SUPPORT PLATE AND PORTABLE COMMUNICATION DEVICE INCLUDING THE SAME

Disclosed is a portable communication device including a housing, a printed circuit board seated in the housing and mounted to a communication circuit, and a least one position adjusting groove, wherein the housing includes a support plate having at least one antenna unit operatively connected with the communication circuit, and an injection molded member surrounding at least a portion of the at least one antenna unit, wherein the support plate includes a main body in which at least a portion of the printed circuit board is seated, and at least one lead connecting the at least one antenna unit with the main body, and wherein the at least one position adjusting groove is formed at a position at which the at least one lead makes contact with the injection molded member.

BACKGROUND

The disclosure relates generally to a communication device, and more particularly, to a support plate of a portable communication device.

2. Description of Related Art

A portable communication device, such as a smartphone, may provide various functions, such as conversations, moving picture reproduction, and the searching for the Internet, based on various types of applications. The portable communication device may be embedded with various components such as a printed circuit board (PCB) and a battery in which a plurality of electronic elements are integrated. To protect the components from an external environment, a support plate having specified stiffness is applicable. The support plate may at least partially include a metal material, and one side of the support plate may be provided, through an injection molding process, with the structure to seat various components.

In the injection molding process, a pressure is applied while an injection material is injected into a mold. When the pressure is applied to one side of the support plate, at least a portion of the support plate tends to be bent in shape or broken.

As such, there is a need in the art for a method and apparatus that eliminates such deformation or breaking of the support plate.

SUMMARY

The disclosure has been made to address at least the above-mentioned problems and/or disadvantages and to provide at least the advantages described below.

Accordingly, an aspect of the disclosure is to provide a support plate and a portable communication device including the same, in which a groove is provided in one side of the support plate such that the support plate is prevented from being deformed or broken in an injection molding process.

Another an aspect of the disclosure is to provide a support plate and a portable communication device including the same, in which and a protrusion is provided to a mold to prevent the support plate from being shaken, through the groove, thereby preventing the support plate from being deformed or broken.

According to an aspect of the disclosure, a portable communication device includes a housing, a printed circuit board seated in the housing and mounted to a communication circuit, and a least one position adjusting groove, wherein the housing includes a support plate having at least one antenna unit operatively connected with the communication circuit, and an injection molded member surrounding at least a portion of the at least one antenna unit, wherein the support plate includes a main body in which at least a portion of the printed circuit board is seated, and at least one lead connecting the at least one antenna unit with the main body, and wherein the at least one position adjusting groove is formed at a position at which the at least one lead makes contact with the injection molded member.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Hereinafter, embodiments of the disclosure will be described with reference to accompanying drawings. However, those of ordinary skill in the art should understand that the disclosure is not limited to a specific embodiment, and modifications, equivalents, and/or alternatives on the various embodiments described herein may be variously made without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosure. In the drawings, similar components may be assigned with similar reference numerals. Descriptions of well-known functions and constructions will be omitted for the sake of clarity and conciseness.

In the disclosure, it will be further understood that terms such as “have”, “can have,” “includes” and/or “can include”, when used herein, specify the presence of components such as a numeric value, a function, an operation, or a part, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features.

In the disclosure, the expressions “A or B”, “at least one of A and/or B”, “one or more of A and/or B” may include all possible combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. For example, “A or B”, “at least one of A and B”, or “at least one of A or B” includes at least one A, at least one B, or at least one “A” and at least one “B”.

Terms such as “first” and “second” used herein may refer to various components regardless of the order and/or priority of the components and may be used to distinguish a component from another component, not to limit the elements. For example, a first user device and a second user device may merely represent mutually different user devices, regardless of the order and/or priority of the first user device and the second user device. A first component discussed below may be referred to as a second component without departing from the technical scope of the disclosure. Similarly, the second component may be referred to as the first component.

It will be understood that when a first component is referred to as being operatively or communicatively coupled with/to or connected to a second component, the first component may be directly coupled with/to or connected to the second component or an intervening third component may be present therebetween. Meanwhile, it will be understood that when the first component is referred to as being directly coupled with/to or connected to the second component, a third component may be absent between the first and second components.

For example, the expression “configured to” used herein may be interchangeably used with “suitable for”, “having the capacity to”, “designed to”, “adapted to”, “made to”, or” or “capable of” depending on occasions. The expression “configured to” does not refer to essentially “specifically designed to” in hardware. Under a certain situation, the expression “a device configured to” may indicate that the device is “capable of” operating together with another device or other components. For example, a “processor configured to (or adapted to) perform A, B, and C” may indicate a dedicated processor (e.g., an embedded processor) for performing a corresponding operation or a generic-purpose processor (e.g., a central processing unit (CPU) or an application processor) which may perform corresponding operations by executing one or more software programs which are stored in a memory device.

The terms herein are used only for specific embodiments, and the scope of another embodiment is not limited thereto. The terms of a singular form may include plural forms unless otherwise specified. In addition, unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meanings as those generally understood by those skilled in the art to which the disclosure pertains. Such terms, which are used herein, as those defined in a generally used dictionary are to be interpreted as having the same meanings as the contextual meanings in the relevant field of art and are not to be interpreted as having ideal or excessively formal meanings unless clearly defined as having such in the present disclosure. Even if the terms are defined in the disclosure, the terms should not be interpreted as excluding embodiments of the disclosure if necessary.

Herein, an electronic device may include at least one of a smartphone, a tablet personal computer (PC), a mobile phone, a video phone, and an e-book reader, a desktop PC, laptop PC, a netbook computer, a workstation, a server, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a portable multimedia player (PMP), a motion pictures experts group layer audio 3 (MP3) player, a mobile medical device, a camera, a home appliance, or a wearable device such as an accessory type-device (e.g., a timepiece, a ring, a bracelet, an anklet, a necklace, glasses, a contact lens, or a head-mounted device (HMD)), one-piece fabric or clothes-type device (e.g., electronic clothes), a body-attached-type device (e.g., a skin pad or a tattoo), or a bio-implantable circuit. However, the electronic devices are not limited to those devices.

With regard to the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used to refer to similar or related elements. It is to be understood that a singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of the things, unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise.

The term “user” used herein may refer to a person who uses the electronic device or may refer to an artificial intelligence electronic device that uses the electronic device.

FIG. 1illustrates a portable communication device, according to various embodiments. For example, reference sign100aofFIG. 1illustrates a front surface of a portable communication device100, and reference sign100bofFIG. 1illustrates a rear surface of a portable communication device100.

Referring toFIG. 1, the portable communication device100may include a housing including a first surface110A (or front surface), a second surface110B (or rear surface), and a side surface110C surrounding the space between the first surface110A and the second surface110B. Alternatively, the housing may be referred to as the structure including some of the first surface110A, the second surface110B, and the side surface110C ofFIG. 1.

The first surface110A may include a front plate102(e.g., a glass plate or a polymer plate including various coating layers) that is substantially transparent in at least a portion thereof. The second surface110B may include a rear plate111that is substantially opaque. The rear plate111may include coating or colored glass, ceramic, polymer, metal (e.g., aluminum, stainless steel (STS), or magnesium) or the combination of that least two of the above materials. The side surface110C may include a side bezel structure (or side member)118which is coupled to the front plate102and the rear plate111, and includes metal and/or polymer). The rear plate111and the side bezel structure118may be formed integrally with each other and may include the same material (e.g., a metal material such as aluminum).

The portable communication device100may include at least one of a display101, sensor modules113and119, camera modules105and112, or a key input device117. The portable communication device100may omit at least one of these components or may additionally include another component. The portable communication device100may further include an audio module and a connector hole.

The display101may be exposed through a substantial portion of the front plate102. At least a portion of the display101may be exposed through the front plate102constituting the first surface110A. The edge of the display101may be formed substantially identically to the shape of an adjacent outer shape of the front plate102. To expand an area for exposing the display101, the distance between an outer portion of the display101and an outer portion of the front plate102may be substantially uniformly formed.

A recess or an opening is formed in a portion of a screen display area of the display101. In addition, at least one of an audio module, a sensor module, or a camera module105aligned with the recess or the opening may be included in the portion of the screen display area of the display101. At least one of the audio module, the sensor module, the camera module105, or a fingerprint sensor may be included in a rear surface of the screen display area of the display101. The display101may be coupled or disposed adjacent to a touch sensing circuit, a pressure sensor to measure the intensity (pressure) of a touch, and/or a digitizer to detect the stylus pen based on an electromagnetic scheme. At least a portion of the sensor modules113and119and/or at least a portion of the key input device117may be disposed in some areas of the first surface110A having the display101.

The sensor modules113and119may generate an electrical signal or a data value corresponding to an internal operating state or an external environment state of the portable communication device100. The sensor modules113and119may include a first sensor module, such as a proximity sensor, and/or a second sensor module, such as a fingerprint sensor, disposed on the first surface110A of the housing, and/or third and fourth sensor modules113and119, such as a heart rate monitor (HRM) sensor and a fingerprint sensor, disposed on the second surface110B of the housing. The fingerprint sensor may be disposed on the second surface110B as well as the first surface110A of the housing. The portable communication device100may further include at least one of a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, an air pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a grip sensor, a color sensor, an infrared sensor, a biometric sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or an illuminance sensor.

The camera modules105and112may include a first camera device105disposed on the first surface110A of the portable communication device100and a second camera device112disposed on the second surface110B of the portable communication device100. The camera devices105and112may include one or more lenses, an image sensor, and/or an image signal processor. Two or more lenses (infrared camera, a wide angle lens, and a telephoto lens) and image sensors may be disposed on one side surface of the portable communication device100.

The key input device117may be disposed on the side surface110C of the housing110. Alternatively, the portable communication device100may not include some or an entire portion of the key input device117, which some or entire portion may be implemented in another form such as a soft key on the display101. Alternatively, the key input device117may include the sensor module disposed on the second surface110B of the housing110.

FIG. 2illustrates a support plate and a housing of a portable communication device, according to an embodiment of the disclosure. State201ofFIG. 2illustrates the housing of the portable communication device, and state203ofFIG. 2illustrates the support plate of the portable communication device. In this case, the housing310may correspond to a component of the housing including the first surface110A, the second surface110B, and the side surface110C, which have been described with reference toFIG. 1.

Referring toFIG. 2, in state201, the housing310may include a support plate311and an injection-molded member312. In state203, the support plate311includes a main body311_21, in which various components are disposed, and at least one antenna unit311a,311b,311c,and311dused as an antenna associated with a communication function of the portable communication device100. At least a portion of the main body311_21may be used as a ground area of the at least one antenna unit311a,311b,311c,or311d.

The main body311_21may include a space for seating a battery, at least one camera module, at least one sensor, at least one PCB having at least one communication chip or communication circuit, a connect hole, a speaker, a microphone, a display, or at least one key input device.

The at least one antenna unit311a,311b,311c,or311dmay include at least one antenna to support such as a third generation (3G) or fourth generation (4G) communication scheme. The at least one antenna unit311a,311b,311c,or311dmay include a first antenna unit311adisposed at a upper left corner, a second antenna unit311bdisposed at a upper right corner, a third antenna unit311cdisposed at a lower left corner, and a fourth antenna unit311ddisposed at a lower right corner, when viewed from the illustrated drawing. The at least one antenna unit311a,311b,311c,or311dmay further include at least one antenna unit formed on the side surface of the portable communication device and an antenna unit to support a wireless fidelity (WiFi) communication scheme. In addition, the at least one antenna unit311a,311b,311c,or311dmay be involved in signal transmission of a fifth generation (5G) communication module or a communication chip.

The at least one antenna unit311a,311b,311c,or311dmay be provided in an “L” shape and may be disposed to correspond to the shape of the corner of the portable communication device100. The at least one antenna unit311a,311b,311c,or311dmay be disposed to be spaced apart from a corner of the main body311_21by a specific distance and may be connected with the corner of the main body311_21through at least one lead. In this regard, the at least one antenna unit311a,311b,311c,or311dmay include at least one lead to be connected with the main body311_21. Although the at least one lead has been described as a component of the at least one antenna unit311a,311b,311c,or311d,the at least one lead may be a separate component to connect the at least one antenna unit311a,311b,311c,or311dwith the main body311_21.

The fourth antenna unit311dmay include a first lead311_1and a second lead311_2connected with the main body311_21. The first lead311_1, the second lead311_2, and the fourth antenna unit311dmay be formed in a machining process of forming one body. For example, the support plate311may be provided with a metal plate in the form of a rectangular panel having a specific thickness and may have a structure including the at least one antenna unit311a,311b,311c,or311dand at least one lead (e.g., the first lead311_1and the second lead311_2) through computer numerical control (CNC) machining. Alternatively, at least one of the first lead311_1or the second lead311_2may be directly connected with the main body311_21through a separate joining process, and the fourth antenna unit311dmay be connected with the main body311_21through at least one of the first lead311_1or the second lead311_2.

The injection molded member312may at least partially constitute an outer appearance of the portable communication device100. For example, the injection molded member312may be formed at an edge part of the support plate311through a specified injection molding process of injecting an injection material of a non-metal material in a molding process. Injection molded members312may be formed at four corners of the housing310, which include the at least one antenna unit311a,311b,311c,or311dof the support plate311, may have a specific width and a specific thickness, and may constitute side surfaces (or the side surfaces and at least portions of the front and rear surfaces) of the portable communication device100.

When forming the injection molded member312, a structure to fix the support plate311may be applied to the injection molding process such that the support plate311is prevented from being shaken. The structure to fix the support plate311in the injection molding process may be at least partially formed in at least one of the first lead311_1and the second lead311_2adjacent to the at least one antenna unit311a,311b,311c,or311d.Alternatively, the structure to prevent the support plate311from being shaken may be applied to a corner area of the housing310. Hereinafter, the corner area of the housing310, in which the fourth antenna unit311dis disposed, will be described by way of example. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the structure to prevent the support plate311from being shaken may be disposed even at a corner area of the housing310, in which another antenna unit311a,311b,or311cis disposed.

FIG. 3illustrates a partial area of a housing as illustrated in state203ofFIG. 2.

Referring toFIGS. 2 and 3, at least a portion of the housing310may include the support plate311and the injection molded member (or molded structure)312, and the support plate311may include at least one of the first lead311_1and the second lead311_2to connect the main body311_21with the fourth antenna unit311d.AlthoughFIGS. 2 and 3illustrate a structure in which two leads connect the fourth antenna unit311dwith the main body311_21, the disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the housing310of the portable communication device100may include one lead or at least three leads between an antenna unit and the main body311_21.

One edge (e.g., the lower right corner) of the main body311_21may connect one side of the first lead311_1, which extends in an x-axis direction, with one side of the second lead311_2which extends in a −y-axis direction. The one side of the main body311_21may include at least one groove to seat various components of the portable communication device100and at least one hole formed through the main body311_21in a Z-axis direction.

The one side of the first lead311_1may be connected with one corner of the main body311_21, and an opposite side of the first lead311_1may be connected with the fourth antenna unit311d.The one side of the second lead311_2may be spaced apart from the first lead311_1by a specific distance and connected with the one corner of the main body311_21, and an opposite side of the second lead311_2may be connected with the fourth antenna unit311d.The first lead311_1may be disposed in parallel with the x-axis direction, between the corner of the main body311_21and the fourth antenna unit311d,and the second lead311_2may be disposed in parallel with the y-axis direction, between the corner of the main body311_21and the fourth antenna unit311d.AlthoughFIGS. 2 and 3illustrate that the first lead311_1and the second lead311_2extend in the direction of the fourth antenna unit311dfrom the corner of the main body311_21while forming mutually different angles (e.g. 90°) between the first lead311_1and the second lead311_2, the disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, a plurality of leads may be spaced apart from each other by a specific distance while extending in the same x-axis direction or the y-axis direction such that the leads are physically or electrically connected with the fourth antenna unit311d.

An empty space formed by a groove or a hole may be formed in at least a portion of a peripheral portion of at least one lead formed in the support plate311. An empty space may be formed between the first lead311_1and the second lead311_2, or in a remaining peripheral portion of the at least one of the first lead311_1or the second lead311_2other than the fourth antenna unit311d.Alternatively, the side surface110C of the support plate311of the portable communication device100may be disposed at a peripheral portion of at least one of the first lead311_1and the second lead311_2. The injection molded member312may be disposed in the empty space provided in the at least a portion of the peripheral portion of the first lead311_1or the second lead311_2through the injection molding process.

A first lead injection molded part312_1may be disposed in an empty space of the first lead311_1, which is formed in the y-axis direction, a second lead injection molded part312_2may be disposed in an empty space between the first lead311_1and the second lead311_2, and a third lead injection molded part312_3may be disposed in an empty space of the second lead311_2, which is formed in the x-axis direction. At least a portion of the injection molded member312may be formed to surround a surface of the fourth antenna unit311d,which faces outward of an x-y plane from a corner of the main body311_21, of the fourth antenna unit311d.

The housing310may include at least a first position adjusting groove410and a second position adjusting groove420, in association preventing the support plate311from being shaken. The first position adjusting groove410may include a first part410a(or a first partial groove, or a first portion) formed in at least a partial area of the first lead311_1to connect the fourth antenna unit311dwith one corner of the main body311_21, and a second part410b(or a second partial groove, or a second portion) formed in the empty space of the first lead311_1, which is formed in the y-axis direction, adjacent to the first lead311_1through the injection molding process and corresponding to a portion of the first lead injection molded part312-1. The first part410amay be formed through a specific machining grooving process of the support plate311. The second part410bmay be formed through the injection molding process.

The first part410aof the first position adjusting groove410may be formed of a first metal material corresponding to a material of the support plate311and may include a structure having tilt angles and sidewalls formed in the x-axis −x-axis, and the −y-axis directions, from some edges of the bottom surface. Similarly, the second part410bof the first position adjusting groove410may be formed of a non-metal material corresponding to a material of the injection molded member312and may include a structure having tilt angles and sidewalls formed in the x-axis, −x-axis, and y-axis directions, from another partial edge of the bottom surface.

A portion of a bottom surface of the first part410a,which is formed in the y-axis direction, and another portion of bottom surface of the second part410b,which is formed in the −y-axis direction, may be joined to each other. The portion of a bottom surface of the first part410aand the another portion of a bottom surface of the second part410bmay have substantially identical heights in the z-axis direction. The first position adjusting groove410may be supported in the x-axis, −x-axis, −y-axis, and −z-axis directions by a mold rib making contact with the sidewalls of the first part410a,after the mold rib of a mold to fix the first lead311_1is seated.

The first position adjusting groove410may be formed only in an upper portion of the first lead311_1without crossing one side of the first lead311_1. However, when a structure associated with the fourth antenna unit311dis disposed in the first lead311_1, the first part410aof the first position adjusting groove410may be formed at an edge in the y-axis direction of the first lead311_1to ensure a space for the first part410aof the first position adjusting groove410. Accordingly, the groove structure of the first part410amay have a structure open in the y-axis direction and the z-axis direction.

Although it has been described that the first part410aof the first position adjusting groove410is formed at the edge of the first lead311_1in the y-axis direction, the disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the first part410aof the first position adjusting groove410may be formed at an edge of the first lead311_1in the −y-axis direction. In this case, the second part410bof the first position adjusting groove410may be formed in the second lead injection molded part312_2, which is disposed in an empty space between the first lead311_1and the second lead311_2and may be disposed next to the first part410a.

The first position adjusting groove410may be formed in various positions of the upper portion of the first lead311_1. As the injection molded member312associated with forming the edge of the portable communication device100is formed to cover the fourth antenna unit311dand a portion of the first lead311_1adjacent to the fourth antenna unit311d,at least a portion of the first position adjusting groove410may be formed in a portion (or a position, which is closer to the corner of the main body311_21of the fourth antenna unit311dand the main body311_21) of the first lead311_1, which is adjacent to the corner of the main body311_21. The position of the first position adjusting groove410may be varied depending on the shape of the corner of the injection molded member312. For example, at least the first part410aof the first position adjusting groove410may be formed in a portion of the first lead311_1which is closer to the fourth antenna unit311dof the fourth antenna unit311dand the main body311_21.

At least a portion of a second position adjusting groove420may be disposed in the second lead311_2or in an area adjacent to the second lead311_2. A portion, which is formed in the second lead311_2, of the second position adjusting groove420may have a structure including two sidewalls in the x-axis direction and the y-axis direction and is open in the −x-axis and −y-axis directions. A remaining portion of the second position adjusting groove420may be formed next to a portion of the second position adjusting groove420, which is formed in an area (or the second lead311_2) adjacent to the second lead311_2, in the second lead injection molded part312_2between the first lead311_1and the second lead311_2. As a portion, which is formed in the second lead311_2, of the second position adjusting groove420includes two sidewalls formed in two directions, when the mold rib of the mold is inserted into the second position adjusting groove420, the sidewalls of the second position adjusting groove420in the two directions, the bottom surface of the second position adjusting groove420, and the mold rib are fitted to each other to support the second lead311_2in three directions.

Although a structure has been described in which a groove open in at least two directions and corresponding to at least a portion of one position adjusting groove is formed in one lead, the disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, at least one position adjusting groove or a partial groove corresponding to a portion of the position adjusting groove may be formed in at least one lead of the support plate311. As described above, the support plate311may be coupled to a mold in the injection molding process, based on at least one position adjusting groove formed in a lead such that the support plate311is prevented from being shaken. In addition, a pressure may be applied to the mold and the mold rib such that the support plate311may endure the applied pressure while an injection material (e.g., a polymer material or a plastic material) is being injected into the mold in the injection molding process. Accordingly, at least one lead, which connects at least one antenna unit with the main body, is prevented from being broken and deformed and the shape of the injection molded member is stably formed.

As described above, four surfaces of the support plate311are supported by using a mold such that the support plate311is prevented from being deformed in a horizontal direction. To this end, grooves are provided in a lead necessary for preventing deformation to support two or three surfaces such that the support plate311is prevented from being deformed. The support plate311may also be prevented from being shaken leftward or rightward. Accordingly, antenna performance may be ensured in at least a part used as an antenna, and the support plate311may be prevented from being broken or from protruding while penetrating through the injection molded member312to the extent that the protrusion is observed. In addition, a position adjusting groove for preventing shaking in a horizontal direction may be added to prevent the support plate311from being deformed in the horizontal direction due to injection pressure. Accordingly, the yield rate and hardware performance of a product may be improved.

FIG. 4illustrates an injection molding process associated with a housing, according to an embodiment.

Referring toFIGS. 2 to 4, a lower mold510may be disposed as illustrated in state401in association with the injection molding process. The lower mold510may include a shape corresponding to at least a portion of any one of the first surface and the second surface of the housing310. Alternatively, at least a portion of the lower mold510may include a shape corresponding to a first surface or a second surface of the support plate311. The overall size of the lower mold510may be equal to or larger than the overall size of the support plate311or the size of the first surface or the second surface of the housing310. The lower mold510may have the structure including the shape corresponding to the shape of the first surface or the second surface of the support plate311and the shape of the first surface or the second surface corresponding to the injection molded member312except for the support plate311, of the housing310. The lower mold510may be formed of a metal material having a melting point higher than a melting point of an injection material (e.g., resin). The lower mold510may include a space corresponding to the shape of the injection molded member312to cover at least a portion of the at least one antenna unit311a,311b,311c,or311d.

The lower mold510may include a mold rib511. The mold rib511may include the shape of a protrusion (or a projection part, an engraved part, a roughness part) corresponding to the first position adjusting groove410or the second position adjusting groove420. At least a portion of an upper end protruding in the z-axis direction of the mold rib511has a gradually reduced shape, in thickness and width, upward in the z-axis direction. Alternatively, the sectional surface, which corresponds to an x-y plane, of the mold rib511may have a polygonal oval shape including a circular shape. The mold rib511may be provided in the gradually reduced shape, in an area of a sectional surface corresponding to the x-y plane, upward from a bottom surface of the mold rib511. The upper end of the mold rib511may have a flat area. The sectional surface corresponding to the z-y plane or the sectional surface corresponding to the z-x plane of the mold rib511may include a trapezoidal shape.

As illustrated in state403, the support plate311may be aligned and disposed on the lower mold510. In this process, at least one of the first lead311_1or the second lead311_2, which connects at least the fourth antenna unit311dof the support plate311with the main body311_21, and the mold rib511may be aligned in the z-axis direction. Although it is illustrated that the first lead311_1and the mold rib511are aligned with each other, the disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the lower mold510described with reference to state401may include the mold rib511aligned with a portion of the first lead311_1in the z-axis direction, and may further include a mold rig aligned with portion of the second lead311_2in the z-axis direction. Additionally or alternatively, the lower mold510may further include at least one mold rib disposed at a position aligned with at least one lead, which connects the first antenna unit311a,the second antenna, and the third antenna unit311cwith the main body311_21, in the z-axis direction.

After disposing the support plate311on the lower mold510, a side surface of the lower mold510, on which the support plate311is seated, may be closed by using at least a first slider531and/or a second slider532as illustrated in state405. Although it is illustrated that the first slider531and the second slider532are disposed to surround side portions of the lower mold510, as only a portion of the lower mold510is illustrated, four sliders may be provided to surround side surfaces of the support plate311, which is mounted on the lower mold510, in four directions. Accordingly, four sliders may be disposed to surround side surfaces of the lower mold510, on which the support plate311is mounted, in four directions. As four sliders surround the side surfaces of the lower mold510, an opening, which has a size corresponding to the size of the housing310, may be formed in an upper portion of the lower mold510on which the support plate311is mounted.

As illustrated in state407, an upper mold520may be disposed to cover the area opened upward in the z-axis direction when a plurality of sliders surround the side portions of the lower mold510. The upper mold520may include a structure corresponding to at least a portion of the second surface or the first surface of the support plate311. Alternatively, the upper mold520may include a structure corresponding to at least a portion of the second surface or the first surface of the housing310. The upper mold520may have an injection hole into which an injection material499(or resin) may be injected.

FIG. 5illustrates the assembling state of molds and the arrangement state of a resin in a resin injection process, according to an embodiment.

Referring toFIGS. 4 and 5, as illustrated in states501and503, the upper mold520may include an injection hole521through which the injection material499(or resin) is injected. The support plate311may be disposed between the lower mold510and the upper mold520, and an empty space for injecting the injection material may be formed between the lower mold510and the upper mold520. The empty space may be formed between support plates311. The injection material499may be introduced through the injection hole521, injected in an arrow direction illustrated in the drawing, and filled in the empty space formed between the support plates311. The injection material499may be injected to surround at least a portion of the fourth antenna unit311dto form at least a portion of the injection molded member312. Alternatively, the injection material499may be injected into at least a portion of the empty space adjacent to the first lead311_1, the empty space between the first lead311_1and the second lead311_2, and the empty space adjacent to the second lead311_2. As the injection material499is injected, the first lead injection-molded part312_1, the second lead injection molded part312_2, and the third lead injection molded part312_3may be at least formed. The injection material499is injected into the contact area between the mold rib511of the lower mold510and a portion of the first lead311_1, thereby forming the first position adjusting groove410including a partial groove of the first lead311_1and a portion of the first lead injection molded part312_1.

FIG. 6illustrates a first-type position adjusting groove, according to an embodiment.

Referring toFIG. 6, as illustrated in state601, at least a portion of the housing310may include a portion of the support plate311and a portion of the injection molded member312. For example, the support plate311may include the first lead311_1connected with at least one antenna unit, and the injection molded member312may include a first lead injection molded part312_1formed adjacent to the first lead311_1. The housing310may include a first-type position adjusting groove411including one side of the first lead311_1and one side of the first lead injection molded part312_1. The first-type position adjusting groove411includes a first part411_1, which is formed at the side of the first lead311_1, and a second part411_2, which is at least partially connected with the first part411_1and formed in the first lead injection molded part312_1.

Referring to state603, a portion of the above-described groove formed in the first lead311_1may be provided before the injection molding process, such that a portion of a first-type mold rib511_1of the lower mold510is mounted and aligned. A groove portion formed in the first lead injection molded part312_1of the first-type mold rib511_1may be provided during the injection molding process. The first-type mold rib511_1may be formed to protrude from a top surface facing the z-axis direction of the lower mold510to be higher than a peripheral portion of the first-type mold rib511_1. The first-type mold rib511_1may include a body part511a,which has a longer length in the z-axis direction or the −z-axis direction than a length in another direction and is provided in a polygonal column shape, and a header511bwhich is formed at an end portion of the first-type mold rib511_1in the −z-axis direction and at least partially inserted into the first-type position adjusting groove411. The header511bof the firs-type mold rig511_1having the polygonal column shape may be provided in the gradually reduced shape in an x-axis directional width toward a −z-axis directional edge from a specific position. At least a portion of the header511bof the first-type mold rib511_1may be inserted into the first part411_1of the first-type position adjusting groove411, to be fitted to the bottom surface and the sidewalls of the first part411_1.

State605illustrates a sectional view taken along line B1-B1′ of state601. Referring to state605, the upper mold520may be disposed to cover one surface of the support plate311in the z-axis direction, and to cover an empty space having no support plate311in the −z-axis direction. The first-type position adjusting groove411may include a first sidewall411ahaving a tilt angle greater than 0 degrees (°) and less than 90° in the −x-axis direction. That is, a tilt angle is provided in the range of 60° to 70° with respect to a line extending in the −x-axis direction from a flat bottom surface411sof the first-type position adjusting groove411(alternatively, the first sidewall411ahas a tilt angle in the range of 20° to 30° formed with respect to a line extending from a surface, on which the upper mold520is fitted to the support plate311, in the direction of the flat bottom surface411sof the first-type position adjusting groove411). The first-type position adjusting groove411may include a second sidewall411bhaving a tilt angle equal to the tilt angle of the first sidewall411a,which is formed with respect to a line extending in in −x-axis direction from the flat bottom surface411s.The first sidewall411aand the second sidewall411bmay be disposed to face each other, when viewed based on the bottom surface411s.A portion in the −y-axis direction of the first sidewall411amay be included in the first part411_1, and a portion in the y-axis direction of the first sidewall411amay be included in the second part411_2. Accordingly, the portion of the first sidewall411amay include a metal material, and the another portion of the first sidewall411amay include a non-metal material or a structure formed by hardening resin for injection. Similarly, a portion in the −y-axis direction of the second sidewall411bmay be included in the first part411_1, and a portion in the y-axis direction of the second sidewall411bmay be included in the second part411_2. Accordingly, the portion of the second sidewall411bmay include a metal material, and the another portion of the second sidewall411bmay include a non-metal material or a structure formed by hardening resin for injection.

State607illustrates a sectional view taken along line B2-B2′ of state601. Referring to state607, the first-type position adjusting groove411may include a third sidewall411cand a fourth sidewall411dwhich is formed in the z-axis direction perpendicularly to the bottom surface411s.The third sidewall411cand the fourth sidewall411dmay disposed to face each other, when viewed based on the bottom surface411s.

The third sidewall411cand the fourth sidewall411dmay constitute a titled surface having a tilt angle of at least 20° formed with respect to a line extending in the −z-axis direction from the top surface of the support plate311, and the first sidewall411aand the second sidewall411bmay constitute a sidewall formed in the z-axis direction perpendicularly to the boom surface411s.

As described above, in the injection molding process for the housing310, the coupled surface between the first-type mold rib511_1and the support plate311may be designed to be inclined. Accordingly, the mold may transfer force, which is normally applied downward, to the titled surface to ensure a proper fitting surface. In addition, in the injection molding process, resin or an injection material may be prevented from overflowing or being introduced between the support plate311and the first-type mold rib511_1. Alternatively, the edge breakage in the support plate311and the mold core (or mold rib) may be improved, and the position adjusting groove may be utilized as a guide for correcting the position of the support plate311. In addition, the first-type position adjusting groove411may fix the support plate311through the mold, based on the shape of fitting-titled surfaces, such that the support plate311is prevented from being shaken leftward or rightward due to the injection pressure.

As described above, the first-type mold rib511_1is provided in a mold to prevent the support plate311from being shaken leftward or rightward across two areas including the support plate311and the injection molded member312. In addition, the contact surfaces between the first-type mold rib511_1to prevent the mold from being shaken, and the support plate311are provided as titled surfaces for fitting such that resin is prevented from overflowing. Accordingly, an injection material (or injection resin or resin) is prevented from overflowing into an unintentional area, while the upper mold and the lower mold vertically press the support plate311.

FIG. 7illustrates a second-type position adjusting groove, according to an embodiment.

InFIG. 7, state701illustrates a portion of the housing310in which a second-type position adjusting groove412is disposed, state703illustrates at least a portion of a sectional view taken along line C1-C1′ in state701, and state705illustrates at least a portion of a sectional view taken along line C2-C2′ of state701Referring to state701, at least a portion of the housing310may include a portion of the support plate311and a portion of the injection molded member312. The support plate311may include at least the first lead311_1, and the injection molded member312may include the first lead injection molded part312_1. The second-type position adjusting groove412includes a first part412_1, which is formed in the first lead311_1, and a second part411_2, which is formed in the first lead injection molded part312_1. The first part412_1may have sidewalls formed in the −x-axis, x-axis, and −y-axis directions at some edges of the bottom surface412s(see state703) and may be provided in the form of a groove open in the y-axis and z-axis directions. The second part412_2may have sidewalls formed in the −x-axis, x-axis, and y-axis directions at some other edges of the bottom surface412sand may be provided in the form of a groove open in the −y-axis and z-axis directions. The opening of the first part412_1in the y-axis direction may be connected with the opening of the second part412_2in the −y-axis direction. The first part412_1and the second part412_2are open in the z-axis direction to completely form a second-type position adjusting groove412.

Referring to state703, the second-type position adjusting groove412may include a bottom surface412s,a first sidewall412a,which has an angle greater than 0° formed with respect to a line extending in the z-axis direction from a first-side edge (provided in the −x-axis direction based on the center of the bottom surface412s,and a second sidewall412bwhich has a tilt angle greater than 0° foamed with respect to a line extending in the z-axis direction from a second-side edge facing the first-side edge of the bottom surface412s,and is positioned in the x-axis direction from the center of the bottom surface412s.

Referring to states701and703, a portion of the first sidewall412aand a portion of the second sidewall412bare included in the first part412_1, and another portion of the first sidewall412aand another portion of the second sidewall412dmay be included in the second part412_2. A portion of the first sidewall412a,which corresponds to the first part412_1and includes a first material, may be joined to another portion of the first sidewall412a,which corresponds to the second part412_2and includes a second material. Similarly, a portion of the second sidewall412b,which corresponds to the first part412_1and includes the first material, may be joined to another portion of the second sidewall412b,which corresponds to the second part412_2and includes the second material.

Referring to state705, the second-type position adjusting groove412may include a bottom surface412s,a third sidewall412cwhich has an angle greater than 0° formed with respect to a line extending in the z-axis direction from a third-side edge provided in the −y-axis direction based on the center of the bottom surface412s,and a fourth sidewall412dwhich has a tilt angle greater than 0° with respect to a line extending in the z-axis direction from a fourth-side edge facing the third-side edge of the bottom surface412s,and is positioned in the y-axis direction from the center of the bottom surface412s.The third sidewall412cmay be included in the first part412_1, and the fourth sidewall412dmay be included in the second part412_2. The third-side edge provided in the −y-axis direction based on the center of the bottom surface412smay be interposed between the first-side edge and the second-side edge of the bottom surface412s,and the fourth-side edge may be positioned while facing the third-side edge. A portion of the bottom surface412smay be positioned in the first part412_1, and another portion of the bottom surface412smay be positioned in the second part412_2. Accordingly, the bottom surface412smay be formed by joining two layers including a metal material and a non-metal material.

As the above-described second-type position adjusting groove412is formed by the four sidewalls412a,412b,412c,and412dhaving specific angles based on the bottom surface412s,while the second-type rib512of the upper mold520is seated in the second-type position adjusting groove412, friction between the edge of a second-type mold rib512and the first lead311_1may be minimized, thereby reducing the abrasion and the breakage of the second-type mold rib512. In addition, as the fitting surface of the second-type mold rib512is matched with the fitting surface of the second-type position adjusting groove412, stable and uniform pressure is applied to the second-type position adjusting groove412through the second-type mold rib512. Accordingly, the second lead311_2may be more securely positioned and prevented from being shaken.

The fitting-side surface (or a side surface of a mold rib) of a rectangular mold may not sufficiently receive mold opening force, and thus may be weak when resin overflows. Accordingly, a tilt angle from the top surface of the support plate311toward the bottom surface412sof at least one sidewall is formed at 20° or 30° or more, such that a fitting area of the side surface is expanded, thereby preventing the resin from overflowing. In addition, a titled surface is formed at one side of a mold rib to prevent the mold from being shaken, thereby preventing the mold from being broken in a corner such that the endurance is ensured.

A one-directional length of an upper portion of the opening positioned in line with the top surface of the support plate311of the second-type position adjusting groove412of the mold rib may be about 0.6 millimeters (mm) to 1.0 mm and have a polygonal shape, such as a diamond or an oval shape. The depth of the second-type position adjusting groove412may be in the range of about 0.3 mm to 0.5 mm. In addition, as the depth of the second-type position adjusting groove412is increased, the mold or mold rib may more easily break. Accordingly, the size of the support plate311may be adjusted. The tilt angle or inclination in the z-axis direction from the bottom surface412sor the inclination toward the bottom surface412sfrom the top surface of the support plate311, of the second-type position adjusting groove412may be in the range of 20° to 30°. As the mold clamping force of the mold is distributed to the tilted surfaces, the tilted surfaces may prevent the support plate311from being shaken leftward or rightward, may improve the fitting force between the injection resin and the support plate311, and may serves as an assembling guide when the support plate311is inserted into the mold, in the injection molding process.

FIG. 8illustrates a third-type position adjusting groove, according to an embodiment.

InFIG. 8, state801illustrates a portion of the housing310in which a third-type position adjusting groove413is disposed, state803illustrates at least a portion of a sectional view taken along line D1-D1′ in state801, and state805illustrates at least a portion of a sectional surface taken along line D2-D2′ of state801. Referring to state801, at least a portion of the housing310may include a portion of the support plate311and a portion of the injection molded member312. The support plate311may include at least the first lead311_1, and the injection molded member312may include the first lead injection molded part312_1. The third-type position adjusting groove413includes a first part413_1, which is formed in the first lead311_1, and a second part413_2, which is formed in the first lead injection molded part312_1. The first part413_1may have sidewalk formed in the −x-axis, x-axis, and −y-axis directions at some edges of a bottom surface413s,and may be provided in the form of a groove open in the y-axis and z-axis directions, The second part413_2may have sidewalls formed in the −x-axis, x-axis, and y-axis directions at some other edges of the bottom surface413s,and may be provided in the form of a groove open in the −y-axis and the z-axis directions. The opening of the first part413_1in the y-axis direction may be connected with the opening of the second part413_2in the −y-axis direction. The first part413_1and the second part413_2are open in the z-axis direction to completely form a third-type position adjusting groove413.

Referring to state803, the third-type position adjusting groove413may include a bottom surface413s,a first sidewall413avertically extending in the z-axis direction from a first-side edge provided in the −x-axis direction based on the center of the bottom surface413s,and a second sidewall413bvertically extending in the z-axis direction from a second-side edge facing the first-side edge of the bottom surface413s,and positioned in the x-axis direction from the center of the bottom surface413s.A portion of the first sidewall413aand a portion of the second sidewall413bare included in the first part413_1, and another portion of the first sidewall413aand another portion of the second sidewall413bmay be included in the second part413_2. A portion of the first sidewall413aincluding a first material (e.g., a metal material) may be joined to another portion of the first sidewall413aincluding a second material (e.g., a structure obtained by hardening a non-metal material or resin for injection). Similarly, a portion of the first sidewall413bincluding the first material (e.g., a metal material) may be joined to another portion of the second sidewall413bincluding the second material (e.g., a structure obtained by hardening a non-metal material or resin for injection).

Referring to state805, the third-type position adjusting groove413may include a bottom surface413s,a third sidewall413cvertically extending in the z-axis direction from a third-side edge provided in the −y-axis direction based on the center of the bottom surface413s,and a fourth sidewall413dvertically extending in the z-axis direction from a fourth-side edge facing the third-side edge of the bottom surface413s,and positioned in the y-axis direction from the center of the bottom surface413s.The third sidewall413cmay be included in the first part413_1, and the fourth sidewall413dmay be included in the second part413_2. The third-side edge provided in the −y-axis direction based on the center of the bottom surface413smay be interposed between the first-side edge and the second-side edge of the bottom surface413s.A portion of the bottom surface413smay be positioned in the first part413_1, and another portion of the bottom surface413smay be positioned in the second part413_2. Accordingly, the bottom surface413smay be formed by joining two layers including mutually different materials (e.g., a metal material and a non-metal material) At least a portion of the third-type position adjusting groove413may constitute a rectangular empty space, which is open in the z-axis direction.

As the third-type position adjusting groove413has the four sidewalk413a,413b,413c,and413dformed perpendicularly to the bottom surface413s,the size of one sectional surface corresponding to the x-y plane of a third-type mold rib513of the upper mold520is less than or equal to the size of an opening of the third-type position adjusting groove413when viewed in the z-axis direction. As described above, the third-type mold rib513may be disposed while crossing an area between the support plate311and the injection molded member312, thereby reducing the phenomenon in which the resin for injection is directly introduced between the support plate311and the mold.

FIG. 9illustrates a fourth-type position adjusting groove, according to an embodiment.

InFIG. 9, state901illustrates a portion of the housing310in which a fourth-type position adjusting groove414is disposed, and state903illustrates at least a portion of a sectional surface taken along line E-E′ of state901. Referring to state901, at least a portion of the housing310may include a portion of the support plate311and a portion of the injection molded member312. The support plate311may include at least the first lead311_1, and the injection molded member312may include the first lead injection molded part312_1. The fourth-type position adjusting groove414includes a first part414_1, which is formed in the first lead311_1, and a second part414_2, which is formed in the first lead injection molded part312_1. The first part414_1may constitute a portion of a semi-sphere having a specific curvature in the −z-axis direction and engraved in the −z-axis and −y-axis directions. The second part414_2may constitute another portion of a semi-sphere having a specific curvature in the −z-axis direction and engraved in the −z-axis and y-axis directions. A concave surface of the first part414_1in the −z-axis direction may constitute a portion of the fourth-type position adjusting groove414, and a concave surface of the second part414_2in the −z-axis direction may constitute another portion of the fourth-type position adjusting groove414. The concave surfaces of the first part414_1and the concave surface of the second part414_2are connected to each other and may form a semi-spherical groove. The space corresponding to the first part414_1and the space corresponding to the second part414_2may be open in the z-axis direction while communicating with each other. The fourth-type position adjusting groove414may have the shape of a semi-spherical groove engraved in the −z-axis direction, at the contact part between the first lead311_1and the first lead injection molded member312. In this regard, at least an end portion of an edge in the −z-axis direction of a fourth-type mold rib514of the upper mold520may be provided in the shape of a semi-sphere.

Referring to state903, top surfaces of the first lead311_1and a first lead injection-molded molded part312_1are aligned in line with each other in the z-axis direction, and one sidewall of the first lead311-1and one sidewall of the first lead injection-molded molded part312_1may be bonded to each other. The fourth-type mold rib514may be positioned at the boundary between the first lead311_1and the first lead injection molded part312_1. The first part414_1, which is to seat a portion of the end portion of the edge of the fourth-type mold rib514, may be formed in the first lead311_1before the injection molding process is performed. The second part414_2may be produced in a space adjacent to the first lead311_1, when a material for the injection is injected and hardened through the injection molding process, and while the fourth-type mold rib514is joined to the first part414_1.

The first part414_1, which is curved, of the fourth-type position adjusting groove414having the shape of the semi-sphere may provide a uniform fitting surface with respect to the fourth-type mold rib514having the shape of the semi-sphere. Alternatively, as the one end portion of the fourth-type mold rib514is provided in the shape of the semi-sphere, friction between the fourth-type mold rib514and the fourth-type position adjusting groove414may be reduced while the fourth-type mold rib514is coupled to the fourth-type position adjusting groove414, such that breakage or the abrasion of the fourth-type mold rib514is prevented.

FIG. 10illustrates a fifth-type position adjusting groove, according to an embodiment.

InFIG. 10, state1001illustrates a portion of the housing310in which a fifth-type position adjusting groove415is disposed, state1003illustrates at least a portion of a sectional surface taken along line F-F′ of state1001Referring to state1001, at least a portion of the housing310may include a portion of the support plate311and a portion of the injection molded member312. The injection molded member312may include at least the first lead311_1, and the injection molded member312may include the first lead injection molded part312_1. The fifth-type position adjusting groove415includes a first part415_1, which is formed in the first lead311_1, and a second part415_2, which is formed in the first lead injection molded part312_1. The first part415_1may have sidewalls stepped in the −x-axis direction, the x-axis direction, and −y-axis direction at some other edges of the bottom surface415sand may be provided in the form of a groove open in the y-axis and z-axis directions. The second part415_2may have sidewalls stepped in the −x-axis n, x-axis, and y-axis directions, and may be provided in the form of a groove open in the −y-axis and z-axis directions. The opening of the first part415_1in the y-axis direction may be connected with the opening of the second part415_2in the −y-axis direction. The first part415_1and the second part415_2are open in the z-axis direction to completely form the fifth-type position adjusting groove415.

Referring to state1003, a first sidewall of the fifth-type position adjusting groove415may include a first titled surface415a,which has an angle greater than 0° formed with respect to a line extending in the z-axis direction from a first-side edge of a bottom surface415sand is positioned in the −x-axis direction from the center of the bottom surface415s,and a first curved surface415e,which extends toward a top surface facing the z-axis direction of the first lead311_1from an end portion facing the z-axis direction of the first titled surface415aand is engraved (or concave) in the −z-axis direction. For example, the first curved surface415emay include a surface which is interposed between a top surface of the support plate311(or the first lead311_1) and an upper end portion facing the z-axis direction of the first titled surface415a,and has a specific curvature in the −z-axis direction. The second sidewall may include a second titled surface415b,which has a tilt angle greater than 0° formed with respect to a line extending in the z-axis direction from a second-side edge facing a first-side edge and is positioned in the x-axis direction from the center of the bottom surface415s,and a second curved surface415fwhich extends toward a top surface facing the z-axis direction of the first lead311_1from an end portion facing the z-axis direction of the second titled surface415b,and is engraved (or curved) in the −z-axis direction. For example, the second curved surface415fmay include a surface which is interposed between the top surface of the support plate311(or the first lead311_1) and an upper end portion facing the z-axis direction of the second titled surface415b,and has a specific curvature in the −z-axis direction. Additionally or alternatively, the fifth-type position adjusting groove415may include four sidewalls as illustrated in state1001. For example, a third sidewall and a fourth sidewall are formed between a first sidewall415aand415eand a second sidewall415band415f,while facing each other. At least one of the third sidewall and the fourth sidewall may have an identical or similar shape as the first sidewall415aand415eor the second sidewall415band415f.

At least a portion of a fifth-type mold rib515of the upper mold520, which corresponds to the fifth-type position adjusting groove415, may have the structure for being seated in the fifth-type position adjusting groove415. For example, the fifth-type mold rib515may include an end portion corresponding to the bottom surface415s,side surfaces linking to the end portion and corresponding to titled surfaces (e.g., at least the first titled surface415aand the second titled surface415b) of the fifth-type position adjusting groove415, and curved parts extending from end portions of the side surfaces, having a specific curvature, and having a convex shape. Accordingly, the inner stiffness of the support plate311may be maintained, and degradation in the performance of the antenna of the housing310may be mitigated.

Although the fifth-type position adjusting groove415described above with reference toFIG. 10includes four sidewalls having the same structure by way of example, the disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the third sidewall and the fourth sidewall may have shapes different from those of the first sidewall415aand415eand the second sidewalls415band415f.For example, the third sidewall and the fourth sidewall may be formed perpendicularly from the edge of the bottom surface415sin the z-axis direction toward the top surface of the support plate311from the edge of the bottom surface415s,as illustrated inFIG. 6. Alternatively, the third sidewall and the fourth sidewall may constitute one titled surface having a tilt angle equal to or greater than 20° and less than 90° formed with respect to a line extending in the z-axis direction toward the top surface of the support plate311from the edge of the bottom surface415s,as illustrated inFIG. 7.

As described above, various types of position adjusting grooves, which are formed in the boundary between the first lead311_1of the support plate311and the first lead injection molded member312_1of the injection molded member312, have been described with reference toFIGS. 6 to 10, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the various types of the position adjusting grooves may be identically applied to various positions of the support plate311, such as the boundary between at least one lead, in order to connect the first antenna unit311awith the main body311_21, and an adjacent injection molded part, the boundary between the boundary between at least one lead, in order to connect the second antenna unit311bwith the main body311_21, and the adjacent injection molded part, and the boundary between at least one lead, in order to connect the third antenna unit311cwith the main body311_21and the adjacent injection molded part. Alternatively, although the shape of the position adjusting groove in the disclosure may be unified, as in the second-type position adjusting groove412described with reference toFIG. 7, various types of position adjusting groove may be applied depending on the position or the shape of the lead.

As described above, a housing of a portable electronic device may include an injection molded member at least partially uncovered (or exposed) to an outside, a support plate (bracket) positioned inside the injection molded member and at least partially serving as an antenna, and a communication circuit. The housing of the portable electronic device may be electrically connected with the communication circuit through an antenna grounding part. A groove to adjust a position by a mold may be formed at a peripheral portion of the antenna grounding part while crossing the support plate and the injection molded member. The side surface of the position adjusting groove may have a tilt angle of at least 20°.

According to an embodiment, a portable communication device may include a housing and a PCB seated in the housing and mounted with a communication circuit. The housing may include a support plate including at least one antenna unit operatively connected with the communication circuit, and an injection molded member to surround at least a portion of the at least one antenna unit. The support plate may include a main body in which at least a portion of the PCB is seated, and at least one lead to connect the at least one antenna unit with the main body. In addition, the support plate may include at least one position adjusting groove formed at a position at which the at least one lead makes contact with the injection molded member.

The at least one position adjusting groove includes a first part formed by engraving a portion of the support plate, and a second part formed by engraving a portion of the injection molded member and connected with the first part.

A bottom surface of the first part and a bottom surface of the second part are connected with each other to form one bottom surface. The bottom surface of the first part and the bottom surface of the second part are positioned on the same plane.

The at least one position adjusting groove includes, as a bottom of the first part and a bottom of the second part are connected with each other to form one bottom surface, a plurality of sidewalls having a tilt angle greater than 0° from a line extending from a top surface of the support plate toward the bottom surface.

The tilt angle is formed at 20° or more.

The plurality of sidewalls includes a first sidewall having a portion included in the first part and another portion included in the second part, and a second sidewall which has a portion included in the first part and another portion included in the second part, and is positioned in opposition to the first sidewall.

The plurality of sidewalls includes a third sidewall, which is interposed between the first sidewall and the second sidewall and includes a first material, and a fourth sidewall which is interposed between the first sidewall and the second sidewall, is provided in opposition to the third sidewall, and includes a second material.

The portable electronic device further includes a third sidewall, which is interposed between the first sidewall and the second sidewall, includes a first material, and is formed perpendicularly from one edge of the bottom surface, and a fourth sidewall which is interposed between the first sidewall and the second sidewall, is provided in opposition to the third sidewall, includes a second material, and is formed perpendicularly from an opposite edge of the bottom surface.

The plurality of sidewalls includes a first sidewall included in the first part and including a first material, and a second sidewall included in the second part, including a second material, and positioned in opposition to the first sidewall.

The portable electronic device further includes a third sidewall, which is interposed between the first sidewall and the second sidewall, includes a portion including the first material and another portion including the second material, and is formed perpendicularly from one edge of the bottom surface, and a fourth sidewall which is interposed between the first sidewall and the second sidewall, is provided in opposition to the third sidewall, includes a portion including the first material and another portion including the second material, and is formed perpendicularly from an opposite edge of the bottom surface.

The at least one position adjusting groove includes a curved surface engraved and having the shape of a semi-sphere.

The at least one position adjusting groove includes a first part, which corresponds to a portion of the curved surface, in which the portion of the curved surface includes a first material, and a second part which corresponds to another portion of the curved surface, in which the another portion of the curved surface includes a second material.

The at least one position adjusting groove has a stepped shape.

The at least one position adjusting groove includes a bottom surface, and a first sidewall and a second sidewall formed from an edge of the bottom surface toward a top surface of the support plate. The first sidewall has a first tilted surface, which is formed at a tilt angle greater than 0° with respect to a line extending from a first-side edge of the bottom surface toward the top surface of the support plate, and a first curved surface which is stepped at an upper end portion of the first tilted surface and formed toward the top surface of the support plate. The second sidewall includes a second titled surface, which is formed at a tilt angle greater than 0° with respect to a line extending toward the top surface of the support plate from a second-side edge provided in opposition to the first-side edge of the bottom surface, and a second curved surface which is stepped at an upper end portion of the second tilted surface, formed toward the top surface of the second tilted surface, and positioned in opposition to the first curved surface.

The position adjusting groove is disposed to be closer to the main body rather than the at least one antenna unit.

At least one lead may include a first lead positioned in a first direction between the main body and a first antenna unit, and a second lead extending positioned in a second direction between the main body and the first antenna unit.

The at least one position adjusting groove includes a first position adjusting groove having a portion formed in the first lead and a second position adjusting groove having a portion formed in the second lead.

According to an embodiment, a housing includes a support plate including at least one antenna unit operatively connected with the communication circuit, and an injection molded member to surround at least a portion of the at least one antenna unit. The support plate includes a main body, at least one lead to connect the at least one antenna unit with the main body, and at least one position adjusting groove formed at a position at which the at least one lead makes contact with the injection molded member.

The at least one position adjusting groove includes a first part formed by engraving a portion of the support plate, and a second part formed by engraving a portion the injection molded member and connected with the first part. The at least one position adjusting groove may include a structure including at least one sidewall having a tilt angle greater than 0°, a structure including a curved surface engaged and having the shape of a semi-sphere, and a structure stepped.

According to the support plate and the portable communication device including the same of various embodiments, the support plate may be prevented from being deformed or broken.

In addition, various objects and effects will be apparent from embodiments of the detailed description, according to the support plate and the portable communication device including the same of various embodiments.

FIG. 11is a block diagram illustrating an electronic device1101in a network environment1100according to an embodiment. Referring toFIG. 11, the electronic device1101in the network environment1100may communicate with an electronic device1102via a first network1198(e.g., a short-range wireless communication network), or at least one of an electronic device1104or a server1108via a second network1199(e.g., a long-range wireless communication network). The electronic device1101may communicate with the electronic device1104via the server1108. The electronic device1101may include a processor1120, memory1130, an input module1150, a sound output module1155, a display module1160, an audio module1170, a sensor module1176, an interface1177, a connecting terminal1178, a haptic module1179, a camera module1180, a power management module1188, a battery1189, a communication module1190, a subscriber identification module (SIM) card1196, or an antenna module1197. At least one of the components may be omitted from the electronic device1101, or one or more other components may be added in the electronic device1101. Some of the components may be implemented as a single component.

The processor1120may execute a program1140to control at least one hardware or software component of the electronic device1101coupled with the processor1120and may perform various data processing or computation. As at least part of the data processing or computation, the processor1120may store a command or data received from the sensor module1176or the communication module1190in volatile memory1132, process the command or the data stored in the volatile memory1132, and store resulting data in non-volatile memory1134. The processor1120may include a main processor1121(e.g., a central processing unit (CPU) or an application processor (AP)), or an auxiliary processor1123(e.g., a graphics processing unit (GPU), a neural processing unit (NPU), an image signal processor (ISP), a sensor hub processor, or a communication processor (CP)) that is operable independently from, or in conjunction with, the main processor1121. For example, when the electronic device1101includes the main processor1121and the auxiliary processor1123, the auxiliary processor1123may be adapted to consume less power than the main processor1121, or to be specific to a specified function. The auxiliary processor1123may be implemented as separate from, or as part of the main processor1121.

The auxiliary processor1123may control at least some of functions or states related to at least one component among the components of the electronic device1101, instead of the main processor1121while the main processor1121is in an inactive (e.g., sleep) state, or together with the main processor1121while the main processor1121is in an active state. The auxiliary processor1123may be implemented as part of the camera module1180or the communication module1190functionally related to the auxiliary processor1123. The auxiliary processor1123(e.g., the neural processing unit) may include a hardware structure specified for artificial intelligence model processing. An artificial intelligence model may be generated by machine learning. Such learning may be performed, e.g., by the electronic device1101where the artificial intelligence is performed or via a separate server1108. Learning algorithms may include, but are not limited to, e.g., supervised learning, unsupervised learning, semi-supervised learning, or reinforcement learning. The artificial intelligence model may include a plurality of artificial neural network layers. The artificial neural network may be a deep neural network (DNN), a convolutional neural network (CNN), a. recurrent neural network (RNN), a restricted Boltzmann machine (RBM), a deep belief network (DBN), a bidirectional recurrent deep neural network (BRDNN), deep Q-network or a combination of two or more thereof but is not limited thereto. The artificial intelligence model may, additionally or alternatively, include a software structure other than the hardware structure.

The memory1130may store various data used by at least one component of the electronic device1101. The various data may include the program1140and input data or output data for a command related thereto. The memory1130may include the volatile memory1132or the non-volatile memory1134.

The program1140may be stored in the memory1130as software and may include an operating system (OS)1142, middleware1144, or an application1146.

The input module1150may receive a command or data to be used by the processor1120of the electronic device1101, from a user of the electronic device1101. The input module1150may include a microphone, a mouse, a keyboard, a key (e.g., a button), or a digital pen (e.g., a stylus pen).

The sound output module1155may output sound signals to the outside of the electronic device1101. The sound output module1155may include a speaker or a receiver. The speaker may be used for general purposes, such as playing multimedia or playing record. The receiver may be used for receiving incoming calls. The receiver may be implemented as separate from, or as part of the speaker.

The display module1160may visually provide information to the user of the electronic device1101. The display module1160may include a display, a hologram device, or a projector and control circuitry to control a corresponding one of the display, hologram device, and projector. The display module1160may include a touch sensor adapted to detect a touch, or a pressure sensor adapted to measure the intensity of force incurred by the touch.

The audio module1170may convert a sound into an electrical signal and vice versa. The audio module1170may obtain the sound via the input module1150or output the sound via the sound output module1155or a headphone of an external electronic device (e.g., an electronic device1102) directly (e.g., wiredly) or wirelessly coupled with the electronic device1101.

The interface1177may support one or more specified protocols to be used for the electronic device1101to be coupled with the external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device1102) directly (e.g., wiredly) or wirelessly. The interface1177may include a high definition multimedia interface (HDMU), a universal serial bus (USB) interface, a secure digital (SD) card interface, or an audio interface.

A connecting terminal1178may include a connector via which the electronic device1101may be physically connected with the external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device1102). The connecting terminal1178may include a HDMI connector, a USB connector, a SD card connector, or an audio connector (e.g., a headphone connector).

The haptic module1179may 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 his tactile sensation or kinesthetic sensation. The haptic module1179may include a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electric stimulator.

The camera module1180may capture a still image or moving images. The camera module1180may include one or more lenses, image sensors, image signal processors, or flashes.

The power management module1188may manage power supplied to the electronic device1101. The power management module1188may be implemented as at least part of a power management integrated circuit (PMIC).

The battery1189may supply power to at least one component of the electronic device1101. The battery1189may include a primary cell which is not rechargeable, a secondary cell which is rechargeable, or a fuel cell.

The communication module1190may support establishing a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between the electronic device1101and the external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device1102, the electronic device1104, or the server1108) and performing communication via the established communication channel. The communication module1190may include one or more communication processors that are operable independently from the processor1120(e.g., the application processor (AP)) and supports a direct (e.g., wired) communication or a wireless communication. The communication module1190may include a wireless communication module1192(e.g., a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) communication module) or a wired communication module1194(e.g., a local area network (LAN) communication module or a power line communication (PLC) module). A corresponding one of these communication modules may communicate with the external electronic device via the first network1198(e.g., a short-range communication network, such as Bluetooth™, wireless-fidelity (Wi-Fi) direct, or infrared data association (IrDA)) or the second network1199(e.g., a long-range communication network, such as a legacy cellular network, a 5G network, a next-generation communication network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., LAN or wide area network (WAN)). These various types of communication modules may be implemented as a single component (e.g., a single chip), or may be implemented as multi components (e.g., multi chips) separate from each other. The wireless communication module1192may identify and authenticate the electronic device1101in a communication network, such as the first network1198or the second network1199, using subscriber information (e.g., international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI)) stored in the subscriber identification module1196.

The antenna module1197may transmit or receive a signal or power to or from the external electronic device of the electronic device1101. The antenna module1197may include an antenna including a radiating element composed of a conductive material or a conductive pattern formed in or on a PCB. The antenna module1197may include array antennas. In such a case, at least one antenna appropriate for a communication scheme used in the communication network, such as the first network1198or the second network1199, may be selected by the wireless communication module1192from the plurality of antennas. The signal or the power may then be transmitted or received between the communication module1190and the external electronic device via the selected at least one antenna. Another component (e.g., a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC)) other than the radiating element may be additionally formed as part of the antenna module1197.

Commands or data may be transmitted or received between the electronic device1101and the external electronic device1104via the server1108coupled with the second network1199. Each of the electronic devices1102or1104may be of a same type as, or a different type, from the electronic device1101. All or some of operations to be executed at the electronic device1101may be executed at one or more of the external electronic devices1102,1104, or1108. For example, if the electronic device1101should perform a function or a service automatically, or in response to a request from a user or another device, the electronic device1101, 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. The one or more external electronic devices receiving the request may perform the at least part of the function or the service requested, or an additional function or an additional service related to the request, and transfer an outcome of the performing to the electronic device1101. The electronic device1101may provide the outcome, with or without further processing of the outcome, as at least part of a reply to the request. To that end, a cloud computing, distributed computing, mobile edge computing (MEC), or client-server computing technology may be used, for example.

The electronic device1101may provide ultra low-latency services using, e.g., distributed computing or mobile edge computing. In another embodiment, the external electronic device1104may include an Internet-of-things (IoT) device. The server1108may be an intelligent server using machine learning and/or a neural network. The external electronic device1104or the server1108may be included in the second network1199. The electronic device1101may be applied to intelligent services (e.g., smart home, smart city, smart car, or healthcare) based on 5G communication technology or IoT-related technology.

Various embodiments as set forth herein may be implemented as software including one or more instructions that are stored in a storage medium that is readable by a machine. For example, a processor of the machine may invoke at least one of the one or more instructions stored in the storage medium, and execute it, with or without using one or more other components under the control of the processor. This enables the machine to be operated to perform at least one function according to the at least one instruction invoked. The one or more instructions may include a code generated by a complier or a code executable by an interpreter. The machine-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium, which indicates that the storage medium is a tangible device and does not include a signal. However, this term does not differentiate between where data is semi-permanently stored in the storage medium and where the data is temporarily stored in the storage medium.

While the present disclosure has been described with reference to various embodiments, various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and the scope of the present disclosure, which is defined, not by the detailed description and embodiments, but by the appended claims and their equivalents.