Electronic device and method thereof

Abstract

Certain embodiments of the present disclosure relate to an electronic device and a method thereof for increasing efficiency of an antenna. The electronic device can include a processor, a first housing in which the processor is disposed, the first housing including a first conductive portion, a second housing configured to slide from the first housing in a first direction and including a second conductive portion, a rollable display having at least a portion exposed in a slide-out manner according to movement of the second housing, and a variable element disposed in the second housing and electrically connected to the second conductive portion. The processor can adjust an electrical characteristic of the variable element in response to sliding of the second housing. The present disclosure can also include various other embodiments.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Some embodiments disclosed herein generally relate to an electronic device and method for increasing the efficiency of an antenna, the electronic device including a rollable display. Background Technology

[0002] The development of display technology has involved extensive research and has led to electronic devices with flexible displays. Flexible displays can be folded, bent, rolled up, or unfolded, and are also known as roll-up displays.

[0003] Flexible displays typically come in two types: organic emission display devices and liquid crystal display devices. For example, flexible displays can be manufactured by replacing the glass substrates of existing liquid crystal display devices and organic emission display devices with flexible plastic films.

[0004] The above information is presented as background information only to aid in understanding this disclosure. No determination or assertion is made regarding whether any of the above content can be used as prior art in relation to this disclosure. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Recently, extensive research and development have been conducted on sliding electronic devices, in which the display area can be changed by applying a rollable display to the electronic device. In the case of a sliding electronic device, a portion of the rollable display can move in or out in response to the sliding of the electronic device's housing.

[0006] At least a portion of the sidewall of the housing of a sliding electronic device may include a conductive part (e.g., metal), and the conductive part may be used as an antenna radiator for cellular communication or short-range communication (e.g., Wi-Fi).

[0007] When the housing of a sliding electronic device can be moved slidably, it may cause interference to the conductive parts used as antenna radiators.

[0008] The electronic device according to an embodiment may include: a communication module; a processor; a first housing in which the communication module and the processor are disposed, the first housing including a first sidewall, a second sidewall extending from one end of the first sidewall and formed perpendicular to the first sidewall, and a third sidewall extending from the other end of the first sidewall and formed parallel to the second sidewall, one or more of the first to third sidewalls including a first conductive portion electrically connected to the communication module to transmit or receive RF signals; a second housing configured to slide from the first housing along a first direction, and including a fourth sidewall formed parallel to the first sidewall, a fifth sidewall extending from one end of the fourth sidewall and arranged adjacent to the second sidewall, and a sixth sidewall extending from the other end of the fourth sidewall and arranged adjacent to the third sidewall, one or more of the fourth to sixth sidewalls including a second conductive portion; a rollable display at least a portion of which is exposed in a sliding manner according to movement of the second housing along the first direction, and is inserted into the first housing in a sliding manner according to movement of the second housing along a second direction opposite to the first direction; and a variable element disposed in the second housing and electrically connected to the second conductive portion. The processor can be configured to adjust the electrical characteristics of the variable element in response to the sliding of the second housing.

[0009] The method of the electronic device according to the embodiment may include: identifying the frequency band used by the communication module of the electronic device to perform communication; setting an antenna matching value corresponding to the frequency band; detecting a slip value corresponding to the distance between a first housing and a second housing of the electronic device; identifying a correction value corresponding to the changed slip value when a change in the slip value is sensed; and adjusting the electrical characteristics of a variable element of the electronic device based on the correction value.

[0010] An electronic device according to an embodiment may include: a communication module; a processor; a first housing, in which the communication module and the processor are disposed, the first housing including a first conductive portion electrically connected to the communication module for transmitting or receiving RF signals; a second housing configured to slide from the first housing along a first direction and including a second conductive portion disposed adjacent to the first conductive portion; a rollable display, at least a portion of which is exposed in a sliding manner according to movement of the second housing along the first direction and inserted in a sliding manner into the first housing according to movement of the second housing along a second direction opposite to the first direction; and a variable element disposed in the second housing and electrically connected to the second conductive portion. The processor may be configured to adjust the electrical characteristics of the variable element in response to sliding of the second housing.

[0011] Other aspects will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the embodiments presented. Attached Figure Description

[0012] To gain a more complete understanding of this disclosure and its advantages, reference will now be made to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which the same reference numerals denote the same parts:

[0013] Figure 1 This is a block diagram of an electronic device in a network environment according to various embodiments;

[0014] Figure 2A This is a front view of an electronic device with a minimized size of the roll-up display according to an embodiment;

[0015] Figure 2B This is a front view of a medium-sized electronic device according to an embodiment of a roll-up display;

[0016] Figure 2C This is a front view of an electronic device in which the size of a roll-up display is maximized according to an embodiment;

[0017] Figure 3A This is a rear view of an electronic device with a minimized size of the roll-up display according to an embodiment;

[0018] Figure 3B This is a rear view of a medium-sized electronic device according to an embodiment of a roll-up display;

[0019] Figure 3C This is a rear view of an electronic device in which the size of a roll-up display is maximized according to an embodiment;

[0020] Figure 4 This is an exploded perspective view of an electronic device according to one embodiment;

[0021] Figure 5 This is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of an electronic device according to one embodiment;

[0022] Figure 6 This is a rear view of an electronic device with its back cover removed according to one embodiment;

[0023] Figure 7 It shows Figure 6 An enlarged example of the arrangement of electronic devices with variable elements;

[0024] Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of an electronic device according to one embodiment;

[0025] Figure 9 Experimental results for measuring the efficiency of an antenna in an electronic device, according to one embodiment, are shown; and

[0026] Figure 10 The results of another experiment for measuring the efficiency of an antenna in an electronic device, according to one embodiment, are shown. Detailed Implementation

[0027] Some embodiments disclosed herein may provide an electronic device configured such that antenna performance can be maintained or antenna performance degradation can be reduced even if a portion of the housing adjacent to the conductive portion serving as the antenna of the electronic device is slidably moved.

[0028] Figure 1 This is a block diagram illustrating an electronic device 101 in a network environment 100 according to various embodiments. (Refer to...) Figure 1 In network environment 100, electronic device 101 can communicate with electronic device 102 via a first network 198 (e.g., a short-range wireless communication network), or with at least one of electronic device 104 or server 108 via a second network 199 (e.g., a long-range wireless communication network). According to an embodiment, electronic device 101 can communicate with electronic device 104 via server 108. According to an embodiment, electronic device 101 may include a processor 120, memory 130, input module 150, sound output module 155, display module 160, audio module 170, sensor module 176, interface 177, connection terminal 178, haptic module 179, camera module 180, power management module 188, battery 189, communication module 190, user identification module (SIM) 196, or antenna module 197. In some embodiments, at least one of the above components (e.g., connection terminal 178) may be omitted from electronic device 101, or one or more other components may be added to electronic device 101. In some embodiments, some of the components described above (e.g., sensor module 176, camera module 180, or antenna module 197) may be implemented as a single integrated component (e.g., display module 160).

[0029] Processor 120 may run software (e.g., program 140) to control at least one other component (e.g., hardware or software component) of electronic device 101 connected to processor 120, and may perform various data processing or calculations. According to one embodiment, as at least part of the data processing or calculation, processor 120 may store commands or data received from another component (e.g., sensor module 176 or communication module 190) in volatile memory 132, process the commands or data stored in volatile memory 132, and store the result data in non-volatile memory 134. According to an embodiment, processor 120 may include a main processor 121 (e.g., central processing unit (CPU) or application processor (AP)) or an auxiliary processor 123 (e.g., graphics processing unit (GPU), neural processing unit (NPU), image signal processor (ISP), sensor central processor, or communication processor (CP)) that is operationally independent of or combined with the main processor 121. For example, when electronic device 101 includes a main processor 121 and an auxiliary processor 123, the auxiliary processor 123 may be adapted to consume less power than the main processor 121, or to be dedicated to a specific function. The auxiliary processor 123 may be implemented separately from the main processor 121, or may be implemented as part of the main processor 121.

[0030] When the main processor 121 is inactive (e.g., in sleep mode), the auxiliary processor 123 (rather than the main processor 121) can control at least some of the functions or states associated with at least one component of the electronic device 101 (e.g., display module 160, sensor module 176, or communication module 190), or when the main processor 121 is active (e.g., running an application), the auxiliary processor 123 can work with the main processor 121 to control at least some of the functions or states associated with at least one component of the electronic device 101 (e.g., display module 160, sensor module 176, or communication module 190). According to embodiments, the auxiliary processor 123 (e.g., an image signal processor or a communication processor) may be implemented as part of another component (e.g., camera module 180 or communication module 190) functionally associated with the auxiliary processor 123. According to embodiments, the auxiliary processor 123 (e.g., a neural processing unit) may include hardware architecture dedicated to artificial intelligence model processing. Artificial intelligence models can be generated through machine learning. For example, such learning can be performed via electronic device 101 where artificial intelligence is performed or via a separate server (e.g., server 108). The learning algorithm may include, but is not limited to, supervised learning, unsupervised learning, semi-supervised learning, or reinforcement learning. The artificial intelligence model may include multiple layers of artificial neural networks. The artificial neural network may be 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), or a deep Q-network, or a combination of two or more thereof, but is not limited thereto. Additionally or optionally, the artificial intelligence model may include software structures in addition to hardware structures.

[0031] Memory 130 may store various data used by at least one component of electronic device 101 (e.g., processor 120 or sensor module 176). The various data may include, for example, software (e.g., program 140) and input or output data for commands associated with it. Memory 130 may include volatile memory 132 or non-volatile memory 134.

[0032] The program 140 may be stored as software in the memory 130, and the program 140 may include, for example, an operating system (OS) 142, middleware 144, or application 146.

[0033] The input module 150 can receive commands or data from outside the electronic device 101 (e.g., a user) that will be used by other components of the electronic device 101 (e.g., processor 120). The input module 150 may include, for example, a microphone, mouse, keyboard, keys (e.g., buttons), or digital pen (e.g., stylus).

[0034] The sound output module 155 can output sound signals to the outside of the electronic device 101. The sound output module 155 may include, for example, a speaker or a receiver. The speaker can be used for general purposes such as playing multimedia or playing records. The receiver can be used to receive incoming calls. According to an embodiment, the receiver can be implemented separately from the speaker or as part of the speaker.

[0035] Display module 160 can visually provide information to the outside of electronic device 101 (e.g., to a user). Display device 160 may include, for example, a display, a holographic device, or a projector, and control circuitry for controlling a respective one of the display, holographic device, and projector. According to an embodiment, display module 160 may include a touch sensor adapted to detect touch or a pressure sensor adapted to measure the intensity of the force caused by touch.

[0036] The audio module 170 can convert sound into electrical signals and vice versa. According to an embodiment, the audio module 170 can obtain sound via the input module 150, or output sound via the sound output module 155 or headphones of an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device 102) that is directly (e.g., wired) or wirelessly connected to the electronic device 101.

[0037] Sensor module 176 can detect the operating state of electronic device 101 (e.g., power or temperature) or the environmental state outside electronic device 101 (e.g., user state), and then generate an electrical signal or data value corresponding to the detected state. According to embodiments, sensor module 176 may include, for example, a gesture sensor, gyroscope sensor, atmospheric pressure sensor, magnetic sensor, accelerometer, grip sensor, proximity sensor, color sensor, infrared (IR) sensor, biometric sensor, temperature sensor, humidity sensor, or illuminance sensor.

[0038] Interface 177 may support one or more specific protocols used to enable electronic device 101 to connect directly (e.g., wired) or wirelessly to external electronic devices (e.g., electronic device 102). According to embodiments, interface 177 may include, for example, a High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI), a Universal Serial Bus (USB) interface, a Secure Digital Card (SD) interface, or an audio interface.

[0039] Connection end 178 may include a connector, through which electronic device 101 can be physically connected to an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device 102). According to embodiments, connection end 178 may include, for example, an HDMI connector, a USB connector, an SD card connector, or an audio connector (e.g., a headphone connector).

[0040] The tactile module 179 can convert electrical signals into mechanical stimuli (e.g., vibration or motion) or electrical stimuli that can be recognized by a user through his touch or kinesthesia. According to embodiments, the tactile module 179 may include, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulator.

[0041] Camera module 180 can capture still or moving images. According to an embodiment, camera module 180 may include one or more lenses, an image sensor, an image signal processor, or a flash.

[0042] The power management module 188 manages the power supply to the electronic device 101. According to an embodiment, the power management module 188 may be implemented as at least part of, for example, a power management integrated circuit (PMIC).

[0043] Battery 189 can power at least one component of electronic device 101. According to an embodiment, battery 189 may include, for example, a non-rechargeable primary battery, a rechargeable rechargeable battery, or a fuel cell.

[0044] Communication module 190 can support the establishment of a direct (e.g., wired) or wireless communication channel between electronic device 101 and external electronic devices (e.g., electronic device 102, electronic device 104, or server 108), and perform communication via the established communication channel. Communication module 190 may include one or more communication processors capable of operating independently of processor 120 (e.g., application processor (AP)) and support direct (e.g., wired) or wireless communication. According to embodiments, communication module 190 may include wireless communication module 192 (e.g., cellular communication module, short-range wireless communication module, or Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) communication module) or wired communication module 194 (e.g., local area network (LAN) communication module or power line communication (PLC) module). One of these communication modules can communicate with an external electronic device via a first network 198 (e.g., a short-range communication network such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi Direct, or Infrared Data Association (IrDA)) or a second network 199 (e.g., a long-range communication network such as a traditional cellular network, 5G network, next-generation communication network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., a LAN or a wide area network (WAN))). These various types of communication modules can be implemented as a single component (e.g., a single chip) or as multiple components (e.g., multiple chips) that are separate from each other. The wireless communication module 192 can identify and verify the electronic device 101 in the communication network (such as the first network 198 or the second network 199) using user information (e.g., the International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI)) stored in the user identification module 196.

[0045] Wireless communication module 192 can support 5G networks following 4G networks and next-generation communication technologies (such as new radio (NR) access technologies). NR access technologies can support enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), massive machine-type communication (mMTC), or ultra-reliable low-latency communication (URLLC). Wireless communication module 192 can support high-frequency bands (e.g., millimeter-wave bands) to achieve, for example, high data transmission rates. Wireless communication module 192 can support various technologies used to ensure performance in high-frequency bands, such as, for example, beamforming, massive MIMO, full-dimensional MIMO (FD-MIMO), array antennas, analog beamforming, or massive antennas. Wireless communication module 192 can support various requirements specified in electronic device 101, external electronic devices (e.g., electronic device 104), or network systems (e.g., second network 199). According to an embodiment, the wireless communication module 192 may support peak data rates (e.g., 20 Gbps or greater) for implementing eMBB, lost coverage (e.g., 164 dB or less) for implementing mMTC, or U-plane latency (e.g., 0.5 ms or less for each of the downlink (DL) and uplink (UL), or 1 ms or less round trip) for implementing URLLC.

[0046] Antenna module 197 can transmit or receive signals or power to or from the exterior of electronic device 101 (e.g., external electronic device). According to an embodiment, antenna module 197 may include an antenna comprising a radiating element formed of a conductive material or conductive pattern formed in or on a substrate (e.g., a printed circuit board (PCB)). According to an embodiment, antenna module 197 may include multiple antennas (e.g., an array antenna). In this case, at least one antenna suitable for a communication scheme used in a communication network (such as a first network 198 or a second network 199) can be selected from the multiple antennas by, for example, communication module 190 (e.g., wireless communication module 192). Signals or power can then be transmitted or received between communication module 190 and the external electronic device via the selected at least one antenna. According to an embodiment, additional components besides the radiating element (e.g., a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC)) may be additionally incorporated into antenna module 197.

[0047] According to various embodiments, antenna module 197 may form a millimeter-wave antenna module. According to embodiments, the millimeter-wave antenna module may include a printed circuit board, a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC), and multiple antennas (e.g., an array antenna), wherein the RFIC is disposed on or adjacent to a first surface (e.g., a bottom surface) of the printed circuit board and is capable of supporting a specified high-frequency band (e.g., a millimeter-wave band), and the multiple antennas are disposed on or adjacent to a second surface (e.g., a top surface or a side surface) of the printed circuit board and are capable of transmitting or receiving signals in the specified high-frequency band.

[0048] At least some of the aforementioned components can be interconnected and communicate signals (e.g., commands or data) between them via an inter-peripheral communication scheme (e.g., bus, general purpose input / output (GPIO), serial peripheral interface (SPI), or mobile industrial processor interface (MIPI)).

[0049] According to an embodiment, commands or data can be sent or received between electronic device 101 and external electronic device 104 via server 108 connected to a second network 199. Each of electronic device 102 or electronic device 104 can be a device of the same type as electronic device 101, or a device of a different type. According to an embodiment, all or some operations that would be performed on electronic device 101 can be performed on one or more of external electronic devices 102, external electronic devices 104, or server 108. For example, if electronic device 101 is required to automatically perform a function or service, or is required to perform a function or service in response to a request from a user or another device, electronic device 101 may request the one or more external electronic devices to perform at least a portion of the function or service, instead of running the function or service, or electronic device 101 may request the one or more external electronic devices to perform at least a portion of the function or service in addition to running the function or service. Upon receiving the request, the one or more external electronic devices may perform at least a portion of the requested function or service, or perform additional functions or services related to the request, and transmit the result of the execution to electronic device 101. Electronic device 101 may provide the result as at least a partial response to the request, with or without further processing of the result. For this purpose, technologies such as cloud computing, distributed computing, mobile edge computing (MEC), or client-server computing may be used. Electronic device 101 may use, for example, distributed computing or mobile edge computing to provide ultra-low latency services. In another embodiment, external electronic device 104 may include an Internet of Things (IoT) device. Server 108 may be an intelligent server using machine learning and / or neural networks. According to embodiments, external electronic device 104 or server 108 may be included in a second network 199. Electronic device 101 may be applied to intelligent services based on 5G communication technology or IoT-related technologies (e.g., smart homes, smart cities, smart cars, or healthcare).

[0050] The electronic device according to various embodiments can be one of a variety of types of electronic devices. 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. According to embodiments of this disclosure, the electronic device is not limited to those described above.

[0051] It should be understood that the various embodiments of this disclosure and the terminology used therein are not intended to limit the technical features set forth herein to the specific embodiments, but rather to include various changes, equivalents, or substitutions to the respective embodiments. In the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used to refer to similar or related elements. It will be understood that nouns in the singular form corresponding to terms may include one or more things unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise. As used herein, each of the phrases such as “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” may include any one or all possible combinations of the items enumerated together with the corresponding phrase among the plurality of phrases. As used herein, terms such as “first” and “second” or “first” and “second” may be used to simply distinguish the respective component from another component and do not limit the component in other respects (e.g., importance or order). It will be understood that, whether the terms “operably” or “communically” are used or not, if an element (e.g., a first element) is referred to as “combined with another element (e.g., a second element),” “combined to another element (e.g., a second element),” “connected to another element (e.g., a second element),” or “attached to another element (e.g., a second element)”, it means that the first element can be directly (e.g., wiredly) connected to the second element, wirelessly connected to the second element, or connected to the second element via a third element.

[0052] As used in connection with various embodiments of this disclosure, the term "module" may include a unit implemented in hardware, software, or firmware, and may be used interchangeably with other terms (e.g., "logic," "logic block," "part," or "circuit"). A module may be a single integrated component adapted to perform one or more functions, or the smallest unit or part of such a single integrated component. For example, according to embodiments, a module may be implemented in the form of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0053] The various embodiments set forth herein can be implemented as software (e.g., program 140) containing one or more instructions readable by a machine (e.g., electronic device 101) stored in a storage medium (e.g., internal memory 136 or external memory 138). For example, under the control of a processor, the processor (e.g., processor 120) of the machine (e.g., electronic device 101) can invoke and execute at least one of the one or more instructions stored in the storage medium, with or without the use of one or more other components. This enables the machine to operate to perform at least one function according to the invoked at least one instruction. The one or more instructions may include code generated by a compiler or code executable by an interpreter. Machine-readable storage media may be provided in the form of non-transitory storage media. The term "non-transitory" means only that the storage medium is a tangible device and does not include signals (e.g., electromagnetic waves), but this term does not distinguish between data being stored semi-permanently in the storage medium and data being temporarily stored in the storage medium.

[0054] According to embodiments, methods according to various embodiments of this disclosure may be included and provided in a computer program product. The computer program product can be traded as a product between a seller and a buyer. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a machine-readable storage medium (e.g., a compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM)) or via an app store (e.g., the Play Store). TM The computer program product may be published online (e.g., downloaded or uploaded), or may be distributed directly between two user devices (e.g., smartphones) (e.g., downloaded or uploaded). If published online, at least a portion of the computer program product may be temporarily generated, or at least a portion of the computer program product may be temporarily stored in a machine-readable storage medium (such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an app store's server, or a forwarding server).

[0055] According to various embodiments, each of the above-described components (e.g., a module or program) may include a single entity or multiple entities, and some of the multiple entities may be separately disposed in different components. According to various embodiments, one or more of the above-described components may be omitted, or one or more other components may be added. Optionally or additionally, multiple components (e.g., modules or programs) may be integrated into a single component. In this case, according to various embodiments, the integrated component may still perform the one or more functions of each of the multiple components in the same or similar manner as the corresponding component of the multiple components performed one or more functions before integration. According to various embodiments, the operations performed by a module, program, or other component may be performed sequentially, in parallel, repeatedly, or heuristically, or one or more of the operations may be run in a different order or omitted, or one or more other operations may be added.

[0056] Electronic devices according to embodiments (e.g., Figure 1 The electronic device 101 in the middle may include: a communication module (e.g., Figure 1 The communication module 190 in the middle); the processor (e.g., Figure 1 The processor 120 in the middle); the first housing 210 (e.g., Figure 2A The communication module 190 and the processor 120 are arranged in the first housing 210, which includes a first sidewall (e.g., Figure 2A The first sidewall 211), and the second sidewall extending from one end of the first sidewall 211 and perpendicular to the first sidewall 211 (e.g., Figure 2A The second sidewall 212) and the third sidewall (e.g., extending from the other end of the first sidewall 211 and parallel to the second sidewall 212) form a third sidewall. Figure 2A The third sidewall 213), one or more of the first sidewalls 211 to the third sidewall 213 include a first conductive portion electrically connected to the communication module 190 to transmit or receive RF signals (e.g., Figure 2A The first conductive portion 210-1 in the middle; the second housing 220 (e.g., Figure 2A The second housing 220 is configured to slide from the first housing 210 along a first direction and includes a fourth sidewall (e.g., formed parallel to the first sidewall 211) Figure 2A The fourth sidewall 221), and the fifth sidewall extending from one end of the fourth sidewall 221 and arranged adjacent to the second sidewall 212 (e.g., Figure 2A The fifth sidewall 222) and the sixth sidewall (e.g., extending from the other end of the fourth sidewall 221 and arranged adjacent to the third sidewall 213) Figure 2AThe sixth sidewall 223), one or more of the fourth sidewalls 221 to the sixth sidewall 223 include a second conductive portion (e.g., Figure 2A The second conductive portion 220-1 in the middle); rollable display (e.g., Figure 2A The scroll-type display 230, at least a portion of which is exposed in a sliding manner according to movement of the second housing 220 in a first direction, and slidably inserted into the first housing 210 according to movement of the second housing 220 in a second direction opposite to the first direction; and variable elements (e.g., Figure 4 The variable element 540 is arranged in the second housing 220 and electrically connected to the second conductive portion 220-1, wherein the processor 120 adjusts the electrical characteristics of the variable element 540 in response to the sliding of the second housing 220.

[0057] According to one embodiment, the processor 120 can change the capacitance of the variable element 540 in response to the sliding of the second housing 220.

[0058] According to one embodiment, the processor 120 can change the inductance of the variable element 540 in response to the sliding of the second housing 220.

[0059] According to one embodiment, the electronic device may further include: a magnet disposed in the second housing 220; and a sliding sensor disposed in the first housing 210 and configured to measure magnetic force from the magnet to measure the distance between the first housing 210 and the second housing 220.

[0060] According to one embodiment, the processor 120 can measure the distance between the first housing 210 and the second housing 220 via a sliding sensor, and can determine a correction value for adjusting the electrical characteristics of the variable element 540 based on the distance between the first housing 210 and the second housing 220.

[0061] According to one embodiment, the processor 120 can identify the frequency band currently used by the communication module 190 to perform communication; can set an antenna matching value corresponding to the frequency band; can detect a sliding value corresponding to the distance between the first housing 210 and the second housing 220; can identify a correction value corresponding to the changed sliding value when a change in the sliding value is sensed; and can adjust the electrical characteristics of the variable element 540 based on the correction value.

[0062] According to one embodiment, the electronic device may further include: a first printed circuit board disposed in a first housing 210 and including a processor 120 and a communication module 190; a second printed circuit board disposed in a second housing 220 and including a variable element 540; and a flexible circuit board connecting the first printed circuit board to the second printed circuit board.

[0063] According to one embodiment, the variable element 540 may be arranged on a second printed circuit board adjacent to the fifth sidewall 222 and / or the sixth sidewall 223.

[0064] The method of the electronic device 101 according to the embodiment may include: identifying the frequency band used by the communication module 190 of the electronic device 101 to perform communication; setting an antenna matching value corresponding to the frequency band; detecting a slip value corresponding to the distance between the first housing 210 and the second housing 220 of the electronic device 101; identifying a correction value corresponding to the changed slip value when a change in the slip value is sensed; and adjusting the electrical characteristics of the variable element 540 of the electronic device 101 based on the correction value.

[0065] According to one embodiment, a first housing 210 on which the communication module 190 is disposed includes a first sidewall 211, a second sidewall 212 extending from one end of the first sidewall 211 and formed perpendicular to the first sidewall 211, and a third sidewall 213 extending from the other end of the first sidewall 211 and formed parallel to the second sidewall 212. One or more of the first sidewall 211 to the third sidewall 213 include a first conductive portion 210-1 electrically connected to the communication module 190 to transmit or receive RF signals.

[0066] According to one embodiment, the second housing 220 may be configured to slide along a first direction from the first housing 210 and includes a fourth sidewall 221 formed parallel to the first sidewall 211, a fifth sidewall 222 extending from one end of the fourth sidewall 221 and arranged adjacent to the second sidewall 212, and a sixth sidewall 223 extending from the other end of the fourth sidewall 221 and arranged adjacent to the third sidewall 213, wherein one or more of the fourth sidewall 221 to the sixth sidewall 223 include a second conductive portion 220-1.

[0067] According to one embodiment, the electronic device 101 may further include a rollable display 230, at least a portion of which is exposed in a sliding manner according to movement of the second housing 220 in a first direction, and is inserted into the first housing 210 in a sliding manner according to movement of the second housing 220 in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

[0068] According to one embodiment, the variable element 540 may be arranged in the second housing 220 and may be electrically connected to the second conductive portion 220-1.

[0069] According to one embodiment, the electrical characteristics of the variable element 540 can be adjusted in response to sliding of the second housing 220.

[0070] According to one embodiment, the method may further include changing the capacitance of the variable element 540 in response to sliding of the second housing 220.

[0071] The method may also include changing the inductance of the variable element 540 in response to sliding of the second housing 220.

[0072] According to one embodiment, the electronic device 101 may further include: a magnet disposed in the second housing 220; and a sliding sensor disposed in the first housing 210 and configured to measure magnetic force from the magnet to measure the distance between the first housing 210 and the second housing 220.

[0073] According to one embodiment, the method may further include: measuring the distance between the first housing 210 and the second housing 220 using a sliding sensor.

[0074] According to one embodiment, the method may further include: increasing the capacitance of the variable element 540 to reduce the resonant frequency of the second conductive portion 220-1.

[0075] According to one embodiment, the method may further include increasing the inductance of the variable element 540 to increase the resonant frequency of the second conductive portion 220-1.

[0076] The electronic device 101 according to an embodiment may include: a communication module 190; a processor 120; a first housing 210, in which the communication module 190 and the processor 120 are disposed, the first housing 210 including a first conductive portion 210-1 electrically connected to the communication module 190 for transmitting or receiving RF signals; a second housing 220 configured to slide from the first housing 210 along a first direction and including a second conductive portion 210-2 disposed adjacent to the first conductive portion 210-1; a rollable display 230 at least a portion of which is exposed in a sliding manner according to movement of the second housing 220 along the first direction and is inserted into the first housing 210 in a sliding manner according to movement of the second housing 220 along a second direction opposite to the first direction; and a variable element 540 disposed in the second housing 220 and electrically connected to the second conductive portion 220-1, wherein the processor 120 adjusts the electrical characteristics of the variable element 540 in response to sliding of the second housing 220.

[0077] According to one embodiment, the processor 120 can change the capacitance of the variable element 540 in response to the sliding of the second housing 220.

[0078] According to one embodiment, the processor 120 can change the inductance of the variable element 540 in response to the sliding of the second housing 220.

[0079] According to one embodiment, the processor 120 can measure the distance between the first housing 210 and the second housing 220 using a sliding sensor; and can determine a correction value for adjusting the electrical characteristics of the variable element 540 based on the distance between the first housing 210 and the second housing 220.

[0080] Figure 2A A first state of the electronic device 200 according to an embodiment is shown (e.g., the scroll display 230 minimized state), and a portion of the scroll display 230 is shown (e.g., Figure 2B The second region A2 and Figure 2C The third region A3 is contained (i.e. arranged) within the shell. Figure 2B A second state of the electronic device 200 according to an embodiment is shown (e.g., a state in which the roll-up display 230 has a medium-sized area), and a portion of the roll-up display 230 is shown (e.g., Figure 2C The third region A3) is contained within the shell. Figure 2C A third state of the electronic device 200 according to an embodiment is shown (e.g., the state of the roll-up display 230 being maximized), and a state in which most of the roll-up display 230 is visually exposed to the outside of the electronic device is shown. Figure 2A It can be a front view of the electronic device 200 according to the embodiment, as viewed along direction Z1 (e.g., a third direction other than the first horizontal direction and the second vertical direction); Figure 2B This can be a front view of the electronic device 200 according to the embodiment, viewed along direction Z1 (e.g., a third direction); and Figure 2C It can be a front view of the electronic device 200 according to the embodiment, viewed along direction Z1 (e.g., a third direction).

[0081] Reference Figures 2A to 2C According to one embodiment, the electronic device 200 (e.g., Figure 1 The electronic device 101 may include a first housing 210 and a second housing 220, wherein the second housing 220 is slidable from the first housing 210. According to one embodiment, the second housing 220 may be slidably disposed on a surface of the first housing 210. According to one embodiment, the first housing 210 is fixed, and the second housing 220 is capable of reciprocating a predetermined distance from the first housing 210 along a specified direction (e.g., a first direction X1).

[0082] According to one embodiment, the first housing 210 may be referred to as a body or main housing. According to one embodiment, the first housing 210 may accommodate various types of electrical or electronic components, such as a main printed circuit board (e.g., Figure 4 The first printed circuit board 440 in the battery.

[0083] According to one embodiment, the first housing 210 may include sidewalls made of a conductive material, and a portion of these sidewalls may serve as an antenna radiator for cellular or short-range communication (e.g., Wi-Fi). According to one embodiment, the first housing 210 may include: a first sidewall 211; a second sidewall 212 extending from one end of the first sidewall 211 in a direction perpendicular to the first sidewall 211; and a third sidewall 213 extending from the other end of the first sidewall 211 in a direction perpendicular to the first sidewall 211. The second sidewall 212 and the third sidewall 213 may be arranged opposite to each other.

[0084] According to one embodiment, the first sidewall 211, the second sidewall 212, and / or the third sidewall 213 may each include a first conductive portion 210-1, and the first conductive portion 210-1 may be used as an antenna radiator for cellular communication or short-range communication (e.g., Wi-Fi). According to one embodiment, the first conductive portion 210-1 of each of the first sidewall 211, the second sidewall 212, and / or the third sidewall 213 may be segmented by at least one first non-conductive portion 210-2.

[0085] According to one embodiment, the first conductive portion 210-1 of the first housing 210 can be electrically connected to a communication module, thereby serving as an antenna radiator for cellular communication or short-range communication (e.g., Wi-Fi).

[0086] According to one embodiment, the second housing 220 may include sidewalls made of a conductive material. According to one embodiment, the second housing 220 may include: a fourth sidewall 221 disposed opposite to a first sidewall 211 of the first housing 210; a fifth sidewall 222 extending from one end of the fourth sidewall 221 in a direction perpendicular to the fourth sidewall 221; and a sixth sidewall 223 extending from the other end of the fourth sidewall 221 in a direction perpendicular to the fourth sidewall 221. The fifth sidewall 222 and the sixth sidewall 223 may be disposed opposite to each other. The fifth sidewall 222 of the second housing 220 may be disposed opposite to a second sidewall 212 of the first housing 210. The sixth sidewall 223 of the second housing 220 may be disposed opposite to a third sidewall 213 of the first housing 210.

[0087] According to one embodiment, each of the fourth sidewall 221, the fifth sidewall 222, and the sixth sidewall 223 may include a second conductive portion 220-1. The second conductive portion 220-1 of each of the fourth sidewall 221, the fifth sidewall 222, and the sixth sidewall 223 may be segmented by at least one second non-conductive portion 220-2.

[0088] According to one embodiment, the interior of the second housing 220 may include a slide plate (e.g., Figure 3B and Figure 3C The scroll display 230 is stably placed on the slide plate. At least a portion of the scroll display 230 can be stably placed on a surface of the second housing 220. At least a portion of the scroll display 230, stably placed on a surface of the second housing 220, can be seen from the front of the electronic device (along the direction Z1).

[0089] According to one embodiment, the rollable display 230 may include: a window; a polarizing film; an organic light-emitting layer (e.g., an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) layer); a thin-film transistor (TFT) and / or a flexible substrate (e.g., a polyimide substrate). For example, the rollable display 230 may include a polyimide substrate, and thus can reduce the stress caused when the display is bent, thereby allowing the rollable display 230 to be folded, bent, rolled, or unfolded.

[0090] According to one embodiment, the rollable display 230 may include: a first region A1, which is fixedly and visually exposed along the direction Z1 from the front of the electronic device 200; a second region A2, which slides in to be hidden or slides out to be exposed to the outside of the electronic device according to the movement of the second housing 220; and a third region A3. According to one embodiment, the first region A1 may have a first width W1. The second region A2 may have a second width W2. The third region A3 may have a third width W3.

[0091] For example, the second region A2 and the third region A3 of the rollable display 230 can be unfolded according to the movement of the second housing 220 along the first direction X1, and thus can be visually exposed to the outside of the electronic device. Conversely, the second region A2 and the third region A3 of the rollable display 230 can be rolled inward according to the movement of the second housing 220 along the second direction X2, which is opposite to the first direction X1, and thus can be hidden.

[0092] Reference Figure 2A In the electronic device 200, the second region A2 and the third region A3 of the rollable display 230 can be rolled inward according to the maximum specified movement of the second housing 220 along the second direction X2, and therefore can be hidden from visual exposure to the outside of the electronic device. Here, the exposed width of the rollable display 230 can be a first width W1.

[0093] Reference Figure 2BIn the electronic device 200, at least a portion of the second region A2 of the rollable display 230 can be unfolded according to the movement of the second housing 220 along the first direction X1, and thus can be exposed to the outside of the electronic device, while the third region A3 may not be exposed. Here, the exposed width of the rollable display 230 can be the sum of the first width W1 and the second width W2.

[0094] Reference Figure 2C In the electronic device 200, the second region A2 and the third region A3 of the rollable display 230 can be unfolded according to the maximum specified movement of the second housing 220 along the first direction X1, and thus can be visually exposed to the outside of the electronic device. Here, the exposed width of the rollable display 230 can be the sum of the first width W1, the second width W2, and the third width W3.

[0095] Figure 3A A first state of the electronic device 200 according to an embodiment is shown (e.g., the scroll display 230 minimized state), and a portion of the scroll display 230 is shown (e.g., Figure 2B The second region A2 and Figure 2C The third region A3) is contained within the shell. Figure 3B A second state of the electronic device 200 according to an embodiment is shown (e.g., a state in which the roll-up display 230 has a medium-sized area), and a portion of the roll-up display 230 is shown (e.g., Figure 2C The third region A3) is contained within the shell. Figure 3C A third state of the electronic device 200 according to an embodiment is shown (e.g., the state in which the roll-up display 230 is maximized), and a state in which most of the roll-up display 230 is visually exposed to the outside of the electronic device is shown. Figure 3A It can be a rear view of the electronic device 200 according to the embodiment, as viewed along direction Z2 (e.g., a fourth direction opposite to Z1). Figure 3B This can be a rear view of the electronic device 200 according to the embodiment, viewed along direction Z2 (e.g., the fourth direction); and Figure 3C It can be a rear view of the electronic device 200 according to the embodiment, viewed along direction Z2 (e.g., the fourth direction).

[0096] Figures 3A to 3C The electronic device 200 shown can at least partially interact with Figures 2A to 2C The electronic device 200 shown is similar to or the same as that shown. Therefore, reference will be made below. Figures 3A to 3C Repeated descriptions are omitted.

[0097] Reference Figures 3A to 3CAccording to one embodiment, the first housing 210 may further include forming an electronic device 200 (e.g., Figure 1 The rear cover 420 of the electronic device 101 in the middle, and the camera module 430 (e.g., Figure 1 The camera module 180 can be exposed through at least a portion of the rear cover 420. The camera module 430 can be mounted to the first housing 210 and can capture images of objects in a direction opposite to the first region A1 of the roll-up display 230 (e.g., along the fourth direction Z2).

[0098] According to one embodiment, the electronic device 200 may include a plurality of camera modules 430. For example, the camera module 430 of the electronic device 200 may include a standard camera, a wide-angle camera, a telescope camera, or a close-up camera. According to other embodiments, the camera module 430 may include an infrared projector and / or an infrared receiver, and thus can be used to measure the distance to an object. According to one embodiment, the camera module 430 may include one or more lenses, an image sensor, and / or an image signal processor. Although not shown, the electronic device 200 may also include another camera module (e.g., a front-facing camera) for capturing an image of the object in a forward direction (e.g., a third direction). For example, the front-facing camera may be positioned near the first region A1 or in the region where the front-facing camera overlaps with the roll-up display 230. According to one embodiment, when the camera module 430 is positioned in the region where the camera module 430 overlaps with the roll-up display 230, the camera module 430 may be positioned below the roll-up display 230 and can capture an image of the object by receiving light passing through a portion of the roll-up display 230.

[0099] Reference Figure 3B and Figure 3C When the second housing 220 moves along the designated first direction X1, a portion of the slide plate supporting the roll-up display 230 can be exposed when viewed from the rear of the electronic device 200 along the direction Z2.

[0100] Figure 4 This is an exploded perspective view of an electronic device 200 according to one embodiment.

[0101] Figure 4 The electronic device 200 shown can at least partially connect with Figures 2A to 2C The electronic device 200 shown is similar to or the same as that shown. Therefore, reference is made below. Figure 4 Its repeated descriptions are omitted.

[0102] Reference Figure 4 According to one embodiment, the electronic device 200 (e.g., Figure 1The electronic device 101 may include a first housing 210, a second housing 220, a rear cover 420, a first printed circuit board 440, a second printed circuit board 710, a reel 460, a magnet 470, and a reel display 230.

[0103] According to one embodiment, the first housing 210 may include at least one first conductive portion 210-1 and at least one first non-conductive portion 210-2.

[0104] According to one embodiment, the second housing 220 may include at least one second conductive portion 220-1 and at least one second non-conductive portion 220-2.

[0105] The first printed circuit board 440 and the second printed circuit board 710 can be accommodated or arranged in the space between the first housing 210 and the rear cover 420. Although not shown, the battery (e.g., Figure 1 A battery 189 is disposed in this space. The battery, serving as a power source for at least one component of the electronic device 200, may include, for example, a non-rechargeable primary battery, a rechargeable accumulator, or a fuel cell. The battery may be disposed at least partially in a plane substantially identical to that of the first printed circuit board 440. The battery may be disposed integrally within the electronic device 200. In another embodiment, the battery may be detachably disposed within the electronic device 200. Although not shown, a flexible circuit board including a near-field communication (NFC) antenna, a wireless charging antenna, and / or a magnetically secure transmission (MST) antenna may be further disposed in this space.

[0106] According to one embodiment, the rollable display 230 may include an organic light-emitting diode (OLED). For example, it may include a durable (UB) type OLED rollable display 230 (e.g., a curved display or a flexible display).

[0107] The first printed circuit board 440 may include components such as a camera module 430, a slider sensor 441, an application processor (hereinafter referred to as AP 510), and a communication processor (hereinafter referred to as CP 520). The application processor or communication processor may include a microprocessor or any suitable type of processing circuitry, such as one or more general-purpose processors (e.g., ARM-based processors), digital signal processors (DSPs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), graphics processing units (GPUs), video card controllers, etc. Furthermore, it will be appreciated that when a general-purpose computer accesses the code used to implement the processing shown herein, the execution of the code transforms the general-purpose computer into a dedicated computer for performing the processing shown herein. Some of the functions and steps provided in the figures may be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination of both, and may be performed wholly or partially within the programming instructions of a computer. Additionally, those skilled in the art will understand that, in the claimed disclosure, a "processor" or "microprocessor" may be hardware.

[0108] The first printed circuit board 440 may include a memory (e.g., ...). Figure 1 The memory 130 in the memory) and / or interface (e.g., Figure 1 Interface 177 (as described in the text). Memory may include, for example, volatile or non-volatile memory. Interface may include, for example, a High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI), a Universal Serial Bus (USB) interface, an SD card interface, and / or an audio interface. The interface can electrically or physically connect the electronic device 200 to an external electronic device and may include a USB connector, an SD card / MMC connector, or an audio connector.

[0109] According to one embodiment, the camera module 430 may be arranged facing the rear of the electronic device 200 in a direction Z2, and a portion of the camera module 430 (e.g., a lens) may be visually exposed through a camera hole formed in the rear cover 420.

[0110] According to one embodiment, the slide sensor 441 may be a sensor for sensing the degree to which the second housing 220 slides from the first housing 210. For example, the slide sensor 441 may be a magnetic sensor for sensing a magnetic force that varies depending on the distance between the slide sensor 441 and a magnet 470 disposed in the second housing 220. According to other embodiments, other methods may be used to sense the degree to which the second housing 220 slides from the first housing 210 via the slide sensor 441.

[0111] According to one embodiment, a second printed circuit board 710 may be disposed within a second housing 220. The second printed circuit board 710 may include: a variable element 540 electrically connected to a second conductive portion 220-1 of the second housing 220; and an adjustment circuit 450 configured to adjust the capacitance and / or inductance of the variable element 540, thereby adjusting the electrical characteristics of the second conductive portion 220-1 of the second housing 220. An example of an adjustable electrical characteristic may be a resonant characteristic. According to one embodiment, the adjustment circuit 450 may be omitted. For example, the adjustment circuit 450 may be included in a CP 520, or it may be included in an antenna drive circuit 530 configured to operate an antenna radiator (e.g., the first conductive portion 210-1) of the first housing 210.

[0112] According to one embodiment, the variable element 540 may include a variable capacitor 541 and / or a variable inductor 542. According to one embodiment, the electronic device 200 may adjust the capacitance and / or inductance of the variable element 540 to adjust the resonant characteristics of the second conductive portion 220-1 formed on the fourth sidewall 221, fifth sidewall 222, and / or sixth sidewall 223 of the second housing 220. The electronic device 200 may adjust the resonant characteristics of the second conductive portion 220-1 of the second housing 220 based on the sliding of the second housing 220 relative to the first housing 210.

[0113] According to one embodiment, when both the second conductive portion 220-1 and the first conductive portion 210-1 are antenna radiators, the electronic device 200 can adjust the resonant characteristics of the second conductive portion 220-1 of the second housing 220 to reduce the interference of the second conductive portion 220-1 on the first conductive portion 210 of the first housing 210.

[0114] According to one embodiment, the reel 460 may be coupled to a portion of the second housing 220. The reel 460 may guide a portion of the rollable display 230 (e.g., ...) based on movement of the second housing 220. Figure 2B and Figure 2C The movement of the second region A2 and the third region A3 in the display. For example, according to the movement of the second housing 220 along the first direction X1, the reel 460 can rotate counterclockwise while its axis is fixed, and can guide the roll-up display 230 so that a portion of the roll-up display 230 slides out. According to the movement of the second housing 220 along the second direction X2 opposite to the first direction X1, the reel 460 can rotate clockwise while its axis is fixed, and can guide the roll-up display 230 so that a portion of the second housing 220 slides in and a portion of the roll-up display 230 is rolled up.

[0115] Figure 5This is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of an electronic device 200 according to one embodiment. Figure 6 This is a rear view of an electronic device 200 according to one embodiment, viewed along direction Z2 (e.g., the fourth direction). Figure 6 An example of an electronic device 200 with its back cover 420 removed is shown. Figure 7 It shows in Figure 6 An enlarged example of the arrangement of variable elements 540 in the electronic device 200 shown. For example, Figure 7 It can be shown with Figure 6 An example of the adjacent portions of the third sidewall 213 and the sixth sidewall 223 shown.

[0116] Figures 5 to 7 The electronic device 200 shown (e.g., Figure 1 The electronic device 101 in the middle can at least partially interact with Figures 2A to 4 The electronic device 200 shown is similar to or the same as that shown. Therefore, reference will be made below. Figures 5 to 7 Repeated descriptions are omitted.

[0117] Reference Figures 5 to 7 According to one embodiment, the electronic device 200 may include: a first housing 210; and a second housing 220 that is slidable from the first housing 210.

[0118] The first housing 210 may include a rollable display 230, an access point (AP) 510, a contention point (CP) 520, and / or an antenna driving circuit 530. According to an embodiment, such as... Figure 6 As shown, AP 510, CP 520 and / or antenna drive circuit 530 can be integrated into a single IC 601.

[0119] According to one embodiment, the antenna driving circuit 530 can drive a first conductive portion 210-1 formed in each of the first sidewall 211, the second sidewall 212, and the third sidewall 213 of the first housing 210. The first conductive portion 210-1 serves as an antenna radiator.

[0120] According to one embodiment, the antenna driving circuit 530 may include an RF transceiver 531, an RF front-end 532, a first RF matching circuit 533, and / or a second RF matching circuit 534. The RF transceiver 531 may include: a first port for transmitting or receiving a signal having a first frequency; and a second port for transmitting or receiving a signal having a second frequency higher than the first frequency. The RF front-end 532 may include a duplexer or a power amplifier. The first RF matching circuit 533 may include a first filter corresponding to a first frequency band. The second RF matching circuit 534 may include a second filter corresponding to a second frequency band.

[0121] According to one embodiment, the antenna driving circuit 530 includes a plurality of RF front ends 532. When the antenna driving circuit 530 includes a plurality of RF front ends 532, two RF front ends 532 (e.g., a first RF front end and a second RF front end) can be connected to a first port and a second port of the RF transceiver 531, respectively. According to one embodiment, when multiple RF front ends 532 are included, a first RF matching circuit 533 and / or a second RF matching circuit 534 can be included in the respective RF front ends 532 (e.g., the first RF front end and the second RF front end).

[0122] According to one embodiment, the first housing 210 may further include a sliding sensor 441 to sense the distance between the sliding sensor 441 and the magnet 470 formed in the second housing 220.

[0123] The second housing 220 may include a second conductive portion 220-1, which is arranged opposite to or close to at least a portion of the first housing 210. The second conductive portion 220-1 is arranged close to an antenna radiator (e.g., the first conductive portion 210-1) and may therefore affect the resonant characteristics of the antenna radiator. In an electronic device 200 according to some embodiments, a variable element 540 electrically connected to the second conductive portion 220-1 may be arranged within the second housing 220.

[0124] According to one embodiment, the variable element 540 may be arranged adjacent to the sixth sidewall 223 of the second housing 220, which is arranged opposite to or adjacent to the third sidewall 213 of the first housing 210. According to the embodiment, in addition to the portion adjacent to the sixth sidewall 223, the variable element 540 may also be arranged in the portion adjacent to the fifth sidewall 222. Although not shown, the variable element 540 may alternatively be arranged adjacent to the fourth sidewall 221.

[0125] According to one embodiment, the variable element 540 may include a variable capacitor 541 and / or a variable inductor 542. The electronic device 200 can adjust the capacitance and / or inductance of the variable element 540 based on the movement of the second housing 220, thereby adjusting the resonant characteristics of the second conductive portion 220-1. Therefore, according to some embodiments, the electronic device 200 can reduce the impact of the second conductive portion 220-1 of the second housing 220 on the antenna radiator and can increase antenna efficiency.

[0126] Reference Figure 7The antenna driving circuit 530 can be arranged on the first printed circuit board 440 of the first housing 210 and adjacent to the first conductive portion 210-1, which serves as an antenna radiator. The variable element 540 can be arranged on the second printed circuit board 710 adjacent to the second conductive portion 220-1. The first printed circuit board 440 and the second printed circuit board 710 can be electrically connected to each other via a flexible circuit board 720. The flexible circuit board 720 can include lines for transmitting a switching signal output from the antenna driving circuit 530 on the first printed circuit board 440. For example, the switching signal output from the antenna driving circuit 530 can be provided to the variable element 540 on the second printed circuit board 710 via the flexible circuit board 720. According to one embodiment, the capacitance and / or inductance of the variable element 540 can be adjusted in response to the switching signal, and thus the resonant characteristics of the second conductive portion 220-1 can be adjusted. According to other embodiments, the switching signal is not limited to a signal output from the antenna driving circuit and can be output from CP 520 or AP 510.

[0127] According to some embodiments, the flexible circuit board 720 may include at least one of a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB), a flat cable (FRC), or a rigid-flexible printed circuit board (RFCPB). For example, the first printed circuit board 440 may be electrically connected to the second printed circuit board 710 via a flat cable (FRC).

[0128] Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the electronic device 200 according to an embodiment.

[0129] Figure 8 The operations shown can be performed by a processor (e.g., Figure 1 The processor 120 in the electronic device 200 executes the commands. For example, the memory of the electronic device 200 (e.g., ...) Figure 1 The memory 130 in the memory can store instructions, which, when executed, cause the processor to perform them. Figure 8 The operation is shown below. Refer to the following text for further details. Figure 8 The operation of the electronic device 200 according to an embodiment is described.

[0130] According to another embodiment, it can be provided by a communication processor (e.g., Figure 5 CP 520 in the middle) execution Figure 8 The operation is shown. For example, it includes the communication module (e.g., Figure 1 The communication processor in the communication module 190 (e.g., Figure 5 The CP520 in the middle can receive signals from the AP ( Figure 5 AP510 in the middle) and / or sliding sensor (e.g., Figure 5 The sliding value is sent by the sliding sensor 441 in the middle.

[0131] In operation 810, an electronic device 200 according to one embodiment (e.g., Figure 1 The electronic device 101 in the middle can identify the frequency band currently being used for communication.

[0132] In this disclosure, a frequency band or frequency range can be a frequency band defined in 3GPP. Furthermore, the term "bandwidth" can refer to the uplink / downlink frequency range of a frequency band. In Frequency Division Duplex (FDD), the uplink frequency range differs from the downlink frequency range. On the other hand, in Time Division Duplex (TDD), the uplink frequency range is the same as the downlink frequency range. Additionally, frequency bands can be classified into low-frequency, mid-frequency, and high-frequency bands based on the bandwidth used. For example, according to the 3GPP frequency band definition, frequency bands can be divided into three groups (low-frequency / mid-frequency / high-frequency band) based on the allocated bandwidth, as shown in Table 1.

[0133] [Table 1]

[0134]

[0135]

[0136] Frequency bands can be classified into a first frequency band having bandwidth belonging to a first frequency range, a second frequency band having bandwidth belonging to a second frequency range, and a third frequency band having bandwidth belonging to a third frequency range. Here, the second frequency range can be defined as a value having a maximum value greater than that of the first frequency range and a minimum value less than that of the third frequency range. In one embodiment, the first, second, and third frequency bands may correspond to the low-frequency, mid-frequency, and high-frequency bands defined in 3GPP, respectively. However, in another embodiment, the first, second, and third frequency bands may be defined differently from the 3GPP definitions. For example, a frequency band using 2000MHz or higher frequencies may be defined as the third frequency band.

[0137] In the embodiments of this disclosure, for convenience and ease of description, the first frequency band can be considered as a low-frequency band (LB), the second frequency band as a mid-frequency band (MB), and the third frequency band as a high-frequency band (HB). For example, LB can be approximately 700MHz to 900MHz, MB can be 1.4GHz to 2.2GHz, and HB can be 2.3GHz to 2.7GHz. In another example, the first mid-frequency band MB1 can be a band including 1.5GHz, and the second mid-frequency band MB2 can be a band including 1.7GHz. Here, the first frequency band can be considered as LB, the second frequency band can be considered as MB1, and the third frequency band can be considered as MB2 and HB. In another example, LB can be approximately 700MHz to 900MHz, MB1 can be 1.4GHz to 2.2GHz, MB2 can be 2.3GHz to 2.7GHz, and HB can be 5GHz to 6GHz. However, the criteria used for classification can be defined differently from the examples above or the criteria proposed in the 3GPP standards, and the frequency bands can be classified into four, five, or more bands.

[0138] In operations 820 and 830, according to one embodiment, the electronic device 200 can identify an antenna matching value corresponding to the frequency band currently used for communication, and can set the identified antenna matching value. For example, when the electronic device 200 performs communication in LTE frequency band 3 (1710MHz to 1880MHz), the antenna drive circuit 530 can set a matching filter so that the antenna radiator resonates in that frequency band.

[0139] In operation 840, according to one embodiment, the electronic device 200 can detect a sliding value. For example, the electronic device 200 can sense the degree of sliding of the second housing 220 from the first housing 210, and can convert the sensed degree into a numerical value to determine the sliding value. In an embodiment, the electronic device 200 can use a sliding sensor 441 to measure the distance between the first housing 210 and the second housing 220, and can determine the numerical value corresponding to the measured distance as the sliding value.

[0140] In operation 850, according to one embodiment, the electronic device 200 can sense a change in the slip value. According to one embodiment, when a change in the slip value is sensed (e.g., when the result of operation 850 is "yes"), the electronic device 200 can proceed to operation 860 and execute operation 860. According to one embodiment, when no change in the slip value is sensed (e.g., when the result of operation 850 is "no"), the electronic device 200 can return and execute operation 810.

[0141] In operations 860 and 870, according to one embodiment, the electronic device 200 can identify a correction value corresponding to the changed sliding value. The correction value may be a value used when the electronic device 200 adjusts the capacitance and / or inductance of the variable element 540. The electronic device 200 can adjust the capacitance and / or inductance of the variable element 540 based on the correction value, thereby adjusting the resonant characteristics of the second conductive portion 220-1 of the second housing 220. When adjusting the resonant characteristics of the second conductive portion 220-1, the influence of the second conductive portion 220-1 on the first conductive portion 210-1 of the first housing 210, which serves as an antenna radiator, can be reduced.

[0142] According to an embodiment, as shown in Table 2, the correction value may include a value specified for each frequency band currently used for communication.

[0143] [Table 2]

[0144]

[0145]

[0146] In Table 2, the values ​​1-100 indicating the sliding value can be relative values ​​indicating the degree to which the second housing 220 slides from the first housing 210. For example, 1 can be the minimum sliding value, and 100 is the maximum sliding value.

[0147] In Table 2, the values ​​indicating the correction values ​​A1, A2, A3, Ak, ..., An, B1, B2, B3, etc., can be necessary values ​​for the capacitance or inductance of the variable element 540. At least some of the correction values ​​A1, A2, A3, Ak, ..., An, B1, B2, B3, etc., can be equal to each other.

[0148] The capacitance and / or inductance of the variable element 540 can be adjusted in various ways. One method of changing the capacitance and / or inductance is by adjusting the configuration value of a switch connected to an antenna (not shown in the figure). This is illustrated in Table 3 below.

[0149] [Table 3]

[0150]

[0151]

[0152] Correction values ​​such as “a”, “b”, “c” to “n” can be selected to optimize antenna efficiency.

[0153] Figure 9 The results 900 of an experiment for measuring the efficiency of an antenna of an electronic device 200 according to an embodiment are shown. For example, Figure 9The result of measuring antenna efficiency could be when the capacitance of the variable element 540 is adjusted according to the movement of the second housing 220.

[0154] Figure 9 Graph 910 shows the results of measuring antenna efficiency when the capacitance of variable element 540 is adjusted according to the movement of second housing 220.

[0155] Figure 9 Graph 920 shows the results of measuring antenna efficiency when the capacitance of variable element 540 is not adjusted according to the movement of second housing 220.

[0156] exist Figure 9 In the experiment, the frequency band used by the electronic device 200 to perform communication is approximately 1800MHz, and the curve 910 may be the result of adjusting the capacitance of the variable element 540 while taking into account the approximately 1800MHz frequency band used.

[0157] When the capacitance of the variable element 540 is increased, the resonant frequency of the second conductive portion 220-1 can be decreased. The electronic device 200 can increase the capacitance of the variable element 540 so that the second conductive portion 220-1 resonates at a frequency below approximately 1800 MHz, and thus the efficiency of the antenna radiator (e.g., the first conductive portion 210-1) can be increased at approximately 1800 MHz.

[0158] When comparing graphs 910 and 920 at approximately 1800 MHz, it can be understood that the difference between the efficiency of the portion 921 in graph 920 corresponding to approximately 1800 MHz and the efficiency of the portion 911 in graph 910 corresponding to approximately 1800 MHz is approximately 5 dB or greater, as indicated by arrow 901.

[0159] Figure 10 The results 1000 of another experiment for measuring the efficiency of an antenna of electronic device 200 according to an embodiment are shown. For example, Figure 10 The results of measuring antenna efficiency are shown when the inductance of the variable element 540 has been adjusted according to the movement of the second housing 220.

[0160] Figure 10 Graph 1010 shows the results of measuring antenna efficiency when the inductance of the variable element 540 has been adjusted according to the movement of the second housing 220.

[0161] Figure 10 Graph 1020 shows the results of measuring antenna efficiency when the inductance of variable element 540 is not adjusted according to the movement of second housing 220.

[0162] exist Figure 10 In the experiment, the frequency band used by the electronic device 200 to perform communication is approximately 1900MHz, and the curve 1010 may be the result of adjusting the inductance of the variable element 540 while taking into account the approximately 1900MHz frequency band used.

[0163] When the inductance of the variable element 540 is increased, the resonant frequency of the second conductive portion 220-1 can be increased. The electronic device 200 can increase the capacitance of the variable element 540 so that the second conductive portion 220-1 resonates at a frequency higher than approximately 1900 MHz, and thus the efficiency of the antenna radiator (e.g., the first conductive portion 210-1) can be increased at approximately 1900 MHz.

[0164] When comparing graph 1010 and graph 1020 at approximately 1900 MHz, it can be understood that the difference between the efficiency of the portion 1021 in graph 1020 corresponding to approximately 1900 MHz and the efficiency of the portion 1011 in graph 1010 corresponding to approximately 1900 MHz is approximately 5 dB or greater, as indicated by arrow 1001.

[0165] Some embodiments of the above-described embodiments of this disclosure can be implemented in hardware, firmware, or by executing software or computer code that may be stored on a recording medium such as a CD-ROM, digital versatile optical disc (DVD), magnetic tape, RAM, floppy disk, hard disk, or magneto-optical disc, or by executing computer code downloaded over a network that was initially stored on a remote recording medium or a non-transitory machine-readable medium and is to be stored on a local recording medium, so that the methods described herein can be presented using a general-purpose computer or a special-purpose processor or programmable or special-purpose hardware (e.g., an ASIC or an FPGA) via software stored on the recording medium. As will be understood in the art, a computer, processor, microprocessor controller, or programmable hardware includes memory components such as RAM, ROM, flash memory, etc., which can store or receive software or computer code that, when accessed and executed by a computer, enables the processor or hardware to implement the processing methods described herein.

[0166] Although this disclosure has been shown and described with reference to various embodiments thereof, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes in form and detail may be made without departing from the disclosure as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. An electronic device, the electronic device comprising: Communication module; processor; A first housing, in which the communication module and the processor are disposed, the first housing includes a first sidewall, a second sidewall extending from one end of the first sidewall and perpendicular to the first sidewall, and a third sidewall extending from the other end of the first sidewall and parallel to the second sidewall, one or more of the first sidewall to the third sidewall including a first conductive portion electrically connected to the communication module to transmit or receive radio frequency signals. A second housing, configured to slide from the first housing along a first direction, includes a fourth sidewall formed parallel to the first sidewall, a fifth sidewall extending from one end of the fourth sidewall and arranged adjacent to the second sidewall, and a sixth sidewall extending from the other end of the fourth sidewall and arranged adjacent to the third sidewall, wherein one or more of the fourth to sixth sidewalls include a second conductive portion. A flexible display, wherein at least a portion of the flexible display is exposed in a sliding manner as the second housing moves along the first direction, and is inserted into the first housing in a sliding manner as the second housing moves along a second direction opposite to the first direction; as well as A variable element, which is arranged in the second housing and electrically connected to the second conductive portion, The processor is configured to adjust the resonant characteristics of the second conductive portion by adjusting the electrical characteristics of the variable element in response to the sliding of the second housing.

2. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein, The processor is also configured to change the capacitance of the variable element in response to sliding of the second housing.

3. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein, The processor is also configured to change the inductance of the variable element in response to sliding of the second housing.

4. The electronic device according to claim 1, further comprising: A magnet, which is disposed in the second housing; as well as A sliding sensor is disposed in the first housing and configured to measure the magnetic force from the magnet to measure the distance between the first housing and the second housing.

5. The electronic device according to claim 4, wherein, The processor is also configured to: The distance between the first housing and the second housing is measured via the sliding sensor; as well as Based on the distance between the first housing and the second housing, a correction value is determined for adjusting the electrical characteristics of the variable element.

6. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein, The processor is also configured to: Identify the frequency band currently used by the communication module to perform communication; Set the antenna matching value corresponding to the frequency band; Detect the sliding value corresponding to the distance between the first housing and the second housing; When a change in the sliding value is sensed, a correction value corresponding to the changed sliding value is identified; as well as Based on the correction value, the electrical characteristics of the variable element are adjusted.

7. The electronic device according to claim 1, further comprising: A first printed circuit board is disposed in the first housing and includes the processor and the communication module; A second printed circuit board, which is disposed in the second housing, and includes the variable element; as well as A flexible circuit board that connects the first printed circuit board to the second printed circuit board.

8. The electronic device according to claim 7, wherein, The variable element is arranged on the second printed circuit board adjacent to the fifth sidewall and / or the sixth sidewall.

9. A method of using an electronic device, the method comprising: Identify the frequency band currently used by the communication module of the electronic device to perform communication; Set the antenna matching value corresponding to the frequency band; Detect the sliding value corresponding to the distance between the first housing and the second housing of the electronic device; When a change in the sliding value is sensed, a correction value corresponding to the changed sliding value is identified; as well as Based on the correction value, the resonant characteristics of the second conductive portion are adjusted by regulating the electrical characteristics of the variable element in the electronic device. The first housing, on which the communication module is disposed, includes a first sidewall, a second sidewall extending from one end of the first sidewall and perpendicular to the first sidewall, and a third sidewall extending from the other end of the first sidewall and parallel to the second sidewall. One or more of the first to third sidewalls include a first conductive portion electrically connected to the communication module for transmitting or receiving radio frequency (RF) signals. The second housing is configured to slide from the first housing along a first direction and includes a fourth sidewall formed parallel to the first sidewall, a fifth sidewall extending from one end of the fourth sidewall and arranged adjacent to the second sidewall, and a sixth sidewall extending from the other end of the fourth sidewall and arranged adjacent to the third sidewall. One or more of the fourth to sixth sidewalls include a second conductive portion. The variable element is arranged in the second housing and electrically connected to the second conductive portion.

10. The method according to claim 9, in, The electronic device further includes a flexible display, at least a portion of which is exposed in a sliding manner as the second housing moves along the first direction, and is inserted into the first housing in a sliding manner as the second housing moves along a second direction opposite to the first direction.

11. The method according to claim 10, further comprising: The capacitance of the variable element is changed in response to the sliding of the second housing.

12. The method according to claim 10, further comprising: The inductance of the variable element is changed in response to the sliding of the second housing.

13. The method of claim 10, wherein, The electronic device also includes: A magnet, the magnet being disposed within the second housing; and A sliding sensor is disposed in the first housing and configured to measure the magnetic force from the magnet to measure the distance between the first housing and the second housing.

14. The method according to claim 13, further comprising: The distance between the first housing and the second housing is measured via the sliding sensor.

15. The method according to claim 10, further comprising: Increase the capacitance of the variable element to reduce the resonant frequency of the second conductive portion.

Images