ELECTRONIC DEVICE COMPRISING GROUND STRUCTURE

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, an electronic device is provided. The electronic device may comprise: a housing including a second housing and a first housing slidable with respect to the second housing; a display configured such that at least a portion of the display is unrolled based on the sliding of the first housing; a printed circuit board arranged inside the housing; a ground structure comprising a conductive material and including an elastic region configured to provide a force to the first housing, and electrically connect the printed circuit board to the second housing; and at least one rail structure including a rail arranged inside the second housing parallel to the sliding direction of the first housing, and in contact with the ground structure while the first housing is in a sliding state or a stopped state with respect to the second housing. The at least one rail structure may comprise a first region and a second region that protrudes more than the first region toward the ground structure.

BACKGROUND

Field

The disclosure relates to an electronic device including a ground structure.

Description of Related Art

With the development of information and communication technology and semiconductor technology, various functions are packed in one portable electronic device. For example, an electronic device may implement not only communication functions but also entertainment functions, such as playing games, multimedia functions, such as playing music and videos, communication and security functions for mobile banking, and scheduling and e-wallet functions. These electronic devices have been downsized to be conveniently carried by users.

As mobile communication services extend up to multimedia service sectors, electronic devices require a larger display to allow users satisfactory use of multimedia services as well as voice call or text messaging services. This, however, trades off the trend of electronic devices being compact.

SUMMARY

According to an example embodiment of the disclosure, an electronic device may comprise: a housing including a first housing and a second housing slidable with respect to the second housing, a display configured so that at least a portion thereof is unrollable based on the slide of the first housing, a printed circuit board disposed in the housing, a ground structure including an elastic area configured to provide a force to the first housing and electrically connecting the printed circuit board and the second housing, and at least one rail structure comprising a rail disposed, inside the second housing, parallel to a sliding direction of the first housing and configured to contact the ground structure while the first housing is in a state of sliding with respect to the second housing or in a stationary state. The at least one rail structure may include a first area and a second area protruding toward the ground structure as compared with the first area.

According to an example embodiment of the disclosure, an electronic device may comprise: a housing including a first housing and a second housing configured to guide a slide of the first housing, a display configured so that at least a portion thereof is unrollable based on the slide of the first housing, a printed circuit board disposed in the first housing, a ground structure including a ground connected to the first housing and electrically connected to the printed circuit board, and a rail structure including a rail connected to the second housing and configured to guide the slide of the first housing with respect to the second housing. The rail structure may include a protruding portion protruding toward the first housing and formed to correspond to a shape of the ground structure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG.1is a block diagram illustrating an electronic device in a network environment according to various embodiments of the disclosure.

The processor120may include various processing circuitry and/or multiple processors. For example, as used herein, including the claims, the term “processor” may include various processing circuitry, including at least one processor, wherein one or more of at least one processor, individually and/or collectively in a distributed manner, may be configured to perform various functions described herein. As used herein, when “a processor”, “at least one processor”, and “one or more processors” are described as being configured to perform numerous functions, these terms cover situations, for example and without limitation, in which one processor performs some of recited functions and another processor(s) performs other of recited functions, and also situations in which a single processor may perform all recited functions. Additionally, the at least one processor may include a combination of processors performing various of the recited/disclosed functions, e.g., in a distributed manner. At least one processor may execute program instructions to achieve or perform various functions. The processor120may execute, for example, software (e.g., a program140) to control at least one other component (e.g., a hardware or software component) of the electronic device101coupled with the processor120, and may perform various data processing or computation. According to an embodiment, as at least part of the data processing or computation, the processor120may store a command or data received from another component (e.g., the sensor module176or the communication module190) in volatile memory132, process the command or the data stored in the volatile memory132, and store resulting data in non-volatile memory134. According to an embodiment, the processor120may include a main processor121(e.g., a central processing unit (CPU) or an application processor (AP)), or an auxiliary processor123(e.g., a graphics processing unit (GPU), a neural processing unit (NPU), an image signal processor (ISP), a sensor hub processor, or a communication processor (CP)) that is operable independently from, or in conjunction with, the main processor121. For example, when the electronic device101includes the main processor121and the auxiliary processor123, the auxiliary processor123may be configured to use lower power than the main processor121or to be specified for a designated function. The auxiliary processor123may be implemented as separate from, or as part of the main processor121.

FIG.2is a diagram illustrating an electronic device in a closed state, according to various embodiments.FIG.3is a diagram illustrating an electronic device in an open state, according to various embodiments. For example,FIG.2is a diagram illustrating a state in which a second display area232is received in a housing201.FIG.3is a diagram illustrating a state in which at least a portion of the second display area232is visible to the outside of the housing201.

The state shown inFIG.2may be denoted as a first housing210being closed with respect to a second housing220, and the state shown inFIG.2may be denoted as the first housing210being open with respect to the second housing220. According to an embodiment, the “closed state” or “opened state” may be defined as a closed or open state of the electronic device.

Referring toFIGS.2and3, the electronic device101may include a housing201. The housing201may include a second housing220and a first housing210that is movable with respect to the second housing220. According to an embodiment, the electronic device101may be interpreted as having a structure in which the second housing220is slidably disposed on the first housing210. According to an embodiment, the first housing210may reciprocate by a predetermined distance in the length direction (e.g., Y-axis direction) of the electronic device101, with respect to the second housing220. The configuration of the electronic device101ofFIGS.2and3may be identical in whole or part to the configuration of the electronic device101ofFIG.1.

According to an embodiment, the first housing210may be referred to as a first structure, a slide part, or a slide housing, and may be disposed to reciprocate on the second housing220. According to an embodiment, the second housing220may be referred to as, e.g., a second structure, a main part, or a main housing. The second housing220may receive at least a portion of the first housing210and may guide the slide of the first housing210. According to an embodiment, the second housing220may receive various electrical/electronic components, such as a first circuit board (e.g., main circuit board) or a battery. According to an embodiment, at least a portion (e.g., the first display area231) of the display230may be visible to the outside of the housing201. According to an embodiment, another portion (e.g., the second display area232) of the display230may be received into the inside of the second housing220(e.g., a slide-in motion) or be visible to the outside of the second housing220(e.g., a slide-out motion) as the first housing210moves (e.g., slides) with respect to the second housing220. According to an embodiment, a motor, a speaker, a sim socket, and/or a second circuit board (e.g., sub circuit board) electrically connected with the first circuit board may be disposed in the first housing210. The first circuit board (e.g., main circuit board) on which electrical components, such as an application processor (AP) and a communication processor (CP) are mounted may be disposed in the second housing220.

According to an embodiment, the first housing210may include a slide cover211. The slide cover211may be referred to as a slide plate or slide cover. According to an embodiment, the slide cover211may surround at least a portion (e.g., the first display area231) of the display230. According to an embodiment, the slide cover211may include first sidewalls211a,211b,and211cto surround at least a portion of the display230. According to an embodiment, the first sidewalls211a,211b,and211cmay extend from the slide cover211. The first sidewalls211a,211b,and211cmay include a 1-2th sidewall211b,a 1-3th sidewall211copposite to the 1-2th sidewall211b,and a 1-1th sidewall211aextending from the 1-2th sidewall211bto the 1-3th sidewall211c.According to an embodiment, the 1-1th sidewall211amay be substantially perpendicular to the 1-2th sidewall211band/or the 1-3th sidewall211c.According to an embodiment, in the closed state (e.g.,FIG.2) of the electronic device101, the 1-2th sidewall211bmay face the 2-2th sidewall221bof the second housing220, and the 1-3th sidewall211cmay face the 2-3th sidewall221cof the second housing220. According to an embodiment, the slide cover211, the 1-1th sidewall211a,the 1-2th sidewall211b,and/or the 1-3th sidewall211cmay be integrally formed. According to an embodiment, the slide cover211, the 1-1th sidewall211a,the 1-2th sidewall211b,and/or the 1-3th sidewall211cmay be formed as separate housings and be combined or assembled.

According to an embodiment, the second housing220may include a cover member211. The cover member221may be referred to as a main cover or a book cover. The cover member221may be formed to be open at one side (e.g., a front face) to receive (or surround) at least a portion of the first housing210.

According to an embodiment, the second housing220may include second sidewalls221a,221b,and221cto surround at least a portion of the first housing210. According to an embodiment, the second sidewalls221a,221b,and221cmay extend from the cover member221. According to an embodiment, the second sidewalls221a,221b,and221cmay include a 2-2th sidewall221b,a 2-3th sidewall221copposite to the 2-2th sidewall221b,and a 2-1th sidewall221aextending from the 2-2th sidewall221bto the 2-3th sidewall221c.According to an embodiment, the 2-1th sidewall221amay be substantially perpendicular to the 2-2th sidewall221band/or the 2-3th sidewall221c. According to an embodiment, the 2-2th sidewall221bmay face the 1-2th sidewall211b,and the 2-3th sidewall221cmay face the 1-3th sidewall211c.For example, in the closed state (e.g.,FIG.2) of the electronic device101, the 2-2th sidewall221bmay cover at least a portion of the 1-2th sidewall211b,and the 2-3th sidewall221cmay cover at least a portion of the 1-3th sidewall211c.According to an embodiment, the first housing210may be connected to the second housing220while being at least partially surrounded by the 2-1th sidewall221a,the 2-2th sidewall221b,and the 2-3th sidewall221cand may be slid in the length direction (e.g., Y-axis direction) of the electronic device101while being guided by the second housing220. According to an embodiment, the cover member221, the 2-1th sidewall221a,the 2-2th sidewall221b,and/or the 2-3th sidewall221cmay be integrally formed. According to an embodiment, the second cover member221, the 2-1th sidewall221a,the 2-2th sidewall221b,and/or the 2-3th sidewall221cmay be formed as separate housings and be combined or assembled.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device101may include a display230. For example, the display230may be interpreted as a flexible display or a rollable display. According to an embodiment, the display230may slide based on a slide of the first housing210. According to an embodiment, the display230may include, or be disposed adjacent to, a touch detection circuit, a pressure sensor capable of measuring the intensity (pressure) of a touch, and/or a digitizer that detects a magnetic field-type stylus pen. The configuration of the display230ofFIGS.2and3may be identical in whole or part to the configuration of the display module160ofFIG.1.

According to an embodiment, the display230may include a first display area231and a second display area232. According to an embodiment, the first display area231may be an area that is always visible from the outside. According to an embodiment, the second display area232may extend from the first display area231, and the second display area232may be inserted or received in, or visible to the outside of, the second housing220as the first housing210slides. According to an embodiment, the first display area231may be seated on a portion (e.g., the slide cover211) of the first housing210.

According to an embodiment, the second display area232may be substantially moved while being guided by the multi-bar structure mounted in the first housing210and may be thus received in, or visible to the outside of, the second housing220or a space formed between the first housing210and the second housing220. According to an embodiment, the second display area232may be moved based on the slide of the first housing210in the length direction (e.g., Y-axis direction). For example, at least a portion of the second display area232may be unfolded or rolled together with the multi-bar structure based on a slide of the first housing210.

According to an embodiment, when viewed from above the first housing210, if the first housing210moves from the closed state to the open state, the second display area232may be gradually expanded to be visible to the outside of the first housing210to be substantially coplanar with the first display area231. In an embodiment, the second display area232may be at least partially received in the first housing210and/or the second housing220.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device101may include at least one key input device, a connector hole, an audio module (e.g., the audio module170ofFIG.1) or a camera module (e.g., the camera module180ofFIG.1). Although not shown, the electronic device101may further include an indicator (e.g., a light emitting diode (LED) device) or various sensor modules.

According to an embodiment, the key input device may be positioned in the first housing210and/or the second housing220. According to an embodiment, the electronic device101may include a key input device (not shown), e.g., a home key button or a touchpad disposed around the home key button.

According to an embodiment, the connector hole may be omitted or may receive a connector (e.g., a universal serial bus (USB) connector) for transmitting and receiving power and/or data with an external electronic device. According to an embodiment, the connector hole may be positioned between the first housing210and/or the second housing220. The electronic device101may include a plurality of connector holes, and some of the plurality of connector holes may function as connector holes for transmitting/receiving audio signals with an external electronic device.

According to an embodiment, the audio modules may include at least one speaker hole and/or at least one microphone hole. At least one of the speaker holes may be provided as an external speaker hole. At least one of the speaker holes may be provided as a receiver hole for voice call. The electronic device101may include a microphone for obtaining sound. The microphone may obtain external sound of the electronic device100through the microphone hole. According to an embodiment, the electronic device101may include a plurality of microphones to detect the direction of sound. According to an embodiment, the electronic device101may include an audio module in which the speaker holes and the microphone hole are implemented as one hole or may include a speaker without the speaker hole (e.g., a piezo speaker).

According to an embodiment, the camera module249may include at least one of a wide-angle camera, a telephoto camera, or a close-up camera. According to an embodiment, the electronic device200may measure the distance to the subject by including an infrared projector and/or an infrared receiver. The camera module249may include one or more lenses, an image sensor, and/or an image signal processor. The electronic device101may further include another camera module (e.g., a rear camera) that captures the subject in a direction opposite to the camera module249(e.g., a front camera). For example, the camera module249may be disposed around the first display area231or in an area overlapping the first display area231. If disposed in an area overlapping the display230, the camera module249may capture the subject through the display230. The other camera module may be positioned in the second housing220and may capture a subject in a direction opposite to the first display area231of the display230.

According to an embodiment, an indicator (e.g., an LED device) of the electronic device101may be disposed on the first housing210and/or the second housing220, and the indicator may include a light emitting diode to provide state information about the electronic device101as a visual signal. The sensor module (e.g., the sensor module176ofFIG.1) of the electronic device101may produce an electrical signal or data value corresponding to the internal operation state or external environment state of the electronic device. The sensor module may include, for example, a proximity sensor, a fingerprint sensor, or a biometric sensor (e.g., an iris/face recognition sensor or a heartrate monitor (HRM) sensor). In an embodiment, the electronic device101may include at least one of a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, an atmospheric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an accelerometer, a grip sensor, a color sensor, an infrared (IR) sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or an illuminance sensor.

FIG.4is an exploded perspective view illustrating an electronic device according to various embodiments;

Referring toFIG.4, an electronic device101may include a first housing210, a second housing220, and a display assembly233. The configuration of the first housing210, the second housing220, and the display assembly233ofFIG.3may be identical in whole or part to the configuration of the first housing210, the second housing220, and the display230ofFIGS.2and3.

According to an embodiment, the first housing210may include a slide cover211and a first plate212. The slide cover211and the first plate212may linearly reciprocate in one direction (e.g., Y-axis direction) while being guided by the second housing220. According to an embodiment, the first housing210may surround at least some of the components of the electronic device101. For example, the printed circuit board204may be disposed in the first housing210. For example, the printed circuit board204may be connected to the slide cover211.

According to an embodiment, the slide cover211may protect the display230positioned on the first plate212. For example, at least a portion of the display230may be positioned between the first plate212and the slide cover211. According to an embodiment, the first plate212and the slide cover211may be formed of a metal material and/or a non-metal (e.g., polymer) material.

According to an embodiment, the first plate212may support at least a portion of the display230(e.g., the first display area231). According to an embodiment, the first plate212, along with the slide cover211, may slide with respect to the second housing220. According to an embodiment, the first plate212may be connected to the slide cover211.

According to various embodiments, the second housing220may include a cover member221, a second plate222, and a rear plate223. According to an embodiment, the cover member221may receive components (e.g., the battery205(e.g., the battery189ofFIG.1)) of the electronic device101and may protect the components of the electronic device101. The configuration of the cover member221may be identical in whole or part to the configuration of the cover member221ofFIG.2and/orFIG.3.

According to an embodiment, the second plate222may support at least a portion of the display230(e.g., the second display area232). For example, the second plate222may include a curved surface222a.The second display area232of the display230may be positioned on the curved surface222a.According to an embodiment, the second display area232may be referred to as a display supporting plate.

According to an embodiment, the rear plate223may substantially form at least a portion of the exterior of the second housing220or the electronic device101. For example, the rear plate223may be coupled to the outer surface of the cover member221. According to an embodiment, the rear plate223may be integrally formed with the cover member221. According to an embodiment, the rear plate223may provide a decorative effect on the exterior of the electronic device101. The second plate222and the cover member221may be formed of at least one of a metal or a polymer, and the rear plate223may be formed of at least one of metal, glass, synthetic resin or ceramic. According to an embodiment, the second plate222, the cover member221and/or the rear plate223may be formed of a material that transmits light at least partially (e.g., the auxiliary display area). For example, in a state in which a portion of the display230(e.g., the second display area232) is received in the electronic device101, the electronic device101may output visual information using the second display area232. The auxiliary display area may be a portion of the second plate222, the cover member221, and/or the rear plate223in which the display230received in the second housing220is positioned.

According to an embodiment, the second housing220may include a guide rail224. According to an embodiment, the guide rail224may be connected to the second plate222. At least a portion (e.g., the multi-bar structure) of the display assembly233may move along the guide rail224.

According to an embodiment, the display assembly233may include a display (e.g., the display230ofFIGS.2and/or3) and a multi-bar structure (not shown) supporting the display230. For example, the multi-bar structure may be connected to the display230and may move together with the display230. According to an embodiment, at least a portion of the display assembly233may be positioned between the second plate212and the slide cover211. According to an embodiment, as the first housing210slides, the multi-bar structure may move with respect to the second housing220. In the closed state (e.g.,FIG.2) of the multi-bar structure, most of the structure may be received in the second housing220. According to an embodiment, at least a portion of the multi-bar structure may move corresponding to the curved surface220apositioned at the edge of the second plate222.

According to an embodiment, the multi-bar structure may include a plurality of bars or rods. The plurality of rods may extend in a straight line and be disposed parallel to the rotational axis R formed by the curved surface222a,and the plurality of rods214may be arranged along a direction perpendicular to the rotational axis R (e.g., the direction along which the first housing210slides).

According to an embodiment, each rod may move along the guide rail224while remaining parallel to another adjacent rod. According to an embodiment, as the first housing210slides, the plurality of rods may be arranged to form a curved shape or may be arranged to form a planar shape. For example, as the first housing210slides, a portion of the multi-bar structure facing the curved surface222amay form a curved surface, and another portion of the multi-bar structure not facing the curved surface222amay form a flat surface. According to an embodiment, the second display area232of the display230may be mounted or supported on the multi-bar structure, and in the open state (e.g.,FIG.3), at least a portion of the second display area232, together with the first display area231, may be visible to the outside of the second housing220. In the state in which the second display area232is visible to the outside of the second housing220, the multi-bar structure may substantially form a flat surface, thereby supporting or maintaining the second display area232in the flat state. According to an embodiment, the multi-bar structure may be replaced with a bendable integral supporting member (not shown). According to an embodiment, the multi-bar structure may be interpreted as a display supporting multi-bar or articulated hinge structure.

According to various embodiments, the guide rail224may guide the movement of the plurality of rods. According to an embodiment, the guide rail224may include a left guide rail adjacent to the 1-2th sidewall (e.g., the 1-2th sidewall211binFIG.3) and a right guide rail adjacent to the 1-3th sidewall (e.g., the 1-3th sidewall211c). According to an embodiment, the guide rail224may include a grooved rail formed inside the guide rail224and a protruding portion positioned inside the guide rail224and at least partially surrounded by the grooved rail. According to an embodiment, the multi-bar structure may be positioned between the left guide rail and the right guide rail, and may move while remaining engaged with the left guide rail and the right guide rail. For example, upper and/or lower end portions of the plurality of rods may slide along the rail while fitted into the rail.

According to an embodiment, when the electronic device101is opened (e.g., a slide-out operation), the size of the area where the display230is visible to the outside may be increased. For example, the first plate212connected to a motor (not shown) may slide out using a gear structure (e.g., a rack gear and/or a pinion gear) by driving the motor (e.g., driving for sliding out the display) and/or an external force provided by the user, and the protruding portion inside the guide rail224may push out the upper end portion and/or the lower end portion of the plurality of rods. Accordingly, the display230may be unfoldable or unrollable to the front surface.

According to an embodiment, when the electronic device101is closed (e.g., a slide-in operation), the size of the area where the display230is visible to the outside may be reduced. For example, by the driving of the motor (e.g., driving for sliding in the display) and/or the external force provided by the user, the first plate212may slide in, and the outer portion of the guide rail224may push the upper end portion and/or the lower end portion of the plurality of rods. Accordingly, the unfolded display230may be received between the first plate212and the slide cover211.

Accordingly, the unfolded or unrolled display230may be received between the first plate212and the slide cover211. A processor, memory, and/or interface may be mounted on the printed circuit board204which is the main board. The processor may include one or more of, e.g., a central processing unit, an application processor, a graphic processing device, an image signal processing, a sensor hub processor, or a communication processor.

According to an embodiment, the printed circuit board204may include a flexible printed circuit board type radio frequency cable (FRC). According to an embodiment, the printed circuit board204may be disposed in the slide cover211and may be electrically connected to an antenna module (e.g., the antenna module197ofFIG.1) connected to the second housing220.

According to an embodiment, the battery205may be a device for supplying power to at least one component of the electronic device101. The battery189may include, e.g., a primary cell which is not rechargeable, a secondary cell which is rechargeable, or a fuel cell. At least a portion of the battery205may be disposed on substantially the same plane as the printed circuit board204. The battery205may be integrally or detachably disposed inside the electronic device101. According to an embodiment, the battery205may be formed of a single embedded battery or may include a plurality of removable batteries.

The electronic device101disclosed inFIGS.2,3and4has a rollable or slidable appearance but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. According to an embodiment (not shown), at least a portion of the illustrated electronic device may be rolled up in a scroll shape. According to an embodiment (not shown), the electronic device may be a bar-shaped electronic device.

Referring toFIGS.2,3and4, when viewed from the front of the electronic device101, the display230may be unfolded or unrolled in the length direction (e.g., Y-axis direction) of the electronic device101. However, the structure of the electronic device101is not limited thereto. For example, according to an embodiment, the display230may be unfolded or unrolled in the width direction (e.g., the X-axis direction) (e.g., the right or left direction) of the electronic device101.

FIG.5Ais a diagram illustrating an electronic device in a closed state without a display, according to various embodiments.FIG.5Bis a diagram illustrating an electronic device without a display in an open state according to various embodiments.

Referring toFIGS.5A and5B, an electronic device101may include a printed circuit board204, a first housing210, a second housing220, a rail structure300, and a ground structure400. The configuration of the printed circuit board204, the first housing210, and the second housing220ofFIGS.5A and5Bmay be identical in whole or part to the configuration of the printed circuit board204, the first housing210, and the second housing220ofFIG.4.

According to an embodiment, the rail structure300may guide the slide of the first housing210. For example, the rail structure300may face at least a portion (e.g., the 1-2th side wall211band the 1-3th side wall211c) of the first housing210. The first housing210may slide with respect to the second housing220while facing or contacting the rail structure300.

According to an embodiment, the rail structure300may be disposed on the second housing220. For example, the rail structure300may be disposed on the 2-2th side wall221band the 2-3th side wall221cof the cover member221. According to an embodiment, the rail structure300may include a plurality of rail structures300-1and300-2. For example, the rail structure300may include a first rail structure300-1disposed on the 2-2th side wall221band a second rail structure300-2spaced apart from the first rail structure300-1and disposed on the 2-3th side wall221c.The first rail structure300-1may be disposed substantially parallel to the second rail structure300-2. According to an embodiment, the rail structure300may be electrically connected to the ground structure400and the antenna module206.

According to an embodiment, the ground structure400may electrically connect a component positioned in the first housing210and a component positioned in the second housing220. For example, the ground structure400may electrically connect the printed circuit board204disposed in the first housing210and the antenna module206connected to the second housing220.

According to an embodiment, a component (e.g., the antenna module206) positioned in the second housing220may be electrically connected to the printed circuit board204positioned in the first housing210through the ground structure400and the rail structure300, and may use at least a portion of the printed circuit board204as a ground for providing a reference potential. According to an embodiment, as the antenna module206uses the printed circuit board204as a ground, the area of the ground used by the antenna module206may be increased, and the radiation performance of the electronic device101may be enhanced.

According to an embodiment, the ground structure400may include a first ground structure400-1facing at least a portion of the first rail structure300-1and a second ground structure400-2facing at least a portion of the second rail structure300-2. According to an embodiment, the first ground structure400-1may contact the first rail structure300-1and may be electrically connected to the first rail structure300-1, and the second ground structure400-2may contact the second rail structure300-2and may be electrically connected to the second rail structure300-2. According to an embodiment, the first ground structure400-1may be disposed adjacent to the 1-2th side wall211band/or the 2-2th side wall221b,and the second ground structure400-2may be disposed adjacent to the 1-3th side wall211cand/or the 2-3th side wall221c.

According to an embodiment, at least a portion of the rail structure300and at least a portion of the ground structure400may be formed of a conductive material. For example, the rail structure300and/or the ground structure400may include metal (e.g., stainless steel, aluminum, copper, and/or silver).

According to an embodiment, the ground structure400may be positioned under the first housing210. For example, the first housing210may include a first portion210afacing outward of the electronic device101and a second portion210bopposite to the first portion210aand facing the second housing220. The ground structure400may be connected to the second portion210b.According to an embodiment, the ground structure400may be positioned between the printed circuit board204and the slide cover211.

FIG.6is a perspective view illustrating an example ground structure according to various embodiments.FIG.7is an exploded perspective view illustrating a ground structure according to various embodiments.FIG.8is a perspective view illustrating an example ground structure according to various embodiments.

Referring toFIGS.6,7and8, the ground structure400may include a ground area410, a rotation area420, an elastic area430, and/or a supporting frame440. The configuration of the ground structure400ofFIGS.6,7and8may be identical in whole or part to the configuration of the ground structure400ofFIGS.5A and/or5B.

According to an embodiment, the ground area410may be electrically connected to the rail structure300. For example, the ground area410may contact the rail structure300. According to an embodiment, the ground area410may slide with respect to the rail structure300and/or the second housing (e.g., the second housing220ofFIG.5B) while being in surface contact with the rail structure300. According to an embodiment, the ground area410may face a portion (e.g., the first area310ofFIG.9) of the rail structure300. According to an embodiment, the ground area410may protrude or extend toward the rail structure (e.g., the rail structure300ofFIG.9) as compared to the rotation area420.

According to an embodiment, the ground area410may include a low-friction material. For example, at least a portion of the ground area410may include polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE).

According to an embodiment, the ground area410may be connected to the supporting frame440. The electrical signal transferred to the ground area410through the rail structure300may be transferred to the elastic area430and/or the supporting frame440.

According to an embodiment, the rotation area420may be electrically connected to the rail structure300. For example, the rotation area420may contact the rail structure300. According to an embodiment, the rotation area420may rotate with respect to the rail structure300while being in line or surface contact with the rail structure300. According to an embodiment, the rotation area420may face a portion (e.g., the second area320ofFIG.9) of the rail structure300.

According to an embodiment, the rotation area420may be connected to the supporting frame440. The electrical signal transferred to the rotation area420through the rail structure300may be transferred to the elastic area430and/or the supporting frame440.

According to an embodiment, the rotation area420may include a first roller421configured to rotate in contact with the second area320, a second roller422spaced apart from the first roller421and configured to rotate in contact with the second area320, and a central area423positioned between the first roller421and the second roller422. According to an embodiment, the central area423may extend from the first roller421to the second roller422. The central area423may be rotatably connected to the supporting frame440. For example, at least a portion of the central area423may be inserted into the receiving hole441of the supporting frame440. According to an embodiment, the rollers421and422may be excluded. For example, at least a portion of the ground structure400may include a low-friction material (e.g., polytetrafluorethylene) and may slide with respect to the rail structure300without rotating.

According to an embodiment, the elastic area430may provide a force (e.g., an elastic force) for increasing the contact area between the ground structure400and the rail structure (e.g., the rail structure300ofFIG.9). For example, the elastic area430may be compressed or extended (or stretched) while being connected to the supporting frame440. The elastic area430may provide pressure to the first housing (e.g., the first housing210ofFIG.4), and the ground area410of the ground structure400may come in tight contact with the rail structure300based on the force (e.g., an elastic force) provided by the elastic area430. For example, the ground area410of the ground structure400may provide pressure to the rail structure300.

According to an embodiment, the elastic area430may be formed in various shapes. According to an embodiment (e.g.,FIGS.6and7), the elastic area430may include a plurality (e.g., two) plates431at least partially bent. For example, at least a portion of the plate431may be formed in a “C” shape. According to an embodiment (e.g.,FIG.8), the elastic area430may include a plate432in which at least two portions are bent.

According to an embodiment, the supporting frame440may be connected to the ground area410, the rotation area420, and the elastic area430. According to an embodiment (e.g.,FIGS.6and7), the supporting frame440may include a receiving hole441that receives at least a portion (e.g., the central area423) of the rotation area420. The central area423may rotate in the receiving hole441. According to an embodiment, the supporting frame440may include a protrusion442connected to the ground area410. According to an embodiment (e.g.,FIG.8), the supporting frame440may include a connection portion443connected to the rotation area420. The rotation area420may be rotatably connected to the connection portion443.

According to an embodiment, the ground structure400may be positioned between the rotation area420and the ground frame440, and may include a bearing or bushing for reducing a frictional force generated when the rotation area420rotates.

Referring toFIG.8, the rotation area420and/or the elastic area430of the ground structure400may be electrically connected to the rail structure300. For example, the rotation area420may slide with respect to the rail structure300and/or the second housing (e.g., the second housing220ofFIG.5B) while being in contact with the rail structure300. According to an embodiment, the electrical signal transferred to the rotation area420may be transferred to the first housing210through the elastic area430.

FIG.9is a perspective view illustrating an electronic device including a rail structure and a second housing according to various embodiments.FIG.10is a cross-sectional view illustrating an electronic device according to various embodiments.FIGS.11A and11Bare cross-sectional views taken along line A-A′ ofFIG.9according to various embodiments.

Referring toFIG.9,FIG.10,FIG.11A, and/orFIG.11B, an electronic device101may include a first housing210, a second housing220, a rail structure300, and/or a ground structure400. The configuration of the first housing210, the second housing220, and/or the rail structure300ofFIG.9,FIG.10,FIG.11A, and/orFIG.11Bmay be identical in whole or part to the configuration of the first housing210, the second housing220, and/or the rail structure300ofFIG.5A. The configuration of the ground structure400ofFIG.10may be identical in whole or part to the configuration of the ground structure400ofFIG.6.

According to an embodiment, the ground structure400may be disposed in the first housing210. According to an embodiment, the first housing210may include a receiving space213for receiving the ground structure400. For example, at least a portion (e.g., the elastic area430) of the ground structure400may be disposed in the receiving space213. According to an embodiment, the first housing210may include a protrusion214for preventing or reducing separation of the ground structure400. The protrusion214may surround at least a portion (e.g., the elastic area430) of the ground structure400and may prevent or inhibit the ground structure400from escaping off the first housing210. According to an embodiment, the receiving space213may be interpreted as an empty space at least partially surrounded by the protrusion214and the first housing210. For example, the protrusion214may form or define at least a portion of the receiving space213.

According to an embodiment, the second housing220may include an inner wall225surrounding at least a portion of the first housing210. According to an embodiment, the inner wall225of the second housing220may include a second surface220bfacing outward of the electronic device101and a first surface220aopposite to the second surface220band configured to face the first housing210.

According to an embodiment, the inner wall225may be formed in various thicknesses. For example (e.g.,FIG.11A), the thickness of the inner wall225may be substantially uniform. As another example (e.g.,FIG.11B), the inner wall225may be formed in a shape for guiding the movement of the ground structure400. For example, the inner wall225may include a second surface220bfacing outward of the electronic device101, a first surface220aopposite to the second surface220band configured to face the first housing210, and a recessed area220crecessed from the first surface220a.The inner wall225ofFIG.9may be identical in whole or part to the configuration of the 2-2th side wall221band/or the 2-3th side wall221cofFIGS.2and3.

According to an embodiment, the rail structure300may be disposed on the second housing220. For example, the rail structure300may be disposed on the inner wall225of the second housing220. According to an embodiment, the rail structure300may be disposed on the first surface220aof the second housing220. According to an embodiment, the rail structure300may extend from the inner wall225along the sliding direction (e.g., the Y-axis direction) of the electronic device101. According to an embodiment, the rail structure300may be connected to the second housing220. For example, the rail structure300may be attached to the first surface220aof the second housing220. As another example, the second housing220may include a recess, and at least a portion of the rail structure300may be disposed in the recess. According to an embodiment, the rail structure300may be integrally formed with the second housing220. According to an embodiment, the rail structure300may include a first area310capable of guiding the movement of the ground structure300. For example, the ground area410may slide with respect to the rail structure300while being in contact with the first area310. The first area310may face at least a portion (e.g., the ground area410) of the ground structure300.

According to an embodiment, the rail structure300may include a second area320. According to an embodiment, the second area320may be disposed parallel to the first area310. According to an embodiment, the second area320may include a plurality of areas arranged in parallel. For example, the second area320may include a 2-1th area321and a 2-2th area322arranged parallel to the 2-1th area321. The first area310may be disposed between the 2-1th area321and the 2-2th area322.

According to an embodiment, the rail structure300may be formed in a shape for preventing or reducing the separation of the ground structure400. For example, the second area320may be formed to have a thickness different from that of the first area310. According to an embodiment (e.g.,FIGS.10,11A, and11B), the second area320may protrude toward the ground structure300as compared to the first area310. For example, the first area310may be interpreted as a recess depressed as compared with the second area320. At least a portion (e.g., the ground area410) of the ground structure400may extend toward the first area310, and at least a portion of the ground structure400may be surrounded by the second area320. Since the ground area410is surrounded by the second area320, it is possible to prevent or reduce escape of the ground structure400off the rail structure300. According to an embodiment, the thickness of the second area320may be larger than the thickness of the first area310. According to an embodiment (not shown), the first area310may protrude toward the ground structure400as compared to the second area320. For example, the first area310may be surrounded by the rotation area420of the ground structure400ofFIG.8, and the second area320may contact the rotation area420of the ground structure400ofFIG.8. The separation of the ground structure400may be prevented or reduced by the first area310and/or the second area320.

According to an embodiment, the rail structure300may include a material having elasticity. For example, the first area310and/or the second area320of the rail structure300may include a conductive shock absorbing member (e.g., conductive sponge). According to an embodiment, when at least a portion (e.g., the ground area410and/or the rotation area420) of the ground structure400contacts the conductive shock absorbing member, the rail structure300may be deformable to correspond to the shape of the ground structure400. According to an embodiment, as the rail structure300includes the conductive shock absorbing member, the contact area between the rail structure300and the ground structure400may be increased, and electrical connectivity between the rail structure300and the ground structure400may be enhanced.

FIG.12is a perspective view illustrating an electronic device including a rail structure including a protruding area and a second housing according to various embodiments.FIG.13is a diagram illustrating a front view of the rail structure ofFIG.12, according to an various embodiments.FIG.14is a cross-sectional view illustrating an electronic device including the rail structure and the second housing ofFIG.12, according to various embodiments.FIG.15Ais a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B′ ofFIG.14according to various embodiments.FIG.15Bis a cross-sectional view taken along line C-C′ ofFIG.14according to various embodiments.

Referring toFIG.12,FIG.13,FIG.14,FIG.15A, and/orFIG.15B, an electronic device101may include a first housing210, a second housing220, a rail structure300, and a ground structure400. The configuration of the first housing210, the second housing220, the rail structure300, and the ground structure400ofFIG.12,FIG.13,FIG.14,FIG.15A, and/orFIG.15Bmay be identical in whole or part to the configuration of the first housing210, the second housing220, the rail structure300, and the ground structure400ofFIG.5.

According to an embodiment, when a portion of the first housing210is positioned inside the second housing, the rail structure300may include a protruding portion330protruding toward the first housing210. According to an embodiment, the protruding portion330may be formed in a shape corresponding to at least a portion (e.g., the ground area410and/or the rotation area420) of the ground structure400. As the protruding portion330is formed to correspond to the shapes of the ground area410and the rotation area420, the contact area between the rail structure300and the ground structure400may be increased at a point where the ground structure400faces the protruding portion330. When the contact area between the rail structure300and the ground structure400is increased, electrical connectivity between the rail structure300and the ground structure400may be enhanced. According to an embodiment, the protruding portion330may be interpreted as a portion of the rail structure300protruding from the first area310and/or the second area320of the rail structure300.

According to an embodiment, the protruding portion330may guide the movement of the ground structure400. For example, the protruding portion330may include a curved portion330aconfigured to contact the rotating area420, and the rotating area420may rotate along the curved portion330a.The protruding portion330may be referred to as a portion of the rail structure300extending or protruding from the second area320ofFIG.12.

According to an embodiment, the protruding portion330may protrude toward the first housing210at a designated position. According to an embodiment, the protruding portion330may include a first protruding portion330-1in contact with the ground structure400in the state in which the electronic device101is completely closed, a second protruding portion330-2in contact with the ground structure400in the state in which the electronic device101is completely open, and/or a third protruding portion330-3in contact with the ground structure400at a designated position. For example, the protruding portion330may face and/or contact at least a portion of the ground structure400while the electronic device101is in a stationary state. According to an embodiment, each of the first protruding portion330-1and the second protruding portion330-2may be positioned adjacent to an end portion of the rail structure300, and the third protruding portion330-3may be positioned between the first protruding portion330-1and the second protruding portion330-2. According to an embodiment, a plurality of third protruding portions330-3may be present between the first protruding portion330-1and the second protruding portion330-2. According to an embodiment, the ground stability of the electronic device101may be increased due to the protruding portion330. For example, the contact area between the ground structure400and the rail structure300may be increased due to the protruding portion330.

According to an embodiment, a ground path including the rail structure300and/or the ground structure400may be formed. According to an embodiment, a component (e.g., the antenna module206ofFIG.5) positioned in the second housing220may be electrically connected with the rail structure300, and the rail structure300may be electrically connected with the ground area410and/or the rotation area420, and the ground area410and/or the rotation area420may be electrically connected with a component (e.g., the ground area of the printed circuit board204ofFIG.5A) positioned in the first housing210. For example, at least a portion of the electrical signal or current received by the rail structure300may be transferred (or moved) to a component (e.g., the ground area of the printed circuit board204ofFIG.5A) positioned in the first housing210through a first conductive path P1passing through the first area (e.g., the first area310ofFIG.9), the ground area410, and the elastic area430, and at least a portion of the electrical signal or current received by the rail structure300may be transferred (or moved) to a component (e.g., the ground area of the printed circuit board204ofFIG.5A) positioned in the first housing210through a second conductive path P2passing through the second area (e.g., the second area320ofFIG.9), the rotation area420, and the elastic area430.

FIGS.16A,16B, and16Care diagrams illustrating examples of a rotation area of a ground structure according to various embodiments.

Referring toFIGS.16A,16B, and16C, the rotation area420may be formed in various shapes. The configuration of the rotation area420ofFIGS.16A,16B, and16Cmay be identical in whole or part to the configuration of the rotation area420ofFIG.6.

According to an embodiment, the rotation area420may include a first roller421and a second roller422to face the rail structure (e.g., the rail structure400ofFIG.8). According to an embodiment, the rotation area420may include a central area423connected to the first roller421and the second roller422. According to an embodiment, the first roller421may be formed to be symmetrical to the second roller422with respect to the central area423. The configuration of the first roller421, the second roller422, and the central area423ofFIGS.16A,16B, and16Cmay be identical in whole or part to the configuration of the first roller421, the second roller422, and the central area423ofFIG.7.

According to an embodiment, the rollers421and422may be formed in various shapes. According to an embodiment (e.g.,FIG.16A), the first roller421and the second roller422may be formed in a truncated cone shape. For example, the first roller surface421aof the first roller421and the second roller surface422aof the second roller422may be inclined planes of the truncated cone. According to an embodiment (e.g.,FIG.16B), the first roller421and the second roller422may be formed in a cylindrical shape. For example, the second roller surface422aof the second roller422of the first roller421may be the inclined planes of the cylinder. According to an embodiment (e.g.,FIG.16C), at least a portion of the first roller421and the second roller422may be bent or inclined. For example, at least a portion of the first roller surface421aof the first roller421and the second roller surface422aof the second roller422may be bent or inclined. The shape of the rotation area420according to various embodiments of the disclosure is not limited to the shapes disclosed inFIGS.16A,16B, and16C. For example, when the first roller surface421aand the second roller surface422acontact at least a portion of the second area (e.g., the second area420ofFIG.8) of the rail structure400, the rotation area420may be formed in various shapes. According to various embodiments, the shape of the rotation area420may be formed in various shapes based on the shape of the inner wall (e.g., the inner wall225ofFIG.9) of the second housing in which the rail structure400is positioned and/or the shape of the rail structure400. According to an embodiment (not shown), the first roller421and the second roller422of the rotation area420may be formed in an asymmetric shape. For example, the size of the diameter of the first roller421and the size of the diameter of the second roller422may be different. As another example, the shape of the first roller421and the shape of the second roller422may be different.

FIG.17is a perspective view illustrating an electronic device including a ground structure and a first housing according to various embodiments.FIG.18is a cross-sectional view illustrating an electronic device including a ground structure and a first housing according to various embodiments. For example,FIG.18is a cross-sectional view of an electronic device101including a second housing220, a first housing210, and a ground structure500, which are taken along line D-D′ ofFIG.17.

Referring toFIG.17and/orFIG.18, the electronic device101may include a first housing210, a second housing220, a rail structure300, and a ground structure500. The configuration of the first housing210, the second housing220, the rail structure300, and the ground structure500ofFIG.17and/orFIG.18may be identical in whole or part to the configuration of the first housing210, the second housing220, the rail structure300, and the ground structure400ofFIG.5A.

According to an embodiment, the ground structure500may slide with respect to the second housing220while being connected to the first housing210. For example, the ground structure500may move along the rail structure300while being in contact with the rail structure300.

According to an embodiment, the ground structure500may include a shaft510connected to the first housing210. At least a portion of the shaft510may include a conductive material, and may be electrically connected to a ground area (e.g., the ground area of the printed circuit board204ofFIG.5A) positioned in the first housing210.

According to an embodiment, the ground structure500may include a rotation area520rotatably connected to the shaft510. According to an embodiment, the rotation area520may rotate along the rail structure300while being in contact with at least a portion (e.g., the second area320) of the rail structure300. At least a portion of the rotation area520may include a conductive material and may be electrically connected to the first shaft510. According to an embodiment, the rotation area520may be electrically connected to at least a portion (e.g., the second area320) of the rail structure300and the first shaft510.

According to an embodiment, the second area320of the rail structure300may include a material having elasticity. For example, the second area320may include a conductive shock absorbing member (e.g., conductive sponge). According to an embodiment, as the second area320includes the conductive shock absorbing member, the contact area between the rail structure300and the ground structure500may be increased, and electrical connectivity between the rail structure300and the ground structure500may be enhanced.

According to an embodiment, the first area310and the second area320may be integrally formed with each other. For example, the first area310may be referred to as a portion of the rail structure300protruding from the second area320. According to an embodiment (not shown), the first area310may be excluded from the rail structure300. For example, the rail structure300may include a plurality of second areas320, and the ground structure500may contact the plurality of second areas320.

FIG.19is a perspective view illustrating an example ground structure according to various embodiments.FIG.20is a perspective view illustrating an electronic device including a ground structure and a second housing including a rail structure according to various embodiments.FIG.21is a cross-sectional view illustrating an electronic device according to various embodiments.

Referring toFIGS.19,20, and/or21, an electronic device101may include a first housing210, a second housing220, a ground structure600, and/or a rail structure700. The configuration of the first housing210, the second housing220, the ground structure600, and the rail structure700ofFIG.19,FIG.20, and/orFIG.21may be identical in whole or part to the configuration of the first housing210, the second housing220, the ground structure600, and the rail structure700ofFIG.5A.

According to an embodiment, the ground structure600may include a ground area610(e.g., the ground area610ofFIG.6) and an elastic area630(e.g., the elastic area430ofFIG.6). According to an embodiment, the ground area610may be formed of a conductive material, may contact the rail structure700, and may be electrically connected to the rail structure700. According to an embodiment, the ground area610may include a first ground surface611facing the first area710of the rail structure700and at least one second ground surface612extending from the first area710. For example, the second ground surface612may be referred to as a surface extending from two opposite end portions of the first ground surface611. According to an embodiment, the shape (e.g., slope) of the first ground surface611and the at least one second ground surface612may be formed based on the shape of the inner wall (e.g., the inner wall225ofFIG.9) of the second housing.

According to an embodiment, the rail structure700may include a first area710and a third area720extending from the first area710. The first area710may extend along a sliding direction of the electronic device101(or the first housing210). The third area720may be formed in a shape corresponding to the shape of at least a portion (e.g., the second ground surface612) of the ground structure600. As the third area720is formed to correspond to the shape of the ground area610, the contact area between the rail structure700and the ground structure600may be increased at a point where the ground structure600faces the third area720. When the contact area between the rail structure700and the ground structure600is increased, electrical connectivity between the rail structure700and the ground structure600may be enhanced. According to an embodiment, as the third area720is formed at a designated position for the electronic device101to stop, the frictional force between the ground structure600and the rail structure700may be reduced, and the electrical connectivity between the rail structure700and the ground structure600may be enhanced.

According to an embodiment, various positions may be set for the third area720. For example, the third area720may be positioned to contact the ground structure600in the completely closed state of the electronic device101, to contact the ground structure600in the completely open state of the electronic device101, or to contact the ground structure600at a designated position. According to an embodiment, when the ground structure600contacts the third area720, electrical connectivity between the ground structure600and the rail structure700may be enhanced.

An electronic device (e.g., a portable terminal) includes a display with a flat surface or both a flat and curved surface. An electronic device including a display may have a limitation in realizing a screen larger than the size of the electronic device due to the fixed display structure. Accordingly, research has been conducted on electronic devices including a rollable display.

An electronic device including a rollable display may include a plurality of housings that move relative to each other. However, when the conductive components disposed in the plurality of housings, respectively, overlap each other, parasitic resonance may occur and antenna radiation performance may be reduced.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, there may be provided an electronic device including a rail structure and a ground structure, which may reduce parasitic resonance and increase the area of the ground by electrically connecting components disposed in different housings. In the disclosure, ground may also be referred to as an earth.

The disclosure is not limited to the foregoing example embodiments but various modifications or changes may rather be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure.

According to an example embodiment of the disclosure, a component (e.g., an antenna) disposed in the second housing and a component (e.g., a printed circuit board) disposed in the first housing may be electrically connected using a rail structure and a ground structure. As components disposed in different housings are electrically connected, parasitic resonance generated due to an overlap between metal components in the closed state of the electronic device may be reduced, and the size of the ground may be increased, thereby increasing the radiation performance of the antenna.

According to various example embodiments of the disclosure, an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device101ofFIG.2) may comprise: a housing (e.g., the first housing201ofFIG.2) including a second housing (e.g., the second housing220ofFIG.2) and a first housing (e.g., the first housing220ofFIG.2) slidable with respect to the second housing, a display (e.g., the display230ofFIG.2) configured so that at least a portion thereof is extended based on the slide of the first housing, a printed circuit board (e.g., the printed circuit board204ofFIG.4) disposed in the housing, a ground structure including a conductive material (e.g., the ground structure400ofFIG.5A) including an elastic area (e.g., the elastic area430ofFIG.6or8) configured to provide a force to the first housing and electrically connecting the printed circuit board and the second housing, and at least one rail structure including a rail (e.g., the rail structure300ofFIG.9) disposed, inside (e.g., on the inner wall225ofFIG.9) the second housing, parallel to a sliding direction of the first housing and configured to contact the ground structure while the first housing is in a state of sliding with respect to the second housing or in a stationary state. The at least one rail structure may include a first area (e.g., the first area310ofFIG.9) and a second area (e.g., the second area320ofFIG.9) protruding toward the ground structure as compared with the first area.

According to an example embodiment, the rail structure may be configured to contact at least a portion of the ground structure based on the first housing being in the stationary state and may include at least one protruding portion (e.g., the protruding portion330ofFIG.12) protruding toward the first housing.

According to an example embodiment, the ground structure may include a ground area (e.g., the ground area410ofFIG.6) facing the first area and configured to slide along the first area.

According to an example embodiment, the ground structure may include a rotation area (e.g., the rotation area420ofFIG.6) facing the second area and configured to move along the second area.

According to an example embodiment, the ground structure may include a supporting frame (e.g., the supporting frame440ofFIG.6) configured to receive the rotation area and an elastic area (e.g., the elastic area430ofFIG.6) extending from the supporting frame and configured to provide a force to the first housing.

According to an example embodiment, the first housing may include a receiving space (e.g., the receiving space213ofFIG.10) configured to receive at least a portion of the ground structure and a protrusion (e.g., the protrusion214ofFIG.10) forming at least a portion of the receiving space an configured to inhibit the ground structure from escaping.

According to an example embodiment, a size of an area in which the ground structure contacts the first area may be larger than a size of an area in which the ground structure contacts the second area. For example, the ground structure may be substantially in surface contact with the first area, and the rotation area (e.g., the rotation area420ofFIG.6) of the ground structure may be substantially in line contact with the second area.

According to an example embodiment, the second area may include a first second area (e.g., the 2-1th area321ofFIG.9) and a second second area (e.g., the 2-2th area322ofFIG.9) spaced apart from the first second area. The first area may be disposed between the first second area and the second second area.

According to an example embodiment, the first housing may include a first portion (e.g., the first portion210aofFIG.5B) facing outward of the electronic device and a second portion (e.g., the second portion210bofFIG.5B) opposite to the first portion and facing the second housing. The ground structure may be connected to the second portion.

According to an example embodiment, the rail structure may include a conductive shock absorbing member comprising a conductive material facing the ground structure.

According to an example embodiment, the electronic device may further comprise an antenna module including an antenna (e.g., the antenna module206ofFIG.5A) connected to the second housing. The antenna module may be electrically connected to a ground layer of the printed circuit board using the ground structure and the rail structure. The ground layer of the printed circuit board may include a metal layer positioned in the printed circuit board.

According to an example embodiment, at least a portion of the ground structure and at least a portion of the rail structure may comprise a conductive material.

According to an example embodiment, the first housing may include a first first sidewall (e.g., the 1-1th sidewall211aofFIG.3) facing outward of the electronic device, a second first sidewall (e.g., the 1-2th sidewall211bofFIG.3) extending from the first first sidewall, and a third first sidewall (e.g., the 1-3th sidewall211cofFIG.3) extending from the first first sidewall and disposed parallel to the second first sidewall, and the second housing may include a first second sidewall (e.g., the 2-1th sidewall221aofFIG.3) facing outward of the electronic device, a second second sidewall (e.g., the 2-2th sidewall221bofFIG.3) extending from the first second sidewall and facing at least a portion of the second first sidewall, and a third second sidewall (e.g., the 2-3th sidewall221cofFIG.3) extending from the first second sidewall and facing at least a portion of the third first sidewall.

According to an example embodiment, the rail structure may include a first rail structure (e.g., the first rail structure300-1ofFIG.5A) disposed on the second second sidewall and a second rail structure (e.g., the second rail structure300-2ofFIG.5A) disposed on the third second sidewall, and the ground structure may include a first ground structure (e.g., the first ground structure400-1ofFIG.5A) facing at least a portion of the first rail structure and a second ground structure (e.g., the first ground structure400-2ofFIG.5A) facing at least a portion of the second rail structure.

According to an example embodiment, the ground structure may be configured to move with respect to the rail structure while contacting at least a portion of the rail structure.

According to an example embodiment, the electronic device may further comprise a multi-bar structure including a plurality of bars configured to support the display. The second housing may include a guide rail (e.g., the guide rail224ofFIG.4) for guiding a movement of the multi-bar structure.

According to various example embodiments of the disclosure, an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device101ofFIG.2) may comprise: a housing (e.g., the housing201ofFIG.2) including a first housing (e.g., the first housing210ofFIG.1) and a second housing (e.g., the second housing220ofFIG.2) configured to guide a slide of the first housing, a display (e.g., the display230ofFIG.2) configured so that at least a portion thereof is not foldable based on sliding of the first housing, a printed circuit board (e.g., the printed circuit board204ofFIG.4) disposed in the first housing, a ground structure comprising a conductive material (e.g., the ground structure400ofFIG.6) connected to the first housing and electrically connected to the printed circuit board, and a rail structure including at least one rail (e.g., the rail structure300ofFIG.9) connected to the second housing and configured to guide the slide of the first housing with respect to the second housing. The rail structure may include a protruding portion (e.g., the protruding portion330ofFIG.13) protruding toward the first housing and formed to correspond to a shape of the ground structure.

According to an example embodiment, the rail structure may include a first area (e.g., the first area310ofFIG.9) and a second area (e.g., the second area310ofFIG.9) disposed parallel to the first area. A thickness of the second area in a width direction (e.g., X-axis direction ofFIG.9) of the electronic device may be greater than a thickness of the first area in the width direction.

According to an example embodiment, the second area may include a first second area (e.g., the 2-1th area321ofFIG.9) and a second second area (e.g., the 2-2th area322ofFIG.9) spaced apart from the first second area. The first area may be disposed between the first second area and the second second area.

According to an example embodiment, the ground structure may include a ground area (e.g., the ground area410ofFIG.6) facing the first area and configured to slide along the first area and a rotation area (e.g., the rotation area420) facing the second area and configured to move along the second area.

According to an example embodiment, the electronic device may further comprise an antenna module including an antenna (e.g., the antenna module206ofFIG.5A) connected to the second housing. The antenna module may be electrically connected to the printed circuit board using the ground structure and the rail structure.

It is apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that an electronic device including a ground structure as described above are not limited to the above-described embodiments and those shown in the drawings, and various changes, modifications, or alterations may be made thereto without departing from the scope of the disclosure, including the appended claims and their equivalents. It will also be understood that any of the embodiment(s) described herein may be used in conjunction with any other embodiment(s) described herein.