Patent Description:
The term "electronic device" refers to a device that performs a specific function according to an equipped program, such as an electronic scheduler, a portable multimedia reproducer, a mobile communication terminal, a tablet PC, an image/sound device, a desktop/laptop PC, or a vehicular navigation system, as well as home appliances. The above-mentioned electronic devices may output, for example, information stored therein as sound or an image. As the integration degree of such electronic devices has increased, and super-high speed and large-capacity wireless communication has become popular, various functions have recently been provided in a single mobile communication terminal. For example, various functions, such as entertainment functions (e.g., a game function), multimedia functions (e.g., a music/video reproducing function), communication and security functions for mobile banking, schedule management functions, and e-wallet functions, are integrated in a single electronic device, in addition to communication functions.

Such a portable electronic device (e.g., an electronic scheduler, a portable multimedia reproducer, a mobile communication terminal, or a tablet PC) is generally equipped with a display device and a battery, and has a bar-type, folder-type, or sliding-type appearance due to the inclusion of a display or battery. In recent years, as the performance of display devices and batteries have been improved, electronic devices, which are miniaturized to be capable of being worn on a part of a human body, such as the wrist or the head, have appeared.

In order to carry an electronic device or to make the electronic device wearable on a part of a human body, a display, processor, and/or battery having a shape designed to be suitable for miniaturization, weight reduction, and wearability of the electronic device, and having a sufficient capacity may be required. Further, such a device would require at least one adjustable feature to conform the electronic device to a respective human body.

The above information is presented as background information only, and to assist with an understanding of the disclosure. Publication <CIT> discloses prior art.

Typical wearable electronic devices are manufactured in a uniform appearance in which different head shapes or inter pupillary distances (IPDs) of respective users are not taken into consideration, and may thus provide images such as distorted or unclear photographs and/or pictures.

For example, when a user has a large head relative to the wearing structure of a wearable electronic device, the wearing structure of the wearable electronic device may be bent, and the output direction of light emitted from a light output device such as a projector built in a temple portion may be changed and a distorted image may be provided to the user. As another example, when a user has a large head relative to the wearing structure of a wearable electronic device, a connection portion disposed between two display devices of the wearable electronic device may be warped, which may result in variation in the angle between the eyes and the display devices, thereby making the user feel dizzy. As another example, when the positions of both eyes of a user and the positions to which an image such as a photograph and/or a picture are dislocated according to the user's IPD, a proper focus may not be located in the image.

In accordance with an aspect of the disclosure, a wearable electronic device is provided according to claims <NUM>-<NUM>.

According to an example, the wearable electronic devices includes a first housing including a first display device configured to provide visual information, and a first connection unit having a first protrusion formed thereon, a second housing including a second display device coupled to the first connection unit to be movable in a predetermined direction and configured to provide visual information, and a second connection unit having a second protrusion formed thereon, and a circular plate including a spiral recess, the circular plate being coupled to the first protrusion in a first region of the recess and being coupled to the second protrusion in a second region of the recess spaced apart from the first region by a first predetermined interval. The circular plate may be configured such that, by the rotation of the circular plate, the first protrusion and the second protrusion move in a predetermined direction along the recess such that the first predetermined interval may be changed to a second predetermined interval, and depending on the second predetermined interval, the distance between the first housing and the second housing may be adjustable.

According to an example, a wearable electronic device is provided that includes a first display device configured to provide visual information, a second display device disposed to be spaced apart from the first display device and configured to provide visual information, and a distance adjustment structure disposed between the first display device and the second display device, and configured to adjust the distance between the first display device and the second display device. The distance adjustment structure may include a first connection unit disposed to extend from the first display device toward the second display device and including a first protrusion disposed to protrude in a direction perpendicular to the extension direction, a second connection unit disposed to extend from the second display device toward the first display device and including a second protrusion disposed to protrude in a direction perpendicular to the extension direction, and a curved plate including a spiral recess such that the first protrusion and the second protrusion are seated in the recess in a state of being spaced apart from each other so as to provide a spiral movement. As the curved plate rotates, the distance between the first protrusion and the second protrusion disposed in the spiral recess may be varied.

In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, a wearable electronic device is provided that is able to include a distance adjustment structure that adjusts the distance between display devices that provide an image, such as a photo and/or picture, to correspond to both the user's eyes.

In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, a wearable electronic device is provided that is able to prevent warping of an optical path provided by an optical output device such as a projector or to prevent bending of a connection portion between the display devices by adjusting the distance between the display devices that provide an image to a user.

In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, a wearable electronic device is provided that is able to eliminate side effects such as phase distortion and dizziness by adjusting the wearable electronic device depending on a user's IPD.

It includes various specific details to assist in that understanding, but these are to be regarded as merely exemplary. Accordingly, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that various changes and modifications of the various embodiments described herein can be made without departing from the scope of the claims.

The terms and words used in the following description and claims are not limited to the bibliographical meanings, but are merely used to enable a clear and consistent understanding of the disclosure. Accordingly, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the following description of various embodiments of the disclosure is provided for illustration purpose only, and not for the purpose of limiting the disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

<FIG> is a block diagram illustrating a wearable electronic device in a network environment according to various embodiments of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, a wearable electronic device <NUM> in a network environment <NUM> may communicate with an electronic device <NUM> via a first network <NUM> (e.g., a short-range wireless communication network), or an electronic device <NUM> or a server <NUM> via a second network <NUM> (e.g., a long-range wireless communication network). According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may include a processor <NUM>, a memory <NUM>, an input device <NUM>, a sound output device <NUM>, a display device <NUM>, an audio module <NUM>, a sensor module <NUM>, an interface <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>, and/or an antenna module <NUM>.

According to one embodiment, as at least part of the data processing or computation, the processor <NUM> may load a command or data received from another component (e.g., the sensor module <NUM> or the communication module <NUM>) in a volatile memory <NUM>, process the command or the data stored in the volatile memory <NUM>, and store resulting data in a non-volatile memory <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the auxiliary processor <NUM> (e.g., an ISP or a (CP)) may be implemented as part of another component (e.g., the camera module <NUM> or the communication module <NUM>) functionally related to the auxiliary processor <NUM>.

The memory <NUM> may include the volatile memory <NUM> and/or the non-volatile memory <NUM>. The non-volatile memory may include an internal memory <NUM> and/or an external memory <NUM>.

The input device <NUM> may receive a command or data to be used by other components (e.g., the processor <NUM>) of the electronic device <NUM>, from outside (e.g., a user) of the electronic device <NUM>.

The speaker may be used for general purposes, such as playing multimedia or playing recordings, and the receiver may be used for incoming calls.

According to an embodiment, the display device <NUM> may also include touch circuitry adapted to detect a touch, or sensor circuitry (e.g., a pressure sensor) adapted to measure the intensity of force incurred by the touch.

The audio module <NUM> may convert sound into an electrical signal and convert an electrical signal into sound.

A connection terminal <NUM> may include a connector via which the electronic device <NUM> may be physically connected with the external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM>). According to an embodiment, the connection terminal <NUM> may include, for example, a HDMI connector, a USB connector, a SD card connector, or an audio connector (e.g., a headphone connector).

The haptic module <NUM> may convert an electrical signal into a mechanical stimulus (e.g., a vibration or a movement) or electrical stimulus which may be recognized by a user via tactile sensation or kinesthetic sensation.

The camera module <NUM> may capture still images or moving images.

The power management module <NUM> may manage power supplied to or used by the electronic device <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the battery <NUM> may include, for example, one or more of a primary cell which is not rechargeable, a secondary cell which is rechargeable, or a fuel cell.

The communication module <NUM> may include one or more communication processors that are operable independently from the processor <NUM> (e.g., the AP) and that support a direct (e.g., wired) communication or a wireless communication. These various types of communication modules may be implemented as a single component (e.g., a single chip), or may be implemented as multiple components (e.g., multi-chips) separate from each other. The wireless communication module <NUM> may identify and authenticate the electronic device <NUM> in a communication network, such as the first network <NUM> or the second network <NUM>, using subscriber information (e.g., international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI)) stored in the SIM <NUM>.

The antenna module <NUM> may transmit or receive a signal and/or power to or from the outside (e.g., the external electronic device) of the electronic device <NUM>.

For example, if the electronic device <NUM> is to perform a function or a service automatically, or in response to a request from a user or another device, the electronic device <NUM>, instead of, or in addition to, executing the function or the service, may request the one or more external electronic devices to perform at least part of the function or the service.

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

<FIG> is a perspective view illustrating a wearable electronic device according to various embodiments of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> may be implemented as a head-worn electronic device in which a pair of display devices <NUM> is respectively mounted on a pair of frame-shaped housings <NUM> and a pair of wearing members <NUM> respectively extends from the pair of housings <NUM> parallel or substantially parallel to each other. The electronic device <NUM> may include a distance adjustment structure <NUM> configured to adjust the length between the pair of housings, and circuit boards <NUM> and batteries <NUM>, which are disposed within the wearing member <NUM>. As another example, the electronic device <NUM> may include optical output devices <NUM> (e.g., projectors), light refraction modules <NUM> (e.g., prisms), or a display module (not illustrated) in the wearing members <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM>. The structure of the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG> may be partly or wholly the same as the structure of the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>.

According to various embodiments, each display device <NUM> may include a display module, a projector, or a sensor equipped with a touch circuit, or the like, and the display of the display module may be a transparent or translucent display. As another example, the display device <NUM> may include a window member, which may be a translucent glass or a member of which the light transmittance may be adjusted as the coloring density thereof is adjusted. As another example, the display device <NUM> may include a lens including a waveguide, a reflective lens, or the like, and each of the lenses may transmit the light output from the output device to the user's eyes.

According to various embodiments, the pair of housings <NUM> may be in the form of a frame that at least partially surrounds the edges of each of the display devices <NUM> and may serve as a rim of a glasses structure including general sunglasses.

According to various embodiments, the circuit boards <NUM> may be respectively disposed in the pair of wearing members <NUM>, and circuit wiring connecting the circuit boards may be disposed inside or outside the pair of housings <NUM>. The pair of wearing members <NUM> extends parallel or substantially parallel to each other from the opposite ends of the pair of housings <NUM>, thereby providing a means for allowing the user to wear the electronic device <NUM> on their body (e.g., their head). The pair of wearing members <NUM> may serve as temples of a general eyeglass structure. For example, the pair of housings <NUM> may be located on the user's face to position the display devices <NUM> to be aligned to the user's eyes, and the pair of wearing members <NUM> may be worn on the user's ears at opposite sides of the user's head.

According to various embodiments, the pair of wearing members <NUM> may be utilized in containing the circuit boards <NUM>, the batteries <NUM>, the optical output devices <NUM>, the light refraction modules <NUM>, and so on. For example, each of the pair of wearing members <NUM> may be provided with a housing structure capable of accommodating therein the circuit boards <NUM>, the batteries <NUM>, the optical output devices <NUM>, or the light refraction module <NUM>. As another example, the electronic device <NUM> may include the circuit boards <NUM>, the batteries <NUM>, the optical output devices <NUM>, and the light refraction module <NUM> in each of the pair of wearing members <NUM>. As another example, in disposing the circuit boards <NUM>, the batteries <NUM>, the optical output devices <NUM>, or the light refraction modules <NUM>, various modifications may be made in consideration of the weight distribution and wearing comfort of the electronic device <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, there may be provided a plurality of circuit boards <NUM>, one of which may be provided as a board that includes a driving circuit of the display devices <NUM>, a control circuit configured to adjust coloring density, and a processor configured to process image information or the like. Another one of the circuit boards <NUM> may be provided as a circuit board mounted with a communication circuit and various connectors, which provide an interface with a user and a connection to another electronic device or a commercial communication network, and a sensor module (e.g., the sensor module <NUM> in <FIG>). As another example, a microphone or speakerphone for inputting and outputting sound may also be disposed on one of the circuit boards <NUM> or adjacent to one of the circuit boards <NUM>. However, the circuit arrangement of the circuit boards <NUM> and the functions thereof are not limited thereto, and may be variously adjusted as needed. For example, the sensor module may be disposed on each of the circuit boards <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the circuit boards <NUM> may be respectively disposed in the wearing members <NUM>. In another example, the sensor module <NUM> may include a proximity sensor, an illuminance sensor, a gyro sensor, a camera module, a gaze tracker, a geomagnetic sensor, an accelerometer, or the like, and various sensors of the sensor module <NUM> do not necessarily have to be disposed on one of the circuit boards <NUM>. For example, a camera module may be disposed at an appropriate position on the pair of housings <NUM> so as to be close to the user's gaze. The sensor module <NUM> may detect information on the surrounding environment necessary for setting an optimal use environment while monitoring the use environment of the electronic device <NUM> and the like. For example, the illuminance sensor mounted on the sensor module <NUM> may detect ambient illuminance and may provide information necessary to adjust the color density, brightness, or resolution of the display device <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, a plurality of batteries <NUM> may be disposed so as to provide power to the circuit boards <NUM>, the display module, or the like, and may be disposed in at least one of the wearing members <NUM> or may be respectively disposed on the wearing members <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, a plurality of optical output devices <NUM> and a plurality of optical refraction modules <NUM> may be provided, and may be disposed in at least one of the pair of the wearing members <NUM> or may be respectively disposed on the wearing members <NUM>. The light emitted from the light output devices <NUM> may reach the display devices <NUM> via the light refraction modules <NUM>. The electronic device <NUM> using the optical output devices <NUM> may be of a waveguide type or of a reflective mirror type. For example, in the waveguide type, light emitted from a side light output device such as a projector is reflected by a grating area formed on the display devices using a waveguide such as a prism, and may be transmitted to the user's eyes. As another example, in the reflective mirror type, the light emitted from the optical output device may be directly reflected on the display devices in front of the user's eyes so as to provide visual information to the user's eyes.

According to an embodiment, the circuit boards <NUM>, which can be respectively disposed in the pair of housings <NUM>, may be connected to each other through circuit wiring (not illustrated). The circuit wiring may provide a transmission/reception path of various control signals and data between circuit boards. The circuit wiring may be formed using a coaxial cable, and may have other various types of transmission line structures such as a Flexible Printed Circuit Board (FPCB).

According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may also include an input device including a physical key or a touchpad. For example, input modules, such as a power key and a touchpad, may be exposed to the outside of the electronic device <NUM> as they are devices that require a user's direct contact.

According to various embodiments, the distance adjustment structure <NUM> may be disposed between the display devices <NUM>. The distance adjustment structure <NUM> may be disposed between the pair of housings <NUM>, and may adjust the separation distance of the display devices <NUM> in consideration of the user's head. Hereinafter, the distance adjustment structure will be described in detail.

<FIG> is an expanded perspective view illustrating a wearable electronic device according to various embodiments in a state in which a distance adjustment structure is disassembled. <FIG> is an expanded perspective view of a wearable electronic device of <FIG>, which is viewed in another direction.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the wearable electronic device <NUM> may include a first housing <NUM> including a first display device <NUM>, a second housing <NUM> including a second display device <NUM>, a curved plate (e.g., a circular plate <NUM>), a first cover <NUM>, and a second cover <NUM>. The first housing <NUM> may include a first connection unit <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> may include a second connection unit <NUM>. The structure of the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG> and <FIG> may be partly or wholly the same as the structure of the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG> or the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>.

According to various embodiments, the user may wear the electronic device <NUM>, and may adjust the distance between the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> through the distance adjustment structure depending on the size of the user's head. The distance adjustment structure of the electronic device <NUM> may include the first connection unit <NUM>, the second connection unit <NUM>, the circular plate <NUM>, the first cover <NUM>, and the second cover <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the first connection unit <NUM> and the second connection unit <NUM> may be disposed so as to face each other, and may be guided by the circular plate <NUM> and the first cover <NUM> to move horizontally. For example, the first connection unit <NUM> and the second connection unit <NUM> may move so as to be spaced apart from each other in the horizontal direction (or in different movement directions), and the adjustable separation distance therebetween may be approximately <NUM> to <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the first connection unit <NUM> may be disposed so as to extend from the end of the first housing <NUM> toward the second housing <NUM>, and may include at least one protrusion (e.g., a first protrusion <NUM> in <FIG>). The second connection unit <NUM> extends from the end of the second housing <NUM> toward the first housing <NUM>, and may include at least one protrusion (e.g., a second protrusion <NUM> in <FIG>). According to an embodiment, the front faces of the first connection unit <NUM> and the second connection unit <NUM> may include a seating face on which at least a portion of the first cover <NUM> is fixedly seated, and the rear faces of the first connection unit <NUM> and the second connection unit <NUM> may include a seating face on which at least a portion of the second cover <NUM> and/or the circular plate <NUM> may be fixedly seated.

According to various embodiments, when the first connection unit <NUM> and the second connection unit <NUM> are disposed to be in contact with each other, an opening <NUM> is formed in the central region thereof, and a boss <NUM> of the second cover <NUM> may pass through the opening <NUM> so as to support the first cover <NUM> and the circular plate <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the circular plate <NUM> may include a first face <NUM> disposed to face the first connection unit <NUM> and the second connection unit <NUM>, and a second face <NUM> disposed to face the second cover <NUM>. For example, the first face <NUM> may include a spiral recess (e.g., a recess <NUM> in <FIG>), and may include a region capable of engaging with the first protrusion <NUM> of the first connection unit <NUM> and the second protrusion <NUM> of the second connection unit <NUM>. As another example, the circular plate <NUM> may include a through hole <NUM> in the center thereof, and may be coupled with the second cover <NUM>. The boss <NUM> of the second cover <NUM> may be connected to the first cover <NUM> through the through hole <NUM>.

In accordance with the claimed invention, the first cover <NUM> is formed to cover at least a portion of the front face of each of the first connection unit <NUM> and the second connection unit <NUM>, and may protect the first connection unit <NUM> and the second connection unit <NUM> from being exposed to the outside. As another example, the first cover <NUM> may be formed to enclose at least a portion of the side face of the first connection unit <NUM> and/or the side face of the second connection unit <NUM>. For example, the first cover <NUM> may be formed to enclose at least a portion of the upper face and/or the lower face of the first connection unit <NUM> and/or the second connection unit <NUM> so as to hinder the first connection unit <NUM> and/or the second connection unit <NUM> from playing in a direction other than the horizontal direction when moving in the horizontal direction.

The first cover <NUM> includes one or more guide grooves and stoppers (e.g., guide groove 421a, and 421b, and stoppers 422a, and 422b in <FIG>) configured to guide the first and second connectors <NUM> and <NUM> to move in the horizontal direction when the separation distance between the first and second connectors <NUM> and <NUM> is varied. The guide lines <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> of the first connection unit <NUM> and the second connection unit <NUM> (e.g., the guide lines <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> in <FIG>) may be moved in the horizontal direction along the guide grooves of the first cover <NUM>, and may be suppressed from playing in a direction other than the horizontal direction. The guide lines may restrict the vertical movement of the first connection unit <NUM> and the second connection unit <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the second cover <NUM> may be formed to cover at least a portion of the rear face of each of the first connection unit <NUM> and the second connection unit <NUM>, and may protect the first connection unit <NUM> and the second connection unit <NUM> from being exposed to the outside. As another example, the second cover <NUM> may be formed to enclose at least a portion of the side face of the first connection unit <NUM> and/or the side face of the second connection unit <NUM>. For example, the second cover <NUM> may be formed to enclose at least a portion of the upper face and/or the lower face of the first connection unit <NUM> and/or the second connection unit <NUM> so as to hinder the second connection unit <NUM> and/or the second connection unit <NUM> from playing in a direction other than the horizontal direction when moving in the horizontal direction.

The second cover <NUM> may include at least one boss <NUM>, which may pass through the through hole <NUM> in the circular plate <NUM> and the opening <NUM> so as to be connected to the first cover <NUM>. The second cover <NUM> may also include at least one hook <NUM>, and may be coupled to the first cover <NUM> so as to support the circular plate <NUM> disposed therein.

Hereinafter, each component of the distance adjustment structure will be described in detail.

<FIG> is an enlarged perspective view illustrating a front side of a first connection unit and a second connection unit of a distance adjustment structure in a wearable electronic device according to various embodiments of the disclosure. <FIG> is an enlarged perspective view illustrating a rear side of a first connection unit and a second connection unit of a distance adjustment structure in a wearable electronic device according to various embodiments of the disclosure. <FIG> is a perspective view illustrating a first cover coupled to a first connection unit of a wearable electronic device according to various embodiments of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> may include the first housing <NUM> including the first connection unit <NUM>, the second housing <NUM> including the second connection unit <NUM>, and the first cover <NUM>. The structure of the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG> may be partly or wholly the same as the structure of the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>.

According to various embodiments, the first connection unit <NUM> and the second connection unit <NUM> may be disposed so as to face each other, and may be guided by the circular plate <NUM> and the first cover <NUM> to move in the horizontal direction. For example, the first connection unit <NUM> and the second connection unit <NUM> may move so as to be spaced apart from each other in the horizontal direction (or in different movement directions), and the separation distance therebetween may be <NUM> to <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the first connection unit <NUM> may be disposed so as to extend from the end of the first housing <NUM> toward the second housing <NUM>, and may be provided in a plate shape. The first connection unit <NUM> may include a first front portion <NUM> facing the front side and a first rear portion <NUM> facing the rear side. As another example, the first connection unit <NUM> may include a first side portion <NUM> enclosing at least a portion of a gap between the first front portion <NUM> and the first rear portion <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the first front portion <NUM> may include at least one first guide line <NUM>, <NUM>, or <NUM> protruding to the front side. The first guide line <NUM>, <NUM>, or <NUM> may extend in the horizontal direction from the end of the first connection unit <NUM>, and may be coupled with the first cover <NUM> so as to guide the movement of the first connection unit <NUM> in the horizontal direction (+ P or -P). For example, there may be provided a plurality of first guide lines <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>, which may include the (<NUM>-<NUM>)th guide line <NUM> disposed in the upper end region, the (<NUM>-<NUM>)th guide line <NUM> disposed in the lower end region, and the (<NUM>-<NUM>)th guide line <NUM> disposed between the (<NUM>-<NUM>)th guide line <NUM> and the (<NUM>-<NUM>)th guide line <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the (<NUM>-<NUM>)th guide line <NUM> and the (<NUM>-<NUM>)th guide line <NUM> may be in contact with the guide groove 421a or 421b formed in the first cover <NUM> so as to help the first connection unit <NUM> to reciprocally slide without shaking when the first connection unit <NUM> is horizontally moved. As another example, the (<NUM>-<NUM>)th guide line <NUM> may be in contact with a guide groove (e.g., the stopper 422a) formed in the first cover <NUM> so as to provide a non-shaking horizontal movement while moving within a predetermined separation distance.

According to an embodiment, the (<NUM>-<NUM>)th guide line <NUM>, the (<NUM>-<NUM>)th guide line <NUM>, and the (<NUM>-<NUM>)th guide line <NUM> may have different widths and different lengths, and may be arranged to respectively correspond to second guide lines <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> formed in the second connection unit <NUM>. However, the number of the first guide lines <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> is not limited to three. Through a design change, one first guide line or two or more first guide lines may be provided by adjusting the width and length thereof.

According to an embodiment, the first rear portion <NUM> may include at least one first protrusion <NUM> protruding to the rear side. The first protrusion <NUM> may be coupled to the circular plate (e.g., the circular plate <NUM> in <FIG>) so as to provide stable movement for the first connection unit <NUM>. For example, the first protrusion <NUM> may move in the state of being inserted into and seated in a region of the spiral recess <NUM> formed in the circular plate <NUM>. The first protrusion <NUM> may move in the horizontal direction (+ P or -P) with respect to the second protrusion <NUM>. For example, the first protrusion <NUM> may move in response to the rotation of the circular plate <NUM>. The seated position of the first protrusion <NUM> in the spiral recess <NUM> may be variable.

According to an embodiment, the circular plate <NUM> may rotate clockwise or counterclockwise, and the first protrusion <NUM> seated in the spiral recess <NUM> may move in the circular plate <NUM> along the spiral recess <NUM>. For example, when the circular plate <NUM> is rotated in the first direction (e.g., clockwise), the position of the first protrusion <NUM>, which is seated in the spiral recess <NUM>, is varied to the edge region from the center region of the circular plate <NUM> along the spiral recess <NUM>, so that the separation distance of the first connection unit <NUM> with respect to the second connection unit <NUM> can be increased. As another example, when the circular plate <NUM> is rotated in the second direction (e.g., counterclockwise), the position of the first protrusion <NUM>, which is seated in the spiral recess <NUM>, is varied to the center region from the edge region of the circular plate <NUM> along the spiral recess <NUM>, so that the separation distance of the first connection unit <NUM> with respect to the second connection unit <NUM> can be reduced.

According to an embodiment, the first protrusion <NUM> may be disposed on the first rear portion <NUM>. For example, the first protrusion <NUM> may be disposed opposite the (<NUM>-<NUM>)th guide line <NUM> of the first front portion <NUM>, and may be formed to have a thickness corresponding to the spiral recess <NUM> in the circular plate <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the first protrusion <NUM> may be spaced apart from the side end of the first rear portion <NUM> by a first distance (e.g., a first distance L1 in <FIG>). The first distance L1 may be the distance for the first protrusion <NUM> to be seated in the spiral recess <NUM> in the circular plate <NUM>, and may be different from a second distance (e.g., a second distance L2 in <FIG>) by which the second protrusion <NUM> formed on the second connection unit <NUM> is spaced apart from the side end of a second rear portion <NUM>. For example, the spiral recess <NUM> in the circular plate <NUM> may have a spiral shape, and the first protrusion <NUM> and the second protrusion <NUM> may be provided at positions that do not correspond to each other, so as to be seated in the recess shape. According to an embodiment, it is exemplified that one first protrusion <NUM> is provided on the first rear portion <NUM>, but is not limited thereto. Through a design change, two or more first protrusions <NUM> may be provided in various shapes to be seated and supported in the spiral recess <NUM> in the circular plate <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the first connection unit <NUM> may also include the first side portion <NUM> that is capable of being exposed toward the second housing <NUM>, and the first side portion <NUM> may include at least one first recess <NUM>. The first side portion <NUM> may be in contact with a second side portion <NUM> of the second connection unit <NUM> or may be spaced apart from the second side portion <NUM> of the second connection unit <NUM> depending on the distance adjustment between the first connection unit <NUM> and the second connection unit <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the first recess <NUM> formed in the first side portion <NUM> may be coupled to a second recess <NUM> in the second side portion <NUM> of the second connection unit <NUM> so as to form a single closed opening <NUM>. The opening <NUM> may be disposed so as to penetrate through the first connection unit <NUM> and the second connection unit <NUM>, and may provide a space into which the boss (e.g., the boss <NUM> in <FIG>) formed in the second cover (e.g., the second cover <NUM> in <FIG>) is inserted. For example, the boss <NUM> of the second cover <NUM> may be coupled to the first cover <NUM> by passing through the through hole <NUM> in the center of the circular plate <NUM> and through the opening <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the second connection unit <NUM> may be disposed so as to extend from the end of the second housing <NUM> toward the first housing <NUM>, and may be provided in a plate shape. The second connection unit <NUM> may include a second front portion <NUM> facing the front side and the second rear portion <NUM> facing the rear side. As another example, the second connection unit <NUM> may include the second side portion <NUM> enclosing at least a portion of a gap between the second front portion <NUM> and the second rear portion <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the second front portion <NUM> may include at least one second guide line <NUM>, <NUM>, or <NUM> protruding to the front side. The second guide line <NUM>, <NUM>, or <NUM> may extend in the horizontal direction from the end of the second connection unit <NUM>, and may be coupled with the first cover <NUM> so as to guide the movement of the second connection unit <NUM> in the horizontal direction (+ P or -P). For example, there may be provided a plurality of second guide lines <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>, which may include the (<NUM>-<NUM>)th guide line <NUM> disposed in the upper end region, the (<NUM>-<NUM>)th guide line <NUM> disposed in the lower end region, and the (<NUM>-<NUM>)th guide line <NUM> disposed between the (<NUM>-<NUM>)th guide line <NUM> and the (<NUM>-<NUM>)th guide line <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the (<NUM>-<NUM>)th guide line <NUM> and the (<NUM>-<NUM>)th guide line <NUM> may be in contact with the guide groove 421a or 421b formed in the first cover <NUM> so as to help the second connection unit <NUM> to reciprocally slide without shaking when the second connection unit <NUM> is horizontally moved. As another example, the (<NUM>-<NUM>)th guide line <NUM> may be in contact with a guide groove or stopper (e.g., the stopper 422b) formed in the first cover <NUM> so as to provide a non-shaking horizontal movement while moving within a predetermined separation distance.

According to an embodiment, the (<NUM>-<NUM>)th guide line <NUM>, the (<NUM>-<NUM>)th guide line <NUM>, and the (<NUM>-<NUM>)th guide line <NUM> may have different widths and different lengths, and may be arranged to correspond to the first guide lines <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>, respectively. For example, the (<NUM>-<NUM>)th guide line <NUM> may be disposed so as to be in contact with or so as to be spaced apart from the (<NUM>-<NUM>)th guide line <NUM> in response to the horizontal movement of the distance adjustment structure. As another example, the (<NUM>-<NUM>)th guide line <NUM> may be disposed so as to be in contact with or so as to be spaced apart from the (<NUM>-<NUM>)th guide line <NUM> in response to the horizontal movement of the distance adjustment structure. As another example, the (<NUM>-<NUM>)th guide line <NUM> and the (<NUM>-<NUM>)th guide line <NUM> may be disposed such that the separation distance between the (<NUM>-<NUM>)th guide line <NUM> and the (<NUM>-<NUM>)th guide line <NUM> is variable, but the (<NUM>-<NUM>)th guide line <NUM> and the (<NUM>-<NUM>)th guide line <NUM> are not brought into contact with each other in response to the horizontal movement of the distance adjustment structure. However, the number of the second guide lines <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> is not limited to three. Through a design change, one first guide line or two or more first guide lines may be provided by adjusting the width and length thereof.

According to an embodiment, the second rear portion <NUM> may include at least one second protrusion <NUM> protruding rearwards. The second protrusion <NUM> may be coupled to the circular plate <NUM> so as to provide stable movement for the second connection unit <NUM>. For example, the second protrusion <NUM> may move in the state of being inserted into and seated in a region of the spiral recess <NUM> formed in the circular plate <NUM>. The second protrusion <NUM> may move in the horizontal direction (+ P or -P) with respect to the first protrusion <NUM>, and the second protrusion <NUM> may move in response to the rotation of the circular plate <NUM>. The seated position of the second protrusion <NUM> in the spiral recess <NUM> may be variable.

According to an embodiment, the circular plate <NUM> may rotate clockwise or counterclockwise, and the second protrusion <NUM> seated in the spiral recess <NUM> may move in the circular plate <NUM> along the spiral recess <NUM>. For example, when the circular plate <NUM> is rotated in the first direction (e.g., clockwise), the position of the second protrusion <NUM>, which is seated in the spiral recess <NUM>, is varied to the edge region from the center region of the circular plate <NUM> along the spiral recess <NUM>, so that the separation distance of the second connection unit <NUM> with respect to the first connection unit <NUM> can be increased. As another example, when the circular plate <NUM> is rotated in the second direction (e.g., counterclockwise), the position of the second protrusion <NUM>, which is seated in the spiral recess <NUM>, is varied to the center region from the edge region of the circular plate <NUM> along the spiral recess <NUM>, so that the separation distance of the second connection unit <NUM> with respect to the first connection unit <NUM> can be reduced.

According to an embodiment, the second protrusion <NUM> may be disposed on the second rear portion <NUM>. For example, the second protrusion <NUM> may be disposed opposite the (<NUM>-<NUM>)th guide line <NUM> of the second front portion <NUM>, and may be formed to have a thickness corresponding to the spiral recess <NUM> in the circular plate <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the second protrusion <NUM> may be spaced apart from the side end of the second rear portion <NUM> by the second distance L2. The second distance L2 may be the distance for the second protrusion <NUM> to be seated in the spiral recess <NUM> in the circular plate <NUM>, and may be different from the first distance L1 by which the first protrusion <NUM> formed on the first connection unit <NUM> is spaced apart from the side end of the first rear portion <NUM>. For example, the spiral recess <NUM> in the circular plate <NUM> may have a spiral shape, and the second protrusion <NUM> and the first protrusion <NUM> may be provided at positions that do not correspond to each other, so as to be seated in the recess shape. According to an embodiment, it is exemplified that one second protrusion <NUM> is provided on the second rear portion <NUM>, but is not limited thereto. Through a design change, two or more second protrusions <NUM> may be provided in various shapes to be seated and supported in the spiral recess <NUM> in the circular plate <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the second connection unit <NUM> may include the second side portion <NUM> that is capable of being exposed toward the first housing <NUM>, and the second side portion <NUM> may include at least one second recess <NUM>. The second side portion <NUM> may be in contact with the first side portion <NUM> of the first connection unit <NUM> or may be spaced apart from the first side portion <NUM> of the first connection unit <NUM> depending on the distance adjustment between the second connection unit <NUM> and the first connection unit <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the opened second recess <NUM> formed in the second side portion <NUM> may be coupled to the first recess <NUM> in the first side portion <NUM> of the first connection unit <NUM> so as to form the single closed opening <NUM>. The opening <NUM> may be disposed so as to penetrate through the first connection unit <NUM> and the second connection unit <NUM>, and may provide a space into which the boss <NUM> formed in the second cover <NUM> is inserted. For example, the boss <NUM> of the second cover <NUM> may be coupled to the first cover <NUM> by passing through the through hole <NUM> in the center of the circular plate <NUM> and through the opening <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the first cover <NUM> may cover at least a portion of each of the first connection unit <NUM> and the second connection unit <NUM>, and may guide the movements of the first connection unit <NUM> and the second connection unit <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the first cover <NUM> may be manufactured to have an area capable of covering the front faces of the first connection unit <NUM> and the second connection unit <NUM> at the same time. As another example, the first cover <NUM> may be manufactured to have an area capable of covering at least portions of the upper end regions and/or at least portions of the lower end regions of the first connection unit <NUM> and the second connection unit <NUM> at the same time.

According to an embodiment, the first cover <NUM> may include a first face <NUM> exposed to the outside of the electronic device <NUM>, a second face <NUM> facing the first connection unit <NUM> and the second connection unit <NUM>, and a side face <NUM> protruding rearwards from the first face <NUM>. The first face <NUM> may cover the first connection unit <NUM> and the second connection unit <NUM> such that at least a portion of the first connection unit <NUM> and at least a portion of the second connection unit <NUM> are not exposed to the outside. The second face <NUM> may include at least one guide groove 421a, and 421b, and stopper 422a, or 422b recessed toward the first face <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, a plurality of guide grooves 421a and 421b may be formed in the second face <NUM>. For example, the first guide groove 421a may be formed in an upper end region of the second face <NUM>, and the second guide groove 421b may be formed in a lower end region of the second face <NUM>. As another example, a third guide groove or stopper 422a or 422b may be disposed between the first guide groove 421a and the second guide groove 421b.

According to an embodiment, the first guide groove 421a is formed in a size capable of covering the (<NUM>-<NUM>)th guide line <NUM> of the first connection unit <NUM> and the (<NUM>-<NUM>)th guide line <NUM> of the second connection unit <NUM> in unison. For example, a portion of the first guide groove 421a is in contact with the (<NUM>-<NUM>)th guide line <NUM> to help the first connection unit <NUM> to reciprocally slide without shaking when the first connection unit <NUM> is horizontally moved. As another example, another portion of the first guide groove 421a is in contact with the (<NUM>-<NUM>)th guide line <NUM> to help the second connection unit <NUM> to reciprocally slide without shaking when the second connection unit <NUM> is horizontally moved.

According to an embodiment, the second guide groove 421b is formed in a size capable of covering the (<NUM>-<NUM>)th guide line <NUM> of the first connection unit <NUM> and the (<NUM>-<NUM>)th guide line <NUM> of the second connection unit <NUM> in unison. For example, a portion of the second guide groove 421b is in contact with the (<NUM>-<NUM>)th guide line <NUM> to help the first connection unit <NUM> to reciprocally slide without shaking when the first connection unit <NUM> is horizontally moved. For example, a portion of the second guide groove 421b is in contact with the (<NUM>-<NUM>)th guide line <NUM> to help the second connection unit <NUM> to reciprocally slide without shaking when the second connection unit <NUM> is horizontally moved.

According to an embodiment, a plurality of third guide grooves (e.g., the stoppers 422a and 422b) may be provided in the second face <NUM> and may be arranged on the same line. The third guide grooves (e.g., the stoppers 422a and 422b) may help the (<NUM>-<NUM>)th guide line <NUM> and/or the (<NUM>-<NUM>)th guide line <NUM> to reciprocally slide without shaking when the (<NUM>-<NUM>)th guide line <NUM> and/or the (<NUM>-<NUM>)th guide line <NUM> are horizontally moved. As another example, the third guide grooves (e.g., the stoppers 422a and 422b) may serve as stoppers. For example, the stoppers 422a and 422b may include the first stopper 422a and the second stopper 422b, which are spaced apart from each other in the center region of the second face <NUM>. The first stopper 422a and the second stopper 422b may have a smaller length than the first guide groove 421a or the second guide groove 421b.

According to an embodiment, the first stopper 422a may be formed at a position corresponding to the (<NUM>-<NUM>)th guide line <NUM> of the first connection unit <NUM> and may be fabricated in a closed groove shape so as to limit the horizontal movement of the (<NUM>-<NUM>)th guideline <NUM>. As another example, the second stopper 422b may be formed at a position corresponding to the (<NUM>-<NUM>)th guide line <NUM> of the second connection unit <NUM> and may be fabricated in a closed groove shape so as to limit the horizontal movement of the (<NUM>-<NUM>)th guideline <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the side face <NUM> of the first cover <NUM> covers at least a portion of the upper or lower end region of the first connection unit <NUM> and the second connection unit <NUM> together with the second cover <NUM>. The side surface <NUM> at the upper end of the first cover <NUM> may include a curved recess <NUM> for allowing the user to easily touch a portion of the circular plate <NUM> exposed to the upper end.

<FIG> is a perspective view illustrating a rear side of first and second connection units and a circular plate of a wearable electronic device according to various embodiments of the disclosure. <FIG> is a projection view illustrating a circular plate coupled to first and second connection units of a wearable electronic device according to various embodiments of the disclosure. <FIG> is a perspective view illustrating one side of a circular plate according to various embodiments of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> may include the first housing <NUM> including the first connection unit <NUM>, the second housing <NUM> including the second connection unit <NUM>, the first cover <NUM>, and the circular plate <NUM>. The structure of the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG> may be partly or wholly the same as the structure of the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>.

According to various embodiments, the first connection unit <NUM> and the second connection unit <NUM> may be disposed so as to face each other, and may be guided by the circular plate <NUM> to move in the horizontal direction (+P or -P). For example, the first connection unit <NUM> and the second connection unit <NUM> may move so as to be spaced apart from each other in the horizontal direction (or in different movement directions), and the separation distance therebetween may be <NUM> to <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the circular plate <NUM> includes the first face <NUM> disposed so as to face the front side, the second face <NUM> disposed so as to face the rear side and so as to have the same area as the first face <NUM>, and the through hole <NUM> passing through the center of the circular plate <NUM>. The first face <NUM> of the circular plate <NUM> may face the first cover (e.g., the first cover <NUM> in <FIG>) across the first connection unit <NUM> and the second connection unit <NUM> therebetween and the second face <NUM> may face the second cover (e.g., the second cover <NUM> in <FIG>).

According to an embodiment, the first face <NUM> of the circular plate <NUM> may include the spiral recess <NUM>. The spiral recess <NUM> may be made to have a depth and a width corresponding to the first protrusion <NUM> and second protrusion <NUM>, and may allow the first protrusion <NUM> and the second protrusion <NUM> to stably move when the first protrusion <NUM> and the second protrusion <NUM> rotate along the recess.

According to an embodiment, a first region S1 of the spiral recess <NUM> may be engaged with the first protrusion <NUM>, and a second region S2 of the spiral recess <NUM>, which is spaced apart from the first region S1 by a predetermined interval, may be engaged with the second protrusion <NUM>. For example, the circular plate <NUM> may be configured such that, by the rotation of the circular plate <NUM>, the first protrusion <NUM> and the second protrusion <NUM> may move in the predetermined direction along the spiral recess <NUM> such that the first predetermined interval may be changed to the second predetermined interval. Depending on the second predetermined interval, the distance between the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> may be adjusted.

According to various embodiments, the first region S1 and the second region S2 of the spiral recess <NUM> may vary in response to the rotation of the circular plate <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the circular plate <NUM> may rotate clockwise or counterclockwise, and the first region S1 corresponding to the first protrusion <NUM> may move in the circular plate <NUM> along the spiral recess <NUM>. For example, when the circular plate <NUM> is rotated in the first direction (e.g., clockwise), the position of the first region S1 corresponding to the first protrusion <NUM> is varied to the edge region from the center region of the circular plate <NUM> along the spiral recess <NUM>, so that the separation distance of the first connection unit <NUM> with respect to the second connection unit <NUM> can be increased. As another example, when the circular plate <NUM> is rotated in the second direction (e.g., counterclockwise), the position of the first region S1 corresponding to the first protrusion <NUM> is varied to the center region from the edge region of the circular plate <NUM> along the spiral recess <NUM>, so that the separation distance of the first connection unit <NUM> with respect to the second connection unit <NUM> can be reduced. According to an embodiment, the circular plate <NUM> may rotate clockwise or counterclockwise, and the second region S2 corresponding to the second protrusion <NUM> may move in the circular plate <NUM> along the spiral recess <NUM>. For example, when the circular plate <NUM> is rotated in the first direction (e.g., clockwise), the position of the second region S2 corresponding to the second protrusion <NUM> is varied to the edge region from the center region of the circular plate <NUM> along the spiral recess <NUM>, so that the separation distance of the second connection unit <NUM> with respect to the first connection unit <NUM> can be increased. As another example, when the circular plate <NUM> is rotated in the second direction (e.g., counterclockwise), the position of the second region S2 corresponding to the second protrusion <NUM> is varied to the center region from the edge region of the circular plate <NUM> along the spiral recess <NUM>, so that the separation distance of the second connection unit <NUM> with respect to the first connection unit <NUM> can be reduced.

According to an embodiment, the first region S1 and the second region S2 of the circular plate <NUM> may be disposed at different distances from the through hole <NUM> of the circular plate <NUM>. For example, since the spiral recess <NUM> does not have regions disposed at the same distance from the through hole <NUM>, the first region S1 and the second region S2, which are varied by rotation, are always disposed at different positions, thereby forming different separation distances from the through hole <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the second face <NUM> of the circular plate <NUM> may be flat, and may be seated on the seating face of the second cover <NUM>. As another example, a portion of the circular plate <NUM> may be exposed through an opening disposed in the upper direction of the second cover <NUM>, and the user may touch the circular plate <NUM> with a finger so as to rotate the circular plate <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the spiral recess <NUM> or circular plate <NUM> may further include detents or other friction features (not shown) such that a position of the first protrusion <NUM> and the second protrusion <NUM> is firmly maintained after user release of the circular plate <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the through hole <NUM> in the circular plate <NUM> may disposed on the same line as the center of the boss <NUM> of the second cover, and may be prevented from breaking away therefrom upon rotation.

<FIG> is a top view illustrating a second cover capable of being coupled to a first cover of a wearable electronic device according to various embodiments of the disclosure. <FIG> is an expanded perspective view illustrating a circular plate capable of being coupled to a second cover of a wearable electronic device according to various embodiments of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> may include the first housing <NUM> including a first connection unit (e.g., the first connection unit <NUM> in <FIG>), the second housing <NUM> including a second connection unit (e.g., the second connection unit <NUM> in <FIG>), the first cover <NUM>, the circular plate <NUM>, and the second cover <NUM>. The structure of the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG> may be partly or wholly the same as the structure of the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>.

According to various embodiments, the second cover <NUM> may cover the first connection unit <NUM>, at least a portion of the second connection portion <NUM>, and the circular plate <NUM> and may support the rotational movement of the circular plate <NUM>. The second cover <NUM> may be formed to have an area corresponding to that of the first cover <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the second cover <NUM> may include a first face <NUM> facing the circular plate <NUM>, a second face <NUM> exposed to the outside of the electronic device <NUM>, and a side face <NUM> protruding forwards from the second face <NUM>. The first face <NUM> may cover the circular plate <NUM> such that at least a portion of the circular plate <NUM> is not exposed to the outside. The second face <NUM> may include the boss <NUM> protruding toward the first face <NUM>, and the side surface <NUM> may include the hook or hooks <NUM> capable of engaging with the first cover <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the first face <NUM> may include a seating face <NUM> on which the circular plate <NUM> is capable of being seated, and the boss <NUM> may be fitted to the through hole <NUM> in the circular plate <NUM>. The circular plate <NUM> coupled to the boss <NUM> may rotate clockwise or counterclockwise about the boss <NUM> as a rotation axis. According to an embodiment, the boss <NUM> may pass through the through hole <NUM> in the circular plate <NUM> to be connected to the opened or closed opening formed by the first connection unit <NUM> and the second connection part <NUM>. For example, the center of the boss <NUM> of the second cover <NUM> may be located on the same line as the center of the through hole <NUM> in the circular plate <NUM> and the centers of the openings of the first connection unit <NUM> and the second connection unit <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the side face <NUM> may protrude from the first face <NUM> to the front side, and at least one hook <NUM> may be disposed at the end thereof. The hook <NUM> may face the side face of the first cover <NUM> to be fitted thereto. As another example, the center region of the side face <NUM> may be provided with an opening <NUM>, and the circular plate <NUM> may be exposed to the outside through the opening <NUM>. At least a portion of the exposed circular plate <NUM> may be rotated by a user using a finger or the like.

<FIG> is an enlarged view illustrating a first state prior to operation of a distance adjustment structure of a wearable electronic device according to various embodiments and distance adjustment structure. <FIG> is an enlarged view illustrating a second state in which a length is varied through a distance adjustment structure of a wearable electronic device according to various embodiments and distance adjustment structure. <FIG> is an enlarged view illustrating a third state in which a length is varied through a distance adjustment structure of a wearable electronic device according to various embodiments and distance adjustment structure.

Referring to <FIG>, the wearable electronic device <NUM> may include the distance adjustment structure <NUM>, which may include the first housing <NUM> including the first connection unit <NUM>, the second housing <NUM> including the second connection unit <NUM>, the first cover <NUM>, and the circular plate <NUM>. <FIG> show projection views in order to clearly illustrate the operation state, in which the structure from which the second cover <NUM> is excluded and the spiral recess <NUM> in the circular plate <NUM> are shown. The structure of the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG> may be partly or wholly the same as the structure of the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>.

According to various embodiments, in the electronic device <NUM>, the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> may be spaced apart from each other as the circular plate <NUM> rotates. For example, the first connection unit <NUM> and the second connection unit <NUM> may move so as to be spaced apart from each other in the horizontal direction (+P or -P) (or in different movement directions), and the separation distance therebetween may be <NUM> to <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the first housing <NUM> may include the first connection unit <NUM> extending toward the second housing <NUM>, and the second housing <NUM> may include the second connection unit <NUM> extending toward the first housing <NUM>. The circular plate <NUM> may include the spiral recess <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the end of the first connection unit <NUM> and the end of the second connection unit <NUM> may be in contact with each other or may be spaced apart from each other. The first protrusion <NUM> formed on the first connection unit <NUM> may be disposed in the first region S1 of the spiral recess <NUM>, and the second protrusion <NUM> may be disposed in the second region S2 of the spiral recess <NUM>, which is spaced apart from the first region S1 by a first predetermined interval T1. The first region S1 and the second region S2 of the spiral recess <NUM> may be varied by rotation. For example, the first region S1 is a region where the first protrusion <NUM> is disposed, and may be varied to a (<NUM>-<NUM>)th region S11, a (<NUM>-<NUM>)th region S12, and a (<NUM>-<NUM>)th region S13 depending on the rotation of the circular plate <NUM>. As another example, the second region S2 is a region where the second protrusion <NUM> is disposed, and may be varied to a (<NUM>-<NUM>)th region S21, a (<NUM>-<NUM>)th region S22, and a (<NUM>-<NUM>)th region S23 depending on the rotation of the circular plate <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> are in the state in which they are not spaced apart from each other. The first protrusion <NUM> formed on the first connection unit <NUM> may be disposed in the (<NUM>-<NUM>)th region S11 of the spiral recess <NUM>, and the second protrusion <NUM> may be disposed in the (<NUM>-<NUM>)th region S21 of the spiral recess <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> may be spaced apart from each other by the rotation of the circular plate <NUM>. For example, the distance between the first protrusion <NUM> of the first connection unit <NUM> and the second protrusion <NUM> of the second connection unit <NUM> may be varied from the first predetermined interval T1 of <FIG> to a second predetermined interval T2. The second predetermined interval T2 may be larger than the first predetermined interval T1.

According to an embodiment, the circular plate <NUM> is rotatable, and in response to the rotation of the circular plate <NUM>, the regions in the spiral recess <NUM> in which the first protrusions <NUM> and the second protrusions <NUM> are seated is variable. For example, the circular plate <NUM> may be rotated clockwise by a first angle θ1 about a reference axis O, compared with <FIG>. In response to this, the first protrusion <NUM> formed on the first connection unit <NUM> may be disposed in the (<NUM>-<NUM>)th region S12 of the spiral recess <NUM>, and the second protrusion <NUM> may be disposed in the (<NUM>-<NUM>)th region S22 of the spiral recess <NUM>. As another example, the first protrusion <NUM> and the second protrusion <NUM> may move in the horizontal direction (+ P or -P).

Referring to <FIG>, the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> may be somewhat more spaced apart from each other by the rotation of the circular plate <NUM>, compared with <FIG>. For example, the distance between the first protrusion <NUM> of the first connection unit <NUM> and the second protrusion <NUM> of the second connection unit <NUM> may be varied from the second predetermined interval T2 of <FIG> to a third predetermined interval T3. The third predetermined interval T3 may be larger than the second predetermined interval T2.

According to an embodiment, the circular plate <NUM> is rotatable, and in response to the rotation of the circular plate <NUM>, the regions in the spiral recess <NUM> in which the first protrusions <NUM> and the second protrusions <NUM> are seated is variable. For example, the circular plate <NUM> may be rotated clockwise by a second angle θ2 about the reference axis O, compared with <FIG>. In response to this, the first protrusion <NUM> formed on the first connection unit <NUM> may be disposed in the (<NUM>-<NUM>)th region S13 of the spiral recess <NUM>, and the second protrusion <NUM> may be disposed in the (<NUM>-<NUM>)th region S23 of the spiral recess <NUM>. As another example, the first protrusion <NUM> and the second protrusion <NUM> may move in the horizontal direction (+ P or -P).

The length of each of the first connection unit <NUM> and the second connection unit <NUM> connected to the display devices can be adjusted through the interval adjustment structure, and can be corrected depending on the size of the user's head. Thus, it is possible to prevent warping of an optical path provided in an optical output device such as a projector, to prevent warping of a connection portion between display devices, and to eliminate side effects such as phase distortion and dizziness.

<FIG> is a perspective view illustrating a wearable electronic device according to another embodiment of the disclosure, which is equipped with a distance adjustment structure. <FIG> is an enlarged view in which a part of a rear side of a distance adjustment structure according to an embodiment of the disclosure is enlarged. <FIG> is an enlarged view in which a part of a front side of a distance adjustment structure, according to an embodiment of the disclosure, is enlarged.

Referring to <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM>, according to various embodiments of the disclosure, may be a virtual-reality-related device, and may include a face mount unit <NUM> configured to be worn on the user's face. The face mount unit <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM> may include a display panel (not illustrated) disposed in a cover unit <NUM>, a display panel (not shown) disposed in the cover unit <NUM>, lens barrels <NUM> and <NUM>, and a distance adjustment structure <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, or <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, in the worn state, the electronic device <NUM> may be positioned to correspond to the user's face (e.g., both eyes). According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may output an image to both eyes of the user. For example, the electronic device <NUM> may include a display panel or an optical device, in which the optical device may include lens barrels <NUM> corresponding to the user's eyes, so that the user's left and right eyes can recognize images which are output from the display panel through respective independent paths (e.g., respective lens barrels).

According to various embodiments, a configuration in which the display panel of the electronic device <NUM> is incorporated is disclosed, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the electronic device <NUM> may not include a display panel, and an external device equipped with a display device, such as a mobile communication terminal, may be detachably provided in the electronic device <NUM>. In an embodiment, when the external device is mounted, a display device (e.g., a display device mounted on the electronic device) may be positioned to face both of the user's eyes with the optical device interposed therebetween. The external device may reproduce a multimedia content therein (or received from an external electronic device) or the like or may execute a game, and an output screen may be provided to both of the user's eyes through the optical device.

According to an embodiment, the optical device may be mounted on a display panel, and may include the pair of lens barrels <NUM> and <NUM>, and at least one lens 821a or 822a mounted on each of the lens barrels <NUM> and <NUM>. The types and the number of the lenses 821a and 822a provided in the lens barrel <NUM> or <NUM> are variously designed and combined in consideration of the distance between the user's eyes and the display panel (or the display device of the mounted electronic device). According to an embodiment, each of the lens barrels <NUM> may be arranged to correspond to both the user's left and right eyes, and may guide images output from the display panel to the user's eyes.

According to various embodiments, the user may wear the wearable electronic device <NUM>, and may adjust the distance between the eyes through the distance adjustment structure depending on the size of the user's head. The distance adjustment structure of the electronic device <NUM> may include the first connection unit <NUM>, the second connection unit <NUM>, the circular plate <NUM>, and the guide member <NUM>. The structures of the first connection unit <NUM>, the second connection unit <NUM>, and the circular plate <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG> and <FIG> may be partially or wholly the same as the structures of the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG> and the connection unit <NUM>, the second connection unit <NUM>, and the circular plate <NUM> of <FIG>.

According to various embodiments, the first connection unit <NUM> and the second connection unit <NUM> may be disposed so as to face each other, and may be guided by the circular plate <NUM> and the guide member <NUM> to move in the horizontal direction (+P or -P). For example, the first connection unit <NUM> and the second connection unit <NUM> may move so as to be spaced apart from each other in the horizontal direction (+P or -P) from the state in which one face of the connection unit <NUM> and one face of the second connection unit <NUM> are disposed to be in contact with each other, and the separation distance therebetween may be <NUM> to <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the first connection unit <NUM> may be disposed so as to at least partially extend from the end of the lens barrel <NUM> (e.g., the first housing) toward the second lens barrel <NUM> (e.g., the second housing), and may include at least one protrusion (e.g., a first protrusion <NUM>). The second connection unit <NUM> may be disposed so as to at least partially extend from the end of the second lens barrel <NUM> toward the first lens barrel <NUM>, and may include at least one protrusion (e.g., a second protrusion <NUM>). According to an embodiment, the guide member <NUM> may be disposed so as to pass through the first connection unit <NUM> and the second connection unit <NUM>, and may have a shaft structure.

According to various embodiments, the first connection unit <NUM> and the second connection unit <NUM> may be disposed so as to be in contact with or to be spaced apart from each other, and one face of each of the first connection unit <NUM> and the second connection unit <NUM> may support the circular plate <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the circular plate <NUM> may include the first face <NUM> disposed so as to face the first connection unit <NUM> and the second connection unit <NUM>. For example, the first face <NUM> may include the spiral recess <NUM>, and may include a region capable of engaging with the first protrusion <NUM> of the first connection unit <NUM> and the second protrusion <NUM> of the second connection unit <NUM>. The structure of the circular plate <NUM> of <FIG> may be applicable to the specific configuration of the circular plate <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the guide member <NUM> may be disposed so as to pass through the first connection unit <NUM>, to be connected to the second connection unit <NUM>, and to pass through the second connection unit <NUM>. When the separation distance between the first connection unit <NUM> and the second connection unit <NUM> is variable, the guide member <NUM> may guide the first connection unit <NUM> and the second connection unit <NUM> to be movable in the horizontal direction (+ P or -P).

According to an embodiment, a first rear portion 801a disposed to face the rear side of the first connection unit <NUM> may include at least one first protrusion <NUM> protruding to the rear side. The first protrusion <NUM> may be coupled to the circular plate <NUM> so as to provide stable movement for the first connection unit <NUM>. For example, the first protrusion <NUM> may move in the state of being inserted into and seated in a region of the spiral recess <NUM> formed in the circular plate <NUM>. The first protrusion <NUM> may move in the horizontal direction with respect to the second protrusion <NUM>, and the circular plate <NUM> may rotate in response to the movement of the first protrusion <NUM>. The seated position of the first protrusion <NUM> in the spiral recess <NUM> may be variable.

According to an embodiment, a second rear portion 802a disposed to face the rear side of the second connection unit <NUM> may include at least one second protrusion <NUM> protruding to the rear side. The second protrusion <NUM> may be coupled to the circular plate <NUM> so as to provide stable movement for the second connection unit <NUM>. For example, the second protrusion <NUM> may move in the state of being inserted into and seated in a region of a spiral recess <NUM> formed in the circular plate <NUM>. The second protrusion <NUM> may move in the horizontal direction with respect to the first protrusion <NUM>, and the circular plate <NUM> may rotate in response to the movement of the second protrusion <NUM>. The seated position of the second protrusion <NUM> in the spiral recess <NUM> may be variable.

According to various embodiments disclosed herein, a wearable electronic device may include a first housing (e.g., the first housing <NUM> in <FIG>) including a first display device (e.g., the first display device <NUM> in <FIG>) configured to provide visual information, and a first connection unit (e.g., the first connection unit <NUM> in <FIG>) having a first protrusion (e.g., the first protrusion <NUM> in <FIG>) formed thereon; a second housing (e.g., the second housing <NUM> in <FIG>) including a second display device (e.g., the second display device <NUM> in <FIG>) coupled to the first connection unit to be movable in a predetermined direction and configured to provide visual information, and a second connection unit (e.g., the second connection unit <NUM> in <FIG>) having a second protrusion (e.g., the second protrusion <NUM> in <FIG>) formed thereon; and a circular plate (e.g., the circular plate <NUM> in <FIG>) including a spiral recess (e.g., the spiral recess <NUM> in <FIG>), the circular plate being coupled to the first protrusion in a first region (e.g., the first region S1 in <FIG>) of the recess and being coupled to the second protrusion in a second region (e.g., the second region S2 in <FIG>) spaced apart from the first region by a first predetermined interval (e.g., the first predetermined interval T1 in <FIG>). The circular plate may be configured such that, by the rotation of the circular plate, the first protrusion and the second protrusion move in a predetermined direction along the recess such that the first predetermined interval may be changed to a second predetermined interval (e.g., the second predetermined interval T2 in <FIG>), and depending on the second predetermined interval, the distance between the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> is adjustable.

According to various embodiments, as lengths of the first region and the second region of the circular plate are varied, the first predetermined interval may be changed to the second predetermined interval.

According to various embodiments, a first distance (e.g., the first distance L1 in <FIG>) may be formed from an end of the first connection unit, which faces the second housing, to the first protrusion, and a second distance (e.g., the second distance L2 in <FIG>) may be formed from an end of the second connection unit, which faces the first housing, to the second protrusion. The first distance and the second distance may differ from each other.

According to various embodiments, the first protrusion and the second protrusion are disposed to be aligned with a predetermined axis, and as the distance between an end of the first housing and an end of the second housing is adjusted, the distance between the first display device and the second device is adjustable.

According to various embodiments, the change from the first predetermined interval to the second predetermined interval may be performed in a horizontal direction with respect to a length direction between the first protrusion and the second protrusion, which are disposed parallel or substantially parallel to each other.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device includes a first cover (e.g., the first cover <NUM> in <FIG>) facing a first face of the electronic device and disposed to enclose at least a portion of the first connection unit and the second connection unit. The first cover includes at least one guide groove (e.g., the guide groove 421a or 421b in <FIG>) formed in one face facing the first connection unit or the second connection unit and configured to guide a movement of the first connection unit or the second connection unit; and a stopper (e.g., the stopper 422a or 422b in <FIG>) disposed to be spaced apart from the guide groove and configured to limit the movement of the first connection unit or the second connection unit.

According to various embodiments, the first connection unit may include a first front portion (e.g., the first front portion <NUM> in <FIG>) including at least one first guide line (e.g., the first guide line <NUM>, <NUM>, or <NUM> in <FIG>) protruding toward the first face of the electronic device; a first rear portion (e.g., the first rear portion <NUM> in <FIG>) including a first protrusion protruding toward a second face of the electronic device, which is opposite the first face of the electronic device; and a first side portion (e.g., the side portion <NUM> in <FIG>) disposed to face the second housing, and having a first recess (e.g., the first recess <NUM> in <FIG>) formed in at least a portion thereof.

According to various embodiments, the first guide line may include a (<NUM>-<NUM>)th guide line (e.g., the (<NUM>-<NUM>)th guide line <NUM> in <FIG>) disposed in an upper end region or a lower end region of the first front portion, and engaged with the guide groove of the first cover so as to guide a slide movement of the first connection unit in a predetermined direction; and a (<NUM>-<NUM>)th guide line (e.g., the (<NUM>-<NUM>)th guide line <NUM> in <FIG>) disposed to be spaced apart from the (<NUM>-<NUM>)th guide line, and engaged with the stopper of the first cover so as to limit a movement distance of the first connection unit.

According to various embodiments, the second connection unit may include a second front portion (e.g., the second front portion <NUM> in <FIG>) including at least one second guide line (e.g., the second guide line <NUM>, <NUM>, or <NUM> in <FIG>) protruding toward the first face of the electronic device; a second rear portion (e.g., the second rear portion <NUM> in <FIG>) including a second protrusion protruding toward a second face of the electronic device, which is opposite the first face of the electronic device; and a second side portion (e.g., the side portion <NUM> in <FIG>) disposed to face the first housing, and having a second recess (e.g., the second recess <NUM> in <FIG>) formed in at least a portion thereof.

According to various embodiments, the second guide line may include a (<NUM>-<NUM>)th guide line (e.g., the (<NUM>-<NUM>)th guide line <NUM> in <FIG>) disposed in an upper end region or a lower end region of the second front portion, and engaged with the guide groove of the first cover so as to guide a slide movement of the second connection unit in a predetermined direction; and a (<NUM>-<NUM>)th guide line (e.g., the (<NUM>-<NUM>)th guide line <NUM> in <FIG>) disposed to be spaced apart from the (<NUM>-<NUM>)th guide line, and engaged with the stopper of the first cover so as to limit a movement distance of the second connection unit.

According to various embodiments, the first recess of the first connection unit and the second recess of the second connection unit are coupled to each other so as to form an opening (e.g., the opening <NUM> of <FIG>) of a closed line.

According to various embodiments, the circular plate and the first cover may be disposed so as to face each other across the first rear portion of the first connection unit and the second rear portion of the second connection unit therebetween, and the circular plate may include a through hole (e.g., the through hole <NUM> in <FIG>) disposed in a center of the spiral recess and formed through the circular plate.

According to various embodiments, the spiral recess may extend with a constant width, and at least a portion of the circular plate may be disposed so as to be exposed to the outside the electronic device, thus allowing a user to touch and rotate at least a portion of the circular plate.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device may further include a second cover (e.g., the second cover <NUM> in <FIG>) facing a first face of the electronic device and disposed to enclose at least a portion of the circular plate. The second cover may include a boss (e.g., the boss <NUM> in <FIG>) disposed to pass through the circular plate and to extend toward the first cover; at least one hook (e.g., the hook <NUM> in <FIG>) configured to be coupled with the first cover; and an opening (e.g., the opening <NUM> in <FIG>) formed in at least a portion of the upper end region so as to expose at least a portion of the circular plate.

According to various embodiments, the boss of the second cover, the through hole in the circular plate, and a center of the opening formed by the first connection unit and the second connection unit may be arranged on the same line.

According to various embodiments disclosed herein, a wearable electronic device may include a first display device configured to provide visual information; a second display device disposed to be spaced apart from the first display device and configured to provide visual information; and a distance adjustment structure disposed between the first display device and the second display device, and configured to adjust the distance between the first display device and the second display device. The distance adjustment structure may include a first connection unit disposed to extend from the first display device toward the second display device and including a first protrusion disposed to protrude in a direction perpendicular to the extension direction; a second connection unit disposed to extend from the second display device toward the first display device and including a second protrusion disposed to protrude in a direction perpendicular to the extension direction; and a curved plate including a spiral recess such that the first protrusion and the second protrusion are seated in the recess in a state of being spaced apart from each other so as to provide a spiral movement. As the curved plate rotates, the distance between the first protrusion and the second protrusion disposed in the spiral recess may be varied.

According to various embodiments, a first distance is formed from an end of the first connection unit, which faces the second display device, to the first protrusion, and a second distance is formed from an end of the second connection unit, which faces the first display device, to the second protrusion. The first distance and the second distance may differ from each other.

According to various embodiments, one face of the first connection unit and one face of the second connection unit face each other, and as the curved plate rotates, the distance between the first connection unit and the second connection unit is adjustable from a first predetermined distance to a second predetermined distance.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device may further include a first cover facing a first face of the electronic device and disposed to enclose at least a portion of the first connection unit and the second connection unit. The first cover may include at least one guide groove formed in a front face portion of the first cover facing the first connection unit or the second connection unit and configured to guide a movement of the first connection unit or the second connection unit; and a stopper disposed to be spaced apart from the guide groove and configured to limit the movement of the first connection unit or the second connection unit.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device may further include a guide member (e.g., the shaft <NUM> in <FIG>) having a shaft shape disposed to pass through the first connection unit and the second connection unit, and configured to guide the horizontal movement of the first connection unit and the second connection unit.

While the disclosure has been shown and described with reference to various embodiments thereof, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the scope of the disclosure as defined by the appended claims. In accordance with an aspect of the disclosure, a wearable electronic device is provided that can be adjusted according to the size of a user's head by adjusting the distance between respective display devices that provide an image to the user.

In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, a wearable electronic device is provided that prevents warping of an optical path provided in an optical output device, such as a projector, by adjusting the distance between respective display devices that provide an image to the user.

Claim 1:
An electronic device (<NUM>) comprising:
a first housing (<NUM>) comprising a first display device (<NUM>) and a first connection unit (<NUM>) comprising a first protrusion (<NUM>);
a second housing (<NUM>) comprising a second display device (<NUM>) and a second connection unit (<NUM>) comprising a second protrusion (<NUM>), the second housing (<NUM>) being coupled to the first connection unit (<NUM>) to be movable in a predetermined direction;
a circular plate (<NUM>) comprising a spiral recess (<NUM>), the circular plate (<NUM>) being coupled to the first protrusion (<NUM>) in a first region (S1) of the spiral recess (<NUM>) and being coupled to the second protrusion (<NUM>) in a second region (S2) of the spiral recess (<NUM>) spaced apart from the first region (S1),
wherein the circular plate (<NUM>) is configured to be rotatable to move the first protrusion (<NUM>) and the second protrusion (<NUM>) such that, by rotation of the circular plate (<NUM>), the first protrusion (<NUM>) and the second protrusion (<NUM>) move in the predetermined direction along the spiral recess (<NUM>) to adjust a distance between the first housing (<NUM>) and the second housing (<NUM>); and
a first cover (<NUM>) facing a first face of the electronic device (<NUM>) and disposed to enclose at least a portion of the first connection unit (<NUM>) and the second connection unit (<NUM>),
wherein the first cover (<NUM>) comprises:
at least one guide (421a, 421b) formed in the first cover (<NUM>) and configured to guide a movement of the first connection unit (<NUM>) or the second connection unit (<NUM>), and
a stopper (422a, 422b) disposed to be spaced apart from the guide (421a, 421b) and configured to limit the movement of the first connection unit (<NUM>) or the second connection unit (<NUM>)
characterized in that
said guide is a groove formed in one face of said first cover facing the first connection unit or the second connection unit.