WO2026010084A1 - Electronic device including conductive portion - Google Patents

Abstract

This foldable electronic device comprises: a housing including a first housing part and a second housing part rotatably connected to the first housing part; and a display. The first housing part includes: a conductive sidewall portion perpendicular to the folding axis and spaced apart from the display; a conductive protruding portion extending into the first housing part and including a first hole and a second hole that are arranged between the display and the conductive sidewall portion; a first non-conductive portion inserted into the first hole of the conductive protruding portion; a second non-conductive portion inserted into the second hole of the conductive protruding portion; and a third non-conductive portion located on one surface of the conductive protruding portion, connected to the first non-conductive portion, and disconnected from the second non-conductive portion. The display may include a marker located inside a protruding portion of the display.

Description

Electronic devices containing conductive parts

The present disclosure relates to an electronic device including a conductive portion.

An electronic device may be composed of multiple electronic components. While each electronic component is being assembled, the electronic device may include a structure to guide the position of the components. For example, a marker structure included in a display and a marker structure included in a housing of the electronic device may be aligned with each other within a specified range.

The above information may be provided as background art to aid in understanding the present disclosure. No claim or determination is made as to whether any of the above is applicable as prior art related to the present disclosure.

According to one embodiment, a foldable electronic device may include a housing and a display. The housing may include a first housing part and a second housing part rotatably connected to the first housing part about a folding axis. The first housing part may include a conductive sidewall portion that is perpendicular to the folding axis and spaced apart from the display. The first housing part may further include a conductive protrusion portion that extends inside the first housing part from the conductive sidewall portion of the first housing part and includes a first hole and a second hole disposed between the display and the conductive sidewall portion. The first housing part may further include a first non-conductive portion inserted into the first hole of the conductive protrusion portion. The first housing part may further include a second non-conductive portion inserted into the second hole of the conductive protrusion portion. The first housing part may further include a third non-conductive portion positioned on one side of the conductive protruding portion facing the front side of the first housing part, connected to the first non-conductive portion, and disconnected from the second non-conductive portion. The display may include a marker positioned within the protruding portion of the display extending from an edge portion of the display corresponding to the conductive side wall portion of the first housing part.

According to one embodiment, a foldable electronic device may include a housing and a display. The housing may include a first housing part and a second housing part rotatably connected to the first housing part about a folding axis. The first housing part may include a conductive sidewall portion that is perpendicular to the folding axis and spaced apart from the display. The first housing part may further include a conductive protruding portion that extends inside the first housing part from the conductive sidewall portion of the first housing part and includes a hole disposed between the display and the conductive sidewall portion. The first housing part may further include a first non-conductive portion inserted into the hole. The first housing part may further include a second non-conductive portion that is located on one side of the conductive protruding portion facing the front surface of the first housing part and is disconnected from the first non-conductive portion. The first housing part may further include a third non-conductive portion positioned on the other side of the conductive protruding portion facing the rear surface of the first housing part and connected to the first non-conductive portion. The display may include a marker positioned within the protruding portion of the display extending from an edge portion of the display corresponding to the conductive side wall portion of the first housing part. The marker may be positioned between the hole and the folding axis.

In connection with the description of the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals may be used for the same or similar components.

FIG. 1A illustrates an example of an unfolded state of a foldable electronic device according to one embodiment.

FIG. 1B illustrates an example of a folded state of a foldable electronic device according to one embodiment.

FIG. 1C is an exploded view of a foldable electronic device according to one embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a drawing showing the arrangement of a conductive side wall portion and a display of a foldable electronic device according to one embodiment.

FIGS. 3A and 3B are cross-sectional views illustrating a conductive side wall portion and an edge portion of a display of a foldable electronic device according to one embodiment.

FIG. 4A is a drawing showing a portion of a first housing part including a conductive sidewall portion and a conductive protrusion portion of a foldable electronic device according to one embodiment.

FIG. 4B is a drawing showing a portion of a first housing part having a non-conductive portion joined to a conductive side wall portion and a conductive protrusion portion of a foldable electronic device according to one embodiment.

FIG. 5A is a drawing showing a portion of a second housing part including a conductive sidewall portion and a conductive protrusion portion of a foldable electronic device according to one embodiment.

FIG. 5B is a drawing showing a portion of a second housing part having a non-conductive portion joined to a conductive side wall portion and a conductive protrusion portion of a foldable electronic device according to one embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a graph showing the antenna radiation performance of a conductive sidewall portion disposed on top according to one embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a graph showing the antenna radiation performance of a conductive side wall portion disposed at the bottom according to one embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of an electronic device within a network environment according to various embodiments.

FIG. 1A illustrates an example of an unfolded state of an electronic device according to one embodiment, FIG. 1B illustrates an example of a folded state of an electronic device according to one embodiment, and FIG. 1C is an exploded view of the electronic device according to one embodiment.

Referring to FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 1C, the electronic device (101) may include a first housing part (110), a second housing part (120), and a foldable display (130). The electronic device (101) may be referred to as a foldable electronic device at the point where it folds around the folding axis (137).

The electronic device (101) may include a first housing part (110), a second housing part (120), a hinge structure (160), a foldable display (130), a printed circuit board (150), a display (135), and/or a back plate (190). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may omit at least one of the components or additionally include other components.

In one embodiment, the first housing part (110) may define a portion of an outer surface of the electronic device (101). The first housing part (110) may define a first side surface (111), a second side surface (112) spaced apart from and opposite the first side surface (111), and a first side surface of a first side wall (113) surrounding at least a portion of the first side surface (111) and the second side surface (112). In one embodiment, the first housing part (110) may provide a space defined by the first side surface (111), the second side surface (112), and the first side surface as a space for arranging components of the electronic device (101).

In one embodiment, the second side wall (123) may be pivotally connected to the first side wall (113) via a hinge structure (160) disposed on a hinge cover (165). The hinge structure (160) may include a hinge module and hinge plates (166, 167). The hinge plates may include a first hinge plate (166) and a second hinge plate (167), and the first hinge plate (166) may be connected to the first housing part (110), and the second hinge plate (167) may be connected to the second housing part (120).

In one embodiment, the second housing part (120) may include a third face (121), a fourth face (122) facing and spaced from the third face (121), and a second side wall (123) surrounding at least a portion of the third face (121) and the fourth face (122). The second housing part (120) may provide a space defined by the third face (121), the fourth face (122), and the second side of the second side wall (123) as a space for arranging components of the electronic device (101).

In one embodiment, the foldable display (130) may include a window exposed to the outside. The window may protect the surface of the foldable display (130) and may be formed of a transparent material to transmit visual information provided from the foldable display (130) to the outside. The window may include a glass material such as ultra-thin glass (UTG) or a polymer material such as polyimide (PI).

In one embodiment, the foldable display (130) may form at least a portion of a first side (111) of the first housing part (110) (e.g., a front side of the first housing part (110)) and a third side (121) of the second housing part (120) (e.g., a front side of the second housing part (120)). The foldable display (130) may be disposed on the first side (111) of the first housing part (110) and the third side (121) of the second housing part (120) across a hinge structure (160) within a hinge cover (165). The foldable display (130) may be configured to bend within a folded state of the electronic device (101) by the hinge structure (160). The foldable display (130) may include a first display area (131), a second display area (132), and a third display area (133). For example, the foldable display (130) may include a first display area (131) disposed on a first surface (111) of a first housing, a second display area (132) disposed on a third surface (121) of a second housing, and a third display area (133) between the first display area (131) and the second display area (132). The foldable display (130) may be supported by a first bracket (170) of the first housing part (110) and a second bracket (180) of the second housing part (120).

According to one embodiment, the foldable display (130) may include an opening formed in a portion of the screen display area. According to one embodiment, the bracket supporting the foldable display (130) may include a recess or an opening. The electronic device (101) may include at least one camera aligned with the recess or the opening. For example, the first display area (131) may further include at least one camera (136) capable of acquiring an image from the outside through a portion of the first display area (131). According to one embodiment, the foldable display (130) may include at least one camera (136) on the rear surface of the foldable display (130) corresponding to the first display area (131) or the second display area (132). For example, the at least one camera (136) may be disposed below the foldable display (130) and may be surrounded by the foldable display (130). At least one camera (136) may be an under-display camera (UDC) that is covered by the foldable display (130) and is not exposed to the outside. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the foldable display (130) may include an opening that exposes at least one camera (136) to the outside. In one embodiment, the camera (136) may acquire images of the external environment and/or external objects through the opening.

In one embodiment, the fourth side (122) of the second housing part (120) may further include at least one camera (134) and display (135) exposed through a portion of the fourth side (122).

In one embodiment, the hinge structure (160) may be configured to pivotally connect a first bracket (170) forming a first housing part (110) and a second bracket (180) forming a second housing part (120).

In one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may be in one of a folded state, an unfolded state, or an intermediate state. The folded state may be a state in which the first surface (111) of the first housing part (110) and the third surface (121) of the second housing part (120) face each other. In the folded state, the direction in which the first surface (111) faces and the direction in which the third surface (121) faces may be opposite to each other. The unfolded state may be a state in which the first surface (111) of the first housing part (110) and the third surface (121) of the second housing part (120) are substantially continuous planes. In the unfolded state, the direction in which the first surface (111) faces and the direction in which the third surface (121) faces may be the same. The intermediate state may be a state between the unfolded state and the folded state. In the intermediate state, the direction in which the first side (111) faces and the direction in which the third side (121) faces may be different.

In one embodiment, while the electronic device (101) is in a folded state, the hinge cover (165) surrounding the hinge structure (160) may be at least partially exposed between the first housing part (110) and the second housing part (120). In another embodiment, while the electronic device (101) is in an unfolded state, the hinge cover (165) may be covered by the first housing part (110) and the second housing part (120).

In one embodiment, the electronic device (101) can be folded about a folding axis (137) passing through the hinge cover (165) or the hinge structure (160). For example, the hinge structure (160) within the hinge cover (165) can be positioned between the first housing part (110) and the second housing part (120) of the electronic device (101) to enable the electronic device (101) to be bent, curved, or folded. For example, the first housing part (110) can be connected to the second housing part (120) through the hinge structure (160) positioned within the hinge cover (165) and can be rotated about the folding axis (137).

In one embodiment, the electronic device (101) can be folded such that the first housing part (110) and the second housing part (120) face each other by rotating about the folding axis (137). In one embodiment, the electronic device (101) can be folded such that the first housing part (110) and the second housing part (120) cover or overlap each other.

The hinge structure (160) may include a hinge module and hinge plates (166, 167). The hinge module may include a hinge gear (162, 163) that enables the first housing part (110) and the second housing part (120) to pivot.

The first housing part (110) may include a first bracket (170), and the second housing part (120) may include a second bracket (180). The first bracket (170) may be partially surrounded by the first side wall (113), and the second bracket (180) may be partially surrounded by the second side wall (123). The first bracket (170) may be formed integrally with the first side wall (113), and the second bracket (180) may be formed integrally with the second side wall (123). According to one embodiment, the first bracket (170) may be formed separately from the first side wall (113), and the second bracket (180) may be formed separately from the second side wall (123). The first side wall (113) and the second side wall (123) may be formed of a metallic material, a non-metallic material, or a combination thereof. For example, the first side wall (113) may include a conductive portion (118) and a non-conductive portion (119). The conductive portion (118) may be used as a radiator of the antenna.

One side of the first bracket (170) can be coupled with the rear plate (190), and the other side of the first bracket (170) can be coupled with the foldable display (130). One side of the second bracket (180) can be coupled with the display (135), and the other side of the second bracket (180) can be coupled with the foldable display (130).

A printed circuit board (150) and a battery may be placed in the space between the surface formed by the first bracket (170) and the second bracket (180) and the surface formed by the display (135) and the rear plate (190). The printed circuit board (150) may be separated so that it may be placed in each of the first bracket (170) of the first housing part (110) and the second bracket (180) of the second housing part (120). Components for implementing various functions of the electronic device (101) may be placed on the printed circuit board (150).

According to one embodiment, the first printed circuit board (151) may have components for implementing the overall function of the electronic device (101) arranged thereon, and the second printed circuit board (152) may have electronic components for implementing some functions of the first printed circuit board (151) arranged thereon, or components for driving the display panel arranged on the fourth surface (122) may be arranged thereon. The first printed circuit board (151) and the second printed circuit board (152) may be electrically connected by a flexible printed circuit board (140).

The battery (155) may include, for example, a non-rechargeable primary battery, a rechargeable secondary battery, or a fuel cell, as a device for supplying power to at least one component of the electronic device (101). At least a portion of the battery (155) may be disposed substantially flush with the printed circuit board (150). The substantially flush surfaces of the printed circuit board (150) and the battery (155) may be disposed on one surface of the first bracket (170) and the second bracket (180) (e.g., the surface facing the second surface (112) and the fourth surface (122), or the surface facing the display panel and the back plate (190). For example, a flexible display (130) may be placed on the first side (111) and the third side (121), and a printed circuit board (150) and a battery (155) may be placed on the second side (112) and the fourth side (122) facing the side on which the flexible display (130) is placed.

Antenna (185) may be positioned between the rear plate (190) and the battery (155) in one embodiment. Antenna (185) may include, for example, a near field communication (NFC) antenna, a wireless charging antenna, and/or a magnetic secure transmission (MST) antenna. Antenna (185) may, for example, perform short-range communication with an external device or wirelessly transmit and receive power required for charging.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the arrangement of a conductive side wall portion and a display of a foldable electronic device according to one embodiment. FIGS. 3A and 3B are cross-sectional views illustrating the conductive side wall portion and the edge portion of the display of a foldable electronic device according to one embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 2, a foldable electronic device (200) (e.g., the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1A) may include a housing (102) and a display (130).

The housing (102) may include a first housing part (110) and a second housing part (120). The first housing part (110) may include conductive side wall portions (201, 202, 203, 204), conductive protruding portions, and non-conductive portions.

The first side wall (113) of the first housing part (110) may include conductive side wall portions (201, 202, 203, 204). At least one of the conductive side wall portions (201, 202, 203, 204) may function as an antenna radiator. The conductive side wall portions (201, 202, 203, 204) of the first housing part (110) and the conductive side wall portions of the second housing part (120) may be similar.

Among the conductive side wall portions (201, 202, 203, 204), the first conductive side wall portion (201), the second conductive side wall portion (202), the third conductive side wall portion (203), and the fourth conductive side wall portion (204) may be perpendicular to the folding axis (f) of the foldable electronic device (200). The conductive side wall portions (201, 202, 203, 204) may be spaced apart from the display. Each of the conductive side wall portions (201, 202, 203, 204) may function as an antenna radiator within a frequency band corresponding to each of the conductive side wall portions (201, 202, 203, 204). The conductive side wall portions (201, 202, 203, 204) may be spaced apart from each other. The gap between the conductive side wall portions (201, 202, 203, 204) can be filled by a non-conductive portion (220a). The non-conductive portion (202a) can space the conductive side wall portions (201, 202, 203, 204) apart from each other. For example, the electronic device (101) can further include a printed circuit board (150) (e.g., the printed circuit board (150) of FIG. 1C or the first printed circuit board (151)). The first printed circuit board (151) can be disposed within the first housing part (110). At least one of the conductive side wall portions (201, 202, 203, 204) can function as an antenna radiator. The conductive protrusion portion (201a) protruding from each of the conductive side wall portions (201, 202, 203, 204) may be brought into contact with a conductive elastic member of the printed circuit board. The elastic member may include a C-clip. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the elastic member may be replaced with a pogo pin, a connector, or a conductive member for connection.

Each of the conductive protrusion portions (201a) may protrude from a corresponding conductive side wall portion (201). For example, each of the conductive protrusion portions (201a) of the first housing part (110) may extend inwardly of the first housing part (110) from a corresponding conductive side wall portion (201). Each of the conductive protrusion portions (205a) of the second housing part (120) may extend inwardly of the second housing part (120) from a corresponding conductive side wall portion (205). Each of the conductive protrusion portions (201a, 205a) included in the first housing part (110) and the second housing part (120) may include at least one hole. The conductive side wall portions (201, 202, 203, 204, 205, 206, 207, 208) and the conductive protruding portions (201a, 205a) can be formed of substantially the same material. Non-conductive portions (220a, 220c) can be joined to the conductive side wall portions (201, 202, 203, 204, 205, 206, 207, 208) and the conductive protruding portions (201a, 205a) of the first housing part (110) and the second housing part (120). For example, the non-conductive portion (220a, 220c) can be joined to the conductive side wall portions (201, 202, 203, 204, 205, 206, 207, 208) and the conductive protruding portions (201a, 205a) through an injection molding process. When the non-conductive portions (220a, 220c) are injected and joined to the conductive side wall portions (201, 205) and the conductive protruding portions (201a, 205a), the first housing part (110) and the second housing part (120) may further include a structure (e.g., holes (211, 212, 213, 214, 215, 216, 217, 218)) to increase the bonding force between the non-conductive portions (220a, 220c) and the conductive side wall portions and the conductive protruding portions. The non-conductive portions (220a, 220b) are filled in at least one of the holes, and the bonding force between the conductive protruding portions and the non-conductive portions may be increased by the non-conductive portions (220a, 220c) in the at least one hole. For example, the first conductive protrusion portion (201a) within the first housing part (110) may include a hole (211) and a hole (212) arranged between the display and the first conductive side wall portion (201). A portion of the non-conductive portion (220a) may fill each of the holes (211, 212), and the remainder of the non-conductive portion (220a) may be arranged on the surface of the conductive protrusion portion. The non-conductive portion (220a) may be arranged in a space between the conductive side wall portions (201, 202, 203, 204). The arrangement relationship within the holes of the non-conductive portion will be described later with reference to FIGS. 3A, 3B, 4A, 4B, 5A, and 5B.

The display (130) may define at least a portion of the front surface of the electronic device (101). For example, the display (130) may form at least a portion of the exterior of the electronic device (101) (or at least a portion of the exterior of the housing (102). The display (130) may be supported by a bracket (or a supporting portion (e.g., the first bracket (170) or the second bracket (180) of FIG. 1C)). The display (130) may be disposed on a portion of a conductive protruding portion and a non-conductive portion of the housing (102).

The display (130) may include a plurality of layers. The plurality of layers of the display (130) may include a display panel for driving the display (130). For example, the plurality of layers may include layers that function as a transparent member, a polarizer, a color filter, a pixel layer, a touch panel (or touch pattern), a digitizer, and/or a thin film transistor. The plurality of layers may be attached to each other by an adhesive or an adhesive layer.

At least the transparent member among the plurality of layers may function as a cover glass or a window. The window may define at least a portion of the front surface of the housing (102) or the electronic device (101). The polarizing plate may reduce the amount of light reflected within the display (130) after being incident from the outside of the electronic device (101). As the amount of light reflected within the display (130) is reduced by the polarizing plate, the visibility of the display (130) may be improved. To improve visibility, the display (130) may include a color filter instead of the polarizing plate. Without being limited thereto, the display (130) may include both the polarizing plate and the color filter. The pixel layer may be configured to provide visual information to the outside. The pixel layer may be configured to emit light of a specified color from each pixel to the outside. The pixel layer may be configured to operate by a thin film transistor. The touch panel or digitizer may be configured to receive external input transmitted through the surface of the display (130). The display may include a support plate for supporting the display from below the display panel. The support plate may include a lattice structure so that the display can be folded about a folding axis.

The display (130) may include a marker (231) positioned within a protruding portion of the display (130) extending from an edge portion of the display (130) corresponding to the conductive side wall portions (201, 202, 203, 204) of the first housing part. The layer on which the marker (231) is positioned may be a support plate within the display (130). For example, the support plate may include a portion (233) extending from an edge of the display (130) toward the conductive side wall portions (201, 202, 203, 204). The marker (231) may be positioned in a portion of the support plate. However, it is not limited thereto, and another layer of the display (130) may include a portion (233) extending toward the conductive side wall portions (201, 202, 203, 204), and a marker (231) may be placed on the extending portion (233).

The marker (231) may be a reference point for identifying the assembly state or adhesion state of the display (130) disposed in the housing (102) including the first housing part (110) and the second housing part (120). The marker (231) may be aligned with one of the holes (211, 212) disposed in the conductive protruding portion (201a). For example, during the assembly process of the electronic device, the marker (213) may be configured to be disposed within a specified distance with respect to one of the holes (211, 212) disposed in the conductive protruding portion. The distance between the marker (213) and one of the holes (211, 212) disposed in the conductive protruding portion (201a) may be within the field of view range of an optical device (e.g., a camera) that inspects the assembly state of the display (130) and the housing (102). The marker (213) may be positioned between the hole (211) positioned in the conductive protruding portion (201a) and the folding axis (f). For example, the marker (231) may be closer to the folding axis (f) than the hole (211). When the structure that serves as the reference point of the marker (231) is positioned in the conductive side wall portion (201), the antenna length of the conductive side wall portion (201) may be reduced, and the size of the antenna aperture of the slit section positioned on the side of the conductive side wall portion (201) may be reduced, thereby lowering the antenna efficiency. By sharing the structure that serves as the reference point of the marker (231) with the hole (211), which is a link hole of the conductive side wall portion (201), the antenna aperture may be expanded, thereby expanding the antenna resonance range and improving the antenna efficiency.

Referring to FIGS. 3A and 3B , the electronic device (101) may include conductive side wall portions (201, 203, 205, 207) forming a first side wall (113) (e.g., the first side wall (113) of FIG. 1A) of a first housing part (110) (e.g., the first housing part (110) of FIG. 1A) and a second side wall (123) (e.g., the second side wall (123) of FIG. 1A) of a second housing part (120) (e.g., the second housing part (120) of FIG. 1A). The first housing part (110) and the second housing part (120) may further include a conductive protruding portion (201a). The conductive protrusion portion (201a) can protrude from each of the conductive side wall portions (201, 203, 205, 207).

The conductive protrusion (201a) may include holes (211, 212). The holes (211, 212) may be filled by non-conductive portions (321, 322). For example, one hole (211) of the holes (211, 212) may accommodate a first non-conductive portion (321). Another hole (212) of the holes (211, 212) may accommodate a second non-conductive portion (322). For example, the first non-conductive portion (321) may be inserted into one hole (211) of the holes (211, 212). The second non-conductive portion (322) may be inserted into another hole (212) of the holes (211, 212). The third non-conductive portion (323) can be placed on the upper surface of the conductive protruding portion (201a) facing the front surface of the first housing part (110) or the second housing part (120).

One of the holes (211, 212) may be a reference hole aligned with a marker (231) of the display (130). One of the holes (211, 212) may be a reference hole aligned with a marker (231). The hole (211) may be configured to be identifiable from the outside during the assembly process of the electronic device (101). For example, the third non-conductive portion (323) disposed on the upper surface of the conductive protruding portion (201a) may not cover the hole (211). The hole (211) may be spaced apart from the third non-conductive portion (323). Since the third non-conductive portion (323) is spaced apart from the hole (211), a metal portion around the hole (211) is exposed, making it easy to identify from the outside. The hole (211) that is not covered by the third non-conductive portion (323) can be visible even after the display (130) is placed when the display (130) is displayed. The third non-conductive portion (323) can be spaced apart from the first non-conductive portion (321) placed within the hole (211). The third non-conductive portion (323) can be connected to the second non-conductive portion (322) placed within the hole (212).

The fourth non-conductive portion (324) may be positioned on the other side of the conductive protruding portion (201a) facing the other side of the first housing part (110) and the second housing part (120). The fourth non-conductive portion (324) may be connected to the first non-conductive portion (321) and the second non-conductive portion (322). The first non-conductive portion (321), the second non-conductive portion (322), the third non-conductive portion (323), and the fourth non-conductive portion (324) may be disposed on the conductive protruding portion (201a) and the conductive side wall portion (201) through an injection molding process. The first non-conductive portion (321), the second non-conductive portion (322), the third non-conductive portion (323), and the fourth non-conductive portion (324) may be formed integrally. For example, the first non-conductive portion (321), the second non-conductive portion (322), the third non-conductive portion (323), and the fourth non-conductive portion (324) formed through an injection molding process may be formed as a single body. The first non-conductive portion (321), the second non-conductive portion (322), the third non-conductive portion (323), and the fourth non-conductive portion (324) may be formed of a polymer material. The polymer material may include, but is not limited to, plastic, ABS, acrylic, nylon, polystyrene, or phenol.

One side of the conductive protrusion portion (201a) facing the front of the first housing part (110) or the second housing part (120) may include a step portion between the hole (211) and the hole (212).

The height of the hole (211) may be different from the height of the hole (212). For example, the end of the hole (211) used as a reference point or marker for the display (130) may be configured closer to the display (130), and the end of the hole (212) used to increase the bonding strength of the non-conductive portion may be configured farther from the display (130).

The extended length of the hole (211) within the conductive protrusion portion (201a) may be shorter than the extended length of the hole (212) within the conductive protrusion portion (201a). For example, the distance from the end of the hole (211) facing one side of the conductive protrusion portion (201a) facing the front of the first housing part (110) or the second housing part (120) to the display (130) may be longer than the distance from the end of the other hole (212) facing the one side of the conductive protrusion portion (201a) to the display (130). The length (d1a) of the hole (211) may be approximately 2.2 mm to 2.5 mm, and the length (d2a) of the hole (212) may be approximately 1.4 mm to 1.6 mm.

By reducing the distance (d1b) between one side of the conductive protrusion (201a) where the hole (211) facing the front of the first housing part (110) and the second housing part (120) is arranged and the display (130), the electronic device (101) can provide accurate positions of reference points (e.g., the hole (211) and the marker (231)) within the field of view of the camera used during the inspection while inspecting the alignment of the display (130) and the housing (102). By increasing the distance (d2b) between one side of the conductive protrusion (201a) where the hole (212) facing the front of the first housing part (110) and the second housing part (120) is arranged and the display (130), the effective height of the antenna can be increased. The radiation efficiency of the antenna using the conductive sidewall portion (201) can be increased by the increased effective height of the antenna.

FIG. 4A is a drawing illustrating a portion of a first housing part including a conductive sidewall portion and a conductive protrusion portion of a foldable electronic device according to one embodiment. FIG. 4B is a drawing illustrating a portion of a first housing part having a non-conductive portion coupled to the conductive sidewall portion and the conductive protrusion portion of the foldable electronic device according to one embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 4a, holes (211, 212) may be arranged in conductive protrusion portions (201a, 203a) arranged at ends of first conductive side wall portions (201, 203) arranged on the upper portion of the electronic device (101). The first conductive side wall portions (201, 203) may be spaced apart from the second conductive side wall portions (202, 204). When a marker for comparison with a marker of the display (130) (e.g., marker (231) of FIG. 2) is formed on the second conductive side wall portions (202, 204), the length of the second conductive side wall portions (202, 204) that can be used as an antenna becomes short, making it difficult to secure the performance of the antenna. In order to secure the length of the second conductive side wall portion (202, 204), a hole (211) used as a marker can be placed next to the hole (212). The hole (211) has been described as being placed in a conductive protruding portion (201a, 203a) placed at the end of the first conductive side wall portion (201, 203), but is not limited thereto. For example, if the conductive protruding portion formed at the end of the second conductive side wall portion (202, 204) has a width such that the hole (211) is placed, the hole (211) can be placed in the conductive protruding portion protruding from the end of the second conductive side wall portion (202, 204).

After the conductive side wall portions (201, 202, 203, 204) and the conductive protruding portions are arranged as shown in Fig. 4a, a non-conductive material made of a polymer material is melted and injected and hardened, so that a shape as shown in Fig. 4b can be formed.

Referring to FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 4B, the first non-conductive portion (321) may be positioned only within the hole (211). The conductive protrusion portion of the peripheral portion of the hole (211) in which the first non-conductive portion (321) is positioned may be visible when viewed from above. The second non-conductive portion (322) and the third non-conductive portion (323) may be connected to each other so that the hole (212) is not visible. For example, the peripheral portion of the hole (212) may be covered by the third non-conductive portion (323).

The marker (231) positioned on the peripheral portion of the hole (211) visible from the outside and the protruding portion protruding outward from the display (130) can be substantially aligned with each other. The marker (231) can be spaced apart from the hole (211) of which the peripheral portion is visible from the outside by a first distance (d1) in a direction parallel to the folding axis (f). The first distance can be within a first reference distance range specified in advance. The marker (231) can be spaced apart from the hole (211) of which the peripheral portion is visible from the outside by a second distance in a direction perpendicular to the folding axis (f). The marker (231) and the hole (211) can be substantially aligned in a direction perpendicular to the folding axis (f), so that the second distance can be small. For example, the second distance can be within a second reference distance range specified in advance. The first distance (d1) can be longer than the second distance.

Although the hole visible from the outside is described as a hole (211), it is not limited thereto. The hole (212) may be visible from the outside and configured such that the hole (211) is covered by the third non-conductive portion (323). The hole (212) may be aligned with the marker (231) of the display (130).

As another example, both the hole (211) and the hole (212) may be covered by the third non-conductive portion (323), and the third non-conductive portion (323) may be removed over the hole disposed on the conductive side wall portion (202, 204).

FIG. 5A is a drawing illustrating a portion of a second housing part including a conductive side wall portion and a conductive protrusion portion of a foldable electronic device according to one embodiment. FIG. 5B is a drawing illustrating a portion of a second housing part having a non-conductive portion coupled to the conductive side wall portion and the conductive protrusion portion of the foldable electronic device according to one embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 5a, holes (511, 512) may be arranged in conductive protrusion portions (205a, 207a) arranged at ends of third conductive side wall portions (205, 207) arranged on the upper portion of the electronic device (101). The third conductive side wall portions (205, 207) may extend in parallel in a direction perpendicular to the folding axis (f) from the folding axis (f). When a marker for comparison with a marker of the display (130) (e.g., a marker (231) of FIG. 2) is formed on the third conductive side wall portions (205, 207), the hole (511) used as the marker may be arranged next to the hole (512) in order to secure a length of the third conductive side wall portions (205, 207) that can be used as an antenna. Although the hole (511) has been described as being arranged in a conductive protrusion portion (205a, 207a) disposed at an end of a third conductive side wall portion (205, 207), it is not limited thereto. For example, if a conductive protrusion portion formed at an end of another conductive side wall portion spaced apart from the third conductive protrusion portion (205a, 207a) has a width such that a hole (511) is arranged therein, the hole (511) may be arranged in a conductive protrusion portion protruding from the end of the other conductive side wall portion.

After the conductive side wall portions (205, 207) and the conductive protruding portions (205a, 207a) are arranged as shown in Fig. 5a, a non-conductive material made of a polymer material is melted and injected and hardened, so that a shape as shown in Fig. 5b can be formed.

Referring to FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 5B, the fourth non-conductive portion (531) may be positioned only within the hole (511). The conductive protrusion of the peripheral portion of the hole (511) in which the fourth non-conductive portion (531) is positioned may be visible when viewed from above. The fifth non-conductive portion (532) and the sixth non-conductive portion (533) may be connected to each other so that the hole (512) is not visible. For example, the peripheral portion of the hole (512) may be covered by the sixth non-conductive portion (533).

Since the peripheral portion of the hole (211, 511) can be seen from the outside, it can be used as a reference for checking alignment with the marker (231) during the assembly process of the electronic device (101).

The arrangement and configuration of the conductive side wall portion, the conductive protruding portion, and the non-conductive portion of the first housing part (110) may be similar to the arrangement and configuration of the conductive side wall portion, the conductive protruding portion, and the non-conductive portion of the second housing part (120).

FIG. 6 is a graph showing the antenna radiation performance of a conductive sidewall portion disposed on top according to one embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 6, a graph (601) represents the efficiency of an antenna signal emitted through a conductive sidewall portion (202) of an electronic device (101), according to one embodiment. A graph (602) represents the efficiency of an antenna signal emitted through a conductive sidewall portion (202) of an electronic device including a structure corresponding to a marker (231) of a display (130) in a protruding portion of the conductive sidewall portion (202).

Looking at the band around 1.6 GHz, which is the frequency band mainly radiated through the conductive side wall portion (202), it can be seen that the radiation efficiency increases by approximately 1 dB.

It can be seen that the graphs (603, 604) showing the reflection coefficient are almost identical regardless of the structure corresponding to the marker (231).

If the conductive side wall portion (202) includes a structure corresponding to the marker (231) of the display (130), the length used as the antenna may be shortened, which may deteriorate the radiation performance of the antenna. For example, if a structure for identifying alignment with the marker (231) is arranged on the conductive side wall portion (202), the area or length of the slot arranged next to the conductive side wall portion (202) may be reduced. As the length of the slot is reduced, the length of the antenna is also reduced, which may deteriorate the antenna efficiency. According to one embodiment, the electronic device uses a hole arranged in the protruding portion of the conductive side wall portion (202) or the conductive protruding portion (201a) of the adjacent conductive side wall portion (e.g., the conductive side wall (201)) as a structure for alignment with the marker (231), thereby securing a slot that is longer than a conventional slot, which may improve the antenna efficiency.

FIG. 7 is a graph showing the antenna radiation performance of a conductive side wall portion disposed at the bottom according to one embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 7, a graph (701) represents the efficiency of an antenna signal emitted through a conductive sidewall portion (203) of an electronic device (101), according to one embodiment. A graph (702) represents the efficiency of an antenna signal emitted through a conductive sidewall portion (203) of an electronic device including a structure corresponding to a marker of a display (130) on the conductive sidewall portion (203).

Looking at the band around 3.4 GHz, which is the frequency band mainly radiated through the conductive side wall portion (203), it can be seen that the radiation efficiency increases by approximately 1 dB.

It can be seen that the graphs (703, 704) showing the reflection coefficient are almost identical regardless of the structure corresponding to the marker.

When a structure for a marker of the display (130) (e.g., a fiducial marker) is included in the conductive side wall portion (203), the length used as an antenna may be shortened as the structure is arranged, which may deteriorate the radiation performance of the antenna. For example, if a structure for identifying alignment with a marker is arranged in the conductive side wall portion (203), the area or length of a slot arranged in the conductive side wall portion (203) may be reduced. As the length of the slot is reduced, the length of the antenna is also reduced, which may deteriorate the antenna efficiency. According to one embodiment, an electronic device may improve antenna efficiency by using a hole arranged in a protruding portion of the conductive side wall portion (203) as a structure for alignment with a marker (231), thereby securing a slot that is longer than a conventional slot.

According to the above-described embodiment, the electronic device can secure the length of the conductive side wall portion or slot used as an antenna by using a link hole for coupling the marker located on the conductive side wall portion of the housing for determining the alignment of the marker of the display with the injection-molded product. The electronic device that secures the length of the antenna can improve the antenna radiation efficiency through the conductive side wall portion.

The technical tasks to be achieved in this document are not limited to the technical tasks mentioned above, and other technical tasks not mentioned will be clearly understood by those with ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which this document pertains.

According to the above-described embodiment, a foldable electronic device (e.g., electronic device (101) of FIG. 2) may include a housing (e.g., housing (102) of FIG. 2) and a display (e.g., display (130) of FIG. 2). The housing may include a first housing part (e.g., first housing part (110) of FIG. 2) and a second housing part (e.g., second housing part (120) of FIG. 2) rotatably connected to the first housing part about a folding axis. The first housing part may include a conductive side wall portion (e.g., a conductive side wall portion (201) of FIG. 2) that is perpendicular to the folding axis and spaced apart from the display. The first housing part may further include a conductive protruding portion (e.g., a conductive protruding portion (201a) of FIG. 2) that extends inside the first housing part from the conductive side wall portion of the first housing part and includes a first hole (e.g., a hole (211) of FIG. 2) and a second hole (e.g., a hole (212) of FIG. 2) disposed between the display and the conductive side wall portion. The first housing part may include a first non-conductive portion (e.g., a first non-conductive portion (321) of FIG. 3a) inserted into the first hole of the conductive protruding portion, and a second non-conductive portion (e.g., a second non-conductive portion (322) of FIG. 3b) inserted into the second hole of the conductive protruding portion. The display may include a third non-conductive portion (e.g., the third non-conductive portion (323) of FIG. 3A) positioned on one side of the conductive protruding portion facing the front side of the first housing part, connected to the first non-conductive portion, and disconnected from the second non-conductive portion. The display may include a marker (e.g., the marker (231) of FIG. 2) positioned within the protruding portion of the display extending from an edge portion of the display corresponding to the conductive side wall portion of the first housing part.

By utilizing a marker located on a conductive sidewall portion of a housing for determining alignment between a display marker and the housing as a link hole for coupling with an injection molded product, the length of the conductive sidewall portion or slot utilized as an antenna can be secured. An electronic device with secured antenna length can improve antenna radiation efficiency through the conductive sidewall portion.

In one embodiment, the third non-conductive portion may define an open portion that covers the first hole and the first non-conductive portion and exposes a peripheral portion of the second hole.

In one embodiment, the first hole may be spaced apart from the marker by a first distance in a direction perpendicular to the folding axis (e.g., the first distance (d1) in FIG. 4B) within a first reference distance range. The first hole may be spaced apart from the marker by a second distance in a direction parallel to the folding axis within a second reference distance range.

In one embodiment, the first distance may be longer than the second distance.

In one embodiment, the marker can be aligned with respect to the second hole.

In one embodiment, the marker may be positioned between the second hole and the folding axis.

According to one embodiment, the one side of the conductive protrusion portion may include a step portion between the first hole and the second hole.

In one embodiment, a distance from an end of the first hole facing the one side of the conductive protrusion portion to the display may be longer than a distance from an end of the second hole facing the one side of the conductive protrusion portion to the display.

In one embodiment, the extension length of the first hole may be shorter than the extension length of the second hole.

According to one embodiment, the electronic device may further include a printed circuit board disposed within the first housing part. The conductive side wall portion may function as an antenna radiator. The conductive protruding portion may contact a conductive elastic member of the printed circuit board.

The first housing part may further include another conductive side wall portion spaced apart from the conductive side wall portion and perpendicular to the folding axis. The other conductive side wall portion may be positioned between the conductive side wall portion and the folding axis.

In one embodiment, the conductive sidewall portion may define a first side of the first housing part that is perpendicular to the folding axis, the first housing part may include another conductive sidewall portion defining a second side of the first housing part opposite the first side, and another conductive protrusion portion extending inwardly of the first housing part from the other conductive sidewall portion of the first housing part and including a third hole and a fourth hole disposed between the display and the other conductive sidewall portion. The third hole may be aligned with the first hole to be parallel to the folding axis, and the fourth hole may be aligned with the second hole to be parallel to the folding axis.

In one embodiment, the second housing part may include a conductive side wall portion that is perpendicular to the folding axis and spaced apart from the display, a conductive protrusion portion that extends from the conductive side wall portion of the second housing part to the inside of the second housing part and includes a first hole and a second hole disposed between the display and the conductive side wall portion of the second housing part, a first non-conductive portion inserted into the first hole of the conductive protrusion portion of the second housing part, a second non-conductive portion inserted into the second hole of the conductive protrusion portion of the second housing part, and a third non-conductive portion positioned on one side of the conductive protrusion portion of the second housing part facing the front side of the second housing part, connected to the first non-conductive portion of the second housing part, and disconnected from the second non-conductive portion of the second housing part.

The display may include another marker positioned within another protruding portion of the display extending from an edge portion of the display corresponding to the other conductive side wall portion of the second housing part.

According to one embodiment, the marker of the display, the first hole of the first housing part, and the second hole of the first housing part may be symmetrical with respect to the other marker of the display, the first hole of the second housing part, and the second hole of the second housing part, with respect to the folding axis.

According to one embodiment, within the unfolded state of the foldable electronic device, the distance between the marker and the other marker may be within a third reference distance.

In one embodiment, the distance between the first hole of the first housing part and the marker of the display may correspond to the distance between the first hole of the second housing part and the other marker of the display.

According to one embodiment, the conductive protrusion portion where the first hole and the second hole are arranged may be arranged at an end of the conductive side wall portion.

According to the above-described embodiment, a foldable electronic device (e.g., electronic device (101) of FIG. 2) may include a housing (e.g., housing (102) of FIG. 2) including a first housing part (e.g., first housing part (110) of FIG. 2) and a second housing part (e.g., second housing part (120) of FIG. 2) rotatably connected to the first housing part about a folding axis (e.g., folding axis (f) of FIG. 2), and a display (e.g., display (130) of FIG. 2).

The first housing part comprises a conductive side wall portion (e.g., conductive side wall portion (201) of FIG. 2) perpendicular to the folding axis and spaced apart from the display, a conductive protruding portion (e.g., conductive protruding portion (201a) of FIG. 2) extending from the conductive side wall portion of the first housing part to the inside of the first housing part and including a hole disposed between the display and the conductive side wall portion, a first non-conductive portion (e.g., first non-conductive portion (321) of FIG. 3a) inserted into the hole, a second non-conductive portion (e.g., second non-conductive portion (322) of FIG. 3a) located on one side of the conductive protruding portion facing the front side of the first housing part and disconnected from the first non-conductive portion, a third non-conductive portion (e.g., second non-conductive portion (322) of FIG. 3a) located on the other side of the conductive protruding portion facing the rear side of the first housing part and connected to the first non-conductive portion. It may include a third non-conductive portion (323) of 3a.

An electronic device can secure the length of a conductive sidewall portion or slot used as an antenna by utilizing a link hole for coupling a marker located on a conductive sidewall portion of a housing for determining alignment between a marker on a display and the housing with an injection-molded article. An electronic device that secures the length of an antenna can improve antenna radiation efficiency through the conductive sidewall portion.

In one embodiment, the display may include a marker (e.g., marker (231) of FIG. 2) positioned within a protruding portion of the display extending from an edge portion of the display corresponding to the conductive side wall portion of the first housing part. The marker may be positioned between the hole and the folding axis.

In one embodiment, the second non-conductive portion may define an open portion that exposes a portion surrounding the hole.

According to one embodiment, the hole may be spaced a first distance perpendicular to the folding axis with respect to the marker within a first reference distance range, and the hole may be spaced a second distance parallel to the folding axis with respect to the marker within a second reference distance range.

The effects that can be obtained from the present disclosure are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects that are not mentioned will be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure pertains.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of an electronic device (801) within a network environment (800) according to various embodiments.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of an electronic device (801) within a network environment (800) according to various embodiments. Referring to FIG. 8, in the network environment (800), the electronic device (801) may communicate with the electronic device (802) via a first network (898) (e.g., a short-range wireless communication network), or may communicate with at least one of the electronic device (804) or the server (808) via a second network (899) (e.g., a long-range wireless communication network). In one embodiment, the electronic device (801) may communicate with the electronic device (804) via the server (808). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (801) may include a processor (820), a memory (830), an input module (850), an audio output module (855), a display module (860), an audio module (870), a sensor module (876), an interface (877), a connection terminal (878), a haptic module (879), a camera module (880), a power management module (888), a battery (889), a communication module (890), a subscriber identification module (896), or an antenna module (897). In some embodiments, the electronic device (801) may omit at least one of these components (e.g., the connection terminal (878)), or may have one or more other components added. In some embodiments, some of these components (e.g., the sensor module (876), the camera module (880), or the antenna module (897)) may be integrated into one component (e.g., the display module (860)).

The processor (820) may, for example, execute software (e.g., a program (840)) to control at least one other component (e.g., a hardware or software component) of the electronic device (801) connected to the processor (820) and perform various data processing or operations. According to one embodiment, as at least a part of the data processing or operations, the processor (820) may store commands or data received from other components (e.g., a sensor module (876) or a communication module (890)) in a volatile memory (832), process the commands or data stored in the volatile memory (832), and store result data in a non-volatile memory (834). According to one embodiment, the processor (820) may include a main processor (821) (e.g., a central processing unit or an application processor) or an auxiliary processor (823) (e.g., a graphics processing unit, a neural processing unit (NPU), an image signal processor, a sensor hub processor, or a communication processor) that can operate independently or together with the main processor (821). For example, when the electronic device (801) includes the main processor (821) and the auxiliary processor (823), the auxiliary processor (823) may be configured to use less power than the main processor (821) or to be specialized for a given function. The auxiliary processor (823) may be implemented separately from the main processor (821) or as a part thereof.

The auxiliary processor (823) may control at least a portion of functions or states associated with at least one component (e.g., a display module (860), a sensor module (876), or a communication module (890)) of the electronic device (801), for example, on behalf of the main processor (821) while the main processor (821) is in an inactive (e.g., sleep) state, or together with the main processor (821) while the main processor (821) is in an active (e.g., application execution) state. In one embodiment, the auxiliary processor (823) (e.g., an image signal processor or a communication processor) may be implemented as a part of another functionally related component (e.g., a camera module (880) or a communication module (890)). In one embodiment, the auxiliary processor (823) (e.g., a neural network processing unit) may include a hardware structure specialized for processing artificial intelligence models. The artificial intelligence models may be generated through machine learning. This learning can be performed, for example, in the electronic device (801) itself where the artificial intelligence model is executed, or can be performed through a separate server (e.g., server (808)). The learning algorithm can include, for example, supervised learning, unsupervised learning, semi-supervised learning, or reinforcement learning, but is not limited to the examples described above. The artificial intelligence model can include a plurality of artificial neural network layers. The artificial neural network can be one of a deep neural network (DNN), a convolutional neural network (CNN), a recurrent neural network (RNN), a restricted Boltzmann machine (RBM), a deep belief network (DBN), a bidirectional recurrent deep neural network (BRDNN), deep Q-networks, or a combination of two or more of the above, but is not limited to the examples described above. In addition to the hardware structure, the artificial intelligence model can additionally or alternatively include a software structure.

The memory (830) can store various data used by at least one component (e.g., the processor (820) or the sensor module (876)) of the electronic device (801). The data can include, for example, software (e.g., the program (840)) and input data or output data for commands related thereto. The memory (830) can include volatile memory (832) or non-volatile memory (834).

The program (840) may be stored as software in the memory (830) and may include, for example, an operating system (842), middleware (844), or an application (846).

The input module (850) can receive commands or data to be used in a component of the electronic device (801) (e.g., a processor (820)) from an external source (e.g., a user) of the electronic device (801). The input module (850) can include, for example, a microphone, a mouse, a keyboard, a key (e.g., a button), or a digital pen (e.g., a stylus pen).

The audio output module (855) can output audio signals to the outside of the electronic device (801). The audio output module (855) can include, for example, a speaker or a receiver. The speaker can be used for general purposes, such as multimedia playback or recording playback. The receiver can be used to receive incoming calls. In one embodiment, the receiver can be implemented separately from the speaker or as part of the speaker.

The display module (860) can visually provide information to an external party (e.g., a user) of the electronic device (801). The display module (860) may include, for example, a display, a holographic device, or a projector and a control circuit for controlling the device. In one embodiment, the display module (860) may include a touch sensor configured to detect a touch, or a pressure sensor configured to measure the intensity of a force generated by the touch.

The audio module (870) can convert sound into an electrical signal, or vice versa, convert an electrical signal into sound. According to one embodiment, the audio module (870) can acquire sound through the input module (850), output sound through the sound output module (855), or an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (802)) (e.g., speaker or headphone) directly or wirelessly connected to the electronic device (801).

The sensor module (876) can detect the operating status (e.g., power or temperature) of the electronic device (801) or the external environmental status (e.g., user status) and generate an electrical signal or data value corresponding to the detected status. According to one embodiment, the sensor module (876) can include, for example, a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a grip sensor, a proximity sensor, a color sensor, an IR (infrared) sensor, a biometric sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or an illuminance sensor.

The interface (877) may support one or more designated protocols that may be used to directly or wirelessly connect the electronic device (801) with an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (802)). In one embodiment, the interface (877) may include, for example, a high definition multimedia interface (HDMI), a universal serial bus (USB) interface, an SD card interface, or an audio interface.

The connection terminal (878) may include a connector through which the electronic device (801) may be physically connected to an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (802)). In one embodiment, the connection terminal (878) may include, for example, an HDMI connector, a USB connector, an SD card connector, or an audio connector (e.g., a headphone connector).

The haptic module (879) can convert electrical signals into mechanical stimuli (e.g., vibration or movement) or electrical stimuli that a user can perceive through tactile or kinesthetic sensations. According to one embodiment, the haptic module (879) can include, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

The camera module (880) can capture still images and videos. According to one embodiment, the camera module (880) may include one or more lenses, image sensors, image signal processors, or flashes.

The power management module (888) can manage the power supplied to the electronic device (801). According to one embodiment, the power management module (888) can be implemented as, for example, at least a part of a power management integrated circuit (PMIC).

A battery (889) may power at least one component of the electronic device (801). In one embodiment, the battery (889) may include, for example, a non-rechargeable primary battery, a rechargeable secondary battery, or a fuel cell.

The communication module (890) may support the establishment of a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between the electronic device (801) and an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (802), electronic device (804), or server (808)), and the performance of communication through the established communication channel. The communication module (890) may operate independently from the processor (820) (e.g., application processor) and may include one or more communication processors that support direct (e.g., wired) communication or wireless communication. According to one embodiment, the communication module (890) may include a wireless communication module (892) (e.g., a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) communication module) or a wired communication module (894) (e.g., a local area network (LAN) communication module, or a power line communication module). Any of these communication modules may communicate with an external electronic device (804) via a first network (898) (e.g., a short-range communication network such as Bluetooth, wireless fidelity (WiFi) direct, or infrared data association (IrDA)) or a second network (899) (e.g., a long-range communication network such as a legacy cellular network, a 5G network, a next-generation communication network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., a LAN or WAN)). These various types of communication modules may be integrated into a single component (e.g., a single chip) or implemented as multiple separate components (e.g., multiple chips). The wireless communication module (892) may use subscriber information (e.g., an international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI)) stored in the subscriber identification module (896) to verify or authenticate the electronic device (801) within a communication network such as the first network (898) or the second network (899).

The wireless communication module (892) can support 5G networks and next-generation communication technologies following the 4G network, such as NR access technology (new radio access technology). The NR access technology can support high-speed transmission of high-capacity data (eMBB (enhanced mobile broadband)), minimizing terminal power and connecting multiple terminals (mMTC (massive machine type communications)), or high reliability and low latency (URLLC (ultra-reliable and low-latency communications)). The wireless communication module (892) can support, for example, a high-frequency band (e.g., mmWave band) to achieve a high data transmission rate. The wireless communication module (892) may support various technologies for securing performance in a high-frequency band, such as beamforming, massive multiple-input and multiple-output (MIMO), full dimensional MIMO (FD-MIMO), array antenna, analog beam-forming, or large scale antenna. The wireless communication module (892) may support various requirements specified in the electronic device (801), an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (804)), or a network system (e.g., the second network (899)). According to one embodiment, the wireless communication module (892) can support a peak data rate (e.g., 20 Gbps or more) for eMBB realization, a loss coverage (e.g., 164 dB or less) for mMTC realization, or a U-plane latency (e.g., 0.5 ms or less for downlink (DL) and uplink (UL), or 1 ms or less for round trip) for URLLC realization.

The antenna module (897) can transmit or receive signals or power to or from an external device (e.g., an external electronic device). In one embodiment, the antenna module (897) may include an antenna including a radiator formed of a conductor or a conductive pattern formed on a substrate (e.g., a PCB). In one embodiment, the antenna module (897) may include a plurality of antennas (e.g., an array antenna). In this case, at least one antenna suitable for a communication method used in a communication network, such as the first network (898) or the second network (899), may be selected from the plurality of antennas by, for example, the communication module (890). A signal or power may be transmitted or received between the communication module (890) and an external electronic device via the selected at least one antenna. In some embodiments, in addition to the radiator, another component (e.g., a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC)) may be additionally formed as a part of the antenna module (897).

According to various embodiments, the antenna module (897) may form a mmWave antenna module. In one embodiment, the mmWave antenna module may include a printed circuit board, an RFIC disposed on or adjacent a first side (e.g., a bottom side) of the printed circuit board and capable of supporting a designated high frequency band (e.g., a mmWave band), and a plurality of antennas (e.g., an array antenna) disposed on or adjacent a second side (e.g., a top side or a side side) of the printed circuit board and capable of transmitting or receiving signals in the designated high frequency band.

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

According to one embodiment, commands or data may be transmitted or received between the electronic device (801) and an external electronic device (804) via a server (808) connected to a second network (899). Each of the external electronic devices (802 or 804) may be the same or a different type of device as the electronic device (801). According to one embodiment, all or part of the operations executed in the electronic device (801) may be executed in one or more of the external electronic devices (802, 804, or 808). For example, when the electronic device (801) is to perform a certain function or service automatically or in response to a request from a user or another device, the electronic device (801) may, instead of or in addition to executing the function or service itself, request one or more external electronic devices to perform the function or at least a part of the service. One or more external electronic devices that receive the request may execute at least a portion of the requested function or service, or an additional function or service related to the request, and transmit the result of the execution to the electronic device (801). The electronic device (801) may process the result as is or additionally and provide it as at least a portion of a response to the request. For this purpose, cloud computing, distributed computing, mobile edge computing (MEC), or client-server computing technology may be used, for example. The electronic device (801) may provide an ultra-low latency service by using distributed computing or mobile edge computing, for example. In another embodiment, the external electronic device (804) may include an Internet of Things (IoT) device. The server (808) may be an intelligent server utilizing machine learning and/or a neural network. According to one embodiment, the external electronic device (804) or the server (808) may be included in the second network (899). The electronic device (801) can be applied to intelligent services (e.g., smart home, smart city, smart car, or healthcare) based on 5G communication technology and IoT-related technology.

Electronic devices according to the various embodiments disclosed in this document may take various forms. Electronic devices may include, for example, portable communication devices (e.g., smartphones), computer devices, portable multimedia devices, portable medical devices, cameras, wearable devices, or home appliances. Electronic devices according to the embodiments of this document are not limited to the aforementioned devices.

The various embodiments of this document and the terminology used therein are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments, but should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutes of the embodiments. In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components. The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of the items, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this document, each of the phrases "A or B", "at least one of A and B", "at least one of A or B", "A, B, or C", "at least one of A, B, and C", and "at least one of A, B, or C" can include any one of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase among those phrases, or all possible combinations thereof. Terms such as "first," "second," or "first" or "second" may be used merely to distinguish one component from another, and do not limit the components in any other respect (e.g., importance or order). When a component (e.g., a first component) is referred to as "coupled" or "connected" to another (e.g., a second component), with or without the terms "functionally" or "communicatively," it means that the component can be connected to the other component directly (e.g., wired), wirelessly, or through a third component.

The term "module" used in various embodiments of this document may include a unit implemented in hardware, software, or firmware, and may be used interchangeably with terms such as logic, logic block, component, or circuit. A module may be an integral component, or a minimum unit or part of such a component that performs one or more functions. For example, according to one embodiment, a module may be implemented in the form of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

Various embodiments of the present document may be implemented as software (e.g., a program (840)) including one or more instructions stored in a storage medium (e.g., an internal memory (836) or an external memory (838)) readable by a machine (e.g., an electronic device (801)). For example, a processor (e.g., a processor (820)) of the machine (e.g., an electronic device (801)) may call at least one instruction among the one or more instructions stored from the storage medium and execute it. This enables the machine to operate to perform at least one function according to the at least one called instruction. The one or more instructions may include code generated by a compiler or code executable by an interpreter. The machine-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, 'non-transitory' simply means that the storage medium is a tangible device and does not contain signals (e.g., electromagnetic waves), and the term does not distinguish between cases where data is stored semi-permanently or temporarily on the storage medium.

According to one embodiment, the method according to various embodiments disclosed in this document may be provided as included in a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded as a commodity between a seller and a buyer. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a machine-readable storage medium (e.g., compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM)), or may be distributed online (e.g., downloaded or uploaded) via an application store (e.g., Play Store™) or directly between two user devices (e.g., smart phones). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product may be temporarily stored or temporarily generated in a machine-readable storage medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or an intermediary server.

According to various embodiments, each component (e.g., a module or a program) of the above-described components may include one or more entities, and some of the entities may be separated and placed in other components. According to various embodiments, one or more components or operations of the aforementioned components may be omitted, or one or more other components or operations may be added. Alternatively or additionally, a plurality of components (e.g., a module or a program) may be integrated into a single component. In such a case, the integrated component may perform one or more functions of each of the plurality of components identically or similarly to those performed by the corresponding component among the plurality of components prior to the integration. According to various embodiments, the operations performed by a module, program, or other component may be executed sequentially, in parallel, iteratively, or heuristically, or one or more of the operations may be executed in a different order, omitted, or one or more other operations may be added.

Claims (15)

In foldable electronic devices, A housing including a first housing part and a second housing part rotatably connected to the first housing part about a folding axis; and Includes a display, The above first housing part, A conductive side wall portion perpendicular to the folding axis and spaced apart from the display; A conductive protrusion portion extending from the conductive side wall portion of the first housing part to the inside of the first housing part, and including a first hole and a second hole disposed between the display and the conductive side wall portion; A first non-conductive portion inserted into the first hole of the conductive protrusion portion; A second non-conductive portion inserted into the second hole of the conductive protrusion portion; and A third non-conductive portion is located on one side of the conductive protrusion portion facing the front side of the first housing part, is connected to the first non-conductive portion, and is disconnected from the second non-conductive portion. The above display is, Including a marker positioned within a protruding portion of the display extending from an edge portion of the display corresponding to the conductive side wall portion of the first housing part; Foldable electronic devices. In the first paragraph, The third non-conductive portion is, Covering the first hole and the first non-conductive portion, defining an open portion exposing the peripheral portion of the second hole; Foldable electronic devices. In claim 1 or 2, The first distance that the first hole is spaced apart from the marker in a direction perpendicular to the folding axis is within the first reference distance range, The second distance spaced in the direction parallel to the folding axis with respect to the first hole and the marker is within the second reference distance range. Foldable electronic devices. In the third paragraph, The above first distance is, Longer than the above second distance, Foldable electronic devices. In any one of the first to fourth paragraphs, The above marker is aligned with respect to the first hole, Foldable electronic devices. In any one of the first to fifth paragraphs, The marker is positioned between the first hole and the folding axis. Foldable electronic devices. In any one of claims 1 to 6, The one side of the above conductive protrusion portion includes a step portion between the first hole and the second hole, Foldable electronic devices. In any one of the first to seventh paragraphs, Positioned within the first housing part, Including more printed circuit boards, The above-mentioned conductive side wall portion functions as an antenna radiator, The above-mentioned challenging protrusion part is, Contacting the conductive elastic member of the above printed circuit board, Foldable electronic devices. In any one of claims 1 to 8, The above first housing part, further comprising another conductive side wall portion, spaced apart from the conductive side wall portion and perpendicular to the folding axis; The other challenging side wall portions above are: Positioned between the above-mentioned conductive side wall portion and the above-mentioned folding axis, Foldable electronic devices. In any one of claims 1 to 9, The above-mentioned challenging side wall portion, defining a first side surface of the first housing part perpendicular to the folding axis; The above first housing part, Another conductive side wall portion defining a second side of said first housing part opposite said first side, Another conductive protrusion portion extending from the other conductive side wall portion of the first housing part to the inside of the first housing part, and including a third hole and a fourth hole disposed between the display and the other conductive side wall portion, The third hole is aligned parallel to the folding axis of the first hole, The fourth hole is aligned parallel to the folding axis in the second hole. Foldable electronic devices. In any one of claims 1 to 10, The above second housing part, A conductive side wall portion perpendicular to the folding axis and spaced apart from the display; A conductive protrusion portion extending from the conductive side wall portion of the second housing part to the inside of the second housing part, and including a first hole and a second hole disposed between the display and the conductive side wall portion of the second housing part; A first non-conductive portion inserted into the first hole of the conductive protruding portion of the second housing part; A second non-conductive portion inserted into the second hole of the conductive protruding portion of the second housing part; and A third non-conductive portion is located on one side of the conductive protrusion portion of the second housing part facing the front side of the second housing part, is connected to the first non-conductive portion of the second housing part, and is disconnected from the second non-conductive portion of the second housing part. The above display is, comprising another marker positioned within another conductive protrusion portion of the display extending from an edge portion of the display corresponding to the other conductive side wall portion of the second housing part; Foldable electronic devices. In Article 11, The marker of the display, the first hole of the first housing part and the second hole of the first housing part, Based on the folding axis, the other marker of the display, the first hole of the second housing part and the second hole of the second housing part are symmetrical, Foldable electronic devices. In paragraph 11 or 12, In the unfolded state of the above foldable electronic device, the distance between the marker and the other marker is within a third reference distance. Foldable electronic devices. In any one of Articles 11 to 13, The distance between the first hole of the first housing part and the marker of the display is corresponding to the distance between the first hole of the second housing part and the other marker of the display, Foldable electronic devices. In any one of claims 1 to 14, The conductive protrusion portion in which the first hole and the second hole are arranged is Positioned at the end of the above-mentioned challenging side wall portion, Foldable electronic devices.