of, for example, an electrically conductive material.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the housing <NUM> may include a wheel key 213a (e.g., the wheel key <NUM> in <FIG>) disposed on the front face (e.g., the front face 110A). The wheel key 213a has a substantially circular frame shape and is rotatably coupled to the front face of the housing <NUM> via a lubrication member 213b and is rotatable in the circumferential direction on the front face of the housing <NUM>. The electronic device <NUM> may detect the rotation of the wheel key 213a so as to change an operation mode or to perform various functions according to the operation mode. For example, the wheel key 213a may be rotated so as to adjust the volume in a multimedia reproduction mode or to generate a signal for executing a zoom function in a camera mode. In some embodiments of the disclosure, the wheel key 213a or the lubrication member 213b may be combined with a serration structure that provides a sense of operation or click, an optical or mechanical encoder that detects the amount of rotation, or the like.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the display device <NUM> may be mounted on the housing <NUM> to form the front face of the electronic device <NUM>, for example, the front face 110A of the housing <NUM>. By including, for example, a touch panel, the display device <NUM> may be utilized as an input device even though it is a display device. For example, the display device <NUM> may output a screen within a region surrounded by the wheel key 213a, and may detect an input operation, such as a user's touch, drag, hovering input, or the like in the screen-output region.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the cover member <NUM> may be coupled to the housing <NUM> so as to substantially form the rear face of the electronic device <NUM> (e.g., the rear face 110B of the housing <NUM>), and to close the inner space of the housing <NUM>. When the user wears the electronic device <NUM>, the cover member <NUM> is capable of maintaining direct contact with the user's body. In an embodiment of the disclosure, at least some of sensor modules (e.g., the sensor module <NUM> in <FIG>), such as electrodes or optical elements for detecting the user's biometric information may be disposed on the cover member <NUM>. In the worn state, the electronic device <NUM> may detect information about the user's health state, such as a heartbeat, using electrodes or optical elements installed on the cover member <NUM>.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the support member <NUM> may be accommodated in the inner space 211b of the housing <NUM> so as to be utilized as a structure for mounting or fixing the display device <NUM> and the first printed circuit board <NUM>. In an embodiment of the disclosure, the support member <NUM> may be connected to the side member 211a or may be integrally formed with the side member 211a. In another embodiment of the disclosure, the support member <NUM> may be formed of a metallic material or a non-metallic material (e.g., a polymer) so as to improve the stiffness and electrical stability of the electronic device <NUM>. For example, by including an electrically conductive material, the support member <NUM> may provide electrical stability to the electronic device <NUM> while providing rigidity to the electronic device <NUM>. For example, by including the electrically conductive material, the support member <NUM> may provide a ground structure or an electromagnetic shielding structure within the electronic device <NUM>. In some embodiments of the disclosure, the support member <NUM> may include a space that accommodates a battery (not illustrated).

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the battery is a device for supplying power to at least one component of the electronic device <NUM>, and may include, for example, a non-rechargeable primary battery, a rechargeable secondary battery, or a fuel cell. At least a portion of the battery may be disposed to be substantially flush with, for example, the first printed circuit board <NUM>. The battery may be provided as a built-in structure inside the electronic device <NUM>, and may be removably disposed on the electronic device <NUM> in another embodiment.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, electronic components, such as a processor, a memory, a communication module, various sensor modules, an interface, or a connection terminal, may be mounted on the first printed circuit board <NUM>. The processor may include, for example, one or more of a central processing unit, an application processor, a Graphics Processing Unit (GPU), a sensor processor, or a communications 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, a secure digital (SD) card interface, or an audio interface. The interface may electrically or physically connect the electronic device <NUM> to an external electronic device, and may include a USB connector, an SD card, a multimedia card (MMC) connector, or an audio connector.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the processor, the memory, and the communication module may be equipped in each integrated circuit chip, or two or more selected components may be integrated into one integrated circuit chip and mounted on the first printed circuit board <NUM>. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the first printed circuit board <NUM> may be disposed to face the cover member <NUM>, and may be disposed to face the display device <NUM> with the support member <NUM> interposed therebetween. For example, the first printed circuit board <NUM> may be mounted and supported on the other surface of the support member <NUM>, and may be installed in the housing <NUM> in the state of being spaced apart from the display device <NUM>.

Although not illustrated, the electronic device <NUM> may further include an antenna provided in the form of a flat plate or a film. For example, at least one of a near field communication (NFC) antenna, a wireless charging antenna, or a magnetic secure transmission (MST) antenna may be fabricated in the form of a thin film (e.g., a flat coil). These antenna devices may be interposed, for example, between the display device <NUM> and the support member <NUM> or between the first printed circuit board <NUM> and the cover member <NUM>. The above-described antenna may perform short-range communication with an external device, may wirelessly transmit and receive power required for charging, and may transmit a magnetic-based signal including a short distance communication signal or payment data.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view illustrating an arrangement of a biometric information detection electrode in an electronic device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> may include an input device including a combination of a second printed circuit board <NUM>, a switch member <NUM>, and/or a button member <NUM> (e.g., the side key buttons <NUM> and <NUM> in <FIG> or the plurality of key 213c in <FIG>). A connection member <NUM> is provided on the second printed circuit board <NUM> so as to electrically connect at least a portion (e.g., an electrically conductive member <NUM>) of the button member <NUM> to the second printed circuit board <NUM>. For example, the button member <NUM> may include an electrically conductive member <NUM>, and may be electrically connected to the second printed circuit board <NUM> via the connection member <NUM>. For example, when the electrically conductive member <NUM> is exposed to the outside of the electronic device <NUM>, it may be used as an electrode or sensor for detecting a biometric signal. Here, the wording "the electrically conductive member is exposed to the outside of the electronic device" may mean that the user is capable of coming into contact with at least a portion of the electrically conductive member <NUM>.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the second printed circuit board <NUM> may be disposed inside the housing <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM>, and may include a first face F1 and a second face F2 facing away from the first face F1. When the second printed circuit board <NUM> is disposed inside the housing <NUM>, the first face F1 may be disposed to face the outside of the electronic device <NUM> in a direction perpendicular to a first direction or a second direction (e.g., the first direction D1 or the second direction D2 in <FIG>). In an embodiment of the disclosure, the second printed circuit board <NUM> may be formed as a flexible printed circuit board. The second printed circuit board <NUM> may include an extension portion <NUM> extending to one side, or a connection portion <NUM> formed at an end portion of the extension portion <NUM>. For example, the extension portion <NUM> or the connection portion <NUM> is for electrically connecting the second printed circuit board <NUM> with other electronic components (e.g., the first printed circuit board <NUM> in <FIG>), and may include a connector structure or various signal wires.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the switch member <NUM> may be disposed on the first face F1, and may include a dome structure <NUM> disposed to face the outside of the electronic device <NUM>. For example, the switch member <NUM> may be made of a dome switch. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto, and the switch member <NUM> may be replaced with another type of structure (e.g., a tact switch) that is operated by the button member <NUM> so as to generate an electrical signal.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the electronic device <NUM> may further include a fixing member <NUM>. For example, the fixing member <NUM> is for mounting or fixing the second printed circuit board <NUM> inside the housing <NUM>, and may be coupled to enclose the second printed circuit board <NUM> in the state of facing the second face F2. In an embodiment of the disclosure, the electronic device <NUM> may further include at least one hook <NUM> disposed on the fixing member <NUM> and a fixing recess <NUM> formed in the inner wall of the housing <NUM>. A plurality of hooks <NUM> and a plurality of fixing recesses <NUM> may be provided, and the plurality of hooks <NUM> may be engaged with the fixing recesses <NUM>. By engaging the plurality of hooks <NUM> in the fixing recesses <NUM>, the fixing member <NUM> may be bound to the inner wall of the housing <NUM>. In an embodiment of the disclosure, the second printed circuit board <NUM> may be fixed between the fixing member <NUM> and the inner wall of the housing <NUM>.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the button member <NUM> may include the electrically conductive member <NUM>. The button member <NUM> may be mounted on the housing <NUM> so as to operate the switch member <NUM>. For example, the button <NUM> may operate the switch member <NUM> while performing linear motion or linear reciprocal motion on the housing <NUM> according to the user's operation P. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the electronic device <NUM> may include at least one through hole <NUM> formed in the housing <NUM>. The through hole <NUM> may be formed in a side member (e.g., the side bezel structures <NUM> or 211a of <FIG> or <FIG>), and may be aligned with the switch member <NUM>. For example, the button member <NUM> may be at least partially inserted into the through hole <NUM>, and inside the housing <NUM>, one end of the button member <NUM> may be located adjacent to the switch member <NUM>. In the state of being inserted into the through hole <NUM>, at least a portion of the button member <NUM>, for example, at least a portion of the electrically conductive member <NUM> (e.g., a first contact portion <NUM>) may be exposed to the outside of the housing <NUM>.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the button member <NUM> may include a guide portion <NUM>, which at least partially encloses the electrically conductive member <NUM>. The guide portion <NUM> may insulate the electrically conductive member <NUM> from other structures (e.g., the housing <NUM>), and may provide a decorative effect on the exterior of the electronic device <NUM>. In the state in which the button member <NUM> is inserted into the through hole <NUM>, the guide portion <NUM> may come into contact with the housing <NUM>. For example, at least a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the guide portion <NUM> may face the inner wall of the through hole <NUM>. In an embodiment of the disclosure, the electrically conductive member <NUM> may include a first contact portion <NUM> exposed to the outside of the housing <NUM> and a second contact portion <NUM> extending from the first contact portion <NUM>. The second contact portion <NUM> may be disposed to penetrate the guide portion <NUM>, and at least a portion of the second contact portion <NUM> may be located inside the housing <NUM>. For example, one end or one end surface of the second contact portion <NUM> may be arranged to be in contact or to be capable of coming into contact with the switch member <NUM>.

According to the present invention, the electrically conductive member <NUM> includes an engaging recess 315a. The engaging recess 315a may be formed in the outer peripheral surface at one end portion of the second contact portion <NUM>. In an embodiment of the disclosure, an engaging member <NUM>, for example, a C-ring or an E-ring, may be fastened to the engaging recess 315a. The engaging member <NUM> may be supported on the inner wall of the housing <NUM> in the state of being fastened to the engaging recess 315a. For example, by fastening the engaging member <NUM> in the state in which the button member <NUM> is inserted into the through hole <NUM>, the button member <NUM> may be restrained in the housing <NUM>.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, when the engaging member <NUM> is made of an electrically conductive material, and the housing <NUM> is formed of an electrically conductive material around the through hole <NUM>, an insulating member (not illustrated) may be further disposed between the inner wall of the housing <NUM> and the engaging member <NUM>. For example, an insulating structure may be provided between the electrically conductive member <NUM> and the housing <NUM>. When the housing <NUM> is formed of an insulating material around the engaging member <NUM> or the through hole <NUM>, the insulating member may not be disposed.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, a sealing member <NUM> may be disposed within the through hole <NUM>. The sealing member <NUM> is, for example, an O-ring made of an elastic material (e.g., rubber or silicone), and is capable of sealing a gap between the outer peripheral surface of the guide portion <NUM> and the inner wall of the through hole <NUM>. For example, the sealing member <NUM> is capable of preventing foreign matter from being introduced into the inside of the housing <NUM> through the through hole <NUM>.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the connection member <NUM> may be disposed on the first face F1 so as to at least partially overlap the switch member <NUM>. For example, when viewed from above the first face F1 (V1), a portion of the connection member <NUM> may be located to cover at least a portion of the switch member <NUM>. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the connection member <NUM> may be mounted in the state of being electrically connected to one of the signal wires provided on the second printed circuit board <NUM>, and may come into contact with the button member <NUM> (e.g., at least the electrically conductive member <NUM>). For example, the connection member <NUM> may electrically connect the button member <NUM> (e.g., the electrically conductive member <NUM>) to the second printed circuit board <NUM>.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the electrically conductive member <NUM> may be used as an electrode for detecting a biometric signal by being electrically connected to the second printed circuit board <NUM> and insulated from other structures (e.g., the housing <NUM>). For example, when the user's body comes into contact with a portion of the electrically conductive member <NUM> (e.g., the first contact portion <NUM>) exposed to the outside, the electronic device <NUM> may detect the user's biometric information using the electrically conductive member <NUM>. The configuration for detecting the user's biometric information using the electrically conductive member <NUM> will be described below with reference to <FIG>.

The connection member <NUM> will be described below with reference to <FIG>.

<FIG> is a perspective view illustrating a connection member of an electronic according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, the connection member <NUM> may at least partially include a plate-shaped portion, and may include an electrically conductive material. In an embodiment of the disclosure, the connection member <NUM> may be mounted on or fixed to the second printed circuit board <NUM>. For example, the connection member <NUM> may be disposed to be in contact with the button member <NUM> (e.g., the electrically conductive member <NUM>) so as to provide an elastic force. For example, the connection member <NUM> may provide an elastic force in a direction to cause the button member <NUM> to protrude to the outside of the housing <NUM>. In an embodiment of the disclosure, when there is not a user's operation (e.g., the user's operation P in <FIG>), for example, in the state in which there is no pressing operation, the button member <NUM> may protrude to the outside of the housing <NUM> by the elastic force of the connection member <NUM>. In another embodiment of the disclosure, since the engaging member <NUM> fastened to the electrically conductive member <NUM> is supported on the inner wall of the housing <NUM>, the button member <NUM> may be maintained in the state of being mounted in the housing <NUM> while being provided with the elastic force of the connection member <NUM>.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the connection member <NUM> may include at least one fixing portion <NUM> or a plate-shaped support portion <NUM> extending from the fixing portion <NUM>. In an embodiment of the disclosure, a plurality of the fixing portions <NUM> may be formed on respective edges of the support portion <NUM>. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the fixing portions <NUM> may be attached to the first face F1 in a protruding state. In an embodiment of the disclosure, one end portion of each fixing portion <NUM> may be fixed to the second printed circuit board <NUM>. For example, the one end portion of each fixing portion <NUM> may be electrically connected to a signal wire formed on the second printed circuit board <NUM>.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the support portion <NUM> may be bent from the fixing portions <NUM> and may be disposed substantially parallel to the first face F1. For example, when viewed from above the first face F1 (V1), at least a portion of the support portion <NUM> may overlap at least a portion of the switch member <NUM>, and may come into contact with the button member <NUM> (e.g., the electrically conductive member <NUM>). In an embodiment of the disclosure, the elastic force of the connection member <NUM> may be substantially provided to the button member <NUM> through the support portion <NUM>, and the electrically conductive member <NUM> may be electrically connected to the support portion <NUM>. In some embodiments of the disclosure, when the button member <NUM> is operated (P), the support portion <NUM> may come into direct contact with the switch member <NUM> (e.g., the dome structure <NUM> in <FIG>). In an embodiment of the disclosure, when the button member <NUM> or the electrically conductive member <NUM> is used as an electrode for biometric signal detection, the support portion <NUM> and the switch member <NUM> (e.g., the dome structure <NUM> in <FIG>) may be insulated from each other.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the support portion <NUM> may include a contact piece 333a and a plurality of elastic pieces 333b. The contact piece 333a is a portion that comes into contact with the button member <NUM> or the electrically conductive member <NUM> so as to provide an elastic force thereto or is electrically connected to the button member <NUM> or the electrically conductive member <NUM>, and may be located in the center of the support portion <NUM> when viewed from above the first face F1 (V1). Each of the plurality of elastic pieces 333b may extend from the contact piece 333a, and may connect the contact piece 333a to the fixing portions <NUM>. The plurality of elastic pieces 333b provide an elastic force to cause the button member <NUM> to protrude to the outside of the housing <NUM> or to maintain the engaging member <NUM> in the state of being in close contact with the inner wall of the housing <NUM>.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, each of the plurality of elastic pieces 333b may at least partially extend along a curved trajectory when viewed from above the first face F1. In an embodiment of the disclosure, the trajectory in which the plurality of elastic pieces 333b extend may have a zigzag shape or a meanderline shape. In another embodiment of the disclosure, the plurality of elastic pieces 333b may be arranged to be symmetrical to each other with respect to the contact piece 333a, regardless of the shapes thereof (e.g., the extension trajectory). In another embodiment of the disclosure, the arrangement of the plurality of elastic pieces 333b may have a vortex shape centered on the contact piece 333a. The arrangement of the plurality of elastic pieces 333b may substantially align the elastic force provided by the support portion <NUM> in a direction perpendicular to the first face F1. For example, the arrangement of the plurality of elastic pieces 333b may align the direction in which the elastic force of the support portion <NUM> acts to be parallel to or coincident with the direction in which the button member <NUM> linearly moves or linearly reciprocates.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the connection member <NUM> may further include a frame structure <NUM>. In an embodiment of the disclosure, the contact piece 333a or the plurality of elastic pieces 333b may be disposed substantially within an area defined by the frame structure <NUM>, and may be disposed in one plane together with the frame structure <NUM>. For example, the contact piece 333a and/or the plurality of elastic pieces 333b may be formed by partially removing the support portion <NUM>, which is a plate-shaped metal sheet or a metal plate. In some embodiments of the disclosure, the frame structure <NUM> may be formed by a portion of the metal sheet or metal plate forming the support portion <NUM>, and the support portion <NUM> may substantially form a plate shape with the frame structure <NUM>. The fixing portions <NUM> may be substantially connected to the plurality of elastic piece 333b via the frame structure <NUM>. The frame structure <NUM> and the plurality of elastic pieces 333b are described as separate components in describing this embodiment. However, it is noted that these are divided based on actions or functions provided by the respective portions of the support <NUM> and the disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, in various embodiments disclosed herein, the plurality of elastic pieces 333b may be defined as a configuration including the frame structure <NUM>, and may be understood as a structure in which a plurality of elastic leads extending from the frame structure <NUM> are connected to the contact piece 333a.

Hereinafter, various modifications of the connection member <NUM> will be described with reference to <FIG>. In describing various modifications of the connection member <NUM>, the components that can be easily understood through the embodiments of <FIG> may be denoted by the same reference numerals or the reference numerals may be omitted, and the detailed descriptions thereof may also be omitted.

<FIG> is a perspective view illustrating a modification of a connection member of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view illustrating a modification of a connection member of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, the connection member <NUM> may be electrically connected to the electrically conductive member <NUM> while being engaged with the electrically conductive member <NUM> by being engaged in the engaging recess 415a of the button member <NUM>. In an embodiment of the disclosure, the connection member <NUM> may include a slot <NUM> formed in a support portion <NUM> (e.g., the contact piece 333a in <FIG>), and a portion of the electrically conductive member <NUM> (e.g., the second contact portion <NUM>) may be inserted into the slot <NUM> of the connection member <NUM>. When a portion of the electrically conductive member <NUM> is inserted into the slot <NUM>, at least a portion of the connection member <NUM> (e.g., a portion of the support portion <NUM>) may be located in the engaging recess 415a. In another embodiment of the disclosure, when an engaging member <NUM> (e.g., the engaging member <NUM> in <FIG>) is fastened to the engaging recess 415a, the support <NUM> may be fixed in the engaging recess 415a. For example, when the engaging member <NUM> is fastened, the support portion <NUM> is able to maintain an electrical contact with the electrically conductive member <NUM>, and the connection member <NUM> is able to provide an elastic force so as to cause the button member <NUM> to linearly move or linearly reciprocate.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, in the structure in which the connection member <NUM> is engaged with the electrically conductive member <NUM>, one end or one end surface of the electrically conductive member <NUM> (e.g., the second contact portion <NUM>) may be disposed to be in contact with or come into contact with the switch member <NUM> (e.g., the dome structure <NUM>). For example, when there is a user's operation P, one end of the electrically conductive member <NUM> may come into direct contact with the switch member <NUM> (e.g., the dome structure <NUM>). In an embodiment of the disclosure, when the button member <NUM> (e.g., the electrically conductive member <NUM>) is used as an electrode or a sensor for biometric signal detection, an insulating member (or an insulating layer) (not illustrated) may be included between one end of the electrically conductive member <NUM> and the switch member <NUM> (e.g., the dome structure <NUM>).

Referring to <FIG>, a connection member <NUM> may include a curved surface portion <NUM> corresponding to the dome structure <NUM> of the switch member <NUM>. For example, the curved surface portion <NUM> may be formed on a support portion (e.g., the support portion <NUM> in <FIG>) of the connection member <NUM> to correspond to the dome structure <NUM>. In some embodiments of the disclosure, the support portion (e.g., the support portion <NUM> in <FIG>) of the connection member <NUM> may have a solid plate shape in which no portion is removed, and the curved surface portion <NUM> may be formed by deforming a portion of the support portion between cut lines formed to symmetrical to each other. In another embodiment of the disclosure, similar to the embodiment of <FIG>, the curved surface portion <NUM> may be formed as a structure including the contact piece 333a and the plurality of elastic pieces 333b of <FIG>.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the curved surface portion <NUM> may be disposed to correspond to the dome structure <NUM>, and may come into contact with one end or one end surface of the electrically conductive member <NUM> (e.g., the second contact portion <NUM>). For example, the connection member <NUM> may provide an elastic force to the button member <NUM> via the curved surface portion <NUM>, and may electrically connect the electrically conductive member <NUM> to the second printed circuit board <NUM>. In an embodiment of the disclosure, when there is a user's operation P, at least a portion of the curved surface portion <NUM> may come into contact with the switch member <NUM> (e.g., the dome structure <NUM>). In an embodiment of the disclosure, an insulating layer <NUM> may be included between the curved surface portion <NUM> and the switch member <NUM> (e.g., the dome structure <NUM>). For example, the insulating layer <NUM> may be an insulating coating or insulating tape provided on the inner surface (e.g., the lower side in <FIG>) of the curved surface portion <NUM>. In another embodiment of the disclosure, the insulating layer <NUM> may be provided on the surface of the dome structure <NUM>.

<FIG> is a block diagram illustrating an electronic device according to embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, an electronic device <NUM> may include a processor (e.g., a microcontroller unit (MCU) <NUM>), an analog front end (AFE) <NUM> (e.g., an analog-to-digital converter (ADC)), a plurality of electrodes <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>, a switch member <NUM>, sensors <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>, and/or a display <NUM> (e.g., the display device <NUM> in <FIG>). As described above with reference to the embodiments of <FIG>, it is noted that the electronic device <NUM> may include various electronic components, such as a memory, a communication module, a battery, and an antenna connection terminal, which are omitted in <FIG>.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, among the plurality of electrodes <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>, a first electrode <NUM> is, for example, the electrically conductive member <NUM> of <FIG>, and may be electrically connected to the printed circuit board (e.g., the second printed circuit board <NUM> in <FIG>) through a connection member (e.g., the connection member <NUM>, <NUM>, or <NUM> in <FIG>). For example, the first electrode <NUM> may be electrically connected to the analog front end <NUM>. Among the plurality of electrodes <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>, a second electrode <NUM> and/or a third electrode <NUM> may be any of electrodes (e.g., the sensor module <NUM> in <FIG>) disposed in a housing (e.g., the housing <NUM> in <FIG>). For example, the second electrode <NUM> and/or the third electrode <NUM> may be electrically connected to the analog front end <NUM>.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, in the state in which the user wears the electronic device <NUM> (e.g., the electronic devices <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> in <FIG>), the second electrode <NUM> and the third electrode <NUM> may be in contact with the user's body. For example, when the user wears the electronic device <NUM>, at least the second electrode <NUM> and the third electrode <NUM> may acquire the user's biometric information. In an embodiment of the disclosure, when the user's body portion other than the portion on which the electronic device <NUM> is worn comes into contact with the first electrode <NUM>, the electronic device <NUM> may detect the user's biometric information using the first electrode <NUM>, the second electrode <NUM>, and the third electrode <NUM>. For example, when the user wears the electronic device <NUM> and comes into contact with the first electrode <NUM>, a flow of an electrical signal may be formed between the first electrode <NUM> and the second electrode <NUM> or the first electrode <NUM> and the third electrode <NUM> through the user's body, and the electronic device <NUM> may detect the user's biometric information from the flow of the electrical signal. In some embodiments of the disclosure, when the user brings the right hand into contact with the first electrode <NUM> in the state the user wears the electronic device <NUM> on the left wrist, a flow of an electrical signal may be formed over a portion close to the heart on the user's body. For example, when the first electrode <NUM> (e.g., the electrically conductive member <NUM>) comes into contact with a body portion other than the body portion on which the electronic device <NUM> is worn, accuracy in acquiring biometric information (e.g., an electrocardiogram) may be improved.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the analog front end <NUM> is, for example, an analog-to-digital converter, and may receive an analog signal through the first electrode <NUM>, the second electrode <NUM>, and/or the third electrode <NUM> and may convert the received signal into a digital signal. The digital signal converted by the analog front end <NUM> may be transmitted to a processor, for example, the microcontroller unit <NUM>. The microcontroller unit <NUM> may be disposed inside a housing (e.g., the housing <NUM> in <FIG>), for example, on the first printed circuit board <NUM> in <FIG>, and may acquire the user's biometric information based on signal received from the analog front end <NUM>. For example, the microcontroller unit <NUM> may output the acquired biometric information to the display <NUM>, store the same in a memory, or transmit the same to another electronic device or server through a communication module and/or an antenna. When the biometric information based on the received signal satisfies predetermined conditions, the microcontroller unit <NUM> may provide a warning signal (e.g., a warning screen or sound) to the user or may send the biometric information to a related institution (e.g., a hospital). For example, the predetermined conditions may include a condition in which the user's health is abnormal.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the electronic device <NUM> may not detect biometric information even when the user's body comes into contact with the first electrode <NUM> (e.g., the electrically conductive member <NUM> in <FIG>), but may detect biometric information for a predetermined time when the switch member <NUM> (e.g., the switch member <NUM> in <FIG>) generates an input signal. For example, the switch member <NUM> is operated when a button member (e.g., the button member <NUM> or <NUM> in <FIG>) is operated, that is, in the state in which the user's body practically comes into contact with the electrically conductive member <NUM>. In an embodiment of the disclosure, the user may execute an instruction for detecting biometric information in the electronic device <NUM> by operating the switch member <NUM>, for example, by pressing the button members <NUM> and <NUM>, and the electronic device <NUM> or the microcontroller unit <NUM> may detect the user's biometric information based on the operation of the switch member <NUM>.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, even if the switch member <NUM> does not operate, the electronic device <NUM> or the microcontroller unit <NUM> may detect the user's biometric information when the first electrode <NUM> (e.g., the electrically conductive member <NUM> in <FIG>) is in contact with the first electrode <NUM>. For example, in the state in which the electronic device <NUM> is worn, when the user brings a body portion into contact with the first electrode <NUM>, the electronic device <NUM> or the microcontroller unit <NUM> may detect that a flow of a signal is formed between the first electrode <NUM> and the second electrode <NUM> (or the third electrode <NUM>) through the user's body. In an embodiment of the disclosure, the electronic device <NUM> or the microcontroller unit <NUM> may measure a time for which the signal flow lasts, and may determine whether the signal flow is maintained beyond a predetermined time. When the signal flow is maintained beyond a predetermined time, the electronic device <NUM> or the microcontroller unit <NUM> may detect the biometric information by determining that the user wants to measure the biometric information.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the electronic device <NUM> or the microcontroller unit <NUM> may measure or store the user's biometric information from a time point exceeding the predetermined time. In another embodiment of the disclosure, the electronic device <NUM> or the microcontroller unit <NUM> may temporarily store a detected signal or signal flow during a predetermined time, and may store a signal or signal flow temporarily stored at a time point exceeding the predetermined time as the user's current biometric information. In another embodiment of the disclosure, the electronic device <NUM> or the microcontroller unit <NUM> may store signals up to a predetermined time as biometric information, and may further detect or store the user's biometric information for an additional time from the time point exceeding the predetermined time.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the sensors <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may be, for example, part of the sensor module <NUM> in <FIG>, and may be any one of a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, an atmospheric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a temperature/humidity sensor, a proximity sensor, or an illuminance sensor (not illustrated). The sensors <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may generate an electrical signal or data value corresponding to an operating state inside the electronic device <NUM> or an external operating environment. The microcontroller unit <NUM> may control other electronic components, such as the display <NUM>, based on information collected through the sensors <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>.

According to various embodiments disclosed herein, an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, or <NUM> in <FIG> or <FIG>) may include: a housing (e.g., the housing <NUM> or <NUM> in <FIG>), a printed circuit board (e.g., the second printed circuit board <NUM> in <FIG>, <FIG> or <FIG>) disposed inside the housing and including a first face (e.g., the first face F1 in <FIG>) and a second face (e.g., the second face F2 in <FIG>) that faces away from the first face, a connection member (e.g., the connection member <NUM>, <NUM>, or <NUM> in <FIG>, <FIG>, or <FIG>) disposed on the first face and electrically connected to the printed circuit board, a switch member (e.g., the switch member <NUM> in <FIG>, <FIG>, or <FIG>) disposed on the first face so as to at least partially overlap the connection member when viewed from above the first face, and a button member (e.g., the button member <NUM> or <NUM> in <FIG>, <FIG>, or <FIG>) including an electrically conductive member (e.g., the electrically conductive member <NUM> <FIG>, <FIG>, or <FIG>), and disposed to be capable of operating the switch member. The electrically conductive member may be electrically connected to the connection member.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the connection member may at least partially include a plate-shaped portion (e.g., the support portion <NUM> and/or the frame structure <NUM> in <FIG>).

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the electronic device may further include at least one through hole (e.g., the through hole <NUM> in <FIG>) formed in the housing, and the button member may be at least partially inserted into the through hole.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, at least a portion of the electrically conductive member (e.g., the first contact portion <NUM> in <FIG>) may be exposed to an outside of the housing.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the button member may linearly reciprocate within the through hole.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the connection member may provide an elastic force in a direction to cause the button member to protrude to the outside of the housing.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the connection member may include at least one fixing portion (e.g., the fixing portion <NUM>) disposed on the first face in a protruding state, and having one end fixed to the printed circuit board, and a support portion (e.g., the support portion <NUM> in <FIG>) bent from the fixing portion so as to at least partially overlap the switch member when viewed from above the first face. The support portion may be electrically connected to the electrically conductive member by coming into contact with the button member.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the support portion may include: a contact piece (e.g., the contact piece 333a in <FIG>), which is in contact with the button member, and a plurality of elastic pieces (e.g., the plurality of elastic pieces 333b in <FIG>) extending from the contact piece and connecting the contact piece to the fixing portion.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the plurality of elastic pieces may at least partially extend along a curved trajectory when viewed from above the first face.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the button member may include: a guide portion (e.g., the guide portion <NUM> in <FIG>) disposed to be in contact with the housing, a first contact portion (e.g., the first contact portion <NUM> in <FIG>), as a portion of the electrically conductive member, disposed on the guide portion and exposed to an outside of the housing, and a second contact portion (e.g., the second contact portion <NUM> in <FIG>), as a portion of the electrically conductive member, extending from the first contact portion and disposed through the guide portion, and wherein the connection member comes into contact with the second contact portion inside the housing.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the electronic device may further include at least one through hole formed in the housing and a sealing member (e.g., the sealing member <NUM> in <FIG>) disposed in the through hole. The outer peripheral surface of the guide portion may be disposed to face the inner wall of the through hole, and the sealing member may seal a gap between the outer peripheral surface of the guide portion and an inner wall of the through hole.

According to the present invention, the button member includes an engaging recess (e.g., the engaging recess 415a in <FIG>) formed around the second contact portion, and the connection member being engaged with the engaging recess.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the electronic device may further include a fixing member (e.g., the fixing member <NUM> in <FIG>) coupled to enclose the printed circuit board in a state of facing the second face, a hook (e.g., the plurality of hooks <NUM> in <FIG>) formed on the fixing member, and a fixing recess (e.g., the fixing recess <NUM> in <FIG>) formed in an inner wall of the housing. The hook is engaged with the fixing recess, and the printed circuit board is fixed between the inner wall of the housing and the fixing member.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the electronic device may further include a processor (e.g., the microcontroller unit <NUM> in <FIG>) disposed inside the housing and a biometric sensor module (e.g., the sensor module <NUM> in <FIG>) at least partially exposed to an outside of the housing. The processor may be configured to detect biometric information through the electrically conductive member and the biometric sensor module when the switch member is operated by the button member.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the electronic device may further include a binding member (e.g., the binding members <NUM> and <NUM> in <FIG>) connected to at least a portion of the housing and configured to detachably attach the housing to a user's body.

According to various embodiments disclosed herein, an electronic device may include: a housing, a binding member connected to at least a portion of the housing and configured to detachably attach the housing to a user's body, a printed circuit board disposed inside the housing, a connection member disposed on the printed circuit board and electrically connected to the printed circuit board, a button member including an electrically conductive member electrically connected to the connection member, a processor disposed inside the housing, and a biometric sensor module at least partially exposed to an outside of the housing. The processor may be configured to detect a user's biometric information via the electrically conductive member and the biometric sensor module.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the connection member may include at least one fixing portion disposed on the first face in a protruding state, and having one end fixed to the printed circuit board, and a support portion bent from the fixing portion. The support portion may include a contact piece, which is in contact with the button member, and a plurality of elastic pieces extending from the contact piece along a curved trajectory and connecting the contact piece to the fixing portion.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the electronic device may further include a switch member mounted on the printed circuit board, and the button member may operate the switch member by linearly reciprocating on the housing.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the connection member may be disposed so as to at least partially enclose the switch member, and may provide an elastic force in a direction to cause the button member to protrude to the outside of the housing.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the switch member may include a dome structure (e.g., the dome structure <NUM> in <FIG> or <FIG>), and the connection member may be insulated from the switch member and may include a curved surface portion (e.g., the curved surface portion <NUM> in <FIG>) corresponding to the dome structure.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the plurality of elastic pieces at least partially extends along a curved trajectory when viewed from above the first face.

Claim 1:
An electronic device (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) comprising:
a housing (<NUM>);
a printed circuit board (<NUM>) disposed inside the housing (<NUM>) and including a first face (F1) and a second face (F2) that faces away from the first face;
a connection member (<NUM>) disposed on the first face and electrically connected to the printed circuit board (<NUM>);
a switch member (<NUM>) disposed on the first face (F1) and at least partially overlaps the connection member (<NUM>) when viewed from above the first face; and
a button member (<NUM>) including an electrically conductive member (<NUM>), and disposed to be capable of operating the switch member,
wherein the electrically conductive member (<NUM>) is electrically connected to the connection member (<NUM>)
wherein the button member (<NUM>) includes:
a guide portion (<NUM>) disposed to be in contact with the housing (<NUM>);
a first contact portion (<NUM>), as a portion of the electrically conductive member (<NUM>), disposed on the guide portion (<NUM>) and exposed to an outside of the housing (<NUM>); and
a second contact portion (<NUM>), as a portion of the electrically conductive member (<NUM>), extending from the first contact portion (<NUM>) and disposed through the guide portion (<NUM>),
characterised in that the connection member (<NUM>) comes into contact with the second contact portion (<NUM>) inside the housing (<NUM>), and
wherein the button member (<NUM>) further includes an engaging recess (415a) formed around the second contact portion (<NUM>), and the connection member (<NUM>) is engaged with the engaging recess (415a).