Patent Description:
Wearable electronic devices worn on users' bodies have gradually diversified functions. Moreover, wearable electronic devices have gradually decreased sizes.

In line with increasing interests in good health, wearable electronic devices have been equipped with functions for measuring users' biometric information. Wristwatch-type wearable electronic devices have recently been equipped with various sensors including heartbeat sensors. The <CIT> discloses a wearable electronic device that can determine biological parameters and has a housing, first and second electrodes, a lens, and a light filter. The housing includes a cover having a first surface interior to the electronic device and a second surface exterior to the electronic device. The first and second electrodes are on the second surface of the cover. An ink mask on the cover defines a first aperture and a second aperture between the first electrode and the second electrode. The lens is on the first surface of the cover and aligned with the first aperture, and the light filter is on the first surface of the cover and aligned with the second aperture. The <CIT> teaches a wearable biometric monitoring device for non-invasively measuring arterial stiffness using pulse width analysis (PWA) of photoplesythmogram (PPG) data which can automatically and intelligently obtain the PPG data under suitable conditions while the user is engaged in activities or exercises.

Various electronic components enabling electronic devices to perform various functions may be mounted or connected to a printed circuit board (PCB) or flexible printed circuit board (FPCB).

Wearable electronic devices have restrictions on volume due to the wearable characteristics. Various electronic components need to be disposed inside an electronic device in order to equip a wearable electronic device with various functions.

In order to overcome such limitations, various electronic components need to be disposed inside an electronic device in an efficient manner.

In addition, the contact structure for electric connection between electronic components need to be improved from a planar configuration to a stereoscopic configuration.

Various embodiments disclosed herein provide an electronic device and an assembly method, wherein relevant components are efficiently disposed inside the electronic device such that the electronic device having a spatial limitation can measure various pieces of biometric information, and electric connection between the components is improved, thereby facilitating assembly.

An electronic device according to various embodiments disclosed herein may include a display, a processor operatively connected to the display, a cover facing the display and having at least a portion formed of a light-transmitting material, a flexible printed circuit board having a first surface facing the cover, and a second surface corresponding to an opposite surface of the first surface, a wireless charging coil disposed so as to surround the flexible printed circuit board, a first bio-signal sensing unit including a light-receiving unit and a light-emitting unit mounted on the first surface of the flexible printed circuit board, a second bio-signal sensing unit including an internal electrode formed inside the cover, corresponding to a portion facing the flexible printed circuit board, and an external electrode electrically connected to the internal electrode and formed outside the cover, a contact unit having one end mounted on the first surface of the flexible printed circuit board, extending to the cover so that the opposite end thereof is connected to the internal electrode of the second bio-signal sensing unit, and a signal processing unit mounted on the second surface of the flexible printed circuit board to process a first bio-signal sensed by the first bio-signal sensing unit and a second bio-signal sensed by the second bio-signal sensing unit.

An assembly method disclosed herein may include disposing a wireless charging coil having a ring shape on a cover, and disposing a flexible printed circuit board on the inner circumference of the wireless charging coil, wherein in the disposing of the flexible printed circuit board, a contact unit is brought into contact with an internal electrode formed on the cover such that the contact unit extends to the cover with one end of the contact unit mounted on the flexible printed circuit board.

According to various embodiments disclosed herein, various components enabling an electronic device to measure various pieces of biometric information are efficiently disposed inside the electronic device such that the limited inner space of the electronic device can be used effectively. In addition, electric connection between the components is improved, thereby facilitating assembly.

In connection with the description of the drawings, like or similar reference numerals may be used for like or similar elements.

In some embodiments, at least one (e.g., the camera module <NUM>) of the components may be omitted from the electronic device <NUM>, or one or more other components may be added in the electronic device <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> according to an embodiment may include a housing <NUM> including a first surface (or front surface) 210a, a second surface (or rear surface) 210B, and a lateral surface 210C disposed so as to surround a space between the first surface 210a and the second surface 210B, and a coupling member <NUM> or <NUM> connected to at least a portion of the housing <NUM> and configured to detachably couple the electronic device <NUM> to a body portion (e.g.: wrist, ankle) of a user. According to another embodiment (not shown), the housing may refer to a structure for configuring a portion of the first surface 210A, the second surface 210B, and the lateral surface 210C in <FIG>. According to an embodiment, at least a portion of the first surface 210A may be formed of substantially transparent front plate <NUM> (e.g.: glass plate including various coating layers or polymer plate). The second surface 210B may be formed of the substantially opaque rear plate <NUM>. The rear plate <NUM> may be formed by, for example, coated or colored glass, ceramic, polymers, metals (e.g.: aluminum, stainless steel (STS), or magnesium), or a combination of at least two thereof. The lateral surface 210C may be coupled to the front plate <NUM> and the rear plate <NUM> and formed by a lateral bezel structure (or "lateral member") <NUM> including a metal and/or polymer. In an embodiment, the rear plate <NUM> and the lateral bezel structure <NUM> may be integrally formed and include the same material (e.g.: metal material such as aluminum). The coupling member <NUM> or <NUM> may be formed of various materials in various shapes. The coupling member may be formed to be integrally and to a plurality of unit links to be movable with each other by using a woven fabric, leather, rubber, urethane, metal, ceramic, or a combination of at least two of the materials.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> includes a display <NUM> (see <FIG>) and may include at least one of an audio module <NUM> or <NUM>, a sensor module <NUM>, a key input device <NUM>, <NUM>, or <NUM>, and a connector hole <NUM>. In an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may omit at least one of the components (e.g.: key input device <NUM>, <NUM>, or <NUM>, connector hole <NUM>, or sensor module <NUM>) or additionally include another component.

The display <NUM> may be exposed to outside through, for example, a substantial portion of the front plate <NUM>. The display <NUM> may have a shape corresponding to the shape of the front plate <NUM> in various shapes such as a circle, an oval, or a polygon. The display <NUM> may be combined to or disposed adjacent to a touch sensing circuit, a pressure sensor for measuring a strength (pressure) of a touch, and/or a fingerprint sensor.

The audio module <NUM> or <NUM> may include a microphone hole <NUM> and a speaker hole <NUM>. A microphone for obtaining a sound from outside may be disposed in the microphone hole <NUM>, and in an embodiment, multiple microphones may be arranged to detect a direction of a sound. The speaker hole <NUM> may be used as a receiver for an outer speaker and phone-calling. In an embodiment, the speaker hole <NUM> or <NUM> and the microphone hole <NUM> may be implemented into one hole and a speaker may be included without a speaker hole <NUM> or <NUM> (e.g.: piezo speaker).

The sensor module <NUM> may generate an electrical signal or a data value corresponding to an internal operation state or external environment state of the electronic device <NUM>. The sensor module <NUM> may include, for example, a biosensor module <NUM> (e.g.: HRM sensor) disposed on the second surface 210B of the housing <NUM>. The electronic device <NUM> may further include at least one sensor module not shown in the drawings, for example, a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, an air pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a grip sensor, a color sensor, an infrared (IR) sensor, a biometric sensor, a temperature sensor, humidity sensor, or an illuminance sensor.

The key input device <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may include a wheel key <NUM> disposed at the first surface 210A of the housing <NUM> and rotatable in at least one direction, and/or a side button key <NUM> or <NUM> disposed at the lateral surface 210C of the housing <NUM>. The wheel key may have a shape corresponding to the front plate <NUM>. In another embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may not include a portion or entirety of the key input device <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> described above, and the excluded key input device <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may be implemented as various forms such as a soft key on the display <NUM>. The connector hole <NUM> may include another connector hole (not shown) capable of receiving a connector (for example, USB connector) for transmitting or receiving power and/or data to or from an external electronic device and a connector for transmitting or receiving an audio signal to or from an external electronic device. The electronic device <NUM> may further include, for example, a connector cover (not shown) configured to cover a portion of the connector hole <NUM> and block the ingress of foreign substances to the connector hole.

The coupling member <NUM> and <NUM> may be detachably coupled to at least a portion of the housing <NUM> by using a locking member <NUM> and <NUM>. The coupling member <NUM> and <NUM> may include one or more of a fixation member <NUM>, a fixation member fastening hole <NUM>, a band guide member <NUM>, and a band fixation ring <NUM>.

The fixation member <NUM> may be configured to fix the coupling member <NUM> and <NUM> of the housing <NUM> to a body portion (e.g.: wrist and ankle) of a user. The fixation member fastening hole <NUM> may fix the coupling member <NUM> and <NUM> and the housing <NUM> to a body portion of a user by counteracting with the fixation member <NUM>. The band guide member <NUM> is configured to limit the movement range of the fixation member <NUM> when the fixation member <NUM> is fastened to the fixation member fastening hole <NUM> so that the coupling member <NUM> and <NUM> is closely coupled to a body portion of a user. The band fixation ring <NUM> may limit the movement range of the coupling member <NUM> and <NUM> in a state in which the fixation member <NUM> is fastened to the fixation member fastening hole <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> may include a lateral bezel structure <NUM>, a wheel key <NUM>, a front plate <NUM>, a display <NUM>, a first antenna <NUM>, a second antenna <NUM>, a support member <NUM> (e.g.: bracket), a battery <NUM>, a printed circuit board <NUM>, a sealing member <NUM>, a rear plate <NUM>, and a coupling member <NUM> and <NUM>. At least one of the components of the electronic device <NUM> may be the same as or similar to at least one of the components of the electronic device <NUM> in <FIG> or <FIG>, and thus the overlapping description thereof will be omitted. The support member <NUM> may be disposed in the electronic device <NUM> to be connected to the lateral bezel structure <NUM> or integrally formed with the lateral bezel structure <NUM>. The support member <NUM> may be formed of, for example, a metal material and/or a non-metal (e.g.: polymer) material. The 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. A processor, a memory, and/or an interface may be mounted to the printed circuit board <NUM>. The processor may include, for example, one or more of a central processing device, an application processor, a graphic process unit (GPU), an application processor signal processing unit, or a communication processor.

The memory may include, for example, a volatile memory and a nonvolatile memory. The interface may include, for example, a high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI), a universal serial bus (USB) interface, an SD card interface, and/or an audio interface. The interface may electrically or physically connect the electronic device <NUM> to an external electronic device, and may include, for example, a USB connector, SD card/MMC connector, or an audio connector.

The battery <NUM> 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 part of the battery <NUM> may be disposed on the substantially same plane as the printed circuit board <NUM>. The battery <NUM> may be integrally formed to be disposed in the electronic device <NUM> or may be disposed to be attachable to/detachable from the electronic device <NUM>.

The first antenna <NUM> may be disposed between the display <NUM> and the support member <NUM>. The first antenna <NUM> may include, for example, a near field communication (NFC) antenna, a wireless charging antenna, and/or a magnetic secure transmission (MST) antenna. The first antenna <NUM>, for example, may perform a near field communication with an external electronic device, wirelessly transmit and receive power required for charging, or transmit a magnetism-based signal including a near field communication signal or payment data. In another embodiment, an antenna structure may be formed of a part or a combination of the lateral bezel structure <NUM> and/or the support member <NUM>.

The second antenna <NUM> may be disposed between the printed circuit board <NUM> and the rear plate <NUM>. The second antenna <NUM> may include, for example, a near field communication (NFC) antenna, a wireless charging antenna, and/or a magnetic secure transmission (MST) antenna. The second antenna <NUM>, for example, may perform a near field communication with an external electronic device, wirelessly transmit and receive power required for charging, or transmit a magnetism-based signal including a near field communication signal or payment data. In another embodiment, an antenna structure may be formed of a part or a combination of the lateral bezel structure <NUM> and/or the rear plate <NUM>.

The sealing member <NUM> may be disposed between the lateral bezel structure <NUM> and the rear plate <NUM>. The sealing member <NUM> may be configured to block moisture and foreign substances from being introduced from the outside to a space surrounded by the lateral bezel structure <NUM> and the rear plate <NUM>.

<FIG> is a perspective view of a combined state of a flexible printed circuit board <NUM>, a wireless charging coil <NUM>, and a cover <NUM> according to various embodiments disclosed herein, <FIG> and <FIG> are cross-sectional views of <FIG>, taken along line A-A, <FIG> is a planar view of the flexible printed circuit board <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>, and <FIG> is a rear view of the flexible printed circuit board <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>.

An electronic device (e.g.: electronic device in <FIG> or electronic device in <FIG>) according to various embodiments disclosed herein includes a display (e.g.: display device <NUM> in <FIG> or display <NUM> in <FIG>), a processor (e.g.: processor <NUM> in <FIG>), a cover <NUM> (e.g.: rear plate <NUM> in <FIG>), a flexible printed circuit board <NUM>, a first bio-signal sensing unit <NUM>, a second bio-signal sensing unit <NUM>, a contact unit <NUM>, a signal processing unit <NUM>, and may include a wireless charging coil <NUM> (e.g.: second antenna <NUM> in <FIG>) and a magnetic member <NUM>. The first bio-signal sensing unit <NUM>, the contact unit <NUM>, and the signal processing unit <NUM> mounted to the flexible printed circuit board <NUM> and the second bio-signal sensing unit <NUM> mounted to the cover <NUM> may constitute a sensor module (e.g.: sensor module <NUM> in <FIG>).

The display may deliver information to a user. The display of the electronic device according to various embodiments disclosed herein may be a display device in <FIG> or a display in <FIG>. The description of the display will be replaced with the description of the display device in <FIG> and the display in <FIG> above.

The cover <NUM> may be disposed at a position facing the display in the electronic device. When the direction in which the display displays information on the electronic device is referred to as the front surface of the electronic device, the cover <NUM> may be disposed on the rear surface of the electronic device. As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the cover <NUM> may have a convex shape. When the surface facing the flexible printed circuit board <NUM> is referred to as an inner side of the cover <NUM> and the opposite side as an outer side of the cover <NUM>, the outer side of the cover <NUM> may be formed to be convex. When the electronic device according to various embodiments disclosed herein is an electronic device mounted on a wrist, the outer side of the cover may be in contact with a wrist of a user. At least a portion of the cover <NUM> may be formed of a light-transmitting material. In some cases, the cover <NUM> may be formed of a material such as glass or a transparent resin through which light may penetrate.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the flexible printed circuit board <NUM> may include a substrate body <NUM> to which various electronic components are mounted, and a substrate connector <NUM> configured to electrically connect the flexible printed circuit board <NUM> to a printed circuit board (e.g.: printed circuit board <NUM> in <FIG>). The flexible printed circuit board <NUM> may include a first surface facing the cover <NUM> and a second surface corresponding to the opposite surface of the first surface. The flexible printed circuit board <NUM> may be formed of a flexible material, thereby being bendable. The substrate connector <NUM> may be connected to the substrate body <NUM> at one end thereof and connected to the printed circuit board (e.g.: printed circuit board <NUM> in <FIG>) via the wireless charging coil <NUM> disposed so as to surround the flexible printed circuit board <NUM>. The substrate connector <NUM> may be in a bent state due to a step between the flexible printed circuit board <NUM> and the wireless charging coil <NUM>. As described above, the flexible printed circuit board <NUM> is formed of a flexible material and thus the substrate connector <NUM> may electrically connect the flexible printed circuit board <NUM> to the printed circuit board (e.g.: printed circuit board <NUM> in <FIG>) even in a bent state.

The wireless charging coil <NUM> may disposed to surround the flexible printed circuit board <NUM>. Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the wireless charging coil <NUM> may have a ring shape in which a wire including a metal material is wound. The flexible printed circuit board <NUM> may be disposed at the center of the ring-shaped wireless charging coil <NUM>. The wireless charging coil <NUM> may provide and receive a power through an external charging device. The wireless charging coil <NUM> may be electrically connected to the printed circuit board (e.g.: printed circuit board <NUM> in <FIG>) to transmit a power of an external charging device to the printed circuit board (e.g.: printed circuit board <NUM> in <FIG>).

The first bio-signal sensing unit <NUM> may sense a first bio-signal and include a light-emitting unit <NUM> and a light-receiving unit <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, the light-emitting unit <NUM> may be mounted on the first surface of the flexible printed circuit board <NUM>. The light-emitting unit <NUM> may include a light-emitting element such as a light-emitting diode (LED) and an organic light-emitting diode (OLED). In addition thereto, the light-emitting unit <NUM> may include various light-emitting elements.

The light-receiving unit <NUM> is mounted on the first surface of the flexible printed circuit board <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the multiple light-receiving units <NUM> may be arranged around the light-emitting unit <NUM> in a circular shape. The light-receiving unit <NUM> may be a light-receiving element for converting an optical energy to an electric energy. Examples of such a light-receiving element may include a photo diode.

The first bio-signal sensed by the first bio-signal sensing unit <NUM> may include a bio-signal related to a cardiac impulse of a user. Hereinafter, an operation of sensing the first bio-signal by the first bio-signal sensing unit <NUM> including the light-emitting unit <NUM> and the light-receiving unit <NUM> will be described in brief.

The first bio-signal sensing unit <NUM> may use a difference in optical response caused by oxygen saturation of hemoglobin in blood. The light provided by the light-emitting unit <NUM> may be transferred to a user body through the cover <NUM>. The light-receiving unit <NUM> receives reflected light of the light transferred to the user body. The reflected light received by the light-receiving unit <NUM> has a periodicity due to the difference in optical response caused by oxygen saturation of hemoglobin in blood. The first bio-signal sensing unit <NUM> may sense a bio-signal related to a cardiac impulse of a user by using the periodicity. In some cases, the bio-signal related to a cardiac impulse of a user may be more accurately processed by using movement information obtained by indirectly sensing a user movement through a sensor (e.g.: acceleration sensor, gyro sensor) for sensing the position of the electronic device. The signal processing unit <NUM> may control or process the operation of the first bio-signal sensing unit <NUM>, the first bio-signal sensed thereby, and the like. In some cases, a processor (e.g.: processor <NUM> in <FIG>) of the electronic device may operate the first bio-signal sensing unit <NUM> and process the first bio-signal sensed by the first bio-signal sensing unit <NUM>. The signal processing unit <NUM> and the processor (e.g.: processor <NUM> in <FIG>) of the electronic device may divide and process the instructions required for process of a signal and control.

The sensing of the first bio-signal of the first bio-signal sensing unit <NUM> described above explains the representative principle of obtaining cardiac impulse-related information by using the light-emitting unit <NUM> and the light-receiving unit <NUM>, and the first bio-signal sensing unit <NUM> according to various embodiments disclosed herein may obtain cardiac impulse-related information as the first bio-signal using various other methods in addition thereto.

The second bio-signal sensing unit <NUM> may sense a second bio-signal and include an internal electrode <NUM> and <NUM> and an external electrode <NUM> and <NUM>.

The internal electrode <NUM> and <NUM> may include a conductive material and may be disposed inside the cover <NUM> as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. As described above, the inside of the cover <NUM> may refer to a direction in which the cover <NUM> and the flexible printed circuit board <NUM> face to each other. Therefore, the inner surface of the cover <NUM> is a surface of the cover <NUM>, facing the flexible printed circuit board <NUM>. The internal electrode <NUM> and <NUM> may include a first internal electrode <NUM> and a second internal electrode <NUM>. The first internal electrode <NUM> and the second internal electrode <NUM> may be formed on the inner surface of the cover <NUM>. The first internal electrode <NUM> and the second internal electrode <NUM> may be in contact with the contact unit <NUM> to be described below. As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, a cross-sectional area of the cover <NUM> may be larger than that of the flexible printed circuit board <NUM> on which the contact unit <NUM> is mounted. The first internal electrode <NUM> and the second internal electrode <NUM> may extend from the outer circumference of the cover <NUM> to the center of the cover <NUM> to come in contact with the contact unit <NUM>.

The external electrode <NUM> and <NUM> may include a conductive material and may be disposed outside the cover <NUM> as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. The outer surface of the cover <NUM> corresponds to a surface opposite to the inner surface of the cover <NUM> described above. As described above, the outer surface of the cover <NUM> is the surface in contact with the body of a user. Therefore, the outer surface of the cover <NUM> may be in contact with the body of a user. The external electrode <NUM> and <NUM> disposed on the outer surface of the cover <NUM> may be in contact with the body of a user. The external electrode <NUM> and <NUM> may include a first external electrode <NUM> and a second external electrode <NUM>. The first external electrode <NUM> may be electrically connected to the first internal electrode <NUM> of the internal electrode <NUM> and <NUM>. The second external electrode <NUM> may be electrically connected to the second internal electrode <NUM> of the internal electrode <NUM> and <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, through the outer circumferential portion of the cover <NUM>, the first external electrode <NUM> may be connected to the first internal electrode <NUM> and the second external electrode <NUM> may be connected to the second internal electrode <NUM>. A method for connecting the external electrode <NUM> and <NUM> and the internal electrode <NUM> and <NUM> may be variously implemented. For example, as shown in <FIG>, the external electrode <NUM> and <NUM> and the internal electrode <NUM> and <NUM> may be connected to each other through a passage <NUM> formed inside the cover <NUM>. A conductor may be inserted so as to electrically connect the external electrode <NUM> and <NUM> to the internal electrode <NUM> and <NUM> respectively through the passage <NUM>. According to various embodiments, the passages may have a through-hole shape.

The second bio-signal sensed by the second bio-signal sensing unit <NUM> may include a bio-signal related to an electrocardiogram of a user. Hereinafter, an operation of sensing the second bio-signal by the second bio-signal sensing unit <NUM> including the external electrode <NUM> and <NUM> and the internal electrode <NUM> and <NUM> will be described in brief.

The second bio-signal sensing unit <NUM> may sense an electrocardiogram-related signal by sensing an electrical signal upon myocardial contraction. When the myocardium contacts or relaxes, an action potential spreads from the heart throughout the body. When electrodes are attached to various parts of the body, the potential difference generated by the current caused by the contraction or relaxation of the myocardium can be obtained. For example, such a potential difference may be obtained by using the first external electrode <NUM> of the second bio-signal sensing unit <NUM> and an electrocardiogram electrode of an external electronic device. When the electronic device according to various embodiments disclosed herein is an electronic device mounted on a wrist, the first external electrode <NUM> may be in contact with a wrist of a user. In this case, by contacting the electrocardiogram electrode of an external electronic device with an opposite finger or wrist, the potential difference between opposite wrists caused by a cardiac impulse may be obtained. Meanwhile, the second external electrode <NUM> may function as a ground electrode. A voltage change over time may be sensed in the form of a waveform by the external electrode <NUM> and the electrocardiogram electrode of an external electronic device. The second bio-signal associated with electrocardiogram may be sensed by analyzing a shape (amplitude, period, kurtosis, and the like) of the waveform. The signal processing unit <NUM> may control or process the operation of the second bio-signal sensing unit <NUM>, the second bio-signal sensed thereby, and the like. In some cases, a processor (e.g.: processor <NUM> in <FIG>) of the electronic device may operate the second bio-signal sensing unit <NUM> and process the second bio-signal sensed by the second bio-signal sensing unit <NUM>. The signal processing unit <NUM> and the processor (e.g.: processor <NUM> in <FIG>) of the electronic device may divide and process the instructions required for process of a signal and control.

The sensing of the second bio-signal of the second bio-signal sensing unit <NUM> described above explains the representative principle of obtaining electrocardiogram-related information by using multiple electrodes, and the second bio-signal sensing unit <NUM> according to various embodiments disclosed herein may obtain the electrocardiogram-related information as the second bio-signal using various other methods in addition thereto.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, one end of the contact unit <NUM> is mounted on the first surface of the flexible printed circuit board <NUM>. The other end of the contact unit <NUM> is in contact with the internal electrode <NUM> and <NUM> of the second bio-signal sensing unit <NUM>. The contact unit <NUM> may include a conductive material. The contact unit <NUM> may be connected to the internal electrode <NUM> and <NUM> of the second bio-signal sensing unit <NUM> so as to electrically connect the internal electrode <NUM> and <NUM> to the flexible printed circuit board <NUM>. To this end, the contact unit <NUM> may extend in a direction perpendicular to the first surface of the flexible printed circuit board <NUM>. With reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, the contact unit <NUM> may extend in -Y direction. As such, the contact unit <NUM> is formed to extrude toward the first surface of the flexible printed circuit board <NUM>, and thus the internal electrode <NUM> and <NUM> may be electrically connected to the flexible printed circuit board <NUM> in a simple manner. Two contact units <NUM> may be provided to be electrically connected to the first internal electrode <NUM> and the second internal electrode <NUM> of the internal electrode <NUM> and <NUM>, respectively.

The inside of the contact unit <NUM> may be filled with a buffer substance. Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the contact unit <NUM> may support the center portion of the cover <NUM>. The buffer substance filled inside the contact unit <NUM> may buffer an external force applied to the center portion of the cover <NUM>. Although the inside of the contact unit <NUM> is not filled with the buffer substance, the contact unit <NUM> has a pre-configured elasticity and thus may buffer an external force applied to the center portion of the cover <NUM>.

The signal processing unit <NUM> processes the first bio-signal sensed by the first bio-signal sensing unit <NUM> and the second bio-signal sensed by the second bio-signal sensing unit <NUM>. For example, the signal processing unit <NUM> may convert the first bio-signal and the second bio-signal in an analogue signal form into signals in a digital form or amplify the first bio-signal and the second bio-signal. Referring to <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, the signal processing unit <NUM> may be mounted on the second surface of the flexible printed circuit board <NUM>. As such, the flexible printed circuit board <NUM> having a small area may be efficiently utilized by using both surfaces of the flexible printed circuit board <NUM>.

The magnet member <NUM> may include a first magnet <NUM> and a second magnet <NUM>. Referring to <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, the first magnet <NUM> may be disposed on the first surface of the flexible printed circuit board <NUM>. The first magnet <NUM> may be formed in a ring shape and disposed at the center of the first surface of the flexible printed circuit board <NUM>. The light-emitting unit <NUM> of the first bio-signal sensing unit <NUM> described above may be disposed inside the first magnet <NUM>. The light-receiving unit <NUM> of the first bio-signal sensing unit <NUM> may be arranged along the outer circumference of the first magnet <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, the second magnet <NUM> may be disposed on the second surface of the flexible printed circuit board <NUM>. The space in which the second magnet <NUM> is disposed may be a space formed by the signal processing unit <NUM> mounted on the second surface of the flexible printed circuit board <NUM>. Referring <FIG> and <FIG>, the volume of the signal processing unit <NUM> itself may form a space corresponding to the height of the signal processing unit <NUM> between the flexible printed circuit board <NUM> and a component in contact with the flexible printed circuit board <NUM>. The second magnet <NUM> may be disposed in this space. The central axis of the first magnet <NUM> may be aligned with the central axis of the second magnet <NUM>.

The first magnet <NUM> and the second magnet <NUM> may fix and connect the electronic device according to various embodiments disclosed herein to a charging device. As describe above, the electronic device may include a wireless charging coil <NUM>. When the wireless charging coil <NUM> of the electronic device is disposed within a configured range in relation to a charging coil of a charging device, the electronic device may be charged wirelessly by the charging device. The charging device may include a magnet therein. The relative positions of the first magnet <NUM> and the second magnet <NUM>, and the wireless charging coil <NUM> in the electronic device are determined. Likewise, the relative positions of the magnet of the charging device and the charging coil of the charging device are determined. When the magnet inside the charging device and the first magnet <NUM> and the second magnet <NUM> attract each other, the charging coil of the charging device and the wireless charging coil <NUM> of the electronic device are arranged at positions to correspond to each other, and then charging is performed. In this way, the first magnet <NUM> and the second magnet <NUM> may provide mounting conformability so as to cause the electronic device to be disposed at a position at which the wireless charging may be performed.

In addition, the attraction between the first magnet <NUM> and the second magnet <NUM> and the magnet of the charging device may provide mounting force by which the electronic device and the charging device are fixed to each other while charging is performed.

In order to ensure the mounting conformability and mounting force by a magnet, the volume of the magnet needs to be a certain level or more. The electronic device according to various embodiments disclosed herein may ensure sufficient mounting conformability and mounting force through the first magnet <NUM> and the second magnet <NUM> disposed on opposite surfaces of the flexible printed circuit board <NUM>. Specifically, as described above, the second magnet <NUM> is disposed in a space formed by the signal processing unit <NUM>, and thus the electronic device may minimize the space receiving the first magnet <NUM> and the second magnet <NUM>.

An optically shielding member <NUM> may optically shield between the first magnet <NUM> and the cover <NUM>. As describe above, the light-emitting unit <NUM> of the first bio-signal sensing unit <NUM> may be disposed at the center of the first magnet <NUM>. In order for the first bio-signal sensing unit <NUM> to sense an accurate first bio-signal, the light generated from the light-emitting unit <NUM> should not leak between the first magnet <NUM> and the cover <NUM>. This is because the light-receiving unit <NUM> needs to receive only the light reflected from the body of a user. The optically shielding member <NUM> may be installed on one of the first magnet <NUM> and the cover <NUM> between the first magnet <NUM> and the cover <NUM> to shield between the first magnet <NUM> and the cover <NUM> such that the light-emitting unit <NUM> is optically shielded.

<FIG> is a planar view of the cover <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>.

As shown in <FIG>, an optical film <NUM> may be attached to the inner surface of the cover <NUM>. The optical film <NUM> may be a film having a polarization attribute. The optical film <NUM> may prevent a component disposed in the electronic device from being seen from the outside through the cover <NUM>. The optical film <NUM> may be formed in a circular shape as a whole. The optical film <NUM> may have two grooves <NUM> extending from a portion of the outer circumference thereof to the center of the optical film <NUM>. The first internal electrode <NUM> and a second internal electrode <NUM> disposed on the cover <NUM> may be exposed through the two grooves <NUM>. Two contact units <NUM> may be in contact with each of the first internal electrode <NUM> and the second internal electrode <NUM> exposed through the grooves <NUM> of the optical film <NUM>.

<FIG> is an operation flow chart illustrating a wearable electronic device detecting a bio-signal according to various embodiments disclosed herein.

A processor (e.g.: processor <NUM> in <FIG>) of the electronic device may cause a first bio-signal sensing unit <NUM> to sense a first bio-signal (<NUM>).

According to various embodiments, the processor may cause the first bio-signal sensing unit <NUM> to sense the first bio-signal at predetermined intervals.

According to various embodiments, a user may input a command for sensing the first bio-signal through a touch input unit included in a display (e.g.: display <NUM> in <FIG>) of the electronic device. Here, the touch input unit may include a capacitive touch sensor or a pressure touch sensor to sense a user's touch input. The processor may cause the first bio-signal sensing unit <NUM> to sense the first bio-signal according to the command for sensing the first bio-signal.

According to various embodiments, a user's command for sensing the first bio-signal may be input through an external electronic device wirelessly connected to the wearable electronic device. The command input through the external electronic device for sensing the first bio-signal may be received through a communication module included in the wearable electronic device. The processor may cause the first bio-signal sensing unit <NUM> to sense the first bio-signal according to the command received through the communication module for sensing the first bio-signal.

The processor may cause the first bio-signal sensing unit <NUM> to sense the first bio-signal through various methods.

Next, the processor may compare the first bio-signal sensed by the first bio-signal sensing unit <NUM> with a predetermined value (<NUM>). As described above, the first bio-signal may include a bio-signal related to a cardiac impulse of a user. The predetermined value may include information on a cardiac impulse in a normal state. Cardiac impulse information in a normal state may be different depending on personal information such as age and gender. Cardiac impulse information in a normal state may be received from a server configured to provide related information and stored. In some cases, it is possible that the first bio-signal of a user in a normal state is used as the predetermined value.

The processor checks whether a difference between the first bio-signal sensed by the first bio-signal sensing unit <NUM> and the predetermined value is within a range value (<NUM>). When the difference is out of the range value, the processor causes the second bio-signal sensing unit <NUM> to sense the second bio-signal (<NUM>). According to various embodiments, in case in which the difference between the sensed first bio-signal and the predetermined value is not within the range value, it is possible to display, on a display of the electronic device, that the sensed first bio-signal is not normal. Through this, it is possible to inform a user that the first bio-signal is out of the normal range.

As described above, the second bio-signal may include a bio-signal related to electrocardiogram. Through aforementioned operations, the user may more efficiently and accurately measure his or her health conditions.

Next, an assembly operation of an electronic device according to various embodiments disclosed herein will be described. <FIG> is a view illustrating an assembly method according to various embodiments disclosed herein.

First, the wireless charging coil <NUM> having a ring shape may be disposed inside the cover <NUM>. Next, the flexible printed circuit board <NUM> may be disposed on the inner circumferential surface of the wireless charging coil <NUM>. Here, as shown in <FIG>, the contact unit <NUM> mounted on the first surface of the flexible printed circuit board <NUM> will to be disposed in contact with the internal electrode <NUM> and <NUM> of the cover <NUM>.

As such, in the electronic device according to various embodiments disclosed herein, the internal electrode <NUM> and <NUM> of the cover <NUM> may be electrically connected to the flexible printed circuit board <NUM> through the contact unit <NUM> protruding toward the first surface of the flexible printed circuit board <NUM>. Therefore, in a state in which the internal electrode <NUM> and <NUM> of the cover <NUM> and the contact unit <NUM> of the flexible printed circuit board <NUM> are aligned to each other, the internal electrode <NUM> and <NUM> and the flexible printed circuit board <NUM> may be easily connected just by arranging the flexible printed circuit board <NUM> on the cover <NUM>. As a result, it is possible to have the effect of eliminating the risk of assembly defects and reducing the assembly cost.

An electronic device, according to various embodiments disclosed in the present document, may include: a display; a processor operatively connected to the display; a cover which faces the display and of which at least a part is formed of a light transmitting material; a flexible printed circuit board having a first side facing the cover, and a second side corresponding to the opposite side of the first side; a coil for wireless charging disposed to surround the flexible printed circuit board; a first bio-signal sensing unit including a light-emitting unit and a light-receiving unit mounted on the first side of the flexible printed circuit board; a second bio-signal sensing unit including an internal electrode formed inside the cover, which is a portion facing the flexible printed circuit board, and an external electrode electrically connected to the internal electrode and formed outside the cover; a contact unit having one end mounted on the first side of the flexible printed circuit board and extending to the cover such that the opposite end thereof is connected to the internal electrode of the second bio-signal sensing unit; and a signal processing unit mounted on the second side of the flexible printed circuit board so as to process a first bio-signal sensed by the first bio-signal sensing unit and a second bio-signal sensed by the second bio-signal sensing unit.

In addition, the contact may be configured to extend in a direction perpendicular to the first surface of the flexible printed circuit board.

In addition, the inside of the contact unit may be filled with a buffer substance.

In addition, a first magnet disposed on the first surface of the flexible printed circuit board may be further included.

In addition, a second magnet disposed on the second surface of the flexible printed circuit board to be positioned in a space formed by the installation of the signal processing unit on the flexible printed circuit board may be further included.

In addition, the first magnet and the second magnet may be disposed so that the central axis of the first magnet is aligned with the central axis of the second magnet.

In addition, the first magnet may be configured to be in a ring shape to have the light-emitting unit of the first bio-signal sensing unit disposed at the center thereof.

In addition, an optically shielding member may be further included between the first magnet and the cover to optically shield between the first magnet and the cover such that the light-emitting unit of the first bio-signal sensing unit is optically shielded.

In addition, multiple light-receiving units of the first bio-signal sensing unit are arranged along the outer circumference of the first magnet.

In addition, the external electrode may include a first external electrode and a second external electrode, the internal electrode of the second bio-signal sensing unit may include a first internal electrode electrically connected to the first external electrode and a second internal electrode electrically connected to the second external electrode, and two of the contact units may be provided to be connected to the first internal electrode and the second internal electrode, respectively.

In addition, the internal electrode of the second bio-signal sensing unit may extend from the outer circumference of the cover toward the center of the cover.

In addition, an optical film attached to the cover may be further included.

In addition, the optical film may be formed in a circular shape and have multiple grooves extending from a portion of the outer circumference toward the center thereof, and the first internal electrode and the second internal electrode of the internal electrode of the second bio-signal sensing unit may be arranged in the multiple grooves formed on the optical film, respectively.

In addition, the first bio-signal may include a bio-signal related to a cardiac impulse and the second bio-signal sensed by the second bio-signal sensing unit may include a bio-signal related to electrocardiogram.

In addition, the processor may control the first bio-signal sensing unit to periodically sense a first bio-signal, check a difference between the first bio-signal sensed by the first bio-signal sensing unit and a predetermined value, and when the difference is out of a range value, cause the second bio-signal sensing unit to sense a second bio-signal.

In addition, the processor may check a difference between the first bio-signal sensed by the first bio-signal sensing unit and a predetermined value, and when the difference is out of a range value, display, on a display of the electronic device, that the sensed first bio-signal is not normal.

In addition, the processor may control the first bio-signal sensing unit to sense a first bio-signal, based on a touch input input through the display, check a difference between the first bio-signal sensed by the first bio-signal sensing unit and a predetermined value, and when the difference is out of a range value, cause the second bio-signal sensing unit to sense a second bio-signal.

In addition, the electronic device may further include a communication module configured to perform communication with an external electronic device, the processor may control the first bio-signal sensing unit to sense a first bio-signal, based on a request, for sensing a first bio-signal, received by the communication module from an external electronic device, check a difference between the first bio-signal sensed by the first bio-signal sensing unit and a predetermined value, and when the difference is out of a range value, cause the second bio-signal sensing unit to sense a second bio-signal.

Operations for assembling an electronic device according to various embodiments disclosed herein may include disposing a wireless charging coil having a ring shape on a cover; and disposing a flexible printed circuit board on the inner circumference of the wireless charging coil.

Claim 1:
A wearable electronic device comprising:
a housing including a cover (<NUM>) forming a rear surface of the wearable electronic device and including a transparent portion capable of passing a light therethrough;
a display accommodated in the housing;
a flexible printed circuit board, PCB, (<NUM>) accommodated in the housing under the display, and including a first surface facing the cover (<NUM>) and a second surface opposite to the first surface;
a first bio-signal sensing unit (<NUM>) including a light-receiving unit (<NUM>) and a light-emitting unit (<NUM>) disposed on the first surface of the flexible PCB (<NUM>);
a second bio-signal sensing unit (<NUM>) including an internal electrode (<NUM> or <NUM>) and an external electrode (<NUM> or <NUM>) formed on an interior surface and an exterior surface of the cover (<NUM>), respectively, and electrically connected with each other;
a contact unit (<NUM>) disposed such that a first end and a second end of the contact unit (<NUM>) are in contact with the first surface of the flexible PCB (<NUM>) and the internal electrode (<NUM> or <NUM>), respectively; and
a signal processing unit (<NUM>) disposed on the second surface of the flexible PCB (<NUM>) and configured to process a first bio-signal and a second bio-signal sensed by the first bio-signal sensing unit (<NUM>) and the second bio-signal sensing unit (<NUM>), respectively.