Patent Description:
An antenna operates at a relatively low frequency (<NUM> or less) utilizes a metal part of a housing as a radiator. A module including a radiator may have improved rigidity can operates at a higher frequency (<NUM> or more). The module may be mounted in an interior of an electronic device.

A housing of the electronic device may include a metal part. The metal part may influence a beam pattern formed by an antenna module. As an example, a sensitivity of the beam may deteriorate or be reinforced in specific directions. The uneven sensitivity of a beam degrades wireless communication. An example of a arranging an antenna module in an electronic device is shown in <CIT>.

According to embodiments disclosed in the disclosure, an antenna fixing structure that forms a uniform beam in various directions, and an electronic device including the same are provided.

According to an aspect an electronic device as defined in appended claim <NUM> is provided.

According to the embodiments disclosed in the disclosure, the antenna fixing structure may decrease a current (e.g., a trap current) that is leaked from the antenna module and flows to a portion of a peripheral structure. Furthermore, the antenna fixing structure may decrease a beam radiated from the peripheral structure by the trap current. Furthermore, the antenna fixing structure may decrease reflected electric waves reflected from the peripheral metal structure.

With regard to description of drawings, the same or similar components may be marked by the same or similar reference numerals.

Hereinafter, various embodiments of the disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Accordingly, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that modification, and/or alternative on the various embodiments described herein can be variously made without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

<FIG> is a perspective view of a front surface of an electronic device according to an embodiment. <FIG> is a perspective view of a rear surface of an electronic device according to an embodiment.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, an electronic device <NUM> according to an embodiment may include a housing <NUM> including a first surface (or a front surface) 110A, a second surface (or a rear surface) 110B, and a side surface 110C surrounding a space between the first surface 110A and the second surface 110B.

In another embodiment (not illustrated), the housing <NUM> may refer to a structure that forms some of the first surface 110A, the second surface 110B, and the side surface 110C of <FIG>.

According to an embodiment, the first surface 110A may be defined by a front plate <NUM> (e.g., a glass plate or a polymer plate including various coating layers), at least a portion of which is substantially transparent. The second surface 110B may be defined by a substantially opaque rear plate <NUM>. The rear plate <NUM>, for example, may be formed of coated or colored glass, ceramics, a polymer, a metal (e.g., aluminum, stainless steel (STS), or magnesium), or a combination of at least two thereof. The side surface 110C may be coupled to the front plate <NUM> and the rear plate <NUM>, and may be defined by a side bezel structure (or 'a frame structure') <NUM> including a metal and/or a polymer.

In some embodiments, the rear plate <NUM> and the side bezel structure <NUM> may be integrally formed and may include the same material (e.g., a metal material such as aluminum).

In the illustrated embodiment, the front plate <NUM> may include two first areas 110D that are deflected from the first surface 110A toward the rear plate <NUM> and extend seamlessly, at opposite ends of a long edge of the front plate <NUM>.

In the illustrated embodiment (see <FIG>), the rear plate <NUM> may include two second areas 110E that are deflected from the second surface 110B toward the front plate <NUM> and extend seamlessly, at opposite ends of a long edge of the rear plate <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the front plate <NUM> (or the rear plate <NUM>) may include only one of the first areas 110D (or the second areas 110E). Furthermore, in another embodiment, the front plate <NUM> (or the rear plate <NUM>) may not include some of the first areas 110D (or the second areas 110E).

In the embodiments, when viewed from a side of the electronic device <NUM>, the side bezel structure <NUM> may have a first thickness (width) on a side surface (e.g., a short edge), on which neither the first areas 110D nor the second areas 110E are included, and may have a second thickness that is smaller than the first thickness on a side surface (e.g., a long edge), on which the first areas 110D or the second areas 110E are included.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may include at least one of a display <NUM>, audio modules <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, sensor modules <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>, camera modules <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>, a key input device <NUM>, a light emitting element <NUM>, and connector holes <NUM> and <NUM>. In some embodiments, at least one (e.g., the key input device <NUM> or the light emitting element <NUM>) of the elements may be omitted from the electronic device <NUM> or another component may be additionally included in the electronic device <NUM>.

The display <NUM>, for example, may be exposed through considerable portions of the front plate <NUM>. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the display <NUM> may be exposed through the front plate <NUM> that includes the first surface 110A, and the first areas 110D of the side surface 110C.

In some embodiments, corners of the display <NUM> may have a shape that is substantially the same as the adjacent outer shape of the front plate <NUM>. In other embodiments (not illustrated), in order to expand the area, by which the display <NUM> is exposed, the distances between the outskirts of the display <NUM> and the outskirts of the front plate <NUM> may be substantially the same.

In an embodiment, a surface (or the front plate <NUM>) of the housing <NUM> may include a screen display area that is formed as the display <NUM> is visually exposed. As an example, the screen display area may include the first surface 110A, and the first areas 110D of the side surface.

In the illustrated embodiment, the screen display areas 110A and 110D may include a sensing area 110F configured to acquire biometric information of a user. Here, the expression that "the screen display areas 110A and 110D include the sensing area 110F" may be understood that at least a portion of the sensing area 110F may overlap the screen display areas 110A and 110D. That is, the sensing area 110F may display visual information on the display <NUM> like other areas of the screen display areas 110A and 110D, and additionally, may mean an area that may acquire biometric information (e.g., a fingerprint) of the user.

In the illustrated embodiment, the screen display areas 110A and 110D of the display <NUM> may include an area <NUM>, in which the first camera device <NUM> (e.g., a punch hole camera) may be visually exposed. At least a portion of an edge of the area <NUM> through which the first camera device <NUM> is exposed may be surrounded by the screen display areas 110A and 110D. In various embodiments, the first camera device <NUM> may include a plurality of camera devices.

In other embodiments (not illustrated), a portion of the screen display areas 110A and 110D of the display <NUM> may have a recess or an opening, and may include at least one of the audio module <NUM>, the first sensor module <NUM>, and the light emitting element <NUM>, which are aligned with the recess or the opening.

In other embodiments (not illustrated), at least one of the audio module <NUM>, the sensor modules <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>, and the light emitting element <NUM> may be included on the rear surfaces of the screen display areas 110A and 110D of the display <NUM>.

In other embodiments (not illustrated), the display <NUM> may be coupled to or be disposed to be adjacent to a touch detection circuit, a pressure sensor that may measure the strength (the pressure) of a touch, and/or a digitizer that detects a stylus pen of a magnetic field type.

In some embodiments, at least a portion of the sensor modules <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> and/or at least a portion of the key input device <NUM> may be disposed in the side surface 110C (e.g., the first areas 110D and/or the second areas 110E).

The audio modules <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may include the microphone hole <NUM> and the speaker holes <NUM> and <NUM>. A microphone for acquiring external sounds may be disposed in the microphone hole <NUM>, and in some embodiments, a plurality of microphones may be disposed to detect the direction of a sound. The speaker holes <NUM> and <NUM> may include the external speaker hole <NUM> and the communication receiver hole <NUM>. In some embodiments, the speaker holes <NUM> and <NUM> and the microphone hole <NUM> may be implemented by one hole or a speaker may be included while the speaker hole <NUM> or <NUM> is not employed (e.g., a piezoelectric speaker).

The sensor modules <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may generate an electrical signal or a data value corresponding to an operational state of the interior of the electronic device <NUM> or an environmental state of the outside. For example, the sensor modules <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may include the first sensor module <NUM> (e.g., a proximity sensor) disposed on the first surface 110A of the housing <NUM>, the second sensor module <NUM> (e.g., a TOF camera device) disposed on the second surface 110B of the housing <NUM>, the third sensor module <NUM> (e.g., an HRM sensor) disposed on the second surface 110B of the housing <NUM>, and the fourth sensor module (e.g., a sensor <NUM> of <FIG>) (e.g., a fingerprint sensor) coupled to the display <NUM>.

In various embodiments, the second sensor module <NUM> may include a TOF camera device for measuring a distance.

In various embodiments, at least a portion of the fourth sensor module (e.g., the sensor <NUM> of <FIG>) may be disposed under the screen display areas 110A and 110D. As an example, the fourth sensor module may be disposed in a recess (e.g., a recess <NUM> of <FIG>) formed on a rear surface of the display <NUM>. That is, the fourth sensor module (e.g., the sensor <NUM> of <FIG>) is not exposed to the screen display areas 110A and 110D, and the sensing area 110F may be formed at at least a portion of the screen display areas 110A and 110D.

In some embodiments (not illustrated), the fingerprint sensor may be disposed not only on the first surface 110A (e.g., the screen display areas 110A and 110D) but also on the second surface 110B of the housing <NUM>.

In various embodiments, the electronic device <NUM> may further include a sensor module (not illustrated), for example, at least one of a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, an atmospheric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a grip sensor, a color sensor, an infrared (IR) sensor, a biometric sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or an illumination sensor.

In an embodiment, the camera modules <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may include the first camera device <NUM> (e.g., the punch hole camera) exposed through the first surface 110A of the electronic device <NUM>, and the second camera device <NUM> and/or the flash <NUM> exposed through the second surface 110B.

In the illustrated embodiment, the first camera device <NUM> may be exposed through a portion of the screen display area 110D of the first surface 110A. For example, the first camera device <NUM> may be exposed through a partial area of the screen display area 110D through an opening (not illustrated) formed at a portion of the display <NUM>.

In the illustrated embodiment, the second camera device <NUM> may include a plurality of camera devices (e.g., a dual camera or a triple camera). However, the second camera device <NUM> is not limited to necessarily include a plurality of camera devices, and may include one camera device.

The camera devices <NUM> and <NUM> may include one or a plurality of lenses, an image sensor, and/or an image signal processor. The flash <NUM>, for example, may include a light emitting diode or a xenon lamp. In some embodiments, two or more lenses (an infrared ray camera, and a wide angle/telephoto lens), and image sensors may be disposed on one surface of the electronic device <NUM>.

The key input device <NUM> may be disposed on the side surface 110C of the housing <NUM>. In another embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may not include some or all of the above-mentioned key input devices <NUM> and the key input devices <NUM> which are not included, may be realized in different forms, such as a soft key, on the display <NUM>. In some embodiments, the key input device may include a sensor module (e.g., the sensor <NUM> of <FIG>) that defines the sensing area 110F included in the screen display areas 110A and 110D.

The light emitting element <NUM>, for example, may be disposed on the first surface 110A of the housing <NUM>. The light emitting element <NUM>, for example, may provide state information on the electronic device <NUM> in the form of light. In other embodiments, the light emitting element <NUM>, for example, may provide a light source that interworks with an operation of the first camera device <NUM>. The light emitting element <NUM>, for example, may include an LED, an IR LED, and a xenon lamp.

The connector holes <NUM> and <NUM> may include the first connector hole <NUM> that may receive a connector (e.g., a USB connector) for transmitting and receiving electric power and/or data to and from an external electronic device, and/or the second connector hole <NUM> (e.g., an earphone jack) that may receive a connector for transmitting and receiving an audio signal to and from the external electronic device.

<FIG> is an exploded perspective view of an electronic device according to an embodiment.

Referring to <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> may include a first cover <NUM> (e.g., the front surface 110A and the first area 110D of <FIG>), a display <NUM> (e.g., the display <NUM> of <FIG>), a bracket <NUM> (e.g., the portion 110C of the side surface of <FIG>), a first support member <NUM> (e.g., the plate structure), a printed circuit board <NUM>, a battery <NUM>, a rear case <NUM>, an antenna <NUM>, and a second cover <NUM> (e.g., the rear surface 110B and the second area 110E of <FIG>). In some embodiments, at least one (e.g., the first support member <NUM> or the rear case <NUM>) of the elements may be omitted from the electronic device <NUM> or another component may be additionally included in the electronic device <NUM>. At least one of the components of the electronic device <NUM> may be the same as or similar to at least one of the components of the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG> and <FIG>, and a repeated description thereof will be omitted.

The first support member <NUM> may be disposed in the interior of the electronic device <NUM> to be connected to the bracket <NUM> or to be integrally formed with the bracket <NUM>. The first support member <NUM>, for example, may be formed of a metal material and/or a nonmetal material (e.g., a polymer). The display <NUM> may be coupled to one surface of the first support member <NUM>, and the printed circuit board <NUM> may be coupled to an opposite surface of the first support member <NUM>. A processor, a memory, and/or an interface may be mounted on the printed circuit board <NUM>. The processor, for example, may include one or more of a central processing unit, an application processor, a graphic processing unit, an image signal processor, a sensor hub processor, or a communication processor.

The memory, for example, may include a volatile and/or nonvolatile memory.

The interface, for example, may include a high definition multimedia interface (HDMI), a universal serial bus (USB), an SD card interface, and/or an audio interface. The interface, for example, may electrically or physically connect the electronic device <NUM> to an external electronic device, and may include a USB connector, an SD card/MMC connector, and an audio connector.

The battery <NUM> is a device for supplying electric power to at least one component of the electronic device <NUM>, and for example, may include a primary battery that cannot be recharged, a secondary battery that may be recharged, or a fuel cell. At least a portion of the battery <NUM>, for example, may be disposed on substantially the same plane as the printed circuit board <NUM>. The battery <NUM> may be integrally disposed in the interior of the electronic device <NUM>, and may be disposed to be detachable from the electronic device <NUM>.

The antenna <NUM> may be disposed between the second cover <NUM> and the battery <NUM>. The antenna <NUM>, for example, may include a near field communication (NFC) antenna, a wireless charging antenna, and/or a magnetic secure transmission (MST) antenna. The antenna <NUM>, for example, may perform short-range communication with an external device, or may wirelessly transmit and receive electric power that is necessary for charging. In another embodiment, an antenna structure may be formed by one or a combination of the bracket <NUM> and/or the first support member <NUM>.

<FIG> is a view illustrating an antenna module of an electronic device according to various embodiments.

Referring to <FIG>, an antenna module <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM> may include an antenna substrate <NUM>, at least one wireless communication circuit <NUM>, and a heat dissipating member <NUM>.

In the illustrated embodiment, the antenna module <NUM> may include the antenna substrate <NUM> including a conductive pattern, the wireless communication circuit(s) <NUM>, the heat dissipating member <NUM>, and a connector <NUM>.

In various embodiments, the antenna module <NUM> may include a <NUM> module.

In the illustrated embodiment, the antenna substrate <NUM> may include a first surface <NUM>. The first surfacer may include a radiation area <NUM>. The radiation area <NUM> is configured to radiate an RF signal. The antenna substrate <NUM> includes a second surface <NUM> that is opposite of the first surface <NUM>. The conductive pattern defines the radiation area <NUM>. The conductive pattern may be formed on a surface of the antenna substrate <NUM> or in an interior of the antenna substrate <NUM>.

In the illustrated embodiment, the antenna substrate <NUM> may include a long edge that extends by a second length L2 and a short edge that extends by a first length L1. The radiation area <NUM> may be arranged in a direction of the long edge on the first surface <NUM> of the antenna substrate <NUM>. Then, the long edge and the short edge may extend in directions that are perpendicular to each other.

In the illustrated embodiment, the wireless communication circuit <NUM> may be disposed on the second surface <NUM> of the antenna substrate <NUM>. At least a portion of the wireless communication circuit <NUM> may be disposed on the second surface <NUM>. The wireless communication circuit <NUM> may be electrically connected to the conductive pattern included on a surface (e.g., the first surface <NUM>) or in an interior of the antenna substrate <NUM>. The wireless communication circuit <NUM> may be configured to radiate an RF signal through the radiation area <NUM> by feeding electric power to the conductive pattern. The RF signal, for example, may include a mmWave signal (e.g., a signal having a frequency of <NUM> or more). Furthermore, the wireless communication circuit <NUM> may perform beam forming by using the conductive patterns. For example, the wireless communication circuit <NUM> may perform beam forming by controlling phases and/or gains associated with the conductive pattern.

In the illustrated embodiment, the heat dissipating member <NUM> may be disposed in the wireless communication circuit <NUM> to eliminate heat generated by the wireless communication circuit <NUM>. The heat dissipating member <NUM> may be disposed on the second surface <NUM> of the antenna substrate <NUM> to cover the wireless communication circuit <NUM>. The connector <NUM> may be formed on the second surface <NUM> of the antenna substrate <NUM>.

In the illustrated embodiment, the antenna substrate <NUM> may include the first surface <NUM>, on which the radiation area <NUM> is formed, and the second surface <NUM> that is opposite the first surface <NUM>. The wireless communication circuit <NUM> and the connector <NUM> to which the connection member is connected, may be formed on the second surface <NUM> of the antenna substrate <NUM>. The heat dissipating member <NUM> may be disposed in the wireless communication circuit <NUM>.

<FIG> is a view illustrating disposition of an antenna module of an electronic device according to various embodiments. <FIG> is a plan view illustrating a rear surface of the electronic device illustrated in <FIG>, and is a view illustrating a state, in which the second cover is omitted.

In the illustrated embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may include the bracket <NUM>, the printed circuit board <NUM>, a battery <NUM>, and the antenna module <NUM>.

In various embodiments, the bracket <NUM> may include a frame structure <NUM> that defines a surface of the electronic device, and a plate structure (e.g., the support member <NUM> of <FIG>) that extends from the frame structure <NUM> to the interior of the electronic device. Then, the printed circuit board <NUM> and the battery <NUM> may be disposed in the plate structure. A first antenna module <NUM> and a second antenna module <NUM> may be disposed in the frame structure <NUM>.

In the illustrated embodiment, the frame structure <NUM> may be generally rectangular with short edge parts <NUM> and long edge parts <NUM> forming a rectangle (or forming a substantially rectangular shape). The short edge parts <NUM> may face each other. The long edge parts <NUM> may extend longer than the short edge parts <NUM> and face each other. The short edge parts <NUM> and the long edge parts <NUM> may extend in directions that are substantially perpendicular to each other.

In various embodiments, the bracket <NUM> may be formed to surround a space between the first cover (e.g., the first cover <NUM> of <FIG>) and the second cover (e.g., the second cover <NUM> of <FIG>). The printed circuit board <NUM> and the battery <NUM> may be disposed in the space.

In the illustrated embodiment, the printed circuit board <NUM> may include two printed circuit boards disposed while the battery <NUM> being interposed therebetween. Then, the camera module <NUM> may be disposed in any one of the two printed circuit boards. The printed circuit board <NUM> according to the embodiments disclosed in the disclosure is not limited to the illustrated one, and may include various forms of printed circuit boards <NUM>. As an example, the printed circuit board <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG>, may include a stapler-shaped printed circuit board. In the illustrated embodiment, there may include the first antenna module <NUM>, second antenna module <NUM>, and third antenna module <NUM>. The first antenna module <NUM> and the second antenna module <NUM> may be adjacent to the camera module <NUM> and disposed in the frame structure <NUM> of the bracket <NUM>. The third antenna module <NUM> disposed in the plate structure <NUM> of the bracket <NUM>.

The first antenna module <NUM> may be coupled to any one of the pair of long edge parts <NUM> of the frame structure <NUM>. The second antenna module <NUM> may be coupled to the other of the pair of long edge parts <NUM> of the frame structure <NUM>. The first antenna module <NUM> may be disposed such that the first surface <NUM> of the antenna substrate <NUM> faces one side surface of the electronic device <NUM>. The second antenna module <NUM> may be disposed such that the first surface <NUM> of the antenna substrate <NUM> faces an opposite side surface of the electronic device <NUM>. The third antenna module <NUM> may be disposed such that the first surface <NUM> of the antenna substrate <NUM> faces the rear surface (e.g., the -z axis direction of <FIG>) of the electronic device <NUM>.

In various embodiments, the first antenna module <NUM> and the second antenna module <NUM> may be configured to form a beam on an outside of the bracket <NUM> (on an outside of the housing). The first antenna module <NUM> and the second antenna module <NUM> may be disposed in the pair of long edge parts <NUM>, which face each other, to radiate electric waves in different directions. The first antenna module <NUM> may be disposed on a left side of a central axis "C" of the electronic device <NUM>. The second antenna module <NUM> may be disposed on a right side of the central axis "C" of the electronic device <NUM>. Through this, the electronic device <NUM> may have beam coverage of various directions. The first antenna module <NUM> and the second antenna module <NUM> disclosed in the disclosure are not necessarily limited to those coupled to the long edge parts <NUM> of the frame structure <NUM>, and may be coupled to the short edge parts <NUM>.

<FIG> is a view illustrating an antenna module of an electronic device, and a bracket including a fixing structure according to various embodiments.

Referring to <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> may include the frame structure <NUM>. The frame structure <NUM> may have a recess <NUM> formed therein. The antenna module <NUM> may be disposed in the recess <NUM>. An antenna bracket <NUM> fixes the antenna module <NUM> to the frame structure <NUM>. The frame structure <NUM> may include a second surface <NUM> that faces the second cover (e.g., the second cover of <FIG>). Here, the antenna module <NUM> may include the first antenna module <NUM> and/or the second antenna module <NUM> of <FIG>.

In various embodiments, the frame structure <NUM> may include the recess <NUM> formed on the second surface <NUM>. The recess <NUM> may include a first inner wall <NUM>, and a second inner wall <NUM> located on an outer side of the electronic device <NUM> (e.g., in an interior space of the housing) than the first inner wall <NUM> while facing the first inner wall <NUM>.

In the illustrated embodiment, the antenna module <NUM> may be disposed in the recess <NUM>. The first surface <NUM> of the antenna substrate <NUM> can face the second inner wall <NUM> (e.g., an outside of the bracket and an outside of the electronic device). The second surface <NUM> of the antenna substrate <NUM> can face the first inner wall <NUM> (e.g., an inside of the electronic device). The connector <NUM>, the wireless communication circuit <NUM>, and the heat dissipating member <NUM> may be disposed between the second surface <NUM> of the antenna substrate <NUM> and the first inner wall <NUM>.

In various embodiments, support surfaces <NUM> and <NUM>, may be formed in a peripheral area of the recess <NUM>. The antenna bracket <NUM> may be disposed on the support surfaces <NUM> and <NUM>. Then, the support surfaces <NUM> and <NUM> may face the same direction as that of the second surface <NUM> of the frame structure <NUM> of the bracket <NUM>. The support surfaces <NUM> and <NUM> may be formed to be stepped further in the -z axis direction than the peripheral area of the recess.

In the illustrated embodiment, at least a portion of the antenna bracket <NUM> may be inserted into the recess <NUM> to surround the antenna module <NUM>. The antenna bracket <NUM> may include a first part <NUM> inserted into the recess <NUM>, a second part <NUM> connected to the first part <NUM>, and a third part <NUM> fixed to the support surfaces <NUM> and <NUM>.

In the illustrated embodiment, the first part <NUM> may be connected to the second part <NUM>, perpendicularly. At least a portion of the first part <NUM> may be inserted into the recess <NUM> to be coupled to the heat dissipating member <NUM>. The second part <NUM> may extend from the first part <NUM> perpendicularly to the first part <NUM>, and may surround the antenna substrate <NUM>. The third part <NUM> may extend from the second part <NUM> to opposite sides. The third part <NUM> may be fixed to the support surfaces <NUM> and <NUM> of the frame structure <NUM>.

In various embodiments, the first part <NUM> may be inserted between the first inner wall <NUM> and the heat dissipating member <NUM>. The first part <NUM> may have a size substantially corresponding to the heat dissipating member <NUM>. The second part <NUM> may be formed in substantially the same direction as that of the second surface <NUM> of the frame structure <NUM> of the bracket <NUM> to surround the antenna substrate <NUM>. The third part <NUM> may extend from the second part <NUM> to be stepped in the -z axis direction. The third part <NUM> and the second part <NUM> form a step surface <NUM>, and the step surface <NUM> may surround a portion of the antenna substrate <NUM>.

In various embodiments, the first part <NUM> may include a fixing boss <NUM> that protrudes toward the first inner wall <NUM>. As the fixing boss <NUM> is inserted into a corresponding recess (not illustrated) formed in the first inner wall <NUM>, a 'y' axis direction location and a 'z' axis direction location of the antenna bracket <NUM> may be fixed. As the antenna bracket <NUM> is inserted between the first inner wall <NUM> and the second inner wall <NUM> together with the antenna module <NUM>, the 'x' axis direction location thereof may be fixed.

In various embodiments, the first part <NUM> may be formed to substantially cover the heat dissipating member <NUM> but not to cover the connector <NUM>. The corresponding connector of a connection member <NUM> may be coupled to the connector <NUM> of the antenna substrate <NUM>, and the corresponding connector of the connection member <NUM> may be supported by the first inner wall <NUM>. Accordingly, the corresponding connector of the connection member <NUM> may be firmly coupled to the connector <NUM> of the antenna substrate <NUM>.

In various embodiments, the third part <NUM> may include a coupling hole <NUM> that may be coupled to a coupling member <NUM>. The coupling member <NUM> may pass through the coupling hole <NUM> to be coupled to the support surfaces <NUM> and <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the coupling member <NUM> may include a screw.

In the illustrated embodiment, the antenna module <NUM> may be disposed such that the first surface <NUM> of the antenna substrate <NUM> faces the second inner wall <NUM> and the second surface <NUM> of the antenna substrate <NUM> faces the first inner wall <NUM>.

<FIG> is a view illustrating an antenna module and an insulating structure of an electronic device according to various embodiments.

Referring to <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> may include the bracket <NUM> including the frame structure <NUM> and the plate structure <NUM>, the antenna module <NUM> coupled to the frame structure <NUM>, an insulating structure <NUM> that faces the antenna module <NUM>, and the printed circuit board <NUM>.

The antenna module <NUM> may be a patch antenna. The patch antenna may be disposed such that the radiation area <NUM> of the antenna substrate faces the insulating structure <NUM>. The antenna module <NUM> may radiate a mmWave signal through the radiation area. The frame structure <NUM> may form a portion of the side surface of the electronic device. A portion of the frame structure <NUM> may also be utilized as an antenna radiator for <NUM> communication.

In the illustrated embodiment, the insulating structure <NUM> may be formed to contact an inner surface of a curved area of the second cover (e.g., the second cover <NUM> of <FIG>). The insulating structure <NUM> may define a radiation space <NUM> (or an air gap) between the antenna module <NUM> and the radiation area <NUM>.

In various embodiments, the insulating structure <NUM> may include a polymer material. As an example, the insulating structure <NUM> may include polycarbonate.

In the illustrated embodiment, the insulating structure <NUM> may include a first part 149a and a second part 149b. The first part 149a may be parallel to the radiation area <NUM>. The first part 149a may contact an inner surface of the curved area of the second cover (e.g., the second cover <NUM> of <FIG>). The second part 149b may be disposed between the first part 149a and the radiation area <NUM>. The second part 149b may protrude from the first part 149a toward the antenna module <NUM>. A plurality of second parts 149b may be formed. The second part 149b may define a peripheral radiation space <NUM> (or an air gap).

In the illustrated embodiment, the connection member <NUM> may be connected to one end of the antenna module <NUM>. The connection member <NUM> may deliver a signal transmitted and received by the antenna module <NUM> to the printed circuit board <NUM>.

<FIG> is a view illustrating a fixing structure and an antenna module of an electronic device according to various embodiments.

In the illustrated embodiment, a bracket <NUM> may include a frame structure <NUM>, and a plate structure <NUM> that extends from the frame structure <NUM>. The remaining portions of the bracket <NUM>, except for a portion (e.g., slits <NUM>) thereof may include a metal material.

In the illustrated embodiment, the frame structure <NUM> may include an outer surface <NUM> that defines a surface (e.g., the side surface) of the electronic device <NUM>. The frame structure <NUM> may include a first resting part <NUM>-<NUM> and a second resting part <NUM>-<NUM>, in which the cover (e.g., the second cover <NUM> of <FIG>) is rested, and a recess <NUM> opened to an outside of the housing. Then, the recess <NUM> may be formed between the first resting part <NUM>-<NUM> and the second resting part <NUM>-<NUM>. The curved area of the cover may be rested in the first resting part <NUM>-<NUM> and the second resting part <NUM>-<NUM>. The first resting part <NUM>-<NUM> may include a resting surface <NUM>, on which the curved area of the cover is seated, and a first inclined region <NUM>-<NUM> that faces the space of the recess <NUM>. The second resting part <NUM>-<NUM> may include the resting surface <NUM>, on which the curved area of the cover is seated, and a second inclined region <NUM>-<NUM> that faces the space of the recess <NUM>.

In the illustrated embodiment, the first inclined region <NUM>-<NUM> and the second inclined region <NUM>-<NUM> may define the recess <NUM> together with an inner wall <NUM>. The inner wall <NUM> may be formed between the first inclined region <NUM>-<NUM> and the second inclined region <NUM>-<NUM>. The inner wall <NUM> may include a resting region <NUM>, in which the antenna module <NUM> is disposed, and a slit area that extends from the resting region <NUM> to opposite sides and in which the slits <NUM> are formed.

In the illustrated embodiment, the antenna module <NUM> may include the antenna substrate <NUM>, and the heat dissipating member <NUM> disposed on the second surface <NUM> of the antenna substrate <NUM>. The antenna module <NUM> may be disposed in the recess <NUM>. The recess <NUM> may have a shape that is opened to the outside of the housing (e.g., the side surface and the rear surface of the electronic device). In some embodiments, the insulating structure (e.g., the insulating structure <NUM> of <FIG>) may be disposed in the opened area of the recess <NUM>.

In the illustrated embodiment, the antenna module <NUM> may be disposed such that the first surface <NUM> of the antenna substrate <NUM> faces the opened direction (e.g., the outside) of the recess <NUM> and the second surface <NUM> of the antenna substrate <NUM> faces the inner wall <NUM> of the recess <NUM>. The heat dissipating member <NUM> may be supported by the inner wall <NUM>. In various embodiments, the inner wall <NUM> may have a planar shape that substantially faces the opened direction of the recess <NUM>.

In the illustrated embodiment, the inner wall <NUM> may include the slits <NUM>. The slits <NUM> may be formed by accommodating an insulating material in an opening that passes through the inner wall <NUM>. The slits <NUM> may include a first slit <NUM>-<NUM> formed on one side of the antenna module <NUM> in the long edge direction, and a second slit <NUM>-<NUM> formed on an opposite side of the antenna module <NUM> in the long edge direction.

In various embodiments, a signal radiated from the antenna module <NUM> may be induced in the frame structure <NUM> including a metal material to generate a leakage current (e.g., a trap current). Then, the trap current may influence the beam coverage formed by the antenna module <NUM>.

Accordingly, to interrupt the trap current, the electronic device <NUM> according to the embodiments disclosed in the disclosure may include the slits <NUM> formed in the inner wall <NUM>, in which the antenna module <NUM> is disposed. The first slit <NUM>-<NUM> and the second slit <NUM>-<NUM> may interrupt some of the trap currents that flow through a metal portion from the antenna module <NUM> to reduce an amount of radiated signals induced in the frame structure <NUM> including the metal material. Accordingly, the antenna module <NUM> may form uniform beam coverage.

<FIG> is a view illustrating an antenna module of an electronic device according to.

In the illustrated embodiment, the recess <NUM> may have a shape that is opened to an outside (e.g., an upper side in the drawing). The recess <NUM> may be defined by the first inclined region <NUM>-<NUM>, the second inclined region <NUM>-<NUM>, and the inner wall <NUM>. The inner wall <NUM> may include the resting region <NUM>, in which the heat dissipating member <NUM> of the antenna module <NUM> is disposed, and the first slit <NUM>-<NUM> and the second slit <NUM>-<NUM>. The first slit <NUM>-<NUM> and the second slit <NUM>-<NUM> may extend from ends of the antenna module <NUM> in directions that face the first inclined region <NUM>-<NUM> and the second inclined region <NUM>-<NUM>. The antenna module <NUM> may be disposed in the interior of the recess <NUM>.

In the illustrated embodiment, each of the slits <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM> may include an opening that passes through the inner wall <NUM>, and an insulating material accommodated in an interior of the opening. In various embodiments, the first slit <NUM>-<NUM> and the second slit <NUM>-<NUM> may be formed at locations that are spaced apart from opposite ends of the antenna module <NUM> by a specific distance.

In the illustrated embodiment, the antenna module <NUM> may be disposed such that the heat dissipating member <NUM> is supported by the inner wall <NUM> and the antenna substrate <NUM> faces the opened direction (e.g., an upper side in the drawing) of the recess <NUM>. The heat dissipating member <NUM> of the antenna module <NUM> may be disposed between the first slit <NUM>-<NUM> and the second slit <NUM>-<NUM> formed in the inner wall <NUM>. The first surface <NUM> of the antenna substrate <NUM> may include the radiation area <NUM>. The radiation area <NUM> may be formed by the conductive pattern formed in the interior of or on a surface of the antenna substrate <NUM>. The antenna module <NUM> may be configured for the radiation area <NUM> to radiate electric waves through the opened area of the recess <NUM>.

In various embodiments, the antenna module <NUM> may be disposed such that one end thereof is spaced apart from the first inclined region <NUM>-<NUM> by a first distance d1 and an opposite end thereof is spaced apart from the second inclined region <NUM>-<NUM> by a second distance d2. In various embodiments, the first distance d1 and the second distance d2 may be <NUM> to <NUM>. For example, the first distance d1 and the second distance d2 may be distances substantially corresponding to a half of a wavelength of an RF signal that is radiated by the antenna module <NUM>.

In the illustrated embodiment, the inclined regions <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM> may be inclined to define specific angles θ1 and θ2 with the direction, which the inner wall <NUM> of the antenna substrate <NUM> faces. The angles θ1 and θ2 may be defined by angles between a normal vector of the inner wall <NUM> and the inclined region. Then, the specific angles θ1 and θ2 may be <NUM> degrees to <NUM> degrees.

In various embodiments, the angles θ1 and θ2 of the inclined regions <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM> and the distances d1 and d2 between the antenna module <NUM> and the inclined regions <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM> may be related to the radiation coverage of the antenna module.

For example, a portion of the RF signal radiated from the antenna module <NUM> may be reflected by a peripheral metal structure (e.g., the inclined regions <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM>) to form a reflection signal. Then, the RF signal may be deteriorated by the reflection signal. Accordingly, the distances d1 and d2 and the angles θ1 and θ2 may be adjusted to reduce the reflection signal generated by the inclined regions <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM> to improve the radiation coverage of the antenna module <NUM>.

<FIG> is a view illustrating an inclined region of a fixing structure of an electronic device according to various embodiments.

In the illustrated embodiment, the frame structure <NUM> may include a combining structure <NUM> formed at a portion of the inclined region <NUM>. The combining structure <NUM> may retain the insulating structure (e.g., the insulating structure <NUM> of <FIG>). The combining structure <NUM> may include a plurality of grooves <NUM>. The plurality of grooves <NUM> may extend to the resting surface <NUM> of the resting part <NUM> of the frame structure <NUM>. Portions of the insulating material that forms the insulating structure may be accommodated in the plurality of grooves <NUM>. The combining structure <NUM> may increase a contact area of the insulating structure (e.g., the insulating structure <NUM> of <FIG>) and the frame structure <NUM>. Accordingly, the combining structure <NUM> may firmly couple the insulating structure to the frame structure <NUM>.

In various embodiments, the combining structure <NUM> may be formed at a location that is spaced apart from opposite ends of the antenna module <NUM> by a specific distance. The specific distance may be about <NUM> to <NUM>.

In various embodiments, the plurality of grooves <NUM> formed in the combining structure <NUM> may decrease the electric waves that is radiated from the antenna module <NUM> and secondarily radiated (e.g., reflected) by the inclined region <NUM>. Accordingly, the antenna module <NUM> may form uniform beam coverage.

The electronic device <NUM> according to an embodiment of the disclosure includes the bracket <NUM> defining a portion of a surface of the electronic device <NUM> and including a metal material, wherein the recess <NUM> is formed in the bracket, and the antenna module <NUM> including the antenna substrate <NUM> including the conductive pattern, the first surface <NUM> including a radiation area, from which an RF signal is radiated by the conductive pattern, and the second surface <NUM> facing the first surface <NUM>, wherein the conductive pattern is formed on a surface or in an interior of the antenna substrate <NUM>, the antenna module <NUM> is disposed in an interior of the recess <NUM> such that the first surface <NUM> of the antenna substrate <NUM> faces a surface of the electronic device <NUM>, the recess <NUM> is defined by an inner wall including the resting region <NUM> facing the second surface <NUM> of the antenna substrate <NUM> and the inclined region <NUM> facing a direction that is different from that of the inner wall, the inclined region <NUM> is formed in a direction that defines a specific angle with a direction, which the resting region <NUM> faces, and the inner wall includes slit areas extending from opposite ends of the resting region and each including the slit <NUM>.

In various embodiments, a polymer material may be accommodated in the slits.

In various embodiments, a dielectric material may be accommodated in at least a portion of the recess.

In various embodiments, an interval between the slits may be <NUM> to <NUM>.

In various embodiments, the inclined region may include a first inclined region located on one side of the resting region, and a second inclined region located on an opposite side of the resting region, the first inclined region and the second inclined region are spaced apart between <NUM> to <NUM> from opposite ends of the antenna module.

In various embodiments, slits pass through the inner wall.

In various embodiments, the bracket may further include an insulating structure, and the insulating structure may face the first surface of the antenna substrate.

In various embodiments, the inclined region may be inclined such that an angle between a normal vector of the inclined region and a normal vector of the resting region is <NUM> degrees to <NUM> degrees.

In various embodiments, the inclined region may include a first inclined region located on one side of the resting region, and a second inclined region located on an opposite side of the resting region, and a distance between the first inclined region and the second inclined region may become longer in a direction, in which the recess is opened.

In various embodiments, the antenna substrate may include a first edge being adjacent to the first inclined region, a second edge facing the first edge while being adjacent to the second inclined region, a third edge connecting the first edge and the second edge, and a fourth edge facing the third edge, and the inner wall includes a first slit formed between the first edge of the antenna substrate and the first inclined region, and a second slit formed between the second edge of the antenna substrate and the second inclined region.

In various embodiments, a length of the first slit and second slit may be equal to or larger than a length from the third edge of the antenna substrate to the fourth edge of the antenna substrate.

In various embodiments, the antenna module may include a wireless communication circuit and a heat dissipating member disposed on the second surface of the antenna substrate, and the heat dissipating member may be supported by the inner wall of the recess.

In various embodiments, the bracket may further include an insulating structure including a polymer material, a plurality of recesses, in which the polymer material is accommodated, may be formed in the inclined region, and the plurality of recesses retain the insulating structure.

In various embodiments, a housing may include a first cover defining a front surface of the electronic device, and a second cover defining a rear surface of the electronic device, and the bracket surrounds a space between the first cover and the second cover.

In various embodiments, the housing further include a cover that is coupled to the bracket and defines a front surface of the electronic device, the bracket may include a frame structure, in which an edge area of the cover is rested, and which defines a side surface of the electronic device, and the recess may be formed in the frame structure and may be opened toward the side surface.

The electronic device <NUM> according to an embodiment of the disclosure includes the housing <NUM> including the first cover <NUM> defining a front surface of the electronic device <NUM>, the second cover <NUM> defining a rear surface of the electronic device <NUM>, and the frame structure <NUM> surrounding a space between the first cover <NUM> and the second cover <NUM> and defining a side surface of the electronic device <NUM>, and the antenna module <NUM> disposed in an interior of the housing <NUM> and that forms a beam to an outside of the housing <NUM>, wherein the antenna module <NUM> includes an antenna substrate <NUM> including a conductive pattern, the first surface <NUM> including a radiation area that radiates an RF signal by the conductive pattern, and the second surface <NUM> that faces the first surface <NUM>, and the recess <NUM> formed in the frame structure <NUM>, opened in a direction that faces the side surface, and in which the antenna module <NUM> is disposed in an interior thereof, the antenna module <NUM> is disposed such that the radiation area of the antenna substrate <NUM> faces an opened direction of the recess <NUM>, the second surface <NUM> of the antenna substrate <NUM> is disposed to be supported by the inner wall, the recess <NUM> includes an inner wall facing a direction, which the radiation area faces, and the inclined region <NUM> defining the recess <NUM> together with the inner wall, and the inclined region <NUM> may be formed such that a normal vector of the inclined region <NUM> and a normal vector of the inner wall define <NUM> degrees to <NUM> degrees.

In various embodiments, the antenna substrate may include a long edge extending by a first length, and a short edge extending by a second length that is smaller than the first length, and the inclined area may be formed at a location that is spaced apart from the antenna module by a specific interval when viewed in the long edge direction.

In various embodiments, the inner wall may include a slit formed between the antenna module and the inclined area, and the slit may include an opening that passes through the inner wall and an insulating material accommodated in an interior of the opening.

In various embodiments, the frame structure may further include an insulating structure facing the first surface of the antenna substrate and including a polymer material, and the inclined area may further include a combining structure combined with the insulating structure.

The various embodiments of the disclosure and the terms used herein do not limit the technology described in the disclosure to specific forms, and should be construed to include various modifications, and/or replacements of the embodiments. With regard to description of drawings, similar components may be marked by similar reference numerals. The terms of a singular form may include plural forms unless otherwise specified. In the disclosure disclosed herein, the expressions "A or B", "at least one of A or/and B", "A, B, or C", or "at least one of A, B, or/and C", and the like used herein may include any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. The terms, such as "first", "second", and the like used herein may refer to various elements of various embodiments of the disclosure, but do not limit the elements. For example, such terms are used only to distinguish an element from another element and do not limit the order and/or priority of the elements. If it is mentioned that an element (e.g., a first element) is (functionally or communicatively) "connected" to another element (e.g., a second element), the first element may be directly connected to the second element or may be connected to the second element through another element (e.g., a third element).

In the disclosure, the expression "configured to" may be interchangeably used with, for example, "suitable for", "capable of", "modified to", "made to", "able to", or "designed to" according to a situation in a hardware or software way. In some situations, the expression "a device configured to" may mean that the device is "capable of" operating together with another device or other components. CPU, for example, a "processor configured to (or set to) perform A, B, and C" may mean a dedicated processor (e.g., an embedded processor) for performing a corresponding operation or a generic-purpose processor (e.g., a central processing unit (CPU) or an application processor) which may perform corresponding operations by executing one or more programs which are stored in a memory device.

The term "module" used in the disclosure may include a unit configured in a hardware, software, or firmware way, and for example, may be used interchangeably with the terms such as logic, a logic block, a component, or a circuit. The "module" may be an integral component, or a minimum unit or a part which performs one or more functions. The "module" may be implemented mechanically or electronically, and for example, may include an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) chip, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGSs), or a programmable logic device that is known or to be developed in the future, which performs some operations.

At least some of the devices (e.g., modules or functions) or methods (e.g., operations) according to various embodiments of the disclosure may be implemented by an instruction stored in a computer-readable storage medium, for example, in the form of a program module. When the instruction is executed by the processor, the processor may perform a function corresponding to the instruction. The computer-readable recording medium may include a hard disk, a floppy disk, a magnetic medium (e.g., a magnetic tape), an optical recording medium (e.g., a CD-ROM or a DVD), an magneto-optical medium (e.g., a floptical disk), and an embedded memory. The instruction may include a code made by a compiler or a code that may be executed by an interpreter.

Claim 1:
An electronic device comprising:
a housing (<NUM>) including:
a first cover (<NUM>) defining a front surface of the electronic device,
a second cover (<NUM>) defining a rear surface of the electronic device, and
a bracket (110C, <NUM>) defining a portion of a side surface of the electronic device, and surrounding a space between the first cover (<NUM>) and the second cover (<NUM>);
wherein the bracket (<NUM>) includes metal, and has a recess (<NUM>) formed therein;
wherein the recess is opened towards the portion of the side surface of the electronic device, and the recess (<NUM>) being partially defined by an inclined region (<NUM>) of the bracket (<NUM>) that extends towards the portion of the side surface of the electronic device;
a display (<NUM>, <NUM>) at least partially visible through a front surface of the first cover (<NUM>);
an insulating structure (<NUM>), comprised by the bracket (<NUM>), disposed in the recess (<NUM>) and coupled to the inclined region (<NUM>) of the recess (<NUM>); and
an antenna module (<NUM>) including an antenna substrate (<NUM>) including a conductive pattern, a first surface including a radiation area (<NUM>) configured to radiate an RF signal from the conductive pattern,
wherein the antenna module is disposed such that the RF signal is radiated through the insulating structure (<NUM>), wherein the conductive pattern is formed on or in the antenna substrate (<NUM>),
wherein the antenna module (<NUM>) is disposed in the recess (<NUM>), such that the first surface is perpendicular to the front surface and/or rear surface,
wherein the bracket (<NUM>) includes an inner wall (<NUM>, <NUM>) including a resting region (<NUM>) and further partially defining the recess (<NUM>),
wherein the antenna module (<NUM>) is disposed on the resting region (<NUM>) of the inner wall (<NUM>, <NUM>), and
wherein the inclined region (<NUM>) is inclined with respect to a direction that the inner wall (<NUM>) faces so that the recess widens in the direction that the recess is opened towards.