Patent Description:
In general, an electronic device implies a device which performs a specific function according to a loaded program, such as a home appliance, an electronic notebook, a portable multimedia player, a mobile communication terminal, a tablet PC, a video/audio device, a desktop/laptop computer, and a car navigation system.

For example, these electronic devices may output stored information as sound or image. As the degree of integration of electronic devices increases and ultra-high-speed and high-capacity wireless communication becomes common, recently, a single mobile communication terminal is equipped with various functions. For example, not only communication functions, but also entertainment functions such as games, multimedia functions such as music/video playback, communication and security functions for mobile banking, and functions such as schedule management and electronic wallets are integrated into one electronic device.

In addition, as recent electronic devices, wearable electronic devices having various shapes such as glasses or watches which may be used by being worn on a human body have been proposed.

Such electronic devices may require thinning, miniaturization, and/or simplification of appearance so as to integrate various functions, increase aesthetics, and provide convenience to users.

According to this demand, as a method for enabling users to conveniently interface various functions of electronic devices, electronic devices to which various types of wheel bezel structures (e.g., capable of being named as wheel bezels or wheel structures) are applied are being proposed. Patent document <CIT>, discloses a first bezel and a first switch group capable of selection by depressing the position of the first bezel, which are arranged in the upper face direction, and a second bezel and a second switch group capable of selection by depressing the position of the second bezel, which are arranged in the side face direction, thereby, the number of switches that are capable of direct selection by depressing the position of the bezels is the sum of the number of the switches of the first switch group and the number of the switches of the second switch group. Patent document <CIT>, discloses a wearable device for information delivery comprising a physiological sensor, a microprocessor, a display and a wearable housing. Patent document <CIT>, discloses an information processing method including obtaining by the first sensor a first movement input of a first operating body located on the side of the frame structural body and a second movement input of a second operating body located on the side of the frame structural body; determining whether the first movement input and the second movement input satisfy a predetermined condition. Patent document <CIT>, discloses content on a display user interface of an electronic device, such as a wearable electronic device, which can be manipulated using capacitive touch sensors that may be seamlessly integrated into the housing or strap of the electronic device. Patent document <CIT>, discloses a device having an rotary ring including rigid elements (<NUM>, <NUM>) i.e. plates, that are connected together and distributed in two series, where the two series of elements are provided in contact with respective guiding walls (<NUM>, <NUM>).

In a case of a wheel bezel structure provided to an electronic device, the wheel bezel structure may be rotatably provided in a housing of the electronic device, and a user may turn on/off power of the electronic device while rotating the wheel bezel structure. In addition, by executing an electronic device in a sleep mode state in which only the power is turned on, or a command may be input to the electronic device in a driving mode by executing the function of the electronic device. Various functions of the electronic device may be selectively implemented using the wheel bezel structure. The wheel bezel structure may be provided to rotate <NUM> degrees while facing one surface of the housing of the electronic device. In general, the wheel bezel structure may be made of metal or plastic, and may be formed in an approximate "O" shape, so that an electronic device having a body which may be assembled with the wheel bezel structure (e.g., circle) may be used.

In a case of an electronic device having a non-circular body, it may be difficult to apply the wheel bezel structure. Therefore, when the electronic device has a non-circular body, in general, a method of inputting by turning a crown (e.g., stem) provided on a side surface of the electronic device, touching a display screen with a built-in touch panel, or using other key input devices (e.g., buttons) may be used. For example, to move a screen of an electronic device or execute an application, a user may turn a crown with a finger, touch a screen, or press a key input device (e.g., a button). However, the crown provided on the side of the electronic device may be formed in a small size due to the arrangement structure, and it may be inconvenient for a user to control the crown with a finger. In addition, when it is difficult to touch the screen, such as when the user wears gloves, input to the electronic device may not be smooth. When a key input device (e.g., a button) is pressed, it is possible to activate a specific function, but it may be difficult to support an operation such as moving a screen of the electronic device.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, with respect to an electronic device having a non-circular perimeter, an electronic device including a wheel bezel structure rotatable along the perimeter is provided.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, an electronic device is provided according to claim <NUM>. Further embodiments are recited in the dependent claims.

According to various embodiments, by providing an electronic device including a wheel bezel structure rotatable along a non-circular perimeter, there is an advantage in that various inputs to the electronic device are possible using the wheel bezel structure.

According to various embodiments, there is an advantage in that various inputs to an electronic device are possible using the wheel bezel structure even when a user wears gloves.

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

A corresponding one of these communication modules may communicate with the external electronic device <NUM> via the first network <NUM> (e.g., a short-range communication network, such as Bluetooth™, wireless-fidelity (Wi-Fi) direct, or infrared data association (IrDA)) or the second network <NUM> (e.g., a long-range communication network, such as a legacy cellular network, a <NUM> network, a next-generation communication network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., LAN or wide area network (WAN)).

<FIG> is a perspective view of a front surface of an electronic device <NUM>, according to an embodiment. <FIG> is a perspective view of a rear surface of the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>. <FIG> is an exploded perspective view of the electronic device (e.g., <NUM>) of <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, an electronic device <NUM> according to an embodiment may include a housing <NUM> including a first surface (or a front surface) 210A, a second surface (or a rear surface) 210B, and a side surface 210C surrounding a space between the first surface 210A and the second surface 210B and coupling members <NUM> and <NUM> configured to be at least partially connected to the housing <NUM> and to detachably couple the electronic device to a part (e.g., wrist, ankle, etc.) of a user's body. In another embodiment (not shown), a housing may refer to a structure forming a part of the first surface 210A, the second surface 210B, and the side surface 210C of <FIG>. According to an embodiment, the first surface 210A may be formed by the front plate <NUM> (e.g., a glass plate or a polymer plate including various coating layers) of which at least a part is substantially transparent. The second surface 210B may be formed by a rear plate <NUM> (or a bottom plate) which is substantially opaque. The rear plate <NUM> may be formed of, for example, coated or colored glass, ceramic, polymer, metal (e.g., aluminum, stainless steel (STS), or magnesium), or a combination of at least two of the above materials. The side surface 210C may be coupled to the front plate <NUM> and the rear plate <NUM> and may be formed by a side bezel structure (or "side surface member") <NUM> including metal and/or polymer. In an embodiment, the rear plate <NUM> and the side bezel structure <NUM> may be integrally formed and include the same material (e.g., a metal material such as aluminum). The coupling members <NUM> and <NUM> may be formed in various materials and shapes. For example, integral and multiple unit links may be formed to flow with each other by woven fabric, leather, rubber, urethane, metal, ceramic, or a combination of at least two of the above materials.

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

A display <NUM> (see <FIG>) may be exposed, for example, via a considerable portion of the front plate <NUM>. The shape of the display <NUM> may be a shape corresponding to the shape of the front plate <NUM>, and may have various shapes such as a circle, an ellipse, or a polygon. The display <NUM> may be coupled to or disposed adjacent to a touch detection circuit, a pressure sensor capable of measuring the intensity (pressure) of a touch, and/or a fingerprint sensor.

The audio modules <NUM> and <NUM> may include a microphone hole <NUM> and a speaker hole <NUM>. The microphone hole <NUM> may have a microphone for acquiring external sound disposed therein, and in an embodiment, a plurality of microphones may be arranged to detect the direction of sound. The speaker hole <NUM> may be used for an external speaker and as a receiver for calls. In an embodiment, the speaker hole <NUM> and the microphone hole <NUM> may be implemented as a single hole, or a speaker may be included without the speaker hole <NUM> (e.g., a piezo speaker).

The sensor module <NUM> may produce a data value or an electrical signal corresponding to an internal operational state or an external environmental state. The sensor module <NUM> may include, for example, the sensor module <NUM> (e.g., an HRM sensor) disposed on the second surface 210B of the housing <NUM>. The electronic device <NUM> may further include a sensor module not shown, for example, at least one among 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, a humidity sensor, or an illuminance sensor.

The key input devices <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may include a wheel key <NUM> disposed on the first surface 210A of the housing <NUM> and rotatable in at least one direction, and/or side key buttons <NUM> and <NUM> disposed on the side surface 210C of the housing <NUM>. The wheel key may have a shape corresponding to the shape of the front plate <NUM>. In another embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may not include some or all of the key input devices <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> mentioned above, and the key input devices <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> which are not included may be implemented in other forms such as soft keys on the display <NUM>. The connector hole <NUM> may accommodate a connector (e.g., a USB connector) for transmitting and receiving power and/or data to and from an external electronic device, and may include another connector hole (not shown) capable of accommodating a connector for transmitting and receiving an audio signal to and from an external electronic device. The electronic device <NUM> may further include, for example, a connector cover (not shown) for covering at least a portion of the connector hole <NUM> and blocking external foreign substances from entering the connector hole.

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

The fixing member <NUM> may be configured to fix the housing <NUM> and the coupling members <NUM> and <NUM> to a part of the user's body (e.g., wrist, ankle, etc.). The fixing member fastening hole <NUM> may correspond to the fixing member <NUM> to fix the housing <NUM> and the coupling members <NUM> and <NUM> to a part of the user's body. When the fixing member <NUM> is fastened to the fixing member fastening hole <NUM>, the band guide member <NUM> may be configured to limit the range of movement of the fixing member <NUM>, and thus, the coupling members <NUM> and <NUM> may be tightly coupled to a part of the user's body. The band fixing ring <NUM> may limit the movement range of the coupling members <NUM> and <NUM> while the fixing member <NUM> and the fixing member fastening hole <NUM> are fastened to each other.

Referring to <FIG>, an electronic device <NUM> may include a side 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., a bracket), a battery <NUM>, a printed circuit board <NUM>, a sealing member <NUM>, a rear plate <NUM>, and coupling members <NUM> and <NUM>. At least one of the elements of the electronic device <NUM> may be the same as or similar to at least one of the elements of the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>, and duplicate descriptions will be omitted below. The support member <NUM> may be disposed inside the electronic device <NUM> to be connected to the side bezel structure <NUM> or integrally formed with the side 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 one surface coupled to the display <NUM> and the other surface coupled to the printed circuit board <NUM>. A processor, a memory, and/or an interface may be mounted on the printed circuit board <NUM>. The processor may include, for example, one or more among a central processing unit, an application processor, a graphics processing unit (GPU), an application processor sensor processor, or a communication processor.

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

The battery <NUM>, which is a device for supplying power to at least one element of the electronic device <NUM>, may include, for example, a non-rechargeable primary cell, or a rechargeable secondary cell, or a fuel cell. At least a portion of the battery <NUM> may be disposed, for example, substantially on the same plane as the printed circuit board <NUM>. The battery <NUM> may be integrally disposed inside the electronic device <NUM>, and may be detachably disposed to 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> may, for example, perform short-range communication with an external device, wirelessly transmit and receive power required for charging, and transmit a short-range communication signal or a magnetic-based signal including payment data. In another embodiment, an antenna structure may be formed by a part of the side bezel structure <NUM> and/or the support member <NUM> or a combination thereof.

The second antenna <NUM> may be disposed between the circuit board <NUM> and the rear plate <NUM>. For example, the second antenna may include 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 short-range communication with an external device, wirelessly transmit and receive power required for charging, and transmit a short-range communication signal or a magnetic-based signal including payment data. In another embodiment, an antenna structure may be formed by a part of the side bezel structure <NUM> and/or the rear plate <NUM> or a combination thereof.

The sealing member <NUM> may be located between the side bezel structure <NUM> and the rear plate <NUM>. The sealing member <NUM> may be configured to block moisture and foreign matter introduced into a space surrounded by the side bezel structure <NUM> and the rear plate <NUM> from the outside.

Hereinafter, an electronic device <NUM> according to various embodiments of the disclosure will be described with reference to drawings. First, schematic elements of an electronic device <NUM> according to various embodiments of the disclosure may be described.

<FIG> is a perspective view showing an upper surface of an electronic device <NUM> according to various embodiments of the disclosure. <FIG> is a front view showing how a side surface member 410a and a wheel bezel structure <NUM> of an electronic device <NUM> according to various embodiments of the disclosure are coupled to each other.

An electronic device <NUM> according to various embodiments of the disclosure may be described by taking a "watch-type wearable electronic device" as an example. The electronic device <NUM> shown in the figure is for a watch-type wearable electronic device and may correspond to one example of various embodiments of the disclosure. As an example, when the electronic device (e.g., <NUM>) is a watch-type wearable electronic device, a part of the housing (e.g., a rear plate) may come into contact with the user's wrist. However, the electronic device <NUM> mentioned in various embodiments of the disclosure is not limited thereto, and may include all the electronic devices having the wheel bezel structure <NUM> (e.g., a smart phone having a wheel structure, a table clock-type electronic device having a wheel structure, etc.). Therefore, not only a watch-type electronic device worn on the wrist but also an electronic device worn elsewhere on the body may correspond to the electronic device of the disclosure, and a type of electronic device used without being worn on the body may also fall within the scope of various embodiments of the disclosure. The size and shape of an electronic device according to various embodiments of the disclosure are not limited to a designated embodiment.

Referring to <FIG>, an electronic device <NUM> according to various embodiments of the disclosure may include a housing <NUM> and coupling members <NUM> and <NUM> connected to the housing <NUM>. In addition, the electronic device <NUM> may include a display <NUM> and the wheel bezel structure <NUM>.

Regarding the direction components described in <FIG>, according to various embodiments of the disclosure, the direction components D1 and D2 may face in opposite directions. D3 and D4 may also face in opposite directions, and D5 and D6 may also face in opposite directions. According to an embodiment, the direction components D1, D3, D5 may indicate coordinate axes in which each direction component is orthogonal to each other. In the description below, D3, D4, D5, and D6 may form a virtual horizontal plane. The fact that the flow of an electronic device according to various embodiments of the disclosure is restricted on a horizontal plane may indicate that the flow in a direction parallel to the virtual horizontal plane is restricted.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, in the description below, a first direction may refer to a direction component D1 or a direction parallel to the D1 direction, and a second direction may refer to a direction component D2 or a direction parallel to the direction D2. A third direction may be directed in a direction perpendicular to both the direction components D1 and D2. According to an embodiment, the third direction may be described as a direction component D3 or a direction parallel to D3, but it should be noted that the third direction does not necessarily refer to any one of the direction components D3, D4, D5, and D6.

Referring to <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> according to various embodiments of the disclosure may include a front plate <NUM>. The housing <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM> according to various embodiments of the disclosure may include a side surface member 410a and a rear plate (bottom plate) (e.g., the rear plate <NUM> of <FIG>). According to various embodiments of the disclosure, a first surface of the housing <NUM> may be a surface formed by the front plate <NUM>, and a second surface of the housing <NUM> may be a surface formed by the rear plate (e.g., the rear plate <NUM> of <FIG>). The second surface of the electronic device <NUM> according to various embodiments may be manufactured in an approximately flat shape. At least a portion of the front plate <NUM> may be formed to be substantially transparent, and the display <NUM> disposed below the front plate <NUM> may be exposed to the outside via the front plate <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the display <NUM> may be at least partially positioned within a first recess (e.g., a first recess <NUM> of <FIG> to be described below) formed on one surface (e.g., the second surface) of the housing <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the side surface member 410a may be coupled to the rear plate to substantially seal the housing <NUM>, prevent foreign matter from being introduced, and protect the housing from an external physical impact. According to an embodiment, the side surface member 410a may be integrally coupled to the rear plate, or the side surface member may be coupled to the rear plate from the state of being separated from each other. Separation of the side surface member 410a and the rear plate may enable the inside of the housing <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM> to be opened, and thus exchanging or repairing parts (e.g., a battery) mounted inside the housing <NUM> may be performed.

At least one key input device may be provided on a side surface of the housing <NUM>. As an example of the key input device, a crown <NUM> may be formed on a side surface of the electronic device <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the crown <NUM> should be located on the side surface of the housing <NUM>, and thus the crown may have a small size due to limitations in the height (or thickness) of the housing <NUM>. In an electronic device having a non-circular perimeter, it is difficult to have a wheel bezel structure which may be provided around a circular circumference, and thus, conventionally, input has been made via the crown <NUM> or other key input device or touch on a display including a touch panel. Accordingly, according to various embodiments of the disclosure, the wheel bezel structure <NUM> applicable to the electronic device <NUM> having a non-circular perimeter may be provided.

A configuration in which the wheel bezel structure <NUM> and the side surface member 410a are combined according to various embodiments of the disclosure may be briefly shown as illustrated in <FIG>.

In the disclosure, the fact that an electronic device has a non-circular perimeter may indicate that a part of a housing (e.g., the side surface member 410a) has a non-circular perimeter, or that the display <NUM> has a non-circular perimeter. In addition, the fact may indicate that both a portion of the housing (e.g., the side surface member 410a) and the display <NUM> have a non-circular perimeter. Hereinafter, description may be made based on an embodiment in which both a portion of the housing (e.g., the side surface member 410a) and the display <NUM> have a non-circular perimeter.

Referring to <FIG>, the wheel bezel structure <NUM> according to various embodiments may be disposed to surround the perimeter of the display <NUM>. While being disposed to surround the perimeter of the display <NUM>, the wheel bezel structure <NUM> may be coupled to at least a part of the side surface member 410a.

According to an embodiment, as shown in <FIG>, the wheel bezel structure <NUM> may have a ring shape as a whole when viewed from above. When the side surface member 410a and the display <NUM> have a non-circular perimeter, the wheel bezel structure <NUM> may be stably seated on one surface (e.g., a first surface <NUM> of the side surface member 410a to be described later in <FIG> below) of the housing (e.g., the housing <NUM> of <FIG>) along the non-circular perimeter. At least a portion of the side surface member 410a may include a portion having a diameter smaller than that of the wheel bezel structure <NUM>, to allow the wheel bezel structure <NUM> to be stably seated.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the wheel bezel structure <NUM> may be a "wheel dial member" which is rotated by an operation of a user to select various functions mounted on an electronic device.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the wheel bezel structure <NUM> may include a plurality of bezel pieces in which a plurality of bezel pieces <NUM> are provided and in which the plurality of bezel pieces <NUM> are assembled using the connection members <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, one bezel piece <NUM> may be formed by coupling a first body <NUM> and a second body <NUM> to each other. Adjacent bezel pieces among the plurality of bezel pieces may be connected to each other by at least one connection member <NUM>.

The wheel bezel structure <NUM> may be formed by assembling a plurality of bezel pieces having the same shape and size. For example, the first body <NUM> of the bezel piece <NUM> and the second body <NUM> of another bezel piece <NUM> adjacent thereto may be connected to each other via the connection member <NUM>. Further, the second body <NUM> of the bezel piece <NUM> and the first body <NUM> of still another bezel piece <NUM> adjacent thereto may be connected to each other via another connection member <NUM>. In this way, the plurality of bezel pieces <NUM> may be coupled to each other to form one wheel bezel structure <NUM>. <FIG> shows that <NUM> bezel pieces <NUM> and <NUM> connection members <NUM> are assembled to form one wheel bezel structure <NUM>. However, the disclosure is not necessarily limited thereto, and the numbers of bezel pieces <NUM> and the connection members <NUM> may vary depending on the embodiment.

<FIG> is a perspective view showing how a wheel bezel structure <NUM> and a side surface member 410a are coupled to each other, according to various embodiments of the disclosure.

According to various embodiments, a side surface member 410a may include a first surface <NUM> and an annular protrusion portion <NUM>. According to various embodiments, the annular protrusion portion <NUM> of the side surface member 410a may form a recess <NUM>. The recess <NUM> may indicate a space formed therein when the side surface member 410a and the rear plate (e.g., the rear plate <NUM> of <FIG>) are coupled to each other.

At least one of various mounting parts, for example, a camera, a speaker, a circuit board, or various sensors, may be mounted in the recess <NUM> according to various embodiments. These parts may be mounted in the recess as one module or a combination of two or more modules. A display capable of displaying a screen (e.g., the display <NUM> of <FIG>) may be at least partially mounted in the recess <NUM> according to various embodiments of the disclosure.

The first surface <NUM> may indicate a portion integrally extending from one end of the side surface member 410a. The first surface <NUM> may form a space in which the wheel bezel structure <NUM> is stably seated. According to various embodiments, the first surface <NUM> may face in a second direction (e.g., the direction D2 of <FIG>).

The annular protrusion portion <NUM> may be formed to have a predetermined height at an end portion of the first surface <NUM> of the side surface member 410a in the second direction (e.g., the direction D2 or the direction parallel to the direction D2). According to various embodiments, the annular protrusion portion <NUM> may include a flat surface portion 412a and a curved surface portion 412b. The flat surface portion 412a may refer to a portion in which at least one approximately flat surface extends in parallel in one direction, and the curved surface portion 412b may refer to a portion which is seamlessly curved while having a predetermined curvature from one end connected to the flat surface portion 412a to the other end connected to another flat surface portion 412a. The annular protrusion portion <NUM> may be formed, for example, as shown in <FIG>, by coupling the plurality of flat surface portions 412a and the plurality of curved surface portions 412b to each other. For example, the annular protrusion portion <NUM> of <FIG> may be formed such that four flat surface portions 412a and four curved surface portions 412b are continuously connected to each other to have a ring shape as a whole when the side surface member 410a is viewed from above.

As shown in <FIG>, when the wheel bezel structure <NUM> and the side surface member 410a are coupled to each other, the wheel bezel structure <NUM> may be stably seated on the first surface <NUM> of the side surface member 410a. While the wheel bezel structure <NUM> is stably seated on the annular protrusion portion <NUM>, the wheel bezel structure <NUM> may be implemented to rotate <NUM> degrees clockwise, counterclockwise, or in both directions. One portion of the wheel bezel structure <NUM> may face the first surface <NUM> and another portion thereof may face the annular protrusion portion <NUM>. Some of the plurality of bezel pieces (e.g., hereinafter, referred to as "a plurality of first bezel pieces 501a") included in the wheel bezel structure <NUM> may face the flat surface portion 412a of the annular protrusion portion <NUM>, and the others of the plurality bezel pieces (e.g., hereinafter, referred to as "a plurality of second bezel pieces 501b") may face the curved surface portion 412b of the annular protrusion portion <NUM>.

The plurality of first bezel pieces 501a are arranged at a position facing the flat surface portion 412a in the embodiment shown in <FIG>, but depending on the operation of rotating the wheel bezel structure <NUM> by a user, may be arranged at a position facing the curved surface portion 412b of the annular protrusion portion <NUM>. The plurality of second bezel pieces 501b are arranged at a position facing the curved surface portion 412b in the embodiment shown in <FIG>, but depending on the operation of rotating the wheel bezel structure <NUM> by a user, may be arranged at a position facing the flat surface portion 412a of the annual protrusion portion <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG> together, the plurality of first bezel pieces 501a adjacent to the flat surface portion 412a may be spaced apart from the wheel bezel structure <NUM> by a first gap d1, and the plurality of second bezel pieces 501b adjacent to the curved surface portion 412b may be spaced apart from the wheel bezel structure by a second gap d2 smaller than the first gap.

<FIG> is a perspective view showing a wheel bezel structure <NUM>, according to various embodiments of the disclosure. <FIG> is a perspective view showing a bezel piece <NUM>, according to various embodiments of the disclosure.

The wheel bezel structure <NUM> may be formed by having a plurality of bezel pieces <NUM> of <FIG> to assemble the bezel pieces arranged adjacent to each other using the connection member <NUM>.

A bezel piece <NUM> may include a first body <NUM> and a second body <NUM> at least partially overlapping the first body <NUM>. Referring to <FIG>, an area D in which the first body <NUM> and the second body <NUM> overlap each other is shown. When the bezel piece <NUM> is viewed from above, for example, each of the first body <NUM> and the second body <NUM> may have a trapezoidal shape. The first body <NUM> and the second body <NUM> may be connected to each other via the area overlapping each other, and according to an embodiment, may be integrally formed. The first body <NUM> may be a portion of the wheel bezel structure <NUM> which is always exposed to the user, and the second body <NUM> may be a portion substantially covered by the first body <NUM> in the wheel bezel structure <NUM>.

Each of the first body <NUM> and the second body <NUM> may include a plurality of surfaces.

According to an embodiment, the first body <NUM> may include a first upper surface <NUM> and a first lower surface <NUM>. The first upper surface <NUM> of the first body <NUM> may form an upper surface of the wheel bezel structure <NUM>. According to another embodiment, the first body <NUM> may include a first side surface 513a, a second side surface 513b, and a first outer surface (e.g., a first outer surface 513c of <FIG> to be described later) facing outside when a plurality of bezel pieces are assembled to form the wheel bezel structure <NUM>. In addition, the first body <NUM> may include a first inner surface 513d located in the opposite direction of the first outer surface. According to an embodiment, the second body <NUM> may include a second upper surface <NUM> and a second lower surface (e.g., a second lower surface <NUM> of <FIG> to be described later). The second lower surface <NUM> of the second body <NUM> may form a bottom surface (or a rear surface) of the wheel bezel structure <NUM>. According to another embodiment, the second body <NUM> may include a third side surface 523a, a fourth side surface 523b, and a second outer surface (e.g., a second outer surface 523c of <FIG> to be described later) facing outside when a plurality of bezel pieces are assembled to form the wheel bezel structure <NUM>. In addition, the second body <NUM> may include a second inner surface 523d located in the opposite direction of the second outer surface.

According to various embodiments, the first outer surface (e.g., the first outer surface 513c of <FIG> to be described later) of the first body <NUM> and the first inner surface 513d located at the side opposite to the first outer surface may be formed to be approximately parallel to each other. Alternatively, the first side surface 513a of the first body <NUM> and the second side surface 513b located at the opposite side of the first side surface 513a of the first body <NUM> may be formed to obliquely face each other. For example, the second side surface 513b may be formed approximately perpendicular to the first outer surface (e.g., the first outer surface 513c of <FIG> to be described later) and the first inner surface 513d, and the first side surface 513a may be formed to be inclined with respect to the first outer surface (e.g., the first outer surface 513c of <FIG> to be described later) and the first inner surface 513d.

According to various embodiments, the second outer surface (e.g., the second outer surface 523c of <FIG> to be described later) of the second body <NUM> and the second inner surface 523d located at the side opposite to the second outer surface may be formed to be approximately parallel to each other. Further, the third side surface 523a of the second body <NUM> and the fourth side surface 523b located at the side opposite to the third side surface 523a may be formed to obliquely face each other. For example, the fourth side surface 523b may be approximately perpendicular to the second outer surface (e.g., the second outer surface 523c of <FIG> to be described later) and the second inner surface 523d, and the third side surface 523a may be formed to be inclined with respect to the second outer surface (e.g., the second outer surface 523c of <FIG> to be described later) and the second inner surface 523d.

According to various embodiments, a first through-hole <NUM> for insertion and coupling of a connection member (e.g., the connection member <NUM> of <FIG>) may be formed through the first body <NUM>. The first through-hole <NUM> may be formed to extend through the first upper surface <NUM> and the first lower surface <NUM> of the first body <NUM>. A second through-hole <NUM> for insertion and coupling of the connection member (e.g., the connection member <NUM> of <FIG>) may be formed through the second body <NUM>. The second through-hole <NUM> may be formed to extend through the second upper surface <NUM> and the second lower surface <NUM> of the second body <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, a third recess <NUM> may be formed on the second inner surface 523d of the second body <NUM>. The third recess <NUM> may be configured to accommodate a ring structure <NUM> to be described later with reference to <FIG>.

According to various embodiments, the second body <NUM> may further include a first inclined side surface 523e formed adjacent to the third side surface 523a and formed to be capable of facing the fourth side surface 523b of the adjacent bezel structure. For example, when the third side surface 523a is formed to be approximately perpendicular with respect to the second outer surface (e.g., the second outer surface 523c of <FIG> to be described later) and the second inner surface 523d, the first inclined side surface 523e may indicate a portion formed in the inclined direction with respect to each of the third side surface 523a and the second inner surface 523d between the third side surface 523a and the second inner surface 523d.

The third recess <NUM> and the first inclined side surface 523e will be described in more detail with reference to <FIG>.

<FIG> is a perspective view showing how a plurality of bezel pieces <NUM> of a wheel bezel structure <NUM> are coupled to each other, according to various embodiments of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG> together, the plurality of bezel pieces <NUM> are assembled via the connection member <NUM>. Any one bezel piece may be assembled to another bezel piece via the connection member <NUM> configured to be inserted into and coupled to the first through-hole <NUM> provided through the first body <NUM> and the second through-hole <NUM> provided through the second body <NUM> of another bezel piece adjacent thereto. The connection member <NUM> may correspond to a pin member. Such an assembly structure may be continuously formed several times or more to form the wheel bezel structure <NUM>. In the wheel bezel structure <NUM>, the first body <NUM> of any one bezel piece may at least partially overlap the second body <NUM> of another bezel piece adjacent thereto.

Any one bezel piece may be configured to rotate relative to each other about one connection member <NUM> as an axis while at least partially overlapping another bezel piece adjacent thereto. Accordingly, the area in which the first body <NUM> of any one bezel piece and the second body <NUM> of another bezel piece adjacent thereto overlap each other may vary.

According to various embodiments, the third recess <NUM> formed on the second inner surface 523d of the second body <NUM> of any one bezel piece may be disposed in parallel with the third recess <NUM> of another bezel piece adjacent thereto. Therefore, the third recesses <NUM> formed on the plurality of bezel pieces may substantially form an annular recess structure formed along the whole inner side surface of the wheel bezel structure <NUM>.

In the wheel bezel structure <NUM>, any one bezel piece may be formed so that a plurality of surfaces thereof face those of another bezel piece adjacent thereto. According to an embodiment, in the wheel bezel structure <NUM>, any one bezel piece may be formed so that at least one surface thereof is in contact with another bezel piece adjacent thereto. For example, the third side surface 523a of the second body <NUM> of any one bezel piece may be formed to be in contact with a fourth side surface 524a of the second body <NUM> of another bezel piece adjacent thereto. According to an embodiment, when the third side surface 523a of the second body <NUM> of any one bezel piece is in contact with the fourth side surface 524a of the second body <NUM> of another bezel piece adjacent thereto, the first inclined side surface 523e may be further formed on the second body <NUM> of the bezel piece so as to prevent abrasion due to friction.

According to an embodiment, referring to <FIG> together, when any one bezel piece moves together with another bezel piece adjacent thereto, the bezel pieces may be configured such that the first bodies <NUM> are not in contact with each other and only the second bodies <NUM> come into contact with each other.

<FIG> is a perspective view showing a state in which the wheel bezel structure <NUM> shown in <FIG> is viewed in another direction.

In an embodiment of <FIG>, the plurality of bezel pieces <NUM> are shown to be assembled via the connection member <NUM> as shown in the embodiment of <FIG>.

<FIG> may show the inner peripheral edge (inner perimeter) of the wheel bezel structure <NUM>, and <FIG> may show the outer peripheral edge (outer perimeter) of the wheel bezel structure <NUM>.

The inner peripheral edge of the wheel bezel structure <NUM> may be formed by the first inner surface 513d of the first body <NUM> and the second inner surface 523d of the second body <NUM>, and the outer peripheral edge of the wheel bezel structure <NUM> may be formed by the first outer surface 513c of the first body <NUM> and the second outer surface 523c of the second body <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, when the plurality of bezel pieces <NUM> are continuously assembled to configure the wheel bezel structure <NUM>, the connection member <NUM> may be formed adjacent to the outer peripheral edge (outer perimeter) of the first body <NUM> and the outer peripheral edge (outer perimeter) of the second body <NUM>. According to an embodiment, unlike that shown in <FIG>, the through-hole formed through the first body and the through-hole formed through the second body may be formed adjacent to the inner peripheral edge (inner perimeter) of the first body and the inner peripheral edge (inner perimeter) of the second body, and the connection member may be inserted into and coupled to the through-holes. In this case, the movable range according to the interlocking between any one bezel piece and another bezel piece adjacent thereto may be narrower compared to that of the embodiment shown in <FIG>. When the movable range according to the interlocking between any one bezel piece and another bezel piece adjacent thereto is formed to be narrow, it may be necessary to configure the wheel bezel structure <NUM> by using more bezel pieces. Therefore, according to various embodiments of the disclosure, as shown in <FIG>, the through-hole (e.g., the first through-hole <NUM> of <FIG>) formed through the first body <NUM> and the through-hole (e.g., the second through-hole <NUM> of <FIG>) formed through the second body <NUM> may be configured to be formed adjacent to the outer peripheral edge (outer perimeter) of the first body <NUM> and the outer peripheral edge (outer perimeter) of the second body <NUM> and to allow the connection member <NUM> to be inserted thereinto and coupled thereto.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view showing how a wheel bezel structure <NUM> and a side surface member 410a are coupled to each other, according to various embodiments of the disclosure. <FIG> may show a cross-section of the wheel bezel structure taken along line A-A' of <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, a side surface member 410a may include a second surface <NUM> and a second recess <NUM>. The second surface <NUM> may be formed to be substantially perpendicular to the first surface <NUM>. The second surface <NUM> may indicate a portion of surface included in the annular protrusion portion <NUM> extending from the first surface <NUM>. The second recess <NUM> may be formed on a portion of the second surface <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the second recess <NUM> may be a portion concavely formed on the second surface <NUM>. The second recess <NUM> may be formed to elongate along the perimeter of the annular protrusion portion <NUM>.

In an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>) according to various embodiments of the disclosure, the wheel bezel structure <NUM> may be stably seated on the side surface member 410a to be rotatable around the annular protrusion portion <NUM>, and an element for preventing the separation of the wheel bezel structure <NUM> may be additionally provided. The electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>) may include a ring structure <NUM> as an element for limiting the movement in the first direction (e.g., the direction D1 of <FIG>) or the second direction (e.g., the direction D2 of <FIG>) of the wheel bezel structure <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, if the wheel bezel structure <NUM> is stably seated on the side surface member 410a, the wheel bezel structure <NUM> may be spaced a predetermined distance apart from the annular protrusion portion <NUM>, and thus may form a space therebetween. The ring structure <NUM> according to various embodiments of the disclosure may be disposed in the space therebetween. According to an embodiment, the ring structure <NUM> may be disposed in the space formed by the second recess <NUM> of the side surface member 410a and the third recess <NUM> of the wheel bezel structure <NUM>. The ring structure <NUM> may be positioned between the wheel bezel structure <NUM> and the annular protrusion portion <NUM> so that the wheel bezel structure <NUM> may be stably seated on the annular protrusion portion <NUM> without being in direct contact with the annular protrusion portion <NUM> and may be in direct contact with the first surface <NUM> of the side surface member 410a.

The ring structure <NUM> according to various embodiments of the disclosure may be molded to have a thin thickness compared to the length of the perimeter. The ring structure <NUM> may be elastically transformable and bendable. Accordingly, while the wheel bezel structure <NUM> rotates around the annular protrusion portion <NUM>, the ring structure <NUM> may press the wheel bezel structure <NUM> toward the side surface member 410a, and thus the wheel bezel structure <NUM> may be prevented from being separated from the side surface member 410a. As another embodiment, the wheel bezel structure <NUM> may be coupled to the side surface member 410a by using the elasticity of the ring structure <NUM>.

As will be described later, a portion of the cross-sectional shape of the ring structure <NUM> according to various embodiments of the disclosure may have an "L" shape, another portion may have a rectangular shape, and still another portion may have a "hook" shape.

The ring structure <NUM> according to various embodiment of the disclosure may include a material capable of elastic transformation. For example, the ring structure <NUM> according to various embodiments of the disclosure may be formed of a polymeric material. The polymeric material may include at least one among polyoxymethylene, poly-acetal, acetal resin, and nylon (polyamide). In contrast, the wheel bezel structure <NUM> may be formed of a hard material. Depending on the material characteristics of the ring structure <NUM>, impact durability during rotation of the wheel bezel structure <NUM> may be secured, and noise due to friction during rotation may be minimized.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, a detent groove <NUM> may be provided on the first surface <NUM> of the side surface member 410a. A detent structure <NUM> including a detent ball <NUM> and a detent spring <NUM> may be formed in a bezel piece to correspond to the detent groove <NUM>.

At least a portion of the detent structure <NUM> including the detent ball <NUM> and the detent spring <NUM> may be accommodated in the detent groove <NUM>.

<FIG> is a view showing a rear surface <NUM> of a wheel bezel structure <NUM> and an upper surface (e.g., the first surface <NUM> of the side surface member) of a side surface member 410a, according to various embodiments of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG> together, an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>) may include detent grooves <NUM> and a plurality of detent structures <NUM> each including a detent ball <NUM> and a detent spring <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the plurality of detent grooves <NUM> may be formed on the first surface <NUM> of the side surface member 410a, and the plurality of detent grooves <NUM> may be formed to be curved and extend along the rotational direction of the wheel bezel structure <NUM> on the first surface.

According to an embodiment, the detent ball <NUM> may be connected to the detent spring <NUM>, and the detent spring <NUM> may be fixedly disposed to a ball accommodation portion <NUM> formed on the second surface <NUM>. Further, while being elastically supported by the detent spring <NUM>, the detent ball <NUM> may be formed to be at least partially accommodated in the detent groove <NUM>. The detent ball <NUM> may move in the first direction (e.g., the direction D1 or the direction parallel to the direction D1) or in the second direction (e.g., the direction D2 or the direction parallel to the direction D2) while the wheel bezel structure <NUM> rotates.

For example, when the detent ball <NUM> is accommodated in the detent groove <NUM>, if the wheel bezel structure <NUM> rotates, the detent ball <NUM> may come into contact with a portion where the detent groove <NUM> is not formed and may then be inserted into another detent groove <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the detent ball <NUM> may be moved by the detent spring <NUM> in the first direction (e.g., the direction D1 of <FIG>) or in the second direction (e.g., the direction D2 of <FIG>) to be inserted into the detent groove <NUM>, and then a user may experience the sensation of detents based on the rotation of the wheel bezel structure <NUM>.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, an electronic device including: a housing (e.g., the housing <NUM> of <FIG>); a display (e.g., the display <NUM> of <FIG>) at least partially located in a first recess (e.g., the first recess <NUM> of <FIG>) formed on one surface of the housing; and a wheel bezel structure (e.g., the wheel bezel structure <NUM> of <FIG>) which is rotatable around the display and comprises a plurality of bezel pieces (e.g., bezel pieces <NUM>), each of which is assembled with another bezel pieces adjacent thereto via at least one connection member (e.g., the connection member <NUM> of <FIG>) may be provided.

According to various embodiments, each of the bezel pieces (e.g., the bezel pieces <NUM> of <FIG>) may include a first body (e.g., the first body <NUM> of <FIG>) and a second body (e.g., the second body <NUM> of <FIG>) at least partially overlapping the first body.

According to various embodiments, the first body (e.g., the first body <NUM> of <FIG>) may include a first side surface (e.g., the first side surface 513a of <FIG>) and a second side surface (e.g., the second side surface 513b of <FIG>) obliquely facing each other, a first outer surface (e.g., the first outer surface 513c of <FIG>) facing toward the outside in case that a plurality of bezel pieces are assembled to configure the wheel bezel structure.

According to various embodiments, the first body (e.g., the first body <NUM> of <FIG>) may include a first inner surface (e.g., the first inner surface 513d of <FIG>) facing in the direction opposite to the first outer surface (e.g., the first outer surface 513c of <FIG>).

According to various embodiments, the second body (e.g., the second body <NUM> of <FIG>) may include a third side surface (e.g., the third side surface 523a of <FIG>) and a fourth side surface (e.g., the fourth side surface 523b of <FIG>) obliquely facing each other, a second outer surface (e.g., the second outer surface 523c of <FIG>) facing toward the outside in case that a plurality of bezel pieces are assembled to configure the wheel bezel structure.

According to various embodiments, the second body may include a second inner surface (e.g., the second inner surface 523d of <FIG>) facing in the direction opposite to the second outer surface.

According to various embodiments, a third recess (e.g., the third recess <NUM> of <FIG>) capable of accommodating the ring structure may be formed on the second inner surface.

According to various embodiments, the second body may be formed adjacent to the third side surface (e.g., the third side surface 523a of <FIG>) and may further include a first inclined side surface (e.g., the first inclined side surface 523e of <FIG>) formed to face the fourth side surface of an adjacent bezel structure.

According to various embodiments, the connection member (e.g., the connection member <NUM> of <FIG>) may be a pin member penetrating through a first body of one bezel piece and a second body of the other bezel piece among two bezel pieces adjacent to each other.

According to various embodiments, the connection member (e.g., the connection member <NUM> of <FIG>) may be formed adjacent to the outer peripheral edge (outer perimeter) of the first body (e.g., the first body <NUM> of <FIG>) and the outer peripheral edge (outer perimeter) of the second body (e.g., the second body <NUM> of <FIG>).

According to various embodiments, the housing may include a rear plate and a side surface member (e.g., the side surface member 410a of <FIG>) connected to the rear plate, and the side surface member may include an annular protrusion portion (e.g., the annular protrusion portion <NUM> of <FIG>).

According to various embodiments, the annular protrusion portion (e.g., the annular protrusion portion <NUM> of <FIG>) may include a flat surface portion (e.g., the flat surface portion 412a of <FIG>) and a curved surface portion (e.g., the curved surface portion 412b of <FIG>).

According to various embodiments, in the wheel bezel structure (e.g., the wheel bezel structure <NUM> of <FIG>), a plurality of bezel pieces adjacent to the flat surface portion (e.g., the flat surface portion 412a of <FIG>) may be spaced apart from each other by a first gap (e.g., the first gap d1 of <FIG>), and a plurality of bezel pieces adjacent to the curved surface portion may be spaced apart from each other by a second gap (e.g., the second gap d2 of <FIG>) narrower than the first gap.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device may further include: a second recess (e.g., the second recess <NUM> of <FIG>) formed on one surface of the side surface member (e.g., the side surface member 410a of <FIG>); and a ring structure (e.g., the ring structure <NUM> of <FIG>) accommodated in the second recess and configured to prevent the separation of the wheel bezel structure.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>) may further include a detent spring (e.g., the detent spring <NUM> of <FIG>) and a detent ball (e.g., the detent ball <NUM> of <FIG>).

According to various embodiments, the detent spring and the detent ball may be formed on a rear surface (e.g., the rear surface <NUM> of <FIG>) of the bezel piece (e.g., the bezel piece <NUM> of <FIG>).

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, an electronic device including: a housing (e.g., the housing <NUM> of <FIG>) including a rear plate directed to a first direction (e.g., the direction D1 of <FIG>) and a side surface member (e.g., the side surface member 410a of <FIG>) connected to the rear plate and forming a first recess (e.g., the recess <NUM> of <FIG>) by using the rear plate and the side surface member; a display (e.g., the display <NUM> of <FIG>) at least partially located in the recess; a wheel bezel structure (e.g., the wheel bezel structure <NUM> of <FIG>), which is a wheel bezel structure rotatable around the display, including a first body (e.g., the first body <NUM> of <FIG>) and a second body (e.g., the second body <NUM> of <FIG>) at least partially overlapping the first body and a plurality of bezel pieces (e.g., the bezel pieces <NUM>), each of which is assembled with another bezel piece adjacent thereto via at least one connection member (e.g., the connection member <NUM> of <FIG>); a second recess (e.g., the recess <NUM> of <FIG>) formed on one surface of the side surface member; and a ring structure (e.g., the ring structure (e.g., the ring structure <NUM> of <FIG>) accommodated in the second recess and configured to prevent the separation of the wheel bezel structure may be provided.

According to various embodiments, the first body may include a first side surface and a second side surface formed to obliquely face each other, a first outer surface facing toward the outside when a plurality of bezel pieces are assembled to form the wheel bezel structure, and a first inner surface located in the direction opposite to the first outer surface, and the second body may include a third side surface and a fourth side surface formed to obliquely face each other, a second outer surface facing the outside when a plurality of bezel pieces are assembled to form the wheel bezel structure, and a second inner surface located in the direction opposite to the second outer surface.

According to various embodiments, the connection member (e.g., the connection member <NUM> of <FIG>) may be a pin member penetrating through a first body of one bezel piece and a second body of another bezel piece among two bezel pieces adjacent to each other.

Claim 1:
An electronic device (<NUM>, <NUM>) comprising:
a housing (<NUM>) ;
a display (<NUM>) disposed at the housing; and
a wheel bezel structure (<NUM>) mounted on the electronic device (<NUM>, <NUM>), and configured to rotate around the display by an operation of a user to select functions,
wherein the electronic device has a non-circular perimeter on at least one of a part of the housing and the display, and
wherein the wheel bezel structure comprises a plurality of bezel pieces (<NUM>), each of which is assembled with another bezel piece adjacent thereto via at least one connection member (<NUM>).