Electronic device comprising antenna

According to various examples, an electronic device comprising: a housing, which is a foldable housing and includes a first housing part including a first surface and a second surface oppositely facing the first surface, a second housing part including a first surface facing the first surface of the first housing part when folded in a first direction, and a second surface facing the second surface of the first housing part when folded in a second direction, and a connection part connecting the first housing part and the second housing part; a communication circuit disposed inside the housing; a first antenna pattern disposed inside the first housing part; a second antenna pattern disposed inside the second housing part; a first display exposed to the first surface of the first housing part; a second display exposed to the first surface of the second housing part; a first conductive member exposed to the second surface of the first housing part, and electrically connected to the first antenna pattern; and a second conductive member exposed to the second surface of the second housing part, and electrically connected to the second antenna pattern, wherein the communication circuit is electrically connected to the first antenna pattern and/or the second antenna pattern, and the first conductive member and the second conductive member can be electrically connected or coupled with each other, when the housing is folded in the second direction.

PRIORITY

This application is a National Phase Entry of PCT International Application No. PCT/KR2016/013100 which was filed on Nov. 14, 2016, and claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2015-0173203, which was filed on Dec. 7, 2015, the content of each of which is incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Various embodiments of the present disclosure relate to an electronic device including an antenna.

BACKGROUND ART

Electronic devices are being launched in various structures. For example, an electronic device may be formed in a bendable structure or a foldable structure. As another example, an electronic device may include a flip cover, a dual display, a flexible display, and the like.

An electronic device having a communication function can provide a mobile communication service through an antenna. The antenna may be disposed at a portion of the interior and/or exterior of the housing of the electronic device. For example, the antenna may be formed in a pattern on a printed circuit board (PCB).

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

Technical Problem

The antenna may be located inside the electronic device, and the housing of the electronic device may be formed of a metal frame which is a conductive material. For example, a signal transmitted to the outside from the antenna located inside the electronic device may be distorted or blocked at least partially by the metal frame, thereby causing the degradation of antenna radiation performance.

As the antenna is located inside the electronic device, a space inside the housing of the electronic device in which the antenna is mounted may be limited. Moreover, when the electronic device is reduced in size, the space inside the housing may be further limited. In addition, when the frequency band supported by the antenna is variable, the space inside the housing may be further limited because a plurality of antennas or a complex-shaped antenna should be disposed.

Accordingly, various embodiments of the present disclosure propose an electronic device including an antenna that is not limited to a space inside the electronic device and does not deteriorate antenna radiation performance by a conductive material.

Solution to Problem

According to various embodiments, an electronic device may comprise a foldable housing including a first housing part including a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface, a second housing part including a first surface facing the first surface of the first housing part when folded in a first direction, and a second surface facing the second surface of the first housing part when folded in a second direction, and a connection part connecting the first housing part and the second housing part; a communication circuit disposed inside the housing; a first antenna pattern disposed inside the first housing part; a second antenna pattern disposed inside the second housing part; a first display exposed to the first surface of the first housing part; a second display exposed to the first surface of the second housing part; a first conductive member exposed to the second surface of the first housing part, and electrically connected to the first antenna pattern; and a second conductive member exposed to the second surface of the second housing part, and electrically connected to the second antenna pattern, wherein the communication circuit is electrically connected to the first antenna pattern and/or the second antenna pattern, and wherein the first conductive member and the second conductive member are electrically connected to or coupling with each other when the housing is folded in the second direction.

According to various embodiments, an electronic device may comprise a housing including a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface; a communication circuit disposed inside the housing; at least one first conductive member exposed to a portion of the second surface of the housing; at least one second conductive member exposed to another portion of the second surface of the housing; a first antenna pattern disposed inside the housing and electrically connected to the first conductive member; and a second antenna pattern disposed inside the housing and electrically connected to the second conductive member, wherein the communication circuit is electrically connected to the first antenna pattern and/or the second antenna pattern, wherein when folded in a first direction, at least a portion of the first surface meets at least another portion of the first surface, and wherein when folded in a second direction, at least a portion of the second surface meets at least another portion of the second surface, and the first conductive member and the second conductive member are electrically connected to or coupling with each other.

Advantageous Effects of Invention

According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, an electronic device including an antenna can efficiently utilize an internal space. Further, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure, an electronic device including an antenna can maintain antenna performance without the deterioration of the antenna performance by a conductive material.

MODE FOR THE INVENTION

The expressions such as “include” and “may include” which may be used in the present disclosure denote the presence of the disclosed functions, operations, and constituent elements and do not limit one or more additional functions, operations, and constituent elements. In the present disclosure, the terms such as “include” and/or “have” may be construed to denote a certain characteristic, number, step, operation, constituent element, component or a combination thereof, but may not be construed to exclude the existence of or a possibility of addition of one or more other characteristics, numbers, steps, operations, constituent elements, components or combinations thereof.

Furthermore, in the present disclosure, the expression “and/or” includes any and all combinations of the associated listed words. For example, the expression “A and/or B” may include A, may include B, or may include both A and B.

In the present disclosure, expressions including ordinal numbers, such as “first”and “second,” etc., may modify various elements. However, such elements are not limited by the above expressions. For example, the above expressions do not limit the sequence and/or importance of the elements. The above expressions are used merely for the purpose to distinguish an element from the other elements. For example, a first user device and a second user device indicate different user devices although both of them are user devices. For example, a first element could be termed a second element, and similarly, a second element could be also termed a first element without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

In the case where a component is referred to as being “connected” or “accessed” to other component, it should be understood that not only the component is directly connected or accessed to the other component, but also there may exist another component between them. Meanwhile, in the case where a component is referred to as being “directly connected” or “directly accessed” to other component, it should be understood that there is no component therebetween. The terms used in the present disclosure are only used to describe specific various embodiments, and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Singular forms are intended to include plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

An electronic device according to the present disclosure may be a device including a communication function. For example, the device corresponds to a combination of at least one of a smartphone, a tablet Personal Computer (PC), a mobile phone, a video phone, an e-book reader, a desktop PC, a laptop PC, a netbook computer, a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), a Portable Multimedia Player (PMP), adigital audio player, a mobile medical device, an electronic bracelet, an electronic necklace, an electronic accessory, a camera, a wearable device, an electronic clock, a wrist watch, home appliances (for example, an air-conditioner, vacuum, an oven, a microwave, a washing machine, an air cleaner, and the like), an artificial intelligence robot, a TeleVision (TV), a Digital Video Disk (DVD) player, an audio device, various medical devices (for example, Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Computed Tomography (CT), a scanning machine, a ultrasonic wave device, or the like), a navigation device, a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver, an Event Data Recorder (EDR), a Flight Data Recorder (FDR), a set-top box, a TV box (for example, Samsung HomeSync™, Apple TV™, or Google TV™), an electronic dictionary, vehicle infotainment device, an electronic equipment for a ship (for example, navigation equipment for a ship, gyrocompass, or the like), avionics, a security device, electronic clothes, an electronic key, a camcorder, game consoles, a Head-Mounted Display (HMD), a flat panel display device, an electronic frame, an electronic album, furniture or a portion of a building/structure that includes a communication function, an electronic board, an electronic signature receiving device, a projector, and the like. It is obvious to those skilled in the art that the electronic device according to the present disclosure is not limited to the aforementioned devices.

Referring toFIG. 1, the electronic device100may include a bus110, a processor120, a memory130, a user input module140, a display module150, a communication module160, and other similar and/or suitable components.

The bus110may be a circuit which interconnects the above-described elements and delivers a communication (e.g., a control message) between the above-described elements.

The processor120may receive commands from the above-described other elements (e.g., the memory130, the user input module140, the display module150, the communication module160, etc.) through the bus110, may interpret the received commands, and may execute calculation or data processing according to the interpreted commands.

The memory130may store commands or data received from the processor120or other elements (e.g., the user input module140, the display module150, the communication module160, etc.) or generated by the processor120or the other elements. The memory130may include programming modules, such as a kernel131, middleware132, an Application Programming Interface (API)133, an application134, and the like. Each of the above-described programming modules may be implemented in software, firmware, hardware, or a combination of two or more thereof.

The kernel131may control or manage system resources (e.g., the bus110, the processor120, the memory130, etc.) used to execute operations or functions implemented by other programming modules (e.g., the middleware132, the API133, and the application134). Also, the kernel131may provide an interface capable of accessing and controlling or managing the individual elements of the electronic device100by using the middleware132, the API133, or the application134.

The middleware132may serve to go between the API133or the application134and the kernel131in such a manner that the API133or the application134communicates with the kernel131and exchanges data therewith. Also, in relation to work requests received from one or more applications134and/or the middleware132, for example, may perform load balancing of the work requests by using a method of assigning a priority, in which system resources (e.g., the bus110, the processor120, the memory130, etc.) of the electronic device100can be used, to at least one of the one or more applications134.

The API133is an interface through which the application134is capable of controlling a function provided by the kernel131or the middleware132, and may include, for example, at least one interface or function for file control, window control, image processing, character control, or the like.

The user input module140, for example, may receive a command or data as input from a user, and may deliver the received command or data to the processor120or the memory130through the bus110. The display module150may display a video, an image, data, or the like to the user.

The communication module160may connect communication between another electronic device102and the electronic device100. The communication module160may support a predetermined short-range communication protocol (e.g., Wi-Fi, BlueTooth (BT), and Near Field Communication (NFC)), or predetermined network communication162(e.g., the Internet, a Local Area Network (LAN), a Wide Area Network (WAN), a telecommunication network, a cellular network, a satellite network, a Plain Old Telephone Service (POTS), or the like). Each of the electronic devices102and104may be a device which is identical (e.g., of an identical type) to or different (e.g., of a different type) from the electronic device100. Further, the communication module160may connect communication between a server164and the electronic device100via the network162.

FIG. 2is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of hardware200according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIG. 2, the hardware200may include one or more processors210, a Subscriber Identification Module (SIM) card214, a memory220, a communication module230, a sensor module240, a user input module250, a display module260, an interface270, an audio coder/decoder (codec)280, a camera module291, a power management module295, a battery296, an indicator297, a motor298and any other similar and/or suitable components.

The processor210(e.g., the processor120) may include one or more Application Processors (APs)211, or one or more Communication Processors (CPs)213. The processor210may be, for example, the processor120illustrated inFIG. 1. The AP211and the CP213are illustrated as being included in the processor210inFIG. 2, but may be included in different Integrated Circuit (IC) packages, respectively. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the AP211and the CP213may be included in one IC package.

The AP211may execute an Operating System (OS) or an application program, and thereby may control multiple hardware or software elements connected to the AP211and may perform processing of and arithmetic operations on various data including multimedia data. The AP211may be implemented by, for example, a System on Chip (SoC). According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the processor210may further include a Graphical Processing Unit (GPU) (not illustrated).

The CP213may manage a data line and may convert a communication protocol in the case of communication between the electronic device (e.g., the electronic device100) including the hardware200and different electronic devices connected to the electronic device through the network. The CP213may be implemented by, for example, a SoC. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the CP213may perform at least some of multimedia control functions. The CP213, for example, may distinguish and authenticate a terminal in a communication network by using a subscriber identification module (e.g., the SIM card214). Also, the CP213may provide the user with services, such as a voice telephony call, a video telephony call, a text message, packet data, and the like.

Further, the CP213may control the transmission and reception of data by the communication module230. InFIG. 2, the elements such as the CP213, the power management module295, the memory220, and the like are illustrated as elements separate from the AP211. However, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the AP211may include at least some (e.g., the CP213) of the above-described elements.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the AP211or the CP213may load, to a volatile memory, a command or data received from at least one of a non-volatile memory and other elements connected to each of the AP211and the CP213, and may process the loaded command or data. Also, the AP211or the CP213may store, in a non-volatile memory, data received from or generated by at least one of the other elements.

The SIM card214may be a card implementing a subscriber identification module, and may be inserted into a slot formed in a particular portion of the electronic device100. The SIM card214may include unique identification information (e.g., Integrated Circuit Card IDentifier (ICCID)) or subscriber information (e.g., International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI)).

The memory220may include an internal memory222and an external memory224. The memory220may be, for example, the memory130illustrated inFIG. 1. The internal memory222may include, for example, at least one of a volatile memory (e.g., a Dynamic RAM (DRAM), a Static RAM (SRAM), a Synchronous Dynamic RAM (SDRAM), etc.), and a non-volatile memory (e.g., a One Time Programmable ROM (OTPROM), a Programmable ROM (PROM), an Erasable and Programmable ROM (EPROM), an Electrically Erasable and Programmable ROM (EEPROM), a mask ROM, a flash ROM, a Not AND (NAND) flash memory, a Not OR (NOR) flash memory, etc.). According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the internal memory222may be in the form of a Solid State Drive (SSD). The external memory224may further include a flash drive, for example, a Compact Flash (CF), a Secure Digital (SD), a Micro-Secure Digital (Micro-SD), a Mini-Secure Digital (Mini-SD), an extreme Digital (xD), a memory stick, or the like.

The communication module230may include a wireless communication module231or a Radio Frequency (RF) module234. The communication module230may be, for example, the communication module160illustrated inFIG. 1. The wireless communication module231may include, for example, a Wi-Fi part233, a BT part235, a GPS part237, or a NFC part239. For example, the wireless communication module231may provide a wireless communication function by using a radio frequency. Additionally or alternatively, the wireless communication module231may include a network interface (e.g., a LAN card), a modulator/demodulator (modem), or the like for connecting the hardware200to a network (e.g., the Internet, a LAN, a WAN, a telecommunication network, a cellular network, a satellite network, a POTS, or the like).

The RF module234may be used for transmission and reception of data, for example, transmission and reception of RF signals or called electronic signals. Although not illustrated, the RF unit234may include, for example, a transceiver, a Power Amplifier Module (PAM), a frequency filter, a Low Noise Amplifier (LNA), or the like. Also, the RF module234may further include a component for transmitting and receiving electromagnetic waves in a free space in a wireless communication, for example, a conductor, a conductive wire, or the like.

The sensor module240may include, for example, at least one of a gesture sensor240A, a gyro sensor240B, an atmospheric pressure sensor240C, a magnetic sensor240D, an acceleration sensor240E, a grip sensor240F, a proximity sensor240G, a Red, Green and Blue (RGB) sensor240H, a biometric sensor2401, a temperature/humidity sensor240J, an illuminance sensor240K, and a Ultra Violet (UV) sensor240M. The sensor module240may measure a physical quantity or may sense an operating state of the electronic device100, and may convert the measured or sensed information to an electrical signal. Additionally/alternatively, the sensor module240may include, for example, an E-nose sensor (not illustrated), an ElectroMyoGraphy (EMG) sensor (not illustrated), an ElectroEncephaloGram (EEG) sensor (not illustrated), an ElectroCardioGram (ECG) sensor (not illustrated), a fingerprint sensor (not illustrated), and the like. Additionally or alternatively, the sensor module240may include, for example, an E-nose sensor (not illustrated), an EMG sensor (not illustrated), an EEG sensor (not illustrated), an ECG sensor (not illustrated), a fingerprint sensor, and the like. The sensor module240may further include a control circuit (not illustrated) for controlling one or more sensors included therein.

The user input module250may include a touch panel252, a pen sensor254(e.g., a digital pen sensor), keys256, and an ultrasonic input unit258. The user input module250may be, for example, the user input module140illustrated inFIG. 1. The touch panel252may recognize a touch input in at least one of, for example, a capacitive scheme, a resistive scheme, an infrared scheme, and an acoustic wave scheme. Also, the touch panel252may further include a controller (not illustrated). In the capacitive type, the touch panel252is capable of recognizing proximity as well as a direct touch. The touch panel252may further include a tactile layer (not illustrated). In this event, the touch panel252may provide a tactile response to the user.

The pen sensor254(e.g., a digital pen sensor), for example, may be implemented by using a method identical or similar to a method of receiving a touch input from the user, or by using a separate sheet for recognition. For example, a key pad or a touch key may be used as the keys256. The ultrasonic input unit258enables the terminal to sense a sound wave by using a microphone (e.g., a microphone288) of the terminal through a pen generating an ultrasonic signal, and to identify data. The ultrasonic input unit258is capable of wireless recognition. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the hardware200may receive a user input from an external device (e.g., a network, a computer, or a server), which is connected to the communication module230, through the communication module230.

The interface270may include, for example, a High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI)272, a Universal Serial Bus (USB)274, a projector276, and a D-subminiature (D-sub)278. Additionally or alternatively, the interface270may include, for example, SD/Multi-Media Card (MMC) (not illustrated) or Infrared Data Association (IrDA) (not illustrated).

The audio codec280may bidirectionally convert between a voice and an electrical signal. The audio codec280may convert voice information, which is input to or output from the audio codec280, through, for example, a speaker282, a receiver284, an earphone286, the microphone288or the like.

The camera module291may capture an image and a moving image. According to an embodiment, the camera module291may include one or more image sensors (e.g., a front lens or a back lens), an Image Signal Processor (ISP) (not illustrated), and a flash LED (not illustrated).

The power management module295may manage power of the hardware200. Although not illustrated, the power management module295may include, for example, a Power Management Integrated Circuit (PMIC), a charger Integrated Circuit (IC), or a battery fuel gauge.

The PMIC may be mounted to, for example, an IC or a SoC semiconductor. Charging methods may be classified into a wired charging method and a wireless charging method. The charger IC may charge a battery, and may prevent an overvoltage or an overcurrent from a charger to the battery. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the charger IC may include a charger IC for at least one of the wired charging method and the wireless charging method. Examples of the wireless charging method may include a magnetic resonance method, a magnetic induction method, an electromagnetic method, and the like. Additional circuits (e.g., a coil loop, a resonance circuit, a rectifier, etc.) for wireless charging may be added in order to perform the wireless charging.

The battery fuel gauge may measure, for example, a residual quantity of the battery296, or a voltage, a current or a temperature during the charging. The battery296may supply power by generating electricity, and may be, for example, a rechargeable battery.

The indicator297may indicate particular states of the hardware200or a part (e.g., the AP211) of the hardware200, for example, a booting state, a message state, a charging state and the like. The motor298may convert an electrical signal into a mechanical vibration. The processor210may control the sensor module240.

Although not illustrated, the hardware200may include a processing unit (e.g., a GPU) for supporting a module TV. The processing unit for supporting a module TV may process media data according to standards such as, for example, Digital Multimedia Broadcasting (DMB), Digital Video Broadcasting (DVB), media flow, and the like. Each of the above-described elements of the hardware200according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include one or more components, and the name of the relevant element may change depending on the type of electronic device. The hardware200according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include at least one of the above-described elements. Some of the above-described elements may be omitted from the hardware200, or the hardware200may further include additional elements. Also, some of the elements of the hardware200according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be combined into one entity, which may perform functions identical to those of the relevant elements before the combination.

The term “module” used in the present disclosure may refer to, for example, a unit including one or more combinations of hardware, software, and firmware. The “module” may be interchangeable with a term, such as “unit,” “logic,” “logical block,” “component,” “circuit,” or the like. The “module” may be a minimum unit of a component formed as one body or a part thereof. The “module” may be a minimum unit for performing one or more functions or a part thereof. The “module” may be implemented mechanically or electronically. For example, the “module” according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include at least one of an Application-Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) chip, a Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), and a programmable-logic device for performing certain operations which have been known or are to be developed in the future.

FIG. 3is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a programming module300according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

The programming module300may be included (or stored) in the electronic device100(e.g., the memory130) or may be included (or stored) in the electronic device200(e.g., the memory230) illustrated inFIG. 1. At least a part of the programming module300may be implemented in software, firmware, hardware, or a combination of two or more thereof. The programming module300may be implemented in hardware (e.g., the hardware200), and may include an OS controlling resources related to an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device100) and/or various applications (e.g., an application370) executed in the OS. For example, the OS may be Android, iOS, Windows, Symbian, Tizen, Bada, and the like.

Referring toFIG. 3, the programming module300may include a kernel310, a middleware330, an API360, and/or the application370.

The kernel310(e.g., the kernel131) may include a system resource manager311and/or a device driver312. The system resource manager311may include, for example, a process manager (not illustrated), a memory manager (not illustrated), and a file system manager (not illustrated). The system resource manager311may perform the control, allocation, recovery, and/or the like of system resources. The device driver312may include, for example, a display driver (not illustrated), a camera driver (not illustrated), a Bluetooth driver (not illustrated), a shared memory driver (not illustrated), a USB driver (not illustrated), a keypad driver (not illustrated), a Wi-Fi driver (not illustrated), and/or an audio driver (not illustrated). Also, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the device driver312may include an Inter-Process Communication (IPC) driver (not illustrated).

The middleware330may include multiple modules previously implemented so as to provide a function used in common by the applications370. Also, the middleware330may provide a function to the applications370through the API360in order to enable the applications370to efficiently use limited system resources within the electronic device. For example, as illustrated inFIG. 3, the middleware330(e.g., the middleware132) may include at least one of a runtime library335, an application manager341, a window manager342, a multimedia manager343, a resource manager344, a power manager345, a database manager346, a package manager347, a connectivity manager348, a notification manager349, a location manager350, a graphic manager351, a security manager352, and any other suitable and/or similar manager.

The runtime library335may include, for example, a library module used by a complier, in order to add a new function by using a programming language during the execution of the application370. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the runtime library335may perform functions which are related to input and output, the management of a memory, an arithmetic function, and/or the like.

The application manager341may manage, for example, a life cycle of at least one of the applications370. The window manager342may manage GUI resources used on the screen. The multimedia manager343may detect a format used to reproduce various media files and may encode or decode a media file through a codec appropriate for the relevant format. The resource manager344may manage resources, such as a source code, a memory, a storage space, and/or the like of at least one of the applications370.

The power manager345may operate together with a Basic Input/Output System (BIOS), may manage a battery or power, and may provide power information and the like used for an operation. The database manager346may manage a database in such a manner as to enable the generation, search and/or change of the database to be used by at least one of the applications370. The package manager347may manage the installation and/or update of an application distributed in the form of a package file.

The connectivity manager348may manage a wireless connectivity such as, for example, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. The notification manager349may display or report, to the user, an event such as an arrival message, an appointment, a proximity alarm, and the like in such a manner as not to disturb the user. The location manager350may manage location information of the electronic device. The graphic manager351may manage a graphic effect, which is to be provided to the user, and/or a user interface related to the graphic effect. The security manager352may provide various security functions used for system security, user authentication, and the like. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, when the electronic device (e.g., the electronic device100) has a telephone function, the middleware330may further include a telephony manager (not illustrated) for managing a voice telephony call function and/or a video telephony call function of the electronic device.

The middleware330may generate and use a new middleware module through various functional combinations of the above-described internal element modules. The middleware330may provide modules specialized according to types of OSs in order to provide differentiated functions. Also, the middleware330may dynamically delete some of the existing elements, or may add new elements. Accordingly, the middleware330may omit some of the elements described in the various embodiments of the present disclosure, may further include other elements, or may replace the some of the elements with elements, each of which performs a similar function and has a different name.

The API360(e.g., the API133) is a set of API programming functions, and may be provided with a different configuration according to an OS. In the case of Android or iOS, for example, one API set may be provided to each platform. In the case of Tizen, for example, two or more API sets may be provided to each platform.

The applications370(e.g., the applications134) may include, for example, a preloaded application and/or a third party application. The applications370(e.g., the applications134) may include, for example, a home application371, a dialer application372, a Short Message Service (SMS)/Multimedia Message Service (MMS) application373, an Instant Message (IM) application374, a browser application375, a camera application376, an alarm application377, a contact application378, a voice dial application379, an electronic mail (e-mail) application380, a calendar application381, a media player application382, an album application383, a clock application384, and any other suitable and/or similar application.

At least a part of the programming module300may be implemented by instructions stored in a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. When the instructions are executed by one or more processors (e.g., the one or more processors210), the one or more processors may perform functions corresponding to the instructions. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium may be, for example, the memory220. At least a part of the programming module300may be implemented (e.g., executed) by, for example, the one or more processors210. At least a part of the programming module300may include, for example, a module, a program, a routine, a set of instructions, and/or a process for performing one or more functions.

Names of the elements of the programming module (e.g., the programming module300) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may change depending on the type of OS. The programming module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include one or more of the above-described elements. Alternatively, some of the above-described elements may be omitted from the programming module. Alternatively, the programming module may further include additional elements. The operations performed by the programming module or other elements according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be processed in a sequential method, a parallel method, a repetitive method, or a heuristic method. Also, some of the operations may be omitted, or other operations may be added to the operations.

FIG. 4is a schematic block diagram of an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. Referring toFIG. 4, the electronic device400may include an antenna410, a power management module495, a battery496, a communication module420, and a processor470. The electronic device400may be the same electronic device as the electronic device101ofFIG. 1and the electronic device201ofFIG. 2. Thus, the description of the same element will be omitted since previously described inFIG. 2.

The antenna410may be an antenna for at least one communication scheme among cellular, wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi), Bluetooth (BT), GPS, near field communication (NFC), and magnetic secure transmission (MST). In addition, the antenna410may be an antenna for wirelessly charging the battery496.

For example, the antenna410may be a planar inverted F antenna (PIFA) or a monopole antenna, and the volume and the number of the antenna410may be determined depending on a service frequency, a bandwidth, a type, and the like. For example, the antenna410typically uses a low band of 700 MHz to 900 MHz, a mid band of 1700 MHz to 2100 MHz, and a high band of 2300 MHz to 2700 MHz, and may further use various wireless communication services such as BT, GPS, and WIFI.

According to various embodiments, the antenna410may be designed to be divided into several antennas by binding service bands having similar frequency bands. For example, in case of a European antenna that is responsible for voice communication and data communication of the electronic device, twenty five frequency bands for 2G (GSM850, EGSM, DCS, PCS), WCDMA (B1, B2, B5, B8), and LTE (B1, B2, B3, B4, B5, B7, B8, B12, B17, B18, B19, B20, B26, B38, B39, B40, B41) may have to be implemented. In this case, the electronic device may group twenty five bands by similar frequency bands. For example, the first antenna may be used to implement 2G (GSM850, EGSM, DCS, PCS), WCDMA (B1, B2, B5, B8), and LTE (B1, B2, B3, B4, B5, B8, B12, B17, B18, B19, B20, B26, B39), and the second antenna may be used to implement LTE (B7, B38, B40, B41).

The antenna410may include at least one of a radiation module411and a connection module412. The radiation module411may convert an electric current supplied from, for example, the communication module420into an electromagnetic wave and radiate it to the outside. In addition, the radiation module411may convert an electromagnetic wave received from the outside into an electric current and transmit it to the power management module495or the communication module420. That is, the radiation module411may serve as a passive element for transmitting and receiving radio waves.

The connection module412may include at least two connection modules, for example, a first connection module412a, a second connection module412b, and a third connection module412c. A part of the connection module412may be included in one of two electrically connected electronic devices, and the other may be included in the other electronic device.

The connection module412may be electrically connected to the radiation module411. When the antenna410is combined with (mounted to or fastened to) the electronic device400, the connection module412may electrically connect the radiation module411and the communication module420. The combination of the antenna410and the electronic device400may include a physical combination or a functional combination. At least a part of the connection module412may be located on a printed circuit board (PCB) of the electronic device400. For example, the connection module412may include, on the PCB, a circuit for impedance matching, and wiring and terminals for connection with the radiation module411.

The connection module412(e.g., the first connection module412aand the second connection module412b) may feed an electric current, received from the communication module420, to the radiation module411. In addition, the connection module412(e.g., the first connection module412aand the second connection module412b) may deliver an electric current, received from the radiation module411, to the communication module420. Also, the connection module412(e.g., the second connection module412band the third connection module412c) may deliver an electric current, received from the radiation module411, to the power management module495.

In the connection module412, the matching circuit may be electrically connected to the radiation module411. For example, when the antenna410is combined with the electronic device400, the matching circuit may be contact with the PCB and electrically connect the radiation module411and the PCB (e.g., the ground of the PCB). For example, the matching circuit may match the impedance between the radiation module411and the connection module412. The matching circuit may include at least one circuit component. For example, the matching circuit may include, as a lumped element, at least one of a resistor, an inductor, and a capacitor. For example, the matching circuit may include, as a distributed element, at least one of a micro strip line and a strip line. Alternatively, the PCB may include the matching circuit. Additionally, the matching circuit may be located between the antenna410and the PCB.

The communication module420, the power management module495, the battery496, the display module460, and the processor470are the same as those ofFIG. 2. Therefore, the description ofFIG. 2may be referred to.

Each of the above-described elements of the electronic device400may be formed of one or more components. The name of each element may vary depending on the type of electronic device. The electronic device400may be configured to include or exclude at least one of the above-described elements or to further include any other additional element. In addition, some of the elements of the electronic device400may be united into a single entity while performing the same functions as before.

The term “module” used in this disclosure may mean a unit including, for example, one or a combination of hardware, software, and firmware. The term “module” may be interchangeably used with other terms, for example, such as unit, logic, logical block, component, or circuit. The “module” may be the minimum unit, or a part thereof, of an integrally constructed component. The “module” may be the minimum unit, or a part thereof, for performing one or more functions. The “module” may be implemented mechanically or electronically. For example, according to the present disclosure, the “module” may include at least one of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) chip, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), and a programmable-logic device, which are known or to be developed later and perform particular functions.

FIGS. 5A to 5Fare perspective views of an electronic device including an antenna according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. The structure of the electronic device will be described with reference toFIGS. 5A to 5F. The electronic device500illustrated inFIGS. 5A to 5Fmay include the configuration of the electronic device101or400described inFIGS. 1 to 4.

FIG. 5Ais a diagram illustrating an embodiment in which the electronic device500is configured to include a dual display. In this embodiment, each of a first antenna pattern571and a second antenna pattern575is one.

Referring toFIG. 5A, the housing of the electronic device500may be configured to include a first housing part550, a second housing part560, and a connection part570. The first housing part550and the second housing part560are used only for convenience of explanation. Thus, hereinafter, the description about the first housing part550may be equally applied to the second housing part560, and the description about the second housing part560may be equally applied to the first housing part550.

According to various embodiments, the first housing part550may be configured to include a first display551, and the second housing part560may be configured to include a second display561. Therefore, the electronic device500may be formed in a dual display structure. The first display551may be exposed to one surface A-1of the first housing part550, and the second display561may be exposed to one surface B-1of the second housing part560.

According to various embodiments, in the electronic device500of the dual display structure, the first housing part550and the second housing part560may be connected by the connection part570. Also, the first housing part550and the second housing part560may be folded by the connection part570.

In various embodiments, the first housing part550and/or the second housing part560may be a portion of the housing of the electronic device500. The housing of the electronic device500may include therein a processor and various components of the electronic device.

In one embodiment, the first housing part550and/or the second housing part560may include at least one communication circuit, at least one antenna pattern, and/or at least one conductive member. For example, the first housing part550may include therein a first conductive member511, a communication circuit590, and a first antenna pattern571. According to another example, the second housing part560may include therein a second conductive member515, a communication circuit590, and a second antenna pattern575. Although the first antenna pattern571is shown as being one in the drawing, the first antenna pattern571may be formed as being plural. According to still another example, the shapes of the first antenna pattern571and the second antenna pattern575may vary. According to one embodiment, the first antenna pattern571may be electrically connected to the first conductive member511.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device500may include at least one communication circuit590, which may be electrically connected to at least one antenna pattern. For example, at least one communication circuit may be included inside at least one of the first housing part550and the second housing part560. For example, the communication circuit590may be electrically connected to the first antenna pattern571or the second antenna pattern575. As another example, the first housing part550or the second housing part560may all include the communication circuit590. If one housing part (e.g., the first housing part550or the second housing part560) includes the communication circuit590, the other housing part may not have the communication circuit590. For example, the communication circuit590may be included inside the first housing part550and not be included in the second housing part560.

According to various embodiments, the first housing part550and the second housing part560may be folded in a first direction580a. If there are conductive members on the first surface A-1of the first housing part550and on the first surface B-1of the second housing part560, the conductive members may be connected to each other.FIG. 5Arelates to an embodiment in which the first surfaces A-1and B-1have no conductive member, and another embodiment in which the first surfaces A-1and B-1have conductive members will be described later.

According to various embodiments, the first housing part550may be configured to include the first surface A-1and the second surface A-2which is opposite to the first surface A-1. The first surface A-1and the second surface A-2of the first housing part550may be different planes.

According to various embodiments, the second housing part560may be configured to include the first surface B-1and the second surface B-2which is opposite to the first surface B-1. The first surface B-1and the second surface B-2of the second housing part560may be different planes.

In one embodiment, the connection part570may have a shape like a hinge. If the connection part570has, for example, the shape of a hinge, the connection part570may be fixed to the first housing part550at one end thereof and fixed to the second housing part560at the other end while acting as a pivot on which the first housing part550and the second housing part560are folded. The first housing part550and the second housing part560may be folded in the first direction580aor the second direction580bby the hinge-shaped connection part570.

According to one embodiment, the first housing part550and the second housing part560of the electronic device500may be folded in the second direction580b. When the first housing part550and the second housing part560of the electronic device500is folded in the second direction580b, at least a portion of the second surface A-2of the first housing part550and at least a portion of the second surface B-2of the second housing part560may be in contact with each other. When at least a portion of the second surface A-2of the first housing part550is in contact with at least a portion of the second surface B-2of the second housing part560, at least one conductive member formed in such portions of the first and second housing parts550and560may produce an electric coupling path through which the length of an antenna can be adjusted.

In this embodiment in which at least a portion of the second surface A-2of the first housing part550and at least a portion of the second surface B-2of the second housing part560are in contact with each other, at least a portion of the second surface A-2or B-2may be a partial area of the second surface A-2or B-2, or the entire area of the second surface A-2or B-2. That is, when the first and second housing parts550and560are folded, the second surfaces A-2and B-2may be in contact with each other partially or entirely. According to various embodiments, the first and second housing parts550and560may include the conductive member, which may produce an electric coupling path between the first and second housing parts550and560and allows the adjustment of the antenna length. For example, the first housing part550may include the first conductive member511, and the second housing part560may include the second conductive member515. For example, the first conductive member511and/or the second conductive member515may be a magnet, an electromagnet, a magnetized metal, a pogo-pin, a C-clip, or a conductive connector. For example, the first conductive member511may be mounted inside the first housing part550and exposed partially or entirely to the second surface A-2of the first housing part550. Similarly, the second conductive member515may be mounted inside the second housing part560and exposed partially or entirely to the second surface A-2of the second housing part560.

According to various embodiments, the first conductive member511and the second conductive member515may be mounted in and exposed from the housing such that the first and second conductive members511and515meet or are adjacent to each other at the time of folding by the connection part570.

According to various embodiments, the first housing part550and the second housing part560may be folded back and forth. For example, when the first and second housing parts550and560are folded in the second direction580b, the first and second conductive members511and515may meet each other or be adjacent to each other. According to various embodiments, when the first and second conductive members511and515meet or are adjacent to each other, an electric coupling path may be formed to prevent a parasitic resonance by adjusting the length of the antenna and to set a resonance frequency.

For example, the parasitic resonance may be the occurrence of any unnecessary resonance (e.g., a virtual resonance). The electric coupling path caused by a combination of the first and second conductive members511and515may prevent the parasitic resonance and also prevent a frequency shift.

According to various embodiments, the first and second conductive members511and515may be combined with each other by a magnetic force thereof and thus form electrically the coupling path. Because the first conductive member511is electrically connected to the first antenna pattern571and because the second conductive member515is electrically connected to the second antenna pattern575, the first and second antenna patterns571and575may be electrically connected to each other through an electric coupling between the first and second conductive members511and515.

According to various embodiments, when the first and second antenna patterns571and575are electrically connected to each other, a physical or electrical length of the antenna may be adjusted. Through the adjustment of the antenna length, the resonance frequency may be set and the parasitic resonance may be prevented.

In one embodiment, when the length of the antenna is increased, a resonance frequency band may be adjusted lower.

FIG. 5Bis a diagram illustrating another embodiment in which the electronic device500is configured to include a dual display, and illustrating an embodiment in which a plurality of conductive members are included in the housing.

According to various embodiments, as similar toFIG. 5A, the electronic device500shown inFIG. 5Bmay include the first housing part550, the second housing part560, and the connection part570. WhileFIG. 5Ashows an embodiment in which each of the first and second housing parts550and560includes one conductive member,FIG. 5Bshows an embodiment in which each of the first and second housing parts550and560includes a plurality of conductive members. Hereinafter, the description will be focused on the plurality of conductive members, and the same description asFIG. 5Awill be not repeated.

According to various embodiments, at least one conductive member may be formed in at least a portion of the first housing part550and/or the second housing part560.

In one embodiment, the first surface A-1of the first housing part550may include first conductive members501,502,503, and504at the four corners thereof, and the second surface A-2of the first conductive member550may include first conductive members511,512,513, and514at four corners thereof. While the first conductive members501,502,503, and504of the first surface A-1and/or the first conductive members511,512,513, and514of the second surface A-2are shown as four each in this embodiment, this is not construed as a limitation. In one embodiment, the first conductive members501,502,503, and504of the first surface A-1may be formed on at least a portion or the entirety of the first surface A-1. For example, the first housing part550may include such a conductive member at only some of the four corners of the first and/or second surface(s).

According to various embodiments, at least one conductive member of the first housing part550may be formed on at least a portion of the first and/or second surface(s) of the first housing part.

For example, in the first housing part550, the first conductive members501,502,503, and504of the first surface A-1and/or the first conductive members511,512,513, and514of the second surface A-2are not limited to specific locations. For example, the first conductive members may be located at any portion of the first surface A-1of the first housing part550so as to be in contact with the first surface B-1of the second housing part560. In another example, the first conductive members may be located at any portion of the second surface A-2of the first housing part550so as to be in contact with the second surface B-2of the second housing part560.

In still another example, the first conductive members of the first housing part may be mounted inside the first housing part or exposed to at least a portion of the first housing part. For example, the first conductive members501,502,503, and504may be mounted inside the first housing part550and exposed to the first surface A-1of the first housing part550. In another example, the first conductive members511,512,513, and514may be contained in the first housing part550and exposed to the second surface A-2of the first housing part550.

According to various embodiments, although the shapes of the first conductive members501,502,503,504,511,512,513, and514of the first housing part are depicted as a square, this is not construed as a limitation. The first conductive members may be formed in various forms such as text, image, symbol, mark, and number.

In various embodiments, the conductive members may be electrically connected to the antenna pattern. For example, at least one of the first conductive members501,502,503,504,511,512,513, and514of the first housing part550may be electrically connected to the first antenna pattern571.

In various embodiments, the antenna pattern may be electrically connected to a communication circuit. For example, the first housing part550may include the communication circuit therein, and the first antenna pattern571may be electrically connected to the communication circuit590. The communication circuit590may be the same as or different from the communication circuit590described inFIG. 5A.

According to various embodiments, the conductive members, the antenna pattern, and the communication circuit may be electrically connected.

In various embodiments, a plurality of first conductive members may be electrically connected to a plurality of first antenna patterns, respectively. For example, some of the first conductive members501,502,503,504,511,512,513, and514may be electrically connected to a plurality of the first antenna patterns571, respectively. According to various embodiments, the number of the first antenna patterns is plural, and the shape of the first antenna pattern may be various.

In various embodiments, the second housing part560is a portion of the appearance of the electronic device and may include therein the processor and various elements of the electronic device.

In various embodiments, the second housing part560may include therein at least one second antenna pattern (not shown).

In various embodiments, some of a plurality of the second conductive members of the second housing part560may be electrically connected to the second antenna pattern. In various embodiments, at least one of the second conductive members505,506,507,508,515,516,517, and518of the second housing part560may be electrically connected to the second antenna pattern575. For example, the second conductive member516located on the second surface B-2of the second housing part560may be electrically connected to the second antenna pattern575. The second antenna pattern575is not limited in number and shape to the drawings, and a plurality of the second antenna patterns may be disposed in a variety of shapes in the vicinity of the second conductive members505,506,507,508,515,516,517, and518.

In various embodiments, a plurality of the second conductive members may be electrically connected to the second antenna patterns, respectively. For example, some of the second conductive members505,506,507,508,515,516,517, and518may be electrically connected to the second antenna pattern575. Although not shown, a plurality of the second antenna patterns may be configured to be coupled to a plurality of the second conductive patterns. In various embodiments, the second antenna patterns may be electrically connected to the communication circuit. For example, the second antenna pattern575may be electrically connected to the communication circuit590.

In various embodiments, the first conductive members501,502,503,504,511,512,513, and514and the second conductive members505,506,507,508,515,516,517, and518may include a magnetic material or any other material attracted by a magnet. For example, the first conductive members501,502,503,504,511,512,513, and514and the second conductive members505,506,507,508,515,516,517, and518may be a magnet, an electromagnet, a magnetized metal, a pogo-pin, a C-clip, a conductive connector, and the like.

In one embodiment, the first housing part550and the second housing part560may be folded in the first direction580a. For example, when the first and second housing parts550and560are folded in the first direction580a, the first surface A-1of the first housing part550and the first surface B-1of the second housing part560may be in contact with each other. The first surface A-1of the first housing part550and the first surface B-1of the second housing part560may meet each other at least partially or entirely.

In one embodiment, when the first and second housing parts550and560include the conductive members at four corners and are folded in the first direction580a, the first and second housing parts550and560may be combined with each other by all of the conductive members501,502,503, and504of the first housing part550and all of the conductive members505,506,507, and508of the second housing part560.

In one embodiment, when the first and second housing parts550and560include the conductive members at some of four corners and are folded in the first direction580a, the first and second housing parts550and560may be combined with each other by some of the conductive members501,502,503, and504of the first housing part550and some of the conductive members505,506,507, and508of the second housing part560.

In various embodiments, the first housing part550and the second housing part560may be combined by the magnetism of the conductive member. In various embodiments, the shape, number, and location of the conductive members are not limited to specific ones.

In another embodiment, the first housing part550and the second housing part560may be folded in the second direction580b. For example, when the first and second housing parts550and560are folded in the second direction580b, the second surface A-2of the first housing part550and the second surface B-2of the second housing part560may be in contact with each other. When the first and second housing parts550and560meet each other, four corners of the first housing part may coincide with four corners of the second housing part by the conductive members in each housing part. For example, when the second surface A-2of the first housing part550and the second surface B-2of the second housing part560meet each other, four corners of the first housing part550may coincide with four corners of the second housing part560by the conductive members511,512,513,514,515,516,517, and518.

In one embodiment, when the first and second housing parts550and560have the conductive members at four corners and are folded in the second direction580b, the first and second housing parts550and560may be combined with each other by at least one of the conductive members511,512,513,514,515,516,517, and518.

In one embodiment, when the first and second housing parts550and560have the conductive members at some of four corners and are folded in the second direction580b, the first and second housing parts550and560may be combined with each other by some of the at least one of the conductive members511,512,513,514,515,516,517, and518.

In various embodiments, when the first and second housing parts550and560are folded in the second direction580b, the first and second housing parts550and560may be combined by the magnetism of the conductive member, for example, the magnetism of the first conductive members511to514of the first housing part550and the magnetism of the second conductive members515to518of the second housing part560. The conductive members511to514of the first housing part550and the second conductive members515to518of the second housing part560are not limited to the number, shape and location shown in the drawings. The first conductive members501to504of the first housing part550and the second conductive members505to508of the second housing part560may be located at suitable places for combination through contact or adjacency.

In another embodiment, when the first and second housing parts550and560are in contact with each other, the conductive member of the first housing part550and the conductive member of the second housing part560may be electrically connected to each other. For example, when the second surface A-2of the first housing part550and the second surface B-2of the second housing part560are in contact with each other, the first conductive members511,512,513, and514may be electrically connected to the second conductive members515,516,517, and518. Each of the first conductive members511,512,513, and514may be electrically connected to a corresponding one of the second conductive members515,516,517, and518disposed at a corresponding position. For example, the first conductive member511may be coupled to the second conductive member515, the first conductive member512may be coupled to the second conductive member516, the first conductive member513may be coupled to the second conductive member51y, and the first conductive member514may be coupled to the second conductive member518.

In another embodiment, when the first and second conductive members are electrically connected to each other, the antenna patterns electrically connected to the conductive members may be electrically connected to or coupling with each other. For example, when the first conductive members511,512,513, and514are electrically connected to the second conductive members515,516,517, and518, the first antenna pattern571may be electrically connected to or coupling with the second antenna pattern575.

In various embodiments, the electrical or physical length of the antenna may be adjusted as the first and second antenna patterns are electrically connected to each other. For example, when the electrical or physical length of the antenna is adjusted, the resonance frequency may be shifted, i.e., adjusted, and any unnecessary resonance may be prevented. In various embodiments, electrical coupling between the first and second antenna patterns through at least one conductive member may prevent any unnecessary resonance and set a desired frequency.

In various embodiments, if there is a material of interfering with radio waves when the first antenna pattern571included in the first housing part550radiates or receives radio waves, the resonance frequency may be shifted and the parasitic resonance may occur. For example, the radio wave interference material may be a conductive material, such as a metal, which may deteriorate performance when the antenna pattern radiates electromagnetic waves. For example, the radio wave interference material may be a display or a metallic material. According to various embodiments, the antenna length may be adjusted to prevent a frequency shift and a parasitic resonance. For example, the antenna length may be adjusted by electrically coupling the first and second antenna patterns. For example, when the first and second conductive members512and516are electrically connected to each other, the first and second antenna patterns may be electrically connected to each other, thereby adjusting the length of the antenna. If the first and second antenna patterns are electrically connected according to various embodiments, the parasitic resonance may be prevented and the resonance frequency band may be set.

According to various embodiments, the first antenna pattern may be formed on the PCB equipped in the first housing part550. For example, the first antenna pattern in the first housing part550may be connected to (i.e., electrically connected to or coupling with) the second antenna pattern in the second housing part560through the conductive member. According to various embodiments, the second antenna pattern may be used for increasing the length (i.e., electrical or physical length) of the antenna.

According to various embodiments, the antenna length may be adjusted as the second antenna pattern forms at least partially the ground or is electrically connected to the ground. That is, the length of the antenna may be increased by the second antenna pattern.

In one embodiment, when the length of the antenna is increased, the resonance frequency band may be lowered. For example, by increasing the length of the antenna (410inFIG. 4), the resonance frequency may be set such that the resonance frequency is not shifted even if the first housing part550is adjacent to the radio wave interference material. The radio wave interference material may be the second housing part560including the second display561. That is, the resonance frequency band desired by the user may be selected through the adjustment of the antenna length.

FIG. 5Cillustrates one embodiment in which the first and second housing parts550and560of the electronic device500are folded in the second direction580b. InFIG. 5C, the electronic device500may include at least one conductive member.

Referring toFIG. 5C, as the first and second housing parts550and560are folded in the second direction580b, the second surface of the first housing part550and the second surface of the second housing part560are in contact with each other as indicated by reference K. When the second surface of the first housing part550and the second surface of the second housing part560meet each other, the first conductive member512of the first housing part550and the second conductive member516of the second housing part560may be electrically connected to or coupling with each other.

In another embodiment, when the first and second housing parts550and560are folded in the second direction580band not in contact with (i.e., adjacent to) each other, electrical coupling may occur between the conductive members. If the electrical coupling occurs between the conductive members (i.e., the first and second conductive members), the first and second antenna patterns may be electrically connected to each other. For example, as the first and second antenna patterns are electrically connected, an electric current may flow in the direction of an arrow shown in the drawing. In another example, when an electric current is supplied to the first antenna pattern, the current may flow to the second antenna pattern through the first and second conductive members512and516. As the first and second conductive members512and516are connected (i.e., electrically connected or coupling), a variation in performance of the antenna may be prevented.

In this embodiment shown inFIG. 5C, the electronic device500includes the first conductive members502and512of the first housing part550and the second conductive members506and516of the second housing part560. In addition, the first and second housing parts550and560are combined by the first and second conductive members512and516. However, the number, shape, and location of the conductive members are not limited to specific ones. That is, the first and second housing parts550and560may include one or more conductive members at suitable locations where the first and second housing parts550and560meet each other for combination.

FIG. 5Dis a diagram illustrating an example of the conductive member of the first and second housing parts550and560of the electronic device.

According to various embodiments, the first housing part550may include one or more first conductive members501and502on the first surface A-1and the second surface A-2. According to various embodiments, the second housing part560may include one or more second conductive members511and512on the first surface B-1and the second surface B-2. For example, the first conductive member and/or the second conductive member may be an image501, text502, or any other logo shape such as a mark or a symbol. For example, the conductive member502may be text that represents a company name of the electronic device, a name of a communication company, or a unique name of the electronic device. The first conductive member in the form of a logo may include a magnetic material or any other material attracted by a magnet. For example, the first conductive member in the form of a logo may be a magnet, an electromagnet, a magnetized metal, a pogo-pin, a C-clip, or a conductive connector.

The connection between the first and second conductive members is the same as described inFIG. 5A.

FIG. 5Eshows an example in which the housing of the electronic device500includes a case having a flip cover shape. The appearance of the electronic device500may include the first housing part550. One side of the first housing part550may be connected to one side of the connection part570.

According to various embodiments, the connection part570may be connected at the other side to a cover580for covering the first housing part550.

For example, the cover580may be formed in a plate shape as shown inFIG. 5E. For example, the plate shape may be flat and even. The cover580may include the second conductive members505,506,507, and508. The second conductive members505,506,507, and508may be exposed to a portion of the cover580or may be mounted inside the cover580. For example, the cover580may be a flip cover.

According to various embodiments, the number, shape, and location of the second conductive members505,506,507, and508are not limited to specific ones. In particular, the number of the second conductive members is not limited, and there may be one or more second conductive members at one or more positions which may be in contact with or adjacent to the first conductive member(s) of the first housing part550.

According to various embodiments, when the cover580is folded in the first direction580a, the second conductive members505,506,507, and508may be in contact with the first surface A-1of the first housing part550.

According to one embodiment, as the cover580and the first housing part550are folded, the second conductive member of the cover580may be electrically connected to the first conductive member of the first housing part550. For example, when the second conductive members505,506,507, and508meet the first surface A-1of the first housing part550, the second conductive members505,506,507, and508may be electrically connected to the first conductive members501to504on the first surface A-1of the first housing part550, respectively.

According to another embodiment, when the cover580is folded in the second direction580b, the second conductive members505,506,507, and508may be in contact with the second surface A-2of the first housing part550.

According to one embodiment, when the second conductive members505,506,507, and508are in contact with the second surface A-2of the first housing part550, the second conductive members505,506,507, and508may be connected to the first conductive members511to514on the second surface A-2of the first housing part550. According to one embodiment, when the second conductive members505,506,507, and508are in contact with the second surface A-2of the first housing part550, at least one of the second conductive members505,506,507, and508may be connected to at least corresponding one of the first conductive members511to514on the second surface.

According to various embodiments, the first conductive member and the second conductive member may be a magnet, an electromagnet, a magnetized metal, a pogo-pin, a C-clip, or a conductive connector.

According to various embodiments, the first conductive members501to504and the second conductive members505to508may be combined with each other by magnetism and thus electrically connected to each other. When the first conductive members501to504and the second conductive members505to508are electrically connected, the parasitic resonance may be prevented and the antenna resonance frequency band may be adjusted.

According to various embodiments, when the first conductive members501to504and the second conductive members505to508are magnetically combined, the first antenna pattern and the second antenna pattern may be electrically connected to each other through a combination of the first conductive members501to504and the second conductive members505to508.

In various embodiments, there may be a plurality of the first antenna patterns571and581and the second antenna pattern575, which may be connected to all or some of the first conductive members501to504and511to514and the second conductive members505to508.

According to various embodiments, the cover580may include an open area through which a portion of the first display551is exposed when the first display551is covered. On such a portion, the first display551may display a clock, a weather, a battery state, an execution screen of a specific application (e.g., message, call, scheduler, alarm, etc.), a widget screen, a network connection status, and the like. When the cover580covers the first display551, the above portion of the first display551corresponds, in position, to the open area of the cover580.

According to various embodiments, the connection part570is a portion of the case for covering the first housing part550. The connection part570may be detached from the first housing part550at one side and also detached from the cover580at the other side. The connection part570may include at one side a first cover member (not shown) for detachment from the first housing part550and also include at the other side a second cover member (not shown) for detachment from the cover580.

According to various embodiments, the connection part570may include an envelope member. The envelope member may be made of a soft material, for example, at least one of flexible and tough materials such as artificial leather, natural leather, silicone, urethane, or a combination thereof. The envelope member may surround the first and second cover members at different portions.

According to various embodiments, the first and second cover members may be of the same soft material as the envelope member, and may be directly attached to the first housing part550and the cover580.

FIG. 5Fshows an example in which the electronic device is a flexible electronic device.

Referring toFIG. 5F, the electronic device500may be a flexible electronic device having a bent or curved property as indicated by a reference numeral591. In various embodiments, all of internal elements of the flexible electronic device may have flexibility. For example, the flexible electronic device may include a flexible display having a bent or curved property. According to various embodiments, when the electronic device500is configured as the flexible electronic device, the connection part570may be omitted from the housing of the electronic device500.

According to various embodiments, when the electronic device500is the flexible electronic device, the electronic device500may be bent or curved. In various embodiments, when the electronic device500may be bent or curved, the parasitic resonance and frequency shift may occur. In various embodiments, the electrical connection of the conductive members increases the antenna length, thereby preventing the parasitic resonance and frequency shift. According to various embodiments, the number of conductive members may be varied.

According to one embodiment, the electronic device500may have four conductive members on one surface. For example, the electronic device500may include the first conductive members502and504on a portion of the first surface A-1having the flexible display and also include the second conductive members506and508on another portion of the first surface A-1. In addition, the electronic device500may include the first conductive members512and514on a portion of the second surface A-2opposite to the first surface and also include the second conductive members516and518on another portion of the second surface A-2. According to various embodiments, the electronic device500may be folded by being bent or curved. A reference numeral592indicates a side view of the folded structure. When the electronic device is folded toward the second surface A-2, the first and second conductive members512and516which are on the same surface of the electronic device500may be electrically connected to each other by being in contact with or adjacent to each other. Also, the first conductive member512may be electrically connected to (even may not be in contact with) the first antenna pattern, and the second conductive member516may be connected to the second antenna pattern. The connection of the first and second antenna patterns may mean that the length (physical length or electrical length) of the antenna may be adjusted.

According to various embodiments, the shape, number, and location of the conductive member are not limited to specific ones.

According to various embodiments, by designing the length of the antenna to be long, the resonance frequency increasable by the conductive material may be lowered. The length of the antenna may be adjusted as the first antenna pattern forms at least partially the ground or is electrically connected to the ground.

FIG. 6is a graph illustrating the resonance frequency of an antenna according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device500described above inFIGS. 5A to 5Fmay be the same as the electronic device described below. That is, the electronic device described below may have, but not limited to, a structure of any one of the above-described electronic devices.

FIG. 6is a graph illustrating the resonance frequency of an antenna according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

The frequency may be changed high. For example, as shown in a graph660, a resonance frequency (f0) (this is shown in a graph670and different from (f′0) may be shifted to another resonance frequency (f′0). In addition, a parasitic resonance may occur at an unnecessary frequency (fparam). The parasitic resonance may be the occurrence of any unnecessary resonance.

According to various embodiments, it is necessary to adjust the length of the antenna so that the resonance frequency is set to f0. For example, it is possible to realize a long antenna length so that the resonance frequency (f0) lower than the resonance frequency (f′0) is set. The second antenna pattern may be disposed inside the second housing part560to increase the length of the antenna. The second antenna pattern may form at least partially the ground or be electrically connected to the ground, so that the antenna may be long.

According to various embodiments, when the first antenna pattern of the first housing part550and the second antenna ground pattern of the second housing part560are connected by conductive connectors, the length of the antenna may become longer. If the length of the antenna becomes longer, it is possible to set the resonance frequency (f0) lower than the shifted resonance frequency (f′0).

According to various embodiments, as the first antenna pattern of the first housing part550and the second antenna pattern of the second housing part560are electrically connected by the conductive connectors, the parasitic resonance occurring at a frequency (fparam) may be eliminated by the electrical connection between the first and second housing parts550and560.

Referring to the graph670according to various embodiments, when the length of the antenna is increased by the electrical connection between the first and second antenna patterns, the resonance frequency may be lowered. By increasing the length of the antenna in which the first antenna pattern of the first housing part550and the second antenna pattern of the second housing part560are connected, it is possible to set the resonance frequency (e.g., f0) capable of transmitting and receiving electromagnetic waves. Also, the parasitic resonance occurring at the unnecessary frequency (fparam) may be eliminated by the electrical connection between the first and second housing parts550and560.

FIGS. 7A to 7Care schematic diagrams of an electronic device including an antenna according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7Ais a diagram illustrating the rear surface of the electronic device700being in a state where the first and second housing parts750and760of the electronic device700are not bent nor folded.

According to one embodiment, the electronic device700may include one conductive member in each of the first and second housing parts750and760. According to various embodiments, the first conductive member and the second conductive member may be disposed at suitable positions for being in contact with or adjacent to each other.

For example, the electronic device700may include the first conductive member712in the first housing part750and the second conductive member716in the second housing part760. The first conductive member712may be electrically connected to the first antenna pattern702, and the second conductive member716may be electrically connected to the second antenna pattern708.

According to various embodiments, when the first and second conductive members712and716are adjacent to or in contact with each other, an electric coupling path may be formed. According to various embodiments, when the first and second conductive members712and716are adjacent to or in contact with each other, the length of the antenna may be increased by the formation of the electric coupling path. According to various embodiments, the resonance frequency shift and the parasitic resonance may be prevented by the electric coupling path and/or the antenna length.

FIG. 7Bis a diagram illustrating the rear surface of the electronic device700being in a state where the first and second housing parts750and760are not bent nor folded.

Referring toFIG. 7B, the electronic device700may include a plurality of conductive members in each housing part. The rear surface direction of the electronic device700may be the same as the second surface A-2or B-2inFIG. 5A. The electronic device700may include the first housing part750, the second housing part760, and the connection part770disposed between the first and second housing parts750and760.

According to various embodiments, the first housing part750of the electronic device700may include therein the first conductive members711,712,713, and714and the first antenna patterns701,702, and704. The first conductive member may include a magnetic material or any other material attracted by a magnet. For example, the first conductive member may be a magnet, an electromagnet, a magnetized metal, a pogo-pin, a C-clip, or a conductive connector. Although shown are the first conductive patterns711,712,713, and714and the first antenna patterns701,702and704formed on the second surface of the electronic device700, the first surface (not shown, but A-1, B-1inFIG. 5A) may also include at least one first conductive member and at least one first antenna pattern.

In various embodiments, not all of the first conductive members711,712,713, and714disposed inside the first housing part750are electrically connected to the first antenna pattern. If necessary, some first conductive members711,712, and713may be electrically connected to the first antenna patterns701,702, and704. These first conductive members711,712, and713may be connected to the first antenna patterns701,702, and704, respectively.

In various embodiments, although it is described above for example that three antenna patterns701,702, and703are electrically connected to the first conductive member, this is not construed as a limitation. For example, the first antenna patterns701,702, and703may be included in the first housing part750and connected to the communication module. The first antenna patterns701,702, and704may be antennas for at least one communication of cellular, wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi), Bluetooth (BT), GPS, near field communication (NFC), and magnetic secure transmission (MST).

For example, the first antenna patterns701,702, and704may be a planar inverted F antenna (PIFA) or a monopole antenna, and the volume and number of the antennas may be determined depending on a service frequency, a bandwidth, a type, and the like. For example, the antenna typically uses a low band of 700 MHz to 900 MHz, a mid band of 1700 MHz to 2100 MHz, and a high band of 2300 MHz to 2700 MHz, and may further use various wireless communication services such as BT, GPS, and WIFI.

In various embodiments, the second housing part760of the electronic device700may include therein the second conductive members715,716,717, and718and the second antenna patterns705,706, and708. The second conductive member may include a magnetic material or any other material attracted by a magnet. For example, the second conductive member may be a magnet, an electromagnet, a magnetized metal, a pogo-pin, a C-clip, or a conductive connector. The second antenna patterns705,706, and708may be necessary for preventing the frequency of the antenna from being shifted. The antenna length may be adjusted as the second antenna patterns705,706, and708form at least partially the ground or are electrically connected to the ground. The adjustment of the antenna length may allow the setup of the resonance frequency and prevent any unnecessary resonance.

According to various embodiments, the second antenna patterns705,706, and708may be connected to the antenna patterns701,702, and704of the first housing part750through the second conductive members715,716, and718. The first antenna patterns701,702, and704and the second antenna patterns705,706, and708may be portions of the antenna. The antenna patterns701,702, and704may be configured to include at one side thereof an oscillator on the PCB.

FIG. 7Cis a diagram illustrating the rear surface of the electronic device700in a state where the first and second housing parts750and760are folded by the connection part770. According to one embodiment, as shown inFIG. 7C, the electronic device700may include at least one conductive member in each housing part.

Referring toFIG. 7C, the housing parts of the electronic device700may be bent or folded. For example, the first and second housing parts750and760may be bent or folded in the second direction580bofFIG. 5A. The first housing part750may include the first conductive members711,712, and714, and the second housing part760may include the second conductive members715,716, and718. The first and second housing parts750and760may be electrically connected to each other as being bent or folded in the second direction580b. When the first conductive members711,712, and714and the second conductive members715,716, and718are electrically connected, the first and second housing parts750and760may be electrically connected to each other. The first conductive members711,712, and714may be electrically connected to the first antenna patterns701,702, and704, and the second conductive members715,716, and718may be electrically connected to the second antenna patterns705,706, and708. As the first antenna patterns701,702, and704and the second antenna patterns705,706, and708are electrically connected to each other, it may operate as an antenna.

In one embodiment, the electrically connected antenna pattern may operate as an antenna. For example, the first antenna pattern701of the first housing part750may be electrically connected to the second antenna pattern705of the second housing part760by the first and second conductive members711and715, thus operating as an antenna. In another embodiment, the first antenna pattern702of the first housing part750may be electrically connected to the second antenna pattern706of the second housing part760by the first and second conductive members712and716, thus operating as an antenna. In still another embodiment, the first antenna pattern704of the first housing part750may be electrically connected to the second antenna pattern708of the second housing part760by the first and second conductive members714and718, thus operating as an antenna. The antenna length may be adjusted as the second antenna patterns705,706, and708form at least partially the ground or are electrically connected to the ground.

According to various embodiments, as the first and second housing parts750and760are electrically connected to each other by the first and second conductive members711,712,714,715,716, and718, the parasitic resonance may be prevented. According to various embodiments, as the first antenna patterns701,702, and704and the second antenna patterns705,706, and708are electrically connected to each other, any unnecessary parasitic resonance may be prevented. Also, since the length of the antenna is increased through the electrical connection between the first antenna patterns701,702, and704and the second antenna patterns705,706, and708, the shift of the resonance frequency of the antenna may be prevented.

In the above-described embodiments, the first antenna pattern and the second antenna pattern may be electrically connected to each other. For example, as the first and second housing parts750and760are electrically connected by the first and second conductive members711,712,714,715,716, and718, the first antenna patterns701,702, and704of the first housing part750and the second antenna patterns705,706, and708of the second housing part760may be electrically connected. When the first antenna patterns701,702, and704of the first housing part750and the second antenna patterns705,706, and708of the second housing part760are connected, the antenna length may be increased. If the antenna length is increased, the resonance frequency of the antenna410may be lowered.

FIGS. 8A and 8Bare cross-sectional views of an electronic device to illustrate a current flow according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIG. 8A, in various embodiments, the electronic device800may include a conductive member (e.g., one) in each housing part.

In various embodiments, the first housing part850and the second housing part860may be folded in the second direction580b. As the first and second housing parts850and860are folded in the second direction580b, the first and second housing parts850and860may be in contact with each other on one surface B and be electrically connected to each other by the conductive member. The one surface B may be the second surface A-2of the first housing part and the second surface B-2of the second housing part as shown inFIG. 5A.

In various embodiments, the first housing part850may include the first conductive member812, and the second housing part860may include the second conductive member816. The first and second conductive members812and816may be a magnet, an electromagnet, a magnetized metal, a pogo-pin, a C-clip, a conductive connector, and a conductive male/female member. As the first and second housing parts850and860are folded in the second direction580b, the first and second conductive members812and816of the surface B may be electrically connected to each other.

According to various embodiments, the first housing part850may include a conductive member other than the first conductive member812, and some or all of the conductive members of the first housing part850may be connected to the antenna pattern. For example, the first conductive member812of the first housing part850may be electrically connected to the first antenna pattern821. For example, the second conductive member816of the second housing part860may be electrically connected to the second antenna pattern826. For example, the first and second antenna patterns821and826may be a GPS antenna, a Wi-Fi antenna, an LTE antenna, or a diversity antenna.

Referring toFIG. 8B, the first housing part850may include the first display851. The second housing part860may include the second display861. In various embodiments,FIG. 8Bshows an example of the electronic device that includes a dual display. In various embodiments, the electronic device800may include a plurality of conductive members inside each housing part.

In various embodiments, the first housing part850may include the PCB880therein. The first housing part850may include therein the first antenna pattern821, which may be mounted on the PCB880in the housing. The second housing part860may include therein the second antenna pattern826.

In various embodiments, the first housing part850and the second housing part860may be folded in the second direction580b. As the first and second housing parts850and860are folded in the second direction580b, the first and second housing parts850and860may be in contact with each other on one surface B and be electrically connected to each other by the conductive member. The one surface B may be the second surface A-2and B-2as shown inFIG. 5A.

In various embodiments, as the first and second housing parts850and860are folded in the second direction580b, the first and second conductive members811,812,815, and816of the surface B may be electrically connected to each other. The first housing part850may include the first conductive members811and812, and the second housing part860may include the second conductive members815and816. The first and second conductive members811,812,815, and816may be a magnet, an electromagnet, a magnetized metal, a pogo-pin, a C-clip, a conductive connector, and a conductive male/female member.

According to various embodiments, the first housing part850may include a conductive member other than the first conductive members811and812, and some or all of the conductive members of the first housing part850may be connected to the antenna pattern.

For example, the first conductive member812of the first housing part850may be electrically connected to the first antenna pattern821. For example, the second conductive member816of the second housing part860may be electrically connected to the second antenna pattern826. For example, the first and second antenna patterns821and826may be a GPS antenna, a Wi-Fi antenna, an LTE antenna, or a diversity antenna.

According to various embodiments, an electronic device may comprise a foldable housing including a first housing part including a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface, a second housing part including a first surface facing the first surface of the first housing part when folded in a first direction, and a second surface facing the second surface of the first housing part when folded in a second direction, and a connection part connecting the first housing part and the second housing part; a communication circuit disposed inside the housing; a first antenna pattern disposed inside the first housing part; a second antenna pattern disposed inside the second housing part; a first display exposed to the first surface of the first housing part; a second display exposed to the first surface of the second housing part; a first conductive member exposed to the second surface of the first housing part, and electrically connected to the first antenna pattern; and a second conductive member exposed to the second surface of the second housing part, and electrically connected to the second antenna pattern, wherein the communication circuit is electrically connected to the first antenna pattern and/or the second antenna pattern, and wherein the first conductive member and the second conductive member are electrically connected to or coupling with each other when the housing is folded in the second direction.

According to various embodiments, the first conductive member or the second conductive member may include a magnetic material or a material attracted by a magnet, and may be at least one of a magnet, a pogo-pin, a C-clip, and a conductive connector.

According to various embodiments, the communication circuit may be electrically connected to one of the first antenna pattern and the second antenna pattern.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device may further comprise at least one ground member, wherein the at least one ground member may be electrically connected to one of the first antenna pattern and the second antenna pattern.

According to various embodiments, the second antenna pattern may be electrically connected to the ground member or is a portion of the ground member.

According to various embodiments, an electrical length of the first antenna pattern and/or the second antenna pattern may be increased as the first antenna pattern and/or the second antenna pattern are electrically connected.

According to various embodiments, when the housing is folded in the second direction and an electric current is supplied to the first antenna pattern, the electric current may flow to the second antenna pattern through the first conductive member and the second conductive member.

According to various embodiments, when the housing is folded in the second direction, the first antenna pattern and the second antenna pattern may be electrically connected through the first conductive member and the second conductive member.

According to various embodiments, the second conductive member may have at least one of shapes including text, image, symbol, mark, and number.

According to various embodiments, the connection part may have a shape of hinge, and the first housing part and the second housing part may be folded in the first direction or the second direction by the connection part.

According to various embodiments, an electronic device may comprise a housing including a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface; a communication circuit disposed inside the housing; at least one first conductive member exposed to a portion of the second surface of the housing; at least one second conductive member exposed to another portion of the second surface of the housing; a first antenna pattern disposed inside the housing and electrically connected to the first conductive member; and a second antenna pattern disposed inside the housing and electrically connected to the second conductive member, wherein the communication circuit is electrically connected to the first antenna pattern and/or the second antenna pattern, wherein when folded in a first direction, at least a portion of the first surface meets at least another portion of the first surface, and wherein when folded in a second direction, at least a portion of the second surface meets at least another portion of the second surface, and the first conductive member and the second conductive member are electrically connected to or coupling with each other.

According to various embodiments, the housing may be at least one of a dual display, a flip cover, and a flexible display.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device may further comprise a connection part connecting the portion of the first surface of the housing and at least another portion of the first surface.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device may further comprise a display exposed to the first surface of the housing.

According to various embodiments, the first conductive member or the second conductive member may include a magnetic material or a material attracted by a magnet, and may be at least one of a magnet, a pogo-pin, a C-clip, and a conductive connector.

According to various embodiments, the communication circuit may be electrically connected to one of the first antenna pattern and the second antenna pattern.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device may further comprise at least one ground member, and the at least one ground member may be electrically connected to one of the first antenna pattern and the second antenna pattern.

According to various embodiments, the second antenna pattern may be electrically connected to the ground member or is a portion of the ground member.

According to various embodiments, when the housing is folded in the second direction, the first antenna pattern and the second antenna pattern may be electrically connected through the first conductive member and the second conductive member.

According to various embodiments, the second conductive member may have at least one of shapes including text, image, symbol, mark, and number.