Patent Description:
With the sharp increase of mobile traffic, a next-generation communication technology (e.g., 5th generation (<NUM>) or wireless gigabit alliance (WiGig)) based on a high frequency band is being developed. For example, a signal in the high frequency band may include a millimeter wave having a frequency band ranging from <NUM> to <NUM>. In the case where a signal in the high frequency band is used, a wavelength may become short, and an antenna and a device may become small-sized and/or lightweight.

<CIT> relates to a pre-5th-Generation (<NUM>) or <NUM> communication system to be provided for supporting higher data rates Beyond 4th-Generation (<NUM>) communication system such as Long Term Evolution (LTE). An antenna for decreasing a signal loss caused by a dielectric loss in an antenna by decreasing a space of the antenna in a wireless device and improving performance of the antenna is disclosed. The antenna includes a first radiator, and a second radiator installed on a cover of the wireless device to radiate a radio signal radiated by the first radiator, the second radiator separate from and facing the first radiator.

<CIT> relates to an electronic device which may include: an array antenna including a plurality of first radiating conductors that transmit or receive a wireless signal in a first frequency band and are arranged on a circuit board; and a lens unit including at least one lens disposed on a housing of the electronic device to correspond to the first radiating conductors. The lens unit may refract or reflect a wireless signal transmitted/received through each of the first radiating conductors. The electronic device as described above may be variously implemented. For example, a portion of the lens unit may transmit/receive a wireless signal in a frequency band that is different from the frequency band of the wireless signal transmitted/received by the first radiating conductors.

<CIT> relates to a communication method and system for converging a 5th-Generation (<NUM>) communication system for supporting higher data rates beyond a 4th-Generation (<NUM>) system with a technology for Internet of Things (IoT). The disclosure may be applied to intelligent services based on the <NUM> communication technology and the IoT-related technology, such as smart home, smart building, smart city, smart car, connected car, health care, digital education, smart retail, security and safety services. A terminal is disclosed. The terminal includes a metal bezel disposed along an edge of the terminal, an antenna incorporated into the terminal and configured to emit electronic waves, and a beam forming auxiliary unit incorporated into the terminal, separately disposed by a predetermined distance from the antenna, and configured such that the electronic waves emitted from the antenna pass through the metal bezel.

<CIT> relates to a technique to extend antenna coverage pattern of a planar antenna array. In one instance a reflector is disposed above the planar antenna array and in another instance a lens element is disposed above the planar antenna array. The reflection or refraction of RF signals allows antenna coverage pattern to be extended in a horizontal direction parallel to the planar surface of the antenna array and beyond a coverage pattern that is typically not available, without such reflection or refraction of the RF signal.

Aims of the disclosure are to address at least the above-mentioned problems and/or disadvantages and to provide at least the advantages described below. Accordingly, an aim of the disclosure is to provide an electronic device including an antenna in the shape of an optimum structure and arrangement, which allow an antenna disposed on one side of the electronic device and an antenna structure including the antenna to have appropriate signal radiation performance, and a method for manufacturing the same.

As a signal in the high frequency band is used, the wavelength may shorten, and a relatively large number of antennas may be mounted on an electronic device within the same area. In contrast, because the directivity of radio waves becomes strong and the propagation path loss seriously occurs, propagation characteristics may be degraded.

For example, a communication module using a millimeter band above <NUM> may include a small-sized antenna. An antenna may be mounted around a device where the antenna is disposed, any other device structure may be disposed in connection with an antenna, or a structure capable of affecting an antenna may be disposed to cover a direction in which a signal of the antenna is radiated. There is a demand on an antenna structure capable of showing signal radiation performance that a designer intends in this structure.

Additional aims will be set forth in part in the description which follows and, in part, will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the presented embodiments.

The invention is defined by the appended independent claim(s). In accordance with an aspect of the disclosure, a portable communication device is provided according to claim <NUM>.

It includes various specific details to assist in that understanding, but these are to be regarded as merely exemplary.

The terms and words used in the following description and claims are not limited to the bibliographical meanings, but are merely used by the inventor to enable a clear and consistent understanding of the disclosure. Accordingly, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the following description of various embodiments of the disclosure is provided for illustration purposes only and not for the purpose of limiting the disclosure as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

<FIG> is a block diagram of an electronic device <NUM> for supporting legacy network communication and <NUM> network communication, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> may include a first communication processor <NUM>, a second communication processor <NUM>, a first radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC) <NUM>, a second RFIC <NUM>, a third RFIC <NUM>, a fourth RFIC <NUM>, a first radio frequency front end (RFFE) <NUM>, a second RFFE <NUM>, a first antenna <NUM>, a second antenna <NUM>, and an antenna <NUM>. The electronic device <NUM> may further include a processor <NUM> and a memory <NUM>. A network <NUM> may include a first network <NUM> (or a first cellular network) and a second network <NUM> (or a second cellular network). The electronic device <NUM> may further include at least one component not illustrated in <FIG>, and the network <NUM> may further include at least another network. The first communication processor <NUM>, the second communication processor <NUM>, the first RFIC <NUM>, the second RFIC <NUM>, the fourth RFIC <NUM>, the first RFFE <NUM>, and the second RFFE <NUM> may form at least a portion of a wireless communication module <NUM>. According to another embodiment of the disclosure, the fourth RFIC <NUM> may be omitted or may be included as a portion of the third RFIC <NUM>.

The first communication processor <NUM> may establish a communication channel for a band to be used for wireless communication with the first network <NUM> and may support legacy network communication through the established communication channel. The first network <NUM> may be a legacy network including a <NUM>nd generation (<NUM>), <NUM>, <NUM>, or long term evolution (LTE) network. The second communication processor <NUM> may establish a communication channel corresponding to a specified band (e.g., ranging from approximately <NUM> to approximately <NUM>) of bands to be used for wireless communication with the second network <NUM> and may support <NUM> network communication through the established communication channel. According to various embodiments, the second network <NUM> may be a <NUM> network defined in the 3GPP. Additionally, the first communication processor <NUM> or the second communication processor <NUM> may establish a communication channel corresponding to another specified band (e.g., approximately <NUM> or lower) of the bands to be used for wireless communication with the second network <NUM> and may support <NUM> network communication through the established communication channel. The first communication processor <NUM> and the second communication processor <NUM> may be implemented in a single chip or a single package. According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the first communication processor <NUM> or the second communication processor <NUM> may be implemented in a single chip or a single package together with the processor <NUM>, an auxiliary processor, or a communication module.

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

In the case of transmitting a signal, the second RFIC <NUM> may convert a baseband signal generated by the first communication processor <NUM> or the second communication processor <NUM> into an RF signal (hereinafter referred to as a "<NUM> Sub6 RF signal") in a Sub6 band (e.g., approximately <NUM> or lower) used in the second network <NUM> (e.g., a <NUM> network). In the case of receiving a signal, the <NUM> Sub6 RF signal may be obtained from the second network <NUM> (e.g., a <NUM> network) through an antenna (e.g., the second antenna <NUM>) and may be pre-processed through an RFFE (e.g., the second RFFE <NUM>). The second RFIC <NUM> may convert the pre-processed <NUM> Sub6 RF signal into a baseband signal so as to be processed by a relevant communication processor of the first communication processor <NUM> or the second communication processor <NUM>.

The third RFIC <NUM> may convert a baseband signal generated by the second communication processor <NUM> into an RF signal (hereinafter referred to as a "<NUM> Above6 RF signal") in a <NUM> Above6 band (e.g., approximately <NUM> to approximately <NUM>) to be used in the second network <NUM> (e.g., a <NUM> network). In the case of receiving a signal, the <NUM> Above6 RF signal may be obtained from the second network <NUM> (e.g., a <NUM> network) through an antenna (e.g., the antenna <NUM>) and may be pre-processed through a third RFFE <NUM>. The third RFFE <NUM> may include at least one phase shifter <NUM>. The third RFIC <NUM> may convert the pre-processed <NUM> Above6 RF signal into a baseband signal so as to be processed by the second communication processor <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the third RFFE <NUM> may be implemented as a portion of the third RFIC <NUM>.

The electronic device <NUM> may include the fourth RFIC <NUM> independently of the third RFIC <NUM> or as at least a portion of the third RFIC <NUM>. In this case, the fourth RFIC <NUM> may convert a baseband signal generated by the second communication processor <NUM> into an RF signal (hereinafter referred to as an "IF signal") in an intermediate frequency band (e.g., approximately <NUM> to approximately <NUM>) and may provide the IF signal to the third RFIC <NUM>. The third RFIC <NUM> may convert the IF signal into the <NUM> Above6 RF signal. In the case of receiving a signal, the <NUM> Above6 RF signal may be received from the second network <NUM> (e.g., a <NUM> network) through an antenna (e.g., the antenna <NUM>) and may be converted into an IF signal by the third RFIC <NUM>. The fourth RFIC <NUM> may convert the IF signal into a baseband signal so as to be processed by the second communication processor <NUM>.

The first RFIC <NUM> and the second RFIC <NUM> may be implemented with a portion of a single package or a single chip. The first RFFE <NUM> and the second RFFE <NUM> may be implemented with a portion of a single package or a single chip. At least one antenna of the first antenna <NUM> or the second antenna <NUM> may be omitted or may be combined with any other antenna to process RF signals in a plurality of bands.

The third RFIC <NUM> and the antenna <NUM> may be disposed at the same substrate to form an antenna module <NUM>. For example, the wireless communication module <NUM> or the processor <NUM> may be disposed at a first substrate (e.g., a main printed circuit board (PCB)). In this case, the third RFIC <NUM> may be disposed in a partial region (e.g., on a lower surface) of a second substrate (e.g., a sub PCB) independent of the first substrate, and the antenna <NUM> may be disposed in another partial region (e.g., on an upper surface) of the second substrate. As such, the antenna module <NUM> may be formed. The antenna <NUM> may include, for example, an antenna array capable of being used for beamforming. As the third RFIC <NUM> and the antenna <NUM> are disposed at the same substrate, it may be possible to decrease a length of a transmission line between the third RFIC <NUM> and the antenna <NUM>. For example, the decrease in the transmission line may make it possible to reduce the loss (or attenuation) of a signal in a high frequency band (e.g., approximately <NUM> to approximately <NUM>) used for the <NUM> network communication, due to the transmission line. As such, the electronic device <NUM> may improve the quality or speed of communication with the second network <NUM> (e.g., a <NUM> network).

The second network <NUM> (e.g., a <NUM> network) may be used independently of the first network <NUM> (e.g., a legacy network) (this scheme being called "stand-alone (SA)") or may be used in connection with the first network <NUM> (this scheme being called "non-stand alone (NSA)"). For example, an access network (e.g., a <NUM> radio access network (RAN) or a next generation RAN (NG RAN)) may be only present in the <NUM> network, and a core network (e.g., a next generation core (NGC)) may be absent from the <NUM> network. In this case, the electronic device <NUM> may access the access network of the <NUM> network and may then access an external network (e.g., Internet) under control of a core network (e.g., an evolved packed core (EPC)) of the legacy network. Protocol information (e.g., LTE protocol information) for communication with the legacy network or protocol information (e.g., New Radio (NR) protocol information) for communication with the <NUM> network may be stored in the memory <NUM> so as to be accessed by any other component (e.g., the processor <NUM>, the first communication processor <NUM>, or the second communication processor <NUM>).

<FIG> illustrate an embodiment of a structure of an antenna module <NUM> (e.g., the antenna module <NUM> of <FIG>) according to various embodiments of the disclosure.

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

Referring to <FIG>, the antenna module <NUM> may include a printed circuit board <NUM>, an antenna array <NUM>, a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC) <NUM>, and a power manage integrated circuit (PMIC) <NUM>. Selectively, the antenna module <NUM> may further include a shielding member <NUM>. In other embodiments, at least one of the above components may be omitted, or at least two of the above components may be integrally formed.

The printed circuit board <NUM> may include a plurality of conductive layers and a plurality of non-conductive layers, and the conductive layers and the non-conductive layers may be alternately stacked. The printed circuit board <NUM> may provide electrical connection between various electronic components disposed on the printed circuit board <NUM> or on the outside, by using wires and conductive vias formed in the conductive layers.

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

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

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

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

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

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

<FIG> illustrates a cross-sectional view of the antenna module <NUM> taken along line B-B' of <FIG> according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, the printed circuit board <NUM> may include an antenna layer <NUM> and a network layer <NUM>.

The antenna layer <NUM> may include at least one dielectric layer <NUM>-<NUM>, and the antenna element <NUM> and/or a feeding part <NUM> formed on an outer surface of the dielectric layer <NUM>-<NUM> or therein. The feeding part <NUM> may include a feeding point <NUM> and/or a feeding line.

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

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

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

<FIG> is a view illustrating an example of a back exterior of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, an electronic device <NUM> according to an embodiment of the disclosure may include a housing <NUM> including a first surface (or a front surface) 410A, a second surface (or a back surface) 410B, and a side surface 410C surrounding a space between the first surface 410A and the second surface 410B. In another embodiment of the disclosure (not illustrated), a housing may refer to a structure that forms a part of the first surface 410A, the second surface 410B, and the side surface 410C of <FIG>. The first surface 410A may be formed by a front plate <NUM> (e.g., a glass plate including various coating layers, or a polymer plate), at least a portion of which is substantially transparent. The second surface 410B may be formed by a back plate <NUM> that is substantially opaque. For example, the back plate <NUM> may be formed by a coated or colored glass, a ceramic, a polymer, a metal (e.g., aluminum, stainless steel (STS), or magnesium), or a combination of at least two of the materials. The side surface 410C may be coupled to the front plate <NUM> and the back plate <NUM>, and may be formed by a side bezel structure (e.g., the side member <NUM>) including metal and/or polymer. The back plate <NUM> and the side bezel structure may be integrally formed and may be formed of the same material (e.g., a metal material such as aluminum).

The electronic device <NUM> may include at least one or more of a display <NUM>, an audio module (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>), a sensor module (<NUM>, <NUM>), a camera module (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>), a key input device (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>), an indicator <NUM>, and a connector hole (<NUM>, <NUM>). In any embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may not include at least one (e.g., the key input device (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) or the indicator <NUM>) of the components or may further include any other component.

The display <NUM> may be exposed, for example, through a considerable portion of the front plate <NUM>. The display <NUM> may be coupled to a touch sensing circuit, a pressure sensor capable of measuring the intensity (or pressure) of a touch, and/or a digitizer detecting a magnetic stylus pen or may be disposed adjacent thereto.

The audio module (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) may include the microphone hole <NUM> and the speaker hole (<NUM>, <NUM>). A microphone for obtaining external sound may be disposed within the microphone hole <NUM>; a plurality of microphones may be disposed to detect a direction of sound. The speaker hole (<NUM>, <NUM>) may include the external speaker hole <NUM> and the receiver hole <NUM> for call. In any embodiment, the speaker hole (<NUM>, <NUM>) and the microphone hole <NUM> may be implemented with one hole, or a speaker (e.g., a piezo speaker) may be included without the speaker hole (<NUM>, <NUM>).

The sensor module (<NUM>, <NUM>) may generate an electrical signal or a data value that corresponds to an internal operation state of the electronic device <NUM> or corresponds to an external environment state. The sensor module (<NUM>, <NUM>) may include, for example, the first sensor module <NUM> (e.g., a proximity sensor) and/or a second sensor module (not illustrated) (e.g., a fingerprint sensor) disposed on the first surface 410A of the housing <NUM>, and/or the third sensor module <NUM> (e.g., a heart rate monitor (HRM) sensor) disposed on the second surface 410B of the housing <NUM>. The fingerprint sensor may be disposed on the second surface 410B as well as the first surface 410A (e.g., the home key button <NUM>) of the housing <NUM>. The electronic device <NUM> may further include a sensor module not illustrated, 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 infrared (IR) sensor, a biometric sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or the illumination sensor <NUM>.

The camera module (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) may include the first camera device <NUM> disposed on the first surface 410A of the electronic device <NUM>, and the second camera device <NUM> and/or the flash <NUM> disposed on the second surface 410B. The camera module (<NUM>, <NUM>) may include one or more lenses, an image sensor, and/or an image signal processor. The flash <NUM> may include, for example, a light-emitting diode or a xenon lamp. In any embodiment, two or more lenses (e.g., wide-angle and telephoto lens) and image sensors may be disposed on one surface of the electronic device <NUM>.

The key input device (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) may include the home key button <NUM> disposed on the first surface 410A of the housing <NUM>, the touch pad <NUM> disposed in the vicinity of the home key button <NUM>, and/or the side key button <NUM> disposed on the side surface 410C of the housing <NUM>. The electronic device <NUM> need not include all or a part of the aforementioned key input devices <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>, and the key input device (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) not included may be implemented in the form of a soft key on the display <NUM>.

The indicator <NUM> may be disposed, for example, on the first surface 410A of the housing <NUM>. The indicator <NUM> may provide state information of the electronic device <NUM>, for example, in the form of light, and may include an light emitting diode (LED).

The connector hole (<NUM>, <NUM>) may include the first connector hole <NUM> capable of accommodating a connector (e.g., a USB connector) for transmitting/receiving a power and/or data with an external electronic device, and/or the second connector hole (or an earphone jack) <NUM> capable of accommodating a connector for transmitting/receiving an audio signal with the external electronic device.

At least one antenna structure <NUM> or <NUM> (or antenna module) corresponding to the antenna <NUM> of the wireless communication module <NUM> may be disposed on one side of the electronic device <NUM>. For example, as illustrated in <FIG>, the antenna structures <NUM> and <NUM> may be interposed between the front plate <NUM> and the back plate <NUM> disposed on the second surface 410B of the electronic device <NUM>. The first antenna structure <NUM> of the antenna structures <NUM> and <NUM> may be disposed at an edge of a side wall of the electronic device <NUM>. For another example, the second antenna structure <NUM> may be disposed to face the second surface 410B.

A non-conductive structure <NUM> (or a non-conductive member) of a non-conductive material may be disposed in a signal radiation direction of the first antenna structure <NUM>. The non-conductive structure <NUM> may be disposed at least a portion of an inner side of the housing <NUM>, and at least a portion thereof may be disposed adjacent to a region where the first antenna structure <NUM> is disposed. The non-conductive structure <NUM> may be fixed to the housing <NUM> and may be disposed to be physically spaced from the first antenna structure <NUM> as much as a specified minimum distance. With regard to improvement of a signal radiation characteristic of an antenna, a partial region of the non-conductive structure <NUM>, which faces the first antenna structure <NUM>, may be formed to be different in shape from a non-conductive structure around the partial region. At least a portion of the partial region of the non-conductive structure <NUM>, which faces the first antenna structure <NUM>, may form an asymmetrical surface with respect to at least a portion of a surface of the first antenna structure <NUM> inwardly (e.g., from a direction facing the first antenna structure <NUM> to an outward direction of the housing <NUM>).

At least a portion of the region of the non-conductive structure <NUM>, which faces the first antenna structure <NUM>, may be inwardly inclined as much as a given depth and may form an empty space by peripheral structures (e.g., at least a portion of a surface of the non-conductive structure <NUM>, at least a portion of a surface of the first antenna structure <NUM>, and at least a portion of a surface of a first support member <NUM> of <FIG> to be described later). At least a portion of an outer side of the non-conductive structure <NUM> in a direction of a back plate may be formed to be round, at least a portion of a bottom surface connected with the housing <NUM> may be fixed to the housing <NUM>, the region facing the first antenna structure <NUM> may include an empty space of a given size or at least one lattice space where a space is partitioned by at least one separating wall. In illustrated drawings and descriptions, an example is described as an edge of the back plate <NUM> may have a shape bent in at least one direction (or a shape having a given curvature value) and at least a portion of an outer surface (e.g., a surface adjacent to the back plate <NUM>) of the non-conductive structure <NUM> has a bent shape, but the inventive concept is not limited thereto. For example, the back plate <NUM> may not include a bent region and may include only a flat surface. In this case, an outside region of a shape of the non-conductive structure <NUM> may include an angled corner.

As described above with reference to <FIG>, the first antenna structure <NUM> may be formed of an antenna array (e.g., the antenna array <NUM>) where a plurality of patch antennas (e.g., the plurality of antenna elements <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> of <FIG>) are arranged; in this case, the plurality of patch antennas may be disposed at a substrate for the first antenna structure <NUM> so as to be spaced from each other as much as a given distance. In the case where the non-conductive structure <NUM> includes a plurality of empty spaces separated from each other, at least one of the empty spaces may be disposed at a location where the at least one empty space faces at least one of the patch antennas. The non-conductive structure <NUM> may further include separating walls for separating empty spaces, and the separating walls may be disposed to face an interval between the patch antennas or not to overlap the patch antennas (e.g., the plurality of antenna elements <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> of <FIG>), when viewed from the outside of a side bezel structure <NUM>. The electronic device <NUM> may include a support member (e.g., the first support member <NUM>) supporting the first antenna structure <NUM>, the support member may include a conductive portion and another conductive portion, an opening may be formed between the conductive portion and the other conductive portion, and at least a portion of a non-conductive structure <NUM> (or a non-conductive member) may be disposed to fill the opening. In this case, the non-conductive structure <NUM> (or a non-conductive member) may contact the conductive portion and the other conductive portion.

A volume of the region of the non-conductive structure <NUM>, which faces the first antenna structure <NUM>, may be formed to be smaller than a volume of a peripheral region of the non-conductive structure <NUM>. For example, at least a partial surface of the non-conductive structure <NUM>, which corresponds to the region thereof facing the first antenna structure <NUM>, may be formed with a given slope (e.g., may be formed with a flat surface and to have a given slope or may be formed with a curved surface). At least a portion of a surface of the non-conductive structure <NUM> may be formed in a shape having a given slope (e.g., in the shape of a slant) inwardly (toward the outside from the interior of the housing <NUM>). As such, when the first antenna structure <NUM> is disposed to face the side bezel structure <NUM> of the housing <NUM>, a thickness of a portion of the non-conductive structure <NUM>, which faces an upper end of the first antenna structure <NUM> (e.g., an upper end of the first antenna structure <NUM> when viewed from above the back plate <NUM>), a thickness of a portion of the non-conductive structure <NUM>, which faces a middle portion of the first antenna structure <NUM>, and a thickness of a portion of the non-conductive structure <NUM>, which faces a lower end of the first antenna structure <NUM> may be differently formed.

When assembled, the thickness of the portion of the non-conductive structure <NUM>, which faces the upper end of the first antenna structure <NUM> adjacent to an inner side of the back plate <NUM>, may be identical or similar to the thickness of the portion of the non-conductive structure <NUM>, which faces the lower end of the first antenna structure <NUM> relative to the upper end (e.g., similar within a given ratio). The thickness of the portion of the non-conductive structure <NUM>, which faces the lower portion of the first antenna structure <NUM>, may be thicker than any other region. An inner surface of the non-conductive structure <NUM> may be formed to be stepped, and thus, a straight distance from the first antenna structure <NUM> to one surface (stepped surface) of the non-conductive structure <NUM> may be formed to be identical or similar as much as a given height.

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

Referring to <FIG>, an electronic device <NUM> may include the side bezel structure <NUM>, a first support member <NUM> (e.g., a bracket or at least a portion of the housing <NUM> of <FIG> and <FIG>), a front plate <NUM> (or an external protective layer), a display <NUM>, a printed circuit board <NUM>, a battery <NUM>, a second support member <NUM> (e.g., a rear case), an antenna <NUM>, and a back plate <NUM> (or a back cover). The electronic device <NUM> may omit at least one (e.g., the first support member <NUM> or the second support member <NUM>) of the components or may further include any other component. The side bezel structure <NUM> and the first support member <NUM> may form a portion of a housing <NUM>. At least one of the components of the electronic device <NUM> may be identical or similar to at least one of the components of the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG> or <FIG>, and thus, additional description will be omitted to avoid redundancy.

The first support member <NUM> may be disposed within the electronic device <NUM> so as to be connected with the side bezel structure <NUM> or may be 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 nonmetal material (e.g., polymer). The display <NUM> may be coupled to one surface of the first support member <NUM>, and the printed circuit board <NUM> may be coupled to an opposite surface of the first support member <NUM>. A processor, a memory, and/or an interface may be mounted on the printed circuit board <NUM>. For example, the processor may include one or more of a central processing unit, an application processor, a graphics processing device, an image signal processor, a sensor hub processor, or a communication processor.

The memory may include a volatile memory or a nonvolatile memory.

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

The battery <NUM> is a device for supplying a power to at least one component of the electronic device <NUM> and may include a primary cell incapable of being recharged, a secondary cell rechargeable, or a fuel cell. At least a portion of the battery <NUM> may be disposed on substantially the same plane as the printed circuit board <NUM>, for example. The battery <NUM> may be integrally disposed within the electronic device <NUM>, or may be disposed to be removable from the electronic device <NUM>.

The antenna <NUM> may be interposed between the back plate <NUM> and the battery <NUM>. The antenna <NUM> may include a near field communication (NFC) antenna, an antenna for wireless charging, and/or a magnetic secure transmission (MST) antenna. For example, the antenna <NUM> may perform short range communication with an external device or may wirelessly transmit/receive a power necessary to charge. An antenna structure may be formed by a portion of the side bezel structure <NUM> and/or the first support member <NUM>, or by a combination thereof.

The antenna structures <NUM> and <NUM> may be directly fixed to one side of the printed circuit board <NUM> or may be fixed to one side of the printed circuit board <NUM> through the second support member <NUM>. The antenna structures <NUM> and <NUM> may be electrically connected with the printed circuit board <NUM> and may form a communication path with at least some components (e.g., at least one of the third RFIC <NUM> and the fourth RFIC <NUM>) of a wireless communication module (e.g., <NUM> of <FIG>) disposed on the printed circuit board <NUM>. The printed circuit board <NUM> where the antenna structures <NUM> and <NUM> are seated may be fixed to one side (e.g., one side of an edge) of the first support member <NUM> (or at least a portion of a housing) and may be disposed to face a direction of a side wall of the first support member <NUM>. As such, at least one (e.g., the first antenna structure <NUM>) of the antenna structures <NUM> and <NUM> may be disposed to face at least a portion of the non-conductive structure <NUM> (e.g., the non-conductive structure <NUM> of <FIG>) disposed on a side wall of the first support member <NUM> and may be disposed adjacent to the non-conductive structure <NUM>. The first antenna structure <NUM> and the non-conductive structure <NUM> may be disposed to be spaced from each other as much as a given distance.

<FIG> is a view illustrating an example of a partial configuration of an electronic device, which corresponds to a cross section taken along line C-C' of <FIG> according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

<FIG> may be a drawing illustrating an example of an electronic device environment where an antenna including a first antenna, a first non-conductive structure, and a housing is disposed, according to various embodiments of the disclosure. For convenience of description, at least a portion of a first antenna, a portion of a first non-conductive structure, and a portion of a housing are illustrated in <FIG>, but the inventive concept is not limited thereto. For example, the electronic device environment may further include a component such as a printed circuit board connected with the first antenna, at least one of a back plate and a rear case surrounding at least a portion of the printed circuit board, or a display.

Referring <FIG>, in state <NUM>, at least a portion of a configuration of an electronic device according to an embodiment may include the first support member <NUM> (e.g., the first support member <NUM> of <FIG>), a first non-conductive structure <NUM> (or a partial region of a side portion of a non-conductive structure), and/or the first antenna structure <NUM>.

The first support member <NUM> may be disposed in a first direction +<NUM> as much as a given length. The first antenna structure <NUM> may be disposed at a first point <NUM> on an inner side of the first support member <NUM>, and the first support member <NUM> and the first antenna structure <NUM> may be disposed to be perpendicular to each other. At least a portion of the first non-conductive structure <NUM> may be disposed at one end portion (e.g., one side of an edge or an outer end portion 608_1) of the first support member <NUM>.

At least a portion of a cross section of the first non-conductive structure <NUM> may be formed in the shape of an arc having a given angle (e.g., between <NUM> to <NUM> degrees, for example, <NUM> degrees). The cross section of the first non-conductive structure <NUM> may be formed of a portion of a shape of a circular band (e.g., a quarter of a shape of a circular band), and the one side 611_2 may be disposed above the first support member <NUM> and adjacent thereto or may contact the first support member <NUM>. An opposite side 611_1 of the first non-conductive structure <NUM> may be disposed to be spaced from the first antenna structure <NUM> as much as a specified distance. The first non-conductive structure <NUM> may be formed in a shape in which an inner side in the first direction +<NUM> with respect to the first antenna structure <NUM> is empty. A first surface 611a (e.g., an inner wall) of the first non-conductive structure <NUM> may be formed in the shape of an arc, in which a distance to the first surface 611a of the first non-conductive structure <NUM> from the first point <NUM> where the first support member <NUM> meets the first antenna structure <NUM> is uniform. Also, a second surface 611b (e.g., an outer wall) of the first non-conductive structure <NUM> may be formed in the shape of an arc corresponding to the first surface 611a. Alternatively, the first non-conductive structure <NUM> may extend from a point 611_1, which is spaced from an upper end 601_1 of the first antenna structure <NUM> in the first direction +<NUM> as much as a given distance, to the one end portion 608_1 of the first support member <NUM> (e.g., an outer portion of the first support member <NUM> in the first direction +<NUM>), may form an empty space of a given size in a direction between the first direction +<NUM> and a second direction +<NUM> at the first point <NUM> together with a surrounding structure (e.g., the first support member <NUM>) and the first antenna structure <NUM>, and may be formed in a shape where at least one surface of the outer surface and the inner surface of the first non-conductive structure <NUM> is convex toward the outside (e.g., in a direction between the first direction +<NUM> and the second direction +<NUM> at the first point <NUM>). The drawing illustrated in <FIG> corresponds a shape of the cross section of the first non-conductive structure <NUM>, and the first non-conductive structure <NUM> may have the cross section illustrated in <FIG> and may be formed to have a given length along a direction of one side of an electronic device.

The electronic device may include an empty space <NUM>, of which at least a portion is surrounded by the non-conductive structure <NUM>, the first support member <NUM>, and the first antenna structure <NUM>. The non-conductive structure <NUM> may include the outer surface 611b and the inner surface 611a, which are convex in a first diagonal direction between the first direction +<NUM> and the second direction +<NUM>.

The first antenna structure <NUM> may be formed in the shape of the antenna array <NUM> described above with reference to <FIG>. In the drawing illustrated, the first antenna structure <NUM> may be disposed to radiate a signal in the first direction +<NUM> mainly. For example, at least a portion of a printed circuit board that supplies a power and a signal to the first antenna structure <NUM> may be disposed in one region of the first antenna structure <NUM> in a direction opposite to the first direction +<NUM>. The first antenna structure <NUM> may radiate a signal transferred from the printed circuit board in a first direction, and due to a signal radiation characteristic, at least a portion of the signal may be radiated in different directions (e.g., the second direction +<NUM> perpendicular to the first direction +<NUM> or a third direction -<NUM> opposite to the first direction +<NUM> in the drawing illustrated) around the first antenna structure <NUM>. The radiation characteristic of the signal radiated through the first antenna structure <NUM> may have an influence of the first non-conductive structure <NUM> and the first support member <NUM>; as illustrated, a radiation pattern may be formed in an apple shape where valleys 700a and 700b lower than surrounding portions are formed in the first diagonal direction between the first direction +<NUM> and the second direction +<NUM> and a second diagonal direction between the third direction -<NUM> and a fourth direction -<NUM> with respect to the first antenna structure <NUM>. A signal propagation characteristic may be changed as the signal radiated from the first antenna structure <NUM> transmits the first non-conductive structure <NUM>, and regions of the valleys 700a and 700b may be formed as the propagation characteristic is changed by the first support member <NUM> of a metal material (e.g., the signal is reflected by the first support member <NUM>). The first antenna structure <NUM> may be disposed such that a main portion 713a of the signal radiation faces the first direction +<NUM>. Even though the first antenna structure <NUM> of the electronic device is designed in such a way that a good signal characteristic appears in a plurality of direction, the regions of the valleys 700a and 700b where a signal characteristic is lower than in a surrounding region may appear.

Referring to state <NUM>, the one side 611_2 of the first non-conductive structure <NUM> of an arc shape having a uniform thickness may be disposed on one end portion (e.g., 608_1) of the first support member <NUM>, and the opposite side 611_1 may be disposed to be close to the upper end 601_1 of the first antenna structure <NUM>. This structure of the non-conductive structure <NUM> may allow the signal radiated from the first antenna structure <NUM> to have a relatively good output characteristic in the first direction +<NUM> compared with any other direction.

<FIG> is a view illustrating an example of a partial configuration of an electronic device, which corresponds to another cross section taken along line C-C' of <FIG> according to an embodiment of the disclosure. Alternatively, <FIG> may be a drawing illustrating an example of an electronic device environment where an antenna including the first antenna structure <NUM>, a second non-conductive structure <NUM>, and the first support member <NUM> is disposed, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring <FIG>, in state <NUM> at least a portion of a configuration of an electronic device according to an embodiment may include the first support member <NUM> (e.g., a partial region of a side portion of a housing or at least a portion of the first support member <NUM> of <FIG>), the second non-conductive structure <NUM> (or a partial region of a side portion of a non-conductive structure), and/or the first antenna structure <NUM>. The first support member <NUM> and the first antenna structure <NUM> may be identical or similar to the first support member <NUM> and the first antenna structure <NUM> described above with reference to <FIG>.

The second non-conductive structure <NUM> may be formed in a convex-concave shape where the interior is filled and at least one surface is convex (or in an embossing shape or in a lenticular lens shape). An edge 612_1 or 612_2 of the second non-conductive structure <NUM> may be formed to be thinner than a central portion 612_3 thereof. One edge 612_1 of the second non-conductive structure <NUM> may be disposed adjacent to the upper end 601_1 of the first antenna structure <NUM>, and the opposite edge 612_2 of the second non-conductive structure <NUM> may be disposed adjacent to the one end portion 608_1 of the first support member <NUM> (e.g., an outer portion in the first direction +<NUM>) or may be seated and fixed to the one end portion 608_1 of the first support member <NUM>. The second non-conductive structure <NUM> may be formed with a given slope from the one edge 612_1 of the second non-conductive structure <NUM> to the opposite edge 612_2. A distance from the first point <NUM> where the first antenna structure <NUM> meets the first support member <NUM> to one surface 612a (e.g., an inner wall) of the second non-conductive structure <NUM> may vary depending on each location of the one surface of the second non-conductive structure <NUM>. For example, the distance D1 from the first point <NUM> where the first antenna structure <NUM> meets the first support member <NUM> to the center of the one surface 612a of the second non-conductive structure <NUM> may be shorter than a surrounding distance D2. An empty space <NUM> (or a separation space) may be formed between the second non-conductive structure <NUM> and the first support member <NUM> or the second non-conductive structure <NUM> and the first antenna structure <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG>, the empty space <NUM> may include a space that is surrounded by a surface (e.g., the one surface 612a of the second non-conductive structure <NUM>) formed with a uniform gradient from the upper end 601_1 of the antenna to one point of the housing, the first antenna structure <NUM>, and the first support member <NUM> and of which a cross section is in the shape of a triangle.

While the signal radiated from the first antenna structure <NUM> progresses in the first direction +<NUM>, the signal may have an influence of the first support member <NUM> and the second non-conductive structure <NUM> and may have a signal radiation characteristic of a pattern that is formed as illustrated in <FIG>. Compared with the signal radiation characteristic affected by the first non-conductive structure <NUM> and the first support member <NUM> described above with reference to <FIG>, valleys 800a and 800b may be formed to be smoother. Compared with the electronic device having the empty space <NUM> disclosed in <FIG>, the electronic device having the empty space <NUM> as illustrated may reduce the size of a valley region (or may solve a Null region) and may allow main waves (or a radiation pattern) of the first antenna structure <NUM> to be focused in the first direction +<NUM>. The electronic device having the empty space <NUM> may adjust a main radiation pattern direction of an antenna signal 713b by using the non-conductive structure <NUM>, of which a thickness varies depending on a signal radiation direction of the first antenna structure <NUM> (or a signal radiated in parallel with the first direction +<NUM> at each point of the first antenna structure <NUM> in a vertical direction).

Referring to state <NUM> of <FIG>, the signal radiated from the first antenna structure <NUM> may progress mainly from the first direction +<NUM> to the second direction +<NUM> (e.g., the radiated signal is oriented to a second plate (e.g., the back plate <NUM> of <FIG>) so as to be somewhat upward and progresses (e.g., progresses toward the outside with respect to a side surface between a first plate (e.g., the front plate <NUM> of <FIG>) and the second plate (e.g., the back plate <NUM> of <FIG>) and is biased toward the second plate). Compared with the main signal radiation pattern direction in state <NUM> of <FIG>, the main signal radiation pattern direction in state <NUM> of <FIG> may have a characteristic of signal progression somewhat oriented to an upper side; however, as valley (800a, 800b) (or Null) regions become relatively smooth, an antenna structure (e.g., the first support member <NUM>, the first antenna structure <NUM>, and the second non-conductive structure <NUM>) illustrated in <FIG> may have a better signal characteristic than an antenna structure (e.g., the first support member <NUM>, the first antenna structure <NUM>, and the first non-conductive structure <NUM>) illustrated in <FIG>. At least a portion of an inner surface of the second non-conductive structure <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> may include a surface that is formed with a uniform slope from an upper end portion of the first antenna structure <NUM> to one point of the first support member <NUM>.

<FIG> is a view illustrating an example of a cross section taken along line C-C' of <FIG> according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> may include the front plate <NUM> (or an external protective layer or a window panel), the display <NUM>, the first support member <NUM>, the back plate <NUM> (or a back panel or a back cover), a third non-conductive structure <NUM>, and/or the first antenna structure <NUM> (or an antenna module).

A central portion 620a of the front plate <NUM> may be formed to be flat, and an edge portion 620b thereof may be formed in a curved shape.

The display <NUM> may output data stored in a memory of the electronic device <NUM> through a specified screen interface under control of a processor. The display <NUM> may output an indicator or information associated with an operation of at least one antenna of the antennas. Alternatively, the display <NUM> may output an operation state of a communication network based on the antennas.

At least a portion of the first support member <NUM> may be formed of a metal material. The third non-conductive structure <NUM> may be disposed on one side of the first support member <NUM>. At least a portion of a central portion of the first support member <NUM> may be formed to be flat, and at least a portion of an edge thereof (e.g., a surface on which the display <NUM> or the front plate <NUM>) may be formed in a curved shape. At least a portion of the first support member <NUM> may include an antenna support member 608_9 supporting one side of the antenna structure <NUM>.

A central portion 680a of the back plate <NUM> may be formed to be flat, and an edge 680b thereof may be formed in a curved shape. At least a portion of the back plate <NUM> may be formed of a nonmetal material such as ceramic, glass, plastic, or polymer. At least a portion of the remaining portion of the back plate <NUM> may be formed of a metal material.

At least one first antenna structure <NUM> may be interposed between the first support member <NUM> and the back plate <NUM>. For example, as described with reference to <FIG> or <FIG>, the first antenna structure <NUM> may be disposed to face the back plate <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM> or may be disposed to face at least one of left and right side surfaces. The first antenna structure <NUM> may be disposed to form a given angle with one surface of the first support member <NUM> (e.g., disposed along the second direction +<NUM>) and may radiate a signal in a direction (e.g., the first direction +<NUM>) that is parallel to the first support member <NUM>.

At least a portion of a first end portion 613_2 of the third non-conductive structure <NUM> may be fixed to the first support member <NUM>, and at least a portion of a second end portion 613_1 may be extended and formed toward the first antenna structure <NUM>. For example, at least a portion of a surface 613b_1 of the third non-conductive structure <NUM>, which faces an inner side <NUM> of the back plate <NUM>, may be formed in a curved shape, and at least a portion of a surface 613a_1 of the third non-conductive structure <NUM>, which faces the first antenna structure <NUM>, may be spaced from the first antenna structure <NUM> to form an empty space 613a (or a separation space). The second end portion 613_1 of the non-conductive structure <NUM> may be disposed adjacent to the first antenna structure <NUM>, and the first end portion 613_2 may be fixed to one side (e.g., one end portion 608_1) of the first support member <NUM>.

At least one, for example, four first separating walls 613b for separating respective patch antennas disposed at the first antenna structure <NUM> may be formed at least a portion of the third non-conductive structure <NUM>. The four first separating walls 613b may be arranged to divide the empty space 613a by a given size. When viewing the third non-conductive structure <NUM> from a signal radiation surface of the first antenna structure <NUM>, at least a portion of the outer surface 613b_1 of the third non-conductive structure <NUM> may be formed to correspond to a shape of the back plate <NUM>. The third non-conductive structure <NUM> may be formed to have a uniform curvature along an inner side (e.g., an inner surface of 680b) of the back plate <NUM>, and first spaces 613a that are formed by the inner surface 613a_1 and the separating walls 613b may be formed at least a portion of the inner side 613a_1 of the third non-conductive structure <NUM>, and the inner surface 613a_1 may be formed with a uniform slope as it goes toward the first end portion 613_2 corresponding to an end portion 608_1 of the first support member <NUM> in the first direction +<NUM> from the second end portion 613_1 of the first antenna structure <NUM>. A portion, which contacts the first support member <NUM>, of the outer surface 613b_1 of the third non-conductive structure <NUM> may be formed to be continuous to the end portion 608_1 of the first support member <NUM> and may form at least a portion of a first groove <NUM> such that at least a portion of an end of the back plate <NUM> is seated. At least a portion of the first space 613a (or empty spaces of a specified size) may include a surface that is formed with a uniform slope from an upper end portion of the first antenna structure <NUM> to one point of the first support member <NUM>.

The electronic device <NUM> may include the back plate <NUM> disposed to face one direction +<NUM>, the front plate <NUM> disposed to face an opposite direction -<NUM> facing away from the one direction, the first support member <NUM> including a side member (e.g., the side member <NUM> of <FIG>) interposed between the back plate <NUM> and the front plate <NUM>, the antenna structure <NUM> including a surface substantially perpendicular to the one direction +<NUM> and facing in a third direction (e.g., the first direction +<NUM>) facing the side member (e.g., the side member <NUM> of <FIG>) and including at least one antenna pattern disposed to form a directional beam facing at least in the third direction, a support member integrally formed with the side member (e.g., the side member <NUM> of <FIG>) or coupled to the side member, interposed between the front plate <NUM> and the back plate <NUM>, and including a conductive portion, and the non-conductive structure <NUM> disposed in a space surrounded by the back plate <NUM>, the support member, the side member, and the surface of the antenna structure <NUM>.

The non-conductive structure <NUM> may include a body portion including the first end portion 613_2 adjacent to a first region where the back plate <NUM> meets the side member (e.g., the side member <NUM> of <FIG>), the second end portion 613_1 adjacent to a second region where the surface of the antenna structure <NUM> and an inner surface of the back plate <NUM> are adjacent to each other, a first surface placed between the first end portion 613_2 and the second end portion 613_1 and formed based on an outline of an inner surface of the back plate <NUM> and/or an inner surface of the side member, when viewing a cross section cut in the third direction, and a second surface where a distance from the surface of the antenna structure <NUM> increases as it goes toward the first end portion 613_2 from the second end portion 613_1. The electronic device <NUM> may further include a wireless communication circuit (e.g., the third RFIC <NUM> of <FIG>) electrically connected with at least a portion of the antenna structure <NUM> and configured to transmit and/or receive a signal having a frequency between <NUM> and <NUM>.

The electronic device <NUM> may form a beam in the first direction +<NUM> in a state where a signal radiated from the first antenna structure <NUM> has an influence of the third non-conductive structure <NUM> and the first support member <NUM> disposed in a signal radiation direction of the first antenna structure <NUM>. The signal radiated in the first direction +<NUM> may indicate a signal radiation characteristic as illustrated; for example, a first valley <NUM> may be smoothly formed between the first direction +<NUM> and the second direction +<NUM>. A beam pattern (or shape) of the signal radiated from the first antenna structure <NUM> may be formed in such a way that a main radiation pattern faces a lateral direction (e.g., a direction biased to the first direction +<NUM> between the first direction +<NUM> and the second direction +<NUM>).

With regard to forming the third non-conductive structure <NUM>, a method for manufacturing the electronic device <NUM> may include forming a non-conductive structure, in which the outer surface 613b_1 is formed in a curved shape corresponding to an inner side of the edge 680b of the back plate <NUM>, the one surface 613a_1 is formed to face the first antenna structure <NUM>, and at least a portion thereof is fixed on the first support member <NUM>, through injection molding, and forming the first spaces 613a on a surface thereof facing the first antenna structure <NUM> together with the first separating walls 613b by using a tool capable of removing at least a portion of the non-conductive structure, such as a drill. The first separating walls 613b may separate the first spaces 613a and may be disposed to face a given region (e.g., a region separating patch antennas) or to contact the given region.

<FIG> is a view illustrating another example of a cross section taken along line C-C' of <FIG> according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> may include the front plate <NUM>, the display <NUM>, the first support member <NUM>, the back plate <NUM>, a fourth non-conductive structure <NUM>, and/or the first antenna structure <NUM>. The front plate <NUM>, the display <NUM>, the first support member <NUM>, the back plate <NUM>, and the first antenna structure <NUM> may be identical or similar to the components described above with reference to <FIG>. The antenna support member 608_9 supporting one side of the antenna structure <NUM> may be disposed on one side of the first support member <NUM>.

At least a portion of a first surface (e.g., an outer surface 614b_1) of the fourth non-conductive structure <NUM>, which faces an inner side 680c of an edge of the back plate <NUM>, may be formed in a shape similar to that of the inner surface 680c of the edge of the back plate <NUM>, for example, in a curved shape. At least a portion of a second surface (e.g., an inner surface 614a_1) of the fourth non-conductive structure <NUM>, which faces the first antenna structure <NUM>, may be formed in a curved shape corresponding to the shape of the first surface (e.g., the outer surface 614b_1).

In the fourth non-conductive structure <NUM>, with respect to a virtual diagonal line <NUM> passing through a second end portion 614_1 facing the upper end 601_1 of the first antenna structure <NUM> and a first end portion 614_2 contacting one end portion 608_1 of the first support member <NUM>, at least a portion of shapes of the outer side 614b_1 and the inner side 614a_1 of the fourth non-conductive structure <NUM> may be formed in various shapes with regard to beamforming of the antenna structure <NUM> in the first direction +<NUM>. For example, at least a portion of the shape of the outer side 614b_1 of the fourth non-conductive structure <NUM> may be formed to be convex toward an edge of the back plate <NUM>, and at least a portion of the shape of the inner side 614a_1 of the fourth non-conductive structure <NUM> may be formed to convex toward the first antenna structure <NUM> or the first support member <NUM>. The fourth non-conductive structure <NUM> may include second spaces 614a (or empty spaces) facing respective antenna patches disposed at the first antenna structure <NUM> and may include second separating walls 614b separating the second spaces 614a. As the fourth non-conductive structure <NUM> includes a convex curved surface injection molded, the second space 614a may be formed to be narrower than the first space 613a described above with reference to <FIG>. The second space 614a may include a curved surface 614a_1 formed with a uniform curvature from the upper end 601_1 of the first antenna structure <NUM> to the first end portion 614_2 (e.g., a surface convex toward a point where the first support member <NUM> or the first antenna structure <NUM> meets the first support member <NUM>, for example, an inner surface of the fourth non-conductive structure <NUM>).

When viewed from a signal radiation surface of the first antenna structure <NUM>, a thickness D10_1 of the fourth non-conductive structure <NUM> in a horizontal direction (or the first direction +<NUM>), which corresponds to the second end portion 614_1 of the first antenna structure <NUM>, and a thickness D10_2 of the fourth non-conductive structure <NUM> in the horizontal direction, which corresponds to the middle portion 614_3 of the first antenna structure <NUM>, may be differently formed. For example, as at least a portion of the fourth non-conductive structure <NUM> is formed to be convex toward the back plate <NUM> from first point <NUM> where the first antenna structure <NUM> meets the first support member <NUM>, a thickness (D10_1 to D10_3) in the horizontal direction from the second end portion 614_1 of the fourth non-conductive structure <NUM> to the first end portion 614_2 may gradually increase and may then gradually decrease. For another example, the fourth non-conductive structure <NUM> may have a shape in which a thickness gradually increases from the second end portion 614_1 to a middle point 614_3 (D10_1 → D10_2) and gradually decreases from the middle point 614_3 to the first end portion 614_2 (D10_2 → D10_3). The increase or decrease in the thickness may be nonlinear.

With regard to a signal characteristic, a beam radiated from an antenna structure may be formed in a hemispherical shape in which the beam is radiated in a state of being biased to the first direction +<NUM> between the first direction +<NUM> and the second direction +<NUM>, and a second valley that horizontal polarization radiated in the first direction +<NUM> and vertical polarization radiated in the second direction +<NUM> form may be much smoother than the first valley <NUM> described with reference to <FIG>. As such, compared to a signal characteristic of the antenna structure described with reference to <FIG>, the antenna structure described with reference to <FIG> may show a better beam shape as a null region decreases.

Referring to <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> may include the front plate <NUM>, the display <NUM>, the first support member <NUM>, the back plate <NUM>, a fifth non-conductive structure <NUM>, and/or the first antenna structure <NUM>. The front plate <NUM>, the display <NUM>, the first support member <NUM>, the back plate <NUM>, and the first antenna structure <NUM> may be identical or similar to the components described above with reference to <FIG>. The antenna support member 608_9 supporting one side of the first antenna structure <NUM> may be disposed on one side of the first support member <NUM>.

At least a portion of the fifth non-conductive structure <NUM> may be disposed at the end portion 608_1 of the first support member <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM>, and the fifth non-conductive structure <NUM> may be disposed to face at least a portion of the first antenna structure <NUM>. An outer side 615b_1 of the fifth non-conductive structure <NUM> may be disposed to face an inner side 680c of the back plate <NUM> and may be formed in a shape similar to that of the inner side 680c of the back plate <NUM>, for example, in a curved shape. An inner side 615a_1 of the fifth non-conductive structure <NUM> may form an empty space 615a with the first antenna structure <NUM> and at least a portion of the first support member <NUM> and may be formed in a stepped shape. The stepped shape may be formed from a second end portion 615_1 of the fifth non-conductive structure <NUM> (e.g., a point facing the upper end 601_1 of the first antenna structure <NUM>) to a first end portion 615_2 (e.g., a point contacting the end portion 608_1 of the first support member <NUM>). A third space 615a that is formed by the fifth non-conductive structure <NUM>, the first antenna structure <NUM>, and the first support member <NUM> may include a surface that is formed in a stepped shape from the upper end 601_1 of the first antenna structure <NUM> to the end portion 608_1 of the first support member <NUM>. The third space 615a may be divided into a plurality of spaces by separating walls 615b.

A signal radiated from the first antenna structure <NUM> may progress through the empty space (e.g., air) 615a formed within the fifth non-conductive structure <NUM> and may progress toward the outside of a side surface and a back surface of the back plate <NUM> through the fifth non-conductive structure <NUM>. A portion (e.g., horizontal polarization) of the signal radiated from the first antenna structure <NUM> may have an influence of the first support member <NUM> and may mainly progress in a direction upwardly biased with respect to the first direction +<NUM> (or a direction biased from the first direction +<NUM> to the second direction +<NUM>). Also, a portion (e.g., vertical polarization) of the signal radiated from the first antenna structure <NUM> may progress in the second direction +<NUM>. A beam of the signal radiated from the first antenna structure <NUM> may be formed in the shape of a crushed sphere biased in the first direction +<NUM> and the second direction +<NUM>, and a third valley <NUM> may be formed between the first direction +<NUM> and the second direction +<NUM>.

<FIG> is a view illustrating one shape of a cross section taken along line C-C' of <FIG> according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> may include the front plate <NUM>, the display <NUM>, the first support member <NUM>, the back plate <NUM>, a non-conductive structure <NUM>, and/or the first antenna structure <NUM>. The front plate <NUM>, the display <NUM>, the first support member <NUM>, the back plate <NUM>, and the first antenna structure <NUM> may be identical or similar to the components described above with reference to <FIG>. For example, the first antenna structure <NUM> may include a PCB 601_8 (e.g., the printed circuit board <NUM> of <FIG>) and an RFIC/packaging 601_9 (e.g., the RFIC <NUM> and the shielding member <NUM> of <FIG>). The antenna support member 608_9 supporting one side of the first antenna structure <NUM> may be disposed at the first support member <NUM>.

In the non-conductive structure <NUM>, a surface 616b_1 facing an inner side <NUM> of the back plate <NUM> may be formed in a curved shape, and a surface 616a_1 facing the first antenna structure <NUM> may be formed substantially in parallel with a signal radiation surface of the first antenna structure <NUM> (e.g., one surface in a direction where a radio wave is mainly radiated, when the antenna array <NUM> of <FIG> forms a beam) and may be fixed to the first support member <NUM>. The non-conductive structure <NUM> may be fixed on the first support member <NUM> in a state where a distance "D" between the surface 616a_1 thereof facing the first antenna structure <NUM> and the first antenna structure <NUM> is uniformly maintained. At least one separating wall may be formed at the non-conductive structure <NUM> at regular intervals such that the patch antennas described with reference to <FIG> and the non-conductive structure <NUM> do not contact each other. The at least one separating wall may be aligned between antenna patches such that an antenna patch disposed on the antenna structure <NUM> does not directly contact the surface 616a_1 of the non-conductive structure <NUM> or such that a distance between the first antenna structure <NUM> and the non-conductive structure <NUM> is maintained. In the electronic device <NUM> having the non-conductive structure <NUM>, when a signal is radiated from at least one antenna pattern <NUM> of the first antenna structure <NUM>, because the signal is mainly radiated in the first direction +<NUM> and the second direction +<NUM> as illustrated, it may understood that a signal radiation gain in the first direction +<NUM> is low compared with a fifth radiator of <FIG>.

<FIG> is a view illustrating a non-conductive structure and a region where a non-conductive structure is disposed according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the first antenna structure <NUM> may be disposed at the first support member <NUM>. The first antenna structure <NUM> may include at least one antenna pattern <NUM> (e.g., the plurality of antenna elements <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> of <FIG>). A non-conductive structure 616_1 may include at least one separating wall 616b as illustrated. The non-conductive structure 616_1 may include the spaces 616a that are separated from each other by the separating wall 616b. Each of the spaces 616a may be disposed to correspond to the antenna pattern <NUM> one-to-one and may be disposed to maintain a given distance (e.g., the distance "D" of <FIG>) between the antenna pattern <NUM> and one inner surface 616a_1 of the non-conductive structure 616_1. The one inner surface 616a_1 of the non-conductive structure 616_1 forming the space 616a may be formed in a direction (e.g., one direction -<NUM>) that is parallel to one surface of the first antenna structure <NUM>. As such, a distance (e.g., the distance "D" of <FIG>) between at least a portion of the one inner surface 616a_1 of the non-conductive structure 616_1 and the first antenna structure <NUM> may be uniformly maintained.

The electronic device <NUM> may include a non-conductive structure 616_2 that does not include the separating walls <NUM>. As the separating walls <NUM> are removed, the non-conductive structure 616_2 may include an empty space 616c of a given size therein. The empty space 616c may be a space in which spaces (e.g., the empty spaces 616a) separated from each other by the separating walls 616b of the non-conductive structure 616_1 are combined. The one inner surface 616a_1 of the non-conductive structure 616_2 may be uniformly formed in the one direction -<NUM>, and each distance between the antenna structure <NUM> and each of an upper portion, a middle portion, and a lower portion of the one inner surface 616a_1 of the non-conductive structure 616_2 may be identically formed.

The electronic device <NUM> may include a support member (e.g., the first support member <NUM>) supporting the antenna structure <NUM>, and the support member may include a conductive portion and another conductive portion. An opening may be formed between the conductive portion and the other conductive portion, and at least a portion of the non-conductive structure (e.g., at least one of the non-conductive structures 616_1 and 616_2) may be disposed to fill the opening. In this case, the non-conductive structure <NUM> may contact the conductive portion and the other conductive portion. For example, one side portion of the support member <NUM> may be removed to form an opening, and the non-conductive member (at least one of 616_1 and 616_2) may be seated in the opening, which is formed by removing the one side portion of the support member <NUM>, and may be disposed between the conductive portion and the other conductive portion of the support member <NUM>. In this case, the non-conductive member (at least one of 616_1 and 616_2) may be disposed to contact one side of each of edges of the conductive portions forming the opening.

<FIG> is a view illustrating a 2D simulation result of signal radiation of non-conductive structures described with reference to <FIG> according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, a closed curve <NUM> (Ver. <NUM>) is a chart indicating a signal gain characteristic of the first antenna structure <NUM> in an antenna structure having the third non-conductive structure <NUM> described with reference to <FIG>, a closed curve <NUM> (Ver. <NUM>) is a chart indicating a signal gain characteristic of the first antenna structure <NUM> in an antenna structure having the fourth non-conductive structure <NUM> described with reference to <FIG>, a closed curve <NUM> (Ver. <NUM>) is a chart indicating a signal gain characteristic of the first antenna structure <NUM> in an antenna structure having the fifth non-conductive structure <NUM> described with reference to <FIG>, and a closed curve <NUM> (Def) is a chart indicating a signal gain characteristic of the first antenna structure <NUM> in an antenna structure having the non-conductive structure <NUM> described with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>. In a table, "Module" indicates a signal gain value when a separate non-conductive structure does not exist. <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees, and <NUM> degrees may indicate gain values of side radiation patterns of vertical polarization in respective directions.

It may be understood from the result that a radiation gain of a lateral direction (e.g., -<NUM> degrees) is decreased by the non-conductive structure <NUM> as much as <NUM> dB compared with module performance in air. As the injection-molding structures of the inventive concept, non-conductive structures having a signal characteristic of the first closed curve <NUM> corresponding to <FIG> (asymmetric cut to bottom), a signal characteristic of the second closed curve <NUM> corresponding to <FIG> (R-cut), and a signal characteristic of the third closed curve <NUM> corresponding to <FIG> (step-cut) show improvement of a maximum of <NUM> dB and a minimum of <NUM> dB.

<FIG> is a view illustrating one shape of a partial configuration of an electronic device including a non-conductive structure according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, an electronic device <NUM> may include the first plate <NUM>, of which at least a portion is disposed to face the one direction -<NUM>, the second plate <NUM>, of which at least a portion is disposed to face the opposite direction +<NUM> facing away from the one direction -<NUM>, the first support member <NUM> interposed between the first plate <NUM> and the second plate <NUM>, the first antenna structure <NUM>, and/or a sixth non-conductive structure <NUM> disposed on one side of the first support member <NUM>. The display <NUM> may be interposed between the first plate <NUM> and a housing (e.g., housing <NUM> of <FIG>). The antenna support member 608_9 supporting one side of the first antenna structure <NUM> may be disposed at the first support member <NUM>.

The sixth non-conductive structure <NUM> may include, for example, a first structure 617a facing the antenna structure <NUM>, and a second structure 617b integrally formed with the first structure 617a and supporting the first structure 617a. In an embodiment, the first structure 617a and the second structure 617b may be formed of the same material (e.g., a PC material). For example, the first structure 617a and the second structure 617b may be integrally formed of the same material (e.g., a PC material) only in a region facing the antenna structure <NUM> or a region, in which patch antennas of the antenna structure <NUM> are disposed, and peripheral portions thereof may be formed of a material of the first support member <NUM>. The first structure 617a may be formed to be identical or similar in shape to the non-conductive structure <NUM> described above with reference to <FIG>. For example, the first structure 617a may be disposed in a shape where a facing distance D4 varies as the closer to a point 601_2 (e.g., corresponding to a middle point or below) of the antenna structure <NUM> from the upper end 601_1 of the antenna structure <NUM>.

The second structure 617b may be formed to be identical or similar in shape to one side of an edge of the first support member <NUM> (or a support member) described with reference to <FIG>, and a material of the second structure 617b may be different from a material of the first support member <NUM> (or a support member).

<FIG> is a view illustrating another shape of a partial configuration of an electronic device including a non-conductive structure according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> may include the first plate <NUM>, of which at least a portion is disposed to face the one direction -<NUM>, the second plate <NUM>, of which at least a portion is disposed to face the opposite direction +<NUM> facing away from the one direction -<NUM>, the first support member <NUM> interposed between the first plate <NUM> and the second plate <NUM>, the first antenna structure <NUM>, and/or a seventh non-conductive structure <NUM> disposed on one side of the first support member <NUM>. The electronic device <NUM> may further include the display <NUM> interposed between the first plate <NUM> and the first support member <NUM>. The antenna support member 608_9 supporting one side of the first antenna structure <NUM> may be disposed at the first support member <NUM>.

The seventh non-conductive structure <NUM> may include, for example, a third structure 618a facing the antenna structure <NUM>, and a fourth structure 618b integrally formed with the third structure 618a and supporting the third structure 618a. The third structure 618a and the fourth structure 618b may be formed of the same material (e.g., a PC material). The third structure 618a and the fourth structure 618b may be integrally formed of the same material (e.g., a PC material) only in a region facing the antenna structure <NUM> or a region in which patch antennas of the antenna structure <NUM> are disposed, and peripheral portions thereof may be formed of a material of the first support member <NUM>. The third structure 618a may be formed to be identical or similar in shape to the non-conductive structure <NUM> described above with reference to <FIG>. For example, the third structure 618a may have a stepped shape from the upper end 601_1 of the antenna structure <NUM> to the point 601_2 (e.g., corresponding to a middle point or below) of the antenna structure <NUM>.

The fourth structure 618b may be formed to be identical or similar in shape to one side of an edge of the first support member <NUM> (or a support member) described with reference to <FIG>, and a material of the fourth structure 618b may be different from a material of the first support member <NUM> (or a support member).

<FIG> is a view illustrating one shape of an antenna module according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, an antenna module illustrated in <FIG> may be an antenna module including an antenna structure applied to <FIG> or <FIG> and <FIG> above.

Referring to <FIG>, an antenna module <NUM> may include a printed circuit board <NUM>, antenna elements <NUM> (e.g., patch antennas <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>) mounted on the printed circuit board <NUM>, or an RFIC <NUM>. The printed circuit board <NUM> may include feeding parts F2, F4, F6, and F8 for vertical polarization or feeding parts F1, F3, F5, and F7 for horizontal polarization.

<FIG> is a view illustrating a polarization characteristic according to an antenna module described with reference to <FIG>, non-conductive structures of <FIG> and <FIG>, and a surrounding environment according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, Module <NUM> may indicate a vertical/horizontal polarization characteristic that is measured in a state where a separate non-conductive structure or the back plate <NUM> is removed, and Def <NUM> may indicate a vertical/horizontal polarization characteristic that is measured in a state where the non-conductive structure <NUM> described with reference to <FIG> and <FIG> is disposed. Asymmetry_cut <NUM> may indicate a vertical/horizontal polarization characteristic that is measured in a state where the non-conductive structure <NUM> described with reference to <FIG> is disposed, and Step_cut <NUM> may indicate a vertical/horizontal polarization characteristic that is measured in a state where the non-conductive structure <NUM> described with reference to <FIG> is disposed. It may be understood from <FIG> that polarization characteristics corresponding to <FIG> and <FIG> are within an allowable range.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, an electronic device (e.g., <NUM> of <FIG>) may include a housing (e.g., the housing <NUM> of <FIG>) that includes a first plate (e.g., the front plate <NUM>) including at least a portion of an outer surface facing one direction (e.g., +<NUM>), a second plate (e.g., the back plate <NUM> of <FIG>) including at least a portion of an outer surface facing an opposite direction (e.g., -<NUM>) facing away from the one direction, and a side member (e.g., a side bezel structure or the side member <NUM> of <FIG>) surrounding a space between the first plate and the second plate and coupled to the second plate or integrally formed with the second plate, a support member (e.g., the first support member <NUM> of <FIG>) that is integrally formed with the side member or is coupled to the side member, is interposed between the first plate and the second plate, and includes a conductive portion, an antenna structure (e.g., the antenna structure <NUM> of <FIG>) that is interposed between the second plate and the support member and includes at least one antenna pattern (e.g., the antenna element <NUM> of <FIG> or the antenna pattern <NUM> of <FIG> and <FIG>) including at least a portion of a surface facing one specific direction (e.g., +<NUM>), which is substantially perpendicular to the one direction and faces the side member, and disposed to form a directional beam facing at least in the one specific direction, a non-conductive structure (e.g., the non-conductive structure <NUM> of <FIG>) that is disposed in a space surrounded by the second plate, the support member, the side member, and the surface of the antenna structure and includes a body portion including the first end portion 613_2 adjacent to a first region where the support member meets the side member, the second end portion 613_1 adjacent to a second region where the surface of the antenna structure and an inner surface of the second plate are adjacent to each other, a first surface (e.g., 613b_1) interposed between the first end portion and the second end portion and formed based on an outline of an inner surface (e.g., surface <NUM>) of the second plate and/or an inner surface of the side member, and a second surface (e.g., 613a_1) where a distance from the surface of the antenna structure increases as it goes toward the first end portion from the second end portion, and a wireless communication circuit (e.g., the third RFIC <NUM> of <FIG>) that is electrically connected with the antenna pattern and transmits and/or receives a signal having between <NUM> and <NUM>.

The first surface may form a first convex cross section.

The second surface may form a second convex cross section.

The third surface may form a stepped cross section.

The second surface may form a linear cross section.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, an electronic device may include a support member (e.g., the support member <NUM> of <FIG>), a front plate (e.g., <NUM>) disposed on a front surface of the support member, a back plate (e.g., <NUM>) disposed on a back surface of the support member, a non-conductive structure (e.g., <NUM>) interposed between the back plate and an edge of the support member and fixed to the support member, and an antenna structure interposed between the back plate and the support member, at least a portion of the antenna structure (e.g., <NUM>) may be disposed to face the non-conductive structure, and in a region of the non-conductive structure, which faces the antenna structure, a separated distance from the antenna structure may vary depending on a distance from a bottom surface of the support member to which the non-conductive structure is fixed.

The back plate may include a shape where at least a portion thereof is curved with a given curvature at an edge of the support member.

The non-conductive structure may include a surface of a shape where at least a portion of a surface thereof facing the back plate is convex with a uniform curvature.

The non-conductive structure may include a surface having a uniform slope from a point facing an upper end of the antenna structure to a point fixed to the support member.

The non-conductive structure may include a curved surface having a uniform curvature from a point facing an upper end of the antenna structure to a point fixed to the support member.

In the curved surface of the non-conductive structure, at least a portion of an inner side that faces away from an outer surface disposed adjacent to the back plate may include a surface that is convex toward a point where the antenna structure meets the support member.

At least a portion of the curved surface of the non-conductive structure may include a surface that is convex in a direction, in which the back plate is disposed, at a point where the antenna structure meets the support member.

At least a portion of the non-conductive structure may include a surface that is formed in the shape of a plurality of steps from a point facing an upper end of the antenna structure to a point fixed to the support member.

The antenna structure may include a plurality of patch antennas that are fixed to one side of the support member, are disposed to radiate a signal toward the outside of a side surface of the support member, and are disposed to be spaced from each other as much a given distance.

The non-conductive structure may include at least one separating wall dividing at least a part of empty spaces.

The separating wall may be disposed to correspond to a separation distance of the patch antennas.

At least a portion of the separating wall may be disposed to contact the antenna structure.

The plurality of antenna patches disposed at the antenna structure may be disposed to be spaced from the non-conductive structure as much as a specified distance or more.

At least a portion of the support member may be formed of a metal material.

The back plate may be formed of a different material from the non-conductive structure.

<FIG> is a view illustrating one example of a vertical mounting structure of an antenna module according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, a first antenna module <NUM>, a second antenna module <NUM>-<NUM>, or a third antenna module <NUM>-<NUM> may be disposed in a partial region of a corner of an electronic device <NUM>. The first antenna module <NUM> may be disposed in such a way that that one surface of a substrate <NUM> of the first antenna module <NUM> faces one side of a first portion <NUM> of a housing <NUM>. When viewed from above a second plate (e.g., the second plate <NUM> of <FIG>) of the electronic device <NUM>, the first antenna module <NUM> may be disposed in such a way that a first side portion <NUM> of the substrate <NUM> of the antenna module <NUM> is in parallel with the first portion <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. The second antenna module <NUM>-<NUM> may be disposed in such a way that one surface of the substrate <NUM> of the second antenna module <NUM>-<NUM> is disposed to be adjacent and parallel to a fourth portion <NUM> of the housing <NUM> in a partial region of the fourth portion <NUM>. The third antenna module <NUM>-<NUM> may be disposed in such a way that one surface of the substrate <NUM> of the third antenna module <NUM>-<NUM> is disposed to be adjacent and parallel to a second portion <NUM> of the housing <NUM> in a partial region of the second portion <NUM>.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the first antenna module <NUM> may form a beam pattern facing the first portion <NUM> of the housing <NUM> (e.g., to face in direction ①). The second antenna module <NUM>-<NUM> may form a beam pattern facing the fourth portion <NUM> of the housing <NUM> (e.g., to face in direction ④. The third antenna module <NUM>-<NUM> may form a beam pattern facing the second portion <NUM> of the housing <NUM> (e.g., to face in direction ③).

As described above, a portable communication device according to an embodiment of the disclosure may include a housing that includes a plate forming at least a portion of a back surface of the portable communication device, and a conductive portion forming at least a portion of a side surface of the portable communication device, a display that is accommodated in the housing and is viewable through a front surface of the portable communication device, an antenna structure that is accommodated in the housing, wherein the antenna structure includes a printed circuit board, and one or more antennas formed at the printed circuit board to face the side surface, and wherein at least a portion of the antenna structure is placed to be viewable in a state of overlapping the conductive portion, when viewed in a direction substantially perpendicular to a surface facing the side surface of the printed circuit board, and a non-conductive member that is placed between the display, the plate, and the antenna structure (alternatively, at least a portion of a side surface of the housing being provided as the conductive portion and the non-conductive member being placed between the side surface of the housing and the antenna structure), and at least a partial region of a surface of the non-conductive member, which faces the antenna structure, may be convex, and a progress path of a radio frequency signal radiated from the one or more antennas may be changed when passing through the at least a partial region.

The progress path may be changed to face the side surface when passing through the at least a partial region.

The portable communication device may further include a support member supporting the antenna structure, and the conductive portion may be extended from the support member.

The portable communication device may further include a support member supporting the antenna structure, the support member may be interposed between the display and the plate, and the non-conductive member may be placed in a space formed by the plate, the support member, and the antenna structure.

The portable communication device may further include a support member supporting the antenna structure, the support member may include another conductive portion, an opening may be formed between the conductive portion and the other conductive portion, and at least a portion of the non-conductive member may be filled in the opening.

The non-conductive member may contact the conductive portion and the other conductive portion.

The surface of the non-conductive member may include another region being convex and a separating wall placed between the at least a partial region and the other region.

The one or more antennas may include a first antenna formed at a first portion of the printed circuit board and a second antenna formed at a second portion of the printed circuit board, and, when viewed in a direction substantially perpendicular to the surface of the printed circuit board, the first antenna may overlap the at least a partial region, the second antenna overlaps the other region, and the separating wall may overlap a third portion placed between the first portion and the second portion.

A portable communication device according to an embodiment of the disclosure may include a housing that includes a plate forming at least a portion of a back surface of the portable communication device, and a conductive portion forming at least a portion of a side surface of the portable communication device, a display that is accommodated in the housing and is viewable through a front surface of the portable communication device, an antenna structure that is accommodated in the housing, wherein the antenna structure includes a printed circuit board, and one or more antennas formed at the printed circuit board to face the side surface, a support member that supports the antenna structure, wherein the support member is extended from the conductive portion, and a non-conductive member that is placed between the display, the plate, and the antenna structure, at least a partial region of a surface of the non-conductive member, which faces the antenna structure, may be convex, and a progress path of a radio frequency signal radiated from the one or more antennas may be changed when passing through the at least a partial region.

The non-conductive member may be interposed between the display and the plate and may be interposed between the antenna structure and a side portion of the housing forming the plate. Alternatively, the non-conductive member may be interposed between the display and the plate and may be disposed adjacent to the antenna structure. In this case, at least a portion of the non-conductive member may be interposed between the antenna structure and the first conductive portion. Alternatively, at least a portion of the non-conductive member may be disposed in an opening that is formed by removing a portion of a side surface of the housing.

At least a portion of the antenna structure may be placed to be viewable in a state of overlapping the conductive portion, when viewed in a direction substantially perpendicular to a surface facing the side surface of the printed circuit board.

A portable communication device according to an embodiment of the disclosure may include a housing that includes a plate forming at least a portion of a back surface of the portable communication device, and a conductive portion forming at least a portion of a side surface of the portable communication device, a display that is accommodated in the housing and is viewable through a front surface of the portable communication device, an antenna structure that is accommodated in the housing, wherein the antenna structure includes a printed circuit board, and one or more antennas formed at the printed circuit board to face the side surface, and wherein at least a portion of the antenna structure is placed to be viewable in a state of overlapping the conductive portion, when viewed in a direction substantially perpendicular to a surface facing the side surface of the printed circuit board, and a non-conductive member that is placed between the display, the plate, and the antenna structure, at least a partial region of a surface of the non-conductive member, which faces the antenna structure, may be convex, planar, or stepped, and a progress path of a radio frequency signal radiated from the one or more antennas may be changed when passing through the at least a partial region.

The portable communication device may further include a support member supporting the antenna structure, and wherein the conductive portion may be extended from the support member.

A portable communication device according to an embodiment of the disclosure may include a housing that includes a plate forming at least a portion of a back surface of the portable communication device, and a conductive portion forming at least a portion of a side surface of the portable communication device, a display that is accommodated in the housing and is viewable through a front surface of the portable communication device, an antenna structure that is accommodated in the housing, wherein the antenna structure includes a printed circuit board, a first antenna formed at a first portion of the printed circuit board to face the side surface, and a second antenna formed at a second portion of the printed circuit board, and a non-conductive member that is placed between the display, the plate, and the antenna structure, and a surface of the non-conductive member, which faces the antenna structure, may include a first region placed to be viewable in a state of overlapping the first antenna, when viewed in a direction substantially perpendicular to a surface facing the side surface of the printed circuit board, a second region placed to be viewable in a state of overlapping the second antenna, and a separating wall placed between the first region and the second region.

Each of the first region and the second region may be convex, planar, or stepped.

The portable communication device may further include a support member supporting the antenna structure, the support member may include another conductive portion, and the non-conductive member may be placed to contact the conductive member and the other conductive portion.

The non-conductive member of the portable communication device may be composed of a non-conductive material.

A partial region facing the antenna structure may form an asymmetrical surface with respect to a portion of a surface of the antenna structure.

The surface of the non-conductive member facing the antenna structure may be spaced apart from the antenna structure so as to form an empty space.

The non-conductive member of the portable communication device may include at least one separating wall dividing the empty space into a plurality of empty spaces.

As a shape of a non-conductive structure facing an antenna is formed to optimize a signal radiation characteristic of the antenna, a good signal characteristic may be maintained.

In addition, a variety of effects directly or indirectly understood through this disclosure may be provided.

Claim 1:
A portable communication device (<NUM>) comprising:
a housing (<NUM>) including:
a plate (<NUM>) forming at least a portion of a back surface of the portable communication device (<NUM>), and
a conductive portion forming at least a portion of a side surface of the portable communication device (<NUM>);
a display (<NUM>) accommodated in the housing (<NUM>) and viewable through a front surface of the portable communication device (<NUM>);
a non-conductive member (<NUM>) placed between the display (<NUM>) and the plate (<NUM>); and
an antenna structure (<NUM>, <NUM>) comprising one or more antennas (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) formed to face the non-conductive member (<NUM>),
wherein a surface of the non-conductive member (<NUM>) includes:
a first partial region of a surface of the non-conductive member (<NUM>), which faces the antenna structure (<NUM>, <NUM>),
a second partial region of the surface of the non-conductive member (<NUM>) formed adjacent to the first partial region, which faces the antenna structure (<NUM>, <NUM>), and
a separating wall (613b, 614b, 615b, 616b) of the surface of the non-conductive member (<NUM>) placed between the first partial region and the second partial region;
wherein at least a portion of the non-conductive member (<NUM>) is placed between the antenna structure (<NUM>, <NUM>) and the side surface; and
wherein the first partial region is configured such that a progress path of a radio frequency signal radiated from the one or more antennas (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) is changed when passing through the first partial region.