Electronic device and structure of housing for same

The disclosure relates to a 5G or pre-5G communication system for supporting higher data transmission rates than 4G communication systems such as LTE systems. The disclosure relates to the structure of a housing with a dielectric. A housing of a terminal device using an antenna is provided. The at least one protrusion formed of a dielectric in the housing is configured to be positioned between a side surface of the housing and the antenna.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application is based on and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(a) of a Korean patent application number 10-2018-0014463, filed on Feb. 6, 2018, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

The disclosure relates to an electronic device and the structure of a housing for the electronic device.

1. Description of Related Art

Electronic devices may output stored information as sounds or images. As electronic devices have become highly integrated, and high-speed, high-volume wireless communication becomes commonplace, electronic devices, such as mobile communication terminals, are recently being equipped with various functions. For example, electronic devices come with the integrated functionality, including entertainment functions, such as playing video games, multimedia functions, such as replaying music/videos, communication and security functions for mobile banking, and scheduling or e-wallet functions.

In order to meet the demand for soaring wireless data traffic since 4G communication systems came to the market, there have been ongoing efforts to develop next-generation communication systems, e.g., 5G communication systems or pre-5G communication systems.

For higher data rates, next-generation communication systems adopt ultra-high frequency bands of a few tens of GHz, e.g., 6 GHz or more and 300 GHz or less, such as those of mm Wave. To mitigate path loss on the ultra-high frequency band and increase the reach of radio waves, the following techniques are taken into account for next-generation communication systems: beamforming, massive multi-input multi-output (MIMO), full dimensional MIMO (FD-MIMO), array antenna, analog beamforming, and large scale antenna.

The use of next-generation communications leads to the tendency for electronic devices to employ higher frequencies, such as ultra-high frequency bands, thus resulting in several issues. Techniques to address such issues are being developed.

SUMMARY

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, a housing of a terminal device using an antenna is provided. The housing includes at least one protrusion including a dielectric. The at least one protrusion is configured to be positioned between a side surface of the housing and the antenna.

At least one side surface of each of the at least one protrusion facing the antenna may be formed to have an angle within a first range with respect to a bottom part of the housing. As per the angle within the first range, a signal transmitted from the antenna may be incident to the at least one side surface at an angle within a second range.

The first range may be from 60° to 90°, and the second range may be from 0° to 30°.

At least one of the length of the at least one protrusion, the interval between the at least one protrusion, and the distance between the at least one protrusion and the antenna may be related to the wavelength of a signal emitted from the antenna.

The length of the at least one protrusion or the interval between the at least one protrusion may be a value obtained by dividing the wavelength of the signal emitted from the antenna by a multiple of 2.

The distance between the at least one protrusion and the antenna may be smaller than a value obtained by dividing the wavelength of the signal emitted from the antenna by 4.

The at least one dielectric may be spaced apart from each other at the same interval and be positioned on the side surface of the housing.

The at least one protrusion may be formed to be perpendicular to a bottom part of the housing.

The at least one protrusion may be formed to be parallel to a bottom part of the housing.

The at least one protrusion may be positioned in at least one of corners of the housing.

The dielectric may include at least one first protrusion and at least one second protrusion. The direction in which the at least one first protrusion is arranged may be perpendicular to the direction in which the at least one second protrusion is arranged.

The antenna may be positioned inside the housing.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, a terminal device using an antenna is provided. The terminal device includes a housing and at least one protrusion including a dielectric. The at least one protrusion may be configured to be positioned between a side surface of the housing and the antenna.

At least one side surface of each of the at least one protrusion facing the antenna may be formed to have an angle within a first range with respect to a bottom part of the housing. As per the angle within the first range, a signal transmitted from the antenna may be incident to the at least one side surface at an angle within a second range.

The first range may be from 60° to 90°, and the second range may be from 0° to 30°.

At least one of the length of the at least one protrusion, the interval between the at least one protrusion, and the distance between the at least one protrusion and the antenna may be related to the wavelength of a signal emitted from the antenna.

The length of the at least one protrusion or the interval between the at least one protrusion may be a value obtained by dividing the wavelength of the signal emitted from the antenna by a multiple of 2.

The distance between the at least one protrusion and the antenna may be smaller than a value obtained by dividing the wavelength of the signal emitted from the antenna by 4.

The at least one dielectric may be spaced apart from each other at the same interval and be positioned on the side surface of the housing.

The at least one protrusion may be formed to be perpendicular to a bottom part of the housing.

The at least one protrusion may be formed to be parallel to a bottom part of the housing.

The at least one protrusion may be positioned in at least one of corners of the housing.

The dielectric may include at least one first protrusion and at least one second protrusion. The direction in which the at least one first protrusion is arranged may be perpendicular to the direction in which the at least one second protrusion is arranged.

The antenna may be positioned inside the housing.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The terms “first” and “second” as used herein may be used to describe various components, but the components should not be limited by the terms. The terms are used only to distinguish one component from another. It is to be understood that the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. When an element “includes” another element, the element may further include the other element, rather excluding the other element, unless particularly stated otherwise.

A function provided in an element or a ‘unit’ may be combined with additional elements or may be split into sub elements or sub units.

Although specific embodiments of the disclosure have been described above, various changes may be made thereto without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Thus, the scope of the disclosure should not be limited to the above-described embodiments, and should rather be defined by the following claims and equivalents thereof.

An aspect of the disclosure is to provide an apparatus and method to address issues that arise in a housing structure for electronic devices that are used in next-generation communications (e.g., 5G communications or mm Wave communications).

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, a housing structure for electronic devices used in next-generation communications may mitigate influence by a constituent member (e.g., a housing) of an electronic device due to high-frequency characteristics.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, a scheme for preventing deterioration of antenna performance by a constituent member of an electronic device is provided.

According to various embodiments, there is provided a method for providing a high antenna gain and wider antenna phase coverage.

According to various embodiments, a dielectric with at least one dielectric protrusion may be placed, attached, or seated on a side surface of a housing, thus enhancing antenna performance (e.g., antenna gain or phase coverage).

According to various embodiments, a wave guide effect may be obtained. The term “wave guide effect” may refer to the effect of increasing the antenna gain in a desired direction.

FIG. 1is a view illustrating a network environment including an electronic device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring toFIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the disclosure, an electronic device101is included in a network environment. The electronic device101may include a bus110, a processor120, a memory130, an input/output interface140, a display150, and a communication interface160. In some embodiments, the electronic device101may exclude at least one of the components or may add another component.

The bus110may include a circuit, e.g., for connecting the processor120, the memory130, the input/output interface140, the display150, and the communication interface160with one another and transferring communications (e.g., control messages and/or data) between the processor120, the memory130, the input/output interface140, the display150, and the communication interface160.

The processor120may include one or more of a central processing unit (CPU), an application processor (AP), or a communication processor (CP). The processor120may perform control on at least one of the other components of the electronic device101or perform an operation or data processing relating to communication.

The memory130may include a volatile and/or non-volatile memory. For example, the memory130may store commands or data related to at least one other component of, e.g., the electronic device101.

The input/output interface140may serve as an interface that may, e.g., transfer commands or data input from a user or other external devices to other component(s) of the electronic device101. Further, the input/output interface140may output commands or data received from other component(s) of the electronic device101to the user or the other external device.

The display150may include, e.g., a liquid crystal display (LCD), a light emitting diode (LED) display, an organic light emitting diode (OLED) display, or a microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) display, or an electronic paper display. The display150may display, e.g., various contents (e.g., text, images, videos, icons, or symbols) to the user. The display150may include a touchscreen and may receive, e.g., a touch, gesture, proximity or hovering input using an electronic pen or a body portion of the user.

For example, the communication interface160may set up communication between the electronic device101and an external electronic device (e.g., a first external electronic device102, a second external electronic device104, or a server106). For example, the communication interface160may be connected with a network162through wireless or wired communication to communicate with the external electronic device (e.g., the second external electronic device104or the server106).

The wireless communication may use at least one of, e.g., 5G-standard next-generation communications, long term evolution (LTE), long term evolution-advanced (LTE-A), code division multiple access (CDMA), wideband code division multiple access (WCDMA), universal mobile telecommunication system (UMTS), wireless broadband (WiBro), or global system for mobile communication (GSM), as a cellular communication protocol. Further, the wireless communication may include, e.g., a short-range communication164. The short-range communication164may include at least one of, e.g., wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi), Bluetooth, near-field communication (NFC), or global navigation satellite system (GNSS).

The GNSS may include at least one of, e.g., global positioning system (GPS), global navigation satellite system (Glonass), Beidou navigation satellite system (hereinafter, “Beidou”) or Galileo, or the European global satellite-based navigation system. Hereinafter, the terms “GPS” and the “GNSS” may be interchangeably used herein. The wired connection may include at least one of, e.g., universal serial bus (USB), high definition multimedia interface (HDMI), recommended standard (RS)-232, or plain old telephone service (POTS). The network162may include at least one of communication networks, e.g., a computer network (e.g., local area network (LAN) or wide area network (WAN)), Internet, or a telephone network.

The first and second external electronic devices102and104each may be a device of the same or a different type from the electronic device101. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the server106may include a group of one or more servers. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, all or some of operations executed on the electronic device101may be executed on another or multiple other electronic devices (e.g., the first and second external electronic devices102and104or the server106). According to an embodiment of the disclosure, when the electronic device101should perform some function or service automatically or at a request, the electronic device101, instead of executing the function or service on its own or additionally, may request another device (e.g., one of the first and second external electronic devices102and104or the server106) to perform at least some functions associated therewith. The other electronic device (e.g., one of the first and second external electronic devices102and104or the server106) may execute the requested functions or additional functions and transfer the result of the execution to the electronic device101. The electronic device101may provide a requested function or service by processing the received result as it is or additionally. To that end, a cloud computing, distributed computing, or client-server computing technique may be used, for example.

FIG. 2is a view illustrating an example of a housing and a communication antenna of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring toFIGS. 1 and 2, an electronic device may be a user equipment, terminal, and/or vehicle-to-everything (V2X) device including a housing200according to various embodiments of the disclosure.

The term “housing” may be interchangeably used with the term “member,” “cover,” “external frame,” or “shell” as for receiving internal elements of the electronic device101. The housing200may refer to a frame forming the outer look of the electronic device101. Meanwhile, the housing200may be formed of plastic, a metal, an alloy, or a combination of at least one thereof. However, the substance forming the housing200is not limited thereto.

The electronic device101may include a communication antenna220to communicate with the first and second external electronic devices102and104or the server106. As an example, the communication antenna220may be positioned in each corner211,212,213, and214of the electronic device101. For example, the communication antenna220may be a broadside antenna and/or an end-fire antenna used for 5G communications. Here, the broadside antenna may mean an antenna with an antenna pattern in which the maximum value of the lobe is perpendicular to the flat surface containing the antenna, and the end-fire antenna may mean an antenna with an antenna pattern in which the maximum value of the lobe is on the flat surface containing the antenna. Meanwhile, the end-fire antenna may be a horizontal-polarization end-fire antenna to emit signals in the horizontal direction of the electronic device101.

As a signal emitted from the communication interface160of the electronic device101hits a side surface of the housing200, the signal may be lost. For example, as the signal emitted from the communication interface160of the electronic device101hits the side surface of the housing formed of a dielectric material and with curvature, only part of the signal passes through the side surface of the housing while the rest may be reflected, refracted, or absorbed by the housing. Thus, the pattern of the signal emitted from the communication interface160of the electronic device101may be broken.

FIG. 3is a view illustrating an example in which an incidence wave is transmitted through or reflected by a side surface of a housing according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring toFIG. 3, an example is described in which an incidence wave310hits a side surface320of a housing according to an embodiment of the disclosure. The incidence wave310may be a signal emitted from the communication interface160ofFIG. 1. As an example, the incidence wave310may be an mm Wave signal, and as another example, the incidence wave310may be a signal with a wavelength of about 10.7 mm corresponding to about 28-GHz signal used for 5G communications.

An incident angle θi331, which indicates an angle at which the incidence wave310is incident to the side surface320of the housing, may indicate the degree between a virtual reference line330perpendicular to the side surface320of the housing and the incidence wave310.

Referring toFIG. 3, only part of the incidence wave310, as a transmitted wave311, may pass through the side surface320of the housing while the rest, as a reflected wave312, are reflected by the side surface320of the housing. Here, the proportion of the transmitted wave311and the proportion of the reflected wave312may be determined by a thickness T332of the side surface320of the housing and/or the incident angle θi331of the incidence wave310according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

For example, the proportion of the transmitted wave311and the proportion of the reflected wave312may be determined by the reflection coefficient Γ1of the side surface320of the housing. The reflection coefficient Γ1may be obtained using Equations 1 and 2 below.

In Equations 1 and 2 above, Γ1denotes the reflection coefficient, ρ1denotes the elementary reflection coefficient of the side surface320of the housing, ρ2denotes the elementary reflection coefficient of air, kIdenotes the propagation wavenumber (1/wavelength (λ)), and T denotes the thickness of the side surface of the housing.

As an example, when the incidence wave310is incident to the side surface320of the housing at 45°, only about 40% of it, which is slightly less than the half, is transmitted as the transmitted wave311, and about 60% of it, which is more than the half, may be reflected as the reflected wave312.

FIG. 4is a view illustrating an example of a graph indicating the transmission coefficient/reflection coefficient as an incident angle and a thickness of a side wall of a housing vary according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

A first graph410ofFIG. 4indicates the relationship between the incident angle θi, the thickness T of the side surface of the housing, and the transmission coefficient according to an embodiment of the disclosure. In the first graph410, the X axis denotes the incident angle θi[degrees], and the Y axis denotes the thickness (cover thickness [mm]) of the side surface of the housing. In the first graph410, a bar411denotes the transmission coefficient (0.0 to 1.0) in shading. Referring to the first graph410, assuming that the side surface of the housing remains even in thickness (or that the same side surface of the housing is used), the transmission coefficient may decrease as the incident angle increases.

A second graph420ofFIG. 4indicates the relationship between the incident angle θi, the thickness T of the side surface of the housing, and the reflection coefficient according to an embodiment of the disclosure. In the second graph420, the X axis denotes the incident angle θi[degrees], and the Y axis denotes the thickness (cover thickness [mm]) of the side surface of the housing. In the second graph420, a bar421denotes the reflection coefficient (0.0 to 1.0) in shading. Referring to the second graph420, assuming that the side surface of the housing remains even in thickness (or that the same side surface of the housing is used), the reflection coefficient may increase as the incident angle increases.

In other words, when the side surface of the housing remains even in thickness T, a smaller incident angle θimay provide better efficiency in light of transmission coefficient.

FIGS. 5A and 5Bare views illustrating an example of a side wall of a housing according to various embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 5Ais a perspective view illustrating a side surface510of a housing according to an embodiment of the disclosure.FIG. 5Aillustrates only a portion of the side surface510of the housing for ease of description, and the outer look of the side surface510of the housing is not limited thereto or thereby according to an embodiment of the disclosure. Thus, the size, length, angle, thickness, or other appearance factors of the side surface510of the housing may be slightly different from those shown inFIG. 5Aaccording to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring toFIG. 5A, the side surface510of the housing may include a first region520and a second region530according to an embodiment of the disclosure. The side surface510of the housing may be an outermost member of the housing or one corresponding to a side surface among external frames of the electronic device.

The first region520may be a member corresponding to a side or lateral surface of the housing, and the second region530may be a member coupled with the first region520in order to back up the first region520. For example, the first region520may have a thickness of T1, and the second region530may have a thickness of T2. The first region520and the second region530may be joined together by physical and/or chemical bonding.

FIG. 5Bis a cross-sectional view taken by cutting the side surface510of the housing along dash-dotted line A-A′ ofFIG. 5Aaccording to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring toFIG. 5B, a degree θxbetween the first region520and the second region530may be an obtuse angle (from 90° to 180°) as shown inFIG. 5Baccording to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Variations in antenna gain by the thickness T1of the first region520and/or the thickness T2of the second region530are described below with reference toFIGS. 6A and 6Baccording to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIGS. 6A and 6Bare views illustrating an example of an antenna directivity diagram related to a thickness of a side wall of a housing according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring toFIG. 6A, the first diagram may be an antenna directivity diagram obtained by measuring a signal emitted from a communication module (or the communication interface160) included in the housing (including the side surface510of the housing described above in connection withFIG. 5) according to an embodiment of the disclosure. The emitted signal may be transmitted (or pass) through the side surface510of the housing to the outside of the housing. A first diagram610may be one obtained by measuring the signal at the outside of the housing. As an example, the first diagram610may be an antenna directivity diagram in which the thickness T1of the first region is 2.4 mm, and the thickness T2of the second region530is 1.4 mm.

Referring toFIG. 6B, a second diagram620exhibits the tendency of the antenna gain increasing as the thickness T1of the first region520decreases.

As an example, when in the second diagram620the thickness T1of the first region is 2.4 mm, and the thickness T2of the second region530is 1.4 mm, the antenna gain increases from (−)2.6 dBi to (+)4.1 dBi as the thickness of the first region520gradually decreases. In other words, the second diagram620exhibits the tendency of the antenna gain increasing as the thickness T1of the first region520decreases.

However, a limit is imposed on decreasing the thickness of the housing of the electronic device to obtain a higher antenna gain. Given this, described below is a method for enhancing antenna gain using various examples of dielectrics positioned, seated, or attached to the side surface of the housing.

FIGS. 7A, 7B, 7C, and 7Dare views illustrating a dielectric according to various embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 7Ais a cross-sectional view of a configuration including a side surface of a housing, a dielectric, and a communication module according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring toFIG. 7A, a dielectric710may include at least one protrusion. The at least one protrusion may be formed of a dielectric710. The at least one protrusion may be formed of a material that reacts to an external electric field to create an electric dipole. For example, the at least one protrusion may be formed of polycarbonate (PC), polyethylene (PE), Teflon, ceramics, or barium strontium titanate (BaxSi1-xTiO3). However, the material forming the at least one protrusion is not limited thereto. The term “protrusion” may be interchangeably used with the term “antenna assistant means” or “signal control means.”

The dielectric710may be formed at the position where an incidence wave (incidence wave703ofFIG. 7B) emitted from the communication module701reaches the dielectric710before reaching the side surface510of the housing according to an embodiment of the disclosure. For example, the dielectric710may be positioned between the communication module701emitting the incidence wave703and the side surface510of the housing. As an example, the communication module701may be the communication interface160ofFIG. 1according to an embodiment of the disclosure. As another example, the communication module701may include, e.g., a cellular Wi-Fi module, a Bluetooth (BT) module, a GNSS module (e.g., a GPS module, a Glonass module, a Beidou module, or a Galileo module), an NFC module, and an RF module.

FIG. 7Bis a cross-sectional view obtained by cutting the side surface510of the housing and the dielectric710along dash-dotted line A-A′ ofFIG. 7Aaccording to an embodiment of the disclosure. InFIG. 7B, the dielectric710may be any one of at least one protrusion according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

For example, in order for the dielectric710to be positioned, seated, or attached to the side surface510of the housing, one side surface of the at least one protrusion may be formed to have a shape corresponding to the side surface510of the housing. Here, the one side surface of the at least one protrusion may mean where the dielectric710contacts or meets the side surface510of the housing. As another example, although not shown inFIG. 7A, the at least one protrusion may add a connector or fastener to connect with the side surface510of the housing according to an embodiment of the disclosure. In other words, the at least one protrusion and the side surface510of the housing may be joined together by physical and/or chemical bonding.

Referring toFIG. 7B, the part of the dielectric710projected towards the communication module701is defined as a dielectric inner side711according to an embodiment of the disclosure. The dielectric inner side711of the dielectric710may be formed to be angled at a predetermined angle θRib(hereinafter, referred to as a “protrusion angle (θRib)712”) from a bottom part702of the housing to allow the incident angle θi(which may be the incident angle θidescribed above with reference toFIG. 3) of the incidence wave703to be a non-zero angle (e.g., preferably 30°, a relevant description is given below in connection withFIG. 7C) according to an embodiment of the disclosure. The term “bottom part” may be interchangeably used with the term “bottom,” “bottom plate,” “bottom surface,” “back plate,” or “back surface.” The protrusion angle (θRib)712may be an acute angle (0° to 90°) as shown inFIG. 7Baccording to an embodiment of the disclosure. As an example, the side surface (e.g., the dielectric inner side711) of each of the at least one protrusion of the dielectric710facing the communication module701may be formed to be angled at the protrusion angle (θRib)712of 60° to 90° from the bottom part702of the housing, a signal transmitted from the communication module701may be incident to the side surface of each protrusion facing the communication module701at an angle of 0° to 30°.

The cross section of the dielectric710may be shaped like a quadrangle as shown inFIG. 7Baccording to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Described below is Equation 3 used to predict a refractive angle θ2at which the incidence wave700transmitted through the dielectric710is refracted.

Referring to Equation 3, the refractive angle (θ2) at which the incidence wave700incident to the dielectric710is refracted may be determined by the incident angle (θ1), the refractive index (n1) of medium1, and the refractive index (n2) of medium2. In the example shown inFIGS. 7A to 7D, medium1may be air, and medium2may be the dielectric710according to various embodiments of the disclosure.

Referring toFIGS. 7A and 7B, L, W, P, and d respectively denote the length of the dielectric710, the thickness of the dielectric710, the inter-dielectric interval, and the distance between the dielectric710and the communication module701according to various embodiments of the disclosure. The dielectric710may indicate any one of the at least one protrusion.

The inter-dielectric interval P may be proportional to the wavelength of the signal (e.g., an incidence wave) emitted from the communication module701. For example, the inter-dielectric interval P may be the value obtained by dividing the wavelength of the incidence wave703emitted from the communication module701by a multiple of 2. For example, the inter-dielectric interval P=λ/(2m) (m=1, 2, 3 . . . ). The incidence wave703emitted from the communication module701may correspond to an mm Wave. For example, the incidence wave703emitted from the communication module701may be a signal of about 28 GHz used for 5G communications, with the result having about 10.7 mm wavelength.

The interval between the at least one dielectric positioned on the side surface510of the housing may remain identical. In other words, the at least one dielectric may be spaced apart from each other at the same interval and be positioned on the side surface510of the housing.

The distance d between the dielectric710and the communication module701may be smaller than the value proportional to the wavelength of the incidence wave703emitted from the communication module701. For example, the distance d between the dielectric710and the communication module701may meet the following equation: d<λ/4 (namely, it may be smaller than the value obtained by dividing the wavelength by 4). The distance d between the dielectric710and the communication module701may be determined by the longest one of the at least one dielectric (in the case where the at least one dielectric has different lengths).

The length L of the dielectric710may be proportional to the wavelength of the incidence wave703emitted from the communication module701. For example, the length L of the dielectric may be the value obtained by dividing the wavelength of the signal703emitted from the communication module701by a multiple of 2 (namely, L=λ/(2m) (m=1, 2, 3 . . . )). As the length L of the dielectric increases, the antenna gain has the tendency of increasing, which is described below in connection withFIG. 10.

The wave guide effect by the dielectric may be enhanced by adjusting the above-mentioned parameters L, W, d, or P. The phase coverage of the antenna may be enhanced by adjusting the length of the dielectric710and the protrusion angle (θRib).

It can be shown fromFIG. 7Bthat a signal travels along a similar direction to the direction in which the incidence wave703is incident to the dielectric (or the direction of the emission from the communication module701) according to an embodiment of the disclosure. Thus, placing a dielectric on a side surface (or inside) of the housing may prevent distortion of a signal emitted from the communication module.

FIG. 7Cis a graph indicating the relationship between the incident angle θ1at which the incidence wave is incident to the dielectric, the transmission coefficient, and the reflection coefficient according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

For example, the graph ofFIG. 7Cmay be an example graph obtained using an electronic device with both a horizontal antenna and a vertical antenna in the housing according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

In the graph ofFIG. 7C, 721denotes the transmission coefficient (ts) of the horizontal antenna,722denotes the transmission coefficient of the vertical antenna,723denotes the reflection coefficient (rs) of the horizontal antenna,724denotes the reflection coefficient of the vertical antenna, and725denotes the angle at which the reflection coefficient is zero, i.e., the Brewster angle.

Referring toFIG. 7C, it can be shown that a higher transmission coefficient (or lower reflection coefficient) may be obtained when the incident angle (θ1) is about 0° to about 30°. Thus, according to an embodiment of the disclosure, the at least one protrusion of the dielectric may be formed to have the protrusion angle (θRib) be an angle of about 60° to about 90° so that the incident angle (θ1) is about 0° to 30°. In this case, the transmission coefficient may be about 0.8.

What has been described above in connection with the graph ofFIG. 7Cmay be obtained using Equations 4 and 5 according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to Equations 4 and 5, the reflection coefficient (rs) and the touchscreen (ts) may be determined by the incident angle (θ1), the refractive angle (θ2), the refractive index (n1) of medium1, and the refractive index (n2) of medium2. Referring toFIG. 7B, medium1may be air, and medium2may be the dielectric710according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

The range of the incident angle (θ1) at which the transmission coefficient (ts) is maximized may be about 0° to about 30° using Equations 4 and 5.

FIG. 7Dis a perspective view corresponding toFIGS. 7A and 7Baccording to various embodiments of the disclosure.

Referring toFIGS. 7B and 7D, the side surface510of the housing may include a first side surface portion741and a second side surface portion742according to various embodiments of the disclosure. For example, the first side surface portion741and the second side surface portion742may be formed to be perpendicular to each other.

Referring toFIGS. 7B and 7D, the dielectric710may include at least one first protrusion751shaped as a barrier wall and at least one second protrusion752shaped as a barrier wall. For example, the at least one first protrusion751and the at least one second protrusion752may include five to 15 protrusions, but the number is not limited thereto according to various embodiments of the disclosure. The number, shape, and interval of the at least one first protrusion751and the at least one second protrusion752may be the same or different. The dielectric members of the at least one first protrusion751and the dielectric members of the at least one second protrusion752may be arranged in directions perpendicular to each other. The at least one first protrusion751and the at least one second protrusion752may be positioned in each or at least one of the corners of the housing.

As an example, the dielectric710may be integrally formed with the side surface510of the housing. For example, the dielectric710and the side surface510of the housing may be joined together by physical and/or chemical bonding. As another example, the dielectric710and the side surface510of the housing may be separate members assembled together.

FIGS. 8A, 8B, and 8Care views illustrating a dielectric positioned on a side surface of a housing according to various embodiments of the disclosure.

Dielectrics810,820, and830shown inFIGS. 8A, 8B, and 8Cmay be examples of the dielectric710described above in connection withFIG. 7according to various embodiments of the disclosure. The dielectrics810,820, and830ofFIGS. 8A, 8B, and 8Cmay be any one of at least one protrusion according to various embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 8Ais a cross-sectional view of a dielectric according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring toFIG. 8A, the cross section of a side surface811of the dielectric810, unlike the dielectric710ofFIG. 7, may be a curved surface with any curvature according to an embodiment of the disclosure. For example, the cross section of the dielectric810may be shaped to have three straight edges and one curved edge as shown inFIG. 8Aaccording to an embodiment of the disclosure. The angle (θRib_8A, protrusion angle) between the side surface811of the dielectric810and the bottom part702of the housing may be an acute angle (0° to 90°).

FIG. 8Bis a cross-sectional view of the dielectric820according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring toFIG. 8B, the dielectric820may be shaped in such a manner that the side surface510of the housing connects to the bottom part702of the housing.

As an example, the dielectric820may be shaped so that a side surface821of the dielectric820is perpendicular to the bottom part702of the housing. The angle (θRib_8B, protrusion angle) between the side surface821of the dielectric820and the bottom part702of the housing may be 90°). For example, the cross section of the dielectric820may be shaped as a quadrangle so as to have three straight edges and one curved edge as shown inFIG. 8Baccording to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 8Cis a cross-sectional view of a dielectric according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring toFIG. 8C, the cross section of a side surface831of the dielectric830may be a curved surface with any curvature. The angle (θRib_8C, protrusion angle) between the side surface831of the dielectric830and the bottom part702of the housing may be an acute angle (0° to 90°). For example, the cross section of the dielectric830may be shaped to have three straight edges and one curved edge as shown inFIG. 8Caccording to an embodiment of the disclosure.

The side surface831of the dielectric may be concave into the dielectric830as shown inFIG. 8Cor, as another example, be convex out of the dielectric830according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 9is a plan view illustrating a dielectric according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 9illustrates an example of application of the dielectric710ofFIG. 7Aaccording to various embodiments of the disclosure.

While at least one protrusion of the dielectric710ofFIG. 7Ais formed to be perpendicular (90°) to the side surface510of the housing, at least one protrusion (e.g., protrusion901and protrusion902) of the dielectric ofFIG. 9is angled at a predetermined angle θ1Pand θ2Pfrom the side surface510of the housing according to an embodiment of the disclosure. The predetermined angle θ1Pand θ2Pmay be an acute angle (0° to 90°).

Predetermined angle θ1Pand predetermined angle θ2Prespectively denote the angle between the protrusion901and the side surface510of the housing and the angle between the protrusion902and the side surface510of the housing. Although the predetermined angle θ1Pbetween the protrusion901and the side surface510of the housing and the predetermined angle θ2Pbetween the protrusion902and the side surface510of the housing may differ from each other as shown inFIG. 9, they may alternatively be equal to each other. AlthoughFIG. 9illustrates an example in which only part of the at least one dielectric is not perpendicular to the side surface510of the housing, none of the at least one dielectric positioned on the side surface510of the housing may be formed to be perpendicular to the side surface510of the housing according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 10is a view illustrating variations in characteristics as a length of a dielectric varies according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring toFIG. 10, diagram1000is an antenna directivity diagram showing variations in antenna gain due to variances in a length L of a dielectric (protrusion) positioned inside or on the side surface of the housing according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to the diagram1000ofFIG. 10, as the length L of the dielectric (protrusion) increases, the antenna gain exhibits the tendency of increasing according to an embodiment of the disclosure. The diagram1000merely shows the results of an experiment, but it should be noted that it is subject to changes by a different experiment.

FIGS. 11A and 11Bare views illustrating characteristics according to various embodiments of the disclosures.

Referring toFIGS. 11A and 11B, diagram1100ofFIG. 11Aand diagram1110ofFIG. 11Bmay be antenna directivity diagrams showing the characteristics of an antenna radiating in the horizontal direction according to various embodiments of the disclosure. For example, the antenna may be an end-fire antenna.

In the diagram1100ofFIG. 11A, the dotted lines indicate an example diagram obtained when a housing with no dielectric is used, and the solid lines indicate an example diagram obtained when a dielectric-containing housing is used according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

In the diagram1100ofFIG. 11A, when a dielectric-free housing is used, the antenna gain is 4.75 dBi, and when a dielectric-containing housing is used as indicated by the solid lines, the antenna gain is 7.2 dBi according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

In the diagram1110ofFIG. 11B, the dotted lines indicate another example diagram obtained when a housing with no dielectric is used, and the solid lines indicate another example diagram obtained when a dielectric-containing housing is used according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

In the diagram1110ofFIG. 11B, when a dielectric-free housing is used, the antenna gain is 6.1 dBi, and when a dielectric-containing housing is used as indicated by the solid lines, the antenna gain is 9.5 dBi according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

The diagrams1100and1110ofFIGS. 11A and 11Bmerely show the results of an experiment, and it should be noted that the results may be varied by, e.g., experimental environments according to various embodiments of the disclosure.

Thus, it can be shown that the use of a dielectric, according to an embodiment, may enhance antenna gain in the horizontal direction.

FIGS. 12A and 12Bare views illustrating characteristics according to various embodiments of the disclosure.

Referring toFIGS. 12A and 12B, diagram1200ofFIG. 12Aand diagram1210ofFIG. 12Bmay be antenna directivity diagrams showing the characteristics of an antenna radiating in the vertical direction according to various embodiments of the disclosure. For example, the antenna may be a broadside antenna.

In the diagram1200ofFIG. 12A, the dotted lines indicate an example diagram obtained when a housing with no dielectric is used, and the solid lines indicate an example diagram obtained when a dielectric-containing housing is used according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

In the diagram1200ofFIG. 12A, when a dielectric-free housing is used, the antenna gain is 7.8 dBi, and when a dielectric-containing housing is used as indicated by the solid lines, the antenna gain is 9.3 dBi according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

In the diagram1210ofFIG. 12B, the dotted lines indicate another example diagram obtained when a housing with no dielectric is used, and the solid lines indicate another example diagram obtained when a dielectric-containing housing is used according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

In the diagram1210ofFIG. 12A, when a dielectric-free housing is used, the antenna gain is 6.9 dBi, and when a dielectric-containing housing is used as indicated by the solid lines, the antenna gain is 9.7 dBi according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

As set forth above, the diagram1200ofFIG. 12Aand the diagram1210ofFIG. 12Bshow that the use of a dielectric, according to an embodiment, may enhance antenna gain in the vertical direction according to an embodiment of the disclosure. In other words, when a dielectric, according to an embodiment, is used, the antenna gain in the horizontal direction is enhanced, but such an issue that the antenna gain in the vertical direction decreases (i.e., deterioration of vertical polarization (V-pol) antenna performance) does not occur.

The diagrams1200and1210ofFIGS. 12A and 12Bmerely show the results of an experiment, and it should be noted that the results may be varied by, e.g., experimental environments according to various embodiments of the disclosure.

FIGS. 13A and 13Bare views illustrating characteristics according to various embodiments of the disclosure.

Referring toFIGS. 13A and 13B, diagram1300ofFIG. 13Aand diagram1310ofFIG. 13Bmay be antenna directivity diagrams showing the characteristics of an antenna radiating in the horizontal direction according to an embodiment of the disclosure. For example, the antenna may be an end-fire antenna.

The diagram1300ofFIG. 13Aindicates an example diagram obtained when a housing with no dielectric is used, and the diagram1310ofFIG. 13Bindicates an example diagram obtained when a dielectric-containing housing is used according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to the diagram1300and table1301ofFIG. 13A, the maximum antenna gain is 7 dBi, and the phase coverage ranges from (−)74° to (−)137° according to an embodiment of the disclosure. For example, the phase coverage may indicate a region of the maximum antenna gain −6 dB (i.e., 6 dB less than the maximum antenna gain).

Referring to the diagram1310and table1311ofFIG. 13B, the maximum antenna gain is 8.8 dBi, and the phase coverage ranges from (−)61° to (−)137° according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

It can be shown fromFIGS. 13A and 13Bthat the use of a dielectric-containing housing, according to an embodiment, may increase both the antenna gain and phase coverage (as shown inFIG. 13B) as compared to when a dielectric-free housing is used (as shown inFIG. 13A) according to various embodiments of the disclosure. Thus, a dielectric, according to an embodiment, may be effective in light of both the antenna gain and phase coverage.

FIGS. 14A and 14Bare views illustrating characteristics according to various embodiments of the disclosure.

Referring toFIGS. 14A and 14B, diagram1400ofFIG. 14Aand diagram1410ofFIG. 14Bmay be antenna directivity diagrams showing the characteristics of an antenna radiating in the vertical direction according to various embodiments of the disclosure. For example, the antenna may be a broadside antenna.

The diagram1400ofFIG. 14Aindicates another example diagram obtained when a housing with no dielectric is used, and the diagram1410ofFIG. 14Bindicates another example diagram obtained when a dielectric-containing housing is used according to various embodiments of the disclosure.

Referring to the diagram1400and table1401ofFIG. 14A, the maximum antenna gain is 7.4 dBi, and the phase coverage ranges from (−)53° to (−)125° according to an embodiment of the disclosure. For example, the phase coverage may indicate a region of the maximum antenna gain −6 dB (i.e., 6 dB less than the maximum antenna gain).

Referring to the diagram1410and table1411ofFIG. 14A, the maximum antenna gain is 8.8 dBi, and the phase coverage ranges from (−)66° to (−)136° according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

It can be shown fromFIGS. 14A and 14Bthat the use of a dielectric-containing housing, according to various embodiments of the disclosure, may increase both the antenna gain and phase coverage (as shown inFIG. 14B) as compared to when a dielectric-free housing is used (as shown inFIG. 14A). Thus, a dielectric, according to various embodiments of the disclosure, may be effective in light of both the antenna gain and phase coverage.

FIGS. 15A, 15B, and 15Care views illustrating a dielectric according to various embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 15Ais a plan view illustrating a configuration including a side surface of a housing, a dielectric, and a communication module according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring toFIG. 15A, a dielectric1500may be a flat panel-shaped member attached to the side surface510of the housing according to an embodiment of the disclosure. For example, the dielectric1500and the side surface510of the housing may be joined together by physical and/or chemical bonding.

FIG. 15Bis a cross-sectional view obtained by cutting the components ofFIG. 15Aalong dash-dotted line A-A′ ofFIG. 15Aaccording to various embodiments of the disclosure.

Referring toFIG. 15B, the dielectric1500may include at least one protrusion that is L1long and shaped as a flat panel. The at least one protrusion may be formed stepwise. The at least one protrusion of the dielectric1500, as shown inFIG. 15B, may be vertically attached to the side surface510(specifically, the first region520) of the housing or formed to be positioned parallel with the bottom part702of the housing according to an embodiment of the disclosure. The side surface510of the housing may be a member corresponding to a side cover or edge of the housing, and the bottom part702may be a member corresponding to the bottom, bottom surface, or rear cover of the housing.

Referring toFIG. 15B, L1, W, P, and d respectively denote the length of the dielectric1500, the thickness of the dielectric1500, the inter-dielectric interval, and the distance between the dielectric1500and the communication module701according to an embodiment of the disclosure. The dielectric1500may indicate any one of the at least one protrusion.

The length L1of the dielectric1500may be proportional to the wavelength of the signal emitted from the communication module701. The signal emitted from the communication module701may correspond to mm Wave. For example, the signal emitted from the communication module701may be a signal of about 28 GHz used for 5G communications, with the result having about 10.7 mm wavelength. The length (L1) of the dielectric may be the value obtained by dividing the wavelength of the incidence wave703emitted from the communication module701by a multiple of 2 (namely, L1=λ(2m) (m=1, 2, 3 . . . )).

As an example, as shown inFIG. 15B, a plurality of dielectrics with different lengths may be positioned on or attached to the side surface510(specifically, the first region520) of the housing. The plurality of dielectrics may be formed to be parallel with each other according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

The inter-dielectric interval P may be proportional to the wavelength of the signal emitted from the communication module701. For example, the inter-dielectric interval P may be the value obtained by dividing the wavelength of the signal emitted from the communication module701by a multiple of 2. For example, the inter-dielectric interval P=λ(2m) (m=1, 2, 3 . . . ).

The distance d between the dielectric1500and the communication module701may be smaller than the value proportional to the wavelength of the signal emitted from the communication module701. For example, the distance d between the dielectric1500and the communication module701may meet the following equation: d<λ/4 (namely, it may be smaller than the value obtained by dividing the wavelength by 4). The distance d between the dielectric1500and the communication module701may be determined by the longest one of the at least one dielectric.

FIG. 15Cis a perspective view corresponding toFIGS. 15A and 15Baccording to various embodiments of the disclosure.

Referring toFIGS. 15B and 15C, the side surface510of the housing may include a first side surface portion1531and a second side surface portion1532according to various embodiments of the disclosure. For example, the first side surface portion1531and the second side surface portion1532may be formed to be perpendicular to each other.

Referring toFIGS. 15B and 15C, the dielectric1500may include at least one stepwise first protrusion1541and at least one stepwise second protrusion1542according to various embodiment of the disclosure. For example, the at least one stepwise first protrusion1541and the at least one stepwise second protrusion1542may include two to five protrusions, but the number is not limited thereto. The number, shape, and interval of the at least one stepwise first protrusion1541and the at least one stepwise second protrusion1542may be the same or different. The at least one stepwise first protrusion1541and the at least one stepwise second protrusion1542may be formed to be perpendicular to each other as viewed at plan view. The at least one stepwise first protrusion1541and the at least one stepwise second protrusion1542may be positioned in each or at least one of the corners of the housing.

As an example, the dielectric1500may be integrally formed with the side surface510of the housing. For example, the dielectric1500and the side surface510of the housing may be joined together by physical and/or chemical bonding. As another example, the dielectric710and the side surface510of the housing may be separate members assembled together.

FIG. 16is a cross-sectional view illustrating a dielectric according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

A dielectric1610ofFIG. 16is an example of application of the dielectric1500ofFIG. 15Aaccording to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Unlike the dielectric1500positioned to be perpendicular to the side surface510of the housing, the dielectric1610may be formed to be angled at a predetermined angle θ from a virtual line1620perpendicular to the side surface510of the housing.

Referring toFIG. 16, θ denotes the angle between the dielectric1610and the virtual line1620perpendicular to the side surface510of the housing, and L2denotes the length of the dielectric1610according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

As an example, a plurality of dielectrics with different lengths may be attached to the side surface510(specifically, the first region520) of the housing. The plurality of dielectrics may be formed to be positioned parallel with each other and, as another example, the plurality of dielectrics may be formed at different angles θ.

FIGS. 17A and 17Bare views illustrating characteristics according to various embodiments of the disclosure.

Referring toFIGS. 17A and 17B, diagram1700ofFIG. 17Aand diagram1710ofFIG. 17Bmay be antenna directivity diagrams showing the characteristics of an antenna radiating in the horizontal direction according to various embodiments of the disclosure. For example, the antenna may be an end-fire antenna.

In the diagram1700ofFIG. 17A, the dotted lines indicate an example diagram obtained when a housing with no dielectric is used, and the solid lines indicate an example diagram obtained when a dielectric-containing housing is used according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

In the diagram1700ofFIG. 17A, when a dielectric-free housing is used, the antenna gain is 4.75 dBi, and when a dielectric-containing housing is used as indicated by the solid lines, the antenna gain is 8.85 dBi according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

In the diagram1710ofFIG. 17B, the dotted lines indicate another example diagram obtained when a housing with no dielectric is used, and the solid lines indicate another example diagram obtained when a dielectric-containing housing is used according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

In the diagram1710ofFIG. 17B, when a dielectric-free housing is used, the antenna gain is 6.1 dBi, and when a dielectric-containing housing is used as indicated by the solid lines, the antenna gain is 9.2 dBi according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

The diagrams1700and1710ofFIGS. 17A and 17Bmerely show the results of an experiment, and it should be noted that the results may be varied by, e.g., experimental environments according to various embodiments of the disclosure.

Thus, it can be shown that the use of a dielectric, according to an embodiment, may enhance antenna gain.

FIGS. 18A and 18Bare views illustrating characteristics according to various embodiments of the disclosure.

Referring toFIGS. 18A and 18B, diagram1800ofFIG. 18Aand diagram1810ofFIG. 18Bmay be antenna directivity diagrams showing the characteristics of an antenna radiating in the horizontal direction according to various embodiments of the disclosure. For example, the antenna may be an end-fire antenna.

The diagram1800ofFIG. 18Aindicates an example diagram obtained when a housing with no dielectric is used, and the diagram1810ofFIG. 18Bindicates an example diagram obtained when a dielectric-containing housing is used according to various embodiments of the disclosure.

Referring to the diagram1800and table1801ofFIG. 18A, the maximum antenna gain is 8.8 dBi, and the phase coverage ranges from (−)52° to (−)59° according to an embodiment of the disclosure. For example, the phase coverage may indicate a region of the maximum antenna gain −6 dB (i.e., 6 dB less than the maximum antenna gain).

Referring to the diagram1810and table1811ofFIG. 18B, the maximum antenna gain is 9.2 dBi, and the phase coverage ranges from (−)46° to (−)61° according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

It can be shown fromFIGS. 18A and 18Bthat the use of a dielectric-containing housing, according to various embodiments of the disclosure, may increase both the antenna gain and phase coverage (as shown inFIG. 18B) as compared to when a dielectric-free housing is used (as shown inFIG. 18A). Thus, a dielectric, according to an embodiment, may be effective in light of both the antenna gain and phase coverage.

FIG. 19is a graph illustrating variations in antenna gain according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring toFIG. 19, solid lines1911,1921, and1931indicate the results of antenna gain actually measured, and dashed lines1912,1922, and1932indicate example simulation results according to an embodiment of the disclosure. The graph ofFIG. 19merely shows the results of an experiment, and it should be noted that the results may be varied by, e.g., experimental environments.

The solid line1911and the dashed line1912may indicate data obtained using a housing with no dielectric according to an embodiment. The solid line1921and the dashed line1922may indicate data obtained using a housing including a dielectric (e.g.,710) formed to be perpendicular to the bottom part. The solid line1931and the dashed line1932may indicate data obtained using a housing with a dielectric (e.g., the dielectric1500) formed to be parallel with the bottom part.

Comparing the solid lines1911,1921, and1931, it can be shown that the antenna gain corresponding to the front of the housing is higher in the solid lines1921and1931than in the solid line1911. In other words, it can be shown from the results of the experiment that the use of a housing with a dielectric, according to an embodiment, may provide a higher antenna gain than when a housing with no dielectric is used. “Rear” inFIG. 19may correspond to the rear surface of the housing, “Front” inFIG. 19may correspond to the front surface of the housing, and “Display” may correspond to the display inside the housing.

Comparing the dashed lines1912,1922, and1932, it can be shown that the antenna gain corresponding to the front of the housing is higher in the dashed lines1922and1932than in the dashed line1912. In other words, it can be shown from the results of the simulation that the use of a housing with a dielectric, according to an embodiment, may provide a higher antenna gain than when a housing with no dielectric is used.

As is apparent from the foregoing description, according to various embodiments, a housing and electronic device including a dielectric may enhance antenna performance.

According to various embodiments, a housing and electronic device including a dielectric may enhance antenna gain.

According to various embodiments, a housing and electronic device including a dielectric may enhance the phase coverage of an antenna.

It is apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that the electronic device and the antenna structure of the electronic device according to various embodiments of the disclosure as described above are not limited to the above-described embodiments and those shown in the drawings, and various changes, modifications, or alterations may be made thereto without departing from the scope of the disclosure.