Patent Description:
With the development of wireless communication technology, an electronic device (e.g., an electronic device for communication) is commonly used in daily life, and accordingly, the use of content is increasing exponentially. Due to the rapid increase in the use of content, network capacity is gradually reaching its limit, and after commercialization of a 4th generation (<NUM>) communication system, a communication system (e.g., a 5th generation (<NUM>) or pre-<NUM> communication system, or a new radio (NR) communication system) which transmits and/or receives a signal by using a frequency in a high frequency (e.g., mmWave) band (e.g., <NUM> to <NUM> band) has been studied in order to satisfy an increasing demand for wireless data traffic.

<CIT> belongs to the state of the art under Article <NUM>(<NUM>) EPC and discloses an electronic device including a support member, a front plate disposed on a front surface of the support member, a back plate disposed on a back surface of the support member, a non-conductive structure interposed between the back plate and an edge of the support member and fixed to the support member, and an antenna structure interposed between the back plate and an edge of the support member.

<CIT> discloses an electronic device including: a housing including: a front surface plate; a rear surface plate facing toward the opposite direction of the front surface plate; and a side surface member surrounding a space between the front surface plate and the rear surface plate, the side surface member having a substantially rectangular shape when viewed above the front surface plate; a first PCB arranged in the space; a first wireless communication circuit; a substrate; a first antenna array protruding from the first side of the substrate toward the first portion; a second antenna array protruding from the second side of the substrate toward the second portion; and a second wireless communication circuit.

According to next-generation wireless communication technology, an efficient mounting structure, which enables use of a frequency in the range of substantially <NUM> to <NUM> for transmission and/or reception of a wireless signal and is capable of overcoming high free-space loss according to frequency characteristics and increasing the gain of an antenna, and a new antenna corresponding thereto are being developed. The antenna may include an antenna structure in the form of an array in which various numbers of antenna elements (e.g., conductive patches or conductive patterns) are arranged at predetermined intervals. Such antenna elements may be arranged such that a beam pattern is formed in one direction in an internal space of an electronic device. For example, the antenna structure may be arranged in the internal space of the electronic device such that a beam pattern is formed toward a direction in which at least a portion of a front surface, a rear surface, and/or a side surface of the antenna structure faces.

An electronic device may include a conductive member (e.g., a metal member) disposed in at least a portion of a housing (e.g., a housing structure) to reinforce rigidity and form a beautiful external appearance, and a non-conductive member (e.g., a polymer or injection-molded material) coupled with the conductive member. Such a housing may be formed as an integral structure through insert-injection of the non-conductive member into the conductive member or structural coupling between the non-conductive member and the conductive member.

However, when such a conductive member is disposed near an antenna structure, radiation performance of an antenna may be deteriorated, and radiation sensitivity thereof may be degraded. In addition, coupling portions of the conductive member and the non-conductive member may be separated from each other or dislocated by external impact, so as to degrade the product reliability.

Various embodiments may provide an antenna and an electronic device including the same.

Various embodiments may provide an antenna which can prevent deterioration of antenna radiation performance through a structural change of a housing, and an electronic device including the antenna.

Various embodiments may provide an antenna which can prevent damage to a housing due to external impact and prevent deterioration of antenna performance, and an electronic device including the antenna.

According to various embodiments, an electronic device according to the claimed invention includes: a housing including a side member including a conductive member and a non-conductive member coupled with the conductive member; and at least one antenna structure disposed in an internal space of the housing and including a substrate and at least one antenna element, the substrate being disposed to face the side member, and the at least one antenna element being disposed on the substrate and having a beam pattern formed through the non-conductive member in a direction in which the side member faces; wherein: when the side member is viewed from the outside, a boundary region between the conductive member and the non-conductive member is disposed in a region not overlapping the substrate; in the boundary region, the conductive member includes at least one concave part concavely formed in a direction away from the substrate and formed to at least partially receive the non-conductive member; and the at least one concave part includes two or more stepped parts which gradually get higher or lower as the stepped parts are further leftward or rightward from the substrate, when the side member is viewed from the outside.

Various respective aspects and features of the invention are defined in the appended claims. Combinations of features from the dependent claims may be combined with features of the independent claims as appropriate and not merely as explicitly set out in the claims.

Furthermore, one or more selected features of any one embodiment described in this disclosure may be combined with one or more selected features of any other embodiment described herein, provided that the alternative combination of features at least partially alleviates the one or more technical problem discussed in this disclosure or at least partially alleviates a technical problem discernible by the skilled person from this disclosure and further provided that the particular combination or permutation of embodiment features thus formed would not be understood by the skilled person to be incompatible.

Two or more physically distinct components in any described example implementation of this disclosure may alternatively be integrated into a single component where possible, provided that the same function is performed by the single component thus formed. Conversely, a single component of any embodiment described in this disclosure may alternatively be implemented as two or more distinct components to achieve the same function, where appropriate.

It is an aim of certain embodiments of the invention to solve, mitigate or obviate, at least partly, at least one of the problems and/or disadvantages associated with the prior art. Certain embodiments aim to provide at least one of the advantages described below.

An electronic device according to exemplary embodiments can prevent a phenomenon in which a non-conductive member is separated from a conductive member of a housing due to external impact, through a structural change of the housing, and can help to improve radiation performance of an antenna while maintaining rigidity.

<FIG> illustrates an electronic device in a network environment according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, an electronic device <NUM> in a network environment <NUM> may communicate with an electronic device <NUM> via a first network <NUM> (e.g., a short-range wireless communication network), or an electronic device <NUM> or a server <NUM> via a second network <NUM> (e.g., a long-range wireless communication network). The electronic device <NUM> may communicate with the electronic device <NUM> via the server <NUM>. The electronic device <NUM> includes a processor <NUM>, memory <NUM>, an input device <NUM>, an audio output device <NUM>, a display device <NUM>, an audio module <NUM>, a sensor module <NUM>, an interface <NUM>, a haptic module <NUM>, a camera module <NUM>, a power management module <NUM>, a battery <NUM>, a communication module <NUM>, a subscriber identification module (SIM) <NUM>, and/or an antenna module <NUM>.

The memory <NUM> may include the volatile memory <NUM> or the non-volatile memory <NUM>, and the non-volatile memory may include one or more of an internal memory <NUM> and external memory <NUM>.

The program <NUM> may be stored in the memory <NUM> as software, and may include, for example, an operating system (OS) <NUM>, middleware <NUM>, and/or an application <NUM>.

The input device <NUM> may receive a command or data to be used by other components (e.g., the processor <NUM>) of the electronic device <NUM>, from the outside (e.g., a user) of the electronic device <NUM>.

The audio output device <NUM> may output sound signals to the outside of the electronic device <NUM>. The audio output device <NUM> may include, for example, a speaker or a receiver. The receiver may be implemented as separate from, or as part of the speaker.

The audio module <NUM> may obtain the sound via the input device <NUM>, or output the sound via the audio output device <NUM> or a headphone of an external electronic device (e.g., an electronic device <NUM>) directly (e.g., wiredly) or wirelessly coupled with the electronic device <NUM>.

A connection terminal <NUM> may include a connector via which the electronic device <NUM> may be physically connected with the external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM>). The connection terminal <NUM> may include, for example, a HDMI connector, a USB connector, a SD card connector, or an audio connector (e.g., a headphone connector).

The camera module <NUM> may capture an image or moving images.

The communication module <NUM> may include one or more communication processors that are operable independently from the processor <NUM> (e.g., the AP) and supports a direct (e.g., wired) communication or a wireless communication. The communication module <NUM> may include a wireless communication module <NUM> (e.g., a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) communication module) or a wired communication module <NUM> (e.g., a local area network (LAN) communication module or a power line communication (PLC) module). The wireless communication module <NUM> may identify and authenticate the electronic device <NUM> in a communication network, such as the first network <NUM> or the second network <NUM>, using subscriber information (e.g., international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI)) stored in the SIM <NUM>.

The antenna module <NUM> may include an antenna including a radiating element composed of a conductive material or a conductive pattern formed in or on a substrate (e.g., a printed circuit board (PCB)). The antenna module <NUM> may include a plurality of antennas. Another component (e.g., a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC)) other than the radiating element may be additionally formed as part of the antenna module <NUM>.

An electronic device according to an embodiment may be one of various types of electronic devices. The electronic device may include a portable communication device (e.g., a smart phone), a computer device, a portable multimedia device, a portable medical device, a camera, a wearable device, or a home appliance. However, the electronic device is not limited to any of those described above.

Various embodiments of the disclosure and the terms used herein are not intended to limit the technological features set forth herein to particular embodiments and include various changes, equivalents, or replacements for a corresponding embodiment. A singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of the things, unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise. As used herein, each of such phrases as "A or B," "at least one of A and B," "at least one of A or B," "A, B, or C," "at least one of A, B, and C," and "at least one of A, B, or C" may include any one of, or all possible combinations of the items enumerated together in a corresponding one of the phrases. If an element (e.g., a first element) is referred to, with or without the term "operatively" or "communicatively," as "coupled with," "coupled to," "connected with," or "connected to" another element (e.g., a second element), it means that the element may be coupled with the other element directly (e.g., wiredly), wirelessly, or via a third element.

The term "module" may include a unit implemented in hardware, software, or firmware, and may interchangeably be used with other terms, for example, "logic," "logic block," "part," or "circuitry. " A module may be a single integral component, or a minimum unit or part thereof, adapted to perform one or more functions.

Various embodiments as set forth herein may be implemented as software (e.g., the program <NUM>) including one or more instructions that are stored in a storage medium (e.g., the internal memory <NUM> or external memory <NUM>) that is readable by a machine (e.g., the electronic device <NUM>).

A method according to an embodiment of the disclosure may be included and provided in a computer program product.

Each component (e.g., a module or a program) of the above-described components may include a single entity or multiple entities. One or more of the above-described components may be omitted, or one or more other components may be added. In such a case, the integrated component may perform one or more functions of each of the plurality of components in the same or similar manner as they are performed by a corresponding one of the plurality of components before the integration. Operations performed by the module, the program, or another component may be carried out sequentially, in parallel, repeatedly, or heuristically, or one or more of the operations may be executed in a different order or omitted, or one or more other operations may be added.

<FIG> is a block diagram illustrating an electronic device in a network environment including a plurality of cellular networks according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> of block diagram <NUM> may include a first communication processor <NUM>, second communication processor <NUM>, first RFIC <NUM>, second RFIC <NUM>, third RFIC <NUM>, fourth RFIC <NUM>, first radio frequency front end (RFFE) <NUM>, second RFFE <NUM>, first antenna module <NUM>, second antenna module <NUM>, and antenna <NUM>. The electronic device <NUM> may include the processor <NUM> and the memory <NUM>. A second network <NUM> may include a first cellular network <NUM> and a second cellular network <NUM>. According to another embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may further include at least one of the components described with reference to <FIG>, and the second network <NUM> may further include at least one other network. According to one embodiment, the first communication processor <NUM>, second communication processor <NUM>, first RFIC <NUM>, second RFIC <NUM>, fourth RFIC <NUM>, first RFFE <NUM>, and second RFFE <NUM> may form at least part of the wireless communication module <NUM>. According to another embodiment, the fourth RFIC <NUM> may be omitted or included as part of the third RFIC <NUM>.

The first communication processor <NUM> may establish a communication channel of a band to be used for wireless communication with the first cellular network <NUM> and support legacy network communication through the established communication channel. According to various embodiments, the first cellular network may be a legacy network including a second generation (<NUM>), <NUM>, <NUM>, or long-term evolution (LTE) network. The second communication processor <NUM> may establish a communication channel corresponding to a designated band (e.g., about <NUM> to about <NUM>) of bands to be used for wireless communication with the second cellular network <NUM>, and support <NUM> network communication through the established communication channel. According to various embodiments, the second cellular network <NUM> may be a <NUM> network defined in 3GPP. Additionally, according to an embodiment, the first communication processor <NUM> or the second communication processor <NUM> may establish a communication channel corresponding to another designated band (e.g., about <NUM> or less) of bands to be used for wireless communication with the second cellular network <NUM> and support <NUM> network communication through the established communication channel. According to one embodiment, the first communication processor <NUM> and the second communication processor <NUM> may be implemented in a single chip or a single package. According to various embodiments, the first communication processor <NUM> or the second communication processor <NUM> may be formed in a single chip or a single package with the processor <NUM>, the auxiliary processor <NUM>, or the communication module <NUM>.

Upon transmission, the first RFIC <NUM> may convert a baseband signal generated by the first communication processor <NUM> to a radio frequency (RF) signal of about <NUM> to about <NUM> used in the first cellular network <NUM> (e.g., legacy network). Upon reception, an RF signal may be obtained from the first cellular network <NUM> (e.g., legacy network) through an antenna (e.g., the first antenna module <NUM>) and be preprocessed through an RFFE (e.g., the first RFFE <NUM>). The first RFIC <NUM> may convert the preprocessed RF signal to a baseband signal so as to be processed by the first communication processor <NUM>.

Upon transmission, the second RFIC <NUM> may convert a baseband signal generated by the first communication processor <NUM> or the second communication processor <NUM> to an RF signal (hereinafter, <NUM> Sub6 RF signal) of a Sub6 band (e.g., <NUM> or less) to be used in the second cellular network <NUM> (e.g., <NUM> network). Upon reception, a <NUM> Sub6 RF signal may be obtained from the second cellular network <NUM> (e.g., <NUM> network) through an antenna (e.g., the second antenna module <NUM>) and be pretreated through an RFFE (e.g., the second RFFE <NUM>). The second RFIC <NUM> may convert the preprocessed <NUM> Sub6 RF signal to a baseband signal so as to be processed by a corresponding communication processor of the first communication processor <NUM> or the second communication processor <NUM>.

The third RFIC <NUM> may convert a baseband signal generated by the second communication processor <NUM> to an RF signal (hereinafter, <NUM> Above6 RF signal) of a <NUM> Above6 band (e.g., about <NUM> to about <NUM>) to be used in the second cellular network <NUM> (e.g., <NUM> network). Upon reception, a <NUM> Above6 RF signal may be obtained from the second cellular network <NUM> (e.g., <NUM> network) through an antenna (e.g., the antenna <NUM>) and be preprocessed through a third RFFE <NUM>. The third RFIC <NUM> may convert the preprocessed <NUM> Above6 RF signal to a baseband signal so as to be processed by the second communication processor <NUM>. According to one embodiment, the third RFFE <NUM> may be formed as part of the third RFIC <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may include a fourth RFIC <NUM> separately from the third RFIC <NUM> or as at least part of the third RFIC <NUM>. In this case, the fourth RFIC <NUM> may convert a baseband signal generated by the second communication processor <NUM> to an RF signal (hereinafter, an intermediate frequency (IF) signal) of an intermediate frequency band (e.g., about <NUM> to about <NUM>) and transfer the IF signal to the third RFIC <NUM>. The third RFIC <NUM> may convert the IF signal to a <NUM> Above 6RF signal. Upon reception, the <NUM> Above 6RF signal may be received from the second cellular network <NUM> (e.g., a <NUM> network) through an antenna (e.g., the antenna <NUM>) and be converted to an IF signal by the third RFIC <NUM>. The fourth RFIC <NUM> may convert an IF signal to a baseband signal so as to be processed by the second communication processor <NUM>.

According to one embodiment, the first RFIC <NUM> and the second RFIC <NUM> may be implemented into at least part of a single package or a single chip. According to one embodiment, the first RFFE <NUM> and the second RFFE <NUM> may be implemented into at least part of a single package or a single chip. According to one embodiment, at least one of the first antenna module <NUM> or the second antenna module <NUM> may be omitted or may be combined with another antenna module to process RF signals of a corresponding plurality of bands.

According to one embodiment, the third RFIC <NUM> and the antenna <NUM> may be disposed at the same substrate to form a third antenna module <NUM>. For example, the wireless communication module <NUM> or the processor <NUM> may be disposed at a first substrate (e.g., main PCB). In this case, the third RFIC <NUM> is disposed in a partial area (e.g., lower surface) of the first substrate and a separate second substrate (e.g., sub PCB), and the antenna <NUM> is disposed in another partial area (e.g., upper surface) thereof; thus, the third antenna module <NUM> may be formed. By disposing the third RFIC <NUM> and the antenna <NUM> in the same substrate, a length of a transmission line therebetween can be reduced. This may reduce, for example, a loss (e.g., attenuation) of a signal of a high frequency band (e.g., about <NUM> to about <NUM>) to be used in <NUM> network communication by a transmission line. Therefore, the electronic device <NUM> may improve a quality or speed of communication with the second cellular network <NUM> (e.g., <NUM> network).

According to one embodiment, the antenna <NUM> may be formed in an antenna array including a plurality of antenna elements that may be used for beamforming. In this case, the third RFIC <NUM> may include a plurality of phase shifters <NUM> corresponding to a plurality of antenna elements, for example, as part of the third RFFE <NUM>. Upon transmission, each of the plurality of phase shifters <NUM> may convert a phase of a <NUM> Above6 RF signal to be transmitted to the outside (e.g., a base station of a <NUM> network) of the electronic device <NUM> through a corresponding antenna element. Upon reception, each of the plurality of phase shifters <NUM> may convert a phase of the <NUM> Above6 RF signal received from the outside to the same phase or substantially the same phase through a corresponding antenna element. This enables transmission or reception through beamforming between the electronic device <NUM> and the outside.

The second cellular network <NUM> (e.g., <NUM> network) may operate (e.g., stand-alone (SA)) independently of the first cellular network <NUM> (e.g., legacy network) or may be operated (e.g., non-stand alone (NSA)) in connection with the first cellular network <NUM>. For example, the <NUM> network may have only an access network (e.g., <NUM> radio access network (RAN) or a next generation (NG) RAN and have no core network (e.g., next generation core (NGC)). In this case, after accessing to the access network of the <NUM> network, the electronic device <NUM> may access to an external network (e.g., Internet) under the control of a core network (e.g., an evolved packed core (EPC)) of the legacy network. Protocol information (e.g., LTE protocol information) for communication with a legacy network or protocol information (e.g., new radio (NR) protocol information) for communication with a <NUM> network may be stored in the memory <NUM> to be accessed by other components (e.g., the processor <NUM>, the first communication processor <NUM>, or the second communication processor <NUM>).

<FIG> illustrates a perspective view showing a front surface of a mobile electronic device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

<FIG> illustrates a perspective view showing a rear surface of the mobile electronic device shown in <FIG> according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, a mobile electronic device <NUM> may include a housing <NUM> that includes a first surface (or front surface) 310A, a second surface (or rear surface) 310B, and a lateral surface 310C that surrounds a space between the first surface 310A and the second surface 310B. The housing <NUM> may refer to a structure that forms a part of the first surface 310A, the second surface 310B, and the lateral surface 310C. The first surface 310A may be formed of a front plate <NUM> (e.g., a glass plate or polymer plate coated with a variety of coating layers) at least a part of which is substantially transparent. The second surface 310B may be formed of a rear plate <NUM> which is substantially opaque. The rear plate <NUM> may be formed of, for example, coated or colored glass, ceramic, polymer, metal (e.g., aluminum, stainless steel (STS), or magnesium), or any combination thereof. The lateral surface 310C may be formed of a lateral bezel structure (or "lateral member") <NUM> which is combined with the front plate <NUM> and the rear plate <NUM> and includes a metal and/or polymer. The rear plate <NUM> and the lateral bezel structure <NUM> may be integrally formed and may be of the same material (e.g., a metallic material such as aluminum).

The front plate <NUM> may include two first regions 310D disposed at long edges thereof, respectively, and bent and extended seamlessly from the first surface 310A toward the rear plate <NUM>. Similarly, the rear plate <NUM> may include two second regions 310E disposed at long edges thereof, respectively, and bent and extended seamlessly from the second surface 310B toward the front plate <NUM>. The front plate <NUM> (or the rear plate <NUM>) may include only one of the first regions 310D (or of the second regions 310E). The first regions 310D or the second regions 310E may be omitted in part. When viewed from a lateral side of the mobile electronic device <NUM>, the lateral bezel structure <NUM> may have a first thickness (or width) on a lateral side where the first region 310D or the second region 310E is not included, and may have a second thickness, being less than the first thickness, on another lateral side where the first region 310D or the second region 310E is included.

The mobile electronic device <NUM> may include at least one of a display <NUM>, audio modules <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM>, sensor modules <NUM> and <NUM>, camera modules <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM>, a key input device <NUM>, a light emitting device, and connector holes <NUM> and <NUM>. The mobile electronic device <NUM> may omit at least one (e.g., the key input device <NUM> or the light emitting device) of the above components, or may further include other components.

The display <NUM> may be exposed through a substantial portion of the front plate <NUM>, for example. At least a part of the display <NUM> may be exposed through the front plate <NUM> that forms the first surface 310A and the first region 310D of the lateral surface 310C. Outlines (i.e., edges and corners) of the display <NUM> may have substantially the same form as those of the front plate <NUM>. The spacing between the outline of the display <NUM> and the outline of the front plate <NUM> may be substantially unchanged in order to enlarge the exposed area of the display <NUM>.

A recess or opening may be formed in a portion of a display area of the display <NUM> to accommodate at least one of the audio module <NUM>, the sensor module <NUM>, the camera module <NUM>, and the light emitting device. At least one of the audio module <NUM>, the sensor module <NUM>, the camera module <NUM>, a fingerprint sensor (not shown), and the light emitting element may be disposed on the back of the display area of the display <NUM>. The display <NUM> may be combined with, or adjacent to, a touch sensing circuit, a pressure sensor capable of measuring the touch strength (pressure), and/or a digitizer for detecting a stylus pen. At least a part of the sensor modules <NUM> and <NUM> and/or at least a part of the key input device <NUM> may be disposed in the first region 310D and/or the second region 310E. The audio modules <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> may correspond to a microphone hole <NUM> and speaker holes <NUM> and <NUM>, respectively. The microphone hole <NUM> may contain a microphone disposed therein for acquiring external sounds and, in a case, contain a plurality of microphones to sense a sound direction. The speaker holes <NUM> and <NUM> may be classified into an external speaker hole <NUM> and a call receiver hole <NUM>. The microphone hole <NUM> and the speaker holes <NUM> and <NUM> may be implemented as a single hole, or a speaker (e.g., a piezo speaker) may be provided without the speaker holes <NUM> and <NUM>.

The sensor modules <NUM> and <NUM> may generate electrical signals or data corresponding to an internal operating state of the mobile electronic device <NUM> or to an external environmental condition. The sensor modules <NUM> and <NUM> may include a first sensor module <NUM> (e.g., a proximity sensor) and/or a second sensor module (e.g., a fingerprint sensor) disposed on the first surface 310A of the housing <NUM>, and/or a third sensor module <NUM> (e.g., a heart rate monitor (HRM) sensor) and/or a fourth sensor module (e.g., a fingerprint sensor) disposed on the second surface 310B of the housing <NUM>. The fingerprint sensor may be disposed on the second surface 310B as well as the first surface 310A (e.g., the display <NUM>) of the housing <NUM>. The electronic device <NUM> may further include at least one of a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, an air pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a grip sensor, a color sensor, an infrared (IR) sensor, a biometric sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or an illuminance sensor.

The camera modules <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> may include a first camera device <NUM> disposed on the first surface 310A of the electronic device <NUM>, and a second camera module <NUM> and/or a flash <NUM> disposed on the second surface 310B. The camera module <NUM> or the camera module <NUM> may include one or more lenses, an image sensor, and/or an image signal processor. The flash <NUM> may include, for example, a light emitting diode or a xenon lamp. Two or more lenses (infrared cameras, wide angle and telephoto lenses) and image sensors may be disposed on one side of the electronic device <NUM>.

The key input device <NUM> may be disposed on the lateral surface 310C of the housing <NUM>. The mobile electronic device <NUM> may not include some or all of the key input device <NUM> described above, and the key input device <NUM> which is not included may be implemented in another form such as a soft key on the display <NUM>. The key input device <NUM> may include the sensor module disposed on the second surface 310B of the housing <NUM>.

The light emitting device may be disposed on the first surface 310A of the housing <NUM>. For example, the light emitting device may provide status information of the electronic device <NUM> in an optical form. The light emitting device may provide a light source associated with the operation of the camera module <NUM>. The light emitting device may include, for example, a light emitting diode (LED), an IR LED, or a xenon lamp.

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

Some modules <NUM> of camera modules <NUM> and <NUM>, some sensor modules <NUM> of sensor modules <NUM> and <NUM>, or an indicator may be arranged to be exposed through a display <NUM>. For example, the camera module <NUM>, the sensor module <NUM>, or the indicator may be arranged in the internal space of an electronic device <NUM> so as to be brought into contact with an external environment through an opening of the display <NUM>, which is perforated up to a front plate <NUM>. In another embodiment, some sensor modules <NUM> may be arranged to perform their functions without being visually exposed through the front plate <NUM> in the internal space of the electronic device. For example, in this case, an area of the display <NUM> facing the sensor module may not require a perforated opening.

<FIG> illustrates an exploded perspective view showing a mobile electronic device shown in <FIG> according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, the mobile electronic device <NUM> may include a lateral bezel structure <NUM>, a first support member <NUM> (e.g., a bracket), the front plate <NUM>, the display <NUM>, an electromagnetic induction panel (not shown), a printed circuit board (PCB) <NUM>, a battery <NUM>, a second support member <NUM> (e.g., a rear case), an antenna <NUM>, and a rear plate <NUM>. The mobile electronic device <NUM> may omit at least one (e.g., the first support member <NUM> or the second support member <NUM>) of the above components or may further include another component. Some components of the electronic device <NUM> may be the same as or similar to those of the mobile electronic device <NUM> shown in <FIG> or <FIG>, thus, descriptions thereof are omitted below.

The first support member <NUM> is disposed inside the mobile electronic device <NUM> and may be connected to, or integrated with, the lateral bezel structure <NUM>. The first support member <NUM> may be formed of, for example, a metallic material and/or a non-metal (e.g., polymer) material. The first support member <NUM> may be combined with the display <NUM> at one side thereof and also combined with the printed circuit board (PCB) <NUM> at the other side thereof. On the PCB <NUM>, a processor, a memory, and/or an interface may be mounted. The processor may include, for example, one or more of a central processing unit (CPU), an application processor (AP), a graphics processing unit (GPU), an image signal processor (ISP), a sensor hub processor, or a communications processor (CP).

The memory may include, for example, one or more of a volatile memory and a non-volatile memory.

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

The battery <NUM> is a device for supplying power to at least one component of the mobile electronic device <NUM>, and may include, for example, a non-rechargeable primary battery, a rechargeable secondary battery, or a fuel cell. At least a part of the battery <NUM> may be disposed on substantially the same plane as the PCB <NUM>. The battery <NUM> may be integrally disposed within the mobile electronic device <NUM>, and may be detachably disposed from the mobile electronic device <NUM>.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating a structure of, for example, a third antenna module described with reference to <FIG> according to an embodiment of the disclosure. Referring to <FIG>, view (a) is a perspective view illustrating the third antenna module <NUM> viewed from one side, and <FIG>, view (b) is a perspective view illustrating the third antenna module <NUM> viewed from the other side. <FIG>, view (c) is a cross-sectional view illustrating the third antenna module <NUM> taken along line X-X' of <FIG>.

With reference to <FIG>, in one embodiment, the third antenna module <NUM> may include a printed circuit board <NUM>, an antenna array <NUM>, an RFIC <NUM>, and a PMIC <NUM>. Alternatively, the third antenna module <NUM> may further include a shield member <NUM>. In other embodiments, at least one of the above-described components may be omitted or at least two of the components may be integrally formed.

The printed circuit board <NUM> may include a plurality of conductive layers and a plurality of non-conductive layers stacked alternately with the conductive layers. The printed circuit board <NUM> may provide electrical connections between the printed circuit board <NUM> and/or various electronic components disposed outside using wirings and conductive vias formed in the conductive layer.

The antenna array <NUM> (e.g., <NUM> of <FIG>) may include a plurality of antenna elements <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and/or <NUM> disposed to form a directional beam. As illustrated, the antenna elements <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and/or <NUM> may be formed at a first surface of the printed circuit board <NUM>. According to another embodiment, the antenna array <NUM> may be formed inside the printed circuit board <NUM>. According to the embodiment, the antenna array <NUM> may include the same or a different shape or kind of a plurality of antenna arrays (e.g., dipole antenna array and/or patch antenna array).

The RFIC <NUM> (e.g., the third RFIC <NUM> of <FIG>) may be disposed at another area (e.g., a second surface opposite to the first surface) of the printed circuit board <NUM> spaced apart from the antenna array. The RFIC <NUM> is configured to process signals of a selected frequency band transmitted/received through the antenna array <NUM>. According to one embodiment, upon transmission, the RFIC <NUM> may convert a baseband signal obtained from a communication processor (not shown) to an RF signal of a designated band. Upon reception, the RFIC <NUM> may convert an RF signal received through the antenna array <NUM> to a baseband signal and transfer the baseband signal to the communication processor.

According to another embodiment, upon transmission, the RFIC <NUM> may up-convert an IF signal (e.g., about <NUM> to about <NUM>) obtained from an intermediate frequency integrate circuit (IFIC) (e.g., <NUM> of <FIG>) to an RF signal of a selected band. Upon reception, the RFIC <NUM> may down-convert the RF signal obtained through the antenna array <NUM>, convert the RF signal to an IF signal, and transfer the IF signal to the IFIC.

The PMIC <NUM> may be disposed in another partial area (e.g., the second surface) of the printed circuit board <NUM> spaced apart from the antenna array <NUM>. The PMIC <NUM> may receive a voltage from a main PCB (not illustrated) to provide power necessary for various components (e.g., the RFIC <NUM>) on the antenna module.

The shielding member <NUM> may be disposed at a portion (e.g., the second surface) of the printed circuit board <NUM> so as to electromagnetically shield at least one of the RFIC <NUM> or the PMIC <NUM>. According to one embodiment, the shield member <NUM> may include a shield can.

Although not shown, in various embodiments, the third antenna module <NUM> may be electrically connected to another printed circuit board (e.g., main circuit board) through a module interface. The module interface may include a connecting member, for example, a coaxial cable connector, board to board connector, interposer, or flexible printed circuit board (FPCB). The RFIC <NUM> and/or the PMIC <NUM> of the antenna module may be electrically connected to the printed circuit board through the connection member.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view illustrating the third antenna module <NUM> taken along line Y-Y' of <FIG>, view (a) according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, the printed circuit board <NUM> of the illustrated embodiment may include an antenna layer <NUM> and a network layer <NUM>. The antenna layer <NUM> may include at least one dielectric layer <NUM>-<NUM>, and an antenna element <NUM> and/or a power feeding portion <NUM> formed on or inside an outer surface of a dielectric layer. The power feeding portion <NUM> may include a power feeding point <NUM> and/or a power feeding line <NUM>.

The network layer <NUM> may include at least one dielectric layer <NUM>-<NUM>, at least one ground layer <NUM>, at least one conductive via <NUM>, a transmission line <NUM>, and/or a power feeding line <NUM> formed on or inside an outer surface of the dielectric layer.

Further, in the illustrated embodiment, the RFIC <NUM> (e.g., the third RFIC <NUM> of <FIG>) of <FIG>, view (c) may be electrically connected to the network layer <NUM> through, for example, first and second solder bumps <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM>. In other embodiments, various connection structures (e.g., solder or ball grid array (BGA)) instead of the solder bumps may be used. The RFIC <NUM> may be electrically connected to the antenna element <NUM> through the first solder bump <NUM>-<NUM>, the transmission line <NUM>, and the power feeding portion <NUM>. The RFIC <NUM> may also be electrically connected to the ground layer <NUM> through the second solder bump <NUM>-<NUM> and the conductive via <NUM>. Although not illustrated, the RFIC <NUM> may also be electrically connected to the above-described module interface through the power feeding line <NUM>.

<FIG> is a perspective view of an antenna structure <NUM> according to various embodiments.

The antenna structure <NUM> of <FIG> may be at least partially similar to the third antenna module <NUM> of <FIG>, or may further include another embodiment of the antenna structure.

Referring to <FIG>, the antenna structure <NUM> may include a printed circuit board <NUM> and an array antenna AR1 disposed on the printed circuit board <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the array antenna AR1 may include a plurality of conductive patches <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> arranged at predetermined intervals on a substrate <NUM> (e.g., a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) and/or a printed circuit board (PCB)). According to an embodiment, the plurality of conductive patches <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may be formed on the substrate <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the substrate <NUM> may include a first surface <NUM> facing a first direction (① direction) and a second surface <NUM> facing in the opposite direction (② direction) to the first surface <NUM>. According to an embodiment, a wireless communication circuit <NUM> may be disposed on the second surface <NUM> of the substrate <NUM>. In another embodiment, the wireless communication circuit <NUM> may be electrically connected to the substrate <NUM> through a separate electrical connection member (e.g., a FPCB and/or FRC; and a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) type RF cable) in an internal space of an electronic device, the internal space being spaced apart from the substrate <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the plurality of conductive patches <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may be electrically connected to the wireless communication circuit <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the wireless communication circuit <NUM> may be configured to transmit and/or receive a radio frequency in a range of about <NUM> to <NUM> through the array antenna AR1.

According to various embodiments, the plurality of conductive patches <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may include a first conductive patch <NUM>, a second conductive patch <NUM>, a third conductive patch <NUM>, and a fourth conductive patch <NUM>, which are arranged at predetermined intervals on the first surface <NUM> of the substrate <NUM> or in a region adjacent to the first surface <NUM> in the substrate. The conductive patches <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may have substantially the same configuration. The antenna structure <NUM> according to an exemplary embodiment shows and describes the array antenna AR1 including four conductive patches <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>, but is not limited thereto. For example, the antenna structure <NUM> may include one, two, or five or more conductive patches as the array antenna AR1. In another embodiment, the antenna structure may be replaced by a plurality of conductive patterns (e.g., dipole antenna radiators) arranged on the substrate <NUM>, or may further include the plurality of conductive patterns. In this case, the conductive patterns may be arranged such that a beam pattern direction of the conductive patterns is formed in a direction (e.g., a vertical direction) different from a beam pattern direction of the conductive patches <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM>. Although not shown, the antenna structure <NUM> may further include a protective member (e.g., urethane resin), as a protective means disposed to surround the wireless communication circuit <NUM> on the second surface <NUM> of the substrate <NUM>, and/or a conductive coating material (e.g., an EMI coating material), as an EMI shielding means applied to the outer surface of the protective member to shield noise.

<FIG> is an exploded perspective view showing a state in which a support bracket <NUM> is applied to the antenna structure <NUM> according to various embodiments. <FIG> is an assembled perspective view showing a state in which the support bracket <NUM> is applied to the antenna structure <NUM> according to various embodiments.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>) may include a support bracket <NUM> made of a conductive material, as a support means which is at least partially fixed to the antenna structure <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the support bracket <NUM> may be fixed to at least a portion of a first support member (e.g., a support member <NUM> of <FIG>), and/or a conductive member (e.g., a conductive member <NUM> of <FIG>) of a housing (e.g., the housing <NUM> of <FIG>) in an internal space of the electronic device. According to an embodiment, the support bracket <NUM> may be physically in contact with the conductive member (e.g., the conductive member <NUM> of <FIG>) of a side member (e.g., a side member <NUM> of <FIG>), so as to help reinforce the rigidity of the antenna structure <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the support bracket <NUM> may be formed of a metal member, such as SUS, Cu, or Al, and thus may be used as a heat dissipation means for effectively transferring, to the outside, high-temperature heat emitted from the antenna structure <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the support bracket <NUM> may include a first support part <NUM> which at least partially faces the substrate <NUM> (e.g., faces the side of the substrate <NUM>), and a second support part <NUM> extending from the first support part <NUM> and bent to face another part of the substrate <NUM> (e.g., the second surface <NUM> of the substrate). According to an embodiment, the support bracket <NUM> may include one or more extension parts <NUM> and <NUM> extending from both ends of the first support part <NUM> to be fixed to at least a portion of the first support member (e.g., the support member <NUM> of <FIG>), and/or the conductive member (e.g., the conductive member <NUM> of <FIG>) of the side member (e.g., the side member <NUM> of <FIG>). According to an embodiment, the one or more extension parts <NUM> and <NUM> may be formed to extend in opposite directions of the support bracket <NUM>, respectively. In another embodiment, the one or more extension parts <NUM> and <NUM> may extend from the second support part <NUM>. Therefore, the antenna structure <NUM> may be supported by the first support part <NUM> and the second support part <NUM> of the support bracket <NUM>, and fixed to at least a portion of the first support member (e.g., the support member <NUM> of <FIG>), and/or the conductive member (e.g., the conductive member <NUM> of <FIG>) of the side member (e.g., the side member <NUM> of <FIG>), through the one or more extension parts <NUM> and <NUM>, by a fastening member such as a screw, as a fastening means.

<FIG> is a partial cross-sectional view of an electronic device <NUM>, taken along line A-A' of <FIG>, according to various embodiments.

Referring to <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> may include a housing <NUM> (e.g., a housing structure) including a front cover <NUM> (e.g., a first cover, a first plate, a front plate, or a transparent cover) facing a first direction (- z-axis direction), a rear cover <NUM> (e.g., a second cover, a second plate, or a rear plate) facing the opposite direction (z-axis direction) to the front cover <NUM>, and a side member <NUM> surrounding a space <NUM> between the front cover <NUM> and the rear cover <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the side member <NUM> may include a conductive member <NUM> (e.g., a metal member) which is at least partially disposed, and a non-conductive member <NUM> (e.g., a polymer) (e.g., a first non-conductive member) coupled to the conductive member <NUM>. In another embodiment, the non-conductive member <NUM> may be replaced by the space or another dielectric material. In an embodiment, the non-conductive member <NUM> may be insert-injected into the conductive member <NUM>. In another embodiment, the non-conductive member <NUM> may be structurally coupled to the conductive member <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the side member <NUM> may include a support member <NUM> (e.g., the first support member <NUM> of <FIG>) (e.g., a second non-conductive member) as a support means extending from the side member <NUM> up to at least a portion of the internal space <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the support member <NUM> may extend from the side member <NUM> to the internal space <NUM> or may be formed by a structural coupling with the side member <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the support member <NUM> may extend from the conductive member <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the support member <NUM> may support at least a portion of the antenna structure <NUM> disposed in the internal space <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the support member <NUM> may be disposed to support at least a portion of a display <NUM> which is a display means. According to an embodiment, the display <NUM> may be disposed to be visible from the outside through at least a portion of the front cover <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the display <NUM> may include a flexible display.

According to various embodiments, the antenna structure <NUM> may be disposed in a direction perpendicular to the front cover <NUM> in the internal space <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM> through the support bracket <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the antenna structure <NUM> may be mounted such that an array antenna AR1 including conductive patches (e.g., the conductive patches <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> of FIG. 5A) faces the side member <NUM>. For example, the antenna structure <NUM> may be disposed such that the first surface <NUM> of the substrate <NUM> faces the side member <NUM>, so that the array antenna AR1 may form a beam pattern in a direction (e.g., ① direction) that the side member <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM> faces. According to an embodiment, the array antenna AR1 may form a beam pattern in the direction (e.g., ① direction) that the side member <NUM> faces, through the non-conductive member <NUM> of the side member <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may include a device substrate <NUM> (e.g., the printed circuit board <NUM> of <FIG>) (e.g., a main substrate) disposed in the internal space <NUM>. According to an embodiment, although not shown, the antenna structure <NUM> may be electrically connected to the device substrate <NUM> through an electrical connector (e.g., an FPCB connector) as an electrical connection means.

<FIG> is a sectional view, taken along line B-B' of <FIG>, showing a partial configuration of an electronic device according to various embodiments.

In <FIG> illustrating a rear cover (e.g., the rear cover <NUM> of <FIG>) viewed from above, only the conductive member <NUM> is observed while the non-conductive member <NUM> is substantially hidden, although the non-conductive member is given a reference numeral for comparison between areas of the non-conductive member and the conductive member <NUM>. The non-conductive member <NUM> may be a non-conductive member made of a polymer, and may be coupled with the conductive member <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the side member <NUM> may include the non-conductive member <NUM> (e.g., a polymer) disposed in a region where a beam pattern formed from the antenna structure <NUM> is radiated. According to an embodiment, the non-conductive member <NUM> may be insert-injected into the surrounding conductive member <NUM>. According to an embodiment, a boundary region between the non-conductive member <NUM> and the conductive member <NUM> may be disposed near the antenna structure <NUM>. According to an embodiment, after the conductive member <NUM> and the non-conductive member <NUM> are coupled to each other, the boundary region may have a coupling structure in which the conductive member and the non-conductive member are not separated from each other by external impact. According to an embodiment, when the side member <NUM> is viewed from the outside, the boundary region may be disposed at least at a position not overlapping the antenna structure <NUM>. For example, the conductive member <NUM> may include a concave part <NUM> concavely formed in a direction away from the substrate <NUM> in the boundary region with the non-conductive member <NUM>, and including one or more stepped parts 3221a, 3221b, and 3221c. According to an embodiment, the non-conductive member <NUM> may be filled in the concave part <NUM> through insert injection, and thus formed as a part of the side member <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM>. In another embodiment, the substrate <NUM> may further have at least one other electrical element mounted thereon in addition to the array antenna AR1, and in this case, the length of the substrate <NUM> may become longer. For example, when at least one electrical element is further mounted on the substrate <NUM>, the concave part <NUM> formed by the one or more stepped parts 3221a, 3221b, and 3221c in the boundary region between the conductive member <NUM> and the non-conductive member <NUM> does not overlap the array antenna AR1, and may gradually get higher or lower as the concave part is further leftward or rightward from the array antenna AR1. In this case, when the side member is viewed from the outside, the concave part <NUM> does not overlap the array antenna AR1, but may at least partially overlap the substrate <NUM>. According to various embodiments, when the side member <NUM> is viewed from the outside, the concave part <NUM> may include a plurality of stepped parts 3221a, 3221b, and 3221c which are formed to gradually get higher or lower as the stepped parts are further from the substrate <NUM> in left-right directions of the antenna structure <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the plurality of stepped parts 3221a, 3221b, and 3221c may be formed to become higher along a direction toward the rear cover (e.g., the rear cover <NUM> of <FIG>). For example, the plurality of stepped parts 3221a, 3221b, and 3221c may include a first stepped part 3221a disposed closest to the substrate <NUM>, a second stepped part 3221b extending higher from the first stepped part 3221a, and a third stepped part 3221c extending higher from the second stepped part 3221b. According to an embodiment, the concave part <NUM> may be formed such that an angle θ formed by a first virtual line L1 connecting the first stepped part 3221a, the second stepped part 3221b, and the third stepped part 3221c, and a second virtual line L2 formed perpendicularly in an outward direction of the side member <NUM> from both ends (e.g., a shorter side <NUM>) of the substrate <NUM> has a range of about <NUM>° to <NUM>°. In another embodiment, four or more stepped parts may be formed. According to an embodiment, when the side member <NUM> is viewed from the outside, the antenna structure <NUM> may smoothly form a beam pattern through the concave part <NUM> including the plurality of stepped parts 3221a, 3221b, and 3221c extending in different heights from each other in a left-right direction of the substrate <NUM>. In addition, since the side member <NUM> has an extended contact area with the non-conductive member <NUM> through the plurality of stepped parts 3221a, 3221b, and 3221c, at the time of insert injection, the side member can induce an enhanced binding force, and thus can be assisted in reinforcing the rigidity.

<FIG> illustrates an arrangement relationship of an antenna structure <NUM> in an electronic device according to various embodiments.

An electronic device <NUM> of <FIG> may be at least partially similar to the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG> or the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>, or may further include other embodiments of the electronic device.

Referring to <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> (e.g., the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>) may include a side member <NUM> (e.g., the side member <NUM> of <FIG> ). According to an embodiment, the side member <NUM> may include a first side <NUM> having a first length, a second side <NUM> extending in a vertical direction from the first side <NUM> and having a second length shorter than the first length, a third side <NUM> extending parallel to the first side <NUM> from the second side <NUM> and having the first length, and a fourth side <NUM> extending from the third side <NUM>, having the second length, and connected to the first side.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device <NUM> may include a pair of antenna structures <NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM> arranged in an internal space thereof. According to an embodiment, each of the pair of antenna structures <NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM> may have substantially the same configuration as the antenna structure <NUM> of <FIG>. According to an embodiment, as shown in <FIG>, each of the pair of antenna structures <NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM> may have an arrangement structure which is substantially the same as an arrangement structure facing the non-conductive member <NUM> coupled to the concave part <NUM> formed in the conductive member <NUM>. According to an embodiment, when external impact is applied, the rigidity of the side member <NUM> may be weakened by a partial arrangement of the non-conductive member <NUM>, or permanent deformation (e.g., distortion) of the side member may occur. Accordingly, the pair of antenna structures <NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM> may have an arrangement structure to minimize deformation of the side member <NUM>. For example, one antenna structure <NUM> of the pair of antenna structures <NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM> may be disposed at a first point adjacent to the first side <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the other antenna structure <NUM>-<NUM> may be disposed at a second point of the third side <NUM> which is diagonally symmetrical to the first point. In another embodiment, the pair of antenna structures <NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM> may be disposed at points diagonally symmetrical to each other on the second side <NUM> and the fourth side <NUM> opposite thereto, respectively. In another embodiment, when the electronic device <NUM> includes two or more antenna structures, the antenna structures may be disposed at points of the first side <NUM>, the second side <NUM>, the third side <NUM>, and the fourth side <NUM>, the points being diagonally symmetrical to each other, respectively.

<FIG> and <FIG> illustrate a comparison between radiation areas of the antenna structure <NUM> before and after formation of the concave part <NUM>, according to various embodiments.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, it can be seen that a radiation area formed from the antenna structure <NUM> extends outwards from the antenna structure <NUM> more than in the case of <FIG> in which the concave part <NUM> does not exist, and the radiation area is further increased in the case of <FIG> including the concave part <NUM> for receiving the non-conductive member <NUM>, which may mean that the radiation performance of the antenna structure <NUM> is improved.

<FIG> is a partial perspective view of an electronic device showing a state in which the antenna structure <NUM> is disposed, according to various embodiments. <FIG> is a partial cross-sectional view of the electronic device <NUM>, taken along line C-C' of <FIG>, according to various embodiments.

In explaining <FIG> and <FIG>, the same reference numerals are assigned to the same components of the electronic device <NUM> including the above-described antenna structure <NUM> and side member <NUM>, and detailed description thereof may be omitted.

In <FIG> illustrating a rear cover (e.g., the rear cover <NUM> of <FIG>) viewed from above, only the conductive member <NUM> is observed while the non-conductive member <NUM> is substantially hidden, although the non-conductive member is given a reference numeral for comparison between areas of the non-conductive member and the conductive member <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the side member <NUM> may include the conductive member <NUM>, and a first non-conductive member <NUM> (e.g., an injection-molded material) (e.g., the non-conductive member <NUM> of <FIG>) coupled to the conductive member <NUM> and disposed in a region facing the substrate <NUM> of the antenna structure <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the side member <NUM> may include at least one through-hole <NUM> formed in at least a portion of a region facing the front cover <NUM> and disposed such that the first non-conductive member <NUM> extends. According to an embodiment, the first non-conductive member <NUM> may be disposed to be exposed to the outer surface of the side member <NUM> through the at least one through-hole <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the at least one through-hole <NUM> may be disposed to at least partially face a space between the display <NUM> and the conductive member <NUM>. Accordingly, a beam pattern generated from the antenna structure <NUM> may be radiated through the at least one through-hole <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the number of the at least one through-hole <NUM> may be determined through at least one conductive connection part <NUM> as a connection means connected to cross one through-hole <NUM>. For example, as shown, the at least one through-hole <NUM> may include two through-holes <NUM> when one conductive connection part <NUM> is formed. In another embodiment, the at least one through-hole <NUM> may include three through-holes <NUM> when two conductive connection parts <NUM> are spaced apart from each other at a predetermined interval. In an embodiment, one through-hole <NUM> may be formed without a conductive connection part <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, a total length M1 (e.g., a first injection region filling a through-hole) including a through-hole <NUM> may be formed to be shorter than a total length M2 of the first non-conductive member <NUM> including the concave part <NUM>. In another embodiment, the total length M1 (e.g., the first injection region filling the through-hole) of the through-hole <NUM> may be formed to be the same as or longer than the total length M2 of the first non-conductive member <NUM> including the concave part <NUM> according to a beam shape and/or a radial direction of a beam pattern through the through-hole.

According to various embodiments, the at least one through-hole <NUM> may include one or more flanges 3222a and 3222b as a support means at least partially extending from an edge of the through-hole <NUM> toward a central direction of the through-hole <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the one or more flanges 3222a and 3222b may be formed to have a thickness equal to or smaller than a thickness of the conductive member <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the one or more flanges 3222a and 3222b may extend from edges facing each other of the through-hole toward the center of the through-hole. The one or more flanges 3222a and 3222b may strengthen a coupling force of the first non-conductive member <NUM> which is insert-injected up to the through-hole <NUM>, and may help reinforce the rigidity of the side member <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the side member <NUM> may include a second non-conductive member <NUM> (e.g., the first support member <NUM> of <FIG>) extending from the conductive member <NUM> to the internal space <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the second non-conductive member <NUM> may be formed of a different material from the first non-conductive member <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the first non-conductive member <NUM> may be formed of a dielectric material having a low dielectric constant that can help improve radiation performance of the antenna structure <NUM>, and the second non-conductive member <NUM> may be formed of a reinforced synthetic resin material for reinforcing the rigidity. In another embodiment, the second non-conductive member <NUM> may be formed of the same material as that of the first non-conductive member <NUM>. In this case, the second non-conductive member <NUM> may be formed together when the first non-conductive member <NUM> is insert-injected into the conductive member <NUM>.

<FIG> is a partial cross-sectional view of the side member <NUM>, taken along line D-D' of <FIG>, according to various embodiments.

Referring to <FIG>, the side member <NUM> may include the first non-conductive member <NUM> which is insert-injected into the conductive member <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the conductive member <NUM> may include the concave part <NUM> including a plurality of stepped parts (e.g., the plurality of stepped parts 3221a, 3221b, and 3221c of <FIG>) having different heights in a boundary region with the first non-conductive member <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the conductive member <NUM> may have, as a recess structure recessed inward, at least one insertion groove <NUM> formed around the concave part <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the at least one insertion groove <NUM> may receive the first non-conductive member <NUM> to expand a contact surface, and thus help reinforce the rigidity of the side member <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates the side member <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM> showing a state in which a non-conductive member <NUM>-<NUM> or <NUM>-<NUM> is coupled to the conductive member <NUM>, according to various embodiments.

Referring to <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> may include the conductive member <NUM> and one or more non-conductive members <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM> insert-injected into or coupled to the conductive member <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the one or more non-conductive members <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM> may include a first non-conductive member <NUM>-<NUM> disposed around the antenna structure <NUM>, and a second non-conductive member <NUM>-<NUM> disposed in the other region. According to an embodiment, the first non-conductive member <NUM>-<NUM> and the second non-conductive member <NUM>-<NUM> may be formed of different materials or the same material. According to an embodiment, the one or more non-conductive members <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM> may be arranged to have different injection amounts for each region according to a radial direction of the antenna structure <NUM>. For example, as shown, when a beam pattern is formed in a direction in which a rear cover (e.g., the rear cover <NUM> of <FIG>) or the side member <NUM> faces, the antenna structure <NUM> may be disposed such that the injection amount of the rear or side surface is greater than the injection amount of other regions.

<FIG> illustrates a partial configuration of a side member having a plurality of through-holes formed therethrough, according to various embodiments.

Referring to <FIG>, the side member <NUM> may include at least one through-hole <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the number of the at least one through-hole <NUM> may be determined through at least one conductive connection part <NUM> crossing the through-hole <NUM>. For example, as shown, four through-holes <NUM> may be formed through three conductive connection parts 3223a, 3223b, and 3223c which are spaced apart from each other by a predetermined interval.

<FIG> is a graph showing a comparison of performance of an antenna structure according to the number of through-holes in a first frequency band and a second frequency band, according to various embodiments, and <FIG> is a graph showing a comparison of performance of an antenna structure according to the number of through-holes in a first frequency band and a second frequency band, according to various embodiments.

<FIG> is a graph showing a cumulative distribution function (CDF) characteristic of the antenna structure <NUM> according to the number of through-holes <NUM> in an n261 band (about a <NUM> band) which is a first frequency band, and <FIG> is a graph showing a CDF characteristic of the antenna structure <NUM> according to the number of through-holes <NUM> in an n260 band (about a <NUM> band), which is a second frequency band higher than the first frequency band.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG> and Table <NUM> below, it can be seen that, in a CDF <NUM> section (an S1 section and an S4 section), a CDF <NUM> section (an S2 section and an S5 section), and a CDF <NUM> section (an S3 section and an S6 section), in the case of having two through-holes <NUM> formed by one conductive connection part <NUM> (e.g., in the case of <FIG>) (hole+RIB1), a gain is improved more than in the case of having no through-hole (default) or in the case of having four through-holes <NUM> formed by three conductive connection parts 3223a, 3223b, and 3223c (hole+RIB3). This may mean that when a through-hole <NUM> is present, the smaller the number of through-holes, the better the performance of the antenna structure.

According to various embodiments, an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>) may include: a housing (e.g., the housing <NUM> of <FIG>) including a side member (e.g., the side member <NUM> of <FIG>) including a conductive member (e.g., the conductive member <NUM> of <FIG>) and a non-conductive member (e.g., the non-conductive member <NUM> of <FIG>) coupled with the conductive member; and at least one antenna structure (e.g., the antenna structure <NUM> of <FIG>) disposed in an internal space of the housing and including a substrate (e.g., the substrate <NUM> of <FIG>) and at least one antenna element (e.g., the array antenna AR1 of <FIG>), the substrate being disposed to face the side member, and the at least one antenna element being disposed on the substrate and including a beam pattern formed through the non-conductive member in a direction in which the side member faces, wherein: when the side member is viewed from the outside, a boundary region between the conductive member and the non-conductive member is disposed in a region not overlapping the substrate; in the boundary region, the conductive member includes at least one concave part (e.g., the concave part <NUM> of <FIG>) formed to at least partially receive the non-conductive member; and the at least one concave part includes two or more stepped parts (e.g., the stepped parts 3221a, 3221b, and 3221c of <FIG>) which gradually get higher or lower as the stepped parts are further leftward or rightward from the substrate, when the side member is viewed from the outside.

According to various embodiments, the housing may include a first cover (e.g., the front cover <NUM> of <FIG>), a second cover (e.g., the rear cover <NUM> of <FIG>) facing in a direction opposite to the first cover, and the side member surrounding the internal space (e.g., the internal space <NUM> of <FIG>) between the first cover and the second cover, and when the side member is viewed from the outside, the two or more stepped parts may be formed to gradually get higher as the stepped parts are further leftward or rightward from the substrate and become closer to the second cover.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device may include a wireless communication circuit (e.g., the wireless communication circuit <NUM> of <FIG>) disposed in the internal space and configured to transmit and/or receive a wireless signal in a range of about <NUM> to <NUM> through the at least one antenna element.

According to various embodiments, the wireless communication circuit may be mounted on the substrate.

According to various embodiments, the at least one concave part may be formed such that an angle formed by a first virtual line (e.g., the first virtual line L1 of <FIG>) formed by the two or more stepped parts, and a second virtual line (e.g., the second virtual line L2 of <FIG>) formed perpendicularly in an outward direction of the side member from an end of the substrate has a range of about <NUM>° to <NUM>°.

According to various embodiments, the side member may further include at least one through-hole (e.g., the through-hole <NUM> of <FIG>) through which the non-conductive member is disposed to extend.

According to various embodiments, the non-conductive member may be exposed to the outer surface of the side member through the at least one through-hole.

According to various embodiments, a total length of the at least one through-hole (e.g., the total length M1 of the through-hole in <FIG>) may be formed to be shorter than, equal to, or longer than a total length of the non-conductive member (e.g., the total length M2 of the non-conductive member in <FIG>).

According to various embodiments, at least a portion of the beam pattern may be formed through the at least one through-hole.

According to various embodiments, the number of the at least one through-hole may be determined through at least one conductive connection part (e.g., the conductive connection part <NUM> of <FIG>) connected to cross the through-hole.

According to various embodiments, the at least one conductive connection part may integrally extend from the conductive member.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device may include at least one flange (e.g., the flange 3222a of <FIG>) which at least partially extends from an edge of the at least one through-hole in a central direction of the through-hole.

According to various embodiments, the at least one flange may be formed to have a thickness equal to or smaller than a thickness of the conductive member.

According to various embodiments, the at least one through-hole may be disposed at a position facing the substrate.

According to various embodiments, the at least one through-hole may be formed to have a length equal to or longer than that of the substrate.

According to various embodiments, the side member may include another non-conductive member (e.g., the second non-conductive member <NUM> of <FIG>) which at least partially extends into the internal space.

According to various embodiments, the another non-conductive member may be formed of the same material as or a different material from the non-conductive member.

According to various embodiments, the non-conductive member may be formed of a polymer having a lower dielectric constant than that of the another non-conductive member.

According to various embodiments, the side member (e.g., the side member <NUM> of <FIG>) may include a first side (e.g., the first side <NUM> of <FIG>) having a first length, a second side (e.g., the second side <NUM> of <FIG>) extending in a vertical direction from the first side and having a second length shorter than the first length, a third side (e.g., the third side <NUM> of <FIG>) extending parallel to the first side from the second side and having the first length, and a fourth side (e.g., the fourth side <NUM> of <FIG>) extending from the third side, having the second length, and connected to the first side, and the at least one antenna structure may include a first antenna structure (e.g., the first antenna structure <NUM> of <FIG>) disposed at a first point adjacent to the first side, and a second antenna structure (e.g., the second antenna structure <NUM>-<NUM> of <FIG>) disposed at a second point adjacent to the third side and diagonally symmetrical to the first point.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device may further include a display (e.g., the display <NUM> of <FIG>) disposed to be at least partially visible from the outside through the first cover in the internal space.

The scope of protection is defined by the appended independent claims. Further features are specified by the appended dependent claims.

Claim 1:
An electronic device (<NUM>) comprising:
a housing (<NUM>) comprising a side member (<NUM>) comprising a conductive member (<NUM>) and a non-conductive member (<NUM>) coupled with the conductive member (<NUM>); and
at least one antenna structure (<NUM>) disposed in an internal space (<NUM>) of the housing (<NUM>) and comprising a substrate (<NUM>) and at least one antenna element (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>), the substrate (<NUM>) being disposed to face the side member (<NUM>), and the at least one antenna element being disposed on the substrate (<NUM>) and including a beam pattern formed through the non-conductive member (<NUM>) in a direction in which the side member (<NUM>) faces,
characterised in that,
when the side member (<NUM>) is viewed from the outside, a boundary region between the conductive member (<NUM>) and the non-conductive member (<NUM>) is disposed in a region not overlapping the substrate (<NUM>),
wherein, in the boundary region, the conductive member (<NUM>) comprises at least one concave part (<NUM>) concavely formed in a direction away from the substrate (<NUM>) and formed to at least partially receive the non-conductive member (<NUM>), and
wherein the at least one concave part (<NUM>) comprises two or more stepped parts (3221a, 3221b, 3221c) which gradually get higher or lower as the stepped parts are further leftward or rightward from the substrate (<NUM>), when the side member (<NUM>) is viewed from the outside.