Patent Description:
With the development of communication technologies, an electronic device equipped with an antenna is being widely supplied. The electronic device may transmit/receive a voice signal and a radio frequency (RF) signal including data (e.g., a message, a photo, a video, a music file, or a game), using the antenna. The electronic device may perform communication, using a high frequency (e.g., 5th generation (<NUM>) communication or millimeter wave). When high frequency communication is performed, an array antenna may be applied to overcome high transmission loss.

<CIT> discloses an antenna device in which a first ground conductor is disposed in or on a main substrate. In or on an antenna module, a first antenna and a second ground conductor operating as a ground electrode of the first antenna are disposed. A coaxial cable including a core wire and an outer conductor feeds power to the first antenna. The outer conductor is electrically connected to the first ground conductor at a first position, and is connected to the second ground conductor at a second position. A second antenna including a feed element and a parasitic element operates at a lower frequency than the operating frequency of the first antenna. The second ground conductor and a part of the outer conductor from the first position to the second position also serve as the parasitic element of the second antenna.

<CIT> discloses integrally packaging antennas with semiconductor IC (integrated circuit) chips to provide highly-integrated and high-performance radio/wireless communications systems for millimeter wave applications including, e.g., voice communication, data communication, and radar applications. For example, wireless communication modules are constructed with IC chips having receiver/transmitter/transceiver integrated circuits and planar antennas that are integrally constructed from BEOL (back end of line) metallization structures of the IC chip.

In the meantime, nowadays, an antenna module in which an antenna and a radio frequency integrated circuit are combined may be disposed in an electronic device.

The antenna module of the electronic device may be mounted on the injection-molding material made of a non-conductive material. The signal radiated by the antenna module may be radiated to the outside of the electronic device through at least part of the housing of the electronic device. At this time, a surface wave may be generated along the injection-molding material in the antenna module. When the signal is radiated from the injection-molding material by the surface wave, the signal radiated by the antenna module may be distorted.

Furthermore, in at least part of the housing of an electronic device, for example, the surface of the rear cover, some signals may be reflected into the electronic device, and thus the multiple reflection may occur. When the signal is reflected from the injection-molding material by the multiple reflection, the signal radiated by the antenna module may be distorted.

Accordingly, an aspect of the disclosure is to provide an electronic device that prevents the distortion of the signal radiated by the antenna module and increases the gain of the signal radiated to the outside of the electronic device, by forming a conductive pattern for preventing surface waves and the multiple reflection that occur upon mounting the antenna module.

In accordance with an aspect of the disclosure, there is provided an electronic device as defined in claim <NUM> of the appended claims.

Also disclosed, but not claimed, is an electronic device including a housing including a first plate, a second plate facing away from the first plate, and a side member surrounding a space between the first plate and the second plate, connected to the second plate or integrally formed with the second plate, and including a conductive material, an injection-molding material disposed in the space between the first plate and the second plate in the housing and formed of a non-conductive material, an antenna module including a plurality of conductive radiators and supported by the injection-molding material, and conductive patterns disposed on a first surface adjacent to the second plate of the injection-molding material or disposed inside the injection-molding material and disposed adjacent to at least part of an edge of the antenna module corresponding to a boundary between the antenna module and the injection-molding material when viewed from the second plate in a direction of the first plate. At least a partial conductive radiator of the plurality of conductive radiators may be disposed to transmit and/or receive a signal through the second plate. The plurality of conductive patterns may include at least one first conductive pattern configured to transmit or receive a signal of less than <NUM>. Each of the plurality of conductive patterns may be spaced from one another.

The following description with reference to accompanying drawings is provided to assist in a comprehensive understanding of various embodiments of the disclosure as defined by the claims. Accordingly, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that various changes and modifications of the various embodiments described herein can be made without departing from the scope of the appended claims.

<FIG> is a block diagram illustrating an electronic device <NUM> in a network environment <NUM>.

The electronic device <NUM> may communicate with the electronic device <NUM> via the server <NUM>. The electronic device <NUM> may include a processor <NUM>, memory <NUM>, an input device <NUM>, a sound 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>, or an antenna module <NUM>. At least one (e.g., the display device <NUM> or the camera module <NUM>) of the components may be omitted from the electronic device <NUM>, or one or more other components may be added in the electronic device <NUM>. Some of the components may be implemented as single integrated circuitry.

The receiver may be implemented as separate from, or as part of the speaker.

The connecting 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 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 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., 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>.

<FIG> is a block diagram <NUM> of an electronic device <NUM> for supporting legacy network communication and <NUM> network communication.

Referring to <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> may include a first communication processor <NUM>, a second communication processor <NUM>, a first radio frequency integrated circuit (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> may further include the processor <NUM> and the memory <NUM>. The network <NUM> may include a first network <NUM> and a second network <NUM>. The electronic device <NUM> may further include at least one component of the components illustrated in <FIG>, and the network <NUM> may further include at least another network. The first communication processor <NUM>, the second communication processor <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 included as the part of the third RFIC <NUM>.

The first communication processor <NUM> may establish a communication channel for a band to be used for wireless communication with the first network <NUM> and may support legacy network communication through the established communication channel. The first network may be a legacy network including a 2nd generation (<NUM>), 3rd generation (<NUM>), 4th generation (<NUM>), or long-term evolution (LTE) network. The second communication processor <NUM> may support the establishment of a communication channel corresponding to a specified band (e.g., about <NUM> ~ about <NUM>) among bands to be used for wireless communication with the second network <NUM> and <NUM> network communication via the established communication channel. The second network <NUM> may be a <NUM> network defined in 3rd generation partnership project (3GPP). Additionally, the first communication processor <NUM> or the second communication processor <NUM> may establish a communication channel corresponding to another specified band (e.g., approximately <NUM> or lower) of the bands to be used for wireless communication with the second network <NUM> and may support <NUM> network communication through the established communication channel. The first communication processor <NUM> and the second communication processor <NUM> may be implemented within a single chip or a single package. The first communication processor <NUM> or the second communication processor <NUM> may be implemented within a single chip or a single package together with the processor <NUM>, the auxiliary processor <NUM>, or the communication module <NUM>.

In the case of transmitting a signal, the first RFIC <NUM> may convert a baseband signal generated by the first communication processor <NUM> into a radio frequency (RF) signal of about <NUM> to about <NUM> that is used in the first network <NUM>. In the case of receiving a signal, an RF signal may be obtained from the first network <NUM> (e.g., a legacy network) through an antenna (e.g., the first antenna module <NUM>) and may be pre-processed 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>.

In the case of transmitting a signal, the second RFIC <NUM> may convert a baseband signal generated by the first communication processor <NUM> or the second communication processor <NUM> into an RF signal (hereinafter referred to as a "<NUM> Sub6 RF signal") in a Sub6 band (e.g., about <NUM> or lower) used in the second network <NUM> (e.g., a <NUM> network). In the case of receiving a signal, the <NUM> Sub6 RF signal may be obtained from the second network <NUM> (e.g., a <NUM> network) through an antenna (e.g., the second antenna module <NUM>) and may be pre-processed through an RFFE (e.g., the second RFFE <NUM>). The second RFIC <NUM> may convert the pre-processed <NUM> Sub6 RF signal into a baseband signal so as to be processed by a communication processor corresponding to the <NUM> Sub6 RF signal from among 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> into an RF signal (hereinafter referred to as a "<NUM> Above6 RF signal") in a <NUM> Above6 band (e.g., approximately <NUM> to approximately <NUM>) to be used in the second network <NUM> (e.g., a <NUM> network). In the case of receiving a signal, the <NUM> Above6 RF signal may be obtained from the second network <NUM> (e.g., a <NUM> network) through an antenna (e.g., the antenna <NUM>) and may be pre-processed through a third RFFE <NUM>. The third RFIC <NUM> may convert the preprocessed <NUM> Above <NUM> RF signal to a baseband signal so as to be processed by the second communication processor <NUM>. The third RFFE <NUM> may be formed as the part of the third RFIC <NUM>. The third RFFE <NUM> may include a phase shifter <NUM>.

The electronic device <NUM> may include the fourth RFIC <NUM> independent of the third RFIC <NUM> or as at least part thereof. In this case, the fourth RFIC <NUM> may convert a baseband signal generated by the second communication processor <NUM> into an RF signal (hereinafter referred to as an "IF signal") in an intermediate frequency band (e.g., ranging from about <NUM> to about <NUM>) and may provide the IF signal to the third RFIC <NUM>. The third RFIC <NUM> may convert the IF signal to the <NUM> Above6 RF signal. In the case of receiving a signal, the <NUM> Above6 RF signal may be received from the second network <NUM> (e.g., a <NUM> network) through an antenna (e.g., 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 to the baseband signal such that the second communication processor <NUM> is capable of processing the baseband signal.

The first RFIC <NUM> and the second RFIC <NUM> may be implemented with a part of a single chip or a single package. The first RFFE <NUM> and the second RFFE <NUM> may be implemented as at least part of a single chip or a single package. At least one antenna module of the first antenna module <NUM> or the second antenna module <NUM> may be omitted or may be coupled to another antenna module and then may process RF signals of a plurality of corresponding bands.

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). In this case, the third RFIC <NUM> may be disposed in a partial region (e.g., a bottom surface) of a second substrate (e.g., sub PCB) separately of the first substrate; the antenna <NUM> may be disposed in another partial region (e.g., an upper surface), and thus the third antenna module <NUM> may be formed. For example, the antenna <NUM> may include an antenna array capable of being used for beamforming. It is possible to reduce the length of the transmission line between the third RFIC <NUM> and the antenna <NUM> by positioning the third RFIC <NUM> and the antenna <NUM> on the same substrate. The decrease in the transmission line may make it possible to reduce the loss (or attenuation) of a signal in a high-frequency band (e.g., approximately <NUM> to approximately <NUM>) used for the <NUM> network communication due to the transmission line. As such, the electronic device <NUM> may improve the quality or speed of communication with the second network <NUM> (e.g., a <NUM> network).

The second network <NUM> (e.g., a <NUM> network) may be used independently of the first network <NUM> (e.g., a legacy network) (e.g., stand-alone (SA)) or may be used in conjunction with the first network <NUM> (e.g., non-stand alone (NSA)). For example, only an access network (e.g., a <NUM> radio access network (RAN) or a next generation RAN (NG RAN)) may be present in the <NUM> network, and a core network (e.g., a next generation core (NGC)) may be absent from the <NUM> network. In this case, the electronic device <NUM> may access the access network of the <NUM> network and may then access an external network (e.g., Internet) under control of the core network (e.g., an evolved packed 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> so as to be accessed by another component (e.g., the processor <NUM>, the first communication processor <NUM>, or the second communication processor <NUM>).

<FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG> illustrate various views (diagram <NUM>) of the third antenna module <NUM> described with reference to <FIG>, for example.

<FIG> is a perspective view of the third antenna module <NUM> when viewed from one side, and <FIG> is a perspective view of the third antenna module <NUM> when viewed from another side. <FIG> is a cross-sectional view of the third antenna module <NUM> taken along a line A-A'.

Referring to <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, the third antenna module <NUM> may include a printed circuit board <NUM>, an antenna array <NUM>, a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC) <NUM>, a power management integrated circuit (PMIC) <NUM>, and a module interface. Selectively, the third antenna module <NUM> may further include a shielding member <NUM>. At least one of the above 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, and the conductive layers and the non-conductive layers may be alternately stacked. The printed circuit board <NUM> may provide electrical connection with various electronic components disposed on the printed circuit board <NUM> or on the outside, by using wires and conductive vias formed in the conductive layers.

The antenna array <NUM> (e.g., <NUM> of <FIG>) may include a plurality of antenna elements <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> disposed to form a directional beam. As shown in <FIG>, the antenna elements may be formed on a first surface of the printed circuit board <NUM> as illustrated. The antenna array <NUM> may be formed within the printed circuit board <NUM>. The antenna array <NUM> may include a plurality of antenna arrays (e.g., a dipole antenna array and/or a patch antenna array), the shapes or kinds of which are identical or different.

The RFIC <NUM> (e.g., <NUM> of <FIG>) may be disposed on another region (e.g., a second surface facing away from the first surface) of the printed circuit board <NUM> so as to be spaced from the antenna array. The RFIC may be configured to process a signal in the selected frequency band, which is transmitted/received through the antenna array 330In the case of transmitting a signal, the RFIC <NUM> may convert a baseband signal obtained from a communication processor (not illustrated) into an RF signal. In the case of receiving a signal, the RFIC <NUM> may convert an RF signal received through the antenna array <NUM> into a baseband signal and may provide the baseband signal to the communication processor.

In the case of transmitting a signal, the RFIC <NUM> may up-convert an IF signal (e.g., approximately <NUM> to approximately <NUM>) obtained from an intermediate frequency integrated circuit (IFIC) (e.g., <NUM> of <FIG>) into an RF signal. In the case of receiving a signal, the RFIC <NUM> may down-convert an RF signal obtained through the antenna array, RFIC <NUM>, into an IF signal and may provide the IF signal to the IFIC.

The PMIC <NUM> may be disposed on another region (e.g., the second surface) of the printed circuit board <NUM>, which is spaced from the antenna array. The PMIC may be supplied with a voltage from a main PCB (not illustrated) and may provide a power necessary for various components (e.g., the RFIC <NUM>) on an antenna module.

The shielding member <NUM> may be disposed at a portion (e.g., on the second surface) of the printed circuit board <NUM> such that at least one of the RFIC <NUM> or the PMIC <NUM> is electromagnetically shielded. The shielding member <NUM> may include a shield can.

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

<FIG> illustrates a cross-sectional view (diagram <NUM>) of the third antenna module <NUM> taken along a line B-B' of <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, the printed circuit board <NUM> 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 feed part <NUM> formed on an outer surface of the dielectric layer <NUM>-<NUM> or therein. The feed part <NUM> may include a feed point <NUM> and/or a feed line <NUM>.

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

In addition, the third RFIC <NUM> of <FIG> may be electrically connected with the network layer <NUM>, for example, through first and second connection parts (e.g., solder bumps) <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM>. Various connection structures (e.g., soldering or a ball grid array (BGA)) may be utilized instead of the connection parts. The third RFIC <NUM> may be electrically connected with the antenna element <NUM> through the first connection part <NUM>-<NUM>, the transmission line <NUM>, and the feed part <NUM>. Also, the third RFIC <NUM> may be electrically connected with the ground layer <NUM> through the second connection part <NUM>-<NUM> and the conductive via <NUM>. Although not illustrated, the third RFIC <NUM> may also be electrically connected with the above module interface through a signal line <NUM>.

<FIG> is a diagram <NUM> illustrating an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>) including an antenna module <NUM>, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

The electronic device <NUM> according to an embodiment includes a housing <NUM>, an antenna module <NUM>, an injection-molding material <NUM>, and a conductive pattern <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the housing <NUM> includes a first plate, a second plate facing away from the first plate, and a side member surrounding a space between the first plate and the second plate, connected to the second plate or integrally formed with the second plate, and including a conductive material. An extending portion <NUM> may be formed between the first and second plates from the side member of the housing <NUM>. The extending portion <NUM> may include a fixing portion <NUM> capable of fixing the extending portion <NUM> to the first and second plates.

In an embodiment, the injection-molding material <NUM> may be positioned inside the housing <NUM>. The injection-molding material <NUM> may be positioned in the space between the first plate and the second plate. The injection-molding material <NUM> is made of a non-conductive material. The injection-molding material <NUM> may be non-conductive plastic. The injection-molding material <NUM> may fill the space between the first and second plates of the housing <NUM>. The injection-molding material <NUM> may fix the location of the antenna module <NUM> disposed inside the housing <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the antenna module <NUM> may be supported by the injection-molding material <NUM>. For example, the antenna module <NUM> may be mounted in the injection-molding material <NUM> or may be fixed by the injection-molding material <NUM>. For another example, the antenna module <NUM> may be supported by a support member (e.g., the support member <NUM> of <FIG>). The support member <NUM> may be made of injection or metal such as stainless steel (Sus). First to fourth patch antennas <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may be disposed in the antenna module <NUM>. First to fourth dipole antennas <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may be disposed in a direction facing the side member of the housing <NUM> of the antenna module <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the conductive pattern <NUM> is disposed on the injection-molding material <NUM>. The conductive pattern <NUM> may be disposed in the horizontal direction (X-axis direction). The conductive pattern <NUM> may be patterned and disposed on the injection-molding material <NUM>. For example, the conductive pattern <NUM> may be generated by generating a plating pattern on the injection-molding material <NUM> (e.g., using laser direct structuring (LDS)). The conductive pattern <NUM> is disposed to be at least partially adjacent to the edge of the antenna module <NUM>. The conductive pattern <NUM> may be formed of a metal guide structure in the first side direction (-X axis direction), the second side direction (-Y axis direction), and the third side direction (+ X axis direction) of the antenna module <NUM>. The conductive pattern <NUM> may suppress the surface wave that propagates from the antenna module <NUM> to the injection-molding material <NUM>. The conductive pattern <NUM> may suppress signal sources generated by the surface wave. The conductive pattern <NUM> may attenuate the reflected wave that is reflected from the antenna module <NUM> by a rear cover (not illustrated) and then is incident to the injection-molding material <NUM>. The conductive pattern <NUM> may suppress undesired signal sources to reduce the distortion of the beam radiated from the antenna module <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the conductive pattern <NUM> is disposed to partially surround the edge of the antenna module <NUM>. The conductive pattern <NUM> may be a metal guide structure in the form partially surrounding the periphery of the antenna module <NUM>. For example, the conductive pattern <NUM> may be disposed to surround at least part of the edges of the antenna module <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the conductive pattern <NUM> may be disposed to surround edges other than the edge in which the first to fourth dipole antennas <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> of the antenna module <NUM> are disposed. For the purpose of not affecting the radiation patterns of the first to fourth dipole antennas <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> disposed in the antenna module <NUM>, the conductive pattern <NUM> may be disposed on three surfaces other than the edge in which the first to fourth dipole antennas <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> are disposed.

In an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may further include a camera <NUM>. The camera <NUM> may be disposed adjacent to the conductive pattern <NUM>. A camera deco <NUM> may be positioned to surround the camera <NUM> in the edge of the camera <NUM>. The camera deco <NUM> may be positioned on the injection-molding material <NUM>. The camera deco <NUM> may fix or support the camera <NUM> to a specified location. The camera deco <NUM> may be a support member made of metal, such as stainless steel (Sus). The camera deco <NUM> may be used as the part of the conductive pattern <NUM>. The camera <NUM> may include first to third camera sensors <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>. The camera <NUM> may take pictures, using the first to third camera sensors <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may further include the printed circuit board <NUM>. When viewed from above the second plate, the printed circuit board <NUM> may be disposed on the antenna module <NUM> and a lower layer of the injection-molding material <NUM>. For example, as illustrated in <FIG>, the printed circuit board <NUM> may be spaced from the conductive pattern <NUM>. However, an embodiment is not limited thereto. When the conductive pattern <NUM> is used as at least part of the antenna, the printed circuit board <NUM> may be electrically and/or physically connected to the conductive pattern <NUM>.

The electronic device <NUM> according to another embodiment includes the housing <NUM>, the antenna module <NUM>, the injection-molding material <NUM>, first to seventh sub patterns <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>, the camera <NUM>, and/or the printed circuit board <NUM>. According to another embodiment, the housing <NUM>, the antenna module <NUM>, the injection-molding material <NUM>, the camera <NUM>, and the printed circuit board <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM> are substantially the same as the housing <NUM>, the antenna module <NUM>, the injection-molding material <NUM>, the camera <NUM>, and the printed circuit board <NUM> described in <FIG>, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

In an embodiment, the first to seventh sub patterns <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may be disposed adjacent to the edge of the antenna module <NUM>. For example, the first to seventh sub patterns <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may be positioned at a location close to the antenna module <NUM> among locations where the coupling with the antenna module <NUM> does not occur. The first to seventh sub patterns <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may be formed of substantially the same material as the conductive pattern <NUM> of <FIG>. Each of the first to seventh sub patterns <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may be spaced from one another.

In an embodiment, the first to third sub patterns <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may be disposed adjacent to the edge of the first side direction (-X axis direction) of the antenna module <NUM>. The first sub pattern <NUM> adjacent to the first dipole antenna <NUM> may be disposed in parallel with the edge of the fourth side direction (+Y axis direction) of the antenna module <NUM> that is positioned in a direction in which the first to fourth dipole antennas <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> form beams. For example, for the purpose of preventing the performance of the first to fourth dipole antennas <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> to be affected, the first sub pattern <NUM> may be disposed such that the virtual first straight line A1 extending from the edge of the fourth side direction (+Y axis direction) of the antenna module <NUM> does not cross in +Y axis direction. The fourth sub pattern <NUM> may be disposed adjacent to the edge of the second side direction (-Y axis direction) of the antenna module <NUM>. The seventh sub pattern <NUM> may be disposed adjacent to the edge of the third side direction (+X axis direction) of the antenna module <NUM> so as to correspond to the first sub pattern <NUM>. For example, the seventh sub pattern <NUM> may be disposed such that the virtual first straight line A1 extending from the edge of the fourth side direction (+Y axis direction) of the antenna module <NUM> does not cross in +Y axis direction. The fifth to sixth sub patterns <NUM> and <NUM> may be disposed adjacent to the edge of a third side direction (+X axis direction) of the antenna module <NUM>.

<FIG> is a diagram <NUM> illustrating a signal radiated by the antenna module <NUM>, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

In an embodiment, the antenna module <NUM> may radiate a signal to the outside of the electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>) through the rear cover <NUM>. The first patch antenna <NUM> included in the antenna module <NUM> may radiate a signal in a direction facing the rear cover <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the injection-molding material <NUM> may be disposed around the antenna module <NUM>. The injection-molding material <NUM> may fix the location of the antenna module <NUM>. When the signal is transmitted by the antenna module <NUM> to the injection-molding material <NUM> in the form of a surface wave, the undesired signal radiation may occur in the injection-molding material <NUM>, and thus the distortion of the signal may occur.

In an embodiment, the conductive pattern <NUM> may be disposed on both sides of the antenna module <NUM>. The conductive pattern <NUM> may be disposed in a first vertical direction (+Z axis direction). For example, the conductive pattern <NUM> may be formed of a metal member of a stainless steel (Sus) that fixes the antenna module <NUM>. For another example, the conductive pattern <NUM> may be formed in the form of plating in the side portion (e.g., the edge disposed in the first side direction (-X axis direction), the second side direction (-Y axis direction), and the third side direction (+X axis direction) of <FIG>) of the antenna module <NUM>. For still another example, the conductive pattern <NUM> may be formed in a form such as printing or plating on the side surface of the injection-molding material <NUM>. The conductive pattern <NUM> may prevent the signal radiated by the antenna module <NUM> from propagating to the injection-molding material <NUM>. The conductive pattern <NUM> surrounding the antenna module <NUM> may prevent the radiation of undesired signals from occurring in the injection-molding material <NUM> and may reduce the distortion of a signal.

In an embodiment, the support member <NUM> may be disposed on one surface disposed in the second vertical direction (-Z axis direction) in one surface of the antenna module <NUM>. The support member <NUM> may fix the location of the antenna module <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the protrusion portion <NUM> may be formed in the injection-molding material <NUM>. The protrusion portion <NUM> may be disposed in a portion adjacent to the conductive pattern <NUM> in the injection-molding material <NUM>. The protrusion portion <NUM> may be disposed to surround the conductive pattern <NUM>. The protrusion portion <NUM> may be formed to have a height higher than that of the conductive pattern <NUM>. The protrusion portion <NUM> may support or fix the conductive pattern <NUM>.

<FIG> is a diagram <NUM> illustrating the antenna module <NUM>, a protrusion portion <NUM>, and a plurality of conductive patterns <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

In an embodiment, the housing <NUM> may include a first plate, a second plate facing away from the first plate, and a side member surrounding a space between the first plate and the second plate, connected to the second plate or integrally formed with the second plate, and including a conductive material.

In an embodiment, the injection-molding material <NUM> may be disposed in the space between the first plate and the second plate inside the housing <NUM> and may be made of a non-conductive material.

In an embodiment, the antenna module <NUM> may be supported by the injection-molding material <NUM>. For example, the antenna module <NUM> may be mounted in the injection-molding material <NUM> or may be fixed by the injection-molding material <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the protrusion portion <NUM> may surround the edge of the antenna module <NUM>. The protrusion portion <NUM> may be made of a non-conductive material. The protrusion portion <NUM> may have a height higher than the injection-molding material <NUM>. The protrusion portion <NUM> may serve as a guide for mounting or fixing the antenna module <NUM>.

In an embodiment, first to fifth conductive patterns <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may be disposed in the injection-molding material <NUM>. The first to fifth conductive patterns <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may be disposed to be at least partially adjacent to the protrusion portion <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the first conductive pattern <NUM> may be used as a legacy antenna for <NUM> or <NUM> communication. The second conductive pattern <NUM> may prevent the surface wave from propagating to the injection-molding material <NUM>. The first conductive pattern <NUM> and the second conductive pattern <NUM> may be spaced from each other. The <NUM> or <NUM> communication signal radiated by the first conductive pattern <NUM> may not be affected by the second conductive pattern <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the first to fifth conductive patterns <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may extend from the antenna module <NUM> in at least one of the first side direction (-X axis direction), the second side direction (-Y axis direction), the third side direction (+X axis direction), or the fourth side direction (+Y axis direction). For example, the first to fifth conductive patterns <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may extend to face the first side surface, the second side surface, the third side surface, and/or the fourth side surface that constitute the side member of the housing <NUM>. When the area of the first to fifth conductive patterns <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> increases, the performance of preventing a signal from propagating to the injection-molding material <NUM> may be increased.

In an embodiment, the first to fifth conductive patterns <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may be formed adjacent to the protrusion portion <NUM>. For another example, at least some regions of the third conductive pattern <NUM> may overlap with at least some regions of the protrusion portion <NUM>. When the first to fifth conductive patterns <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> are formed adjacent to the protrusion portion <NUM> or overlap with at least some regions of the protrusion portion <NUM>, the performance of preventing a signal from propagating to the injection-molding material <NUM> may be increased.

In an embodiment, the protrusion portion <NUM> may be the same material as the injection-molding material <NUM>. Each of the protrusion portion <NUM> and the injection-molding material <NUM> may be a non-conductive plastic. When the protrusion portion <NUM> and the injection-molding material <NUM> are formed of a material the same as each other, the protrusion portion <NUM> and the injection-molding material <NUM> may be formed through a single process.

In an embodiment, when the antenna module <NUM> is viewed in the X axis direction, the protrusion portion <NUM> may further protrude in the first vertical direction (+Z axis direction) than the antenna module <NUM>. The protrusion portion <NUM> may have a height higher than the height of the antenna module <NUM> to serve as a guide for stably mounting the antenna module <NUM>.

In an embodiment, at least part of the first to fifth conductive patterns <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may contact the protrusion portion <NUM>. For example, at least part of the first, second, and fourth conductive patterns <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may contact the protrusion portion <NUM>. When at least part of the first to fifth conductive patterns <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> is in contact with the protrusion portion <NUM>, it may further prevent the signal from being transmitted from the antenna module <NUM> to the injection-molding material <NUM>.

<FIG> is a diagram <NUM> illustrating the antenna module <NUM>, the protrusion portion <NUM>, a plurality of antenna radiators <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and/or a plurality of conductive patterns <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

The housing <NUM>, the antenna module <NUM>, the injection-molding material <NUM>, and the protrusion portion <NUM> of <FIG> are substantially the same as the housing <NUM>, the antenna module <NUM>, the injection-molding material <NUM>, and the protrusion portion <NUM> of <FIG>, and thus a description thereof is omitted.

In an embodiment, first to third antenna radiators <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may be disposed adjacent to the antenna module <NUM>. The first to third antenna radiator <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may be disposed on the injection-molding material <NUM>. For example, the first to third antenna radiator <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may be used as legacy antennas. The first to third antenna radiators <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may be formed adjacent to the antenna module <NUM> so as to reduce the surface wave induced to the injection-molding material <NUM>. The first to third antenna radiator <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may be at least partially adjacent to the protrusion portion <NUM>. The first to third antenna radiator <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may be spaced apart from the first to fourth conductive pattern <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>. The first to fourth conductive patterns <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may prevent the signal from being transmitted in the form of a surface wave from the antenna module <NUM> to the injection-molding material <NUM>.

<FIG> is a diagram <NUM> illustrating an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>), according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

The electronic device <NUM> according to an embodiment may include the housing <NUM>, the antenna module <NUM>, the injection-molding material <NUM>, and/or a conductive pattern <NUM>. The housing <NUM>, the antenna module <NUM>, and the injection-molding material <NUM> of <FIG> are substantially the same as the housing <NUM>, the antenna module <NUM>, and the injection-molding material <NUM> of <FIG>, and thus a description thereof is omitted.

In an embodiment, the conductive pattern <NUM> may be supported by the injection-molding material <NUM>. The conductive pattern <NUM> may be disposed adjacent to at least two edges formed in the inner direction of the housing <NUM> among the edges of the antenna module <NUM>. For example, the conductive pattern <NUM> may surround the whole of one edge (e.g., the edge of the second side direction (-Y axis direction)) of the antenna module <NUM>. The conductive pattern <NUM> may surround at least part of the edge of the first side direction (-X axis direction) and the edge of the third side direction (+X axis direction) of the antenna module <NUM>. For example, the conductive pattern <NUM> may surround an edge adjacent to the second side direction (-Y axis direction) in the edge of the first side direction (-X axis direction) and the third side direction (+X axis direction) of the antenna module <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may further include first to fourth antenna radiators <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>. The first to fourth antenna radiators <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may be disposed on the injection-molding material <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the first to fourth antenna radiators <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may be spaced from the antenna module <NUM> and the conductive pattern <NUM>. The first to fourth antenna radiators <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may operate as at least one legacy antenna. The first to fourth antenna radiators <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may reduce the transmission of the signal in the form of the surface wave from the antenna module <NUM> to the injection-molding material <NUM>, to be substantially the same as the conductive pattern <NUM>. The first to fourth antenna radiators <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may perform communication in a frequency band of wireless communication (e.g., <NUM>, <NUM>, LTE frequency band, Wi-Fi, global positioning system (GPS), and/or Sub-<NUM> (<NUM>)). The antenna module <NUM> may perform communication of millimeter wave (mmWave). The conductive pattern <NUM> may reduce the transmission of the signal in the form of the surface wave from the antenna module <NUM> to the injection-molding material <NUM>.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view <NUM> taken along a line A-B of <FIG> according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

An electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>) may include the housing <NUM>, the antenna module <NUM>, the injection-molding material <NUM>, the camera <NUM>, and/or the conductive pattern <NUM>. The housing <NUM>, the antenna module <NUM>, the injection-molding material <NUM>, and the camera <NUM> of <FIG> are substantially the same as the housing <NUM>, the antenna module <NUM>, the injection-molding material <NUM>, and the camera <NUM> of <FIG>, and thus a description thereof is omitted.

In an embodiment, the antenna module <NUM> may be fixed by the support member <NUM>. The support member <NUM> may be disposed on the printed circuit board <NUM>. The support member <NUM> may be surrounded by the injection-molding material <NUM>. For example, the support member <NUM> may be formed to a height at which at least one side surface corresponds to the antenna module <NUM>. The support member <NUM> may be made of injection or metal such as stainless steel (Sus).

In an embodiment, the conductive pattern <NUM> may be at least partially disposed on the injection-molding material <NUM>. For example, the conductive pattern <NUM> may be disposed on at least part of the injection-molding material <NUM> disposed adjacent to the antenna module <NUM>. At least part of the injection-molding material <NUM> around the antenna module <NUM> may be formed to protrude further than the antenna module <NUM>. The conductive pattern <NUM> may be disposed at the periphery of the antenna module <NUM>. For example, when viewed from the top, the conductive pattern <NUM> may be disposed around the antenna module <NUM> in a shape such as L-type, C-type, or I-type. The conductive pattern <NUM> may block the transmission of the signal from the antenna module <NUM> to the injection-molding material <NUM> in the form of the surface wave.

In an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may further include the printed circuit board <NUM>. The printed circuit board <NUM> may be interposed between the injection-molding material <NUM> and the first plate.

In an embodiment, the conductive pattern <NUM> may be connected to a ground layer (e.g., the ground layer <NUM> of <FIG>) or a communication module (e.g., communication module <NUM> of <FIG>). The conductive pattern <NUM> may be connected to the ground layer <NUM> or the communication module <NUM> in the form of at least one via or C-clip so as to be used as a part of an antenna (e.g., the antenna radiators <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> of <FIG>).

<FIG> is a diagram <NUM> illustrating a signal radiated by an antenna module (e.g., the antenna module <NUM> of <FIG>), according to an embodiment of the disclosure. <FIG> is a diagram <NUM> illustrating a signal radiated by the antenna module <NUM>, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

The cross section in <FIG> and <FIG> may correspond to the cross section of the electronic device taken along the line A-A' of <FIG> to the Z-axis. For example, the radiation pattern of <FIG> may correspond to the radiation pattern of a signal in a band of <NUM> by the antenna module <NUM>; the radiation pattern of <FIG> may correspond to the radiation pattern of a signal in a band of <NUM> by the antenna module <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the radiation pattern by the signal radiated by the antenna module <NUM> may be uniformly formed in the direction of the rear cover (e.g., the rear cover <NUM> of <FIG>). The signal radiated around the antenna module <NUM> may be formed.

In an embodiment, it may be seen that undesired signals, which are radiated through the rear cover <NUM> and/or the injection-molding material <NUM>, are substantially reduced. For example, when the surface wave propagating through the injection-molding material <NUM> reaches the rear cover (e.g., the rear cover <NUM> of <FIG>) or the rear plate of the electronic device <NUM>, the surface wave may be radiated, and thus the distortion may be generated in the radiation pattern of the antenna module <NUM>. Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, as illustrated in a region <NUM> of <FIG> and a region <NUM> of <FIG>, the conductive pattern <NUM> may substantially prevent the distortion of the radiation pattern. In this case, it may be seen that the radiation pattern formed by the antenna module <NUM> has the improved E-field distribution.

In an embodiment, the surface wave propagating from the antenna module <NUM> to the injection-molding material <NUM> may be suppressed, and thus signal distortion may be reduced. Moreover, the distribution of the E-field formed by the antenna module <NUM> may be uniformly changed to reduce the distortion of the whole radiation pattern. Also, the null point generated in the -<NUM> degrees direction which is the reference boresight of the electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>) may be reduced, thereby easily performing beamforming.

<FIG> is a diagram <NUM> illustrating a signal radiated by an antenna module (e.g., the antenna module <NUM> of <FIG>), according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

In an embodiment, a radiation pattern <NUM> shown by a dotted line and a radiation pattern <NUM> shown by a thin solid line may be radiation patterns when the conductive pattern <NUM> is not present; a radiation pattern <NUM> shown by a bold solid line may be a radiation pattern measured by an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>) according to an embodiment. As illustrated in <FIG>, the distortion of the beam pattern may be reduced in the reference boresight (e.g., -<NUM> degrees direction). The radiation pattern formed by the antenna module <NUM> may increase in the reference boresight and may decrease in the side direction. It may be seen that the side lobe of the radiation pattern formed by the antenna module <NUM> is reduced and the radiation pattern is flattened. Accordingly, the peak gain of the signal formed by the antenna module <NUM> may increase in the reference boresight.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating an electronic device <NUM> (e.g. the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>), according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

An electronic device <NUM> according to an embodiment may include at least one of a first plate <NUM>, a display <NUM> (e.g., the display device <NUM> of <FIG>), a bracket support member <NUM>, a printed circuit board <NUM> (e.g., the printed circuit board <NUM> of <FIG>), an injection-molding material <NUM> (e.g., the injection-molding material <NUM> of <FIG>), an antenna module <NUM> (e.g., the antenna module <NUM> of <FIG>), the support member <NUM>, a conductive pattern <NUM> (e.g., the conductive pattern <NUM> of <FIG>), and a second plate <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the first plate <NUM> may form the front surface of the electronic device <NUM>. The display <NUM> may be exposed through at least part of the first plate <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the bracket support member <NUM> may be disposed in a space between the display <NUM> and the printed circuit board <NUM>. The bracket support member <NUM> may support the printed circuit board <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the injection-molding material <NUM> may be disposed in the space between the printed circuit board <NUM> and the second plate <NUM>. The injection-molding material <NUM> may include a first portion <NUM> and/or a second portion <NUM>, which is formed to surround the antenna module <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the antenna module <NUM> may be supported by the first portion <NUM> of the injection-molding material <NUM>, the second portion <NUM> of the injection-molding material <NUM>, and the support member <NUM>. The support member <NUM> may be disposed between the PCB <NUM> and the antenna module <NUM>. A radiator <NUM> may be formed on one surface of the antenna module <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the conductive pattern <NUM> may be disposed between the injection-molding material <NUM> and the second plate <NUM>. The conductive pattern <NUM> is disposed adjacent to the antenna module <NUM>.

An electronic device <NUM> according to an embodiment may include at least one of a first plate <NUM>, a display <NUM> (e.g., the display device <NUM> of <FIG>), a bracket support member <NUM>, a printed circuit board <NUM> (e.g., the printed circuit board <NUM> of <FIG>), an injection-molding material <NUM> (e.g., the injection-molding material <NUM> of <FIG>), an antenna module <NUM> (e.g., the antenna module <NUM> of <FIG>), the support member <NUM>, a conductive pattern <NUM> (e.g., the conductive pattern <NUM> of <FIG>), and a second plate <NUM>. The first plate <NUM>, the display <NUM>, the bracket support member <NUM>, the printed circuit board <NUM>, and the second plate <NUM> of <FIG> are substantially the same components as the first plate <NUM>, the display <NUM>, the bracket support member <NUM>, the printed circuit board <NUM>, the injection-molding material <NUM>, and the second plate <NUM> of <FIG>, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

In an embodiment, the antenna module <NUM> may be disposed above the bracket support member <NUM>. The antenna module <NUM> may be disposed on one side surface of the printed circuit board <NUM> and the injection-molding material <NUM>. The antenna module <NUM> may be supported by the injection-molding material <NUM> and the support member <NUM>. The support member <NUM> may be disposed between one side of the antenna module <NUM> and one side of each of the PCB <NUM> and the injection-molding material <NUM>. The antenna module <NUM> may be mounted such that the beam pattern is formed to be substantially parallel to the second plate <NUM> by the radiator <NUM>. For example, the antenna module <NUM> may be disposed substantially perpendicular to the second plate <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the conductive pattern <NUM> may be disposed on the injection-molding material <NUM>. The conductive pattern <NUM> may be disposed adjacent to the antenna module <NUM>.

An electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>) may include a housing (e.g., the housing <NUM> of <FIG>) including a first plate (e.g., the first plate <NUM> of <FIG>), a second plate (e.g., the second plate <NUM> of <FIG>) facing away from the first plate <NUM>, and a side member surrounding a space between the first plate <NUM> and the second plate <NUM>, connected to the second plate <NUM> or integrally formed with the second plate <NUM>, and including a conductive material, an injection-molding material (e.g., the injection-molding material <NUM> of <FIG>) disposed in the space between the first plate <NUM> and the second plate <NUM> in the housing <NUM> and formed of a non-conductive material, an antenna module (e.g., the antenna module <NUM> of <FIG>) supported by the injection-molding material <NUM>, and a conductive pattern (e.g., the conductive pattern <NUM> of <FIG>) disposed on the injection-molding material <NUM> and disposed adjacent to at least part of an edge of the antenna module <NUM>. For example, the antenna module may include a plurality of conductive radiators (e.g., the dipole antennas <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> and the patch antennas <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> of <FIG>); at least a partial conductive radiator among the plurality of conductive radiators may be disposed to transmit and/or receive a signal through the second plate <NUM>. For example, the conductive pattern may be disposed on a first surface adjacent to the second plate <NUM> of the injection-molding material <NUM> or disposed inside the injection-molding material <NUM> and may be disposed adjacent to at least part of an edge of the antenna module <NUM> corresponding to a boundary between the antenna module <NUM> and the injection-molding material <NUM> when viewed from the second plate <NUM> in the direction of the first plate <NUM>.

The conductive pattern <NUM> may be disposed on the first surface to surround at least part of an edge of the antenna module <NUM> when viewed from the second plate <NUM> in the direction of the first plate <NUM>. For example, the conductive pattern <NUM> may be disposed on the first surface to surround an edge of the antenna module <NUM> when viewed from the second plate <NUM> in the direction of the first plate <NUM>. For another example, at least part of the plurality of conductive radiators <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may form the dipole antennas <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>; when viewed from the second plate <NUM> in the direction of the first plate <NUM>, the conductive pattern <NUM> may be disposed on the first surface to be adjacent to at least part of the remaining regions other than a region, where the dipole antennas <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> are disposed, in the edge of the antenna module <NUM> when viewed from the second plate in the first plate direction.

The conductive pattern <NUM> may include a plurality of sub patterns (e.g., the first to seventh sub patterns <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> of <FIG>) disposed adjacent to the edge of the antenna module, and each of the plurality of the first to seventh sub patterns <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may be spaced from one another.

When viewed from the second plate <NUM> in the direction of the first plate <NUM>, the plurality of sub patterns <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> are disposed in only a region on the first surface extending in a second direction (e.g., +Y direction) from a first straight line (e.g., the first straight line A1 of <FIG>) on the first surface. For example, the first straight line may be a virtual straight line extending from an edge adjacent to the plurality of dipole antennas <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> of the antenna module; the second direction is perpendicular to the first straight line A1 on the first surface and is opposite to a first direction (e.g., -Y direction). For example, the first direction may be a direction away from the antenna module <NUM> from an edge adjacent to the plurality of dipole antennas <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>.

At least part of the plurality of sub patterns <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may be configured to transmit and/or receive a frequency signal (e.g., about less than <NUM>) in a second band different from the plurality of conductive radiators <NUM> to <NUM> of the antenna module <NUM>. For example, the plurality of conductive radiators <NUM> to <NUM> of the antenna module <NUM> may be configured to transmit and/or receive a frequency signal (e.g., a signal of <NUM> or more) in a first band. For example, the lower limit of the first band may be higher than the upper limit of the second band.

The electronic device may further include a camera (e.g., the camera <NUM> of <FIG>) disposed adjacent to the conductive pattern <NUM> and a conductive camera support member (e.g., the camera deco <NUM>) disposed to support the camera <NUM> and to surround an edge of the camera <NUM>. The camera support member <NUM> may be at least part of the conductive pattern <NUM>.

An electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>) may include the housing <NUM> including the first plate <NUM>, the second plate <NUM> facing away from the first plate <NUM>, and a side member surrounding a space between the first plate <NUM> and the second plate <NUM>, connected to the second plate <NUM> or integrally formed with the second plate <NUM>, and including a conductive material, the injection-molding material <NUM> disposed in the space between the first plate <NUM> and the second plate <NUM> in the housing <NUM> and formed of a non-conductive material, the antenna module <NUM> supported by the injection-molding material <NUM>, and a plurality of conductive patterns (e.g., the first to fifth conductive patterns <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> of <FIG>) disposed on the injection-molding material <NUM>. For example, the antenna module may include a plurality of conductive radiators (e.g., the dipole antennas <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> and the patch antennas <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> of <FIG>); at least a partial conductive radiator among the plurality of conductive radiators may be disposed to transmit or receive a signal through the second plate <NUM>. For example, the conductive pattern <NUM> may be disposed on a first surface adjacent to the second plate <NUM> of the injection-molding material <NUM> or disposed inside the injection-molding material <NUM> and may be disposed adjacent to at least part of an edge of the antenna module <NUM> corresponding to a boundary between the antenna module <NUM> and the injection-molding material <NUM> when viewed from the second plate <NUM> in the direction of the first plate <NUM>. The plurality of conductive patterns <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may include at least one first conductive pattern configured to transmit or receive a signal of less than <NUM> and may be disposed spaced from one another.

The electronic device <NUM> may further include a protrusion portion (e.g., the protrusion portion <NUM> of <FIG>) surrounding an edge of the antenna module <NUM>, protruding from a first surface in the direction of the second plate <NUM>, and formed of a non-conductive material. For example, the protrusion portion <NUM> may be the same material as the injection-molding material <NUM>. For another example, the protrusion portion <NUM> may further protrude in a first vertical direction (e.g., +Z axis direction of <FIG>) than the antenna module <NUM>. For still another example, the protrusion portion <NUM> may further protrude in the second plate direction on the first surface than the antenna module <NUM>.

The plurality of conductive patterns <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may be at least partially disposed adjacent to the protrusion portion <NUM> and may further include at least one second conductive pattern <NUM>, <NUM> for blocking at least part of a signal radiated using at least part of the plurality of radiators in the antenna module from being transmitted to the injection-molding material <NUM>. For example, the at least one second conductive pattern may include at least one third conductive pattern <NUM> overlapping with at least part of the protrusion portion <NUM> on the first surface. For example, the plurality of conductive patterns <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may be engraved or plated on the first surface of the injection-molding material <NUM>.

The electronic device <NUM> may further include a communication circuit (e.g., the communication module <NUM> of <FIG>). For example, the at least one the first conductive pattern <NUM> may be electrically connected to the communication circuit <NUM> through at least one via or C-clip; the at least one second conductive pattern <NUM> and <NUM> may be electrically connected to a ground layer (e.g., the ground layer <NUM> of <FIG>) through at least one via or C-clip.

At least part of a plurality of conductive patterns <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may be at least one the first conductive pattern <NUM> used as a legacy antenna that performs wireless communication in addition to <NUM>. For example, a plurality of conductive radiators of the antenna module <NUM> may be configured to transmit or receive a signal of <NUM> or more.

The antenna module <NUM> may include a wireless communication circuit (e.g., the third RFIC <NUM> of <FIG>) positioned on a third surface, on which patch antenna elements (<NUM> to <NUM> of <FIG>) are disposed, among the plurality of radiator and positioned on a surface opposite to the third surface. For example, the antenna module <NUM> may be disposed such that the second plate and the third surface are substantially horizontal in the housing. For another example, the antenna module <NUM> may be disposed such that the second plate and the third surface are substantially perpendicular to each other in the housing.

Various features 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., internal memory <NUM> or external memory <NUM>) that is readable by a machine (e.g., the electronic device <NUM>).

Features of the present 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 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. 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 embodiments disclosed in the specification, it is possible to prevent the surface wave from being transmitted to the injection-molding material by the conductive pattern disposed around the antenna module and to prevent the multiple reflection from occurring using the conductive pattern. As such, it is possible to prevent the distortion of the signal radiated by the antenna module and to increase the gain of the signal radiated by the antenna module to the outside of the electronic device.

Besides, a variety of effects directly or indirectly understood through the disclosure may be provided.

Claim 1:
A portable communication device (<NUM>) comprising:
a housing (<NUM>), wherein the housing includes a front plate, a rear plate facing away from the front plate, and a side member surrounding a space formed between the front plate and the rear plate;
a first printed circuit board, PCB, (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>);
a non-conductive member (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) including a conductive portion (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) formed in one or more regions of the non-conductive member (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>); and
an antenna module (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) formed in the space,
wherein the antenna module (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) includes:
a second PCB (<NUM>) including:
a first peripheral edge portion, wherein the first peripheral edge portion faces the side member of the housing (<NUM>);
a second peripheral edge portion opposed to the first peripheral edge portion;
a third peripheral edge portion extending between a first end of the first peripheral edge portion and a first end of the second peripheral edge portion;
a fourth peripheral edge portion extending between a second end of the first peripheral edge portion and a second end of the second peripheral edge portion; and
an antenna array (<NUM>-<NUM>) configured to transmit or receive a signal in a first frequency band, the antenna array (<NUM>-<NUM>) including a plurality of antenna elements (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) disposed to form a directional beam,
wherein the first peripheral edge portion is parallel to a horizontal direction and the plurality of antenna elements (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) are arranged along the horizontal direction,
characterized in that the conductive portion (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) is formed adjacent to at least a part of the second peripheral edge portion other than the first peripheral edge portion and is coupled with the antenna array (<NUM>-<NUM>) to be configured to transmit or receive a signal in the first frequency band.