Patent Description:
Electronic devices may include a communication module and an antenna module to provide various communication-related services. For example, electronic devices may include a plurality of metal segments based on an increased number of antenna modules. Examples are provided in documents <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT> and <CIT>.

Certain embodiments of the present disclosure provide an electronic device that reinforces the strength of the metal segments, and protects the metal segments from bending, by maintaining a gap between the metal segments.

According to the present invention, an electronic device of claim <NUM> is provided.

Further specific technical implementations have been defined in the dependent claims.

According to certain embodiments of the present disclosure, the metal segments may be reinforced in strength, and the metal segments may be protected against bending, while one or more gaps are maintained between the metal segments.

Hereinafter, certain example embodiments will be described in greater detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. When describing the example embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, like reference numerals refer to like elements and a repeated description related thereto will be omitted.

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

The processor <NUM> may execute, for example, software (e.g., a program <NUM>) to control at least one other component (e.g., a hardware or software component) of the electronic device <NUM> connected to the processor <NUM>, and may perform various data processing or computation. According to an example embodiment, as at least a part of data processing or computation, the processor <NUM> may store a command or data received from another component (e.g., the sensor module <NUM> or the communication module <NUM>) in a volatile memory <NUM>, process the command or the data stored in the volatile memory <NUM>, and store resulting data in a non-volatile memory <NUM>. According to an example embodiment, the processor <NUM> may include a main processor <NUM> (e.g., a central processing unit (CPU) or an application processor (AP)) or an auxiliary processor <NUM> (e.g., a graphics processing unit (GPU), a neural processing unit (NPU), an image signal processor (ISP), a sensor hub processor, or a communication processor (CP)) that is operable independently of, or in conjunction with the main processor <NUM>. For example, when the electronic device <NUM> includes the main processor <NUM> and the auxiliary processor <NUM>, the auxiliary processor <NUM> may be adapted to consume less power than the main processor <NUM> or to be specific to a specified function. The auxiliary processor <NUM> may be implemented separately from the main processor <NUM> or as a part of the main processor <NUM>.

The auxiliary processor <NUM> may control at least some of functions or states related to at least one (e.g., the display module <NUM>, the sensor module <NUM>, or the communication module <NUM>) of the components of the electronic device <NUM>, instead of the main processor <NUM> while the main processor <NUM> is in an inactive (e.g., sleep) state or along with the main processor <NUM> while the main processor <NUM> is in an active state (e.g., executing an application). According to an example embodiment, the auxiliary processor <NUM> (e.g., an ISP or a CP) may be implemented as a portion of another component (e.g., the camera module <NUM> or the communication module <NUM>) that is functionally related to the auxiliary processor <NUM>. According to an example embodiment, the auxiliary processor <NUM> (e.g., an NPU) may include a hardware structure specified for artificial intelligence (AI) model processing. An AI model may be generated by machine learning. Such learning may be performed by, for example, the electronic device <NUM> in which an artificial intelligence model is executed, or performed via a separate server (e.g., the server <NUM>). Learning algorithms may include, but are not limited to, for example, supervised learning, unsupervised learning, semi-supervised learning, or reinforcement learning. An artificial neural network may include, for example, a deep neural network (DNN), a convolutional neural network (CNN), a recurrent neural network (RNN), a restricted Boltzmann machine (RBM), a deep belief network (DBN), and a bidirectional recurrent deep neural network (BRDNN), a deep Q-network, or a combination of two or more thereof, but is not limited thereto. The AI model may additionally or alternatively include a software structure other than the hardware structure.

The non-volatile memory <NUM> may include an internal memory <NUM> and an external memory <NUM>.

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

The sound output module <NUM> may output a sound signal to the outside of the electronic device <NUM>. The receiver may be used to receive an incoming call. According to an example embodiment, the receiver may be implemented separately from the speaker or as a part of the speaker.

The display module <NUM> may include, for example, a control circuit for controlling a display, a hologram device, or a projector and control circuitry to control a corresponding one of the display, the hologram device, and the projector. According to an example embodiment, the display device <NUM> may include a touch sensor adapted to sense a touch, or a pressure sensor adapted to measure an intensity of a force incurred by the touch.

The audio module <NUM> may convert a sound into an electric signal or vice versa. According to an example embodiment, the audio module <NUM> may obtain the sound via the input device <NUM> or output the sound via the sound output device <NUM> or an external electronic device (e.g., an electronic device <NUM> such as a speaker or a headphone) directly or wirelessly connected to the electronic device <NUM>.

The sensor module <NUM> may detect an operational state (e.g., power or temperature) of the electronic device <NUM> or an environmental state (e.g., a state of a user) external to the electronic device <NUM>, and generate an electric signal or data value corresponding to the detected state. According to an example embodiment, the sensor module <NUM> may include, for example, a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, an atmospheric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a grip sensor, a proximity sensor, a color sensor, an infrared (IR) sensor, a biometric sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or an illuminance sensor.

According to an example embodiment, the interface <NUM> may include, for example, a high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI), a universal serial bus (USB) interface, a secure digital (SD) card interface, or an audio interface.

The connecting terminal <NUM> may include a connector via which the electronic device <NUM> may be physically connected to an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM>). According to an example embodiment, the connecting terminal <NUM> may include, for example, an HDMI connector, a USB connector, an SD card connector, or an audio connector (e.g., a headphone connector).

The haptic module <NUM> may convert an electric signal into a mechanical stimulus (e.g., a vibration or a movement) or an electrical stimulus which may be recognized by a user via his or her tactile sensation or kinesthetic sensation. According to an example embodiment, the haptic module <NUM> may include, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electric stimulator.

The camera module <NUM> may capture a still image and moving images. According to an example embodiment, the camera module <NUM> may include one or more lenses, image sensors, ISPs, or flashes.

According to an example embodiment, the power management module <NUM> may be implemented as, for example, at least a part of a power management integrated circuit (PMIC).

According to an example embodiment, the battery <NUM> may include, for example, a primary cell which is not rechargeable, a secondary cell which is rechargeable, or a fuel cell.

The communication module <NUM> may include one or more communication processors that are operable independently of the processor <NUM> (e.g., an AP) and that support a direct (e.g., wired) communication or a wireless communication. According to an example embodiment, the communication module <NUM> may include a wireless communication module <NUM> (e.g., a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) communication module) or a wired communication module <NUM> (e.g., a local area network (LAN) communication module, or a power line communication (PLC) module). A corresponding one of these communication modules may communicate with the external electronic device <NUM> via the first network <NUM> (e.g., a short-range communication network, such as BluetoothTM, wireless-fidelity (Wi-Fi) direct, or infrared data association (IrDA)) or the second network <NUM> (e.g., a long-range communication network, such as a legacy cellular network, a <NUM> network, a next-generation communication network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., a LAN or a wide area network (WAN)). The wireless communication module <NUM> may identify and authenticate the electronic device <NUM> in a communication network, such as the first network <NUM> or the second network <NUM>, using subscriber information (e.g., international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI)) stored in the SIM <NUM>.

The wireless communication module <NUM> may support a <NUM> network after a <NUM> network, and next-generation communication technology, e.g., new radio (NR) access technology. The wireless communication module <NUM> may support a high-frequency band (e.g., a mmWave band) to achieve, e.g., a high data transmission rate. The wireless communication module <NUM> may support various technologies for securing performance on a high-frequency band, such as, e.g., beamforming, massive multiple-input and multiple-output (massive MIMO), full dimensional MIMO (FD-MIMO), an array antenna, analog beam-forming, or a large scale antenna. According to an example embodiment, the wireless communication module <NUM> may support a peak data rate (e.g., <NUM> Gbps or more) for implementing eMBB, loss coverage (e.g., <NUM> dB or less) for implementing mMTC, or U-plane latency (e.g., <NUM> or less for each of downlink (DL) and uplink (UL), or a round trip of <NUM> or less) for implementing URLLC.

According to an example embodiment, the antenna module <NUM> may include an antenna including a radiating element including a conductive material or a conductive pattern formed in or on a substrate (e.g., a printed circuit board (PCB)). According to an example embodiment, the antenna module <NUM> may include a plurality of antennas (e.g., array antennas). In such a case, at least one antenna appropriate for a communication scheme used in a communication network, such as the first network <NUM> or the second network <NUM>, may be selected by, for example, the communication module <NUM> from the plurality of antennas. The signal or the power may be transmitted or received between the communication module <NUM> and the external electronic device via the at least one selected antenna. According to an example embodiment, another component (e.g., a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC)) other than the radiating element may be additionally formed as a part of the antenna module <NUM>.

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

According to an example embodiment, commands or data may be transmitted or received between the electronic device <NUM> and the external electronic device <NUM> via the server <NUM> coupled with the second network <NUM>. Each of the external electronic devices <NUM> or <NUM> may be a device of the same type as or a different type from the electronic device <NUM>. According to an example embodiment, all or some of operations to be executed by the electronic device <NUM> may be executed at one or more of the external electronic devices <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>. For example, if the electronic device <NUM> needs to perform a function or a service automatically, or in response to a request from a user or another device, the electronic device <NUM>, instead of, or in addition to, executing the function or the service, may request one or more external electronic devices to perform at least part of the function or the service. The one or more external electronic devices receiving the request may perform the at least part of the function or the service requested, or an additional function or an additional service related to the request, and may transfer an outcome of the performing to the electronic device <NUM>. In another example embodiment, the external electronic device <NUM> may include an Internet-of-things (IoT) device. According to an example embodiment, the external electronic device <NUM> or the server <NUM> may be included in the second network <NUM>.

The electronic device according to certain example embodiments may be one of various types of electronic devices. The electronic device may include, for example, a portable communication device (e.g., a smartphone), a computer device, a portable multimedia device, a portable medical device, a camera, a wearable device, or a home appliance device. According to an example embodiment of the disclosure, the electronic device is not limited to those described above.

It should be appreciated that certain example embodiments of the present disclosure and the terms used therein are not intended to limit the technological features set forth herein to particular embodiments and include various changes, equivalents, or replacements for a corresponding embodiment. In connection with the description of the drawings, like reference numerals may be used for similar or related components. As used herein, "A or B", "at least one of A and B", "at least one of A or B", "A, B or C", "at least one of A, B and C", and "A, B, or C," each of which may include any one of the items listed together in the corresponding one of the phrases, or all possible combinations thereof. Terms such as "first", "second", or "first" or "second" may simply be used to distinguish the component from other components in question, and may refer to components in other aspects (e.g., importance or order) is not limited.

As used in connection with certain example embodiments of the disclosure, the term "module" may include a unit implemented in hardware, software, or firmware, and may interchangeably be used with other terms, for example, "logic," "logic block," "part," or "circuitry". For example, according to an example embodiment, the module may be implemented in a form of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

Certain example embodiments as set forth herein may be implemented as software (e.g., the program <NUM>) including one or more instructions that are stored in a storage medium (e.g., an internal memory <NUM> or an external memory <NUM>) that is readable by a machine (e.g., the electronic device <NUM>) For example, a processor (e.g., the processor <NUM>) of the machine (e.g., the electronic device <NUM>) may invoke at least one of the one or more instructions stored in the storage medium, and execute it. Here, the term "non-transitory" simply means that the storage medium is a tangible device, and does not include a signal (e.g., an electromagnetic wave), but this term does not differentiate between where data is semi-permanently stored in the storage medium and where the data is temporarily stored in the storage medium.

According to an example embodiment, a method according to certain example embodiments of the disclosure may be included and provided in a computer program product.

According to certain example embodiments, each component (e.g., a module or a program) of the above-described components may include a single entity or multiple entities, and some of the multiple entities may be separately disposed in different components. According to certain example embodiments, one or more of the above-described components may be omitted, or one or more other components may be added. In such a case, according to certain example embodiments, the integrated component may still perform one or more functions of each of the plurality of components in the same or similar manner as they are performed by a corresponding one of the plurality of components before the integration. According to certain example embodiments, operations performed by the module, the program, or another component may be carried out sequentially, in parallel, repeatedly, or heuristically, or one or more of the operations may be executed in a different order or omitted, or one or more other operations may be added.

Referring to <FIG>, an electronic device <NUM> (e.g., the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>) according to an example embodiment may include a housing <NUM> including a first surface 210a (e.g., a front surface), a second surface 210b (e.g., a rear surface), and a plurality of third surfaces 210c (e.g., a side surface) enclosing a space defined between the first surface 210a and the second surface 210b.

In an example embodiment, the first surface 210a may be substantially formed by a display <NUM> (e.g., the display module <NUM>). Edges of the display <NUM> may be connected to the plurality of third surfaces 210c. In another example embodiment, the first surface 210a may be formed via a plate, which is substantially transparent, which may occupy a space disposed between the display <NUM> and the plurality of third surfaces 210c. For example, the plate may include a glass plate, which itself may include various coating layers, a polymer plate, and an arbitrary plate according to any suitable structure.

In an example embodiment, the second surface 210b may be formed of a plate <NUM>, which may be substantially opaque. For example, the plate <NUM> may be formed of coated or tinted glass, ceramic, polymer, metal (e.g., aluminum, stainless steel (STS), or magnesium), and/or a combination of at least two thereof.

In an example embodiment, the plurality of third surfaces 210c may be combined with the plate <NUM>. In an example embodiment, the plurality of third surfaces 210c may be formed of at least a portion of a plurality of metal members <NUM> (e.g., metal segments) that are spaced apart from each other, and at least a portion of at least one non-metallic member <NUM> (e.g., a filler) disposed between a pair of the adjacent metal members <NUM>. In an example embodiment, at least the portion of the plurality of metal members <NUM> and at least one non-metallic member <NUM> may form at least a portion of the second surface 210b. In an example embodiment, at least one of the plurality of metal members <NUM> may function as an antenna.

In an example embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may include an input module <NUM> (e.g., the input module <NUM>), an audio module <NUM> (e.g., the audio module <NUM>), a sensor module (e.g., the sensor module <NUM>), a camera module <NUM> (e.g., the camera module <NUM>), a connecting terminal <NUM> (e.g., the connecting terminal <NUM>), and/or other components (e.g., the processor <NUM>, the memory <NUM>, the sound output module <NUM>, the audio module <NUM>, the interface <NUM>, the haptic module <NUM>, the power management module <NUM>, the battery <NUM>, the communication module <NUM>, the SIM <NUM>, and/or the antenna module <NUM>).

In an example embodiment, the audio module <NUM> may be formed on at least one of the metal members <NUM>. In an example embodiment, the camera module <NUM> may be disposed on the plate <NUM>. In an example embodiment, the camera module <NUM> may be visually exposed to an exterior environment through at least a portion of a recessed region 211b formed in the plate <NUM>. In an example embodiment, the connecting terminal <NUM> may be formed on at least one of the metal members <NUM>.

In an example embodiment, the plate <NUM> and the plurality of metal members <NUM> may form a slit "S," and may be spaced apart from each other. For example, the plurality of metal members <NUM> may include a first metal segment 218a, a second metal segment 218b, a third metal segment 218c, and a fourth metal segment 218d, and one or more of the plurality of metal segments 218a, 218b, 218c, and 218d may function as an antenna which may operate at a predetermined resonant frequency.

In an example embodiment, at least one of the non-metallic members <NUM> may couple the plate <NUM> and the plurality of metal members <NUM> via bonding, and may also bond a pair of the adjacent metal members <NUM>. For example, when manufacturing the electronic device <NUM>, the non-metallic member <NUM> may be injection-filled into at least a portion of the slit S, and after a predetermined time has elapsed (e.g., for curing), may serve to connect the pair of adjacent metal members <NUM>. In an example embodiment, at least one of the non-metallic members <NUM> may extend across a first region and a second region of the third surface 210c. In an example embodiment, at least one of the non-metallic members <NUM> may form at least a portion of an exterior of the electronic device <NUM>, and may be formed of a material (e.g., resin) that provides a suitable color and texture for the aesthetics of the exterior of the electronic device <NUM>.

In an example embodiment, a structure (e.g., <FIG>), including the pair of adjacent metal members <NUM> and the non-metallic member <NUM>, may bond the pair of adjacent metal members <NUM> by contraction of the non-metallic member <NUM> or pressing due to external force. The pair of adjacent metal members <NUM> may apply first stress or a first force F1 to a first region (e.g., an upper region in <FIG>) of the non-metallic member <NUM>, and may apply second stress or a second force F2, which may be different from the first stress or the first force F1, to a second region (e.g., a lower region in <FIG>), which is different from the first region, of the non-metallic member <NUM>. The non-metallic member <NUM> may improve the stiffness of the pair of adjacent metal members <NUM>, inhibiting or impeding bending of the pair of adjacent metal members <NUM>, that may occur as a size (e.g., a size in a horizontal direction) of the second region (e.g., the lower region) becomes smaller than a size (e.g., a size in a horizontal direction) of the first region (e.g., the upper region).

Referring to <FIG>, an electronic device <NUM> (e.g., the electronic device <NUM>) may include a housing <NUM> (e.g., the housing <NUM>) including a first surface (e.g., the first surface 210a), a second surface 310b (e.g., the second surface 210b), and a plurality of third surfaces 310c (e.g., the third surface 210c). The second surface 310b may include a plate <NUM> (e.g., the plate <NUM>). The electronic device <NUM> may include a plurality of metal segments 318a, 318b, 318c, and 318d (e.g., the plurality of metal segments 218a to 218d) formed on at least a portion of the second surface 310b and at least a portion of the plurality of the third surfaces 310c, a filler <NUM> (e.g., the non-metallic member <NUM>) filling at least a portion of a slit S between pairs of adjacent metal segments 318a and 318b, 318b and 318c, and 318c and 318d, and a slit (e.g., the slit S of <FIG>) between the plurality of metal segments 318a to 318d and the plate <NUM>, and a support insulator <NUM>.

In an example embodiment, the first metal segment 318a may include a first wall 331a forming at least a portion of the third surface 310c, a first sheet 332a forming at least a portion of the second surface 310b, and a second wall 333a disposed between the first wall 331a and the first sheet 332a. In an example embodiment, a height of the first wall 331a with respect to the first sheet 332a may be greater than a height of the second wall 333a with respect to the first sheet 332a. In an example embodiment, a step may be formed between the first wall 331a and the second wall 333a, as seen in <FIG>.

In an example embodiment, the second metal segment 318b may include a third wall 331b forming at least a portion of the third surface 310c, a second sheet 332b forming at least a portion of the second surface 310b, and a fourth wall 333b formed between the third wall 331b and the second sheet 332b. In an example embodiment, a height of the third wall 331b with respect to the second sheet 332b may be greater than a height of the fourth wall 333b with respect to the second sheet 332b. In an example embodiment, a step may be formed between the third wall 331b and the fourth wall 333b, as seen in <FIG>.

According to the present invention, the first metal segment 318a includes a first engagement portion 334a. The first engagement portion 334a is engaged with at least a portion (e.g., a first link <NUM>) of the support insulator <NUM>.

According to the present invention, the first engagement portion 334a includes a first metal support layer 3341a formed on the second wall 333a. The first metal support layer 3341a may be configured to support at least a portion of the support insulator <NUM> (e.g., a base <NUM>). The first metal support layer 3341a includes a first hole H1.

According to the present invention, the first engagement portion 334a includes a plurality of first metal support layers 3341a and 3342a, spaced apart from each other along the second wall 333a. The first metal support layer 3341a (which may include any of the plurality of first metal support layers 3341a and 3342a) may be formed on the second wall 333a, and the other first metal support layer 3342a may be formed on the first sheet 332a and the second wall 333a. In an example embodiment, the first metal support layer 3342a may be disposed on a different surface than the first sheet 332a. The first metal support layer 3342a may include a first groove G1. In another example embodiment, the first groove G1 may be formed in the first sheet 332a, without the first metal support layer 3342a.

According to the present invention, the second engagement portion 334b includes a second metal support layer 3341b formed on the fourth wall 333b. The second metal support layer 3341b may be configured to support at least a portion of the support insulator <NUM> (e.g., the base <NUM>). The second metal support layer 3341b includes a second hole H2.

According to the present invention, the second engagement portion 334b includes a plurality of second metal support layers 3341b and 3342b, spaced apart from each other along the fourth wall 333b. The second metal support layer 3341b (which may include any of the plurality of second metal support layers 3341b and 3342b) may be formed on the fourth wall 333b, and the other second metal support layer 3342b may be formed on the second sheet 322b and the fourth wall 333b. In an example embodiment, the second metal support layer 3342b may be disposed on a different surface than the second sheet 332b. The second metal support layer 3342b may include a second groove G2. In another example embodiment, the second groove G2 may be formed in the second sheet 332b, without the second metal support layer 3342b.

The support insulator <NUM> is configured to (e.g., via multiple instances of the support insulator <NUM>) engage with pairs of adjacent metal segments 318a and 318b, 318b and 318c, and 318c and 318d, support the pairs of adjacent metal segments 318a and 318b, 318b and 318c, and 318c and 318d, and provide insulation between each of the pairs of adjacent metal segments 318a and 318b, 318b and 318c, and 318c and 318d. The support insulator <NUM> may improve warping stiffness and bending stiffness between the pairs of adjacent metal segments 318a and 318b, 318b and 318c, and 318c and 318d, by inhibiting or impeding bending, which may occur when stress or force is applied to different portions of the filler <NUM> by the pairs of adjacent metal segments 318a and 318b, 318b and 318c, and 318c and 318d, with the filler <NUM>, while maintaining a constant interval between the pairs of adjacent metal segments 318a and 318b, 318b and 318c, 318c and 318d.

In an example embodiment, the support insulator <NUM> may include the base <NUM>, the first link <NUM> extending from a portion (e.g., a lower left portion with reference to <FIG>) of the base <NUM>, and a second link <NUM> extending from an opposite portion (e.g., a lower right portion with reference to <FIG>) of the base <NUM>.

The base <NUM> may connect the first link <NUM> to the second link <NUM>. When engaging with the support insulator <NUM>, the base <NUM> may be supported by the first metal support layer 3341a and/or the second metal support layer 3341b.

The first link <NUM> may be inserted so as to pass through the first hole H1. In an example embodiment, movement of the first link <NUM> may be substantially limited in a direction (e.g., a horizontal direction with reference to <FIG>) by insertion into the first hole H1. In an example embodiment, at least a portion (e.g., an end portion) of the first link <NUM> may be accommodated in the first groove G1. In an example embodiment, movement of the first link <NUM> may be substantially limited in a particular direction (e.g., a horizontal direction with reference to <FIG>) by seating within the first groove G1.

In an example embodiment, the first link <NUM> may include a first extension <NUM> extending from a first portion (e.g., a lower left portion with reference to <FIG>) of the base <NUM> and passing through the first hole H1, and a first receiving end <NUM> formed at an end portion of the first extension <NUM> and seated within the first groove G1. In an example embodiment, the first extension <NUM> may include a cross-section in a shape (e.g., a circle) substantially having a constant dimension (e.g., a diameter). In an example embodiment, the first receiving end <NUM> may include a tapered shape.

The second link <NUM> may be inserted so as to pass through the second hole H2. In an example embodiment, movement of the second link <NUM> may be substantially limited in a particular direction (e.g., a horizontal direction with reference to <FIG>) by insertion into the second hole H2. In an example embodiment, at least a portion (e.g., an end portion) of the second link <NUM> may be seated within the second groove G2. In an example embodiment, movement of the second link <NUM> may be substantially limited in a particular direction (e.g., a horizontal direction with reference to <FIG>) by seating within the second groove G2.

In an example embodiment, the second link <NUM> may include a second extension <NUM> extending from a second portion (e.g., a lower right portion with reference to <FIG>) of the base <NUM> and inserted so as to pass through the second hole H2, and a second receiving end <NUM> formed at an end portion of the second extension <NUM> and seated within the second groove G2. In an example embodiment, the second extension <NUM> may include a cross-section in a shape (e.g., a circle) substantially having a constant size (e.g., a diameter). In an example embodiment, the second receiving end <NUM> may include a tapered shape.

In an example embodiment, the base <NUM>, the first link <NUM>, and the second link <NUM> may be integrally formed so as to be seamless with each other.

When engaging with the first metal segment 318a, the second metal segment 318b, and the support insulator <NUM>, the filler <NUM> encloses at least a portion of the support insulator <NUM> and fills the slit S between the first metal segment 318a and the second metal segment 318b.

In an example embodiment, the filler <NUM> may be formed so as to possess a color, appropriate for a certain aesthetic of an exterior of the electronic device <NUM>, and/or a material, which includes a texture appropriate for the aesthetic. For example, the filler <NUM> may be formed of polybutylene terephthalate (PBT). On the other hand, the filler <NUM> and the support insulator <NUM> may be formed of different materials.

In an example embodiment, the support insulator <NUM> may be formed of a material that has a greater stiffness than a material of the filler <NUM>. This may improve anti-warp and anti-bending stiffness between pairs of adjacent metal segments 318a and 318b, 318b and 318c, and 318c and 318d.

In an example embodiment, the support insulator <NUM> may be formed of a material of which heat resistance is substantially equal to or greater than a material of the filler <NUM>. This may substantially prevent the support insulator <NUM> from being contracted by an example operation (e.g., an operation of applying a color to the plate <NUM> and/or the plurality of metal segments 318a to 318d by heat) of manufacturing the electronic device <NUM>, and thus, warping stiffness and bending stiffness between the pairs of adjacent metal segments 318a and 318b, 318b and 318c, and 318c and 318d may be improved.

In an example embodiment, the support insulator <NUM> may be formed of a material of which permittivity is substantially equal to or greater than a material of the filler <NUM>. This may benefit the operational performance (e.g., an operation within a predetermined resonant frequency) of the first metal segment 318a, which may function as an antenna, and/or the second metal segment 318b.

In an example embodiment, the support insulator <NUM> may include a non-crystalline thermoplastic plastic. For example, the support insulator <NUM> may include polyetherimide (PEI). The support insulator <NUM> may have an increased deformation threshold temperature by heat (e.g., approximately greater than or equal to <NUM>) via formation of the support insulator <NUM> using the non-crystalline thermoplastic plastic, which may improve dimensional stability during processing while also including sufficient qualities of heat resistance and injectability.

In an example embodiment, the support insulator <NUM> may include a crystalline thermoplastic plastic. For example, the support insulator <NUM> may include polyether ether ketone (PEEK). The support insulator <NUM> may have an increased deformation threshold temperature by heat (e.g., approximately greater than or equal to <NUM>) via formation of the support insulator <NUM> by crystalline thermoplastic plastic, so as to include sufficient qualities of heat resistance and injectability.

In an example embodiment, the support insulator <NUM> may include a fiber reinforced material. For example, the support insulator <NUM> may be reinforced by glass fiber. Approximately <NUM>% of the support insulator <NUM> may be reinforced by glass fiber and may include PEI. In another example, <NUM>% of the support insulator <NUM> may be reinforced by glass fiber and may include PEEK. In another example, the support insulator <NUM> may be alternatively or additionally reinforced by carbon fiber.

In an example embodiment, the filler <NUM> may include a visible hole <NUM>. Here, "visible" may indicate that the hole <NUM> is viewable from an exterior of the electronic device <NUM>, which may allow an observer to verify the presence of the support insulator <NUM> through the visible hole <NUM>. The visible hole <NUM> may extend from an outer surface of the filler <NUM> to a surface (e.g., an upper surface with reference to <FIG>) of the base <NUM>. In an example embodiment, the visible hole <NUM> may be a substantially circular hole. In an example embodiment, the visible hole <NUM> may be formed at a position in the outer surface of the filler <NUM> corresponding to a substantially central portion of the surface of the base <NUM>.

Hereinafter, a method of manufacturing an electronic device is described with reference to <FIG> are merely a given order to exemplarily describe operations of the method of manufacturing an electronic device, the operations of the method are not necessarily performed in the given order, and one or more operations may be omitted, added, or an order of some operations may be modified.

Referring to <FIG>, the method may include an operation of processing (e.g., arranging) a first metal segment 418a (e.g., the first metal segment 318a) including a first engagement portion 434a (e.g., the first engagement portion 334a), and a second metal segment 418b (e.g., the second metal segment 318b) including a second engagement portion 434b (e.g., the second engagement portion 334b). The first metal segment 418a and the second metal segment 418b may be spaced apart from each other to define a slit S therebetween, that may prevent electrically connection to each other. In an example embodiment, an operation of processing the first metal segment 418a and the second metal segment 418b may be performed in a layout determined by computer numerical control (CNC).

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the method may include injecting (e.g., inserting) a support insulator <NUM> including a base <NUM> (e.g., the base <NUM>), a first link <NUM> (e.g., the first link <NUM>), and a second link <NUM> (e.g., the second link <NUM>). The method may include an operation of engaging the first link <NUM> of the support insulator <NUM> with the first engagement portion 434a of the first metal segment 418a, and engaging the second link <NUM> of the support insulator <NUM> with the second engagement portion 434b of the second metal segment 418b, while substantially maintaining the gap defined by the slit S between the first metal segment 418a and the second metal segment 418b.

Referring to <FIG>, the method may include applying a force to the base <NUM> using a metal support <NUM>, such that the support insulator <NUM> remains supported while maintaining engagement by the first and second engagement portions 434a and 434b. The metal support <NUM> may include a substantially circular cross-section.

Referring to <FIG>, the method may include an operation of filling a space (e.g., the slit S) between the first metal segment 418a and the second metal segment 418b, with an injection material(s) (e.g., filler <NUM>), enclosing the support insulator <NUM>, except for a portion covered by the metal support <NUM>, while maintaining an application of force on the base <NUM> using the metal support <NUM>. The method may include an operation of waiting until the filled injection material(s) forms (e.g., cures) as the filler <NUM> in a desired shape.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the method may include an operation of removing the metal support <NUM> applying force to the base <NUM>. When the metal support <NUM> is removed, a visible hole <NUM> (e.g., the visible hole <NUM>) may remain, which may enable an observer to view a surface (e.g., an upper surface) of the base <NUM> of the support insulator <NUM>. As depicted, the hole may be formed in a portion of an outer surface of the filler <NUM>, where the metal support <NUM> was placed. A shape of the visible hole <NUM> may be substantially the same as a cross-sectional shape of the metal support <NUM>.

In an example embodiment, which is not shown, the method may perform anodizing the first and second metal segments 418a and 418b to apply a color to the same, for aesthetic effect.

Referring to <FIG>, an electronic device <NUM> (e.g., the electronic device <NUM>) may include a first metal segment 518a (e.g., the first metal segment 318a) including a first engagement portion 534a (e.g., the first engagement portion 334a), a second metal segment 518b (e.g., the second metal segment 318b) including a second engagement portion 534b (e.g., the second engagement portion 334b), a filler <NUM> (e.g., the filler <NUM>), and a support insulator <NUM> (e.g., the support insulator <NUM>). The first engagement portion 534a may include a plurality of first metal support layers 5341a and 5342a (e.g., the plurality of first metal support layers 3341a and 3342a), and the second engagement portion 534b may include second metal support layers 5341b and 5342b (e.g., the plurality of second metal support layers 3341b and 3342b). The filler <NUM> may include a visible hole <NUM> (e.g., the visible hole <NUM>).

In an example embodiment, the support insulator <NUM> may include a base <NUM> (e.g., the base <NUM>), a plurality of first links <NUM> (e.g. the first link <NUM>) formed on a first portion of the base <NUM>, and a plurality of second links <NUM> (e.g., the second link <NUM>) formed on a second portion of the base <NUM>. The plurality of first links <NUM> may be disposed so as to be spaced apart from each other at the first portion of the base <NUM> in a direction from the first portion of the base <NUM> to the second portion of the base <NUM>, or in a reverse direction. The plurality of second links <NUM> may be disposed so as to be spaced apart from each other at the second portion of the base <NUM> in a direction from the second portion of the base <NUM> to the first portion of the base <NUM>, or in a reverse direction.

In an example embodiment, the first metal support layer 5341a (which may include any of the plurality of first metal support layers 5341a and 5342a) may include a plurality of first holes (e.g., the first hole H1) through which the plurality of first links <NUM> pass, and the other first metal support layer 5342a may include a plurality of first grooves (e.g., the first groove G1) in which end portions of the plurality of first links <NUM> are seated, respectively.

In an example embodiment, the second metal support layer 5341b (which is any of the plurality of second metal support layers 5341b and 5342b) may include a plurality of second holes (e.g., the second hole H2) through which the plurality of second links <NUM> pass, and the other second metal support layer 5342b may include a plurality of second grooves (e.g., the second groove G2) in which end portions of the plurality of second links <NUM> are seated, respectively.

Referring to <FIG>, an electronic device <NUM> (e.g., the electronic device <NUM>) may include a first metal segment 618a (e.g., the first metal segment 318a) including a first engagement portion 634a (e.g., the first engagement portion 334a), a second metal segment 618b (e.g., the second metal segment 318b) including a second engagement portion 634b (e.g., the second engagement portion 334b), a filler <NUM> (e.g., the filler <NUM>), and a support insulator <NUM> (e.g., the support insulator <NUM>). The support insulator <NUM> may include a base <NUM> (e.g., the base <NUM>), a first link (e.g., the first link <NUM>), and a second link (e.g., the second link <NUM>).

In an example embodiment, the filler <NUM> may include a plurality of visible holes <NUM> (e.g., the visible hole <NUM>) through which the base <NUM> may be visible. The plurality of visible holes <NUM> may be each disposed space apart from each other along a formation direction (e.g., a horizontal direction) of the base <NUM>. A disposition structure of the plurality of visible holes <NUM> may result from preventing the support insulator <NUM> from floating, using an injection object that applies force to the base <NUM> using a plurality of metal supports (e.g., the metal support <NUM>), when forming the filler <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, an electronic device <NUM> (e.g., the electronic device <NUM>) may include a first metal segment 718a (e.g., the first metal segment 318a) including a first engagement portion 734a (e.g., the first engagement portion 334a), a second metal segment 718b (e.g., the second metal segment 318b) including a second engagement portion 734b (e.g., the second engagement portion 334b), a filler <NUM> (e.g., the filler <NUM>), and a support insulator <NUM> (e.g., the support insulator <NUM>). The support insulator <NUM> may include a base <NUM> (e.g., the base <NUM>), a first link (e.g., the first link <NUM>), and a second link (e.g., the second link <NUM>). The filler <NUM> may include a visible hole <NUM> (e.g., the visible hole <NUM>) through which the base <NUM> may be visible from an exterior. In an example embodiment, the visible hole <NUM> may be formed in various geometric shapes. For example, the visible hole <NUM> may have a substantially elliptical shape.

Referring to <FIG>, an electronic device <NUM> (e.g., the electronic device <NUM>) may include a first metal segment 818a (e.g., the first metal segment 318a) including a first engagement portion 834a (e.g., the first engagement portion 334a), a second metal segment 818b (e.g., the second metal segment 318b) including a second engagement portion 834b (e.g., the second engagement portion 334b), a filler <NUM> (e.g., the filler <NUM>), and a support insulator <NUM> (e.g., the support insulator <NUM>). The first engagement portion 834a may include at least one first metal support layer 8341a (e.g., the first metal support layer 3341a) including at least one first hole (e.g., the first hole H1), and the second engagement portion 834b may include at least one second metal support layer 8341b (e.g., the second metal support layer 3341b) including at least one second hole (e.g., the second hole H2). The filler <NUM> may include a visible hole <NUM> (e.g., the visible hole <NUM>).

In an example embodiment, the first metal segment 818a may include a first sheet 832a (e.g., the first sheet 332a), which may be substantially flat. In the first sheet 832a, none of the engagement structures (e.g., the first metal support layer 3342a) of the support insulator <NUM> may be formed.

In an example embodiment, the second metal segment 818b may include a second sheet 832b (e.g., the second sheet 332b), which is substantially flat. In the second sheet 832b, none of the engagement structures (e.g., the second metal support layer 3342b) of the support insulator <NUM> may be formed.

Claim 1:
An electronic device (<NUM>, <NUM>), comprising an antenna, the antenna comprising:
a first metal segment (318a, 518a, 618a, 718a, 818a) including a first engagement portion (334a, 534a, 634a, 734a, 834a), wherein the first engagement portion (334a, 534a, 634a, 734a, 834a) includes at least one first metal support layer (3341a) formed on a surface of the first metal segment, and the at least one first metal support layer includes at least one first hole;
a second metal segment (318b, 518b, 618b, 718b, 818b) including a second engagement portion (334b, 534b, 634b, 734b, 834b), wherein the second engagement portion (334b, 534b, 634b, 734b, 834b) includes at least one second metal support layer (3341b) formed on a surface of the second metal segment, and the second metal support layer includes at least one second hole, the second metal segment spaced apart from the first metal segment so as to define a slit with the first metal segment;
a support insulator (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) configured to engage the first and second engagement portions, the support insulator supporting the first and second metal segments, and providing insulation between the first and second metal segments, wherein at least a portion of the support insulator is connected to the at least one first hole and the at least one second hole; and
a filler (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) enclosing at least the portion of the support insulator, and filling at least a portion of the slit.