Patent Description:
One of current trends for mobile electronic devices is that users have generally demanded slimmer device bodies. That is, the thickness of the electronic device is reduced as much as possible. In addition, such electronic devices are being developed to increase their stiffness, and to improve the devices in other ways that would differentiate the devices in the market place. These electronic devices are being also developed to have various shapes that depart from the traditional uniform rectangular shape. One example of such developments is embodied in a foldable electronic device with a large-screen display that can be folded when not in use.

<CIT>discloses a foldable wireless device including a first circuit board and a second circuit board. The second circuit board includes an antenna for receiving and transmitting radio waves. The disclosure focuses on a shorter mechanical length of a base circuit board having a built-in antenna.

<CIT> discloses a foldable electronic device with an antenna aiming to avoid antenna performance deterioration due to overlapping of a housing and an electronic device including the antenna. It is disclosed that a space for deploying at least one antenna for communication can be effectively ensured.

The foldable electronic device may include a first housing (or a first housing structure) and a second housing (or a second housing structure) connected to each other through a hinge module (or a hinge structure) interposed therebetween. In the foldable electronic device, the hinge module allows each of the first and second housings to rotate from <NUM> to <NUM> degrees with respect to each other. The device may be in-folded, where the display is disposed on the interior of the device when folded, or out-folded, where the display is disposed on the exterior of the device when folded. The foldable electronic device may include a flexible display disposed to substantially cover both the first and second housings in the open (i.e., unfolded) state, where the first and second housing are at <NUM> degrees with respect to each other.

The foldable electronic device includes at least one antenna for communication. This antenna needs to satisfy the required radiation performance regardless of how the device is folded. However, in the out-folded state of the foldable electronic device where rear surfaces of the first and second housings face each other so that the display is exposed to the exterior, radiation performance may be degraded due to various conductive members shielding the antennas. These conductive members may include conductive layers (e.g., copper plate) of the display, conductive mechanical structures (e.g., conductive support member or conductive bracket) disposed near the antenna in the electronic device, or conductive electrical structure (e.g., interface connector port, speaker assembly, or microphone module) disposed near the antenna in the electronic device.

Certain embodiments of the instant disclosure provide an antenna and a foldable electronic device including the same.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, an electronic device includes a first housing including a first surface and a second surface facing in a direction opposite to the first surface; a second housing including a third surface and a fourth surface facing in a direction opposite to the third surface, the first housing and the second housings are rotatably connected to each other via a hinge module to be in a folded state or an unfolded state. The electronic device further includes at least one conductive pattern disposed in the first housing, at least one conductor's conductive pad, electrically connected to a corresponding at least one conductor disposed at a first position in the second housing corresponding to the at least one conductive pattern such that the at least one conductor's conductive pad is capacitively coupled to the at least one conductive pattern when the electronic device is in the folded state, and a wireless communication circuit electrically connected to the at least one conductive pattern in the first housing, wherein the second surface of the first housing faces the fourth surface of the second housing in the folded state, and wherein the at least one conductive pattern is disposed in the first housing at a second position that is closer to the second surface than the first surface is in the unfolded state, the at least one conductor's conductive pad is disconnected from the at least one conductive pattern such that the at least one conductor's conductive pad is disconnected from the wireless communication circuit.

According to one embodiment, the electronic device further comprises a conductive pattern's conductive pad disposed in the first housing and electrically connected to the at least one conductive pattern is exposed through the second surface or disposed at a second position that is closer to the second surface than the first surface such that it is electrically coupled with the conductor's conductive pad when the electronic device is in the folded state.

According to one embodiment, the second housing includes a third surface and a fourth surface facing in a direction opposite to the third surface is exposed through the fourth surface or disposed at a third position that is closer to the fourth surface than the third surface further comprises a first lateral member including a first lateral surface disposed substantially parallel to the hinge module from one end of the first lateral surface; and a third lateral surface extended to the hinge module from the other end of the first lateral surface, wherein a portion of the at least one conductive pattern is disposed to face the first lateral surface, the second lateral surface, and/or the third lateral surface in the first housing further comprises a second lateral member including a fourth lateral surface disposed substantially parallel to the hinge module from one end of the fourth lateral surface; and a sixth lateral surface extended to the hinge module from the other end of the fourth lateral surface, wherein a portion of the at least one conductor is disposed to face the fourth lateral surface, the fifth lateral surface, and/or the sixth lateral surface in the second housing further comprises a conductive decorative member when the conductive pattern's conductive pad is disposed to be exposed through the second surface of the first housing further comprises a laser direct structuring, LDS, pattern formed in a dielectric injection-molded material and/or a flexible printed circuit board, FPCB.

According to one embodiment, the electronic device, further comprises a printed circuit board, PCB, disposed in the first housing is formed in a fill-and-cut region of the PCB.

According to one embodiment, the wireless communication circuit is configured to transmit and/or receive a radio signal in a range of about <NUM> to <NUM> through the at least one conductive pattern and the at least one conductor when the electronic device is in the folded state.

According to one embodiment, the electronic device further comprises a coupler disposed on an electrical path connecting the wireless communication circuit and the at least one conductive pattern disposed on an electrical path connecting the conductive pattern and the at least one conductor configured to receive return loss information of the at least one conductive pattern from the coupler further comprises a plurality of inductors L1 to Ln having different inductance values; and a switching device S electrically connecting the conductive pattern and the at least one conductor through one of the plurality of inductors L1 to Ln.

According to one embodiment, the at least one processor is further configured to control the switching device S to electrically connect the conductive pattern to the at least one conductor sequentially through each of the plurality of inductors L1 to Ln, and based on the received return loss information, control the switching device S to electrically connect the conductive pattern and the at least one conductor through an inductor L1 to Ln having best return loss.

According to one embodiment, the at least one processor is further configured to detect whether the electronic device is in the folded state, and control the switching device S when the electronic device is in the folded state.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, even in the folded state, the antenna of the foldable electronic device is capable of using, as an antenna element, the conductor additionally disposed in the opposite housing and thereby radiation performance of an antenna of a foldable electronic device while folded may be as good as or better than the radiation performance of the antenna when the foldable electronic device is unfolded.

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

According to one or more embodiments of the disclosure, radiation performance of an antenna of a foldable electronic device while folded may be as good as or better than the radiation performance of the antenna when the foldable electronic device is unfolded.

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.

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

Referring to <FIG>, in a network environment <NUM>, an electronic device <NUM> may communicate with a first external electronic device <NUM> through a first network <NUM> (e.g., short-range wireless communication network) or may communicate with a second external electronic device <NUM> or a server <NUM> through a second network <NUM> (e.g., long-distance wireless communication network). In one embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may communicate with the second external electronic device <NUM> through the server <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may include a processor <NUM>, a memory <NUM>, an input unit <NUM>, a sound output unit <NUM>, a display unit <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 <NUM>, and an antenna module <NUM>. In one embodiment, at least one component (e.g., the display unit <NUM> or the camera module <NUM>) among the components of the electronic device <NUM> may be omitted, or other components may be added to the electronic device <NUM>. In one embodiment, some of these components may be implemented as an integrated circuit. For example, the sensor module <NUM> (e.g., fingerprint sensor, iris sensor, or illuminance sensor) may be embedded in the display unit <NUM> (e.g., display).

The processor <NUM> may execute, for example, software (e.g., a program <NUM>) to control at least one of other components (e.g., hardware component or software component) of the electronic device <NUM> connected to the processor <NUM>, and may process a variety of data or perform various computations. In one embodiment, as part of data processing or computation, the processor <NUM> may load a command or data received from other components (e.g., the sensor module <NUM> or the communication module <NUM>) into the volatile memory <NUM>, process the command or data stored in the volatile memory <NUM>, and store the result data in nonvolatile memory <NUM>. In one embodiment, the processor <NUM> may include a main processor <NUM> (e.g., central processing unit, or application processor), and a secondary processor <NUM> (e.g., graphics processing unit, image signal processor, sensor hub processor, or communication processor), which may operate independently of or in cooperation with the main processor <NUM>. Additionally or alternatively, the secondary processor <NUM> may consume less power or may be more specialized in a specific function compared with the main processor <NUM>. The secondary processor <NUM> may be implemented separately from or as part of the main processor <NUM>.

The secondary processor <NUM> may control at least some of the functions or states associated with at least one component (e.g., the display unit <NUM>, the sensor module <NUM>, or the communication module <NUM>) among the components of the electronic device <NUM>, for example, instead of the main processor <NUM> while the main processor <NUM> is in an inactive (e.g., sleep) state, or together with the main processor <NUM> while the main processor <NUM> is in an active (e.g., application execution) state. In one embodiment, the secondary processor <NUM> (e.g., image signal processor or communication processor) may be implemented as a part of another component (e.g., the camera module <NUM> or the communication module <NUM>) that is functionally related to the secondary processor <NUM>.

The memory <NUM> may store a variety of data used by at least one component (e.g., the processor <NUM> or the sensor module <NUM>) of the electronic device <NUM>. The data may include, for example, software (e.g., the program <NUM>) and input data or output data for commands associated with the software. The memory <NUM> may include the volatile memory <NUM> or the nonvolatile memory <NUM>.

The programs <NUM> may be stored in the memory <NUM> as software, and may include, for example, an operating system <NUM>, a middleware <NUM>, or an application <NUM>.

The input unit <NUM> may receive a command or data, which can be to be used for a component (e.g., the processor <NUM>) of the electronic device <NUM>, from the outside of the electronic device <NUM> (e.g., user). The input unit <NUM> may include, for example, a microphone, a mouse, a keyboard, or a digital pen (e.g., stylus pen).

The sound output unit <NUM> may output a sound signal to the outside of the electronic device <NUM>. The sound output unit <NUM> may include, for example, a speaker and a receiver. The speaker may be used for general purposes, such as playback of multimedia or recordings, and the receiver may be used for receiving an incoming call. In one embodiment, the receiver may be implemented separately from or as part of the speaker.

The display unit <NUM> may visually present information to the outside of the electronic device <NUM> (e.g., user). The display unit <NUM> may include, for example, a display, a hologram device, or a projector, and a control circuit for controlling these. In one embodiment, the display unit <NUM> may include a touch circuitry configured to sense a touch, or a sensing circuitry (e.g., pressure sensor) configured to measure the strength of a force caused by a touch action.

The audio module <NUM> may convert a sound into an electric signal or convert an electric signal into a sound. In one embodiment, the audio module <NUM> may obtain a sound signal through the input unit <NUM> or may output a sound signal through an external electronic device (e.g., the first external electronic device <NUM> (e.g., speaker or headphone)) wiredly or wirelessly connected to the sound output unit <NUM> or the electronic device <NUM>.

The sensor module <NUM> may generate an electrical signal or a data value corresponding to the operating state (e.g., power or temperature) of the electronic device <NUM> or the environmental state (e.g., user state) outside the electronic device <NUM>. The sensor module <NUM> may include, for example, a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a grip sensor, a proximity sensor, a color sensor, an infrared sensor, a biometric sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or an illuminance sensor.

The interface <NUM> may support one or more designated protocols that enable the electronic device <NUM> to directly or wirelessly connect to an external electronic device (e.g., the first external electronic device <NUM>). In one embodiment, the interface <NUM> may include, for example, a high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI), a universal serial bus (USB) interface, an SD card interface, or an audio interface.

The connection terminal <NUM> may include a connector through which the electronic device <NUM> can be physically connected to an external electronic device (e.g., the first external electronic device <NUM>). In one embodiment, the connection terminal <NUM> may include, for example, an HDMI connector, a USB connector, a secure digital (SD) card connector, or an audio connector (e.g., headphone connector).

The haptic module <NUM> may convert an electrical signal into a mechanical stimulus (e.g., vibration or motion) or an electrical stimulus that can be perceived by the user through tactile or kinesthetic senses. In one embodiment, the haptic module <NUM> may include, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electric stimulator.

The camera module <NUM> may capture a still image or a moving image. In one embodiment, the camera module <NUM> may include at least one lens, an image sensor, an image signal processor, or a flash.

The power management module <NUM> may manage the power supplied to the electronic device <NUM>. The power management module <NUM> may be implemented as part of a power management integrated circuit (PMIC).

In one embodiment, the battery <NUM> may include, for example, a non-rechargeable primary cell, a rechargeable secondary cell, or a fuel cell.

The communication module <NUM> may establish a wired or wireless communication channel between the electronic device <NUM> and the external electronic device (e.g., the first external electronic device <NUM>, the second external electronic device <NUM>, or the server <NUM>) and support communication through the established communication channel. The communication module <NUM> may include at least one communication processor that can operate separately from the processor <NUM> (e.g., application processor) to support wired or wireless communication. In one embodiment, the communication module <NUM> may include a wireless communication module <NUM> (e.g., cellular communication module, short-range wireless communication module, or global navigation satellite system (GNSS) communication module), or a wired communication module <NUM> (e.g., local area network (LAN) communication module, or power line communication module). The corresponding communication module may communicate with an external electronic device through the first network <NUM> (e.g., short-range communication network such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi direct, or infrared data association (IrDA)) or through the second network <NUM> (e.g., long-distance communication network such as a cellular network, the Internet, or a computer network like a LAN or WAN). The above various communication modules may be implemented as one component (e.g., single chip) or as separate components (e.g., multiple chips). The wireless communication module <NUM> may identify and authenticate the electronic device <NUM> in the communication network such as the first network <NUM> or the second network <NUM> by using subscriber information stored in the subscriber identification module <NUM>.

The antenna module <NUM> may transmit or receive a signal or power to or from the outside (e.g., the external electronic devices <NUM> or <NUM>). In one embodiment, the antenna module <NUM> may include one antenna having a radiator made of a conductor or conductive pattern formed on a substrate (e.g., PCB). In one embodiment, the antenna module <NUM> may include a plurality of antennas. In this case, at least one antenna suitable for the communication scheme used in the communication network such as the first network <NUM> or the second network <NUM> may be selected from the plurality of antennas by, for example, the communication module <NUM>. The signal or power may be transmitted or received between the communication module <NUM> and the external electronic devices <NUM> or <NUM> through the selected at least one antenna. In one embodiment, in addition to the radiator, another component (e.g., radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC)) may be further formed as part of the antenna module <NUM>.

At least some of the above components may be connected to each other via a communication scheme between peripherals (e.g., bus, general purpose input and output (GPIO), serial peripheral interface (SPI), or mobile industry processor interface (MIPI)), and may exchange signals (e.g., commands or data) with each other.

In one embodiment, commands or data may be exchanged between the electronic device <NUM> and the second external electronic device <NUM> through the server <NUM> connected to the second network <NUM>. The external electronic devices <NUM> and <NUM> may be of the same type as or a different type from the electronic device <NUM>. In one embodiment, all or some of the operations that can be performed by the electronic device <NUM> may be performed by one or more of the external electronic devices <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM>. For example, to perform a certain function or service automatically or upon request, the electronic device <NUM> may, instead of or in addition to executing the function or service, request one or more external electronic devices to execute at least some of the function or service. Upon reception of the request, the external electronic devices may execute at least a portion of the requested function or service or an additional function or service related to the request, and return the execution results to the electronic device <NUM>. The electronic device <NUM> may further process the received results if necessary and provide the processing results as a response to the requested function or service. To this end, technologies such as cloud computing, distributed computing, and client-server computing may be used.

The electronic device according to various embodiments disclosed herein can be one of various types of devices, such as portable communication devices (e.g., smartphones), computers, portable multimedia devices, portable medical instruments, cameras, wearable devices, and home appliances. However, the electronic device is not limited to the above-mentioned devices.

It should be understood that the various embodiments of the disclosure and the terminology used herein are not intended to limit the techniques described herein to specific embodiments but to include various modifications, equivalents, and/or alternatives thereof. In the drawings, the same or similar reference symbols are used to refer to the same or like parts. In the description, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In the description, the expression "A or B", "at least one of A and/or B", "A, B or C", or "at least one of A, B and/or C" may indicate all possible combinations of the listed items. The terms "first" and "second" may refer to various elements regardless of importance and/or order and are used to distinguish one element from another element without limitation. It will be understood that when an element (e.g., first element) is referred to as being (functionally or communicatively) "coupled with/to" or "connected with/to" another element (e.g., second element), it can be coupled or connected with/to the other element directly (wiredly), wirelessly, or via a third element.

In the description, the term "module" may refer to a certain unit that is implemented in hardware, software, firmware, or a combination thereof. The term "module" may be used interchangeably with the term "unit", "logic", "logical block", "component", or "circuit", for example. The module may be the minimum unit, or a part thereof, which performs one or more particular functions. For example, a module may be implemented in the form of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

Various embodiments of the disclosure may be implemented in software (e.g., the programs <NUM>) including instructions stored in a machine-readable storage medium (e.g., internal memory <NUM> or external memory <NUM>) readable by a machine (e.g., the electronic device <NUM>). For example, the processor (e.g., the processor <NUM>) of the machine (e.g., the electronic device <NUM>) can fetch a stored instruction from a storage medium and execute the fetched instruction. When the instruction is executed by the processor, the machine may perform the function corresponding to the instruction. The instructions may include a code generated by a compiler and a code executable by an interpreter. Here, "non-transitory" means that the storage medium does not include a signal and is tangible, but does not distinguish whether data is stored semi-permanently or temporarily in the storage medium.

The method according to various embodiments disclosed herein may be provided as a computer program product. A computer program product may be traded between a seller and a purchaser as a commodity. A computer program product may be distributed in the form of a machine-readable storage medium (e.g., compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM)) or be distributed online (e.g., download or upload) directly between two user devices (e.g. smartphones) through an application store (e.g., PlayStore™). For on-line distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product may be temporarily stored or temporarily created in a storage medium such as a memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or a relay server.

Each of the components (e.g., modules or programs) according to various embodiments described above may be composed of one or more elements. An existing component may be omitted, and a new component may be added. Alternatively or additionally, some of the components (e.g., modules or programs) may be combined into one entity while maintaining the same functionality. Operations supported by a module, program, or another component may be carried out in sequence, in parallel, by repetition, or heuristically. Some operations may be executed in a different order or may be omitted, and a new operation may be added.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating an unfolded state of a foldable electronic device <NUM> according to an embodiment of the disclosure. <FIG> is a diagram illustrating a folded state of the foldable electronic device <NUM> shown in <FIG>.

The electronic device <NUM> shown in <FIG> and <FIG> may be similar, at least in part, to the electronic device <NUM> shown in <FIG>, or may be other embodiments of the electronic device.

Referring to <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> may include a pair of housings <NUM> and <NUM> and a display <NUM>. The housings <NUM> and <NUM> (e.g., the foldable housing structure) may be rotatably combined with each other on an X-axis via a hinge module <NUM> (e.g., hinge structure) and folded with respect to each other. The display <NUM> (e.g., flexible display or foldable display) may be disposed in a space formed by the pair of housings <NUM> and <NUM>. According to an embodiment, at least a portion of the first housing <NUM> (e.g., first housing structure) and/or of the second housing <NUM> (e.g., second housing structure) may be made of a metallic or non-metallic material having sufficient rigidity for supporting the display <NUM>. According to an embodiment, when they are metallic, portions of the first housing <NUM> and/or the second housing <NUM> may be electrically isolated conductive members that are electrically connected to a wireless communication circuit of the electronic device. This structure may operate as an antenna (e.g., legacy antenna) that operates in a predetermined frequency band.

According to an embodiment, the hinge module <NUM> may allow the pair of housings <NUM> and <NUM> to be folded with respect to each other such that the display <NUM> is visible from the outside even in the folded state (i.e., the out-folded state). According to an embodiment, the hinge module <NUM> may include a rail-type hinge module configured to be bendable and at least partially slidable to support the out-folded state.

According to an embodiment, the first housing <NUM> is connected to the hinge module <NUM> and includes a first surface <NUM>, a second surface <NUM>, and a first lateral member <NUM>. In the unfolded state of the electronic device <NUM>, the first surface <NUM> is disposed as the front surface of the electronic device <NUM>, and the second surface <NUM> faces in a direction opposite to the direction of the first surface <NUM>. The first lateral member <NUM> surrounds, at least in part, a space between the first surface <NUM> and the second surface <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the first lateral member <NUM> may include a first lateral surface 213a, a second lateral surface 213b, and a third lateral surface 213c. The first lateral surface 213a is disposed parallel to the folding axis (i.e., the X-axis). The second lateral surface 213b is extended in a direction perpendicular to the folding axis from one end of the first lateral surface 213a. The third lateral surface 213c is extended in the direction perpendicular to the folding axis from the other end of the first lateral surface 213a.

According to an embodiment, the second housing <NUM> is connected to the hinge module <NUM> and includes a third surface <NUM>, a fourth surface <NUM>, and a second lateral member <NUM>. In the unfolded state of the electronic device <NUM>, the third surface <NUM> is disposed as the front surface of the electronic device <NUM>, and the fourth surface <NUM> faces in a direction opposite to the direction of the third surface <NUM>. The second lateral member <NUM> surrounds, at least in part, a space between the third surface <NUM> and the fourth surface <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the second lateral member <NUM> may include a fourth lateral surface 223a, a fifth lateral surface 223b, and a sixth lateral surface 223c. The fourth lateral surface 223a is disposed parallel to the folding axis (i.e., the X-axis). The fifth lateral surface 223b is extended in a direction perpendicular to the folding axis from one end of the fourth lateral surface 223a. The sixth lateral surface 223c is extended in the direction perpendicular to the folding axis from the other end of the fourth lateral surface 223a.

According to an embodiment, the first surface <NUM> and the third surface <NUM> may include at least one support plate that is formed as a portion of the first and second housings <NUM> and <NUM> or structurally combined with the first and second housings <NUM> and <NUM> to support the display <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the second surface <NUM> and the fourth surface <NUM> may include a rear cover that is formed as a portion of the first and second housings <NUM> and <NUM> or structurally combined with the first and second housings <NUM> and <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the rear cover may be made of various materials such as coated or colored glass, ceramic, polymer, metal (e.g., aluminum, stainless steel (STS), or magnesium), or a combination thereof.

According to an embodiment, in the unfolded state, the electronic device <NUM> may include a recess <NUM> provided through both the first surface <NUM> of the first housing <NUM> and the third surface <NUM> of the second housing <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the flexible display <NUM> may be seated in the recess <NUM> in the unfolded state. According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may include at least one electronic component disposed below at least a portion of the flexible display <NUM> or exposed through an opening provided in at least a portion of the flexible display <NUM>. According to an embodiment, these electronic components may include at least one camera module <NUM> exposed through an opening of the flexible display <NUM> and/or at least one sensor <NUM> disposed on the rear surface of the flexible display <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the sensor <NUM> may be various sensors such as proximity sensor, illuminance sensor, iris recognition sensor, ultrasonic sensor, fingerprint recognition sensor, etc. In another embodiment, the electronic components may be disposed in the second housing <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may include a receiver <NUM> or an interface connector port <NUM> disposed through at least a portion of the first housing <NUM>. According to an embodiment, although not shown, the electronic device <NUM> may further include an ear jack hole, an external speaker module, a SIM card tray, and/or at least one key button each of which is disposed on or through the first housing <NUM> and/or the second housing <NUM>.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating an unfolded state of a foldable electronic device <NUM> including an antenna according to an embodiment of the disclosure. <FIG> is a diagram illustrating an internal configuration of the electronic device <NUM> shown in <FIG>. <FIG> is a block diagram illustrating the electronic device <NUM> including an antenna shown in <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> includes a hinge module (e.g., the hinge module <NUM> in <FIG>) that allows a first housing <NUM> and a second housing <NUM> to be rotatable with respect to each other. According to an embodiment, when the first surface <NUM> of the first housing <NUM> and the third surface <NUM> of the second housing <NUM> face in the same direction (i.e., in an unfolded state), the flexible display <NUM> may be unfolded.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> includes a conductive pattern <NUM> disposed in a first space <NUM> of the first housing <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the conductive pattern <NUM> may be electrically connected to a wireless communication circuit <NUM> disposed in the first space <NUM> of the first housing <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the wireless communication circuit <NUM> may be mounted on a printed circuit board (PCB) <NUM> disposed in the first space <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the wireless communication circuit <NUM> may be configured to transmit and/or receive radio signals in the range of about <NUM> to <NUM> through the conductive pattern <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the conductive pattern <NUM> may be operated as a legacy antenna for the wireless communication circuit <NUM>. According to an embodiment, a portion of the conductive pattern <NUM> may be disposed in the first space <NUM> to face the first lateral member <NUM>. According to an embodiment, a portion of the conductive pattern <NUM> may be disposed to face at least one of the first lateral surface 213a, the second lateral surface 213b, or the third lateral surface 213c. According to an embodiment, the conductive pattern <NUM> may be made of an injection-molded material (e.g., antenna carrier) which is disposed in the first space <NUM> using a laser direct structuring (LDS) method. In another embodiment, the conductive pattern <NUM> may include a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) having a conductive plate or pattern disposed at a suitable place in the first space <NUM>. In another embodiment, the conductive pattern <NUM> may be formed in a fill-and-cut region (i.e., non-conductive region) of the PCB <NUM> using a direct patterning method.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may include a first conductive pad <NUM> disposed in the first space <NUM> of the first housing <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the first conductive pad <NUM> may be electrically connected to the conductive pattern <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the first conductive pad <NUM> may be electrically connected to the conductive pattern <NUM> through an electrical connector such as an FPCB or a coaxial cable. According to an embodiment, the first conductive pad <NUM> may be exposed through the second surface <NUM> of the first housing <NUM> or disposed at a position that is closer to the second surface <NUM> than the first surface <NUM> in the first space <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the first conductive pad <NUM> may include an FPCB having a conductive plate or pattern of a certain area. In another embodiment, when the first conductive pad <NUM> is exposed through the second surface <NUM> of the first housing <NUM>, the first conductive pad <NUM> may include a decorative member formed of a conductive material.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may include a conductor <NUM> disposed in a second space <NUM> of the second housing <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the conductor <NUM> may be another conductive pattern disposed in the second space <NUM>. According to an embodiment, a portion of the conductor <NUM> may be disposed in the second space <NUM> to face the second lateral member <NUM>. According to an embodiment, a portion of the conductor <NUM> may be disposed to face at least one of a fourth lateral surface 223a, a fifth lateral surface 223b, or a sixth lateral surface 223c. According to an embodiment, the conductor <NUM> may be made of an injection-molded material (e.g., antenna carrier) which is disposed in the second space <NUM> using the LDS method. In another embodiment, the conductor <NUM> may include the FPCB having a conductive plate or pattern disposed at a suitable place in the second space <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may include a second conductive pad <NUM> disposed in the second space <NUM> of the second housing <NUM>. According to an embodiment, in the folded state of the electronic device <NUM> where the second surface <NUM> of the first housing <NUM> and the fourth surface <NUM> of the second housing <NUM> face each other (e.g. in contact with each other), the second conductive pad <NUM> may be disposed at a position so that it electrical couples with the first conductive pad <NUM>, thus being capacitively coupled to the first conductive pad <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the second conductive pad <NUM> may be electrically connected to the conductor <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the second conductive pad <NUM> may be electrically connected to the conductor <NUM> through an electrical connector such as an FPCB or a thin wire cable. According to an embodiment, the second conductive pad <NUM> may be exposed through the fourth surface <NUM> of the second housing <NUM> or disposed at a position that is closer to the fourth surface <NUM> than the third surface <NUM> in the second space <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the second conductive pad <NUM> may include an FPCB having a conductive plate or pattern of a certain area. In another embodiment, when the second conductive pad <NUM> is exposed through the fourth surface <NUM> of the second housing <NUM>, the second conductive pad <NUM> may include a decorative member formed of a conductive material.

According to an embodiment, in the unfolded state of the electronic device <NUM>, the wireless communication circuit <NUM> may be configured to transmit and/or receive radio signals in a predetermined frequency band through the conductive pattern <NUM> disposed in the first space <NUM> of the first housing <NUM>. In this case, because the conductor <NUM> is spaced apart from the conductive pattern <NUM>, and the radiation performance of the conductive pattern <NUM> may not be affected.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating a folded state of the foldable electronic device <NUM> shown in <FIG>. <FIG> is a diagram illustrating an internal configuration of the electronic device <NUM> shown in <FIG>. <FIG> is a block diagram illustrating the electronic device <NUM> including an antenna shown in <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, when the electronic device <NUM> is in the folded state, the second surface <NUM> of the first housing <NUM> and the fourth surface <NUM> of the second housing <NUM> may face each other (i.e. in contact with each other or in close vicinity). In this case, radiation performance of an antenna using only the conductive pattern <NUM> may be degraded due to increased return loss or a shift to an unwanted frequency band caused by a conductive layer (e.g., copper plate) of the display <NUM>. In addition, the radiation performance of the antenna using only the conductive pattern <NUM> may be degraded due to conductive members, such as conductive mechanical structures (e.g., conductive support member or conductive bracket) or a conductive electrical structures (e.g., interface connector port, speaker assembly, or microphone module) disposed near the antenna.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, when the electronic device <NUM> is in the folded state, the first conductive pad <NUM> disposed in the first housing <NUM> and the second conductive pad <NUM> disposed in the second housing <NUM> come to adjoin each other and are disposed at positions available for electrical coupling with each other, thus being capacitively coupled to each other. In this case, the wireless communication circuit <NUM> may use, in addition to the conductive pattern <NUM>, the conductor <NUM> electrically connected to the conductive pattern <NUM> through the first and second conductive pads <NUM> and <NUM> as an additional radiator. This may prevent the degradation of radiation performance due to the folded state of the electronic device <NUM> or exhibit better radiation characteristics.

<FIG> is a graph comparing operating frequency bands with or without a conductor (e.g., the conductor <NUM> in <FIG>) according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, when an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM> in <FIG>) is in the folded state, and when only one conductive pattern (e.g., the conductive pattern <NUM> in <FIG>) is used as the antenna, the antenna may operate at frequencies out of the operating frequency band (or used frequency band) as indicated by graph <NUM>. In contrast, as indicated by graph <NUM>, when the conductive pattern (e.g., the conductive pattern <NUM> in <FIG>) is capacitively coupled to the conductor (e.g., the conductor <NUM> in <FIG>) according to an embodiment of the disclosure, the antenna can operate normally in the operating frequency band.

<FIG> is a graph comparing return loss characteristics with or without a conductor (e.g., the conductor <NUM> in <FIG>) according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, when an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM> in <FIG>) is in the folded state, and when only one conductive pattern (e.g., the conductive pattern <NUM> in <FIG>) is used as an antenna, the antenna may have a high return loss in the operating frequency band (or used frequency band) as indicated by graph <NUM>. In contrast, as indicated by graph <NUM>, when the conductive pattern (e.g., the conductive pattern <NUM> in <FIG>) is capacitively coupled through electrical coupling to the conductor (e.g., the conductor <NUM> in <FIG>) according to an embodiment of the disclosure, the antenna can have a relatively better return loss (i.e., lower return loss) in the operating frequency band.

In describing the electronic device <NUM> shown in <FIG>, detailed descriptions of similar components as those of the above-described electronic device <NUM> may be omitted.

Referring to <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> may have substantially the same configuration as the above-described configuration in <FIG> except for the conductive pattern <NUM> disposed in the first housing <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may include the conductive pattern <NUM> to be disposed in the first space <NUM> of the first housing <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the conductive pattern <NUM> may be electrically connected to the wireless communication circuit <NUM> disposed in the first space <NUM> of the first housing <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the wireless communication circuit <NUM> may be mounted on the PCB <NUM> disposed in the first space <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the wireless communication circuit <NUM> may be configured to transmit and/or receive radio signals in the range of about <NUM> to <NUM> through the conductive pattern <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the conductive pattern <NUM> may be disposed in the first space <NUM> to face the second surface <NUM>. That is, the conductive pattern <NUM> may be disposed at a position closer to the second surface <NUM> than the first surface <NUM> in the first space <NUM>. In another embodiment, when the second surface <NUM> includes a support plate made of an injection-molded material, and the conductive pattern <NUM> may be formed on or be attached to an inner surface of the support plate. According to an embodiment, the conductive pattern <NUM> may be made of an injection-molded material (e.g., antenna carrier) which is disposed in the first space <NUM> using the LDS method. In another embodiment, the conductive pattern <NUM> may include the FPCB having a conductive plate or pattern disposed at a suitable place in the first space <NUM>. In another embodiment, the conductive pattern <NUM> may be formed in a fill-and-cut region (i.e., non-conductive region) of the PCB <NUM> using a direct patterning method.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating a folded state of the foldable electronic device <NUM> shown in <FIG>. <FIG> is a diagram illustrating an internal configuration of the electronic device shown in <FIG>. <FIG> is a block diagram illustrating the electronic device including an antenna shown in <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, when the electronic device <NUM> is in the folded state, the conductive pattern <NUM> disposed in the first housing <NUM> and the second conductive pad <NUM> disposed in the second housing <NUM> come to be adjacent to each other and are disposed at positions that lead to electrical coupling with each other. Thus, they can be capacitively coupled to each other. In this case, the wireless communication circuit <NUM> may use, in addition to the conductive pattern <NUM>, the conductor <NUM> electrically connected to the conductive pattern <NUM> through the second conductive pad <NUM> as an additional radiator. This may prevent the degradation of radiation performance due to the folded state of the electronic device <NUM> or exhibit better radiation characteristics.

<FIG> is a block diagram illustrating an electronic device <NUM> including a conductor <NUM> having a tunable circuit (T) <NUM> according to an embodiment of the disclosure. <FIG> is a diagram illustrating a tunable circuit <NUM> according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

The electronic device <NUM> having the tunable circuit <NUM> shown in <FIG> is a modified version of the electronic device <NUM> shown in <FIG>. However, the principles disclosed in connection with <FIG> may also be applied to the electronic device <NUM> shown in <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> may include a coupler <NUM> disposed on an electrical path electrically connecting the wireless communication circuit <NUM> and the conductive pattern <NUM>, the tunable circuit <NUM> (e.g., a tunable IC) disposed on an electrical path electrically connecting the second conductive pad <NUM> and the conductor <NUM>, and/or a processor <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the processor <NUM> may receive return loss information (e.g., voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR) information) of the antenna from the coupler <NUM> through the wireless communication circuit <NUM>, and thereby control the tunable circuit <NUM>. In another embodiment, the processor <NUM> may directly receive the return loss information of the antenna from the coupler <NUM>. According to an embodiment, based on the received return loss information, the processor <NUM> may control the tunable circuit <NUM> to improve the return loss of the antenna. The processor <NUM> may include a microprocessor or any suitable type of processing circuitry, such as one or more general-purpose processors (e.g., ARM-based processors), a Digital Signal Processor (DSP), a Programmable Logic Device (PLD), an Application-Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), a Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), a Graphical Processing Unit (GPU), a video card controller, etc. In addition, it would be recognized that when a general purpose computer accesses code for implementing the processing shown herein, the execution of the code transforms the general purpose computer into a special purpose computer for executing the processing shown herein. Certain of the functions and steps provided in the Figures may be implemented in hardware, software or a combination of both and may be performed in whole or in part within the programmed instructions of a computer.

According to an embodiment, the tunable circuit <NUM> may include a switching device S and a plurality of inductors L (L1, L2, L3, L4. Ln) having different inductance values L. The switching device S may switch among the plurality of inductors L. In another embodiment, the tunable circuit <NUM> may include at least one inductor or at least one capacitor. According to an embodiment, the tunable circuit <NUM> may electrically connect the second conductive pad <NUM> and the conductor <NUM> through one of the plurality of inductors L under the control of the processor <NUM>.

<FIG> is a block diagram illustrating an electronic device <NUM> including a tunable circuit (T) <NUM> according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, the tunable circuit <NUM> may be disposed on an electrical path connecting the conductive pattern <NUM> and the first conductive pad <NUM>. Thus, as shown in <FIG>, the tunable circuit <NUM> may be disposed at various positions on the electrical paths connecting the conductive pattern <NUM> and the conductor <NUM>.

<FIG> is a flow diagram illustrating a switching operation of a tunable circuit (T) for improving antenna performance according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, at operation <NUM>, a processor (e.g., the processor <NUM> in <FIG>) of an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM> in <FIG>) may detect whether the electronic device <NUM> is in the folded state. According to an embodiment, when the electronic device <NUM> is in the folded state, a second surface (e.g., the second surface <NUM> in <FIG>) of a first housing (e.g., the first housing <NUM> in <FIG>) and a fourth surface (e.g., the fourth surface <NUM> in <FIG>) of a second housing (e.g., the second housing <NUM> in <FIG>) may be facing each other (i.e. in contact with each other or in close proximity). In this case, a first conductive pad (e.g., the first conductive pad <NUM> in <FIG>) electrically connected to a conductive pattern (e.g., the conductive pattern <NUM> in <FIG>) of the first housing <NUM> and a second conductive pad (e.g., the second conductive pad <NUM> in <FIG>) electrically connected to a conductor (e.g., the conductor <NUM> in <FIG>) of the second housing <NUM> may be capacitively coupled to each other through electrical coupling. Therefore, the conductive pattern <NUM> may operate as a radiator of an antenna together with the conductor <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the processor may detect the folded state (e.g., the state of <FIG>) of the electronic device <NUM> using a hall sensor that is disposed in one of the first and second housings <NUM> and <NUM> to detect a magnetic force of a magnet disposed in the other housing. In another embodiment, the processor <NUM> may detect the folded state of the electronic device <NUM> using a proximity sensor and/or an ultrasonic sensor disposed in one of the first and second housings <NUM> and <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, at operation <NUM>, when the electronic device <NUM> is in the folded state, the processor <NUM> may perform a switching operation of a tunable circuit (e.g., the tunable circuit (T) <NUM> in <FIG>). According to an embodiment, the processor <NUM> may control a switching device (e.g., the switching device S in <FIG>) to electrically connect one of a plurality of inductors (e.g., the inductors L in <FIG>) disposed in the tunable circuit <NUM> to the conductive pad <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, at operation <NUM>, the processor <NUM> may detect a voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR) per each port of the switching device S for each of the plurality of inductors L in accordance with the switching operation of the switching device S. The processor <NUM> may then receive corresponding return loss information through a coupler (e.g., the coupler <NUM> in <FIG>).

According to an embodiment, at operation <NUM>, the processor <NUM> may compare the received return loss information per each port. For example, based on the received return loss information per port, the processor <NUM> may determine one particular inductor that corresponds to the best return loss information (e.g., the lowest return loss information).

According to an embodiment, at operation <NUM>, the processor <NUM> may control the switching device S of the tunable circuit <NUM> to electrically connect the second conductive pad <NUM> and the conductor <NUM> through the determined inductor corresponding to the best return loss information. According to an embodiment, the processor <NUM> may detect the folded state of the electronic device <NUM>, periodically control the switching device S, and detect the antenna return loss for each inductor L through the coupler <NUM>. Thereby, the processor <NUM> may select the best inductor L to enable the antenna to have the optimal radiation performance depending on the folding position of the electronic device. That is, the processor <NUM> may change the selection of the inductor L when the capacitance value between the conductive pads is changed due to the folding position of the electronic device.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM> in <FIG>) includes a housing including a hinge module (e.g., the hinge module <NUM> in <FIG>), a first housing (e.g., the first housing <NUM> in <FIG>), and second housing (e.g., the second housing <NUM> in <FIG>). The first housing is connected to the hinge module and includes a first surface (e.g., the first surface <NUM> in <FIG>), a second surface (e.g., the second surface <NUM> in <FIG>) facing in a direction opposite to the first surface, and a first lateral member (e.g., the first lateral member <NUM> in <FIG>) surrounding a first space (e.g., the first space <NUM> in <FIG>) between the first surface and the second surface. The second housing is connected to the hinge module and including a third surface (e.g., the third surface <NUM> in <FIG>), a fourth surface (e.g., the fourth surface <NUM> in <FIG>) facing in a direction opposite to the third surface, and a second lateral member (e.g., the second lateral member <NUM> in <FIG>) surrounding a second space (e.g., the second space <NUM> in <FIG>) between the third surface and the fourth surface. The first and second housings are rotatably coupled to each other via the hinge module to be in a folded state or an unfolded state. The first and third surfaces face a same direction in the unfolded state, and the second and fourth surfaces face each other in the folded state. The electronic device may further include a flexible display (e.g., the flexible display <NUM> in <FIG>) disposed over the first and third surfaces, at least one conductive pattern (e.g., the conductive pattern <NUM> in <FIG>) disposed in the first space, at least one conductor (e.g., the conductor <NUM> in <FIG>) disposed at a first position in the second space corresponding to the at least one conductive pattern such that the at least one conductor is capacitively coupled to the at least one conductive pattern when the electronic device is in the folded state, and a wireless communication circuit (e.g., the wireless communication circuit <NUM> in <FIG>) electrically connected to the at least one conductive pattern in the first space.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device may further include a first conductive pad (e.g., the first conductive pad <NUM> in <FIG>) disposed in the first space to be exposed through the second surface or disposed at a second position that is closer to the second surface than the first surface. The first conductive pad may be electrically connected to the at least one conductive pattern.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device may further include a second conductive pad (e.g., the second conductive pad <NUM> in <FIG>) disposed in the second space to be exposed through the fourth surface or disposed at a third position that is closer to the fourth surface than the third surface. The second conductive pad may be electrically connected to the at least one conductor, and the second conductive pad may be capacitively coupled to the first conductive pad when the electronic device is in the folded state.

According to an embodiment, the first lateral member (e.g., the first lateral member <NUM> in <FIG>) may include a first lateral surface (e.g., the first lateral surface 213a in <FIG>) disposed substantially parallel to the hinge module, a second lateral surface (e.g., the second lateral surface 213b in <FIG>) extended to the hinge module from one end of the first lateral surface, and a third lateral surface (e.g., the third lateral surface 213c in <FIG>) extended to the hinge module from other end of the first lateral surface. A portion of the at least one conductive pattern may be disposed to face at least one of the first lateral surface, the second lateral surface, or the third lateral surface in the first space.

According to an embodiment, the second lateral member (e.g., the second lateral member <NUM> in <FIG>) may include a fourth lateral surface (e.g., the fourth lateral surface 223a in <FIG>) disposed substantially parallel to the hinge module, a fifth lateral surface (e.g., the fifth lateral surface 223b in <FIG>) extended to the hinge module from one end of the fourth lateral surface, and a sixth lateral surface (e.g., the sixth lateral surface 223c in <FIG>) extended to the hinge module from other end of the fourth lateral surface. A portion of the at least one conductor may be disposed to face at least one of the fourth lateral surface, the fifth lateral surface, or the sixth lateral surface in the second space.

According to an embodiment, the first conductive pad may include a conductive decorative member when the first conductive pad is disposed to be exposed through the second surface of the first housing.

According to an embodiment, the at least one conductive pattern may include at least one of a laser direct structuring (LDS) pattern formed in a dielectric injection-molded material or a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) having a conductive plate or pattern disposed in the first space.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device may further include a printed circuit board (PCB) (e.g., the PCB <NUM> in <FIG>) disposed in the first space, and the at least one conductive pattern may be formed in a fill-and-cut region of the PCB.

According to an embodiment, the wireless communication circuit may be configured to transmit and/or receive a radio signal in a range of about <NUM> to <NUM> through the at least one conductive pattern and the at least one conductor when the electronic device is in the folded state.

According to an embodiment, the at least one conductive pattern may be disposed in the first space at a second position that is closer to the second surface than the first surface.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device may further include a conductive pad disposed in the second space to be exposed through the fourth surface or disposed at a second position that is closer to the fourth surface than the third surface. The conductive pad may be electrically connected to the at least one conductor, and the conductive pad may be capacitively coupled to the at least one conductive pattern when the electronic device is in the folded state.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device may further include a coupler (e.g., the coupler <NUM> in <FIG>) disposed on an electrical path connecting the wireless communication circuit and the at least one conductive pattern, a tunable circuit (e.g., the tunable circuit <NUM> in <FIG>) disposed on an electrical path connecting the conductive pad and the at least one conductor, and at least one processor (e.g., the processor <NUM> in <FIG>) configured to receive return loss information of the at least one conductive pattern from the coupler and, based on the received return loss information, control the tunable circuit.

According to an embodiment, the tunable circuit may include a plurality of inductors (e.g., the inductors L (L1, L2, L3, L4. Ln) in <FIG>) having different inductance values, and a switching device (e.g., the switching device S in <FIG>) electrically connecting the conductive pad and the at least one conductor through one of the plurality of inductors.

According to an embodiment, the at least one processor may be further configured to control the switching device to electrically connect the conductive pad to the at least one conductor sequentially through each of the plurality of inductors and, based on the received return loss information, control the switching device to electrically connect the conductive pad and the at least one conductor through an inductor having best return loss.

According to an embodiment, the at least one processor may be further configured to detect whether the electronic device is in the folded state, and control the switching device when the electronic device is in the folded state.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM> in <FIG>) includes a housing including a hinge module (e.g., the hinge module <NUM> in <FIG>), a first housing (e.g., the first housing <NUM> in <FIG>), and second housing (e.g., the second housing <NUM> in <FIG>). The first housing is connected to the hinge module and includes a first surface (e.g., the first surface <NUM> in <FIG>), a second surface (e.g., the second surface <NUM> in <FIG>) facing in a direction opposite to the first surface, and a first lateral member (e.g., the first lateral member <NUM> in <FIG>) surrounding a first space (e.g., the first space <NUM> in <FIG>) between the first surface and the second surface. The second housing is connected to the hinge module and including a third surface (e.g., the third surface <NUM> in <FIG>), a fourth surface (e.g., the fourth surface <NUM> in <FIG>) facing in a direction opposite to the third surface, and a second lateral member (e.g., the second lateral member <NUM> in <FIG>) surrounding a second space (e.g., the second space <NUM> in <FIG>) between the third surface and the fourth surface. The first and second housings are rotatably coupled to each other via the hinge module to be in a folded state or an unfolded state. The first and third surfaces face a same direction in the unfolded state, and the second and fourth surfaces face each other in the folded state. The electronic device may further include a flexible display (e.g., the flexible display <NUM> in <FIG>) disposed over the first and third surfaces, at least one conductive pattern (e.g., the conductive pattern <NUM> in <FIG>) disposed in the first space, and a first conductive pad (e.g., the first conductive pad <NUM> in <FIG>) disposed in the first space to be exposed through the second surface or disposed at a first position that is closer to the second surface than the first surface. The first conductive pad may be electrically connected to the at least one conductive pattern. The electronic device may further include at least one conductor (e.g., the conductor <NUM> in <FIG>) disposed in the second space, and a second conductive pad (e.g., the second conductive pad <NUM> in <FIG>) disposed in the second space to be exposed through the fourth surface or disposed at a second position that is closer to the fourth surface than the third surface. The second conductive pad may be electrically connected to the at least one conductor, and may be capacitively coupled to the first conductive pad when the electronic device is in the folded state. The electronic device may further include a wireless communication circuit (e.g., the wireless communication circuit <NUM> in <FIG>) electrically connected to the conductive pattern in the first space, a coupler (e.g., the coupler <NUM> in <FIG>) disposed on an electrical path connecting the wireless communication circuit and the at least one conductive pattern, a tunable circuit (e.g., the tunable circuit <NUM> in <FIG>) disposed on an electrical path connecting the second conductive pad and the at least one conductor, and at least one processor (e.g., the processor <NUM> in <FIG>) configured to receive return loss information of the at least one conductive pattern from the coupler and, based on the received return loss information, control the tunable circuit.

According to an embodiment, the tunable circuit may include a plurality of inductors (e.g., the inductors L (L1, L2, L3, L4. Ln) in <FIG>) having different inductance values, and a switching device (e.g., the switching device S in <FIG>) electrically connecting the second conductive pad and the at least one conductor through one of the plurality of inductors.

According to an embodiment, the at least one processor may be further configured to control the switching device to electrically connect the second conductive pad to the at least one conductor sequentially through each of the plurality of inductors and, based on the received return loss information, control the switching device to electrically connect the second conductive pad and the at least one conductor through an inductor having best return loss.

According to an embodiment, the at least one processor may be further configured to detect whether the electronic device is in the folded state, and controls the switching device when the electronic device is in the folded state.

Certain of the above-described embodiments of the present disclosure can be implemented in hardware, firmware or via the execution of software or computer code that can be stored in a recording medium such as a CD ROM, a Digital Versatile Disc (DVD), a magnetic tape, a RAM, a floppy disk, a hard disk, or a magneto-optical disk or computer code downloaded over a network originally stored on a remote recording medium or a non-transitory machine readable medium and to be stored on a local recording medium, so that the methods described herein can be rendered via such software that is stored on the recording medium using a general purpose computer, or a special processor or in programmable or dedicated hardware, such as an ASIC or FPGA. As would be understood in the art, the computer, the processor, microprocessor controller or the programmable hardware include memory components, e.g., RAM, ROM, Flash, etc. that may store or receive software or computer code that when accessed and executed by the computer, processor or hardware implement the processing methods described herein.

Claim 1:
An electronic device (<NUM>) comprising:
a first housing (<NUM>) including a first surface (<NUM>) and a second surface (<NUM>) facing in a direction opposite to the first surface (<NUM>);
a second housing (<NUM>) including a third surface (<NUM>) and a fourth surface (<NUM>) facing in a direction opposite to the third surface (<NUM>), wherein the first housing (<NUM>) and the second housing (<NUM>) are rotatably coupled to each other via a hinge module (<NUM>) to be in a folded state or an unfolded state;
at least one conductive pattern (<NUM>) disposed in the first housing (<NUM>);
at least one conductor's conductive pad (<NUM>), electrically connected to a corresponding at least one conductor (<NUM>) disposed at a first position in the second housing (<NUM>) corresponding to the at least one conductive pattern (<NUM>) such that the at least one conductor's conductive pad (<NUM>) is capacitively coupled to the at least one conductive pattern (<NUM>) when the electronic device (<NUM>) is in the folded state; and
a wireless communication circuit (<NUM>) electrically connected to the at least one conductive pattern (<NUM>) in the first housing (<NUM>),
wherein the second surface (<NUM>) of the first housing (<NUM>) faces the fourth surface (<NUM>) of the second housing (<NUM>) in the folded state, and
wherein the at least one conductive pattern (<NUM>) is disposed in the first housing (<NUM>) at a second position that is closer to the second surface (<NUM>) than the first surface (<NUM>)
characterized in that,
when the electronic device (<NUM>) is in the unfolded state, the at least one conductor's conductive pad (<NUM>) is disconnected from the at least one conductive pattern (<NUM>) such that the at least one conductor's conductive pad (<NUM>) is disconnected from the wireless communication circuit (<NUM>).