Patent Description:
Owing to the remarkable development of information and communication technology and semiconductor technology, various electronic devices have been increasingly proliferated and used. Electronic devices are under development for use in communication while being carried.

An electronic device may refer to a device performing a specific function according to a loaded program, such as a home appliance, an electronic notebook, a portable multimedia player, a mobile communication terminal, a tablet personal computer (PC), a video/audio device, a desktop/laptop computer, or a car navigation device. For example, these electronic devices may output stored information as sound or an image. As the integration degree of electronic devices increases and ultra-high-speed, large-capacity wireless communication becomes commonplace, a single electronic device such as a mobile communication terminal may be equipped with various functions. For example, not only a communication function but also an entertainment function such as games, a multimedia function such as music/video playback, a communication and security function such as mobile banking, schedule management, and an electronic wallet function are integrated into one electronic device. Such electronic devices are miniaturized so that users may conveniently carry them.

<CIT> relates to a device which performs wireless communication through a loop antenna which is mounted inside a case.

<CIT> relates to an electronic device with a conductive pattern.

<CIT> relates to an electronic device including a wireless charging module and a flexible display, which is capable of improving position space efficiency of an antenna device.

<CIT> relates to an electronic device including NFC coils.

<CIT> relates to a display unit with improved process reliability.

A conductive pattern (e.g., a loop antenna) disposed on a general substrate (e.g., a flexible circuit board) used in an electronic device may include a contact point portion on which a contact point is formed to apply a high frequency signal to a main circuit board. Once the contact point of the conductive pattern is designed and manufactured, the position of the contact point is fixed in correspondence with the position of a contact point on the main circuit board and thus may not be changed. Therefore, since the contact point portion of the conductive pattern designed to a specified length at a specified position may not be commonly used in other products, it should be formed in a different design for each product.

Accordingly, an aspect of the disclosure is to provide a contact point portion of a conductive pattern part including a conductive pattern that is designed to have a variable position, the conductive pattern part may be commonly available for various products.

The invention is set out in the appended set of claims, wherein the figures and respective description relate to advantageous embodiments thereof.

In accordance with an aspect of the disclosure, an electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes a housing including a plate, a printed circuit board disposed in the housing, a conductive pattern disposed in the housing and configured to generate a magnetic field, and a base member disposed substantially in parallel to the plate. The base member may include a first part having at least one opening formed thereon, a second part including a bent portion extending from the first part into the at least one opening and formed to be bendable, and a contact point portion providing an electrical contact point with the printed circuit board.

In accordance with an aspect of the disclosure, an electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes a housing including a plate, a printed circuit board disposed in the housing, and a conductive pattern part including a base member disposed substantially in parallel to the plate and a conductive pattern disposed on the base member to face the plate and configured to generate a magnetic field. The base member may include a first part having at least one opening formed thereon, a second part including a bent portion extending from the first part to be exposed to the outside of the first part, and a contact point portion providing an electrical contact point with the printed circuit board.

The electronic device according to various embodiments of the disclosure provides a substrate with a conductive pattern accommodated thereon and a structure that allows the position of a contact point of the conductive pattern to be variable.

The electronic device according to various embodiments of the disclosure provides a conductive pattern part commonly available for various products due to a variable position of a contact point.

The electronic device according to various embodiments of the disclosure obviates the need for an additional area for a contact point portion because the contact point portion is located inside a substrate in a design process. Accordingly, material cost may be reduced by increasing the number of openings on a conductive pattern part inside an original plate of a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB).

Referring to <FIG>, an electronic device <NUM> in a network environment <NUM> may communicate with an electronic device <NUM> via a first network <NUM> (e.g., a short-range wireless communication network) or an electronic device <NUM> or a server <NUM> via a second network <NUM> (e.g., a long-range wireless communication network). According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may include a processor <NUM>, memory <NUM>, an input module <NUM>, a sound output module <NUM>, a display module <NUM>, an audio module <NUM>, a sensor module <NUM>, an interface <NUM>, a connecting terminal <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>. In some embodiments, at least one of the components (e.g., the connecting terminal <NUM>) may be omitted from the electronic device <NUM>, or one or more other components may be added in the electronic device <NUM>. In some embodiments, some of the components (e.g., the sensor module <NUM>, the camera module <NUM>, or the antenna module <NUM>) may be implemented as a single component (e.g., the display module <NUM>).

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

The connecting terminal <NUM> may include a connector via which the electronic device <NUM> may be physically connected with the external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM>).

A corresponding one of these communication modules may communicate with the external electronic device via the first network <NUM> (e.g., a short-range communication network, such as Bluetooth™, wireless-fidelity (Wi-Fi) direct, or infrared data association (IrDA)) or the second network <NUM> (e.g., a long-range communication network, such as a legacy cellular network, a <NUM>th generation (<NUM>) network, a next-generation communication network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., LAN or wide area network (WAN)).

The wireless communication module <NUM> may support a <NUM> network, after a <NUM>th generation (<NUM>) network, and next-generation communication technology, e.g., new radio (NR) access technology. The wireless communication module <NUM> may support various technologies for securing performance on a high-frequency band, such as, e.g., beamforming, massive multiple-input and multiple-output (massive MIMO), full dimensional MIMO (FD-MIMO), array antenna, analog beamforming, or large scale antenna.

According to various embodiments, the antenna module <NUM> may form an mmWave antenna module. According to an embodiment, the mmWave antenna module may include a printed circuit board, an RFIC disposed on a first surface (e.g., the bottom surface) of the printed circuit board, or adjacent to the first surface and capable of supporting a designated high-frequency band (e.g., the mmWave band), and a plurality of antennas (e.g., array antennas) disposed on a second surface (e.g., the top or a side surface) of the printed circuit board, or adjacent to the second surface and capable of transmitting or receiving signals of the designated high-frequency band.

According to an embodiment, all or some of operations to be executed at the electronic device <NUM> may be executed at one or more of the external electronic devices (e.g., electronic devices <NUM> and <NUM> or server <NUM>).

It should be appreciated that various embodiments of the disclosure and the terms used therein are not intended to limit the technological features set forth herein to particular embodiments and include various changes, or replacements for a corresponding embodiment. It is to be understood that if an element (e.g., a first element) is referred to, with or without the term "operatively" or "communicatively," as "coupled with," "coupled to," "connected with," or "connected to" another element (e.g., a second element), it denotes that the element may be coupled with the other element directly (e.g., wiredly), wirelessly, or via a third element.

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

The term "non-transitory" simply denotes that the storage medium is a tangible device, and does not include a signal (e.g., an electromagnetic wave), but this term does not differentiate between where data is semi-permanently stored in the storage medium and where the data is temporarily stored in the storage medium.

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

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, an electronic device (e.g., electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>) according to an embodiment may include a housing <NUM> which includes a front surface 310A, a rear surface 310B, and side surfaces 310C surrounding a space between the front surface 310A and the rear surface 310B. In another embodiment (not shown), the housing may refer to a structure that forms part of the front surface 310A, the side surfaces 310C, and the rear surface 310B of <FIG>. According to an embodiment, at least part of the front surface 310A may be formed by a front plate <NUM> (e.g., a glass plate or polymer plate including various coating layers) which is substantially transparent. The rear surface 310B may be formed by a rear plate <NUM>. The rear plate <NUM> may be formed of, for example, glass, ceramic, a polymer, a metal (e.g., aluminum, stainless steel (STS), or magnesium), or a combination of at least two of these materials. The side surfaces 310C may be coupled with the front plate <NUM> and the rear plate <NUM> and formed by a side bezel structure (or "side member") <NUM> including a metal and/or a polymer. In a certain embodiment, the rear plate <NUM> and the side bezel structure <NUM> may be integrally formed and include the same material (e.g., glass, a metal material such as aluminum, or ceramic).

In the illustrated embodiment, the front plate <NUM> may include two first edge areas 310D bent and extending seamlessly from the front surface 310A toward the rear plate <NUM>, at both ends of long edges of the front plate <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment (refer to <FIG>), the rear plate <NUM> may include two second edge areas 310E bent and extending seamlessly from the rear surface 310B toward the front plate <NUM> at both ends of long edges of the rear plate <NUM>. In a certain embodiment, the front plate <NUM> (or the rear plate <NUM>) may include only one of the first edge areas 310D (or the second edge areas 310E). In another embodiment, some of the first edge areas 310D or the second edge areas 310E may not be included. In the above embodiments, when viewed from a side of the electronic device <NUM>, the side bezel structure <NUM> may have a first thickness (or width) on side surfaces without the first edge areas 310D or the second edge areas 310E, and a second thickness smaller than the first thickness on side surfaces with the first edge areas 310D or the second edge areas 310E.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may include at least one of a display <NUM>, audio modules <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> (e.g., the audio module <NUM> of <FIG>), a sensor module (e.g., the sensor module <NUM> of <FIG>), camera modules <NUM> and <NUM> (e.g., the camera module <NUM> of <FIG>), key input devices <NUM> (e.g., the input module <NUM> of <FIG>), or connector holes <NUM> and <NUM> (e.g., the connecting terminal <NUM> of <FIG>). In a certain embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may not be provided with at least one (e.g., the connector hole <NUM>) of the components or additionally include other components.

According to an embodiment, the display <NUM> may be visually exposed, for example, through a substantial portion of the front plate <NUM>. In a certain embodiment, at least part of the display <NUM> may be exposed through the front surface 310A and the front plate <NUM> forming the first edge areas 310D. In a certain embodiment, the corners of the display <NUM> may be formed in the same shapes as those of adjacent peripheral portions of the front plate <NUM> on the whole. In another embodiment (not shown), the gap between the periphery of the display <NUM> and the periphery of the front plate <NUM> may be equal on the whole to increase the visually exposed area of the display <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, a surface (or the front plate <NUM>) of the housing <NUM> may include a view area formed by visual exposure of the display <NUM>. For example, the view area may include the front surface 310A and the first edge areas 310D.

In another embodiment (not shown), a recess or an opening may be formed in part of the view area (e.g., the front surface 310A and the first edge areas 310D) of the display <NUM>, and include at least one audio module (e.g., audio module <NUM>), the sensor module (not shown), a light emitting element (not shown), or the camera module <NUM>, which is aligned with the recess or the opening. In another embodiment (not shown), at least one of the audio module <NUM>, the sensor module (not shown), the camera module <NUM>, a fingerprint sensor (not shown), or the light emitting element (not shown) may be included on the rear surface of the view area of the display <NUM>. In another embodiment (not shown), the display <NUM> may be incorporated with or disposed adjacent to a touch sensing circuit, a pressure sensor that measures the intensity (pressure) of a touch, and/or a digitizer that detects a magnetic field-based stylus pen. In a certain embodiment, at least some of the key input devices <NUM> may be disposed in the first edge areas 310D and/or the second edge areas 310E.

According to various embodiments, the first camera module <NUM> among the camera modules <NUM> and <NUM>, and/or the sensor module may be disposed in the internal space of the electronic device <NUM> to communicate with an external environment through a transmissive area of the display <NUM>. According to an embodiment, an area of the display <NUM> facing a first camera module <NUM> may be formed to be a transmissive area having a specified transmittance, as part of a content display area. According to an embodiment, the transmissive area may be formed to have a transmittance in a range of about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%. This transmissive area may include an area overlapping with an effective area (e.g., an angle of view area) of the first camera module <NUM> through which light for generating an image passes to form an image on an image sensor. For example, the transmissive area of the display <NUM> may include an area having a lower pixel density and/or a lower wiring density than its surrounding area. For example, the transmissive area may replace a recess or an opening.

According to an embodiment, the audio modules <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may include, for example, a microphone hole <NUM> and speaker holes <NUM> and <NUM>. A microphone for obtaining an external sound may be disposed in the microphone hole <NUM>, and in a certain embodiment, a plurality of microphones may be disposed to detect the direction of a sound. The speaker holes <NUM> and <NUM> may include an external speaker hole <NUM> and a receiver hole <NUM> for calls. In a certain embodiment, the speaker holes <NUM> and <NUM> and the microphone hole <NUM> may be implemented as a single hole, or a speaker (e.g., a piezo speaker) may be included without the speaker holes <NUM> and <NUM>. The audio modules <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may be designed in various manners such as installation of only some audio modules or addition of a new audio module according to the structure of the electronic device <NUM>, not limited to the above structure.

According to an embodiment, the sensor module (not shown) may generate, for example, an electrical signal or data value corresponding to an internal operation state or external environmental state of the electronic device <NUM>. The sensor module (not shown) may include, for example, a first sensor module (e.g., a proximity sensor) and/or a second sensor module (e.g., a fingerprint sensor) disposed on the front surface 310A of the housing <NUM>, and/or a third sensor module (e.g., a heart rate monitor (HRM) sensor) and/or a fourth sensor module (e.g., a fingerprint sensor) disposed on the rear surface 310B of the housing <NUM>. In a certain embodiment (not shown), the fingerprint sensors may be disposed on the rear surface 310B as well as on the front surface 310A (e.g., the display <NUM>) of the housing <NUM>. The electronic device <NUM> may further include a sensor module (not shown), for example, at least one of a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a grip sensor, a color sensor, an IR sensor, a biometric sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or an illuminance sensor. The sensor module may be designed in various manners such as installation of only some sensor modules or addition of a new sensor module according to the structure of the electronic device <NUM>, not limited to the above structure.

According to an embodiment, the camera modules <NUM> and <NUM> may include, for example, the first camera module <NUM> disposed on the front surface 310A of the electronic device <NUM> and a second camera module <NUM> disposed on the rear surface 310B of the electronic device <NUM>, and/or a flash (not shown). The camera modules <NUM> and <NUM> may include one or more lenses, an image sensor, and/or an image signal processor. The flash (not shown) may include, for example, a light emitting diode (LED) or a xenon lamp. In a certain embodiment, two or more lenses (an IR camera, a wide-angle lens, and a telephoto lens) and image sensors may be arranged on one surface of the electronic device <NUM>. The camera modules <NUM> and <NUM> may be designed in various manners such as installation of only some camera modules or addition of a new camera module according to the structure of the electronic device <NUM>, not limited to the above structure.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may include a plurality of camera modules (e.g., a dual camera or a triple camera) each having a different attribute (e.g., angle of view) or function. For example, a plurality of camera modules <NUM> and <NUM> including lenses having different angles of view may be configured, and the electronic device <NUM> may control to change the angles of view of the camera modules <NUM> and <NUM> implemented in the electronic device <NUM> based on a user selection. For example, at least one of the plurality of camera modules <NUM> and <NUM> may be a wide-angle camera, and at least one other camera module may be a telephoto camera. Similarly, at least one of the plurality of camera modules <NUM> and <NUM> may be a front camera, and at least one other camera module may be a rear camera. Further, the plurality of camera modules <NUM> and <NUM> may include at least one of a wide-angle camera, a telephoto camera, or an IR camera (e.g., a time of flight (TOF) camera or a structured light camera). According to an embodiment, the IR camera may act as at least part of the sensor module. For example, the TOF camera may act as at least part of a sensor module (not shown) for detecting a distance to a subject.

According to an embodiment, the key input devices <NUM> may be arranged on side surfaces 310C of the housing <NUM>. In another embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may not include some or any of the above key input devices <NUM>, and the key input devices <NUM> which are not included may be implemented in other forms such as soft keys on the display <NUM>. In a certain embodiment, the key input devices may include a sensor module <NUM> disposed on the rear surface 310B of the housing <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the light emitting element (not shown) may be disposed, for example, on the front surface 310A of the housing <NUM>. The light emitting element (not shown) may provide, for example, state information about the electronic device <NUM> in the form of light. In another embodiment, the light emitting element (not shown) may provide a light source interworking, for example, with an operation of the front camera module <NUM>. The light emitting element (not shown) may include, for example, an LED, an IR LED, and/or a xenon lamp.

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

According to an embodiment, the first camera module <NUM> among the camera modules <NUM> and <NUM>, and/or some of sensor modules (not shown) may be disposed to be exposed to the outside through at least part of the display <NUM>. For example, the camera module <NUM> may include a punch hole camera disposed in a hole or recess formed on the rear surface of the display <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the second camera module <NUM> may be disposed inside the housing <NUM> such that a lens is exposed from the rear surface 310B of the electronic device <NUM>. For example, the camera module <NUM> may be disposed on a printed circuit board (e.g., a printed circuit board <NUM> of <FIG>).

According to an embodiment, the first camera module <NUM> and/or the sensor module may be disposed from the internal space of the electronic device <NUM> to the front plate <NUM> of the display <NUM> to communicate with an external environment through a transparent area. Further, some sensor module <NUM> may be disposed in the internal space of the electronic device to perform its function without being visually exposed through the front plate <NUM>.

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

Referring to <FIG>, an electronic device (e.g., electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>) according to various embodiments may include a support bracket <NUM>, a front plate <NUM> (e.g., the front plate <NUM> of <FIG>), a display <NUM> (e.g., the display <NUM> of <FIG>), the printed circuit board <NUM> (e.g., a PCB, a flexible PCB (FPCB), or a rigid flexible PCB (RFPCB)), a battery <NUM> (e.g., the battery <NUM> of <FIG>), a second support member <NUM> (e.g., a rear case), an antenna <NUM> (e.g., the antenna module <NUM> of <FIG>), and a rear plate <NUM> (e.g., the rear plate <NUM> of <FIG>). The support bracket <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM> according to an embodiment may include a side bezel structure <NUM> (e.g., the side bezel structure <NUM> of <FIG>) and a first support member <NUM>.

In a certain embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may not be provided with at least one (e.g., the first support member <NUM> or the second support member <NUM>) of the components or additionally include other components. At least one of the components of the electronic device <NUM> may be the same as or similar to at least one of the components of the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG> or <FIG>, and a redundant description will be avoided below.

According to various embodiments, the first support member <NUM> may be disposed inside the electronic device <NUM>, and may be connected to or integrally formed with the side bezel structure <NUM>. The first support member <NUM> may be formed of, for example, a metal material and/or a non-metal (e.g., polymer) material. The first support member <NUM> may have one surface coupled with the display <NUM> and the other surface coupled with the printed circuit board <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the printed circuit board <NUM> may have a processor, memory, and/or an interface mounted thereon. The processor may include, for example, at least one of a CPU, an application processor, a graphics processor, an image signal processor, a sensor hub processor, or a communication processor. According to various embodiments, the printed circuit board <NUM> may include an FPCB-type radio frequency cable (FRC). For example, the printed circuit board <NUM> may be disposed on at least part of the first support member <NUM> and electrically connected to an antenna module (e.g., the antenna module <NUM> of <FIG>) and a communication module (e.g., the communication module <NUM> of <FIG>).

According to an embodiment, the memory may include, for example, volatile memory or non-volatile memory.

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

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

According to various embodiments, the second support member <NUM> (e.g., the rear case) may be disposed between the printed circuit board <NUM> and the antenna <NUM>. For example, the second support member <NUM> may include one surface coupled with at least one of the printed circuit board <NUM> or the battery <NUM> and the other surface coupled with the antenna <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the antenna <NUM> may be disposed between the rear plate <NUM> and the battery <NUM>. The antenna <NUM> may, for example, perform short-range communication with an external device or wirelessly transmit and receive power required for charging to and from the external device. In another embodiment, an antenna structure may be formed by part of the side bezel structure <NUM> and/or part of the first support member <NUM> or a combination thereof.

According to various embodiments, the rear plate <NUM> may form at least part of the rear surface (e.g., the rear surface 310B of <FIG>) of the electronic device <NUM>.

<FIG> is a top view illustrating an unbent conductive pattern part according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

<FIG> is a perspective view illustrating a bent conductive pattern part according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

According to the claimed invention, an electronic device (e.g., electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>) includes a housing (e.g., the housing <NUM> of <FIG> and <FIG>), a circuit board (e.g., the printed circuit board <NUM> of <FIG>) disposed in the housing <NUM>, and a conductive pattern part <NUM>. The housing <NUM> may include a front plate (e.g., the front plate <NUM> of <FIG>) and a rear plate (e.g., the rear plate <NUM> of <FIG>). The conductive pattern part <NUM> includes a conductive pattern (e.g., a conductive pattern 500b of <FIG>) formed to generate a magnetic field and a base member 500a disposed in parallel to at least part of the front plate <NUM> and/or the rear plate <NUM>.

The configurations of the housing and the circuit board of <FIG> and <FIG> may be partially or wholly identical to those of the housing of <FIG> and <FIG> and the printed circuit board <NUM> of <FIG>.

According to various embodiments, the base member 500a may include a film made of an insulation material or a dielectric material and provide an area in which the conductive pattern 500b is formed. For example, the conductive pattern part <NUM> may be in the shape of a flexible printed circuit board. In another example, the conductive pattern part <NUM> may have a structure which is both a flexible printed circuit board and a multi-layer circuit board.

According to the claimed invention, the base member 500a includes a first part <NUM> including a support area <NUM> in which the conductive pattern 500b is disposed and at least one opening <NUM>, and a second part <NUM> extending from the at least one opening <NUM> into the at least one opening <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the shapes of the base member 500a may be divided into a first shape for fabrication and a second shape for arrangement in the electronic device <NUM>. The first shape may mean a state where the second part <NUM> is not bent, and the second shape may mean a state where the second part <NUM> is bent. <FIG> illustrates the first shape, and <FIG> illustrates the second shape.

According to an embodiment, the first part <NUM> of the base member 500a may include the support area <NUM> shaped into a plate and a first opening 512a. According to another embodiment, the first part <NUM> of the base member 500a may include the plate-shaped support area <NUM>, the first opening 512a, and a second opening 512b spaced apart from the first opening 512a.

According to various embodiments, the first opening 512a may be formed in an area inside the first part <NUM> and vary in shape depending on whether the second part <NUM> is bent.

Referring to <FIG>, in the first shape (e.g., the state where the second part <NUM> is not bent), the first opening 512a may be formed along an edge of the second part <NUM>. For example, when the second part <NUM> is in the shape of a square plate extending into the first opening 512a, the first opening 512a may be formed to surround surfaces of the square plate other than an extension portion of the second part, connected to the support area <NUM>. In another example, the support area <NUM> adjacent to the first opening 512a may be spaced apart from the edge of the second part <NUM> by a specified distance due to the first opening 512a. In another example, the first opening 512a may be in the shape of '<IMG>' or' '<IMG>'.

Referring to <FIG>, in the second shape (e.g., a state where the second part <NUM> is bent), the first opening 512a may be substantially in the shape of a square and open as a whole because the remaining part other than a bent portion <NUM> of the second part <NUM> is excluded. For example, one area (e.g., the bent portion <NUM>) of the second part <NUM>, connected to the support area <NUM> may be disposed adjacent to an end of the first opening 512a. Depending on a degree to which the bent portion <NUM> of the second part <NUM> is bent, an area in which the second part <NUM> is located in the first opening 512a may be differently adjusted.

According to an embodiment, a first fixing hole <NUM> to fix the support area may be formed in part of the support area <NUM> adjacent to the first opening 512a.

According to various embodiments, the second opening 512b may be formed in an area inside the first part <NUM>. The second opening 512b may be spaced apart from the first opening 512a. When the conductive pattern 500b is designed in the shape of a loop, the second opening 512b may be located inside the loop-shaped conductive pattern 500b, when viewed from above the conductive pattern part <NUM>. The second opening 512b may be formed to correspond to the loop-shaped conductive pattern 500b. For example, when the conductive pattern 500b is in the shape of a square loop, the second opening 512b may be formed in the shape of a closed square.

According to an embodiment, the second opening 512b may be located in an area in which the conductive pattern 500b is not disposed. For example, as the conductive pattern 500b is disposed along an edge of the support area <NUM> and/or inside the second part <NUM>, the area in which the conductive pattern 500b is not located may be excluded in design. The second opening 512b may be an unnecessary area in which the conductive pattern 500b is not disposed, thereby increasing the number of openings of the conductive pattern part <NUM> in an FPCB original plate and reduce material cost in manufacture. However, the second opening 512b may be selectively excluded in design according to a designer's request. For example, when a new conductive line is required, a circuit such as various conductive lines may be formed in the area instead of the second opening 512b.

According to an embodiment, a second fixing hole <NUM> to fix the support area may be formed in part of the support area <NUM> adjacent to the second opening 512b.

According to the claimed invention, the second part <NUM> of the base member 500a extends into the first opening 512a and includes the bent portion <NUM> formed to be bendable and a contact point portion <NUM> providing an electrical contact point with a circuit board in the housing <NUM>. Some of conductive lines of the conductive pattern 500b disposed in the first part <NUM> may be disposed to extend to the contact point portion <NUM> through the bent portion <NUM> of the second part <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the shape of the second part <NUM> may be different depending on whether the bent portion <NUM> is bent. Referring to <FIG>, in the first shape (e.g., the state where the second part <NUM> is not bent), the bent portion <NUM> and the contact point portion <NUM> of the second part <NUM> may be located inside the first opening 512a. For example, the bent portion <NUM> of the second part <NUM> may be connected to the support area <NUM> of the first part <NUM> and be in a flat state.

According to an embodiment, the support area <NUM> may include a first inner end portion 511a located to contact the first opening 512a and a second inner end portion 511b located opposite to the first inner end portion <NUM>1a. The bent portion <NUM> of the second part <NUM> may be located near the first inner end portion <NUM>1a. The contact point portion <NUM> of the second part <NUM> may be located to face a first direction P1 toward the second inner end portion 511b. In another example, the bent portion <NUM> of the second part <NUM> may be connected to the support area <NUM> to be adjacent to the first inner end portion 511a, and the contact point portion <NUM> of the second part <NUM> may face the support area <NUM> while being spaced apart from the support area <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, in the second shape (e.g., the state where the second part <NUM> is bent), the bent portion <NUM> of the second part <NUM> may be bent, and the contact point portion <NUM> of the second part <NUM> may be located to face a second direction P2 opposite to the first direction P1. For example, the contact point portion <NUM> of the second part <NUM> and its adjacent part may be displaced from the first opening 512a and extend to the outside of the first part <NUM> to form a contact point with the circuit board.

According to an embodiment, the bent portion <NUM> of the second part <NUM> may be bent to control the contact point portion <NUM> of the second part <NUM> to be movable in the first direction P1 and/or the second direction P2. For example, in the second shape (e.g., in the state where the second part <NUM> is bent), the position of the contact point portion <NUM> facing in the second direction P2 (or along a horizontal axis) may be adjusted by adjusting a bending degree or bending length of the bent portion <NUM>. Since the position of a circuit board and/or the position of a contact point of the circuit board varies in each electronic device <NUM>, the bending degree or bending length of the bent portion <NUM> may be adjusted in correspondence with the position to change the position of the contact point portion <NUM> of the second part <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the contact point portion <NUM> of the second part <NUM> may connect the conductive pattern 500b to a control circuit or a communication module mounted on the circuit board of the electronic device <NUM>. For example, the contact point portion <NUM> of the second part <NUM> may include a plurality of holes and be connected to the control circuit or communication module through a connection member such as a connector, a pogo-pin, and a c-clip disposed on the circuit board.

<FIG> is a top projection view illustrating a base member on which a conductive pattern is mounted according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

According to various embodiments, an electronic device (e.g., electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>) includes a housing (e.g., housing <NUM> of <FIG> and <FIG>), a circuit board (e.g., the printed circuit board <NUM> of <FIG>) disposed inside the housing <NUM>, and the conductive pattern part <NUM>. The conductive pattern part <NUM> includes the conductive pattern 500b formed to generate a magnetic field and the base member 500a to accommodate the conductive pattern 500b thereon.

The configurations of the housing and the circuit board of <FIG> may be partially or wholly identical to those of the housing of <FIG> and <FIG> and the printed circuit board <NUM> of <FIG>. The configuration of the conductive pattern part <NUM> of <FIG> may be partially or wholly identical to that of the conductive pattern part <NUM> of <FIG> and <FIG>.

According to various embodiments, the base member 500a may include a film made of an insulation material or a dielectric material and provide an area (e.g., the support area <NUM> of the first part <NUM>, and the second part <NUM> in <FIG> and <FIG>) in which the conductive pattern 500b is formed.

According to various embodiments, the conductive pattern part <NUM> may include at least one conductive pattern 500b, and the at least one conductive pattern 500b may be disposed on one surface or the other surface of the base member 500a. For example, when the base member 500a has a multi-layer circuit board structure, one conductive pattern 500b may be formed on an appropriate one of layers forming the base member 500a, or each of a plurality of conductive patterns 500b may be formed on an appropriate one of the layers forming the base member 500a. In another example, at least one conductive pattern 500b may be formed by etching (e.g., wet etching, dry etching) part of a conductive layer formed on the base member 500a by conductive ink-based printing, deposition, painting, and/or plating.

According to an embodiment, the at least one conductive pattern 500b may form a loop antenna, and when the loop antenna is in the form of an FPCB, a plurality of loop antennas for communication may be included on one FPCB.

According to an embodiment, the antenna formed of one FPCB may include an NFC loop antenna, an MST loop antenna, and a loop antenna for wireless communication. For example, in an electronic device having both a front surface (e.g., the front surface 310A of <FIG> and <FIG>) and a rear surface (e.g., the rear surface 310B of <FIG> and <FIG>) formed of glass, an FPCB may be located between the rear glass and the inside of the housing. In another example, at least part of the housing facing the at least one conductive pattern 500b may include a non-conductive material (e.g., injected plastic) or include an opening. At least part of the FPCB antenna may overlap with a battery inside the terminal.

According to various embodiments, when viewed from above the conductive pattern part <NUM> (e.g., when the conductive pattern part <NUM> disposed in the housing <NUM> is viewed from the rear surface of the electronic device <NUM>), at least part of the conductive pattern 500b may be disposed to surround an opening (e.g., the first opening 512a and/or the second opening 512b) of the base member 500a.

According to various embodiments, the at least one conductive pattern 500b may be a coil including a plurality of turns substantially parallel to one surface of the plate. For example, a conductive line forming the at least one conductive pattern 500b may include a plurality of turns wound to form a closed loop shape including a circle, a polygon, or a combination of a curve and a straight line, and when the base member 500a is mounted inside the housing <NUM>, the base member 500a may be disposed substantially in parallel to the housing <NUM> or a plate (e.g., the rear plate <NUM> of <FIG>). In another example, when the at least one conductive pattern 500b is an MST loop antenna, it may include conductive line(s) wound about <NUM> to <NUM> times. According to another embodiment, the FPCB antenna may further include a heat dissipation sheet (e.g., graphite sheet) and a shielding agent (e.g., ferrite).

According to an embodiment, the at least one conductive pattern 500b may be connected to a control circuit (e.g., a control circuit in the communication module <NUM> of <FIG>) to transmit/receive wireless radio waves or power and generate a magnetic field.

According to various embodiments, when a plurality of conductive patterns 500b are disposed in the conductive pattern part <NUM>, each of the conductive patterns 500b may be disposed on the same plane or on a different layer. According to an embodiment, even if the plurality of conductive patterns 500b are formed on different layers of a multilayer circuit board, when the base member 500a is in the shape of a film, the conductive patterns 500b may be disposed on substantially the same plane. The plurality of conductive patterns 500b, each of which may be in the shape of a closed loop, may be disposed such that the conductive patterns 500b are adjacent to each other, some of the conductive patterns 500b overlap with each other, while others do not overlap with each other, and/or one conductive pattern 500b surrounds another.

According to various embodiments, each of the plurality of conductive patterns 500b may transmit/receive radio waves, transmit/receive wireless power, or generate a magnetic field. According to various embodiments, wireless radio waves may be transmitted/received, wireless power may be transmitted/received, or a magnetic field may be generated, through one conductive pattern or a combination of two or more conductive patterns under the control of the control circuit.

According to various embodiments, a matching circuit, a concentration element, and/or a switch element may be disposed on a line connecting the control circuit to the at least one conductive pattern 500b to adjust the resonance frequency or magnetic flux distribution of each conductive pattern. For example, when the control circuit includes a wireless charging module and an NFC module, the at least one conductive pattern 500b may be connected to one of the wireless charging module and the NFC module using a switch element, thereby allowing the at least one conductive pattern 500b to perform one of a wireless charging function and an NFC function. A matching circuit to adjust the operating characteristics of the at least one conductive pattern 500b to be suitable for each function may be disposed on a line connecting the at least one conductive pattern 500b to each of the wireless charging module and the NFC module.

<FIG> is a front projection view illustrating the interior of a housing in which a conductive pattern part is mounted in an electronic device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

<FIG> is an enlarged view illustrating an area A of <FIG> according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

<FIG> is a projected perspective view illustrating the interior of a housing in which a conductive pattern part is mounted in an electronic device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

<FIG> is an enlarged view illustrating an area B of <FIG> according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

According to various embodiments, an electronic device (e.g., electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>) may include a housing (e.g., the housing <NUM> of <FIG> and <FIG>), the printed circuit board <NUM> disposed in the housing <NUM>, the battery <NUM>, the camera module <NUM>, and the conductive pattern part <NUM>. The conductive pattern part <NUM> may include the conductive pattern 500b formed to generate a magnetic field and the base member 500a to accommodate the conductive pattern (e.g., the conductive pattern 500b of <FIG>).

The configurations of the housing, the battery <NUM>, the camera module <NUM>, and the printed circuit board <NUM> of <FIG> may be partially or wholly identical to those of the housing of <FIG> and <FIG>, the battery <NUM> of <FIG>, the camera module <NUM>, and the printed circuit board <NUM>. The configuration of the conductive pattern part <NUM> of <FIG> may be partially or wholly identical to that of the conductive pattern part <NUM> of <FIG>.

According to various embodiments, various structures may be formed on the inner surface of the housing <NUM> according to the arrangement of electronic components inside the electronic device <NUM> or a coupling structure between the housing <NUM> and the internal electronic components. The printed circuit board <NUM>, the battery <NUM>, the camera module <NUM>, and the conductive pattern part <NUM> may be disposed inside the housing <NUM>. For example, the housing <NUM> may include a first area S1 and a second area S2 defined by the various structures. The first area S1 may provide an area in which the battery <NUM> is seated, and the second area S2 may provide an area in which the printed circuit board <NUM>, and the camera module <NUM> and the conductive pattern part <NUM> adjacent to the printed circuit board <NUM> are seated.

According to various embodiments, when viewed from above the electronic device <NUM>, at least part of the printed circuit board <NUM> and the camera module <NUM> may overlap and be electrically connected to each other. When viewed from above the electronic device <NUM>, at least part of the printed circuit board <NUM> and the conductive pattern part <NUM> may overlap and be electrically connected to each other.

According to various embodiments, as the conductive pattern part <NUM> is electrically connected to the printed circuit board <NUM> inside the electronic device <NUM>, the second conductive pattern part <NUM> may be placed in the same state as the second shape (e.g., the state where the second part <NUM> of <FIG> is bent).

According to various embodiments, the base member 500a of the conductive pattern part <NUM> may include the first part <NUM> to generate a magnetic field and the second part <NUM> to be electrically connected to the printed circuit board <NUM>. The second part <NUM> may include the bent portion <NUM> and the contact point portion <NUM>. The bent portion <NUM> may be bent from the first part <NUM> into the first opening 512a, and the contact point portion <NUM> may extend to a contact structure <NUM> of the printed circuit board <NUM>. For example, the bent portion <NUM> may be bent from the first direction P1 directed to first side wall <NUM> of the housing <NUM> and extend in the second direction P2 directed to second side wall <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. The contact point portion <NUM> may extend from an end of the bent portion <NUM> in the second direction P2 and physically contact one area (e.g., the contact structure <NUM>) of the printed circuit board <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the contact point portion <NUM> may be formed with two openings connected to a transmission end and a reception end of the conductive pattern 500b, respectively. When the contact structure <NUM> of the printed circuit board <NUM> is a c-clip, two c-clips may penetrate into the two openings, respectively, to provide electrical contact points.

According to various embodiments, the bent portion <NUM> of the second part <NUM> may be bent to control the contact point portion <NUM> of the second part <NUM> to be movable in the first direction P1 and/or the second direction P2. For example, in the second shape (e.g., in the state where the second part <NUM> is bent), the position of the contact point portion <NUM> in the second direction P2 (along the horizontal axis) may be adjusted by adjusting the bending degree or bending length of the bent portion <NUM>. Because the position of a circuit board and/or the position of a contact point of the circuit board is different in each electronic device <NUM>, the position of the contact point portion <NUM> of the second part <NUM> may be changed by adjusting the bending degree or length of the bent portion <NUM> in correspondence with the position.

An electronic device (e.g., electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>) according to various embodiments of the disclosure may include a housing (e.g., the housing <NUM> of <FIG> and <FIG>) including a plate (e.g., the rear plate <NUM> of <FIG>), a printed circuit board (e.g., the printed circuit board <NUM> of <FIG>) disposed in the housing, a conductive pattern (e.g., the conductive pattern 500b of <FIG>) disposed in the housing and configured to generate a magnetic field, and a base member (e.g., the base member 500a of <FIG>) disposed substantially in parallel to the plate. The base member may include a first part (e.g., the first part <NUM> of <FIG>) having at least one opening formed thereon, and a second part (e.g., the second part <NUM> of <FIG>) including a bent portion (e.g., the bent portion <NUM> of <FIG>) extending from the first part into the at least one opening and formed to be bendable, and a contact point portion (e.g., the contact point portion <NUM> of <FIG>) providing an electrical contact point with the printed circuit board.

According to various embodiments, the base member may provide an area to form the conductive pattern therein.

According to various embodiments, as the bent portion of the second part is bent, the contact point member may extend in a second direction opposite to a first direction in which the at least one opening faces, and form the contact point with the printed circuit board.

According to various embodiments, a position of the contact point member of the second part may be movable in a first direction in which the at least one opening faces and a second direction opposite to the first direction according to a bending degree of the bent portion.

According to various embodiments, the conductive pattern may include a loop antenna shape and be disposed to surround the at least one opening.

According to various embodiments, the first part of the base member may include a plate-shaped support area (e.g., the support area <NUM> of <FIG>) and a first opening (e.g., the first opening 512a of <FIG>) formed inside the first part, and a shape of the first opening may be variable according to a bending degree of the second part.

According to various embodiments, a first fixing hole (e.g., the first fixing hole <NUM> of <FIG>) to fix the support area may be formed in part of the support area adjacent to the first opening.

According to various embodiments, the first part of the base member may include a plate-shaped support area (e.g., the support area <NUM> of <FIG>), a first opening (e.g., the first opening 512a of <FIG>) formed inside the first part, and a second opening (e.g., the second opening 512b of <FIG>) formed spaced apart from the first opening, and a shape of the first opening may be variable according to a bending degree of the second part.

According to various embodiments, when viewed from above the base member, the second opening may be located inside the loop-shaped conductive pattern.

According to various embodiments, a second fixing hole (e.g., the second fixing hole <NUM> of <FIG>) to fix the support area may be formed in part of the support area adjacent to the second opening.

According to various embodiments, the contact point portion of the second part may include a plurality of holes, and be electrically connected to a communication circuit and/or a control circuit by being coupled with a contact point member disposed in an area on the printed circuit board.

According to various embodiments, the conductive pattern may include a coil having a plurality of turns substantially parallel to one surface of the plate.

According to various embodiments, the conductive pattern forms a loop antenna, and the loop antenna is designed as at least one of an NFC loop antenna, an MTS loop antenna, or a loop antenna for wireless communication.

According to various embodiments, the base member may form a multi-layer circuit board structure, and the conductive pattern may be located in one area among layers forming the base member.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device may further include a display exposed toward a front surface of the electronic device, the plate may be disposed to face a rear surface of the electronic device, and the base member with the conductive pattern mounted thereon may be disposed between the printed circuit board and the plate.

An electronic device (e.g., electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>) according to various embodiments of the disclosure may include a housing (e.g., the housing <NUM> of <FIG> and <FIG>) including a plate (e.g., the rear plate <NUM> of <FIG>), a printed circuit board (e.g., the printed circuit board <NUM> of <FIG>) disposed in the housing, and a conductive pattern part (e.g., the conductive pattern part <NUM> of <FIG>) including a base member (e.g., the base member 500a of <FIG>) disposed substantially in parallel to the plate and a conductive pattern (e.g., the conductive pattern 500b of <FIG>) disposed on the base member to face the plate and configured to generate a magnetic field. The base member may include a first part (e.g., the first part <NUM> of <FIG>) having at least one opening formed thereon, and a second part (e.g., the second part <NUM> of <FIG>) including a bent portion (e.g., the bent portion <NUM> of <FIG>) extending from the first part to be exposed to the outside of the first part and a contact point portion (e.g., the contact point portion <NUM> of <FIG>) providing an electrical contact point with the printed circuit board.

According to various embodiments, the at least one opening may include a first opening accommodating at least part of the second part and a second opening formed spaced apart from the first opening, and when viewed from above the base member, the second opening may be located inside the loop-shaped conductive pattern.

The above-described substrate with a conductive pattern disposed thereon and an electronic device including the same according to various embodiments of the disclosure are not limited by the foregoing embodiment and drawings. It will be obvious to those skilled in the art that many replacements, modifications, and variations can be made inside the technical scope of the disclosure.

Claim 1:
An electronic device (<NUM>) comprising:
a housing (<NUM>) including a rear plate (<NUM>);
a printed circuit board (<NUM>) disposed in the housing (<NUM>);
a conductive pattern unit (<NUM>) disposed in the housing (<NUM>) and including a conductive pattern (500b); an characterised by
a base member (500a) extending substantially parallel to the rear plate (<NUM>), wherein the base member (500a) further comprises an area in which the conductive pattern (500b) is formed,
wherein the base member (500a) comprises:
a first part (<NUM>) having an opening (512a) formed thereon, and
a second part (<NUM>) including a bent portion (<NUM>) and a contact point portion (<NUM>), the bent portion (<NUM>) being bendable and extending from the first part (<NUM>) into the opening (512a), the contact point portion (<NUM>) providing an electrical contact point with the printed circuit board (<NUM>).