Antenna module

An antenna module includes a coil part including a second antenna wiring disposed in a spiral shape on an insulating substrate and a first antenna wiring disposed in an internal region of the second antenna wiring; and a magnetic part including a second magnetic part disposed on a second surface of the insulating substrate and a first magnetic part extending from the second magnetic part, penetrating through the internal region of the second antenna wiring, and disposed on a first surface of the insulating substrate.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application claims benefit under 35 USC § 119(a) of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2017-0091900 filed on Jul. 20, 2017 in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.

BACKGROUND

The description relates to an antenna module mounted in an electronic device and is used for short-range communications.

2. Description of Related Art

As portable terminals such as smartphones become widespread and functions thereof are improved, a payment method using the short-range communications function of portable terminals has emerged. However, since a data transmission channel may not be present between a POS terminal conventionally and commonly installed in a store or the like and smartphones, payments using smartphones face many obstacles. In order to overcome such obstacles, methods using a 2D barcode or near field communication (NFC) have been proposed.

In addition, a magnetic secure transmission (MST) method capable of performing payments without adding a separate reading apparatus to a POS terminal has recently been proposed.

Thereby, both an NFC antenna and an MST antenna may be mounted in a single one portable terminal, and accordingly, an antenna module capable of maintaining communications performance of the respective antennas in the portable terminal is required.

SUMMARY

In one general aspect, an antenna module includes a coil part including a second antenna wiring disposed in a spiral shape on an insulating substrate, and a first antenna wiring disposed in an internal region of the second antenna wiring, and a magnetic part including a second magnetic part disposed on a second surface of the insulating substrate and a first magnetic part extending from the second magnetic part, and penetrating through an internal region of the second antenna wiring and disposed on a first surface of the insulating substrate.

The first magnetic part may be disposed in the internal region of the second antenna wiring and to face a portion of the first antenna wiring.

The first antenna wiring may include a first pattern disposed on the first surface of the insulating substrate, a second pattern disposed on the second surface of the insulating substrate, and interlayer connection conductors penetrating through the insulating substrate and connecting the first pattern and the second pattern with each other.

The first magnetic part may penetrate through a center region of the first antenna wiring.

The first magnetic part may penetrate through a region between the first antenna wiring and the second antenna wiring.

A portion of the first magnetic part may be disposed to overlap with the second magnetic part.

The magnetic part may include a cutting part that partially separates the magnetic part into the first magnetic part and the second magnetic part.

A portion of the cutting part may face the first antenna wiring.

The first antenna wiring may include a first wiring and a second wiring disposed to be spaced apart from each other, and the first magnetic part may be coupled to the coil part and may penetrate through both a center of the first wiring and a center of the second wiring.

The magnetic part may further comprise a third magnetic part disposed on the second surface of the insulating substrate and spaced apart from the second magnetic part.

The third magnetic part may be disposed to face the second antenna wiring.

The first antenna wiring may include two spiral parts disposed to be spaced apart from each other in an internal region of the second antenna wiring.

The two spiral parts may spiral in directions which are opposite to each other.

Any one of the two spiral parts may be disposed in a region inside a second spiral turn of the second antenna wiring.

A third antenna wiring may be disposed on the first surface of the insulating substrate and in an external or internal region of the second antenna wiring, wherein the second magnetic part may be configured such that a portion of the second magnetic part faces the third antenna wiring.

In another general aspect, an antenna module includes a coil part comprising a second antenna wiring and a first antenna wiring disposed in an internal region of the second antenna wiring, and a magnetic part disposed on one surface of the coil part to face the second antenna wiring, wherein a portion of the magnetic part extends to the other surface of the coil part and is disposed to face the first antenna wiring.

In one general aspect, an electronic device includes a case including an antenna module including a coil part including a second antenna wiring disposed in a spiral shape on an insulating substrate, and a first antenna wiring disposed in an internal region of the second antenna wiring, and a magnetic part including a second magnetic part disposed on a second surface of the insulating substrate and a first magnetic part extending from the second magnetic part, and penetrating through an internal region of the second antenna wiring and disposed on a first surface of the insulating substrate.

The electronic device may include a cell phone, a tablet personal computer, or a wearable electronic device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1is a perspective view of an antenna module according to an embodiment,FIG. 2is a plan view of the antenna module illustrated inFIG. 1, andFIG. 3is a cross-sectional view taken along a line I-I′ ofFIG. 1.FIG. 4is an exploded perspective view of the antenna module ofFIG. 1.

Referring toFIGS. 1 through 4, an antenna module100according to an embodiment, an antenna module mounted in an electronic device and is used for short-range communications, includes a coil part40and a magnetic part80.

The coil part40may have a form of a substrate. In more detail, the coil part40includes an insulating substrate41, and an antenna wiring45formed on the insulating substrate41.

The insulating substrate41refers to a substrate wherein a circuit wiring is formed on one surface or opposite surfaces thereof, and for example, an insulating film (e.g., a polyimide film) may be used. In this case, the coil part40has a form of a flexible printed circuit board (PCB). However, the wiring part40is not limited thereto, but various kinds of substrates (e.g., a printed circuit board, a ceramic substrate, a glass substrate, an epoxy substrate, a flexible substrate, and the like) which are known in the art may be used as long as the circuit wiring may be formed on the opposite surfaces thereof.

The antenna wiring45is formed on opposite surfaces of the insulating substrate41and has a form of circuit wiring formed of a copper foil, or the like.

The antenna wiring45according to an embodiment may be manufactured by patterning double sided copper clad laminates (CCL). In addition, the antenna wiring43may be formed by performing a photolithography method for the opposite surfaces of a flexible insulating substrate such as a film, and the coil part40may be manufactured for example in the flexible PCB (FPCB) having a double sided structure.

Accordingly, the coil part40according to an embodiment may have a thickness which is very thin. However, the wiring part40may be manufactured in a multilayer substrate, or may also be manufactured in a form of the printed circuit board (PCB) having rigidity, as needed.

The antenna wiring45is formed in a form in which the antenna wiring45protrudes from the insulating substrate41, not a form in which the antenna wiring45is embedded in the insulating substrate41. In this case, a distance at which the antenna wiring45protrudes from the insulating substrate41is similar to or the same as a thickness of a magnetic part80to be described below. However, the antenna wiring45is not limited thereto.

Further, the antenna wiring45may be formed of a single line coil, or may be formed of a coil of a Litz wire form formed of several strands.

The antenna wiring45according to an embodiment includes a first antenna wiring42and a second antenna wiring43. Each of the first antenna wiring42and the second antenna wiring43is formed as a wiring having a spiral shape.

The first antenna wiring42includes a first pattern42adisposed on a first surface of the insulating substrate41, a second pattern42bdisposed on a second surface, the other surface of the insulating substrate41, and interlayer connection conductors48that connect the first pattern42aand the second pattern42bwith each other. The interlayer connection conductors48are disposed in the insulating substrate41so as to penetrate through the insulating substrate41, and electrically connect the first pattern42aand the second pattern42b.

When the insulating substrate41is divided based on a dividing line C ofFIG. 2, the first pattern42ais disposed on one side of the insulating substrate41and the second pattern42bis disposed on the other side of the insulating substrate41. In addition, the interlayer connection conductors48are disposed along the dividing line C. Here, the dividing line C is defined as a line that connects the interlayer connection conductors48with each other.

Accordingly, a continuous spiral shape of the first antenna wiring42is completed by the first pattern42a, the second pattern42b, and the interlayer connection conductors48. In addition, the first antenna wiring42is formed in a spiral shape in which a half of a turn of the first antenna wiring42is alternately disposed on the first surface and the second surface of the insulating substrate41.

The first pattern42aand the second pattern42beach include linear patterns which are disposed in parallel. The linear patterns may be disposed to have concentricity.

The linear patterns of the first pattern42aare each connected to the linear patterns of the second pattern42bthrough the interlayer connection conductors48. Therefore, one linear pattern of the first pattern42aand one linear pattern of the second pattern42bare connected to each other through the interlayer connection conductor48to form one coil turn.

By such an antenna structure, a half of the first antenna wiring42is disposed on the first surface of the insulating substrate41, and the remaining half thereof is disposed on the second surface of the insulating substrate41.

An overall contour of the first antenna wiring42may be an annular shape (or a ring shape). Therefore, an empty region in which the first antenna wiring42is not formed may be formed at a center of the first antenna wiring42. Hereinafter, a center region of the first antenna wiring42refers to an empty region disposed at the center of an internal region of the first antenna wiring42and does not have the first antenna wiring42formed therein.

The first antenna wiring42configured as described above may be used as a magnetic secure transmission (MST) antenna. However, the first antenna wiring42is not limited thereto.

The second antenna wiring43is disposed on the first surface of the insulating substrate41, and may be entirely exposed to the outside of a magnetic part80to be described below. However, the second antenna wiring43is not limited thereto, but may be disposed on the second surface of the insulating substrate41or disposed to be distributed on the opposite surfaces of the insulating substrate41similarly to the first antenna wiring42as needed.

The second antenna wiring43is disposed along an outer portion of the insulating substrate41. In addition, an overall contour of the second antenna wiring43may be an annular shape (or a ring shape). Therefore, an empty region in which the second antenna wiring43is not formed may be formed at a center of the second antenna wiring43. Hereinafter, a center region of the second antenna wiring43refers to a region disposed at the center of the internal region of the second antenna wiring43and does not have the second antenna wiring43formed therein.

The first antenna wiring42is disposed in the center region of the second antenna wiring43. Therefore, the second antenna wiring43may be disposed on an outer side of the first antenna wiring42so as to accommodate the first antenna wiring42therein.

The second antenna wiring43may be used as a near field communication (NFC) antenna. However, the second antenna wiring43is not limited thereto.

Further, the coil part40according to an embodiment has a through-hole49formed in the center region of the first antenna wiring42. The through-hole49penetrates through the insulating substrate41and is formed in the entirety of the center region of the first wiring42or may have a size smaller than the center region of the first antenna wiring42. A first magnetic part80ato be described below may be inserted into the through-hole49.

The magnetic part80is used as a magnetic path of a magnetic field generated by the antenna wiring45of the coil part40, and is provided to efficiently form the magnetic path of the magnetic field. To this end, the magnetic part80is formed of a material capable of easily forming the magnetic path, and for example, a material having permeability such as a ferrite, a nanocrystal magnetic material, an amorphous magnetic material, a silicon steel plate, or the like may be used.

The magnetic part80may be formed in a flat plate shape such as a sheet and may be disposed on opposite surfaces of the coil part40, respectively.

In more detail, the magnetic part80may be formed in one body and include a cutting part85that partially cuts the magnetic part80and separates it into a first magnetic part80aand a second magnetic part80b.

In the description, a portion of the magnetic part80disposed on one surface of the coil part40(e.g., the first surface of the insulating substrate) may be defined as the first magnetic part80a, and a portion of the magnetic part80disposed on the other surface of the coil part40(e.g., the second surface of the insulating substrate) may be defined as the second magnetic part80b. Further, the magnetic part disposed on the other surface of the coil part40and is separated from the second magnetic part80bis defined as a third magnetic part80d(FIG. 8).

In an embodiment, the cutting part85is formed in a slit form and has a shape of ‘’ in the magnetic part80.

Therefore, according to an embodiment, a portion positioned inside the cutting part85may be defined as the first magnetic part80aand a portion positioned outside the cutting part85may be defined as the second magnetic part80b.

The first magnetic part80ais disposed to protrude to the outside of the magnetic part80from the center of the magnetic part80. A structure of the first magnetic part80amay be defined according to an arrangement structure of the through-hole49and the first antenna wiring42included in the coil part40, and as illustrated inFIG. 20, when a position of the through-hole49is changed, the arrangement structure of the first magnetic part80amay also be changed.

The second magnetic part80bmay be disposed on the other surface of the coil part40(e.g., the second surface of the insulating substrate) and support the insulating substrate41as a whole. In addition, the first magnetic part80amay extend from the second magnetic part80b, penetrate through the through-hole49of the coil part40, and be disposed on one surface of the coil part40(e.g., the first surface of the insulating substrate).

Therefore, a maximum width of the first magnetic part80amay be the same as a width of the through-hole49or smaller than the width of the through-hole49, and accordingly, the antenna module100according to the present exemplary embodiment has the first magnetic part80aand the second magnetic part80bwhich have different sizes. In detail, the second magnetic part80bhas a wider width and a wider area than the first magnetic part80a.

According to an embodiment, both the first magnetic part80aand the second magnetic part80bare disposed on a region in which the antenna wiring42is not formed.

In more detail, both the first magnetic part80aand the first pattern42aare disposed on the first surface of the insulating substrate41, and the first magnetic part80ais disposed on a region in which the first pattern42ais not formed, so as not to overlap the first pattern42a.

Similarly, both the second magnetic part80band the second pattern42bare disposed on the second surface of the insulating substrate41, and the second magnetic part80bis disposed on a region in which the second pattern42bis not formed, so as not to overlap the second pattern42b.

The entirety of the first magnetic part80amay be disposed in a center region of the second antenna wiring43, so as to expose the second antenna wiring43. Further, the first magnetic part80amay be disposed on a region between the first pattern42aand the second antenna wiring43and may not be disposed so as to be in contact with the second antenna wiring43or to overlap the second antenna wiring43. Therefore, the first magnetic part80amay be disposed to be spaced apart from the first pattern42aand the second antenna wiring43by a predetermined distance. “Spaced apart” by a “predetermined distance” generally means that the relevant parts are not in contact with each other.

The first magnetic part80aand the second magnetic part80bmay be each disposed to face the first antenna wiring42while having the insulating substrate41interposed therebetween. In more detail, the first magnetic part80ais disposed to face at least a portion of the second pattern42bformed on the second surface of the insulating substrate41.

In addition, the second magnetic part80bis disposed to face at least a portion of the first pattern42aformed on the first surface of the insulating substrate41and at least a portion of the second antenna wiring43disposed around the first pattern42a.

Meanwhile, the antenna module100according to an embodiment may have an adhesive member (not shown) interposed between the coil part40and the magnetic part80so that the coil part40and the magnetic part80are firmly fixed and adhered to each other.

The adhesive member may be disposed between the coil part40and the magnetic part80and bonds the magnetic part80and the coil part40to each other. As such an adhesive member, an adhesive sheet or an adhesive tape may be used, and the adhesive member may also be formed by coating a surface of the coil part40or the magnetic part80with an adhesive or a resin having adhesive property.

In addition, the adhesive member may also have magnetic property by configuring the adhesive member to contain ferrite powders.

Since the antenna module100according to an embodiment configured as described above is manufactured in a form of a flat and thin substrate by coupling the magnetic part80to the coil part40, but a direction of the magnetic field generated by the first antenna wiring42is formed along a surface direction of the antenna module100, the antenna module100may be operated in a form such as a solenoid antenna.

Therefore, a shape or a direction of the magnetic field generated by the first antenna wiring42of the antenna module100may be adjusted to a specific direction.

In addition, since the antenna module100may be manufactured only by an operation of inserting the magnetic part80into the through-hole49of the coil part40, the antenna module is very easily manufactured. In addition, since one magnetic part80is used for various short-range communications, an operation of manufacturing the antenna module is simplified as compared to the related art using magnetic parts.

Further, the second magnetic part80bof the antenna module100according to an embodiment prevents the magnetic field formed by the second antenna wiring43as well as the magnetic field formed by the first pattern42afrom being leaked toward a rear surface of the second magnetic part80b. Accordingly, radiation efficiency of the second antenna wiring43is increased.

Meanwhile, in an example in which the magnetic part80and the antenna wirings42and43have a great thickness difference, a thickness of the antenna module100may be entirely non-uniform and a great thickness deviation thereof may occur. In this example, it may be difficult to mount the antenna module in an electronic device.

Therefore, the magnetic part80according to an embodiment has the thickness the same as, or similar to, the thickness of the antenna wirings42and43.

The antenna module according to the description is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments, but may be variously modified.

FIG. 5is a plan view of an antenna module according to an embodiment andFIG. 6is an exploded perspective view ofFIG. 5.

Referring toFIGS. 5 and 6, the antenna module according to an embodiment may have the second magnetic part80bnot disposed to face the entirety of the second antenna wiring and is disposed to only partially face the second antenna wiring.

The cutting part85may be formed in a form of cutting the second magnetic part80binwardly from a side surface of the second magnetic part80b. The cutting part85may have a width wider than the embodiment described above, and may, for example, have a width similar to the width of the first antenna wiring. Accordingly, the cutting part85according to an embodiment is disposed to face the first antenna wiring42.

Therefore, the magnetic part80according to an embodiment is configured so that the second magnetic part80bis disposed on the other surface of the coil part40and faces a portion of the first antenna wiring42and a portion of the second antenna wiring43. In addition, similarly to the embodiment described above, the first magnetic part80ais inserted into the through-hole49and disposed to cover a portion of the first antenna wiring42on one surface of the coil part40.

Such a configuration may be derived as a size of the magnetic part80is significantly reduced to be matched to a size of an internal space, when the internal space of the electronic device in which the antenna module is mounted is narrow.

FIG. 7is a plan view of an antenna module according to an embodiment andFIG. 8is an exploded perspective view ofFIG. 7.

Referring toFIGS. 7 and 8, the antenna module according to an embodiment has a shape in which a width of a portion at which the second magnetic part80band the first magnetic part80aare connected to each other becomes gradually narrow toward the first magnetic part80a. Therefore, the second magnetic part80bis disposed to face only some regions (e.g., a half or less) of the second antenna wiring43.

The third magnetic part80dis disposed on the region on which the second magnetic part80bis not disposed. The third magnetic part80dmay not be formed integrally with the first and second magnetic parts80aand80band may be provided independently from the first and second magnetic parts80aand80b.

Similarly to the second magnetic part80b, the third magnetic part80dis disposed on the second surface of the insulating substrate41and disposed to face the second antenna wiring43. Therefore, the second antenna wiring43may face the second magnetic part80band the third magnetic part80d.

According to an embodiment, the third magnetic part80dhas a shape of ‘’ according to the shape of the second antenna wiring43. However, the configuration of the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

Accordingly, the magnetic part80according to an embodiment is configured so that the second magnetic part80band the third magnetic part80dare disposed on the other surface of the coil part40and face a portion of the first antenna wiring42and most of the second antenna wiring43. In addition, similarly to the embodiment described above, the first magnetic part80amay be inserted into the through-hole49and disposed to cover a portion of the first antenna wiring42on one surface of the coil part40.

FIG. 9is a plan view of an antenna module according to an embodiment andFIG. 10is an exploded perspective view ofFIG. 9.

Referring toFIGS. 9 and 10, the antenna module according to an embodiment includes the first and second magnetic parts80aand80band the third magnetic part80dwhich are configured to be similar to the magnetic part80(FIG. 6) illustrated inFIG. 6described above.

The third magnetic part80dmay not be formed integrally with the first and second magnetic parts80aand80band may be provided independently from the first and second magnetic parts80aand80b.

According to an embodiment, the third magnetic part80dhas a rod form and is disposed to face one side of four sides of the second antenna wiring43formed in a quadrangular ring shape as a whole. Therefore, the third magnetic part80dhas a width similar to the width of the second antenna wiring43.

By such a configuration, the magnetic part80according to an embodiment is configured so that the second magnetic part80band the third magnetic part80dare disposed on the other surface of the coil part40and face a portion of the first antenna wiring42and most of the second antenna wiring43. In addition, similarly to the embodiment described above, the first magnetic part80ais inserted into the through-hole49and disposed to cover a portion of the first antenna wiring42on one surface of the coil part40.

The third magnetic part80dmay be bonded to the coil part40through an adhesive member (not shown). However, the third magnetic part80dis not limited thereto.

As such, magnetic parts80according to an embodiment may be used in combination as needed.

FIG. 11is a plan view of an antenna module according to an embodiment andFIG. 12is an exploded perspective view ofFIG. 11.

Referring toFIGS. 11 and 12, the antenna module according to an embodiment has the first antenna wiring42including a first wiring421and a second wiring422.

The first wiring421and the second wiring422are each formed on the insulating substrate41in a structure similar to the first antenna wiring42(FIG. 4) of the embodiment described above, and are disposed to be spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance.

In addition, the first wiring421and the second wiring422are each disposed so that the wiring disposed on the first surface of the insulating substrate41is disposed on an outer side of the wiring disposed on the second surface of the insulating substrate41. Therefore, the first wiring421and the second wiring422may be disposed to be line-symmetrical with each other with respect to the center of the insulating substrate41.

The through-hole49may be each formed in the centers of the first wiring421and the second wiring422. In addition, the first magnetic part80apenetrates through both the two through-holes49and is coupled to the coil part40.

Thereby, an end of the first magnetic part80ais disposed on the second surface of the insulating substrate41and a portion connecting the end and the second magnetic part80bwith each other is disposed on the first surface of the insulating substrate41. Accordingly, the entirety of the first magnetic part80ais coupled to the insulating substrate41without interfering with the first wiring421and the second wiring422.

Meanwhile, although not illustrated, the first wiring421and the second wiring422may be connected in series with or in parallel to each other. However, the first wiring421and the second wiring422are not limited thereto, but may also be configured to be operated independently from each other.

The second antenna wiring43may accommodate the first wiring421and the second wiring422in an internal region and may be disposed in a spiral shape along an outer portion of the insulating substrate41.

FIG. 13is a perspective view of an antenna module according to an embodiment andFIG. 14is an exploded perspective view ofFIG. 13.

Referring toFIGS. 13 and 14, the antenna module according to an embodiment has the first antenna wiring42of which the entirety is disposed on the first surface of the insulating substrate41similarly to the second antenna wiring43.

However, the configuration of the present disclosure is not limited thereto and the entirety of the first antenna wiring42may also be disposed on the second surface of the insulating substrate41. Further, various modifications are possible as needed. For example, both the first antenna wiring42and the second antenna wiring43may be disposed on the second surface of the insulating substrate41.

FIGS. 15 through 18are exploded perspective views each of an antenna module according to an embodiment, and each of the coil parts40may be configured to be the same as the coil part40illustrated inFIG. 14. However, the coil part40is not limited thereto.

Referring first toFIG. 15, the antenna module according to an embodiment has the magnetic part80configured to be similar to the magnetic part80illustrated inFIG. 14and the cutting part85having a width wider than the embodiment described above. Further, at least a portion of the cutting part85has a width corresponding to the first antenna wiring42, and accordingly, a portion of the cutting part85is disposed to face the first antenna wiring42.

Accordingly, the magnetic part80according to an embodiment is configured so that the second magnetic part80bis disposed on the other surface of the coil part40and faces the entirety of the second antenna wiring43and only some regions of the first antenna wiring42.

Similarly to the embodiment described above, the first magnetic part80ais inserted into the through-hole49and disposed to cover a portion of the first antenna wiring42on one surface of the coil part40.

The antenna module illustrated inFIG. 16has the magnetic part80configured to be similar to the magnetic part80shown inFIG. 6. Therefore, the second magnetic part80bis disposed on the other surface of the coil part40to face a portion of the second antenna wiring43not the entirety thereof. In addition, the first magnetic part80ais inserted into the through-hole49and disposed to cover a portion of the first antenna wiring42on one surface of the coil part40.

Further, a portion of the first antenna wiring42is disposed to face the cutting part85.

The antenna module shown inFIG. 17may have the coil part40including only the first antenna wiring42. In addition, the magnetic part80may be configured to be similar to the first magnetic part80aand the second magnetic part80bshown inFIG. 8.

Therefore, the second magnetic part80baccording to an embodiment is disposed to face only some regions (e.g., a half or less) of the first antenna wiring42. In addition, the first magnetic part80ais inserted into the through-hole49and disposed to cover a portion of the first antenna wiring42on one surface of the coil part40.

The antenna module illustrated inFIG. 18has the magnetic part80configured to be similar to the magnetic part80illustrated inFIG. 10and may be slightly different in a size of the third magnetic part80d. The third magnetic part80daccording to an embodiment is disposed to be spaced apart from the first magnetic part80aby a predetermined distance and has a width similar to the width of the second antenna wiring43. Therefore, the third magnetic part80dis disposed so as not to face the first antenna wiring42and to face only the second antenna wiring43.

Accordingly, the second magnetic part80band the third magnetic part80dare disposed on the other surface of the coil part40to face the second antenna wiring43. In addition, the first magnetic part80ais inserted into the through-hole49and disposed to cover a portion of the first antenna wiring42on one surface of the coil part40.

Meanwhile, the antenna module shown inFIGS. 13 through 16, and 18may implement the coil part45by forming a flexible PCB (FPCB) with the first antenna wiring42formed in a single side structure like the second antenna wiring43. Accordingly, cost for manufacturing the FPCB is significantly reduced.

FIG. 19is an exploded perspective view of an antenna module according to an embodiment.

Referring toFIG. 19, the antenna module according to an embodiment may have the coil part40including a third antenna wiring44.

The third antenna wiring44, a power receiving wiring, may be formed as a wiring having a spiral shape similarly to the second antenna wiring43.

According to an embodiment, the third antenna wiring44is formed on the first surface of the insulating substrate41similarly to the second antenna wiring43. However, the third antenna wiring44is not limited thereto, but may also be disposed to be distributed on opposite surfaces of the insulating substrate41or formed on the second surface of the insulating substrate41, similarly to the first antenna wiring42. In addition, the third antenna wiring may be variously modified. For example, the third antenna wirings may be formed in the same spiral shape on the opposite surfaces of the insulating substrate41and the third antenna wirings may be connected in series with or in parallel to each other.

A portion of the second magnetic part80bmay be disposed to face the third antenna wiring44. According to an embodiment, the second magnetic part80bis configured to face a portion of the first antenna wiring42(e.g., the first pattern), the entirety of the second antenna wiring43, and the entirety of the third antenna wiring44. However, the second magnetic part80bis not limited thereto, but may be variously modified as needed. For example, the second magnetic part80bmay be configured to partially face the second antenna wiring43and the third antenna wiring44.

Meanwhile, according to an embodiment, the third antenna wiring44is disposed in an external region of the second antenna wiring43, not an internal region thereof. However, the configuration of the present disclosure is not limited thereto, but may be variously modified as needed. For example, the size of the second antenna wiring43may be extended and the third antenna wiring44may be disposed in the internal region of the second antenna wiring43.

Such a third antenna wiring44may be used as a wireless charging coil. However, the third antenna wiring44is not limited thereto.

Meanwhile, although not illustrated, the first antenna wiring42may be connected in series with (e.g., a shape of 8 or a shape of B) or in parallel to the third antenna wiring44. Further, the second antenna wiring43may also be connected in series with or in parallel to the third antenna wiring44.

When a design area of the first antenna wiring42or the second antenna wiring43is insufficient, the design area may be increased by using the third antenna wiring44through such a configuration, thereby significantly increasing performance of the antenna.

FIG. 20is a perspective view of an antenna module according to an embodiment andFIG. 21is an exploded perspective view of the antenna module illustrated inFIG. 20.

Referring toFIGS. 20 and 21, the antenna module according to an embodiment may have the through-hole49of the coil part40disposed in the external region of the first antenna wiring42, not in the internal region of the first antenna wiring42. In more detail, the through-hole49is disposed in the internal region of the second antenna wiring43and disposed in a region between the first antenna wiring42and the second antenna wiring43.

In addition, corresponding to a position of the through-hole49, the first magnetic part80ais configured so that an end thereof is directed to the center of the magnetic part80and the first magnetic part80ais disposed on the center region of the first antenna wiring42on one surface of the coil part40. In addition, a portion of the second magnetic part80bis disposed on the center region of the first antenna wiring42on the other surface of the coil part40.

Accordingly, the magnetic part80according to an embodiment is configured so that the second magnetic part80bis disposed on the other surface of the coil part40and faces the entirety of the second antenna wiring43and only some regions of the first antenna wiring42.

In addition, the first magnetic part80amay be inserted into the through-hole49and disposed to cover a portion of the first antenna wiring42on one surface of the coil part40.

FIGS. 22 and 23are exploded perspective views of modified examples of the antenna module illustrated inFIG. 21.

Referring toFIG. 22, the antenna module according to an embodiment may have the coil part40configured in the same manner as the coil part40illustrated inFIG. 20.

According to an embodiment, the magnetic part80may comprise two members. In detail, the magnetic part80may comprise a member including the first magnetic part80ainserted into the through-hole49and covering a portion of the first antenna wiring42on one surface of the coil part40and a second magnetic part80bdisposed on the other surface of the coil part40and connected to the first magnetic part80a, and the third magnetic part80ddisposed on the other surface of the coil part40and disposed to be spaced apart from the member.

According to an embodiment, the third magnetic part80dhas an area greater than the second magnetic part80b, but the configuration of the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The sizes or shapes of the second magnetic part80band the third magnetic part80dmay be variously modified as needed.

Referring toFIG. 23, the antenna module according to an embodiment may have the coil part40configured in the same manner as the coil part40illustrated inFIG. 20.

In addition, the magnetic part80may be disposed so that a length of the first magnetic part80ais extended and a portion of the first magnetic part80aoverlaps with the third magnetic part80d.

In this case, the portion that the first magnetic part80aand the third magnetic part80doverlap each other is confined as the center region of the first antenna wiring42.

Meanwhile, according to an embodiment, since the second magnetic part80band the third magnetic part80dare separated from each other, a portion of the first magnetic part80amay overlap the third magnetic part80d, but the configuration of the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

Various modifications are possible and for example, the magnetic part80may be formed of one member as illustrated inFIG. 20and a portion of the first magnetic part80amay overlap the second magnetic part80bas in the present embodiment.

FIG. 24is a plan view of an antenna module according to an embodiment.

Referring toFIG. 24, the coil part40according to an embodiment has the through-hole49disposed between the first antenna wiring42and the second antenna wiring43. Accordingly, the magnetic part80may also be configured so that an end of the first magnetic part80ais directed to the center of the magnetic part80, as illustrated inFIG. 21.

Further, according to an embodiment, the first antenna wiring42includes two spiral parts S1and S2which are formed in a spiral shape. A first spiral part S1is disposed in a position corresponding to the first magnetic part80aand at least a portion thereof faces the first magnetic part80a. In addition, a second spiral part S2is disposed to be spaced apart from the first spiral part S1and may not face the first magnetic part80a, and at least a portion thereof may face the second magnetic part80b. According to the present embodiment, the entirety of the second spiral part S2may face the second magnetic part80b.

Both the first spiral part S1and the second spiral part S2may be continuously formed by one wiring.

Further, the first antenna wiring42may be disposed in the internal region of the second antenna wiring43, and the first spiral part S1and the second spiral part S2may be disposed to be distributed at a boundary of a turn (or a coil strand) of the second antenna wiring43. Therefore, the second spiral part S2is disposed in a region between turns of the second antenna wiring43, and to this end, the second antenna wiring43provides a region of a size such that the second spiral part S2may be disposed between the turns.

The first spiral part S1and the second spiral part S2may basically be disposed on the first surface of the insulating substrate41. In addition, the portions in which the antenna wirings45intersect each other may be disposed to be distributed through the second surface of the insulating substrate41.

Meanwhile, according to an embodiment, the first spiral part S1and the second spiral part S2have spiral directions which are opposite to each other. However, the configuration of the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

FIGS. 25 through 27are plan views of modified examples of the antenna module illustrated inFIG. 24.

Referring first toFIG. 25, the antenna module according to an embodiment may have the spiral direction of the first spiral part S1and the spiral direction of the second spiral part S2formed in the same direction.

Referring toFIG. 26, the antenna module according to an embodiment may have the first spiral part S1and the second spiral part S2having spiral directions which are opposite to each other.

In addition, the first spiral part S1and the second spiral part S2may not be disposed to be distributed at the boundary of the turn of the second antenna wiring43and may be all disposed in an internal center region of the second antenna wiring43.

Referring toFIG. 27, the antenna module according to an embodiment has the spiral direction of the first spiral part S1and the spiral direction of the second spiral part S2formed in the same direction.

In addition, the first spiral part S1and the second spiral part S2are not disposed to be distributed at the boundary of the turn of the second antenna wiring43and are all disposed in an internal center region of the second antenna wiring43.

As such, the antenna module according to the description may be variously modified.

FIG. 28is a cross-sectional view of an electronic device according to an embodiment.

Referring toFIG. 28, an electronic device1according to an embodiment, a portable terminal including the antenna module100(FIG. 1) described above, may perform short-range communications through the antenna module100.

The electronic device1may include a terminal body2, a case5, and the antenna module100.

The antenna module100may be disposed in an inner space formed by the terminal body2and the case5.

The case5may include a side cover3and a rear cover4. According to an embodiment, the side cover3and the rear cover4may be formed of the same material or may be formed of different materials.

The magnetic part80may be disposed so that a side surface thereof faces the side cover3.

Accordingly, the magnetic field formed by the first antenna wiring42is formed to penetrate through the side of the case5as illustrated by P1inFIG. 28. Therefore, the side cover3may be formed of a material that does not shield the magnetic flux.

In addition, the magnetic field formed by the second antenna wiring43is formed to penetrate through the rear cover4of the case5as illustrated by P2. Therefore, the rear cover4may also be formed of a material that does not shield the magnetic flux.

Meanwhile, the electronic device described in the present embodiment may include a cellular phone (or a smartphone). However, the electronic device is not limited thereto, but may include any electronic device which may be carried and perform wireless communications such as a notebook, a tablet PC, a wearable device, and the like.

As set forth above, according to embodiments, the antenna module may have the coil part and the magnetic part which are coupled to each other only by the operation of inserting the magnetic part into the coil part. Therefore, the antenna module is easily manufactured and a manufacturing time of the antenna module is significantly reduced.

Further, since one antenna module includes the two antenna wirings having different radiation directions, a plurality of short-range communications are possible even though one antenna module is mounted in the electronic device.