ELECTRONIC DEVICE COMPRISING ANTENNA

An electronic device may include a housing comprising a first surface facing a first direction, a second surface facing a second direction opposite to the first direction, and a third surface surrounding the space formed by the first surface and the second surface; a metal frame forming at least one region of the housing, the metal frame comprising a groove formed at a first point; a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) disposed in the inner space of the housing; a conductive connection member coupled to the FPCB, a first portion of the conductive connection member being fixed in one region of the FPCB, and a second portion of the conductive connection member having elasticity; and a wireless communication circuit disposed on the FPCB or electrically connected to the FPCB, wherein: the second portion of the conductive connection member is at least partially inserted into the groove of the metal frame; and the wireless communication circuit transmits and receives signals in a designated frequency band by supplying power to the metal frame at the first point through the FPCB and the conductive connection member.

BACKGROUND

Field

Various example embodiments relate to a connecting structure configured to feed power by being connected to an antenna radiator.

Description of Related Art

As electronic communication technology develops, electronic devices having various functions are appearing. These electronic devices may have a convergence function that performs one or more functions in a complex manner The electronic devices include antennas supporting various frequency bands in order to perform various functions.

Electronic device manufacturers are making efforts to increase the rigidity of electronic devices and slim electronic devices while strengthening design aspects in order to satisfy consumer purchase desires. As part of this trend, electronic devices include metal members in their exteriors, and efforts are being made to utilize some of these metal members as antenna radiators.

An electronic device may include a bracket made of a conductor (e.g., metal) and a printed circuit board on which electronic components for performing various functions of the electronic device are mounted. The bracket and the printed circuit board may be mechanically assembled by being fastened by a fastening portion.

A partial area of the bracket made of a conductor may operate as an antenna radiator of the electronic device. When a connecting portion connecting the bracket and the printed circuit board is also made of a conductor, a conductive structure may be provided between the ground of the printed circuit board and the bracket.

When the bracket and the printed circuit board are not adjacent, it may not be possible to connect the bracket and the printed circuit board by using screws. In addition, when the metal material of a screw and the metal material of the portion connected to the screw are different, galvanic corrosion may occur. When the fastening element is a screw, there may be a restriction when it is necessary to remove the screw. Alternatively, it may be difficult to provide the bracket with portions in which screws are to be disposed. When a structure in which screws are to be disposed is included, there may be restrictions on the arrangement of electronic components inside the electronic device.

SUMMARY

According to various example embodiments, an electronic device may include a structure configured to connect, directly or indirectly, a printed circuit board to a conductor without screws.

An electronic device according to various example embodiments may include a housing including a first surface facing a first direction, a second surface facing a second direction opposite to the first direction, and a third surface surrounding a space defined by the first surface and the second surface, a metal inclusive frame defining at least one area of the housing, wherein the metal inclusive frame includes a groove provided at a first point, a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) disposed in an inner space of the housing, a conductive connecting member coupled to the FPCB, wherein the conductive connecting member may include a first portion fixed to an area of the FPCB, and a second portion having elasticity, and a wireless communication circuit disposed on, directly or indirectly, the FPCB or electrically connected, directly or indirectly, to the FPCB. At least a portion of the second portion of the conductive connecting member may be inserted into the groove of the metal inclusive frame, and the wireless communication circuit may be configured to transmit/receive a signal of a predetermined frequency band by feeding power to the metal inclusive frame at the first point via the FPCB and the conductive connecting member.

According to an example embodiment, an electronic device may include a housing including a first housing and a second housing coupled to the first housing to be movable with respect to the first housing, wherein the housing may include a connecting portion provided at the first point, at least one flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) disposed in an inner space of the housing, a conductive connecting member coupled to the FPCB, wherein the conductive connecting member may include a first portion fixed to an area of the FPCB, and a second portion having elasticity, and a wireless communication circuit disposed on, directly or indirectly, the FPCB or electrically connected, directly or indirectly, to the FPCB. The conductive connecting member may be coupled to the second housing by bringing the second portion into contact with the connecting portion, when the first housing and the second housing are coupled in a first state, the FPCB may be disposed at a first position. When the second housing is moved relative to the first housing in the first state and the first housing and the second housing are coupled in a second state, the FPCB may be disposed at a second position, and the second portion of the conductive connecting member may come into contact with the first housing. The wireless communication circuit may be configured to transmit/receive a first signal of a first frequency band by feeding power to the second housing in the first state, and to transmit/receive a second signal of a frequency band by feeding power to the first housing and the second housing in the second state.

An electronic device according to an example embodiment may include a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) disposed inside the housing, a wireless communication circuit disposed on, directly or indirectly, the FPCB or electrically connected to the FPCB, a conductive connecting member connected to one end of the FPCB, and a metal member including a connecting portion configured to be coupled to the conductive connecting member. The wireless communication circuit may transmit/receive a signal by feeding power to the metal member via the conductive connecting member.

According to various example embodiments, it is possible to ensure radiation performance of an antenna by overcoming a layout limitation caused by a fastening structure that connects a printed circuit board to an antenna radiator.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring toFIGS.1and2, the electronic device100according to an embodiment may include a housing110including a first surface (or a front surface)110A, a second surface (or a rear surface)110B, and a side surface110C surrounding the space between the first surface110A and the second surface110B. In another embodiment (not illustrated), the term “housing” may refer to a structure defining some of the first surface110A, the second surface110B, and the side surface110C ofFIG.1. According to an embodiment, at least a portion of the first surface110A may be configured with a substantially transparent front surface plate102(e.g., a glass plate or a polymer plate including various coating layers). The second surface110B may be configured with a substantially opaque rear surface plate111. The rear surface plate111may be made of, for example, coated or colored glass, ceramic, polymer, metal (e.g., aluminum, stainless steel (STS), or magnesium), or a combination of two or more of these materials. The side surface110C may be configured with a side surface bezel structure (or a “side surface member”)118coupled to the front surface plate102and the rear surface plate111and including metal and/or polymer. In some embodiments, the rear surface plate111and the side surface bezel structure118may be integrally configured and may include the same material (e.g., a metal material such as aluminum).

In the illustrated embodiment, the front surface plate102may include two first areas110D, which are bent from the first surface110A toward the rear surface plate111and extend seamlessly, at the long opposite side edges thereof. In the illustrated embodiment (seeFIG.2), the rear surface plate111may include, at the long opposite side edges thereof, two second areas110E, which are bent from the second surface110B toward the front surface plate102and extend seamlessly. In some embodiments, the front surface plate102(or the rear surface plate111) may include only one of the first areas110D (or the second areas110E). In another embodiment, some of the first areas110D or the second areas110E may not be included. In the above-described embodiments, in the side surface of the electronic device100, the side surface bezel structure118may have a first thickness (or width) on the side where the first areas110D or the second areas110E are not included, and may have a second thickness, which is thinner than the first thickness, on the side where the first areas110D or the second areas110E are included.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device100may include at least one of a display101, audio modules103,107, and114, sensor modules104,116, and119, camera modules105,112, and113, key input devices117, light-emitting elements106, and connector holes108and109. In some embodiments, in the electronic device100, at least one of the components (e.g., the key input devices117or the light-emitting elements106) may be omitted, or other components may be additionally included.

The display101may be exposed through a substantial portion of, for example, the front surface plate102. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the display101may be exposed through the front surface plate102providing the first surface110A and the first areas110D of the side surface110C. In some embodiments, the edges of the display101may be configured to be substantially the same as the shape of the periphery of the front surface plate102adjacent thereto. In another embodiment (not illustrated), the distance between the periphery of the display101and the periphery of the front surface plate102may be substantially constant in order to enlarge the exposed area of the display101.

In another embodiment (not illustrated), recesses or openings may be provided in a portion of the screen display area of the display101, and one or more of the audio module114, the sensor modules104, the camera modules105, and the light-emitting elements106, which are aligned with the recesses or the openings, may be included. In another embodiment (not illustrated), the rear surface of the screen display area of the display101may include at least one of audio modules114, sensor modules104, camera modules105, a fingerprint sensor116, and light-emitting elements106. In another embodiment (not illustrated), the display101may be coupled to or disposed adjacent to a touch-sensitive circuit, a pressure sensor capable of measuring a touch intensity (pressure), and/or a digitizer configured to detect an electromagnetic field-type stylus pen. In some embodiments, at least some of the sensor modules104and119and/or at least some of the key input devices117may be disposed in the first areas110D and/or the second areas110E.

The audio modules103,107, and114may include a microphone hole103and speaker holes107and114. The microphone hole103may include a microphone disposed therein to acquire external sound, and in some embodiments, a plurality of microphones may be disposed therein to be able to detect the direction of sound. The speaker holes107and114may include an external speaker hole107and a communication receiver hole114. In some embodiments, the speaker holes107and114and the microphone hole103may be implemented as a single hole, or a speaker may be included without the speaker holes107and114(e.g., a piezo speaker).

The sensor modules104,116, and119may generate electrical signals or data values corresponding to an internal operating state of the electronic device100or an external environmental state. The sensor modules104,116, and119may include, for example, a first sensor module104(e.g., a proximity sensor) and/or a second sensor module (not illustrated) (e.g., a fingerprint sensor) disposed on the first surface110A of the housing110, and/or a third sensor module119(e.g., an HRM sensor) and/or a fourth sensor module116(e.g., a fingerprint sensor) disposed on the second surface110B of the housing110. The fingerprint sensor may be disposed not only on the first surface110A of the housing110(e.g., the display101), but also on the second surface110B. The electronic device100may further include at least one of sensor modules (not illustrated), such as a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, an atmospheric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a grip sensor, a color sensor, an infrared (IR) sensor, a biometric sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or an illuminance sensor104.

The camera modules105,112, and113may include a first camera device105disposed on the first surface110A of the electronic device100, and a second camera device112and/or a flash113disposed on the second surface110B of the electronic device100. The camera devices105and112may include one or more lenses, an image sensor, and/or an image signal processor. The flash113may include, for example, a light-emitting diode or a xenon lamp. In some embodiments, two or more lenses (e.g., an infrared camera lens, a wide-angle lens, and a telephoto lens) and image sensors may be disposed on, directly or indirectly, one surface of the electronic device100.

The key input devices117may be disposed on, directly or indirectly, the side surface110C of the housing110. In another embodiment, the electronic device100may not include some or all of the above-mentioned key input devices117, and a key input devices117, which is not included, may be implemented in another form, such as a soft key, on the display101. In some embodiments, the key input devices may include a sensor module116disposed on, directly or indirectly, the second surface110B of the housing110.

The light-emitting element106may be disposed, for example, on the first surface110A of the housing110. The light-emitting elements106may provide, for example, the state information of the electronic device100in an optical form. In another embodiment, the light-emitting elements106may provide a light source that is interlocked with, for example, the operation of the camera module105. The light-emitting elements106may include, for example, an LED, an IR LED, and a xenon lamp.

The connector holes108and109may include a first connector hole108, which is capable of accommodating a connector (e.g., a USB connector) for transmitting/receiving power and/or data to/from an external electronic device, and/or a second connector hole (e.g., an earphone jack)109, which is capable of accommodating a connector for transmitting/receiving an audio signal to/from an external electronic device.

Referring toFIG.3, an electronic device300may include a side surface bezel structure310, a first support member311(e.g., a bracket), a front surface plate320, a display330, a printed circuit board340, a battery350, a second support member360(e.g., a rear case), an antenna370, and a rear surface plate380. In some embodiments, at least one of the components (e.g., the first support member311or the second support member360) may be omitted from the electronic device300, or other components may be additionally included in the electronic device101. At least one of the components of the electronic device300may be the same as or similar to at least one of the components of the electronic device100ofFIG.1or2, and a redundant description thereof will be omitted below.

The first support member311may be disposed inside the electronic device300to be connected to the side surface bezel structure310, or may be configured integrally with the side surface bezel structure310. The first support member311may be made of, for example, a metal material and/or a non-metal (e.g., polymer) material. The first support member311may have one surface to which the display330is coupled, and the other surface to which the printed circuit board340is coupled. A processor, memory, and/or interface may be mounted on the printed circuit board340. The processor may include one or more of, for example, a central processing unit, an application processor, a graphics processor, an image signal processor, a sensor hub processor, or a communication processor.

The memory may include, for example, volatile memory or nonvolatile memory.

The battery350is a device for supplying power to at least one component of the electronic device300and may include, for example, a non-rechargeable primary battery, a rechargeable secondary battery, or a fuel cell. At least a portion of the battery350may be disposed on substantially the same plane as, for example, the printed circuit board340. The battery350may be integrally disposed inside the electronic device300or may be detachably disposed on the electronic device300.

The antenna370may be disposed between the rear surface plate380and the battery350. The antenna370may include, for example, a near-field communication (NFC) antenna, a wireless charging antenna, and/or a magnetic secure transmission (MST) antenna. For example, the antenna370may execute short-range communication with an external device or may transmit/receive power required for charging to/from the external device in a wireless manner. In another embodiment, an antenna structure may be configured by a portion of the side surface bezel structure310and/or a portion of the first support member311, or a combination thereof.

FIG.4Ais a perspective view illustrating an FPCB coupled to a metal frame according to an embodiment.FIG.4Bis a cross-sectional view illustrating an FPCB coupled to a metal frame according to an embodiment.

Referring toFIGS.1,4A, and4Btogether, an electronic device100according to an embodiment may include a metal frame410(e.g., the side surface bezel structure118ofFIG.1), at least one groove440provided in the metal frame, a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB)420disposed inside the electronic device, and a conductive connecting member430.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device100may include a housing110that defines the exterior of the electronic device100. According to an embodiment, the electronic device100may include a metal frame410defining at least one area of the housing110and at least one groove440provided in one area of the metal frame. According to an embodiment, the electronic device100may include an FPCB420disposed therein and a conductive connecting member430coupled to the FPCB420.

According to an embodiment, at least one groove440may be provided at least one point of the metal frame410. According to an embodiment, the at least one groove440may include a cylindrical shape. For example, the at least one groove440may include a square pillar or triangular pillar shape, but is not limited thereto.

According to an embodiment, at least a portion of the conductive connecting members430may have elasticity. According to an embodiment, the conductive connecting member430may include a metal member having elasticity (e.g., steel use stainless (SUS)). According to an embodiment, a portion of the conductive connecting member430may include a shape corresponding to the at least one groove440. For example, when the at least one groove440has a cylindrical shape, a portion of the conductive connecting member430may have a cylindrical shape corresponding to the cylinder, but is not limited thereto. According to an embodiment, a portion of the conductive connecting member430may be inserted into the at least one groove440. According to an embodiment, one end of the conductive connecting member430may be inserted into the at least one groove440and the other portion may be coupled to the FPCB420. According to an embodiment, the shape of the conductive connecting member430may be deformed while being inserted into the at least one groove440. For example, a portion of the conductive connecting member430may have elasticity and may be inserted after being deformed into a shape corresponding to at least one groove440.

According to an embodiment, a wireless communication circuit (not illustrated) disposed inside the electronic device100may be electrically connected, directly or indirectly, to the FPCB420. According to an embodiment, the wireless communication circuit may be electrically connected to the metal frame410via the FPCB420and the conductive connecting member430. According to an embodiment, the wireless communication circuit may feed power to the metal frame410via the FPCB420and the conductive connecting member430. According to an embodiment, the wireless communication circuit may transmit or receive a signal of a predetermined frequency band by feeding power to the metal frame410.

FIG.5Ais a perspective view illustrating an FPCB coupled to a metal frame by vertically inserting a plurality of conductive connecting members into the metal frame according to an embodiment.FIG.5Bis a cross-sectional view illustrating an FPCB coupled to a metal frame by inserting a conductive connecting member into the metal frame according to an embodiment.

Referring toFIGS.1,5A, and5Btogether, an electronic device100according to an embodiment may include a housing110defining the exterior of the electronic device100, a metal frame510(e.g., the metal frame410ofFIG.4A) defining a portion of the housing110, at least one groove540(e.g., the at least one groove440ofFIG.4A) provided at least one point of the metal frame510, an FPCB520(e.g., the FPCB420ofFIG.4A) disposed inside the electronic device100, or at least one conductive connecting member530coupled to the FPCB520(e.g., the conductive connecting member430inFIG.4A). The same reference numerals are used for substantially the same components, and redundant descriptions will be omitted.

According to an embodiment, the FPCB520may be electrically connected to the metal frame510. According to an embodiment, the FPCB520may be electrically connected to the metal frame510via the conductive connecting member530. According to an embodiment, a first portion of the conductive connecting member530may be coupled to the FPCB520and a second portion of the conductive connecting member530may be in contact with the at least one groove540. For example, the FPCB520may be electrically connected to the metal frame510by inserting a first conductive connecting member531into a first groove541and inserting a second conductive connecting member532into a second groove542.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device100may include a housing including a first surface (e.g., the first surface110A inFIG.1) facing a first direction, a second surface (e.g., the second surface110B inFIG.1) facing a direction opposite to the first direction, and a side surface (e.g., the side surface110C ofFIG.1) connected to the first surface and the second surface and facing a third direction. According to an embodiment, the at least one groove540may be provided in a direction (e.g., the +y direction) substantially perpendicular to the side surface. For example, the at least one groove540may be provided in at least one area of the metal frame510in a direction substantially perpendicular to the side surface of the housing. For example, the at least one groove540may be provided in a direction substantially perpendicular to the side surface of the housing, and the conductive connecting member530may be inserted into the at least one groove540of the housing.

According to an embodiment, the metal frame510may include at least one groove540in at least one area. According to an embodiment, the metal frame510may include at least one groove540including at least one protrusion590toward the inside of the electronic device100. According to an embodiment, the conductive connecting member530, which is inserted into the groove540including the at least one protrusion590, may be prevented or reduced from being released by the at least one protrusion590after being coupled to the groove540.

FIG.6Ais a perspective view illustrating an FPCB coupled to a metal frame by horizontally inserting a plurality of conductive connecting members into the metal frame according to an embodiment.FIG.6Bis a cross-sectional view illustrating an FPCB coupled to a metal frame by horizontally inserting a conductive connecting member into the metal frame according to an embodiment.

Referring toFIGS.1,6A, and6Btogether, an electronic device100according to an embodiment may include a housing110defining the exterior of the electronic device100, a metal frame610defining a portion of the housing110, at least one groove640provided at at least one point of the metal frame610, an FPCB620disposed inside the electronic device100, or at least one conductive connecting member630coupled to the FPCB620. The same reference numerals are used for substantially the same components, and redundant descriptions will be omitted.

According to an embodiment, an electronic device100may include a housing including a first surface (e.g., the first surface110A inFIG.1) facing a first direction (e.g., the +z direction), a second surface (e.g., the second surface110B inFIG.1) facing a direction opposite to the first direction, and a side surface (e.g., the side surface110C ofFIG.1) connected to the first surface and the second surface and facing a third direction. According to an embodiment, the at least one groove640may be provided in a direction (e.g., the −x direction) parallel to the side surface. According to an embodiment, the at least one groove640may be provided in at least one area of the metal frame610in a direction substantially parallel to the side surface of the housing. For example, the at least one groove640may be provided in a direction (e.g., the +x direction) substantially perpendicular to the side surface of the housing, and at least one conductive connecting member630may be inserted into the at least one groove in a direction substantially perpendicular to the side surface of the housing. However, the angle formed by the at least one groove640with the side surface is not limited thereto.

According to an embodiment, the FPCB620may be electrically connected to the metal frame610by inserting a first conductive connecting member631into the first groove641, inserting a second conductive connecting member632into the second groove642, and inserting a third conductive connecting member633into the third groove643.

FIG.7Ais a perspective view illustrating an FPCB coupled to protrusions of a metal frame via a plurality of conductive connecting members according to an embodiment.FIG.7Bis a cross-sectional view illustrating an FPCB coupled to a protrusion of a metal frame via a conductive connecting member according to an embodiment.

Referring toFIGS.7A and7Btogether, a metal frame710according to an embodiment may include at least one protrusion740. According to an embodiment, at least one conductive connecting member730may be coupled to an FPCB720. The same reference numerals are used for substantially the same components, and redundant descriptions will be omitted.

According to an embodiment, the at least one protrusion740may include the same metal (e.g., SUS) as the metal frame710. According to an embodiment, the at least one protrusion740may have a larger area as the vertical distance from the surface that is to come into contact with the metal frame710increases. According to another embodiment, at least a portion of the cross section of the at least one protrusion740may include an area equal to or smaller than that of the cross section where the at least one protrusion740is disposed. For example, at least one protrusion740may have an inverted-horn shape. According to an embodiment, the at least one protrusion740may include at least one groove in one area.

According to an embodiment, the conductive connecting member730may include a hook shape. According to an embodiment, the conductive connecting member730may include a shape corresponding to the at least one protrusion740. For example, the conductive connecting member730may be configured to enclose the at least one protrusion740. For example, the conductive connecting member730may have a c-clip shape, but is not limited thereto. According to an embodiment, the conductive connecting member730may include a shape corresponding to the groove included in the at least one protrusion740. For example, the conductive connecting member730may have a shape corresponding to the groove included in the at least one protrusion740to be prevented or reduced from being released when coupled to the at least one protrusion740.

According to an embodiment, the FPCB720may be electrically connected to the metal frame710by coupling at least one conductive connecting member730with the at least one protrusion740. For example, the FPCB720may be electrically connected to the metal frame710by coupling a first conductive connecting member731to the first protrusion741, coupling a second conductive connecting member732to the second protrusion742, and coupling a third conductive connecting member733to the third protrusion743.

FIG.8Ais a cross-sectional view illustrating an FPCB coupled to a protrusion of a metal frame via a conductive connecting member according to another embodiment.FIG.8Bis a plan view illustrating a conductive connecting member coupled to a protrusion of a metal frame according to an embodiment. The same reference numerals are used for substantially the same/similar components, and redundant descriptions will be omitted.

Referring toFIG.8A, a metal frame810according to an embodiment may include a protrusion840at at least one point. According to an embodiment, at least a portion of the at least one protrusion840may have a wider cross-sectional area as the vertical distance from the surface that is to come into contact with the metal frame810increases. For example, at least one protrusion840may have an inverted-horn shape.

According to an embodiment, a conductive connecting member830may be coupled to the protrusion840. According to an embodiment, the conductive connecting member830may be electrically connected to the protrusion840while enclosing the protrusion840. According to an embodiment, one end of the conductive connecting member830may be electrically connected to the protrusion840and the other end may be connected to the FPCB820. According to an embodiment, the FPCB820may be electrically connected to the metal frame810via the conductive connecting member830and the protrusion840.

Referring toFIGS.8A and8Btogether, the conductive connecting member830according to an embodiment may have a shape of tongs. According to an embodiment, the conductive connecting member830may include two elastic portions. For example, the conductive connecting member830may include two portions, and the distance between the two portions may be variable. According to an embodiment, the distance between the two portions of the conductive connecting member830may increase when coupled with the protrusion840and decrease after being coupled.

In an embodiment, the two portions may include a first portion and a second portion. The shapes of the first portion and the second portion may be symmetrical. The first portion and the second portion may be made of an elastic material. The first portion and the second portion may be shaped to surround at least a portion of the protrusion840.

FIG.9Aillustrates a rotatable conductive connecting member that is coupled to a metal frame according to an embodiment.FIG.9Bis a cross-sectional view illustrating a groove of a metal frame that is couplable to a rotatable conductive connecting member according to an embodiment.

Referring toFIGS.9A and9Btogether, the conductive connecting member930according to an embodiment may be inserted into a groove940provided at one point of the metal frame910.

Referring toFIG.9B, the metal frame910according to an embodiment may include a groove940in one area. The groove940according to an embodiment may include at least one fastening portion945. For example, the groove940may include a circular shape, and a plurality of fastening portions945may be symmetrically arranged.

Referring toFIG.9A, the conductive connecting member930according to an embodiment may be coupled to one end of an FPCB920. According to an embodiment, the conductive connecting member930may include at least one protrusion935at one end. According to an embodiment, the conductive connecting member930may have a cylindrical shape. According to another embodiment, the conductive connecting member930may have a rectangular parallelepiped shape.

According to an embodiment, at least one protrusion935included in the conductive connecting member930may have a shape corresponding to at least one fastening portion945included in the groove940. According to an embodiment, the conductive connecting member930may be inserted into the groove940such that the at least one protrusion935corresponds to the at least one fastening portion945.

According to an embodiment, the conductive connecting member930may be rotated by a predetermined angle. According to an embodiment, the conductive connecting member930may be rotated by a predetermined angle after being inserted into the groove940included in the metal frame910. For example, the conductive connecting member930may be rotated about 90 degrees after being inserted into the groove940such that the protrusion935and the fastening portion945correspond to each other. As the conductive connecting member930according to an embodiment is rotated after being inserted into the groove940, the conductive connecting member930may be coupled to the metal frame910.

FIG.10Ais a perspective view illustrating an electronic device according to an embodiment in a first state.FIG.10Bis a perspective view illustrating the electronic device according to an embodiment in a second state.

Referring toFIGS.10A and10B, a display1020may be located on one surface of an electronic device1000according to an embodiment. Hereinafter, the surface on which the display1020is located will be referred to as a front surface (e.g., the front surface110A inFIG.1). According to an embodiment, the display1020may occupy most of the front surface of the electronic device1000. According to an embodiment, the display1020may have a flat shape and a curved shape. On the front surface of the electronic device1000, the display1020and a housing1010surrounding at least some of the edges of the display1020may be disposed. According to an embodiment, the housing1010may define a partial area of the front surface, the side surface, and the rear surface of the electronic device1000. According to another embodiment, the housing1010may define a partial area of the side surface and the rear surface of the electronic device1000. According to an embodiment, the housing1010may include a first housing1011and a second housing1012movable relative to the first housing1011.

According to an embodiment, the display1020may include a first portion1021that may be coupled to the second housing1012and a second portion1022that may extend from the first portion1021and may be slid into the inside of the electronic device1000. According to an embodiment, when the electronic device1000is switched from a first state100ato a second state100baccording to the movement of the second housing1012, the second portion1022of the display1020may be slid out from the inside to the outside of the electronic device1000. According to an embodiment, when the electronic device1000is switched from the second state1000bto the first state1000aaccording to the movement of the second housing1012, the second portion1022of the display1020may be slid into the inside of the electronic device1000.

FIG.11Aillustrates an electronic device including a first housing and a second housing movable relative to the first housing, according to an embodiment.FIG.11Billustrates a power feeding structure coupled to the first housing in a first direction in the electronic device ofFIG.11A.FIG.11Cillustrates a power feeding structure coupled to the first housing in a second direction in the electronic device ofFIG.11A.

Referring toFIGS.10A,10B, and11Atogether, the electronic device1000may include at least one FPCB1120, at least one conductive connecting member1130coupled to the FPCB1120, a display1170, and/or a groove1140formed at one point of the housing1010. The same reference numerals are used for substantially the same components, and redundant descriptions will be omitted.

According to an embodiment, at least one FPCB1120may be connected to the second housing1012at a first point via the conductive connecting member1130. According to an embodiment, as the second housing1012moves relative to the first housing1011and is switched to the first state1000a, the at least one FPCB1120may be electrically connected to the first housing1011at a second point via the conductive connecting member1130. According to an embodiment, as the second housing1012moves, a space corresponding to the moving conductive connecting member1130may be provided in the first housing1011.

Referring toFIGS.11A,11B, and11Ctogether, the conductive connecting member1130according to an embodiment may have one end coupled to the FPCB1120and the other end coupled to an elastic body1135. According to an embodiment, the first housing1011may include a protrusion1145that may come into contact with the elastic body1135. However, some of the above components (e.g., the elastic body1135or the protrusion1145) may be omitted. According to another embodiment, the other end of the conductive connecting member1130may come into direct contact with the first housing1011. According to an embodiment, an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device1000ofFIG.10A) may include at least one valley1170. According to an embodiment, the first housing1011may include at least one valley1170through which the elastic body1153is movable according to the movement of the second housing1012.

Referring toFIG.11B, the conductive connecting member1130according to an embodiment may be coupled to the housing1010in a direction substantially perpendicular to the display1170of the electronic device1000. Referring toFIG.11C, the conductive connecting member1130according to another embodiment may be coupled to the housing1010in a direction substantially parallel to the display1170of the electronic device1000, but the angle at which the conductive connecting member1130is coupled to the housing1010is not limited thereto.

According to an embodiment, the FPCB1120may be electrically connected to the second housing1012in the second state1000b, and may be electrically connected to the first housing1011and the second housing1012in the first state1000a. According to an embodiment, a wireless communication circuit (e.g., a radio-frequency integrated circuit (RFIC)) may transmit or receive a signal of a predetermined frequency by feeding power to the housing1010via the FPCB1120. For example, the wireless communication circuit may transmit or receive a first signal of a first frequency band by feeding power to the second housing1012in the second state1000b. For example, the wireless communication circuit may transmit or receive a second signal of a second frequency band by feeding power to the first housing1011and the second housing1012in the first state1000a.

FIG.12illustrates a conductive connecting member couplable to the second housing and the first housing according to an embodiment.

Referring toFIGS.10A,10B, and12, an electronic device1000according to an embodiment may include an FPCB1220disposed inside the electronic device1000, a conductive connecting member1230coupled to one end of the FPCB1220, a first housing1011, a second housing1012movable relative to the first housing1011, and a protrusion1240provided at one point of the housing1010. The same reference numerals are used for substantially the same/similar components, and redundant descriptions will be omitted.

Referring toFIGS.8A,8B, and12together, the conductive connecting member1230may be coupled to the protrusion1240. For example, the conductive connecting member1230may have a c-clip shape and may be coupled to enclose the protrusion1240. However, the shape of the conductive connecting member1230is not limited thereto. The conductive connecting member1230according to an embodiment may be implemented substantially the same as the conductive connecting member830ofFIG.8B.

According to an embodiment, a second conductive connecting member1232may be coupled to a second protrusion1242. According to an embodiment, a first conductive connecting member1231may be coupled to a first protrusion1241. For example, the first conductive connecting member1231may be separated from the first protrusion1241, and the second conductive connecting member1232may be coupled to the second protrusion1242in the second state1000b. For example, in the first state1000a, the first conductive connecting member1231may be coupled to the first protrusion1241and the second conductive connecting member1232may be coupled to the second protrusion1242.

The electronic device1000according to an embodiment may include a wireless communication circuit. According to an embodiment, the wireless communication circuit may transmit or receive a first signal of a first frequency band by feeding power to the second housing1012in the second state1000b. According to an embodiment, the wireless communication circuit may transmit or receive a second signal of a second frequency band by feeding power to the first housing1011and the second housing1012in the first state1000a. According to another embodiment, the wireless communication circuit may transmit or receive a third signal of a third frequency band by feeding power to the first housing1011in the first state1000a.

FIG.13is a block diagram of an electronic device in a network environment according to various embodiments. Referring toFIG.13, the electronic device1301in the network environment1300may communicate with an electronic device1302via a first network1398(e.g., a short-range wireless communication network), or an electronic device1304or a server1308via a second network1399(e.g., a long-range wireless communication network). According to an embodiment, the electronic device1301may communicate with the electronic device1304via the server1308. According to an embodiment, the electronic device1301may include a processor1320, memory1330, an input module1350, a sound output module1355, a display module1360, an audio module1370, a sensor module1376, an interface1377, a connecting terminal1378, a haptic module1379, a camera module1380, a power management module1388, a battery1389, a communication module1390, a subscriber identification module (SIM)1396, or an antenna module1397. In some embodiments, at least one of the components (e.g., the connecting terminal1378) may be omitted from the electronic device1301, or one or more other components may be added in the electronic device1301. In some embodiments, some of the components (e.g., the sensor module1376, the camera module1380, or the antenna module1397) may be implemented as a single component (e.g., the display module1360).

The processor1320may execute, for example, software (e.g., a program1340) to control at least one other component (e.g., a hardware or software component) of the electronic device1301coupled with the processor1320, and may perform various data processing or computation. According to one embodiment, as at least part of the data processing or computation, the processor1320may store a command or data received from another component (e.g., the sensor module1376or the communication module1390) in volatile memory1332, process the command or the data stored in the volatile memory1332, and store resulting data in non-volatile memory1334. According to an embodiment, the processor1320may include a main processor1321(e.g., a central processing unit (CPU) or an application processor (AP)), or an auxiliary processor1323(e.g., a graphics processing unit (GPU), a neural processing unit (NPU), an image signal processor (ISP), a sensor hub processor, or a communication processor (CP)) that is operable independently from, or in conjunction with, the main processor1321. For example, when the electronic device1301includes the main processor1321and the auxiliary processor1323, the auxiliary processor1323may be adapted to consume less power than the main processor1321, or to be specific to a specified function. The auxiliary processor1323may be implemented as separate from, or as part of the main processor1321.

The auxiliary processor1323may control, for example, at least some of functions or states related to at least one component (e.g., the display module1360, the sensor module1376, or the communication module1390) among the components of the electronic device1301, instead of the main processor1321while the main processor1321is in an inactive (e.g., sleep) state, or together with the main processor1321while the main processor1321is in an active (e.g., executing an application) state. According to an embodiment, the auxiliary processor1323(e.g., an image signal processor or a communication processor) may be implemented as part of another component (e.g., the camera module1380or the communication module1390) functionally related to the auxiliary processor1323. According to an embodiment, the auxiliary processor1323(e.g., the neural processing unit) may include a hardware structure specified for artificial intelligence model processing. An artificial intelligence model may be generated by machine learning. Such learning may be performed, e.g., by the electronic device1301where the artificial intelligence model is performed or via a separate server (e.g., the server1308). Learning algorithms may include, but are not limited to, e.g., supervised learning, unsupervised learning, semi-supervised learning, or reinforcement learning. The artificial intelligence model may include a plurality of artificial neural network layers. The artificial neural network may be a deep neural network (DNN), a convolutional neural network (CNN), a recurrent neural network (RNN), a restricted Boltzmann machine (RBM), a deep belief network (DBN), a bidirectional recurrent deep neural network (BRDNN), deep Q-network or a combination of two or more thereof but is not limited thereto. The artificial intelligence model may, additionally or alternatively, include a software structure other than the hardware structure.

The memory1330may store various data used by at least one component (e.g., the processor1320or the sensor module1376) of the electronic device1301. The various data may include, for example, software (e.g., the program1340) and input data or output data for a command related thereto. The memory1330may include the volatile memory1332or the non-volatile memory1334.

The program1340may be stored in the memory1330as software, and may include, for example, an operating system (OS)1342, middleware1344, or an application1346.

The input module1350may receive a command or data to be used by another component (e.g., the processor1320) of the electronic device1301, from the outside (e.g., a user) of the electronic device1301. The input module1350may include, for example, a microphone, a mouse, a keyboard, a key (e.g., a button), or a digital pen (e.g., a stylus pen).

The display module1360may visually provide information to the outside (e.g., a user) of the electronic device1301. The display module1360may include, for example, a display, a hologram device, or a projector and control circuitry to control a corresponding one of the display, hologram device, and projector. According to an embodiment, the display module1360may include a touch sensor adapted to detect a touch, or a pressure sensor adapted to measure the intensity of force incurred by the touch.

The audio module1370may convert a sound into an electrical signal and vice versa. According to an embodiment, the audio module1370may obtain the sound via the input module1350, or output the sound via the sound output module1355or an external electronic device (e.g., an electronic device1302(e.g., a speaker or a headphone)) directly or wirelessly coupled with the electronic device1301.

The interface1377may support one or more specified protocols to be used for the electronic device1301to be coupled with the external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device1302) directly or wirelessly. According to an embodiment, the interface1377may include, for example, a high definition multimedia interface (HDMI), a universal serial bus (USB) interface, a secure digital (SD) card interface, or an audio interface.

The connecting terminal1378may include a connector via which the electronic device1301may be physically connected with the external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device1302). According to an embodiment, the connecting terminal1378may include, for example, an HDMI connector, a USB connector, an SD card connector, or an audio connector (e.g., a headphone connector).

The camera module1380may capture a still image or moving images. According to an embodiment, the camera module1380may include one or more lenses, image sensors, image signal processors, or flashes.

The power management module1388may manage power supplied to the electronic device1301. According to one embodiment, the power management module1388may be implemented as at least part of, for example, a power management integrated circuit (PMIC).

The battery1389may supply power to at least one component of the electronic device1301. According to an embodiment, the battery1389may include, for example, a primary cell which is not rechargeable, a secondary cell which is rechargeable, or a fuel cell.

The communication module1390may support establishing a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between the electronic device1301and the external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device1302, the electronic device1304, or the server1308) and performing communication via the established communication channel. The communication module1390may include one or more communication processors that are operable independently from the processor1320(e.g., the application processor (AP)) and supports a direct (e.g., wired) communication or a wireless communication. According to an embodiment, the communication module1390may include a wireless communication module1392(e.g., a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) communication module) or a wired communication module1394(e.g., a local area network (LAN) communication module or a power line communication (PLC) module). A corresponding one of these communication modules may communicate with the external electronic device1304via the first network1398(e.g., a short-range communication network, such as Bluetooth™, wireless-fidelity (Wi-Fi) direct, or infrared data association (IrDA)) or the second network1399(e.g., a long-range communication network, such as a legacy cellular network, a 5G network, a next-generation communication network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., LAN or wide area network (WAN)). These various types of communication modules may be implemented as a single component (e.g., a single chip), or may be implemented as multi components (e.g., multi chips) separate from each other. The wireless communication module1392may identify or authenticate the electronic device1301in a communication network, such as the first network1398or the second network1399, using subscriber information (e.g., international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI)) stored in the subscriber identification module1396.

The antenna module1397may transmit or receive a signal or power to or from the outside (e.g., the external electronic device) of the electronic device1301. According to an embodiment, the antenna module1397may include an antenna including a radiating element composed of a conductive material or a conductive pattern formed in or on a substrate (e.g., a printed circuit board (PCB)). According to an embodiment, the antenna module1397may include a plurality of antennas (e.g., array antennas). In such a case, at least one antenna appropriate for a communication scheme used in the communication network, such as the first network1398or the second network1399, may be selected, for example, by the communication module1390from the plurality of antennas. The signal or the power may then be transmitted or received between the communication module1390and the external electronic device via the selected at least one antenna. According to an embodiment, another component (e.g., a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC)) other than the radiating element may be additionally formed as part of the antenna module1397.

According to an embodiment, commands or data may be transmitted or received between the electronic device1301and the external electronic device1304via the server1308coupled with the second network1399. Each of the external electronic devices1302or1304may be a device of a same type as, or a different type, from the electronic device1301. According to an embodiment, all or some of operations to be executed at the electronic device1301may be executed at one or more of the external electronic devices1302,1304, or1308. For example, if the electronic device1301should perform a function or a service automatically, or in response to a request from a user or another device, the electronic device1301, instead of, or in addition to, executing the function or the service, may request the one or more external electronic devices to perform at least part of the function or the service. The one or more external electronic devices receiving the request may perform the at least part of the function or the service requested, or an additional function or an additional service related to the request, and transfer an outcome of the performing to the electronic device1301. The electronic device1301may provide the outcome, with or without further processing of the outcome, as at least part of a reply to the request. To that end, a cloud computing, distributed computing, mobile edge computing (MEC), or client-server computing technology may be used, for example. The electronic device1301may provide ultra low-latency services using, e.g., distributed computing or mobile edge computing. In another embodiment, the external electronic device1304may include an internet-of-things (IoT) device. The server1308may be an intelligent server using machine learning and/or a neural network. According to an embodiment, the external electronic device1304or the server1308may be included in the second network1399. The electronic device1301may be applied to intelligent services (e.g., smart home, smart city, smart car, or healthcare) based on 5G communication technology or IoT-related technology.

As used herein, the term “module” may include a unit implemented in hardware, software, or firmware, and may be interchangeably used with other terms, for example, “logic,” “logic block,” “component,” or “circuit”. The “module” may be a minimum unit of a single integrated component adapted to perform one or more functions, or a part thereof. For example, according to an embodiment, the “module” may be implemented in the form of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). Thus, each “module” herein may comprise circuitry.

Various embodiments as set forth herein may be implemented as software (e.g., the program1340) including one or more instructions that are stored in a storage medium (e.g., the internal memory1336or external memory1338) that is readable by a machine. For example, a processor (e.g., the processor1320) of the machine may invoke at least one of the one or more stored instructions from the storage medium, and execute it. This allows the machine to be operated to perform at least one function according to the at least one instruction invoked. The one or more instructions may include a code generated by a compiler or a code executable by an interpreter. The machine-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Wherein, the term “non-transitory” simply means that the storage medium is a tangible device, and does not include a signal (e.g., an electromagnetic wave), but this term does not differentiate between where data is semi-permanently stored in the storage medium and where the data is temporarily stored in the storage medium.

According to various embodiments, each element (e.g., a module or a program) of the above-described elements may include a single entity or multiple entities, and some of the multiple entities may be separately disposed in any other element. According to various embodiments, one or more of the above-described elements may be omitted, or one or more other elements may be added. Alternatively or additionally, a plurality of elements (e.g., modules or programs) may be integrated into a single element. In such a case, according to various embodiments, the integrated element may still perform one or more functions of each of the plurality of elements in the same or similar manner as they are performed by a corresponding one of the plurality of elements before the integration. According to various embodiments, operations performed by the module, the program, or another element may be carried out sequentially, in parallel, repeatedly, or heuristically, or one or more of the operations may be executed in a different order or omitted, or one or more other operations may be added.

An electronic device according to an embodiment may include a housing including a first surface facing a first direction, a second surface facing a second direction opposite to the first direction, and a third surface surrounding a space defined by the first surface and the second surface, a metal frame defining at least one area of the housing, wherein the metal frame includes a groove provided at a first point, a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) disposed in an inner space of the housing, a conductive connecting member coupled to the FPCB, wherein the conductive connecting member may include a first portion fixed, directly or indirectly, to an area of the FPCB, and a second portion having elasticity, and a wireless communication circuit disposed on, directly or indirectly, the FPCB or electrically connected to the FPCB. At least a portion of the second portion of the conductive connecting member may be inserted into the groove of the metal frame, and the wireless communication circuit may be configured to transmit/receive a signal of a predetermined frequency band by feeding power to the metal frame at the first point via the FPCB and the conductive connecting member.

According to an embodiment, the groove may be provided in a direction parallel to the third surface of the electronic device (e.g., the housing). According to an embodiment, the groove may be provided in a direction parallel to the third surface of the electronic device (e.g., the housing).

According to an embodiment, the groove may include at least one fastening portion, the second portion of the conductive connecting member may include a protrusion having a shape corresponding to the fastening portion, and the second portion of the conductive connecting member may be inserted into the groove and rotated by a predetermined angle so that the fastening portion and the protrusion correspond to each other.

According to an embodiment, the groove may have a shape corresponding to a shape of the second portion of the conductive connecting member.

According to an embodiment, the housing may include a protrusion configured to come into contact with the second portion.

According to an embodiment, the groove may include at least one protrusion facing inside of the metal inclusive frame.

According to an embodiment, an electronic device may include a housing including a first housing and a second housing coupled to the first housing to be movable with respect to the first housing, wherein the housing may include a connecting portion provided at the first point, at least one flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) disposed in an inner space of the housing, a conductive connecting member coupled to the FPCB, wherein the conductive connecting member may include a first portion fixed, directly or indirectly, to an area of the FPCB, and a second portion having elasticity, and a wireless communication circuit disposed on the FPCB or electrically connected to the FPCB. The conductive connecting member may be coupled to the second housing by bringing the second portion into contact with the connecting portion, when the first housing and the second housing are coupled in a first state, the FPCB may be disposed at a first position, and when the second housing is moved relative to the first housing in the first state and the first housing and the second housing are coupled in a second state, the FPCB may be disposed at a second position, and the second portion of the conductive connecting member may come into contact with the first housing. The wireless communication circuit may be configured to transmit/receive a first signal of a first frequency band by feeding power to the second housing in the first state, and to transmit/receive a second signal of a frequency band by feeding power to the first housing and the second housing in the second state.

According to an embodiment, an elastic body coupled to the second portion of the conductive connecting member may be included, and the conductive connecting member may come into contact with the first housing via the elastic body in the second state.

According to an embodiment, the first housing may include a protrusion configured to come into contact with the elastic body.

According to an embodiment, the connecting portion may include a protrusion provided at the first point of the housing, and the second portion of the conductive connecting member may have a hook shape to be engaged with the protrusion.

According to an embodiment, the connecting portion includes a first protrusion provided at the first point of the housing and a second protrusion provided at a second point of the housing, and the conductive connecting member may be coupled to the first protrusion in the first state and coupled to the first protrusion and the second protrusion in the second state, by using the second portion having the hook shape.

According to an embodiment, the connecting portion may include a groove provided at the first point of the housing, and the conductive connecting member may be coupled to the housing by inserting the second portion into the groove.

According to an embodiment, the connecting portion may include a first groove provided at the first point of the housing and a second groove provided at a second point of the housing, the conductive connecting member may further include a third portion having a shape corresponding to the second portion, the conductive connecting may be configured such that in the first state, the second portion is inserted into the first groove, and in the second state, the second portion is inserted into the first groove, and the third portion is inserted into the second groove.

According to an embodiment, the groove may have a shape corresponding to the shape of the second portion of the conductive connecting member.

An electronic device according to an embodiment may include a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) disposed inside the housing, a wireless communication circuit disposed on the FPCB or electrically connected to the FPCB, a conductive connecting member connected to one end of the FPCB, and a metal member including a connecting portion configured to be coupled to the conductive connecting member. The wireless communication circuit may transmit/receive a signal by feeding power to the metal member via the conductive connecting member.

According to an embodiment, the connecting portion may include a protrusion provided at a first point of the metal member, and the conductive connecting member may be coupled to the protrusion while enclosing the protrusion.

According to an embodiment, the connecting portion may include a groove provided at the first point of the metal member, and the conductive connecting member may be coupled to the groove by being inserted into the groove.

According to an embodiment, the groove may have a shape corresponding to the shape of the conductive connecting member.

According to an embodiment, the groove may include at least one protrusion configured to come into contact with the conductive connecting member.