Patent Description:
According to various embodiments, electronic devices may include a <NUM> terminal antenna radiating millimeter waves (mmWave) for users of the electronic device to transmit/receive high-quality contents. As communication devices are developed, electronic devices may include an antenna module that can transmit fast large data to produce and transmit 3D contents, connect with various objects through the internet (e.g., Internet Of Things (IoT)), or connect communication between various sensors for autonomous driving.

The characteristic and the beam shape of an antenna module that radiates millimeter waves (mmWave) may be changed in accordance with the shape and material of a housing and the arrangement of the antenna module due to straightness and transmission loss.

<CIT> concerns a communication device comprising a housing which comprises a front and a surrounding electrically conductive frame, the front comprising a dielectric cover, wherein the housing accommodates: a display covered by the cover; an electrically conductive chassis; and at least one substrate comprising at least one feeding element. Along at least a part of the frame and between the display and the substrate the chassis and the frame are separated from one another by a dielectric-filled intermediate space. Along the part of the frame and between the cover and the dielectric-filled intermediate space the display is separated from the frame by a gap. The dielectric-filled intermediate space together with the frame and the chassis form at least one waveguide structure extending between the substrate and the gap.

<CIT> concerns an electronic device comprising: a housing that comprises a front surface, a back surface opposite the front surface, and side surfaces surrounding a space between the front surface and the back surface and made of a metal material; at least one antenna array disposed within the housing so as to radiate a millimeter wave signal toward the inside of the electronic device; a wireless communication circuit electrically connected to the at least one antenna array and configured to communicate by using the millimeter wave signal; and a reflecting member arranged such that the millimeter wave signal radiated from the at least one antenna array is reflected toward the outside of the electronic device.

When an antenna module having a millimeter wave (mmWave) characteristic is mounted in a housing, antenna radiation efficiency may be reduced by the shape of a housing, or electronic parts and conductive members that are disposed in an electronic device.

Embodiments of the disclosure provide an electronic device that can secure the coverage of an antenna module and can improve antenna radiation performance by partially changing the structure of a housing.

An electronic device is provided according to claim <NUM>.

Also disclosed is an electronic device according to various example embodiments includes: a housing having a front plate facing a first direction, a rear plate facing a second direction opposite the first direction, and a side housing surrounding a space between the front plate and the rear plate and at least partially comprising a conductive member comprising a conductive material disposed between the front plate and the rear plate; a display viewable through the front plate and including a shield layer; at least one antenna module including a plurality of antenna elements configured to form a beam in a third direction facing the conductive member and disposed to be spaced apart from the conductive member in the space; and a plurality of non-conductive members comprising a non-conductive material disposed between the conductive member and the at least one antenna module, wherein the shield layer forms a notch on the non-conductive members, the conductive member has a first surface making a first acute angle with a virtual line crossing the centers of the antenna elements in the third direction, and a second surface making a second acute angle with the virtual line, a joint of the first surface and the second surface positioned on the virtual line, and a the antenna module is configured to radiate a first signal component reflected toward the notch by the first surface or the second surface, wherein a traveling path of a second signal component is maintained.

The electronic device according to various example embodiments includes a notch is formed in the shield layer of the display and can be used as a signal window, so it is possible to decrease reduction of sensitivity for an antenna signal traveling to the display.

In the electronic device according to various embodiments, a side housing comprises a conductive member configured to reflect and/or transmit a signal radiated from the antenna module or a separate conductive member is provided, so it is possible to secure a wide coverage of the antenna module.

<FIG> is a block diagram illustrating an example electronic device <NUM> in a network environment <NUM> according to various embodiments.

According to an 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., PCB).

<FIG> is a block diagram <NUM> illustrating an example electronic device <NUM> in a network environment including a plurality of cellular networks according to various embodiments.

Referring to <FIG>, an electronic device <NUM> may include a first communication processor (e.g., including processing circuitry) <NUM>, a second communication processor (e.g., including processing circuitry) <NUM>, a first radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC) <NUM>, a second RFIC <NUM>, a third RFIC <NUM>, a fourth RFIC <NUM>, a first radio frequency front end (RFFE) <NUM>, a second RFFE <NUM>, a first antenna module <NUM>, a second antenna module <NUM>, and an antenna <NUM>. The electronic device <NUM> may further include a processor (e.g., including processing circuitry) <NUM> and a memory <NUM>. The second network <NUM> may include a first cellular network <NUM> and a second cellular network <NUM>. According to another embodiment, the electronic device may further include at least one of the parts shown in <FIG> and the second network <NUM> may further include at least one another network. According to an embodiment, 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, the fourth RFIC <NUM> may be omitted or may be included as a portion of the third RFIC <NUM>.

The first communication processor <NUM> can support establishment of a communication channel with a band to be used for wireless communication with the first cellular network <NUM> and legacy network communication through the established communication channel. According to various embodiments, the first cellular network may be a legacy network including a <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, or Long Term Evolution (LTE) network. The second communication processor <NUM> can support establishment of a communication channel corresponding to a designated band (e.g., about <NUM> ~ about <NUM>) of a band to be used for wireless communication with the second cellular network <NUM> and <NUM> network communication through the established communication channel. According to various embodiments, the second cellular network <NUM> may be a <NUM> network that is defined in 3GPP. Further, according to an embodiment, the first communication processor <NUM> or the second communication processor <NUM> can support establishment of a communication channel corresponding to another designated band (e.g., about <NUM> or less) of a band to be used for wireless communication with the second cellular network <NUM> and <NUM> network communication through the established communication channel. According to an embodiment, 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, the first communication processor <NUM> or the second communication processor <NUM> may be disposed in a single chip or a single package together with the processor <NUM>, the auxiliary processor <NUM>, or the communication module <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the first communication processor <NUM> and the second communication processor <NUM> is directly or indirectly connected by an interface (not shown), thereby being able to provide or receive data or control signal in one direction or two directions.

The first RFIC <NUM>, in transmission, can converts a baseband signal generated by the first communication processor <NUM> into a radio frequency (RF) signal of about <NUM> to about <NUM> that is used for the first cellular network <NUM> (e.g., a legacy network). In reception, an RF signal can be obtained from the first cellular network <NUM> (e.g., a legacy network) through an antenna (e.g., the first antenna module <NUM>) and can be preprocessed through an RFFE (e.g., the first RFFE <NUM>). The first RFIC <NUM> can covert the preprocessed RF signal into a baseband signal so that the preprocessed RF signal can be processed by the first communication processor <NUM>.

The second RFIC <NUM> can convert a baseband signal generated by the first communication processor <NUM> or the second communication processor <NUM> into an RF signal in a Sub6 band (e.g., about <NUM> or less) (hereafter, <NUM> Sub6 RF signal) that is used for the second cellular network <NUM> (e.g., a <NUM> network). In reception, a <NUM> Sub6 RF signal can be obtained from the second cellular network <NUM> (e.g., a <NUM> network) through an antenna (e.g., the second antenna module <NUM>) and can be preprocessed through an RFFE (e.g., the second RFFE <NUM>). The second RFIC <NUM> can convert the processed <NUM> Sub6 RF signal into a baseband signal so that the processed <NUM> Sub6 RF signal can be processed by a corresponding communication processor of the first communication processor <NUM> or the second communication processor <NUM>.

The third RFIC <NUM> can convert a baseband signal generated by the second communication processor <NUM> into an RF signal in a <NUM> Above6 band (e.g., about <NUM> ~ about <NUM>) (hereafter, <NUM> Above6 RF signal) that is used for the second cellular network <NUM> (e.g., a <NUM> network). In reception, a <NUM> Above6 RF signal can be obtained from the second cellular network <NUM> (e.g., a <NUM> network) through an antenna (e.g., the antenna <NUM>) and can be preprocessed through the third RFFE <NUM>. The third RFIC <NUM> can covert the preprocessed <NUM> Above6 RF signal into a baseband signal so that the preprocessed <NUM> Above6 RF signal can be processed by the first communication processor <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the third RFFE <NUM> may be provided as a portion of the third RFIC <NUM>.

The electronic device <NUM>, according to an embodiment, may include a fourth RFIC <NUM> separately from or as at least a portion of the third RFIC <NUM>. In this case, the fourth RFIC <NUM> can convert a baseband signal generated by the second communication processor <NUM> into an RF signal in an intermediate frequency band (e.g., about <NUM> ~ about <NUM>) (hereafter, IF signal), and then transmit the IF signal to the third RFIC <NUM>. The third RFIC <NUM> can convert the IF signal into a <NUM> Above6 RF signal. In reception, a <NUM> Above6 RF signal can be received from the second cellular network <NUM> (e.g., a <NUM> network) through an antenna (e.g., the antenna <NUM>) and can be converted into an IF signal by the third RFIC <NUM>. The fourth RFIC <NUM> can covert the IF signal into a baseband signal so that IF signal can be processed by the second communication processor <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the first RFIC <NUM> and the second RFIC <NUM> may be implemented as at least a portion of a single chip or a single package. According to an embodiment, the first RFFE <NUM> and the second RFFE <NUM> may be implemented as at least a portion of a single chip or a single package. According to an embodiment, at least one of the first antenna module <NUM> or the second antenna module <NUM> may be omitted, or may be combined with another antenna module and can process RF signals in a plurality of bands.

According to an embodiment, the third RFIC <NUM> and the antenna <NUM> may be disposed on a substrate, thereby being able to form a third antenna module <NUM>. For example, the wireless communication module <NUM> or the processor <NUM> may be disposed on a first substrate (e.g., a main PCB). In this case, the third RFIC <NUM> may be disposed in a partial area (e.g., the bottom) and the antenna <NUM> may be disposed in another partial area (e.g., the top) of a second substrate (e.g., a sub PCB) that is different from the first substrate, thereby being able to form the third antenna module <NUM>. By disposing the third RFIC <NUM> and the antenna <NUM> on the same substrate, it is possible to reduce the length of the transmission line therebetween. Accordingly, it is possible to reduce a loss (e.g., attenuation) of a signal in a high-frequency band (e.g., about <NUM> ~ about <NUM>), for example, which is used for <NUM> network communication, due to a transmission line. Accordingly, the electronic device <NUM> can improve the quality and the speed of communication with the second cellular network <NUM> (e.g., <NUM> network).

According to an embodiment, the antenna <NUM> may be an antenna array including a plurality of antenna elements that can be used for beamforming. In this case, the third RFIC <NUM>, for example, as a portion of the third RFFE <NUM>, may include a plurality of phase shifters <NUM> corresponding to the antenna elements. In transmission, the phase shifters <NUM> can convert the phase of a <NUM> Above6 RF signal to be transmitted to the outside of the electronic device <NUM> (e.g., to a base station of a <NUM> network) through the respectively corresponding antenna elements. In reception, the phase shifters <NUM> can convert the phase of a <NUM> Above6 RF signal received from the outside through the respectively corresponding antenna element into the same or substantially the same phase. This enables transmission or reception through beamforming between the electronic device <NUM> and the outside.

The second cellular network <NUM> (e.g., a <NUM> network) may be operated independently from (e.g., Stand-Along (SA)) or connected and operated with (e.g., Non-Stand Along (NSA)) the first cellular network <NUM> (e.g., a legacy network). For example, there may be only an access network (e.g., a <NUM> radio access network (RAN) or a next generation RAN (NG RAN)) and there is no core network (e.g., a next generation core(NGC)) in a <NUM> network. In this case, the electronic device <NUM> can access the access network of the <NUM> network and then can access an external network (e.g., the internet) under control by the core network (e.g., an evolved packed core(EPC)) of the legacy network. Protocol information (e.g., LTE protocol information) for communication with a legacy network or protocol information (e.g., New Radio (NR) protocol information) for communication with a <NUM> network may be stored in the memory <NUM> and accessed by another part (e.g., the processor <NUM>, the first communication processor <NUM>, or the second communication processor <NUM>).

The electronic devices 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, a home appliance, or the like.

It is to be understood that if an element (e.g., a first element) is referred to, with or without the term "operatively" or "communicatively", as "coupled with," "coupled to," "connected with," or "connected to" another element (e.g., a second element), the element may be coupled with the other element directly (e.g., wiredly), wirelessly, or via a third element.

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

<FIG> is a front perspective view illustrating an example electronic device according various embodiments, and <FIG> is a rear perspective view of the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG> according to various embodiments.

Referring to <FIG>, an electronic device <NUM> according to an embodiment may include: a housing <NUM> including a first face (or a front face) 310A, a second face (or a rear face) 310B, and a side face 310C surrounding the space between the first face 310A and the second face 310B. In another embodiment (not illustrated), the term "housing" may refer to a structure forming some of the first face 310A, the second face 310B, and the side face 310C of <FIG>.

According to an embodiment, at least a portion of the first face 310A may be formed of a substantially transparent front plate <NUM> (e.g., a glass plate or a polymer plate including various coating layers). According to embodiments, the front plate <NUM> may have a curved portion bending and seamlessly extending from a first surface 310A to a rear plate <NUM> at least at a side edge portion.

According to embodiments, the second face 310B may be formed of a substantially opaque rear plate <NUM>. The rear plate <NUM> may be formed of, for example, and without limitation, coated or colored glass, ceramic, a polymer, a metal (e.g., aluminum, stainless steel (STS), or magnesium), or a combination of two or more of these materials. According to an embodiment, the rear plate <NUM> may have a curved portion bending and seamlessly extending from the second face 310B to the front plate <NUM> at least at a side edge portion.

According to various embodiments, the side 310C is combined with a front plate <NUM> and a rear plate <NUM> and may be formed by a lateral bezel structure <NUM> (or a "lateral member or a side wall") including metal and/or a polymer. In an embodiment, the rear plate <NUM> and the lateral bezel structure <NUM> may be integrated and may include the same material (e.g., a metallic material such as aluminum).

According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may include at least one of a display <NUM>, audio modules <NUM> and <NUM>, sensor modules, camera modules <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM>, key input devices <NUM>, and connector holes <NUM>. In some embodiments, in the electronic device <NUM>, at least one of the components (e.g., the key input devices <NUM>) may be omitted, or other components may be additionally included. For example, an electronic device <NUM> may include a sensor module not shown. For example, a sensor including a proximity sensor or an illumination sensor may be integrated with a display <NUM> or may be disposed adjacent to the display <NUM> in a region that is provided by the front plate <NUM>. In an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may further include a light emitting element and the light emitting element may be disposed adjacent to the display <NUM> in the region that is provided by the front plate <NUM>. The light emitting element, for example, may provide state information of the electronic device <NUM> in a light type. In another embodiment, the light emitting element, for example, may provide a light source that operates with the operation of a camera module <NUM>. The light emitting element, for example, may include an LED, an IR LED, and a xenon lamp.

The display <NUM> may be exposed through, for example, a large portion of the front plate <NUM>. In some embodiments, the edges of the display <NUM> may be formed to be substantially the same as the contour shape of the front plate <NUM> adjacent thereto. In another embodiment (not shown), the distance between the outer contour of the display <NUM> and the outer contour of the front plate <NUM> may be substantially constant in order to enlarge the exposed area of the display <NUM>. In another embodiment (not shown), a recess or an opening may be formed in a portion of a display region of the display <NUM>, and other electronic devices aligned with the recess or the opening such as a camera module <NUM> and a proximity sensor or an illumination sensor (not shown) may be included.

In another embodiment (not shown), at least one of the camera module <NUM> and <NUM>, the fingerprint sensor <NUM>, and the light-emitting element <NUM> may be included in the rear face of the screen display area of the display <NUM>. In another embodiment (not shown), the display <NUM> may be coupled to or disposed adjacent to a touch-sensing circuit, a pressure sensor that is capable of measuring the intensity of the touch (pressure), and/or a digitizer that detects a magnetic-field-type stylus pen.

The audio modules <NUM> and <NUM> may include a microphone hole and speaker holes. The microphone hole may include a microphone disposed therein so as to acquire external sound, and in some embodiments, multiple microphones may be disposed therein so as to detect the direction of sound. In some embodiments, the speaker holes and the microphone hole may be implemented as a single hole, or a speaker may be included therein without the speaker holes (e.g., a piezo speaker). The speaker holes may include an external speaker hole and a phone call receiver hole <NUM>.

The electronic device <NUM> may include a sensor modules (not shown) to generate electrical signals or data values corresponding to the internal operating state or the external environmental state of the electronic device <NUM>. The sensor modules may include, for example, a proximity sensor disposed on the first face 310A of the housing, a fingerprint sensor integrated or adjacent to the display <NUM>, and/or HRM sensor disposed on the second face 310B of the housing <NUM>. The electronic device <NUM> may further include at least one of sensors (not shown) such as, for example, and without limitation, a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, an atmospheric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a grip sensor, a color sensor, an infrared (IR) sensor, a biosensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, an illuminance sensor, or the like.

The camera modules <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may include a first camera device <NUM> disposed on the first face 310A of the electronic device <NUM> and a second camera device <NUM> and <NUM> disposed on the second face 310B, and/or a flash <NUM>. The camera devices <NUM>, <NUM> and <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 some embodiments, two or more lenses (e.g., an infrared camera lens, a wide-angle lens, and a telephoto lens) and image sensors may be disposed on one face of the electronic device <NUM>.

The key input devices <NUM> may be disposed on the side faces 310C of the housing <NUM>. In another embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may not include some or all of the above-mentioned key input devices <NUM>, and a key input device <NUM>, which is not included therein, may be implemented in another form, such as that of a soft key or the like on the display <NUM>. In some embodiments, the key input devices may include a sensor module <NUM> disposed on the second face 310B of the housing <NUM>.

The connector holes <NUM> may be capable of accommodating a connector for transmitting and receiving power and/or data to and from an external electronic device, and/or a connector for transmitting and receiving an audio signal to and from an external electronic device. For example, the connector holes <NUM> may include USB connector or earphone jack.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating an example arrangement of an antenna module in an electronic device according to various embodiments.

Referring to <FIG>, an electronic device <NUM> may include at least one of a first antenna module <NUM>, a second antenna module <NUM>, and a third antenna module <NUM>. The first antenna module <NUM>, the second antenna module <NUM>, and/or the third antenna module <NUM> may be included in the internal space of a housing or a side member (e.g., side housing) <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the side member <NUM> may have a first edge 315a, a second edge 315b, a third edge 315c, and/or a fourth edge 315d. The first edge 315a of the side member <NUM> may form a portion of the side (e.g., the side 310C in <FIG>) of the housing. For example, the first edge 315a may be an edge extending along the upper portion of the housing <NUM>. The second edge 315b may face the first edge 315a and extend in parallel with the first edge 315a, thereby forming a portion of the housing <NUM> (e.g., the lower portion of the housing <NUM>). The third edge 310c may extend from an end of the first edge 315a to an end of the second edge 315b and may be substantially perpendicular to the first edge 315a and the second edge 315b. The fourth edge 315d may extend from another end of the first edge 315a to another end of the second edge 315b in parallel with the third edge 315c. The first edge 315a and the second edge 315b may be shorter than the third edge 315c and the fourth edge 315d.

According to various embodiments, the first antenna module <NUM> and/or the second antenna module <NUM> may be vertically mounted in the internal space formed by the side member <NUM> (e.g., the internal space of the housing <NUM>). According to various embodiments, in order to secure a space for mounting electronic parts (e.g., a battery) in the housing <NUM> and secure emission performance of the first antenna module <NUM> and the second antenna module, the wider surfaces of the first antenna module <NUM> and the second antenna module <NUM> may be disposed to face the side 310C. For example, the surfaces of the first antenna module <NUM> and the second antenna module <NUM> on which patch array antennas are formed may be disposed to face the side 310C.

According to various embodiments, the first antenna module <NUM> and the second antenna module <NUM> may be disposed at the longest edges of the side member <NUM>. For example, the first antenna module <NUM> may be disposed at the third edge 315c of the side member <NUM> and the second antenna module <NUM> may be disposed at the fourth edge 315d of the side member <NUM>. According to various embodiments, the first antenna module <NUM> may be disposed offset from the second antenna module <NUM>. For example, the first antenna module <NUM> may be disposed at the third edge 315c close to the first edge 315a and the second antenna module <NUM> may be disposed at the fourth edge 315d close to the second edge 315b.

According to various embodiments, the third antenna module <NUM> may be disposed at a short edge of the side member. For example, the third antenna module <NUM> may be disposed at the first edge 315a of the side member <NUM>. The third antenna module <NUM> may be disposed close to the corner formed by the first edge 315a and the fourth edge 315d. The side member <NUM> may have segmenting portion and may operate as a legacy antenna.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example arrangement of a conductive member according to various embodiments.

Referring to <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> may include a front plate <NUM>, a rear plate <NUM>, a side member (e.g., side housing) <NUM>, and/or an antenna module <NUM> (e.g., the first antenna module <NUM>, the second antenna module <NUM>, or the third antenna module <NUM> shown in <FIG>).

According to various embodiments, the front plate <NUM> forms a surface of the electronic device <NUM> and can transmit light, which is emitted from a display panel <NUM>, to the outside. The electronic device <NUM> can transmit information by the light emitted from the display panel <NUM> through the front plate <NUM>. The front plate <NUM> may include, for example, and without limitation, a transparent polymer (e.g., polyimide (PI) or polyethylene terephthalate (PET)), a glass material, or the like.

According to various embodiments, the rear plate <NUM> is disposed to face the front plate <NUM>, thereby being able to form an internal space between the front plate <NUM> and the rear plate <NUM>. The side member <NUM> may be disposed along edges of the front plate <NUM> and the rear plate <NUM>. The side member <NUM> is disposed between the edge of the front plate <NUM> and the edge of the rear plate <NUM>, thereby being able to provide a side of the electronic device <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the side member <NUM> may include a conductive member <NUM> and/or a non-conductive member <NUM>. The conductive member <NUM> may form a side (e.g., the side 310C in <FIG>) of the electronic device <NUM>. A virtual line connecting the centers of the conductive member <NUM> and the antenna module <NUM> may be substantially parallel with the flat portions of the rear plate <NUM> and the front plate <NUM>. The non-conductive member <NUM> may be disposed between the conductive member <NUM> and the antenna module <NUM>. The non-conductive member <NUM> of the side member <NUM> may be formed with the conductive member <NUM> by double-injection molding. The non-conductive member <NUM> can pass a signal radiated from the antenna module <NUM>. The conductive member <NUM> can reflect the signal that has passed through the non-conductive member <NUM>. According to various embodiments, the side member <NUM> may be formed integrally with a supporting member <NUM> extending into the electronic device from the non-conductive member <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the antenna module <NUM> may be disposed adjacent to the non-conductive member <NUM> and may be supported by the supporting member <NUM>. The antenna module <NUM> may include an antenna element <NUM>. The antenna element <NUM> may be connected with a communication circuit. The communication circuit can transmit or receive at least one signal having a frequency in a range of, for example, <NUM> to <NUM> through the antenna element <NUM> to transmit/receive a mmWave signal. The electronic device <NUM> may include the antenna module <NUM> (e.g., the first antenna module <NUM>, the second antenna module <NUM>, or the third antenna module <NUM> shown in <FIG>). The antenna module may include an array antenna for beamforming.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating an example transmission path of a signal transmitted to a conductive member according to various embodiments and <FIG> is a diagram illustrating an example transmission path of a signal transmitted to a conductive member according to various embodiments.

According to various embodiments, in the electronic device <NUM>, it is possible to adjust the shape or the position of the conductive member <NUM> in order to secure the coverage of a signal that is radiated from the antenna module <NUM>. In an embodiment, at least a portion of the conductive member <NUM> may be formed in a wedged shape facing the antenna module <NUM>. The surface of the wedged shape of the conductive member <NUM> may have a slope toward the antenna module <NUM>. The surface of the wedged shape of the conductive member <NUM> can reflect a signal. The surface of the wedged shape can operate as a reflective surface <NUM>. The reflective surface <NUM> may have a first surface 513a making a first acute angle θ1 with a virtual line '<NUM>' crossing the center of the antenna element <NUM> toward the conductive member <NUM>, and a second surface 513b making a second acute angle θ2 with the virtual line 'l'. The joint c of the first surface 513a and the second surface 513b (e.g., the apex of the wedged shape) may be positioned on the virtual line 'l'.

The conductive member <NUM> and the antenna element <NUM> may be disposed to face each other, and the centers of the antenna element <NUM> and the conductive member <NUM> may be aligned with each other.

Referring to <FIG>, a signal of a vertical partial component 'a' radiated from the antenna module <NUM> may diffract and pass through or may be partially reflected by the conductive member <NUM> of the side member <NUM>, whereby the traveling direction of the vertical partial component 'a' can be maintained.

The signal of the vertical partial component 'a' can reach the conductive member <NUM> by traveling from the antenna element <NUM>. The signal of the vertical partial component 'a' can travel to the outside after diffracting through the conductive member <NUM>. The thickness of the conductive member <NUM> may be determined such that the signal of the vertical partial component 'a' can diffract through the conductive member <NUM>. For example, the amplitude of the signal of the vertical partial component 'a' is perpendicular to the front plate <NUM> and the rear plate <NUM>, so the signal can travel in the same direction after diffracting through the conductive member <NUM> of the reflective surface <NUM> of the conductive member <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, a signal of a horizontal partial component 'a' radiated from the antenna module <NUM> may have high directionality toward the front plate <NUM> or the rear plate <NUM> by the conductive member <NUM>. The inclined reflective surface <NUM> of the conductive member <NUM> can reflect the signal of the horizontal partial component b' toward the front plate <NUM> or the rear plate <NUM>. The reflective signal of the horizontal partial component b' can travel through the front plate <NUM> or the rear plate <NUM>.

The signal of the horizontal partial component 'b' can reach the conductive member <NUM> by traveling from the antenna element <NUM>. The signal of the horizontal partial component 'b' can be reflected to the outside by the conductive member <NUM>. The reflective surface <NUM> of the conductive member <NUM> may be formed such that the reflected signal of the horizontal partial component b' travels toward the front plate <NUM> or the rear plate <NUM>. The front plate <NUM> or the rear plate <NUM> may form a propagation window that the signal of the horizontal partial component b' can pass through.

According to various embodiments, the conductive member <NUM> can transmit the signal of a vertical partial component 'a' of a signal transmitted from the antenna element <NUM>, and can reflect the signal of a horizontal partial component b' to the front plate <NUM> or the rear plate <NUM>. Accordingly, the electronic device including the conductive member <NUM> can secure the coverage of a signal that is radiated from the antenna element <NUM>.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating an example arrangement of an antenna module and a non-conductive member according to various embodiments.

Referring to <FIG>, the non-conductive member <NUM> may be disposed between the conductive member <NUM> and the antenna module <NUM>. The antenna module <NUM> may include a plurality of antenna elements 535a and 535b. The antenna elements 535a and 535b may be arranged along a side.

According to various embodiments, antenna elements 535a and 535b may operate as an array antenna. The antenna elements 535a and 535b can form a beam pattern that travels toward the non-conductive member <NUM>. In the area where the antenna elements 535a and 535b are disposed, at least one groove <NUM> may be formed in the non-conductive member <NUM>. In an embodiment, the non-conductive member <NUM> may be formed, based on the shape of the front plate <NUM> or the rear plate <NUM>. According to an embodiment, an adhesive member (e.g., an adhesive tape or an adhesive) may be disposed between the non-conductive member <NUM> and the front plate <NUM> or the rear plate <NUM>. The adhesive member can bond the front plate <NUM> or the rear plate <NUM> to the side member <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the conductive member <NUM> may be aligned with the straight line on which the antenna elements 535a and 535b of the antenna module <NUM> are disposed.

According to various embodiments, the side member <NUM> may include the conductive member <NUM>, the nonconductive member <NUM>, and/or the supporting member <NUM>. The conductive member <NUM>, the non-conductive member <NUM>, and/or the supporting member <NUM> may be integrally formed and may be formed by double-injection molding. The supporting member <NUM> may be made of a conductive material. The antenna module <NUM> may be disposed on the supporting member <NUM> such that the antenna elements 535a and 535b face the non-conductive member <NUM>.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating an example arrangement of a plurality of antenna modules in a housing according to various embodiments, <FIG> is a diagram illustrating an example arrangement of a plurality of antenna modules in a housing according to various embodiments, <FIG> is a diagram illustrating an example arrangement of a plurality of antenna modules in a housing according to various embodiments, and <FIG> is a diagram illustrating an example arrangement of a plurality of antenna modules in a housing according to various embodiments.

Referring to <FIG>, an electronic device <NUM> may include at least one of a first antenna module <NUM>, a second antenna module <NUM>, and a third antenna module <NUM>. The first antenna module <NUM>, the second antenna module <NUM>, and/or the third antenna module <NUM> may be included in an internal space of a housing or a side member <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the side member <NUM> may have a first edge 315a, a second edge 315b, a third edge 315c, and a fourth edge 315d. The side member <NUM> may include a conductive member <NUM> exposed to the outside from the electronic device. The conductive member <NUM> may form a side of the electronic device. The conductive member <NUM> forming the first edge 315a of the side member <NUM> may form a portion of the side (e.g., the side 310C in <FIG>) of the housing. According to various embodiments, the conductive member <NUM> may have second areas 510b, and first areas 510a disposed between the second areas 510b and disposed adjacent to the antenna modules <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>. The conductive members disposed in the first areas 510a may have wedged shapes facing the antenna modules <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, a portion of the first antenna module <NUM> may be in contact with a first non-conductive member 515a. The first non-conductive member 515a may be disposed between the first antenna module <NUM> and the conductive member <NUM>. The first non-conductive member 515a may be disposed along the conductive member <NUM> in an area overlapping the first antenna module <NUM>. In an embodiment, the first non-conductive member 515a may be disposed adjacent to the third edge 315c of the first antenna module <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, a portion of the second antenna module <NUM> may be in contact with the second non-conductive member 515b. The second non-conductive member 515b may be disposed between the second antenna module <NUM> and the conductive member <NUM>. The second non-conductive member 515b may be disposed along the conductive member <NUM> in an area overlapping the second antenna module <NUM>. In an embodiment, the second non-conductive member 515b and the second antenna module <NUM> may be disposed adjacent to the fourth edge 315d.

According to various embodiments, a portion of the third antenna module <NUM> may be in contact with the third non-conductive member 515c. The third non-conductive member 515c may be disposed between the third antenna module <NUM> and the conductive member <NUM>. The third non-conductive member 515c may be disposed between the third antenna module <NUM> and the conductive member <NUM>. The third non-conductive member 515c may be disposed along the conductive member <NUM> in an area overlapping the third antenna module <NUM>. In an embodiment, the third non-conductive member 515c and the third antenna module <NUM> may be disposed adjacent to the first edge 315a.

The first antenna module <NUM>, the second antenna module <NUM>, and/or the third antenna module <NUM> may be connected with a communication circuit. The communication circuit (e.g., the third RFIC <NUM> shown in <FIG>) can transmit and/or receive signals of about <NUM> to <NUM> through the first antenna module <NUM>, the second antenna module <NUM>, and the third antenna module <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the side member <NUM> may include a conductive member <NUM> and a plurality of segmenting portions 511a, 511b, and 511c. The side member <NUM> may be segmented by the segmenting portions 511a, 511b, and 511c.

According to various embodiments, a portion of the side member <NUM> segmented by the first segmenting portion 511a and the second segmenting portion 511b can operate as an antenna element. The conductive member <NUM> segmented by the first segmenting portion 511a and the second segmenting portion 511b and/or the conductive member <NUM> segmented by the second segmenting portion 511b and the third segmenting portion 511c can operate as a multi-band antenna. For example, the segmented conductive member <NUM> can operate as a <NUM> network, WiFi, or Bluetooth antenna.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, a third antenna module <NUM> disposed in an area A shown in <FIG> is shown.

According to various embodiments, the third antenna module <NUM> may be disposed adjacent to the first edge 315a at which the segmenting portion 511b is formed on the conductive member <NUM>. The third antenna module <NUM> may be disposed to face the conductive member <NUM>. The third non-conductive member 515c may be disposed between the third antenna module <NUM> and the conductive member <NUM>. The third antenna module <NUM> may include a plurality of antenna elements 535a, 535b, 535c, and 535d.

According to various embodiments, the third non-conductive member 515c may have grooves <NUM> formed toward the conductive member <NUM> at positions corresponding to the antenna elements 535a, 535b, 535c, and 535d. The third non-conductive member 515c may be disposed along the conductive member <NUM> at a position corresponding to the third antenna module <NUM>. In an embodiment, the third non-conductive member 515c may be formed integrally with the segmenting portion 511b. The conductive member <NUM> segmented by the segmenting portion 511b can operate as an antenna. The third antenna module <NUM> can operate as an antenna having a frequency different from that of the conductive member <NUM> operating as an antenna. The antenna elements 535a, 535b, 535c, and 535d of the third antenna module <NUM> may face the conductive member <NUM>. A signal that is radiated from the antenna element <NUM> can be transmitted to the conductive member <NUM> through the third non-conductive member 515c. Some of signals transmitted to the conductive member <NUM> may be reflected and the other may diffract and keep traveling.

Referring to <FIG>, the side member <NUM> may include a conductive member <NUM>, a first non-conductive member 515a, and a supporting member <NUM>. The first antenna module <NUM> may include an antenna element <NUM> including a plurality of antenna elements 535a, 535b, 535c, and 535d. The first antenna module <NUM> may be disposed between the first non-conductive member 515a and the supporting member <NUM>. The first non-conductive member 515a may have grooves <NUM> corresponding to the antenna elements 535a, 535b, 535c, and 535d. The first non-conductive member 515a may be disposed along the conductive member <NUM> at a position corresponding to the first antenna module <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the second non-conductive member 515b and the second antenna module <NUM> may have configurations that are the same as or similar to those of the first non-conductive member 515a and the first antenna module <NUM>.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating an example rib surrounding a nonconductive member according to various embodiments and <FIG> is a diagram illustrating an example rib surrounding a nonconductive member according to various embodiments.

Referring to <FIG>, the first antenna module <NUM> may be disposed to face the first non-conductive member 515a and the conductive member <NUM>. The first antenna module <NUM> may be disposed along a first conductive member.

According to various embodiments, the first non-conductive member 515a may be surrounded by an upper rib <NUM> extending from the top 320a of the side member to the conductive member <NUM>. A plurality of upper ribs <NUM> may be provided and may be disposed at positions where they do not interfere with signals of antenna elements. For example, the first antenna module <NUM> may include a plurality of antenna elements (e.g., the antenna elements 535a, 535b, 535c, and 535d shown in <FIG>). Gaps may be defined between the antenna elements 535a, 535b, 535c, and 535d, and a plurality of upper ribs <NUM> may be disposed between the antenna elements 535a, 535b, 535c, and 535d.

According to various embodiments, the first non-conductive member 515a may be surrounded and supported by a lower rib <NUM> extending from the bottom 320b of the side member to the conductive member <NUM>. A plurality of lower ribs <NUM> may be provided and may be formed at positions where they do not interfere with signals of the antenna elements 535a, 535b, 535c, and 535d. A plurality of lower ribs <NUM> may be disposed between the antenna elements 535a, 535b, 535c, and 535d.

According to various embodiments, the second non-conductive member 515b and the third non-conductive member 515c may also be surrounded and supported by the upper rib <NUM> and the lower rib <NUM>. According to various embodiments, the upper rib <NUM> and the lower rib <NUM> can increase the strength of the side member <NUM>. The upper rib <NUM> and the lower rib <NUM> may be made of a metal material. The upper rib <NUM> and the lower rib <NUM> can protect the antenna module from an external force and can support the antenna module.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating an example notch formed in a display shield layer according to various embodiments, <FIG> is a diagram illustrating an example notch formed in a display shield layer according to various embodiments, and <FIG> is a diagram illustrating an example notch formed in a display shield layer according to various embodiments.

<FIG> shows the shape of a display panel <NUM> in an area in which an antenna module is not disposed, <FIG> shows the shape of the display panel <NUM> in which an antenna module is disposed, and <FIG> shows a shield layer of the display panel <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, and <FIG>, in an area in which an antenna module is not disposed, the display panel <NUM> may be disposed along the front of the electronic device <NUM> to face the rear plate. In an area in which an antenna module (e.g., the first antenna module <NUM> shown in <FIG>), a notch <NUM> may be formed in a shield layer <NUM> included in the display panel <NUM>. The shield layer <NUM> may be a conductive plate (e.g., a copper plate) and may interfere with a signal that is radiated from an antenna module. The notch formed in the shield <NUM> can operate as a signal window.

According to various embodiments, in the area in which an antenna module is disposed, the shield layer <NUM> can transmit a signal, which is radiated from an antenna module, toward the display panel <NUM> because it has the notch <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the shield layer may include multiple notches, including, for example, a first notch 332a, a second notch 332b, and/or a third notch 332c at a position where an antenna module is formed. According to various embodiments, the first notch 332a may be formed in an area corresponding to a first antenna module (e.g., the first antenna module <NUM> shown in <FIG>). The second notch 332b may be formed in an area corresponding to a second antenna module (e.g., the second antenna module <NUM> shown in <FIG>). The third notch 332c may be formed in an area corresponding to a third antenna module (e.g., the third antenna module <NUM> shown in <FIG>).

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating an example arrangement of a conductive member according to various embodiments and <FIG> is a diagram illustrating an example arrangement of a conductive member according to various embodiments.

Referring to <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> may include a display <NUM>, a side member <NUM>, and/or a rear plate <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the display <NUM> is disposed under the front plate <NUM> and can transmit information to a user through the front plate. The display <NUM> may include a display panel (e.g., the display panel <NUM> shown in <FIG>) or a shield layer (e.g., the shield layer <NUM> shown in <FIG>). The display panel may be disposed under the front plate <NUM>. The shield layer may be disposed under the display panel.

According to various embodiments, the side member <NUM> may include a conductive member <NUM>, a nonconductive member <NUM>, and/or the supporting member <NUM>. The conductive member <NUM> may form a side of the electronic device <NUM>. The non-conductive member <NUM> may be in contact with the conductive member <NUM> and may be formed by double-injection molding. The nonconductive member <NUM> may have a space in which an antenna module <NUM> is disposed, and may have a groove or an empty space <NUM> in an area facing an antenna element of the antenna module <NUM>. The conductive member <NUM> and the nonconductive member <NUM> may be formed by double-injection molding. The supporting member <NUM> may include a metal material.

According to various embodiment, the conductive member <NUM> may not be aligned with the center of the antenna module <NUM>. For example, the conductive member <NUM> may be disposed biased toward the front plate <NUM>. According to various embodiments, a shield layer (e.g., <NUM> in <FIG>) of the display panel <NUM> may be removed in an area A in which a signal radiated from the antenna element travels toward the display <NUM>. For example, the shield layer (e.g., <NUM> in <FIG>) may have a notch in the area A. The area A may be a signal window. According to various embodiments, the length of the area A may be a half of the wavelength λ of a signal.

According to various embodiments, the apex of the wedged shape of the cross-section of the conductive member <NUM> may not face the center of the antenna module <NUM>. Since the conductive member <NUM> is biased toward the display <NUM>, it is possible to change the shape of the conductive member <NUM> to secure the coverage facing the side of the antenna module <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the conductive member <NUM> is disposed biased toward the front plate <NUM>, whereby an aesthetic effect can be provided. Further, it may be possible to adjust the reflective direction of a signal traveling from the antenna module <NUM> by disposing the conductive member <NUM> such that the apex of the wedged surface of the conductive member <NUM> does not coincide with the center of the antenna module <NUM>. In the electronic device <NUM>, a signal can also travel toward the display <NUM> by removing the shield layer (e.g., <NUM> in <FIG>). Accordingly, the electronic device <NUM> can secure the lateral coverage of the antenna module <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> may include a side member <NUM> and a rear plate <NUM>. The side member <NUM> may include a protrusion <NUM> forming a side, a conductive member <NUM> reflecting or passing a signal radiated from an antenna element <NUM>, and a non-conductive member <NUM> transmitting a signal.

The antenna module <NUM> may be disposed at an angle θ from a line perpendicular to a flat area of the rear plate <NUM>. A supporting portion <NUM> having a predetermined angle may be provided to support the inclined antenna module <NUM>. According to various embodiments, the antenna module <NUM> may be disposed to face the rear plate <NUM> at a designated angle. According to various embodiments, a reflective surface <NUM> may be formed on a wedged surface of the conductive member <NUM>. A signal of a horizontal partial component of a signal radiated from the antenna element <NUM> can be reflected by the reflective surface <NUM> toward the side or the rear plate <NUM>. A signal of a vertical partial component of a signal radiated from the antenna element <NUM> can maintain the traveling direction by diffracting through the conductive member <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the conductive member <NUM> is inclined at a predetermined angle θ from a line perpendicular to the flat area of the rear plate <NUM>, whereby the antenna element <NUM> can radiate signals in all direction to the rear plate <NUM> except for the display direction.

According to various embodiments, by disposing the conductive member <NUM>, it is possible to secure the coverage of the antenna element <NUM> and improve traveling of signals of a vertical partial component and a horizontal partial component.

An electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM> shown in <FIG>) according to various example embodiments includes: a housing (e.g., the housing <NUM> shown in <FIG>) having a front plate (e.g., the front plate <NUM> shown in <FIG> and <FIG>) facing a first direction (e.g., <NUM> in <FIG>), a rear plate (e.g., the rear plate <NUM> shown in <FIG> and <FIG>) facing a second direction opposite the first direction, and a side housing (e.g., the side member <NUM> shown in <FIG> and <FIG>) surrounding a space between the front plate and the rear plate; a conductive member (e.g., the conductive member <NUM> shown in <FIG>) comprising a conductive material disposed between the front plate and the rear plate; a display (e.g., the display <NUM> shown in <FIG>) viewable through at least a portion of the front plate; at least one antenna module (e.g., the antenna module <NUM> shown in <FIG>) including a plurality of antenna elements (e.g., the antenna elements 535a and 535b shown in <FIG>) configured to form a beam in a third direction facing the conductive member, and disposed to be spaced apart from the conductive member in the space; and a wireless communication circuit electrically coupled to the antenna module and configured to transmit and/or receive at least one signal having a frequency in a range of <NUM> to <NUM>, wherein the conductive member may have a first surface (e.g., the first surface 513a shown in <FIG>) making a first acute angle (e.g., the first acute angle θ1 shown in <FIG>) with a virtual line (e.g., the virtual line 'l' shown in <FIG>) crossing at least some of the antenna elements in the third direction, and a second surface (e.g., the second surface 531b shown in <FIG>) making a second acute angle (e.g., the second acute angle θ2 shown in <FIG>) with the virtual line, wherein a joint (c in <FIG>) of the first surface and the second surface may be positioned on the virtual line.

According to an example embodiment, the electronic device may further include a non-conductive member (e.g., the non-conductive member <NUM> shown in <FIG>) comprising a non-conductive material disposed between the conductive member (e.g., the conductive member <NUM> shown in <FIG>) and the antenna module (e.g., the antenna module <NUM> shown in <FIG>).

According to an example embodiment, the side member (e.g., the side member <NUM> shown in <FIG>) may include a plurality of ribs (e.g., the upper rib <NUM> shown in <FIG> and the lower rib <NUM> shown in <FIG>) not overlapping the antenna elements when viewed in the third direction, and disposed to face the antenna module from the conductive member.

According to an example embodiment, the ribs (e.g., upper rib <NUM> shown in <FIG> and the lower rib <NUM> shown in <FIG>) may be disposed on a surface facing the front plate or the rear plate of the non-conductive member.

According to an example embodiment, the antenna elements may define an antenna array and may be disposed along the conductive member.

According to an example embodiment, the conductive member may be parallel with a virtual center line connecting the antenna array.

According to an example embodiment, the conductive member may have a wedge shape (e.g., the shape of the conductive member <NUM> shown in <FIG>) facing the space from the side.

According to an embodiment, the side housing may include a plurality of segmenting portions (e.g., the segmenting portions 511a, 511b, and 511c shown in <FIG>) segmenting the conductive member, and a portion of the side member and the segmenting portions may be configured to operate as a portion of an antenna.

According to an example embodiment, the at least one antenna module may further include a first antenna module (e.g., the third antenna module <NUM> shown in <FIG>) disposed to face the conductive member segmented by the segmenting portions.

According to an example embodiment, the non-conductive member (e.g., the third non-conductive member 515c shown in <FIG>) may be connected with the segmenting portions (e.g., the segmenting portion 511b shown in <FIG>).

According to an example embodiment, the first antenna module (e.g., the third antenna module <NUM> shown in <FIG>) may be disposed at one (the first edge 315a shown in <FIG>) of edges of the side housing of the electronic device, and the at least one antenna module may include a second antenna module (e.g., the first antenna module <NUM> shown in <FIG>) and a third antenna module (e.g., the first antenna module <NUM> shown in <FIG>) respectively disposed at edges (e.g., the third and fourth edges 315c and 315d shown in <FIG>) substantially vertically extending from both ends of one of the edges.

The display may include a shield layer (e.g., the shield layer <NUM> shown in <FIG>) having a notch (e.g., the notch <NUM> shown in <FIG>) provided at a position corresponding to the at least one antenna module.

An electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM> shown in <FIG>) according to various example embodiments includes: a housing (e.g., the housing <NUM> shown in <FIG>) having a front plate (e.g., the front plate <NUM> shown in <FIG> and <FIG>) facing a first direction (e.g., <NUM> in <FIG>), a rear plate (e.g., the rear plate <NUM> shown in <FIG> and <FIG>) facing a second direction (e.g., <NUM> in <FIG>) opposite the first direction, and a side housing (e.g., the side member <NUM> shown in <FIG> and the side member <NUM> shown in <FIG>) surrounding a space between the front plate and the rear plate and at least partially comprising a conductive member comprising a conductive material disposed between the front plate and the rear plate (e.g., the conductive member <NUM> shown in <FIG> and the conductive member <NUM> shown in <FIG>); a display (e.g., the display <NUM> shown in <FIG> and <FIG>) viewable through at least a portion of the front plate and including a shield layer (e.g., the shield layer <NUM> shown in <FIG>, and <FIG>); at least one antenna module (e.g., the antenna module <NUM> shown in <FIG>) including a plurality of antenna elements (e.g., the antenna elements <NUM> shown in <FIG>) configured to form a beam in a third direction facing the conductive member, and disposed to be spaced apart from the conductive member in the space; and a plurality of non-conductive members (e.g., the non-conductive member <NUM> shown in <FIG> and the non-conductive member <NUM> shown in <FIG>) disposed between the conductive member and the at least one antenna module, wherein the shield layer includes a notch (e.g., the notch <NUM> shown in <FIG>) on the non-conductive members, the conductive member has a first surface making a first acute angle with a virtual line crossing the centers of the antenna elements in the third direction, and a second surface making a second acute angle with the virtual line, a joint of the first surface and the second surface positioned on the virtual line, and the antenna module is configured to radiate a first signal component reflected toward the notch by the first surface or the second surface and a traveling path of a second signal component is maintained (see traveling paths of signal components shown in <FIG>).

According to an example embodiment, a portion of the reflected first signal may pass through the non-conductive members and the notch, and another portion of the reflected first signal may pass through the non-conductive member and the rear plate.

According to an example embodiment, the conductive member may have a wedged shape (e.g., the shape of the conductive member <NUM> shown in <FIG>) facing the space from the side.

According to an example embodiment, the conductive member may be segmented by segmenting portions (e.g., the segmenting portions 511a, 511b, and 511c shown in <FIG>) comprising a portion of the side.

According to an example embodiment, the electronic device may further include a first antenna module (e.g., the third antenna module <NUM> shown in <FIG>) disposed to face the segmented conductive member, in which a portion of the conductive member segmented by the segmenting portion may be configured to operate as an antenna.

According to an example embodiment, one (e.g., the third non-conductive member 515c shown in <FIG>) of the non-conductive members may be connected with the segmenting portions (e.g., the segmenting portion 511b shown in <FIG>).

According to an example embodiment, the first antenna module may be disposed at one (e.g., the first edge 315a shown in <FIG>) of the sides of the electronic devices, and the antenna modules may include a second antenna module (e.g., the first antenna module <NUM> shown in <FIG>) and a third antenna module (e.g., the first antenna module <NUM> shown in <FIG>) respectively disposed at sides (e.g., the third and fourth edges 315c and 315d shown in <FIG>) substantially vertically extending from both ends of the side.

According to an example embodiment, the electronic device may further include a wireless communication module comprising wireless communication circuitry electrically coupled to the antenna module and configured to transmit and/or receive at least one signal having a frequency in a range of <NUM> to <NUM>.

In the above-described example embodiments of the disclosure, an element included in the disclosure is expressed in the singular or the plural according to presented detailed embodiments.

Claim 1:
An electronic device comprising:
a housing (<NUM>) having a front plate (<NUM>) facing a first direction (<NUM>), a rear plate (<NUM>) facing a second direction (<NUM>) opposite the first direction (<NUM>), and a side housing (<NUM>) surrounding a space between the front plate (<NUM>) and the rear plate (<NUM>), the side housing (<NUM>) comprising a conductive member (<NUM>) comprising a conductive material disposed between the front plate (<NUM>) and the rear plate (<NUM>);
a display (<NUM>) viewable through at least a portion of the front plate (<NUM>);
at least one antenna module (<NUM>) including a plurality of antenna elements configured to form a beam in a third direction facing the conductive member (<NUM>), and disposed to be spaced apart from the conductive member (<NUM>) in the space; and
a wireless communication circuit electrically coupled to the at least one antenna module (<NUM>) and configured to transmit or receive at least one signal having a frequency in a range of <NUM> to <NUM>,
wherein the conductive member (<NUM>) has a first surface (513a) forming a first acute angle with a virtual line (<NUM>) crossing at least portion of the antenna elements and facing the third direction, and a second surface (513b) forming a second acute angle with the virtual line (<NUM>),
wherein the first surface (513a) and the second surface (513b) have a slope toward the antenna module (<NUM>) and extend in a direction from the side housing (<NUM>) facing the space, and
wherein a joint (c) of the first surface (513a) and the second surface (513b) is positioned on the virtual line (<NUM>).