Patent Description:
With the development of display technology, research and development of electronic devices having a flexible display (or rollable display) are being actively conducted. The shapes of electronic devices are being transformed from uniform rectangular shapes to a variety of shapes. For example, by applying the flexible display, electronic devices are being researched and developed to have a form factor capable of folding, bending, rolling, or unfolding the flexible display. <CIT>discloses an electronic device with a flexible display. <CIT>discloses an antenna device for a mobile phone having a body housing, a sliding housing for sliding up or down lengthwise along the body housing.

According to the screen expansion or screen contraction of the electronic device including a flexible display, the antenna radiation efficiency may be reduced as the length of the flexible printed circuit board electrically connected to the antenna is changed, and a space for folding and unfolding the flexible printed circuit board may be required.

In various embodiments of the disclosure, the position of the radiator included in the antenna of an electronic device including a flexible display may be moved according to the screen expansion and screen contraction of the flexible display shown to the outside.

In accordance with an aspect of the disclosure, an electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes a first housing, a second housing, a flexible display, a printed circuit board, an antenna radiator, and a flexible printed circuit board. The second housing slides in a first direction to be pulled out of the first housing and slides in a second direction opposite to the first direction to be pulled into the inside of the first housing. The flexible display is disposed in the first housing and the second housing. The printed circuit board is disposed in the second housing and moves according to the sliding of the second housing. The antenna radiator is disposed on a side surface of the first housing. The flexible printed circuit board electrically connects the printed circuit board and the antenna radiator. The first housing includes a through hole formed in a side surface thereof, and at least a portion of the antenna radiator may be inserted via the through hole into the inside of the first housing. The antenna radiator is configured to move inside the through hole of the first housing according to the sliding of the second housing.

In an electronic device according to an embodiment of the disclosure, when the screen of a flexible display shown to the outside is expanded or contracted, the antenna and the flexible printed circuit board may be moved together with the sliding of the housing, thereby reducing loss due to an increase in the length of the flexible printed circuit board and improving the radiation performance of the antenna accordingly.

In the electronic device according to an embodiment of the disclosure, a conductive member used as the radiator of the antenna may be disposed on the outer sidewall of the housing, and the conductive member may be covered through a decoration portion to prevent the radiator of the antenna from being exposed to the outside. The radiator of the antenna may be disposed outside the housing of the electronic device through a through hole <NUM>, thereby securing a space of the electronic device and securing the degree of freedom in the design of the electronic device.

In the electronic device according to various embodiments of the disclosure, according to the expansion of the flexible display shown to the outside and screen contraction, the antenna is moved at the outer side of the housing of the electronic device and the flexible printed circuit board electrically connected to the antenna is moved inside the housing, so that a space for folding and unfolding the flexible printed circuit board is not required and an internal space of the electronic device can be secured accordingly.

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

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

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

<FIG> is a view illustrating an electronic device in a slide-in (e.g., slide-close) state according to an embodiment of the disclosure. <FIG> is a view illustrating the electronic device in a slide-out (e.g., slide-open) state according to an embodiment of the disclosure. <FIG> and <FIG> illustrate the electronic device <NUM> viewed from the front.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the screen may mean an externally visible area of the display <NUM> (e.g., flexible display). As used herein, slide-in (e.g., slide-close) of the display <NUM> may indicate a state in which the size of the screen of the display <NUM> seen from the outside is reduced. Slide-out (e.g., slide-open) of the display <NUM> may indicate a state in which the size of the screen of the display <NUM> seen from the outside is expanded.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> according to an embodiment of the disclosure may include a display <NUM> (e.g., display module <NUM> in <FIG>), housings <NUM> and <NUM>, a decoration portion <NUM>, an antenna (e.g., antenna radiator <NUM> in <FIG>), a printed circuit board (PCB) (e.g., printed circuit board <NUM> in <FIG>), a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) (e.g., flexible printed circuit board <NUM> in <FIG>), and/or a battery (e.g., battery <NUM> in <FIG>).

The housings <NUM> and <NUM> include a first housing <NUM> (e.g., main housing) and a second housing <NUM> (e.g., slide housing). For example, at least some of the second housing <NUM> may be inserted into the first housing <NUM>.

A space may be provided inside the housings <NUM> and <NUM>, and at least some of the display <NUM> (e.g., display module <NUM> in <FIG>) may be disposed in the internal space of the housings <NUM> and <NUM>.

Various components (e.g., antenna radiator <NUM>, printed circuit board <NUM>, flexible printed circuit board <NUM>, audio module (e.g., audio module <NUM> in <FIG>), sensor module (e.g., sensor module <NUM> in <FIG>), camera module (e.g., camera module <NUM> in <FIG>), and/or battery <NUM>) of the electronic device <NUM> may be arranged in the internal space of the housings <NUM> and <NUM>.

The display may be a flexible or rollable display, and may be disposed so that a portion of the display is bent or wound in the internal space of the housings <NUM> and <NUM>. The display may be pulled out or pulled in in association with the rotation of a rotation shaft disposed on one side of the internal space of the housings <NUM> and <NUM>. For example, the rotation shaft may rotate in association with sliding of the second housing <NUM>.

When the electronic device <NUM> is in a slide-out (e.g., slide-open) state, the second housing <NUM> may be moved (e.g., sliding) in a first direction (e.g., Y-axis direction) and at least a portion of the second housing <NUM> may be pulled out of the first housing <NUM>. When the second housing <NUM> is moved (e.g., sliding) in the first direction (e.g., Y-axis direction), the display <NUM> (e.g., display module <NUM> in <FIG>) may be pulled out (e.g., screen expansion sliding) in the first direction (e.g., Y-axis direction), so that the area of the display viewed from the outside may be expanded. For example, the size (e.g., area) of the display <NUM> viewed from the outside may be expanded (e.g., screen expansion).

When the electronic device <NUM> is in a slide-in (e.g., slide-close) state, the second housing <NUM> may be moved (e.g., sliding) in a second direction (e.g., negative Y-axis direction) and some of the second housing <NUM> may be pulled into the first housing <NUM>. When the second housing <NUM> is moved (e.g., sliding) in the second direction (e.g., negative Y-axis direction), the display <NUM> (e.g., display module <NUM> in <FIG>) may be pulled in (e.g., screen contraction sliding) in the second direction (e.g., negative Y-axis direction), so that the area of the display viewed from the outside may be reduced. The size (e.g., area) of the display <NUM> viewed from the outside may thus be reduced (e.g., screen contraction).

<FIG> is a view illustrating the position of an antenna radiator of the electronic device in a slide-in (e.g., slide-close) state according to an embodiment of the disclosure. <FIG> is a view illustrating the position of the antenna radiator of the electronic device in a slide-out (e.g., slide-open) state according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, a battery <NUM> may be disposed in the internal space of the first housing <NUM>. A printed circuit board <NUM> may be disposed in the internal space of the second housing <NUM>.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the antenna radiator <NUM> may be disposed on a sidewall of one side (e.g., negative X-axis) of the first housing <NUM>. The antenna radiator <NUM> may be made of a conductive metal material in a bar shape. The first housing <NUM> may include a non-conductive material. For example, the region of the first housing <NUM> in which the antenna radiator <NUM> is disposed may be made of a non-conductive material.

<FIG> is a view illustrating a recess and a through hole formed in a side portion of the first housing so that the antenna radiator can be moved according to slide-in (e.g., slide-close) or slide-out (e.g., slide-open) of the display according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, a recess <NUM> having a preset depth may be formed on a sidewall of one side (e.g., negative X-axis) of the first housing <NUM> so that the antenna radiator <NUM> can be disposed, and a through hole <NUM> penetrating the sidewall of one side (e.g., negative X-axis) of the first housing <NUM> may be formed. For example, the through hole <NUM> may be formed to have a first length in the X-axis direction and a second length in the Y-axis direction.

The antenna radiator <NUM> may be disposed in the recess <NUM> formed to have a preset depth. The through hole <NUM> may be formed in a shape penetrating the sidewall of one side (e.g., negative X-axis) of the first housing <NUM> so that at least a portion of the antenna radiator <NUM> is electrically connectable to a component arranged inside the first housing <NUM>.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the recess <NUM> may be formed in one sidewall of the first housing <NUM>. For example, the recess <NUM> may be formed to have a length corresponding to the length to which the antenna radiator <NUM> moves. As another example, the recess <NUM> may be formed to a depth such that, when the antenna radiator <NUM> is disposed, the antenna radiator <NUM> does not protrude in the negative X-axis direction from the sidewall on which the recess <NUM> is formed.

The through hole <NUM> may be formed in the shape of a bar having a long length in the Y-axis direction, the antenna radiator <NUM> may be disposed in the recess <NUM>, and the antenna radiator <NUM> may be moved in a first direction (e.g., upward direction, Y-axis direction) or in a second direction (e.g., downward direction, negative Y-axis direction) (e.g., up/down direction) via the through hole <NUM> penetrating the sidewall of one side (e.g., negative X-axis) of the first housing <NUM>.

For smooth movement of the antenna radiator <NUM> in the first direction (e.g., upward direction, Y-axis direction) or in the second direction (e.g., downward direction, negative Y-axis direction), a friction reduction member (not shown) may be disposed on a portion of the side of the first housing <NUM> in contact with the antenna radiator <NUM>. For example, the friction reduction member is disposed between the antenna radiator <NUM> and the first housing <NUM>, and friction caused by movement of the antenna radiator <NUM> in the first direction (e.g., upward direction, Y-axis direction) or in a second direction (e.g., downward direction, negative Y-axis direction) (e.g., up/down) may be reduced.

A guide rail (e.g., guide rail <NUM> in <FIG>) may be disposed on an inner sidewall of one side (e.g., negative X-axis) of the first housing <NUM>. The flexible printed circuit board (e.g., flexible printed circuit board <NUM> in <FIG>) may be disposed to be fixed to the guide rail (e.g., guide rail <NUM> in <FIG>).

According to the invention, the antenna radiator <NUM> and the flexible printed circuit board <NUM> are electrically connected. According to sliding of the second housing (e.g., second housing <NUM> in <FIG> and <FIG>), the antenna radiator <NUM> and the flexible printed circuit board <NUM> may be moved in a first direction (e.g., upward direction, Y-axis direction) or a second direction (e.g., downward direction, negative Y-axis direction).

<FIG> is a view showing that a groove into which the antenna radiator can be inserted is formed in a decoration portion according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, the decoration portion <NUM> may be disposed to cover the antenna radiator <NUM> at one side (e.g., negative X-axis) of the first housing <NUM>. The shape of the decoration portion <NUM> may be formed to correspond to the shape of the recess (e.g., recess <NUM> in <FIG>). For example, at least a part of the decoration portion <NUM> may be coupled to the recess <NUM>. The groove <NUM> into which at least a portion of the antenna radiator <NUM> can be inserted is formed in the decoration portion <NUM>. At least a portion of the antenna radiator <NUM> may be inserted into the groove <NUM> of the decoration portion <NUM>, so that the antenna radiator <NUM> may be covered with the decoration portion <NUM>. When the decoration portion <NUM> is fastened to the sidewall of the first housing <NUM>, the antenna radiator <NUM> may be not exposed to the outside by the decoration portion <NUM>. According to embodiment of the disclosure, the length of the groove <NUM> may be formed to correspond to the length that the antenna radiator <NUM> moves.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the decoration portion <NUM> may be made of a non-conductive material. As another example, when the decoration portion <NUM> is made of a conductive material, a non-conductive material may be disposed in the groove <NUM> to insulate the antenna radiator <NUM> from the decoration portion <NUM>. The decoration portion <NUM> may be made of substantially the same material as the material of the sidewall of the first housing <NUM>.

The flexible printed circuit board <NUM> may include a connector <NUM>, and may be electrically connected to the printed circuit board <NUM> through the connector <NUM>. When the second housing (e.g., second housing <NUM> in <FIG> and <FIG>) slides, the flexible printed circuit board (e.g., flexible printed circuit board <NUM> in <FIG>) may move in an upward direction (e.g., Y-axis direction) or in a downward direction (e.g., negative Y-axis direction) along the guide rail (e.g., guide rail <NUM> in <FIG>). For example, an antenna matching portion (not shown) may be disposed between the antenna radiator <NUM> and the flexible printed circuit board <NUM>. As an example, the antenna matching portion may be disposed on the flexible printed circuit board <NUM>.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, a wireless communication circuit (e.g., wireless communication module <NUM> in <FIG>) may be disposed on the printed circuit board <NUM>. The wireless communication circuit may be electrically connected to the antenna radiator <NUM> by using the flexible printed circuit board <NUM>. The wireless communication circuit may transmit and/or receive a signal of a designated frequency band by using the antenna radiator <NUM>.

With the sliding of the second housing (e.g., second housing <NUM> in <FIG> and <FIG>), the flexible printed circuit board <NUM> and the printed circuit board <NUM> may move in a first direction (e.g., upward direction, Y-axis direction) or in a second direction (e.g., downward direction, negative Y-axis direction).

When the second housing (e.g., second housing <NUM> in <FIG> and <FIG>) slides in a first direction (e.g., Y-axis direction) in the slide-in (e.g., slide-close) state, the exposed size of the display (e.g., display <NUM> in <FIG> and <FIG>) of the electronic device <NUM> increases and the screen may be expanded accordingly. Along with this, the antenna radiator <NUM>, the flexible printed circuit board <NUM>, and the printed circuit board <NUM> may be moved together in the first direction (e.g., Y-axis direction).

When the second housing (e.g., second housing <NUM> in <FIG> and <FIG>) slides in a second direction (e.g., negative Y-axis direction) in the slide-out (e.g., slide-open) state, the exposed size of the display (e.g., display <NUM> in <FIG> and <FIG>) of the electronic device <NUM> decreases and the screen may be contracted accordingly. Along with this, the antenna radiator <NUM>, the flexible printed circuit board <NUM>, and the printed circuit board <NUM> may be moved together in the second direction (e.g., negative Y-axis direction).

As shown in <FIG>, when the electronic device <NUM> is in the slide-in (e.g., slide-close) state, the antenna radiator <NUM> may be located at a lower position (e.g., low in negative y-axis) inside the through hole <NUM> of the first housing <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, when the electronic device <NUM> is in the slide-out (e.g., slide-open) state, the antenna radiator <NUM> may be located at an upper position (e.g., high in Y-axis) inside the through hole <NUM> of the first housing <NUM>. For example, the antenna radiator <NUM> may be located higher in the positive Y-axis direction (e.g., upward) when the electronic device <NUM> is in the slide-out (e.g., slide-open) state compared to when the electronic device <NUM> is in the slide-in (e.g., slide-close) state.

<FIG> is a view showing the antenna radiator according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, the antenna radiator <NUM> may be formed in the form of a metal bar, and may include a plurality of contact portions <NUM> for electrically connecting to the flexible printed circuit board (e.g., flexible printed circuit board <NUM> in <FIG>). As another example, the antenna radiator <NUM> may include one or more contact portions <NUM> for electrically connecting to the flexible printed circuit board <NUM>.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the antenna radiator <NUM> may include an antenna radiator for cellular communication or short-range communication (e.g., Wi-Fi). The antenna radiator <NUM> may be included in an antenna for wireless communication with a designated first frequency, second frequency, or third frequency. The shape of the antenna radiator <NUM> is not limited to that of <FIG>. The shape of the antenna radiator <NUM>, such as the length, width, or thickness, may be formed differently depending on the frequency band to be operated.

The first frequency may be a communication frequency of the sub-<NUM> (<NUM> or less) band for <NUM> communication. The first frequency may further include a communication frequency for second generation (<NUM>), <NUM>, or <NUM> or long term evolution (LTE) network.

The second frequency may be a communication frequency of an extremely high frequency band (e.g., mmWave (e.g., <NUM> or <NUM>)) for <NUM> communication. In one embodiment, an antenna module (not shown) may be disposed instead of the antenna radiator <NUM>. For example, the antenna module may include a printed circuit board, an array antenna including at least two antennas, or an RFIC. The antenna module may transmit and/or receive a signal of the mmWave band.

The third frequency may be a communication frequency for Bluetooth or Wi-Fi communication in the ISM band of <NUM> or <NUM>.

<FIG> and <FIG> are views showing the flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) according to an embodiment of the disclosure. <FIG> is a view showing that the antenna radiator is electrically connected to the flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) according to an embodiment of the disclosure. <FIG> is a view showing that the flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) and the printed circuit board (PCB) are electrically connected according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, the first housing (e.g., first housing <NUM> in <FIG>) and the guide rail (e.g., guide rail <NUM> in <FIG>) are not shown.

The flexible printed circuit board <NUM> may include a substrate body <NUM> on which a plurality of wires are formed, a plurality of contact grooves <NUM>, and/or a connector <NUM>.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the plural contact grooves <NUM> may be formed in a cylindrical shape having a groove formed therein. The plural contact portions <NUM> of the antenna radiator <NUM> may be inserted into the plural contact grooves <NUM> of the flexible printed circuit board <NUM> to thereby electrically connect the antenna radiator <NUM> and the flexible printed circuit board <NUM>. For example, the shapes of the contact groove <NUM> and the contact portion <NUM> may be formed to correspond to each other. For instance, when the contact portion <NUM> is formed in a rectangular pillar shape, the contact groove <NUM> may also be formed in a rectangular shape capable of accommodating the rectangular pillar. As another example, although a plurality of contact grooves <NUM> are indicated in <FIG>, without being limited thereto, there may be more than one contact groove <NUM>.

The connector <NUM> may be formed at one end of the flexible printed circuit board <NUM>. The connector <NUM> may be connected to the printed circuit board <NUM> with B to B contacts, so that the printed circuit board <NUM> and the flexible printed circuit board <NUM> can be electrically connected to each other. A wireless communication circuit (e.g., antenna module <NUM> in <FIG>) may be disposed on the printed circuit board <NUM> to radiate an RF signal through the antenna radiator <NUM> and process an RF signal received through the antenna radiator <NUM>.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, when an antenna module is disposed instead of the antenna radiator <NUM>, a connector (e.g., connector <NUM> in <FIG>) may be included at the other end of the flexible printed circuit board <NUM> instead of the contact groove <NUM>. For example, if the antenna module may include a connector, it may be electrically connected to the flexible printed circuit board <NUM> by using the connector.

<FIG> is a view showing a structure in which the antenna radiator is disposed in the housing and a structure in which the antenna radiator and the flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) are electrically connected according to an embodiment of the disclosure. <FIG> is a view showing that the antenna radiator is disposed on the outer side surface of the housing so as to be movable up and down according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the recess <NUM> and the through hole <NUM> are formed in the outer sidewall of one side of the first housing <NUM>, the antenna radiator <NUM> is disposed in the recess <NUM>, and at least some of the antenna radiator <NUM> is inserted into the through hole <NUM>. The decoration portion <NUM> is disposed to cover the antenna radiator <NUM> and the through hole <NUM>, so that the antenna radiator <NUM> and the through hole <NUM> may be not exposed to the outside due to the decoration portion <NUM>.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, a plurality of through holes <NUM> may be formed in the guide rail <NUM> so that the plural contact portions <NUM> of the antenna radiator <NUM> may pass therethrough. The plural contact portions <NUM> of the antenna radiator <NUM> may pass through the through holes <NUM> and be inserted into the contact grooves <NUM> of the flexible printed circuit board <NUM>.

<FIG> is a view showing that the flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) is disposed on the guide rail so that the flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) can move according to the movement of the antenna radiator according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, a guide groove into which the flexible printed circuit board <NUM> can be inserted is formed in the guide rail <NUM>. Through this, the antenna radiator <NUM> disposed outside the first housing <NUM> may be electrically connected to the flexible printed circuit board <NUM>. The flexible printed circuit board <NUM> is electrically connected to the printed circuit board (e.g., printed circuit board <NUM> in <FIG> and <FIG>), so that the antenna radiator <NUM> may be electrically connected to the printed circuit board <NUM>.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, at least a portion of the flexible printed circuit board <NUM> is inserted into the guide groove of the guide rail <NUM>, and the flexible printed circuit board <NUM> and the guide rail <NUM> may be moved in a first direction (e.g., Y-axis direction) or in a second direction (e.g., negative Y-axis direction). The antenna radiator <NUM>, the guide rail <NUM>, and the flexible printed circuit board <NUM> may move according to movement of the second housing (e.g., second housing <NUM> in <FIG> and <FIG>).

The guide rail <NUM> may be connected to the second housing <NUM>. As a result, when the second housing <NUM> is moved, the guide rail <NUM> may be moved and the antenna radiator <NUM> and the flexible printed circuit board <NUM> arranged on the guide rail <NUM> may be moved along the guide rail <NUM>.

The first housing <NUM> may include a groove (not shown) in which the guide rail <NUM> can be disposed so that the guide rail <NUM> may move according to the movement of the second housing <NUM>. This groove may guide the guide rail <NUM> to move in a specified direction (e.g., Y-axis direction).

A connection member capable of transmitting an RF signal such as a coaxial cable may be disposed in place of the flexible printed circuit board <NUM>.

Hereinabove, a description has been given of embodiments in which the antenna radiator <NUM> is disposed on an outer sidewall of the first housing <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM> including a flexible display, and in case of screen contraction or screen expansion of the electronic device <NUM>, the antenna radiator <NUM>, the guide rail <NUM>, and the flexible printed circuit board <NUM> are moved upward in the Y-axis direction or moved downward in the negative Y-axis direction.

Without being limited to this, in a bar-type electronic device including a flat panel display, an antenna radiator may be disposed on an outer sidewall of the housing, a slit may be formed in the outer sidewall of the housing, and a flexible printed circuit board connected to the antenna radiator may be disposed inside the housing. For example, the antenna radiator may be disposed outside the housing of the electronic device, and a connector of the antenna radiator may be inserted into the housing to be electrically connected to the flexible printed circuit board.

<FIG> is a diagram <NUM> showing an S-parameter value <NUM> of the antenna when the electronic device is in a slide-in (e.g., slide-close) state according to an embodiment of the disclosure. <FIG> is a diagram <NUM> illustrating radiation efficiency of the antenna when the electronic device is in a slide-in (e.g., slide-close) state according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the X-axis represents the frequency, and the Y-axis represents an S-parameter. Radiation efficiency <NUM> may indicate the overall efficiency of the antenna of the electronic device in a slide-in (e.g., slide-close) state. Total efficiency <NUM>, as radiation efficiency (<NUM>) * S11 (matching characteristic), may represent the efficiency excluding the input loss of the antenna of the electronic device in the slide-in (e.g., slide-close) state.

It can be seen that radiation efficiencies <NUM> and <NUM> of the antenna (e.g., antenna radiator <NUM> in <FIG> and <FIG>) are excellent because the S-parameter value <NUM> becomes -<NUM> to - <NUM> dB in the range of <NUM> to <NUM> when the electronic device <NUM> is in the slide-in (e.g., slide-close) state.

<FIG> is a diagram <NUM> showing an S-parameter value of the antenna when the electronic device is in a screen slide-out (e.g., slide-open) state according to an embodiment of the disclosure. <FIG> is a diagram <NUM> illustrating radiation efficiencies <NUM> and <NUM> of the antenna when the electronic device is in the screen slide-out (e.g., slide-open) state according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the X-axis represents the frequency, and the Y-axis represents an S-parameter. Radiation efficiency <NUM> may indicate the overall efficiency of the antenna of the electronic device in a slide-out (e.g., slide-open) state. Total efficiency <NUM>, as radiation efficiency (<NUM>) * S11 (matching characteristic), may represent the efficiency excluding the input loss of the antenna of the electronic device in the slide-out (e.g., slide-open) state.

It can be seen that radiation efficiencies <NUM> and <NUM> of the antenna (e.g., antenna radiator <NUM> in <FIG> and <FIG>) are excellent because the S-parameter value <NUM> becomes -<NUM> to - <NUM> dB in the range of <NUM> to <NUM> when the electronic device <NUM> is in screen expansion (e.g., slide-open).

Referring to <FIG>, it can be seen that the radiation efficiency of the antenna (e.g., antenna radiator <NUM> in <FIG> and <FIG>) is excellent regardless of slide-in (e.g., slide-close) or screen expansion (e.g., slide-open) of the electronic device <NUM>.

In the electronic device <NUM> according to an embodiment of the disclosure, the antenna radiator <NUM> and the flexible printed circuit board <NUM> are moved together with the sliding of the housing in case of screen expansion or screen contraction, which can reduce loss due to an increase in the length of a conductive connection member of the flexible printed circuit board <NUM> to thereby improve the radiation performance of the antenna radiator <NUM>.

In the electronic device <NUM> according to an embodiment of the disclosure, when the mounting space of the antenna radiator <NUM> is insufficient due to the form factor, the antenna radiator <NUM> may be disposed on the outer sidewall of the housings <NUM> and <NUM> and the antenna radiator <NUM> may be covered with the decoration portion <NUM>, thereby preventing the antenna radiator <NUM> from being exposed to the outside. In addition, through holes <NUM> may be formed in one sidewall of the first housing <NUM> and plural contact portions <NUM> of the antenna radiator <NUM> may penetrate the through holes <NUM> and be electrically connected to the flexible printed circuit board <NUM> arranged inside the first housing <NUM>. Thereby, the antenna may be disposed outside the housings <NUM> and <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM>, so that the space constraint due to the form factor of the electronic device <NUM> can be overcome, and the degree of freedom in design of the electronic device <NUM> can be secured.

The electronic device (e.g., electronic device <NUM> in <FIG> ) according to an embodiment of the disclosure may include a first housing (e.g., first housing <NUM> in <FIG> and <FIG>), a second housing (e.g., second housing <NUM> in <FIG> and <FIG>), a flexible display (e.g., display <NUM> in <FIG> and <FIG>), a printed circuit board (e.g., printed circuit board <NUM> in <FIG> and <FIG>), an antenna radiator (e.g., antenna radiator <NUM> in <FIG> and <FIG>), and a flexible printed circuit board (e.g., flexible printed circuit board <NUM> in <FIG>). The second housing (e.g., second housing <NUM> in <FIG> and <FIG>) may be slid in a first direction to be pulled out of the first housing (e.g., first housing <NUM> in <FIG> and <FIG>) and may be slid in a second direction opposite to the first direction to be pulled into the inside of the first housing (e.g., first housing <NUM> in <FIG> and <FIG>). The flexible display (e.g., display <NUM> in <FIG> and <FIG>) may be disposed in the first housing (e.g., first housing <NUM> in <FIG> and <FIG>) and the second housing (e.g., second housing <NUM> in <FIG> and <FIG>). The printed circuit board (e.g., printed circuit board <NUM> in <FIG> and <FIG>) may be disposed in the second housing (e.g., second housing <NUM> in <FIG> and <FIG>) and may be moved according to the sliding of the second housing (e.g., second housing <NUM> in <FIG> and <FIG>). The antenna radiator (e.g., antenna radiator <NUM> in <FIG> and <FIG>) may be disposed on a side surface of the first housing (e.g., first housing <NUM> in <FIG> and <FIG>). The flexible printed circuit board (e.g., flexible printed circuit board <NUM> in <FIG>) may electrically connect the printed circuit board (e.g., printed circuit board <NUM> in <FIG> and <FIG>) and the antenna radiator (e.g., antenna radiator <NUM> in <FIG> and <FIG>). The first housing (e.g., first housing <NUM> in <FIG> and <FIG>) may include a through hole (e.g., through hole <NUM> in <FIG>) formed in a side surface thereof, and at least some of the antenna radiator (e.g., antenna radiator <NUM> in <FIG> and <FIG>) may be inserted via the through hole (e.g., through hole <NUM> in <FIG>) into the inside of the first housing (e.g., first housing <NUM> in <FIG> and <FIG>). According to the sliding of the second housing (e.g., second housing <NUM> in <FIG> and <FIG>), the antenna radiator (e.g., antenna radiator <NUM> in <FIG> and <FIG>) may be moved on a side surface of the first housing (e.g., first housing <NUM> in <FIG> and <FIG>).

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the printed circuit board (e.g., printed circuit board <NUM> in <FIG> and <FIG>) may be moved in the first direction or in the second direction according to the sliding of the second housing (e.g., second housing <NUM> in <FIG> and <FIG>).

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the antenna radiator may be moved in the first direction or in the second direction inside the through hole (e.g., through hole <NUM> in <FIG>) of the first housing (e.g., first housing <NUM> in <FIG> and <FIG>) according to the sliding of the second housing (e.g., second housing <NUM> in <FIG> and <FIG>).

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the flexible printed circuit board (e.g., flexible printed circuit board <NUM> in <FIG>) may be moved in the first direction or in the second direction inside the first housing (e.g., first housing <NUM> in <FIG> and <FIG>) according to the sliding of the second housing (e.g., second housing <NUM> in <FIG> and <FIG>).

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the electronic device may include a guide rail (e.g., guide rail <NUM> in <FIG>) that is disposed on an inner side surface of the first housing (e.g., first housing <NUM> in <FIG> and <FIG>) and includes a guide groove into which the flexible printed circuit board (e.g., flexible printed circuit board <NUM> in <FIG>) is inserted.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the flexible printed circuit board (e.g., flexible printed circuit board <NUM> in <FIG>) may be inserted into the guide groove to be moved in the first direction or the second direction.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, contact portions (e.g., contact portions <NUM> in <FIG>) of the antenna radiator may be electrically connected to the flexible printed circuit board (e.g., flexible printed circuit board <NUM> in <FIG>).

According to an embodiment, the guide rail (e.g., guide rail <NUM> in <FIG>) may include a plurality of through holes (e.g., through holes <NUM> in <FIG>) that are penetrated by the plurality of contact portions (e.g., contact portions <NUM> in <FIG>) of the antenna radiator.

According to an embodiment, the flexible printed circuit board (e.g., flexible printed circuit board <NUM> in <FIG>) may include a plurality of contact grooves (e.g., contact grooves <NUM> in <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>) into which the plural contact portions (e.g., contact portions <NUM> in <FIG>) of the antenna radiator are inserted.

According to an embodiment, a connector (e.g., connector <NUM> in <FIG>), which is electrically connected to the printed circuit board, may be formed at one end of the flexible printed circuit board (e.g., flexible printed circuit board <NUM> in <FIG>).

According to an embodiment, the electronic device may include a decoration portion (e.g., decoration portion <NUM> in <FIG> and <FIG>) disposed on an outer side surface of the first housing (e.g., first housing <NUM> in <FIG> and <FIG>) to cover the antenna radiator.

According to an embodiment, the decoration portion (e.g., decoration portion <NUM> in <FIG> and <FIG>) may be disposed to cover the through hole (e.g., through hole <NUM> in <FIG>).

According to an embodiment, the decoration portion (e.g., decoration portion <NUM> in <FIG> and <FIG>) may include a groove (e.g., groove <NUM> in <FIG>) into which at least some of the antenna radiator is inserted.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device may include a recess (e.g., recess <NUM> in <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>) that is formed to have a specific depth on one sidewall of the first housing (e.g., first housing <NUM> in <FIG> and <FIG>).

According to an embodiment, the antenna radiator (e.g., antenna radiator <NUM> in <FIG> and <FIG>) may be disposed in the recess (e.g., recess <NUM> in <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>).

According to an embodiment, the decoration portion (e.g., decoration portion <NUM> in <FIG> and <FIG>) may be disposed to cover the recess (e.g., recess <NUM> in <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>).

According to an embodiment, the through hole (e.g., through hole <NUM> in <FIG>) may be formed in the shape of a bar having a long length in the first direction and in the second direction.

According to an embodiment, the printed circuit board (e.g., printed circuit board <NUM> in <FIG> and <FIG>) may include an antenna driving module.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device may include a friction reduction member disposed between the antenna radiator and the outer side surface of the first housing (e.g., first housing <NUM> in <FIG> and <FIG>).

According to an embodiment, the electronic device may include an antenna matching portion disposed between the antenna radiator and the flexible printed circuit board (e.g., flexible printed circuit board <NUM> in <FIG>).

Claim 1:
An electronic device (<NUM>) comprising:
a first housing (<NUM>);
a second housing (<NUM>) that is configured to slide in a first direction to be pulled out of the first housing (<NUM>) and to slide in a second direction opposite to the first direction to be pulled into an inside of the first housing (<NUM>);
a flexible display (<NUM>) disposed in the first housing (<NUM>) and the second housing (<NUM>);
a printed circuit board (<NUM>) that is disposed in the second housing (<NUM>) and is configured to move according to sliding of the second housing (<NUM>);
an antenna radiator (<NUM>) disposed on a side surface of the first housing (<NUM>); and
a flexible printed circuit board (<NUM>) electrically connecting the printed circuit board (<NUM>) and the antenna radiator (<NUM>),
characterised in that
the first housing (<NUM>) includes a through hole (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) formed in the side surface thereof, and at least a portion of the antenna radiator (<NUM>) is inserted via the through hole (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) into the inside of the first housing (<NUM>), and
the antenna radiator (<NUM>) is configured to move inside the through hole (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) of the first housing (<NUM>) according to the sliding of the second housing (<NUM>).