Patent Description:
Advances in mobile technology are leading to increased demand for more compact and lightweight portable terminals, e.g., smartphones, with maximized user portability and convenience along with the integration of parts in a smaller space for higher performance.

As electronic components used in electronic devices provide higher performance and capability, they often radiate more heat, influencing nearby components and deteriorating the overall performance.

For example, an electronic device may have a main circuit board that is elongated in the lengthwise direction of the electronic device, e.g., in the shape of the letter "I. " At least a portion of the battery positioned adjacent to the main circuit board may be flush with the main circuit board. When at least a portion of the battery is flush with the I-shaped main circuit board, an increase in the size of the main circuit board may impose limitations the available space for placing the battery. The I-shaped main circuit board, as viewed from above the electronic device, may be sized to correspond to the mounting area of electronic components. Thus, placing a larger-capacity battery compromises the miniaturization of the mounting area of electronic components of the electronic device.

To put a larger battery in an electronic device, a half printed circuit board (PCB), i.e., a PCB that takes up about a half of the overall size of the display, may be used.

To avoid a substantial reduction in the mounting space for electronic components, a stacked PCB structure may be used in order to secure an extra mounting area for the electronic components. If an electronic device utilizes a half PCB and a stacked PCB, major heating components (e.g., an application processor (AP) or a 5th generation (<NUM>) modem) of the electronic device may be disposed close to each other on the main circuit board. Consequently, the heat generated while the electronic device operates may be concentrated at one portion (e.g., the top) of the electronic device, which may cause performance deterioration of the electronic device. Thus, heatsinking and cooling of the heating source may be needed.

Additionally, <NUM> antennas and radio frequency integrated circuits (RFICs) for <NUM> communication may be mounted in separate modules from the heating sources that are mounted on the main circuit board. Thus, they may need a separate cooler. <CIT> discloses, according to its abstract, an electronic device comprising: a housing including a first surface, a second surface facing the opposite direction of the first surface, and a cooling member disposed between the first surface and the second surface; a circuit board disposed inside the housing; at least one heating component mounted on the circuit board; a shield can surrounding a part of the at least one heating component; a conductive member contacting the first surface of the at least one heating component; a first heat conduction member for diffusing heat of the at least one heating component in a surface direction parallel to the first surface of the heating component; and a second heat conduction member contacting the first surface of the first heat conduction member, receiving heat from the first heat conduction member in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and transferring heat to the cooling member. <CIT> discloses, according to its abstract, a mobile terminal, the mobile terminal comprises: patch antennas forming an array; an integrated circuit (IC) controlling transmission and reception of radio signals of the patch antennas; and a case disposed to cover the IC, wherein the case includes a base forming an appearance, a heat dissipation sheet attached to an inner surface of the base to dissipate heat generated in the IC and having an opening corresponding to the patch antennas, and a dielectric disposed to cover the opening and formed of a dielectric material to allow radio signals from the patch antennas to be radiated to the outside of the case. <CIT> discloses, according to its abstract, an electronic device, the electronic device including a housing including a metal member, a battery pack disposed in the housing, a PCB disposed in parallel with the battery pack and including at least one heat source, and a heat dissipation plate which is disposed to overlap the battery pack and at least a part of the PCB and is made of a metal material. Heat generated in the heat source is dispersed to the battery pack through the heat dissipation plate. The electronic device has an efficient heat dissipation structure while contributing to rigidity reinforcement and slimness. And, the electronic device can prevent an electric shock accident due to the appearance of the metal member. <CIT> discloses, according to its abstract, a shielding unit for a wireless power transmission module and a wireless power transmission module having the same. The shielding unit for a wireless power transmission module according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a magnetic shielding sheet for shielding a magnetic field generated in a predetermined frequency band and focusing the magnetic field in a desired direction; and a magnetic body accommodating part formed through the magnetic shielding sheet to insert a magnetic body for inducing magnetic force lines generated from a permanent magnet. The magnetic body accommodating part is provided to have a relatively larger size than the magnetic body. The transmission efficiency of an antenna can be improved. <CIT> discloses, according to its abstract, an electronic device including a band formed from metal that combines with a bottom wall formed from a non-metal to form an enclosure that carries internal components. The electronic device may include a transparent cover and a display assembly partially covered by a border having a uniform dimension. The electronic device may include a vision system designed for facial recognition of a user of the electronic device. A bracket assembly may hold the vision system. The bracket assembly may not be affixed to the enclosure and may move relative to the enclosure. The electronic device may include a battery assembly having multiple battery components coupled together. The electronic device may further include a receiver coil for wireless charging of the battery assembly. The electronic device may include a circuit board assembly having stacked circuit boards. The electronic device may further include a dual camera assembly.

The disclosure is designed to address at least the problems and/or disadvantages described above and to provide at least the advantages described below.

The scope of the present invention is determined according to the independent claims. Further aspects of the present invention are outlined in the dependent claims.

The claims are supported by at least <FIG>.

As is apparent from the foregoing description, according to various embodiments, the use of the heat radiating member and the electronic device including the same may effectively transfer the heat generated from various electronic components of the electronic device to a relatively low-temperature part.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device may effectively discharge the heat generated from the antenna module (e.g., <NUM> antenna module) using the heat radiating sheet positioned adjacent to the antenna module and/or the heat transfer material. The heat radiating sheet includes a low-permittivity material, preventing an efficiency reduction in wireless communication signals.

The above and other aspects, features, and advantages of certain embodiments of the disclosure will be more apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:.

Various embodiments of the disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, specific details such as detailed configuration and components are merely provided to assist the overall understanding of these embodiments. Therefore, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications of the embodiments described herein can be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosure.

In addition, descriptions of well-known functions and constructions are omitted for clarity and conciseness.

<FIG> illustrates an electronic device <NUM> in a network environment <NUM> according to an embodiment.

The processor <NUM> may execute, e.g., software (e.g., a program <NUM>) to control at least one other component (e.g., a hardware or software component) of the electronic device <NUM> connected with the processor <NUM> and may process or compute various data. According to an embodiment, the processor <NUM> may include a main processor <NUM> (e.g., a central processing unit (CPU) or an AP), and an auxiliary processor <NUM> (e.g., a graphics processing unit (GPU), an image signal processor (ISP), a sensor hub processor, or a communication processor (CP)) that is operable independently from, or in conjunction with, the main processor <NUM>.

The auxiliary processor <NUM> may control at least some of functions or states related to at least one (e.g., the display device <NUM>, the sensor module <NUM>, or the communication module <NUM>) of the components of the electronic device <NUM>, instead of the main processor <NUM> while the main processor <NUM> is in an inactive (e.g., sleep) state or along with the main processor <NUM> while the main processor <NUM> is an active state (e.g., executing an application). According to an embodiment, the auxiliary processor <NUM> (e.g., an ISP or a CP) may be implemented as part of another component (e.g., the camera module <NUM> or the communication module <NUM>) functionally related to the auxiliary processor <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the audio module <NUM> may obtain a sound through the input device <NUM> or output a sound through the sound output device <NUM> or an external electronic device (e.g., an electronic device <NUM> (e.g., a speaker or a headphone) directly or wirelessly connected with the electronic device <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the camera module <NUM> may include one or more lenses, image sensors, ISPs, or flashes.

The communication module <NUM> may support establishing a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or wireless communication channel between the electronic device <NUM> and an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM>, the electronic device <NUM>, or the server <NUM>) and performing communication through the established communication channel. The communication module <NUM> may include one or more CPs that are operable independently from the processor <NUM> (e.g., the AP) and supports a direct (e.g., wired) communication or a wireless communication.

According to an embodiment, the antenna module may include one antenna including a radiator formed of a conductor or conductive pattern formed on a substrate (e.g., a PCB). In this case, at least one antenna appropriate for a communication scheme used in a communication network, such as the first network <NUM> or the second network <NUM>, may be selected from the plurality of antennas by, e.g., the communication module <NUM>. According to an embodiment, other parts (e.g., an RFIC) than the radiator may be further formed as part of the antenna module <NUM>.

The first and second external electronic devices <NUM> and <NUM> each may be a device of the same or a different type from the electronic device <NUM>.

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

Referring to <FIG>, an electronic device <NUM> includes a housing <NUM> with a first (or front) surface 210A, a second (or back) surface 210B, and a side surface 210C surrounding a space between the first surface 210A and the second surface 210B. Alternatively, the housing may denote a structure forming part of the first surface 210A, the second surface 210B, and the side surface 210C of <FIG>. At least part of the first surface 210A may have a substantially transparent front plate <NUM> (e.g., a glass plate or polymer plate including various coat layers). The second surface 210B may be formed of a substantially opaque back plate <NUM>. The back plate <NUM> may be formed of laminated or colored glass, ceramic, polymer, metal (e.g., aluminum, stainless steel (SUS), or magnesium), or a combination of at least two thereof. The side surface 210C may be formed by a side bezel structure (or a "side member") <NUM> that couples to the front plate <NUM> and the back plate <NUM> and includes a metal and/or polymer. The back plate <NUM> and the side bezel plate <NUM> may be integrally formed together and include the same material (e.g., a metal, such as aluminum).

The front plate <NUM> includes two first regions 110D, which seamlessly and bendingly extend from the first surface 210A to the back plate <NUM>, on both the long edges of the front plate <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG>, the back plate <NUM> includes two second regions 210E, which seamlessly and bendingly extend from the second surface 210B to the front plate <NUM>, on both the long edges. The front plate <NUM> (or the back plate <NUM>) may include only one of the first regions 210D (or the second regions 210E). Alternatively, the first regions 210D or the second regions 210E may partially be excluded. At side view of the electronic device <NUM>, the side bezel structure <NUM> may have a first thickness (or width) for sides that do not have the first regions 210D or the second regions 210E and a second thickness, which is smaller than the first thickness, for sides that have the first regions 210D or the second regions 210E.

The electronic device <NUM> includes a display <NUM>, audio modules <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>, sensor modules <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>, camera modules <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>, key input devices <NUM>, a light emitting device <NUM>, and connector holes <NUM> and <NUM>. Alternatively, the electronic device <NUM> may exclude at least one of the components (e.g., the key input device <NUM> or the light emitting device <NUM>) or may add other components.

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

Referring to <FIG>, an electronic device <NUM> includes a front plate <NUM>, a display <NUM>, a supporting member <NUM> (or a first supporting member) (e.g., a bracket), a PCB <NUM>, a battery (BAT), an antenna <NUM>, a second supporting member <NUM> (e.g., a clad metal (SUS/copper (Cu)/SUS layer) material), and a back plate <NUM>. Alternatively, the electronic device <NUM> may exclude at least one of the components or may add another component.

The supporting member <NUM> may be disposed inside the electronic device <NUM> to be connected with the side bezel structure <NUM> or integrated with the side bezel structure <NUM>. <FIG> illustrates an example in which the side bezel structure <NUM> is integrally formed with the supporting member <NUM>. The supporting member <NUM> may have a seating part <NUM> formed in a size corresponding to the display <NUM>. The display <NUM> may be coupled to one surface 230a of the supporting member <NUM>, and the PCB <NUM> may be coupled to the opposite surface 230b of the supporting member <NUM>. The supporting member <NUM> may include a rigid portion to support at least a portion of the PCB. The supporting member <NUM> may be formed of, e.g., a metal and/or non-metallic material (e.g., polymer).

The supporting member <NUM> may touch the back surface of the display <NUM> and support at least a portion of the display <NUM>. The supporting member <NUM> may support at least a portion of the PCB <NUM> on a different surface from the surface touching the display <NUM>.

Various electronic components, e.g., a processor, memory, and/or interface, may be mounted on the PCB <NUM>.

The processor may include one or more of, e.g., a central processing unit, an application processor(AP), a graphic processing device(GPU), an image signal processing(ISP), a sensor hub processor, or a communication processor(CP). The memory may include, e.g., a volatile or non-volatile memory. The interface may include a high definition multimedia interface (HDMI), a universal serial bus (USB) interface, a secure digital (SD) card interface, and/or an audio interface. The interface may electrically or physically connect the 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.

At least part of the front surface of the electronic device may have a substantially transparent front plate <NUM> (e.g., a glass plate or polymer plate including various coat layers). The back surface of the electronic device may be formed by the back plate <NUM> which is substantially opaque (e.g., laminated or colored glass, ceramic, polymer, metal (e.g., aluminum, SUS, or magnesium), or a combination of at least two thereof). The side surface of the electronic device may be formed by the side bezel structure <NUM> that couples to the front plate <NUM> and the back plate <NUM> and includes a metal and/or polymer.

The side bezel structure <NUM> may be integrated with the supporting member <NUM>. The back plate <NUM> and the side bezel plate <NUM> may be integrally formed together and include the same material (e.g., a metal, such as aluminum).

The display <NUM> may be exposed through a portion of the front plate <NUM>. The edge of the display <NUM> may be formed to be substantially the same in shape as an adjacent outer edge of the front plate <NUM>. The interval between the outer edge of the display <NUM> and the outer edge of the front plate <NUM> may remain substantially even to give a larger area of exposure the display <NUM>.

The electronic device <NUM> may include various elements for transferring the heat generated from the inside of the electronic device to a relatively low-temperature place. For example, the electronic device <NUM> may include at least one heat transfer member.

The electronic device may include a first heat transfer member <NUM>. At least a partial area of the first heat transfer member <NUM> may be disposed to face at least one electronic component among a plurality of electronic components mounted on the PCB <NUM>, and at least another partial area, which is bent, may be disposed to face another electronic component among the plurality of electronic components mounted on the PCB <NUM>. The first heat transfer member <NUM> may be shaped to cover at least a portion of the PCB <NUM>.

The electronic device may include a second heat transfer member <NUM> disposed to face at least one surface (e.g., 230b) of the supporting member <NUM>. The second heat transfer member <NUM> may be disposed between the supporting member <NUM> and the battery. At least a portion of the first heat transfer member <NUM> may be disposed in parallel with the second heat transfer member <NUM> along the lengthwise direction of the electronic device.

The housing may include a first area (e.g., S1 of <FIG>) that divides the space from an end of the supporting member <NUM> along the lengthwise direction. The PCB <NUM> is disposed in the first area. The housing may include a second area (e.g., S2 of <FIG>) that is positioned adjacent to the first area and divides the space in parallel with the first area. The battery for power supply is disposed in the second area. The housing may include a third area (e.g., S3 of <FIG>) that is positioned adjacent to the second area (e.g., S2 of <FIG>). An auxiliary PCB (e.g., a PCB on which an interface is formed) is formed in the third area.

The first heat transfer member <NUM> may be disposed in an area corresponding to at least a portion of the first area S1, and the second heat transfer member <NUM> may be disposed in an area S2 corresponding to at least a portion of the second area.

The electronic device may further include a third heat transfer member <NUM> that is disposed on a surface 230a opposite to the surface 230b of the supporting member <NUM> on which the second heat transfer member <NUM> is disposed. The third heat transfer member <NUM> may be disposed between the display <NUM> and the supporting member <NUM>. The third heat transfer member <NUM> may be disposed in an area corresponding to at least a portion of the first area and at least a portion of the second area.

The electronic device <NUM> may include at least one heat radiating sheet and/or at least one heat transfer material.

A heat radiating sheet <NUM> (or thin film or plate) formed of Cu or a high-thermal conductivity carbon-based material (e.g., carbon black, graphene, carbon nano tube, graphite, etc.) may be disposed on the back surface of the display <NUM>. The electronic device <NUM> may further include other heat radiating sheets and/or heat transfer materials.

The battery may supply power to at least one component of the electronic device <NUM>. The battery may include a primary cell, which is not rechargeable, a secondary cell, which is rechargeable, and/or a fuel cell. The battery may be received in the housing. At least a portion of the battery may be disposed on substantially the same plane as (e.g., flush with) the PCB <NUM>. The battery may be integrally formed inside the electronic device <NUM>. Alternatively, the battery may be detachably disposed in the electronic device <NUM>.

The antenna <NUM> may be disposed between the back plate <NUM> and the battery. The antenna <NUM> may include a near-field communication (NFC) antenna, a wireless charging antenna, and/or a magnetic secure transmission (MST) antenna. The antenna <NUM> may perform short-range communication with an external device or may wirelessly transmit or receive power for charging. An antenna structure may be formed by a portion or combination of the seating part <NUM> and/or the side bezel structure <NUM> constituting the supporting member <NUM>.

The electronic device <NUM> may include an antenna module <NUM>. For example, part of the antenna module <NUM> may be implemented to transmit or receive radio waves with different characteristics (referred to as radio waves of frequency bands A and B) to implement multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO). As another example, part of the antenna module <NUM> may be configured to simultaneously transmit or receive radio waves with the same characteristic (referred to as radio waves of frequencies A1 and A2 in frequency band A) to implement diversity. Another part of the antenna module <NUM> may be configured to simultaneously transmit or receive radio waves with the same characteristic (referred to as radio waves of frequencies B1 and B2 in frequency band B) to implement diversity. Two antenna modules may be included. Alternatively, the electronic device <NUM> may include four antenna modules to implement both MIMO and diversity. The electronic device <NUM> may include only one antenna module <NUM>.

Given the transmission and reception nature of radio waves, when one antenna module is disposed in a first position of the printed circuit board <NUM>, another antenna module may be disposed in a second position, which is separated from the first position, of the printed circuit board <NUM>. As another example, one antenna module and another antenna module may be disposed considering the distance therebetween depending on diversity characteristics.

The antenna module <NUM> may include a wireless communication circuit to process radio waves transmitted or received in a high frequency band (e.g., <NUM> or more and <NUM> or less). The conductive plate of the antenna module <NUM> may be formed of a dipole-structured conductive plate extending in one direction or a patch-type radiating conductor. A plurality of conductive plates may be arrayed to form an antenna array. A chip (e.g., an integrated circuit (IC) chip) in which part of the wireless communication circuit is implemented may be disposed on the opposite surface of the surface on which the conductive plate is disposed or on one side of the area where the conductive plate is disposed and may be electrically connected with the conductive plate via a line which is formed of a printed circuit pattern.

<FIG> illustrates an electronic device in a network environment including a plurality of cellular networks according to an embodiment.

Referring to <FIG>, an electronic device <NUM> includes a first CP <NUM>, a second CP <NUM>, a first RFIC <NUM>, a second RFIC <NUM>, a third RFIC <NUM>, a fourth RFIC <NUM>, a first radio frequency front end (RFFE) <NUM>, a second RFFE <NUM>, a first antenna module <NUM>, a second antenna module <NUM>, and an antenna <NUM>. The electronic device <NUM> further includes a processor <NUM> and a memory <NUM>. The second network <NUM> may include a first cellular network <NUM> and a second cellular network <NUM>. The electronic device <NUM> may also include at least one of the components of <FIG>, and the second network <NUM> may further include at least one other network. The first CP <NUM>, the second CP <NUM>, the first RFIC <NUM>, the second RFIC <NUM>, the fourth RFIC <NUM>, the first RFFE <NUM>, and the second RFFE <NUM> may form at least part of the wireless communication module <NUM>. The fourth RFIC <NUM> may be omitted or be included as part of the third RFIC <NUM>.

The first CP <NUM> may establish a communication channel of a band that is to be used for wireless communication with the first cellular network <NUM> or may support legacy network communication via the established communication channel. The first cellular network may be a legacy network that includes second generation (<NUM>), third generation (<NUM>), fourth generation (<NUM>), and/or long-term evolution (LTE) networks. The second CP <NUM> may establish a communication channel corresponding to a designated band (e.g., from about <NUM> to about <NUM>) among bands that are to be used for wireless communication with the second cellular network <NUM> or may support <NUM> network communication via the established communication channel. The second cellular network <NUM> may be a <NUM> network defined by the 3rd generation partnership project (3GPP). Additionally, the first CP <NUM> or the second CP <NUM> may establish a communication channel corresponding to another designated band (e.g., about <NUM> or less) among the bands that are to be used for wireless communication with the second cellular network <NUM> or may support <NUM> network communication via the established communication channel. The first CP <NUM> and the second CP <NUM> may be implemented in a single chip or a single package. The first CP <NUM> or the second CP <NUM>, along with the processor <NUM>, an assistance processor <NUM>, or communication module <NUM>, may be formed in a single chip or single package.

The first RFIC <NUM> may convert a baseband signal generated by the first CP <NUM> into a radio frequency (RF) signal with a frequency ranging from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, which is used by the first cellular network <NUM> (e.g., a legacy network). The RF signal may be obtained from the first cellular network <NUM> through the first antenna module <NUM> and may be pre-processed via the first RFFE <NUM>. The first RFIC <NUM> may convert the pre-processed RF signal into a baseband signal that may be processed by the first CP <NUM>.

The second RFIC <NUM> may convert the baseband signal generated by the first CP <NUM> or the second CP <NUM> into a Sub6-band (e.g., about <NUM> or less) RF signal (hereinafter, referred to as a "<NUM> Sub6 RF signal") that is used by the second cellular network <NUM>.

The <NUM> Sub6 RF signal may be obtained from the second cellular network <NUM> through the second antenna module <NUM> and may be pre-processed via the second RFFE <NUM>. The second RFIC <NUM> may convert the pre-processed <NUM> Sub6 RF signal into a baseband signal that may be processed by a corresponding processor of the first CP <NUM> and the second CP <NUM>.

The third RFIC <NUM> may convert the baseband signal generated by the second CP <NUM> into a <NUM> Above6 band (e.g., from about <NUM> to about <NUM>) RF signal (hereinafter, referred to as a "<NUM> Above6 RF signal") that is to be used by the second cellular network <NUM> (e.g., a <NUM> network). The <NUM> Above6 RF signal may be obtained from the second cellular network <NUM> through the antenna <NUM> and may be pre-processed via the third RFFE <NUM>. The third RFIC <NUM> may convert the pre-processed <NUM> Above6 RF signal into a baseband signal that may be processed by the second CP <NUM>. The third RFFE <NUM> may be formed as part of the third RFIC <NUM>.

The electronic device <NUM> may include the fourth RFIC <NUM> separately from, or as at least part of, the third RFIC <NUM>. In this case, the fourth RFIC <NUM> may convert the baseband signal generated by the second CP <NUM> into an intermediate frequency band (e.g., from about <NUM> to about <NUM>) RF signal (hereinafter, referred to as an "intermediate frequency (IF) signal") and transfer the IF signal to the third RFIC <NUM>. The third RFIC <NUM> may convert the IF signal into a <NUM> Above6 RF signal. The <NUM> Above6 RF signal may be received from the second cellular network <NUM> through the antenna <NUM> and may be converted into an IF signal by the third RFIC <NUM>. The fourth RFIC <NUM> may convert the IF signal into a baseband signal that may be processed by the second CP <NUM>.

The first RFIC <NUM> and the second RFIC <NUM> may be implemented as at least part of a single chip or single package. The first RFFE <NUM> and the second RFFE <NUM> may be implemented as at least part of a single chip or single package. At least one of the first antenna module <NUM> or the second antenna module <NUM> may be omitted or be combined with another antenna module to process multi-band RF signals.

The third RFIC <NUM> and the antenna <NUM> may be disposed on the same substrate to form the third antenna module <NUM>. For example, the wireless communication module <NUM> or the processor <NUM> may be disposed on a first substrate (e.g., a main PCB). The third RFIC <NUM> and the antenna <NUM>, respectively, may be disposed on one area (e.g., the bottom) and another (e.g., the top) of a second substrate (e.g., a sub PCB), which is provided separately from the first substrate, forming the third antenna module <NUM>.

Placing the third RFIC <NUM> and the antenna <NUM> on the same substrate may shorten the length of the transmission line therebetween, which may reduce a loss (e.g., attenuation) of high-frequency band (e.g., from about <NUM> to about <NUM>) signal used for <NUM> network communication due to the transmission line. Thus, the electronic device <NUM> may enhance the communication quality with the second cellular network <NUM>.

The antenna <NUM> may be formed as an antenna array that includes a plurality of antenna elements available for beamforming. The third RFIC <NUM> may include a plurality of phase shifters <NUM> corresponding to the plurality of antenna elements, as part of the third RFFE <NUM>. The plurality of phase shifters <NUM> may change the phase of the <NUM> Above6 RF signal that is to be transmitted to the outside (e.g., a <NUM> network base station) of the electronic device <NUM> via their corresponding antenna elements. The plurality of phase shifters <NUM> may change the phase of the <NUM> Above6 RF signal received from the outside to the same or substantially the same phase via their corresponding antenna elements in order to perform transmission or reception via beamforming between the electronic device <NUM> and the outside.

The second cellular network <NUM> may be operated independently (e.g., in standalone (SA)) from, or in connection (e.g., as non-standalone (NSA)) with the first cellular network <NUM> (e.g., a legacy network). For example, the <NUM> network may include access networks (e.g., <NUM> access networks (RANs)), but lack any core network (e.g., a next-generation core (NGC)). In this case, the electronic device <NUM>, after accessing a <NUM> network access network, may access an external network (e.g., the Internet) under the control of the core network (e.g., the evolved packet core (EPC)) of the legacy network. Protocol information (e.g., LTE protocol information) for communication with the legacy network or protocol information (e.g., New Radio (NR) protocol information) for communication with the <NUM> network may be stored in the memory <NUM> and be accessed by other components (e.g., the processor <NUM>, the first CP <NUM>, or the second CP <NUM>).

<FIG> illustrates an electronic device including an antenna module according to an embodiment.

<FIG> illustrates an electronic device including an antenna module, taken along line C-C' of <FIG> illustrates an electronic device including an antenna module, taken along line D-D' of <FIG>. <FIG> illustrates an electronic device including an antenna module, taken along line E-E' of <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, an electronic device <NUM> includes a housing <NUM> that includes a first plate <NUM> (e.g., the front plate <NUM> of <FIG>), a second plate <NUM> (e.g., the back plate <NUM> or rear glass of <FIG>) spaced apart from the first plate <NUM> and facing in the opposite direction, and a side surface member <NUM> surrounding a space between the first plate <NUM> and the second plate <NUM>.

The first plate <NUM> may include a transparent material including a glass plate. The second plate <NUM> may include a non-conductive and/or conductive material. The side surface member <NUM> may include a conductive material and/or a non-conductive material. At least a portion of the side surface member <NUM> may be integrally formed with the second plate <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG>, the side surface member <NUM> includes a first insulator to a third insulator <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>, and a first conductor to a third conductor <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>.

The electronic device <NUM> may include, in the space, a display disposed to be seen through the first plate <NUM>, a main PCB <NUM>, and/or a mid-plate. Optionally, the electronic device <NUM> may further include other various components.

The electronic device <NUM> includes, in the space and/or part (e.g., the side surface member <NUM>) of the housing <NUM>, a first legacy antenna <NUM>, a second legacy antenna <NUM>, and a third legacy antenna <NUM>. The first to third legacy antennas <NUM> to <NUM> may be used for, e.g., cellular communication (e.g., <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, or LTE), short-range communication (e.g., Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or NFC), and/or GNSS.

The electronic device <NUM> includes a first antenna assembly <NUM>, a second antenna assembly <NUM>, and a third antenna assembly to form directional beams. The antenna modules <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may be used for <NUM> network (e.g., the second cellular network <NUM> of <FIG>), mmWave communication, <NUM> communication, or WiGig communication. The antenna modules <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may be disposed in the space to be spaced a predetermined interval or more apart from the metal members (e.g., the housing <NUM>, the internal component <NUM>, and/or the first to third legacy antennas <NUM> to <NUM>).

The first antenna assembly <NUM> may be positioned at the left top (+X axis), the second antenna assembly <NUM> may be positioned at the middle top (-Y axis), and the third antenna assembly <NUM> may be positioned at the right middle (-X axis). The electronic device <NUM> may include additional antenna modules in additional positions (e.g., the middle bottom (Y axis)), or some of the first to third antenna modules <NUM> to <NUM> may be omitted. The first to third antenna modules <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may be electrically connected with at least one CP on the main PCB <NUM> using a conductive line <NUM> (e.g., a coaxial cable or flexible printed circuit board (FPCB)).

Referring to <FIG>, which is a cross-sectional view taken along line C-C' of <FIG>, the antenna array of the first antenna assembly <NUM> may be disposed so that a portion (e.g., a patch antenna array) of the antenna array of the first antenna assembly <NUM> may emit radiations towards the second plate <NUM>, and another portion (e.g., a dipole antenna array) thereof may emit radiations through the first insulator <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, which is a cross-sectional view taken along line D-D' of <FIG>, the antenna array of the second antenna assembly <NUM> may be disposed so that a portion (e.g., a patch antenna array) of the radiator of the second antenna assembly <NUM> may emit radiations towards the second plate <NUM>, and another portion (e.g., a dipole antenna array) thereof may emit radiations through the second insulator <NUM>.

The second antenna assembly <NUM> may include a plurality of PCBs. For example, a portion (e.g., a patch antenna array) and another portion (e.g., a dipole antenna array) of the antenna array may be positioned on different PCBs. The PCBs may be connected together via a FPCB. The FPCB may be disposed around an electric structure <NUM> (e.g., a receiver, speaker, sensor, camera, ear jack, or button).

Referring to <FIG>, which is a cross-sectional view taken along line E-E' of <FIG>, the third antenna assembly <NUM> may be disposed to face the side surface member <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. The antenna array of the third antenna assembly <NUM> may be disposed so that a portion (e.g., a dipole antenna array) of the antenna array of the third antenna assembly <NUM> may emit radiations towards the second plate <NUM>, and another portion (e.g., a patch antenna array) thereof may emit radiations through the third insulator <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a cross-sectional view of an electronic device according to an embodiment. <FIG> illustrates a cross-sectional view of an electronic device according to an embodiment. Specifically, <FIG> illustrates a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A' of <FIG>, and <FIG> illustrates a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B' of <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, an electronic device <NUM> includes a front plate <NUM>, a display <NUM>, a supporting member <NUM>, a first heat transfer member <NUM>, a PCB, a battery, and a back plate <NUM>. Alternatively, the electronic device <NUM> may exclude at least one of the components or may add another component. The electronic device <NUM> further includes a heat radiating sheet <NUM> on the back surface of the display <NUM> and a third heat transfer member <NUM> on the top surface of the supporting member <NUM>. The PCB may form a stacked PCB structure to secure a component mounting space corresponding to application of a half PCB. The PCB may include a first PCB 550a on which a plurality of electronic components are mounted and a second PCB 550b at least partially overlapping the first PCB 550a and electrically connected with the first PCB 550a.

The first PCB 550a and the second PCB 550b may be electrically connected with each other by a connecting member 550c and may be spaced a predetermined distance apart from each other along the height direction (e.g., the direction parallel with the +Z axis of <FIG>). The connecting member 550c may be disposed on the surface opposite to the surface at which the first heat transfer member <NUM> is formed with respect to the first PCB 550a. The connecting member 550c may include, e.g., an in-terposer, a board-to-board connector, or an FPCB. At least one or more connecting members 550c may be disposed to electrically connect the first PCB 550a and the second PCB 550b.

Various electronic components may be mounted on the first PCB 550a and/or the second PCB 550b.

Referring to <FIG> which is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A' of <FIG>, the stacked structure of the plurality of electronic components and the PCB may take up most of the space in the electronic device <NUM>.

For example, processors <NUM> and <NUM> may be mounted on the first PCB 550a. The processors <NUM> and <NUM> may include one or more of a CPU, an AP, a GPU, a ISP, or a baseband processor (or CP). The processors <NUM> and <NUM> may be implemented in a system-on-chip (SoC) or system-in-package (SiP). Various electronic components may be mounted on the first PCB 550a and/or the second PCB 550b. For example, a control circuit may also be configured in an IC chip and mounted on the PCB. The control circuit may be part of the processor or the communication module. Other various electronic components 553a may further be mounted on the first PCB 550a.

Some electronic component 553b among the electronic components mounted on the first PCB 550a and/or the second PCB 550b may be disposed in an area between the first PCB 550a and the second PCB 550b, and another 553c may be mounted on one surface or its opposite surface of the second PCB 550b. Thus, even when the electronic device <NUM> forms a half PCB structure, more space may be secured for placing the battery without a substantial reduction in the mounting space for electronic components. At least some of the electronic components may be surrounded by a shield can 554a and 554b, and a shielding structure may be formed on one surface of at least some of the electronic components to protect the electronic components from external electromagnetic influence.

At least one heat transfer member (e.g., <NUM>) may be provided inside the electronic device <NUM> to efficiently transfer the heat generated from the electronic components to a relatively low-temperature part.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM>, at cross-sectional view, includes an electronic component <NUM>, a shield can 554a and a shielding structure, a heat transfer member, a supporting member <NUM>, a heat radiating sheet <NUM>, a display <NUM>, and a front plate <NUM> which are sequentially arranged towards one surface, with a PCB (e.g., the first PCB 550a) used as a base. The electronic device <NUM> include a third heat transfer member <NUM> disposed between the supporting member <NUM> and the display <NUM> in addition to the first heat transfer member <NUM> disposed between the supporting member <NUM> and the PCB (e.g., the first PCB 550a), as heat transfer members. The electronic device <NUM>, at cross-sectional view, includes an electronic component 553c, a shield can 554b, an antenna <NUM>, a second supporting member <NUM>, and a back plate <NUM>, which are sequentially arranged towards the opposite surface, with a PCB (e.g., the second PCB 550b) used as a base.

The shielding structure includes a shielding member 555a, heat transfer materials 555b and 555d, and a metal plate 555c. The shielding structure may be disposed between the first heat transfer member <NUM> and the electronic component <NUM> to shield the electronic component <NUM> from the ambient electromagnetic waves and may be thermally coupled with the first heat transfer member <NUM>.

At least a partial area of the first heat transfer member <NUM> may be disposed to face at least one electronic component <NUM> among a plurality of electronic components mounted on the PCB <NUM>, and at least another partial area, which is bent may be disposed to face another electronic component <NUM> among the plurality of electronic components mounted on the PCB <NUM>.

The electronic device <NUM> further includes an antenna module <NUM>. Since the antenna module <NUM> is spaced apart from the heat transfer member and is vertically mounted on one side surface of the electronic device <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG>, a separate heat transfer component may be provided for the antenna module <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, which is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B' of <FIG>, the battery may occupy most of the space of the electronic device <NUM> in another cross section. Since no other component (e.g., a PCB) than the battery is included on one surface of the electronic device <NUM>, a larger-capacity battery may be advantageously placed.

Referring to <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> includes a second heat transfer member <NUM>. The second heat transfer member <NUM> may be disposed between the supporting member <NUM> and the battery.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM>, at cross-sectional view, includes a back plate <NUM>, and the electronic device <NUM> includes an antenna <NUM>, a heat radiating sheet <NUM>, a battery, a heat transfer member, a supporting member <NUM>, a heat radiating sheet <NUM>, a display <NUM>, and a front plate <NUM>, which are sequentially arranged from the back plate <NUM> to one surface. The electronic device <NUM> may include a third heat transfer member <NUM> disposed between the supporting member <NUM> and the display <NUM> in addition to the second heat transfer member <NUM> disposed between the supporting member <NUM> and the battery (BAT), as heat transfer members.

The electronic device <NUM> further includes an antenna module <NUM>. Since the antenna module <NUM> is spaced apart from the heat transfer member and is vertically mounted on one side surface of the electronic device <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG>, a separate heat transfer means may be provided for the antenna module <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a heat distribution and heat spread direction of components of an electronic device according to an embodiment.

Referring to <FIG>, for a half PCB structure or a stacked PCB structure in which high-performance electronic components, such as an AP, a memory, or a communication chip, are mounted, the heat generated from the electronic components when the electronic device operates may be concentrated at some area (e.g., a hot-spot area on one side of the PCB). For example, more heat may be generated at the processor and the antenna modem among other various electronic components mounted on the PCB in the electronic device.

Thus, it may be beneficial to effectively spread/dissipate the heat concentrated at the hot-spot area to a relatively low-temperature part (e.g., the battery mounted area of the electronic device).

Various heat transfer elements may be used to spread/dissipate the concentrated heat, e.g., a vapor chamber, a heat pipe, a shield can, a solid thermal sheet, or a liquid heat radiating paint. Heat transfer by various heat transfer elements may encompass heat conduction, heat spreading, heat diffusion, heat radiation, or other various types of moving thermal energy.

<FIG> illustrates a heat radiating sheet positioned on a back surface of a display according to an embodiment. More specifically, <FIG> illustrates a plan view of the electronic device <NUM>' with some components (e.g., the front plate and the display) excluded from the electronic device <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM>' includes a heat radiating sheet <NUM> disposed on the back surface of the display.

The heat radiating sheet <NUM> is a component for radiating the heat that may be generated when the display operates. The heat radiating sheet <NUM> may be attached to the back surface of the display via an attaching member.

The heat radiating sheet <NUM> may be formed of a composite sheet resulting from stacking two or more sheets 521a and 521b. At least a portion of the heat radiating sheet <NUM> may include a carbon-based material (e.g., carbon black, graphene, carbon nano tube, or graphite) with high thermal conductivity or thermal transfer efficiency. A through hole 521c may be formed in at least a portion of the composite sheet of the heat radiating sheet <NUM> so as to increase heat radiation efficiency.

For example, the heat radiating sheet <NUM> is formed of a composite sheet that is about <NUM>µm thick. At least a portion of the heat radiating sheet <NUM> includes graphite. As the heat radiating sheet <NUM> is included in the electronic device <NUM>', the temperature measured at the front part of the electronic device <NUM>' may be reduced by about <NUM> to <NUM> (as compared with when the heat radiating sheet <NUM> is not utilized.

<FIG> illustrates a third heat transfer member positioned on a top surface of a supporting member according to an embodiment. Specifically, <FIG> is a plan view of the electronic device <NUM>' with some components (e.g., the front plate and the display) excluded from the electronic device <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the third heat transfer member <NUM> is coupled to the top surface 530a of the supporting member <NUM> to transfer heat from one side (e.g., the top end) of the supporting member <NUM> to the other side (e.g., the bottom end) of the supporting member <NUM>, which is relatively low in temperature.

On the top surface of the supporting member <NUM>, at least a portion of the third heat transfer member <NUM> may be disposed in a position corresponding to the first area (S1 of <FIG>) of the housing, and at least another portion thereof may be disposed in a position corresponding to the second area (S2 of <FIG>) of the housing. If the third heat transfer member <NUM> is added, the third heat transfer member <NUM> may be extended in the lengthwise direction (e.g., y of <FIG>) of the electronic device to be seen from one cross section (e.g., <FIG>) of the electronic device <NUM> and another cross section (e.g., <FIG>) of the electronic device <NUM>.

The third heat transfer member <NUM> may come in various shapes. As illustrated in <FIG>, the third heat transfer member <NUM> may be shaped to cover the top surface of the supporting member <NUM> in the part except for the component mounting area <NUM> of the supporting member <NUM>. The shape of the third heat transfer member <NUM> is not limited thereto, and various shapes may be utilized.

The third heat transfer member <NUM> may include a carbon-based material (e.g., carbon black, graphene, carbon nano tube, or graphite) with high thermal conductivity or thermal transfer efficiency. As the electronic device <NUM>' includes the third heat transfer member <NUM>, which is about <NUM>µm thick and at least a portion of which contains graphite, the temperature measured at the front part may be decreased by about <NUM> to <NUM>, and the temperature at the back part of the electronic device <NUM> may be decreased by about <NUM> to <NUM> as compared with when the third heat transfer member <NUM> is not included.

<FIG> illustrates a supporting member according to an embodiment. Specifically, <FIG> illustrates a plan view of the electronic device <NUM>' with some components (e.g., the front plate, the display, and the third heat transfer member) excluded from the electronic device <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, a supporting member <NUM> may be formed of an integral heat conductive material. If the supporting member <NUM> includes a side bezel structure <NUM> and a seating part <NUM>, the seating part <NUM> may be formed of an integral heat conductive material.

In the supporting member <NUM>, the seating part <NUM>' may be formed of heat conductive members of different materials, as illustrated on the left-hand view of <FIG>.

A first seating part 532a may be formed of a member with a first thermal conductivity (e.g., a Cu plate), and a second seating part 532b may be formed of a member with a second thermal conductivity (e.g., SUS). If the seating part <NUM>' is formed of members with different thermal conductivities, heat may be blocked by the thermal barrier between the heterogeneous materials while moving from the higher-temperature to lower-temperature portion, which may hamper efficient heat dissipation.

Thus, the supporting member <NUM> is formed of an integral heat conductive material (e.g., a full aluminum (Al) alloy) with high heat transfer efficiency, preventing blockage of heat transfer by the thermal barrier between the heterogeneous materials. The use of the supporting member <NUM> formed of a full metal alloy (e.g., a full A1 alloy) may reduce the temperature measured at the front part of the electronic device <NUM> by about <NUM> to <NUM> and reduce the temperature at the back part of the electronic device <NUM> by about <NUM> to about <NUM> as compared with an electronic device with heat conductive members of heterogeneous materials (e.g., the one illustrated on the left-hand side of <FIG>).

<FIG> illustrates a second heat transfer member <NUM> positioned on a back surface of a supporting member (or on a top surface of a battery) according to an embodiment. Specifically, <FIG> illustrates a plan view of the electronic device <NUM>' with some components excluded from the electronic device <NUM>.

The second heat transfer member <NUM> may be a component that is coupled to the bottom surface of the supporting member <NUM> to transfer heat concentrated at one side (e.g., the top end) of the supporting member <NUM> to the other side (e.g., the bottom end) of the supporting member <NUM>, which is relatively low in temperature. Alternatively, the second heat transfer member <NUM> may be a structure coupled to the top surface of the battery. The second heat transfer member <NUM> may be disposed between the supporting member <NUM> and the battery, and the second heat transfer member <NUM> may transfer the heat generated from the PCB 550a to an end of the battery which is far away from the PCB 550a.

At least another portion of the second heat transfer member <NUM> may be disposed in a position corresponding to the second area (S2 of <FIG>) of the housing on the top surface of the battery or the back surface of the supporting member <NUM>.

The second heat transfer member <NUM> may come in various shapes. As illustrated in <FIG>, an opening may be formed in a portion of the surface that faces the battery. The second heat transfer member <NUM> may be shaped to be narrowed and elongated along the lengthwise direction while getting around the area (e.g., the battery attaching member applied area) where the battery is seated in the supporting member <NUM>. The second heat transfer member <NUM> may be shaped to be extended to pass the areas near the center and edge of the battery on the top surface of the battery. The shape of the second heat transfer member <NUM> is not limited thereto, and other various shapes may be utilized.

The second heat transfer member <NUM> may include a carbon-based material (e.g., carbon black, graphene, carbon nano tube, or graphite) with high thermal conductivity or thermal transfer efficiency. As the electronic device <NUM>' includes the second heat transfer member <NUM>, which is about <NUM>µm thick and at least a portion of which contains graphite, the temperature measured at the front part may be decreased by about <NUM> to <NUM> as compared with when the second heat transfer member <NUM> is not included.

<FIG> illustrates a first heat transfer member positioned on a top surface of at least one electronic component mounted on a PCB according to an embodiment. Specifically, <FIG> illustrates a plan view of the electronic device <NUM>' with some components excluded from the electronic device <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the first heat transfer member <NUM> may be formed to cover at least a portion of the top surface of the PCB 550a where heat is concentrated. The first heat transfer member <NUM> may be a component to quickly spread the heat generated from an electronic component mounted on the first PCB 550a and concentrated at a portion to a relatively low-temperature area.

At least a portion of the first heat transfer member <NUM> may be disposed in a position corresponding to the first area (S1 of <FIG>) of the housing on the top surface of the first PCB 550a.

The first heat transfer member <NUM> may come in various shapes. As illustrated in <FIG>, the first heat transfer member <NUM>, when viewed from above the top surface, may be overall L-shaped, but is not limited thereto. The shape of the first heat transfer member <NUM> may vary depending on the kind and arrangement of the electronic components on the PCB 550a.

The first heat transfer member <NUM> may include a vapor chamber. The vapor chamber may have at least a portion (e.g., the back surface of the first heat transfer member <NUM>) that faces one surface where heat is radiated from the electronic component mounted on the first PCB 550a. The first heat transfer member <NUM> may receive heat through the back surface. As the inside of the first heat transfer member <NUM> is a vacuum, the heat received from the electronic component may quickly be spread in the horizontal direction.

For example, the first heat transfer member <NUM> may be treated to be internally vacuum and may be a thermal conductor filled with an operation fluid. If heat is applied to any one portion of the first heat transfer member <NUM>, the liquid operation fluid may evaporate, causing a pressure difference. The pressure difference allows the gaseous operation fluid to move relatively fast to a relatively low-temperature area. This principle may be adopted for the first heat transfer member <NUM>.

The first heat transfer member <NUM> may be used together with at least one of the second heat transfer member <NUM> and/or the third heat transfer member <NUM>. Since the first heat transfer member <NUM> is disposed between the supporting member <NUM> and the first PCB 550a, and the second heat transfer member <NUM> and/or the third heat transfer member <NUM> cover up to the area where the first heat transfer member <NUM> is not disposed, the heat concentrated at one side (e.g., the top end) of the supporting member <NUM> may be transferred to the opposite side (e.g., the bottom end) of the supporting member <NUM>, which is relatively low in temperature. This leads to transfer of the heat generated from the PCB to the end of the battery, which is positioned far away from the PCB.

<FIG> illustrates a wireless charging antenna and a heat radiating sheet disposed between the wireless charging antenna and a battery according to an embodiment.

Referring to <FIG>, if the electronic device includes the wireless charging antenna <NUM>, the temperature around the wireless charging antenna <NUM> may soar when the battery is charged. The heat radiating sheet <NUM> may be disposed near the wireless charging antenna <NUM> to transfer the generated heat to a relatively low-temperature portion. The heat radiating sheet <NUM> may be disposed between the wireless charging antenna <NUM> and the battery.

The shape of the wireless charging antenna <NUM> may vary depending on the specifications of the antenna, relationship in arrangement with other components in the electronic device, and/or the shape of the shielding structure.

When the wireless charging antenna <NUM> is shaped as a flat plate, as illustrated in <FIG>, the heat radiating sheet <NUM> may be extended up to a portion, e.g., a segmented portion <NUM> or bend <NUM>, of the wireless charging antenna <NUM> that does not influence signal transmission/reception efficiency, thereby increasing the heat transfer efficiency.

<FIG> illustrates a second supporting member according to an embodiment. Specifically, <FIG> illustrates a rear view of the electronic device <NUM>' with some components excluded from the electronic device <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, a second supporting member <NUM> may be added adjacent to the back plate. The second supporting member <NUM> may at least partially include an injection-molded material. For example, a partially separated portion of the second supporting member <NUM> may be formed of an injection-molded material, and the other separated portion may be formed of a clad plate (or clad metal). As another example, the second supporting member <NUM> may be a single structure formed by double injection molding.

If it is hard to implement an injection-molded material in a lower part of the PCB (e.g., a lower part of the second PCB 550b) due to the PCB stack structure, the second supporting member <NUM> may include a clad plate in the lower part where it is difficult to implement an injection-molded material.

The overall second supporting member <NUM> may be formed of a clad plate. Typically, the back plate is substantially opaque and may include an injection-molded material or may partially include a heat radiating sheet such as SUS. As the heat radiating sheet is implemented as a clad plate, heat transfer efficiency may be enhanced. The clad plate may include a first material in the core and a second material in the upper and/or lower layer surrounding the core.

As Cu is used as the core of the clad plate, and SUS is used as the surrounding layer (e.g., a SUS/CU/SUS clad plate), thermal conductivity may be enhanced by a few more times (e.g., <NUM>. 04cal/sec for SUS, <NUM>. 35cal/sec for Clad) as compared with when the clad plate is not used.

If the second supporting member <NUM> is formed of the clad plate, the temperature measured at the back part of the electronic device may be reduced by about <NUM> to about <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates an arrangement of an electronic component, a shielding structure, and a first heat transfer member according to an embodiment.

Referring to <FIG>, various electronic components may be mounted on the first PCB 650a. The electronic components may have various shapes, sizes, and specifications depending on their functions. The electronic components may generate different amounts of heat as they perform various functions of the electronic device. Typically, more heat may be generated from an electronic component, e.g., a processor, for controlling and managing other electronic components. Processors may include a first processor <NUM> and a second processor <NUM>. The first processor <NUM> and the second processor <NUM> may have different levels. For example, the first processor <NUM> may be higher than the second processor <NUM>.

The first heat transfer member <NUM> may be formed to face the top surface of the first processor <NUM> and the second processor <NUM>.

The first heat transfer member <NUM> may connect to the first processor <NUM> and the second processor <NUM> indirectly via at least one shielding structure <NUM>, rather than directly touching the first processor <NUM> and the second processor <NUM>.

At least some <NUM> and <NUM> of electronic components mounted on the first PCB 650a may be surrounded by the shield can 654a, and a shielding structure may be provided on one surface of at least some electronic components among the electronic components to shield electromagnetic waves.

The shielding structure further includes a shielding member 655a electrically connected with the shield can 654a, a metal plate 655c electrically connected with the shielding member 655a, and a heat transfer material disposed on at least one surface of the metal plate 655c.

The shielding structure may include a shielding member 655a disposed to surround an outer surface of the shield can 654a and an opening formed in a surface corresponding to an electronic component of the shield can 654a and electrically connected with the shield can 654a, a metal plate 655c disposed over the shielding member 655a, with the opening covered, and electrically connected with the shielding member 655a, a first heat transfer material 655b disposed to touch the electronic component and the metal plate 655c in the opening, and a second heat transfer material 655d disposed between the metal plate 655c and the first heat transfer member <NUM> to touch the metal plate 655c and the first heat transfer member <NUM>.

The shielding member may include a shielding film and polyurethane (PU), at least a portion of which is surrounded by the shielding film. The shielding film may be a nano fiber-based conductive film. A shielding structure resulting from surrounding a PU foam with the nano fiber shielding film may be referred to as a nano foam. The first heat transfer material 655b and 655d may include a liquid or solid thermal interface material (TIM). The solid or liquid TIM may include, e.g., graphite, carbon nano tube (CNT), natural recyclable substance, silicone, silicon, or other high thermal conducting substance.

The heat generated from the electronic components <NUM> and <NUM> may be thermally coupled with the first heat transfer member <NUM> via at least a portion (e.g., 655b, 655c, and 655d) of the shielding structure.

The first heat transfer member <NUM> may be stepped corresponding to the step between the first processor <NUM> and the second processor <NUM>. However, the step formed in the first heat transfer member <NUM> need not be identical in height or level to the step between the first processor <NUM> and the second processor <NUM> but may vary depending on various combinations and shapes of the heat transfer materials. At least a partial area of the first heat transfer member <NUM> may be formed to face the first processor <NUM>, and at least another partial area of the first heat transfer member <NUM>, which is bent may be formed to face the second processor <NUM>.

The electronic device may further include an attaching member <NUM> between the shield can 654a and the shielding member and/or between the first heat transfer member <NUM> and the supporting member <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a perspective view of a first heat transfer member according to an embodiment. <FIG> illustrates a front view of a first heat transfer member according to an embodiment. <FIG> illustrates a side view of a first heat transfer member according to an embodiment.

Referring to <FIG>, the first heat transfer member <NUM> may be bent at least once so that the partial area is stepped from the other partial area.

The first heat transfer member <NUM> includes a first flat portion <NUM> and a second flat portion <NUM> extended from the first flat portion <NUM> and bent to be stepped from the first flat portion <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the bend <NUM> of the first heat transfer member <NUM> may have at least one shape of "┐ ", "L", or "Z". The first heat transfer member <NUM> may have other various bent shapes than those enumerated above.

Although <FIG> illustrate that the first heat transfer member <NUM> has two bends <NUM>, the disclosure is not limited thereto. The first heat transfer member <NUM> may include a single bend <NUM> or three or more bends <NUM>. The first heat transfer member <NUM> may further include other flat portions stepped from each of the first flat portion <NUM> and the second flat portion <NUM> than the first flat portion <NUM> and the second flat portion <NUM>.

The specific shape of the first heat transfer member <NUM> may vary depending on the kind and size of the electronic component disposed on the back surface 640b of the first heat transfer member <NUM> and the amount of heat generated from the electronic component.

<FIG> illustrates an antenna module and a low-permittivity heat radiating sheet according to an embodiment.

Referring to <FIG>, a battery and various electronic components may be placed in the internal space of the electronic device. Additionally, antenna modules <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> and heat radiating sheets <NUM> and <NUM> are positioned adjacent to each other in the internal space of the electronic device.

The antenna modules <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may include a PCB formed of a plurality of conductive layers, an RFIC disposed on one surface of the PCB, a PMIC, and an antenna radiator disposed on the opposite surface, or inside, of the PCB.

The antenna modules <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may form various directional beams. The first antenna module <NUM> and the second antenna module <NUM> may be arranged (vertically mounted) so that one surface of the antenna radiator faces a side surface of the electronic device in order to radiate electromagnetic waves to the side surface. The first antenna module <NUM> and the second antenna module <NUM> may be spaced apart from each other to radiate electromagnetic waves in different directions (e.g., in the vertical direction or the opposite direction). The third antenna module <NUM> may be disposed (horizontally mounted) so that one surface of the antenna radiator faces the back plate <NUM> in order to radiate electromagnetic waves to the back surface of the electronic device.

The heat radiating sheet <NUM> and <NUM> may be disposed between the first supporting member and the back plate <NUM>. The heat radiating sheet <NUM> and <NUM> may be attached onto the back plate <NUM>. The heat radiating sheets <NUM> and <NUM> may be arranged in positions corresponding to the antenna modules <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>. For example, at least a partial area of the first heat radiating sheet <NUM> may face the first antenna module <NUM> and the third antenna module <NUM> and at least a partial area of the second heat radiating sheet <NUM> may face the second antenna module <NUM>.

The first heat radiating sheet <NUM> may be disposed in a top end area of the back plate <NUM> and may cover one surface of the first antenna module <NUM> and the third antenna module <NUM>, which faces the back plate <NUM>. The first heat radiating sheet <NUM> may be formed to surround at least a portion of the surroundings of the opening <NUM> for exposing, e.g., a camera. As another example, the first heat radiating sheet <NUM> may be overall shaped as ' ┌' or '┐ ' which is partially bent.

The second heat radiating sheet <NUM> may be spaced apart from the first heat radiating sheet <NUM>. For example, the second heat radiating sheet <NUM> may be disposed in a bottom middle area of the back plate <NUM> and may cover the surface of the second antenna module <NUM> that faces the back plate <NUM>. As another example, the second heat radiating sheet <NUM> may extend from the area where the second antenna module <NUM> is disposed to the lower end of the back plate <NUM>. The second heat radiating sheet <NUM> may be overall shaped as '└' or '┘' which is partially bent.

Although two heat radiating sheets <NUM> and <NUM> are illustrated in <FIG>, the disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, three or more separated heat radiating sheets may be provided to cover three antenna modules.

The heat radiating sheets <NUM> and <NUM> may include a binder resin and a ceramic filler. The heat radiating sheets <NUM> and <NUM> may further include a high heat-radiating filler. The high heat-radiating filler may be coated with a low-permittivity insulating material.

The thickness of the heat radiating sheets <NUM> and <NUM> may range from <NUM>µm to <NUM>,<NUM>µm.

At least one heat radiating sheet may be spaced apart from at least one antenna module and attached to the housing.

<FIG> illustrates a mounting structure of a vertically-mounted antenna module according to an embodiment. <FIG> illustrates a vertically-mounted antenna module according to an embodiment. <FIG> illustrates a cross-sectional view of a mounting structure of a vertically-mounted antenna module according to an embodiment.

Referring to <FIG>, a first antenna module (e.g., antenna module <NUM> of <FIG>) and the second antenna module (e.g., antenna module <NUM> of <FIG>) may be vertically-mounted antenna modules.

The vertically-mounted antenna module includes a PCB 791b and a radiator 791a disposed to face the outside of the electronic device on the PCBPCB 791b.

An RFIC, a PMIC, a connector, and other various electronic components may be disposed on the PCB 791b of the vertically-mounted antenna module. The antenna radiator 791a may be disposed on one surface of the PCB 791b.

The antenna radiator 791a may be a plurality of conductive plates or an antenna array formed of radiating conductors, and the antenna which may have various structures may be at least one of, e.g., a patch-type antenna or a dipole-type antenna.

The RFIC may be electrically connected with the antenna radiator and may receive communication signals with a designated frequency through a wireless transceiver (e.g., an RF transceiver) or transmit received communication signals to the RF transceiver. For example, the RFIC may perform wireless communication using the plurality of conductive plates or radiating conductors under the control of the processor. The RFIC may receive control signals and power from a power management module and the processor to process communication signals received from the outside or communication signals to be sent to the outside. The RFIC may include a switch circuit to split transmit and receive signals or various amplifiers or filters to raise the quality of transmit or receive signals. As described above, the RFIC mounted on the board 791b of the vertically-mounted antenna module may be a heating source that generates heat while the electronic device operates. Although not separately described, the PMIC may also be a heating source that generates heat while the electronic device operates.

Referring to <FIG>, the vertically-mounted antenna module <NUM> may be spaced apart from the heat transfer members. Thus, a need exists for transferring, spreading, diffusing, or externally discharging the heat generated from modularized heating sources mounted in the electronic device, separately from the heat transfer members according to the above-described embodiments.

According to the embodiment illustrated in <FIG>, a heat radiating sheet may be placed adjacent to the vertically-mounted antenna module, reducing the heat concentrated around the antenna module. The first heat radiating sheet <NUM> may be spaced a designated distance apart from one surface of the first antenna module <NUM>, which faces the back plate <NUM>. The spacing may be filled with the air, thus allowing for even spreading to the first heat radiating sheet <NUM> of the heat generated from the hot-spot area.

Referring to <FIG>, the vertically-mounted antenna module <NUM> may be vertically mounted on the supporting member <NUM> using a frame 791c and may be screwed and fixed using holes positioned in both side surfaces of the frame 791c. If the frame 791c is thermally coupled with the supporting member <NUM>, the heat from the modularized heating sources may be transferred, spread, diffused, or externally discharged. A heat transfer material 791d (e.g., a TIM) may additionally be formed between the at least one antenna module and the frame 791c, thereby expanding the heat contact area.

Using the configuration of <FIG>, <FIG>, the temperature measured at the side of the electronic device may be reduced by about <NUM> to about <NUM>, and the temperature of the RFIC-mounted board may be decreased by about <NUM> to <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a PCB of a horizontally-mounted antenna module according to an embodiment.

Referring to <FIG>, at least one antenna module includes a PCB <NUM>', which is a stack of a plurality of layers 793a, 793b, and 793c facing the seating part of the supporting member, and a via hole 793d may be formed through at least a portion of the plurality of layers in at least a partial area of the PCB <NUM>'. An RFIC may be mounted on the PCB <NUM>' and heat from the PCB <NUM>' may be reduced via the via hole 793d.

The surface of the PCB <NUM>' that faces the back surface of the antenna module <NUM> may connect the metal layer of the PCB included in the antenna module <NUM> to the back surface of the module <NUM> while getting around the insulating layer of the PCB included in the antenna module <NUM>. Thus, heat dissipation may be achieved using the metal layer of the PCB.

By using the configuration of <FIG>, the temperature of the RFIC-mounted board in the electronic device may be decreased by about <NUM> to <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a vertically-mounted antenna module and a frame according to an embodiment.

Referring to <FIG>, a frame 792c of the vertically-mounted antenna module <NUM> may typically be formed of an injection-molded material. For example, the frame 792c may be formed by processing one side of the supporting member <NUM> (e.g., a bracket) during the course of manufacturing the housing of the electronic device. In a similar manner to increasing heat transfer efficiency by forming the supporting member <NUM> of an integral full metal alloy (e.g., a full A1 alloy) as described above in connection with <FIG>, the frame 792c of the vertically-mounted antenna module <NUM> may be formed of an integral material (e.g., a full A1 alloy) as is the supporting member <NUM>, thereby increasing the heat transfer efficiency around the antenna module.

By using the configuration of <FIG>, the temperature measured at the side of the electronic device may be reduced by about <NUM> to about <NUM>, and the temperature of the RFIC-mounted board may be decreased by about <NUM> to <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a heat analysis simulation of a heat transfer member and an electronic device including the heat transfer member according to an embodiment. Specifically, the upper portion of <FIG> illustrates a simulation result before a heat transfer member according to an embodiment is applied, and the lower portion of <FIG> illustrates a simulation result after a heat transfer member according to an embodiment is applied.

Referring to <FIG>, the use of the heat radiating member and the electronic device including the same may effectively transfer the heat generated from various electronic components of the electronic device to a relatively low-temperature part.

Further, the electronic device may effective discharge the heat generated from the antenna module (e.g., an RFIC or PMIC) using the heat radiating sheet positioned adjacent to the antenna module and/or the heat transfer material.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the electronic device is not limited to the above-listed embodiments.

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 all possible combinations of the items enumerated together in a corresponding one of the phrases.

A method according to various examples useful for understanding the disclosure may be included and provided in a computer program product. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a machine-readable storage medium (e.g., compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM)), or be distributed (e.g., downloaded or uploaded) online via an application store (e.g., Play StoreTM), or between two user devices (e.g., smart phones) directly.

According to various examples useful for understanding the disclosure, each component (e.g., a module or a program) of the above-described components may include a single entity or multiple entities. According to various examples, one or more of the above-described components may be omitted, or one or more other components may be added. In such a case, according to various examples, the integrated component may still 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. According to various examples, 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.

According to an example useful for understanding the disclosure, an electronic device includes a housing, a display mounted on at least one surface of the housing, a battery received in the housing, a supporting member touching a back surface of the display and supporting at least a portion of the display, a printed circuit board on which a plurality of electronic components are mounted, a shield can surrounding at least a portion of the electronic components, a shielding structure disposed on an outer surface of the shield can to shield the electronic components, and a first heat transfer member disposed on an outer surface of the shielding structure and having at least a partial area that faces at least one electronic component among the plurality of electronic components mounted on the printed circuit board and at least another partial area that is bent and faces another electronic component of the plurality of electronic components mounted on the printed circuit board.

The housing may include a first area dividing a space in the housing along a lengthwise direction from an end of the supporting member and having the printed circuit board disposed therein and a second area positioned adjacent to the first area, dividing the space in parallel with the first area, and having the battery for power supply disposed thereon.

The printed circuit board includes a first printed circuit board on which a plurality of electronic components are mounted and a second printed circuit board at least partially overlapping the first printed circuit board and electrically connected with the first printed circuit board.

The electronic device may further include a second heat transfer member disposed between the supporting member and the battery.

The electronic device may further include a third heat transfer member disposed on a surface opposite to one surface of the supporting member where the second heat transfer member is disposed. The third heat transfer member may be disposed between the display and the supporting member.

The supporting member may be formed of an integral heat conductive material.

The electronic device may further include a heat radiating sheet disposed on the back surface of the display.

The electronic device may further include a wireless charging antenna and a heat radiating sheet disposed between the wireless charging antenna and the battery.

The housing may include a front plate facing in a first direction and a back plate facing in a second direction opposite to the first direction, and a second supporting member may be included between the back plate and the printed circuit board. At least a portion of the second supporting member may include a clad plate.

The shielding structure may include a shielding member electrically connected with the shield can, a metal plate electrically connected with the shielding member, and a heat transfer material disposed on at least one surface of the metal plate. The shielding member may be formed by surrounding a PU foam with a nano fiber film.

The shielding structure includes a shielding member disposed to surround an outer surface of the shield can and an opening formed in a surface corresponding to an electronic component of the shield can and electrically connected with the shield can, a metal plate disposed over the shielding member, with the opening covered, and electrically connected with the shielding member, a first heat transfer material disposed to touch the electronic component and the metal plate in the opening, and a second heat transfer material disposed between the metal plate and the first heat transfer member to touch the metal plate and the first heat transfer member.

The electronic device may further include at least one antenna module disposed inside the housing.

There may be further included at least one heat radiating sheet spaced apart from the at least one antenna module and attached to the housing.

The at least one antenna module may include at least one antenna module vertically mounted on the supporting member via a frame, and a heat transfer material may be formed between the at least one antenna module and the frame.

The at least one antenna module may include a printed circuit board having a stack of a plurality of layers facing a seating part of the supporting member, and a via hole may be formed through at least a portion of the plurality of layers in at least an area of the printed circuit board.

According to an example useful for understanding the disclosure, an electronic device includes a housing including a front plate facing in a first direction, a back plate facing in a second direction opposite to the first direction, and a supporting member disposed between the front plate and the back plate to form a space, the housing including a first area dividing the space along a lengthwise direction from an end of the supporting member and a second area positioned adjacent to the first area and dividing the space in parallel with the first area, a printed circuit board on which a plurality of electronic components are mounted, the printed circuit board disposed in the first area, and the printed circuit board including a first printed circuit board on which a plurality of electronic components are mounted and a second printed circuit board at least partially overlapping the first printed circuit board and electrically connected with the first printed circuit board, a battery disposed in the second area, and a first heat transfer member having at least a partial area that faces at least one electronic component among the plurality of electronic components mounted on the first printed circuit board and at least another partial area that is bent and faces another electronic component among the plurality of electronic components mounted on the first printed circuit board.

The electronic device may further comprise a second heat transfer member disposed to face at least one surface of the supporting member and a third heat transfer member disposed to face an opposite surface of the supporting member. The first heat transfer member may be disposed in an area corresponding to at least a portion of the first area, the second heat transfer member may be disposed in an area corresponding to at least a portion of the second area, and the third heat transfer member may be disposed in an area corresponding to at least a portion of the first area and at least a portion of the second area.

The first heat transfer member may be disposed between the supporting member and the printed circuit board, and the first heat transfer member may have at least one bend portion to allow the at least the partial area to be stepped from the at least the other partial area.

The plurality of electronic components may include a first processor and a second processor different from the first processor.

The electronic device may further include an antenna module separately disposed from the printed circuit board and functionally connected with a communication circuit disposed on the printed circuit board.

Claim 1:
An electronic device (<NUM>), comprising:
a housing comprising a front plate (<NUM>) facing in a first direction and a back plate (<NUM>) facing in a second direction opposite to the first direction;
a display (<NUM>) mounted on at least one surface of the housing;
a battery;
a supporting member (<NUM>, <NUM>) disposed adjacent to a back surface of the display (<NUM>) and supporting the display (<NUM>);
a printed circuit board (550a, 550b) on which electronic components (<NUM>, <NUM>, 553a, 553b, 553c) are mounted;
a shield can (554a, 554b) surrounding at least a portion of the electronic (<NUM>, <NUM>, 553a, 553b, 553c) components; and
a shielding structure disposed on an outer surface of the shield can (554a, 554b) to shield the electronic components (<NUM>, <NUM>, 553a, 553b, 553c);
characterized in that:
a first heat transfer member (<NUM>) is disposed on an outer surface of the shielding structure and includes a partial area that faces at least one electronic component (<NUM>) among the electronic components (<NUM>, <NUM>, 553a, 553b, 553c) mounted on the printed circuit board (550a, 550b) and another partial area that is bent and faces another electronic component (<NUM>) among the electronic components (<NUM>, <NUM>, 553a, 553b, 553c) mounted on the printed circuit board (550a, 550b);
at least one antenna module (<NUM>, <NUM>) is vertically mounted on the supporting member (<NUM>, <NUM>) by a heat transfer metal frame (791c, 792c) such that a radiating surface of the at least one antenna module (<NUM>, <NUM>) faces a side surface of the electronic device; and
a first heat radiating sheet (<NUM>, <NUM>) is disposed on the back plate (<NUM>, <NUM>) of the housing to cover a surface of the at least one antenna module (<NUM>, <NUM>), and the heat transfer metal frame (791c, 792c) is disposed on the at least one antenna module (<NUM>, <NUM>).