Electronic device comprising lateral antenna structure

Abstract

An electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises: a housing at least partially formed of a conductive material; a side member separated from a side surface of the housing to surround the side surface of the housing, formed of a conductive material, and including a feeding part; a printed circuit board which is disposed in the housing and on which a communication module is disposed; a circuit member electrically connecting the feeding part of the side member and the printed circuit board such that a communication signal generated by the communication module is transmitted to the side member; and a conductive connection member electrically connecting the side member and the housing and including a current control element controlling a current applied from the housing to the side member.

Description

Electronic device including a side antenna structure

[0001] Various embodiments disclosed in this document relate to electronic devices including side antenna structures.

[0002] Design trends in electronic devices are increasing the demand for electronic devices with metal exteriors.

[0003] For electronic devices with metallic side members, placing antennas within the side members can be limiting. To overcome this limitation, methods are being implemented to utilize at least a portion of the metallic side members as antenna radiators, thereby ensuring antenna performance.

[0004] Meanwhile, with the launch of 5G services, additional service bands may be added. This means electronic devices will contain more antenna radiators than before.

[0005] 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.

[0006] An electronic device may be equipped with an antenna for transmitting or receiving signals to or from an external electronic device. The electronic device may utilize a side member surrounding a side of a housing as an antenna. In this case, the side member may be electrically connected to a communication module disposed on a printed circuit board. In one embodiment, the side member may be connected to the housing in which the printed circuit board is disposed, electrically connected to the communication module, and electrically connected to the ground of the printed circuit board.

[0007] Meanwhile, the length of the side member may be determined in consideration of the antenna frequency band. The side member may have an antenna length that can communicate in a given frequency band. The antenna length may be determined by the location of the part where the communication signal is fed (the feeding part) and the part where the communication signal exits (the ground point, ground). In one embodiment, the ground point of the side member may be a part that comes into contact with the housing connected to the ground. In this case, since the side member is physically connected to the housing, a current exceeding the current required for antenna operation may flow in. Therefore, the antenna radiation performance through the side member may be degraded.

[0008] Additionally, an oxide film may be formed on the outer surface of the side member to prevent corrosion of the side member and enhance durability. If the oxide film becomes scratched during use of the electronic device, and moisture enters the scratched area, causing current to leak from the housing to the side member, hydrogen gas may be generated in the space between the side member and the oxide film, causing the oxide film layer to peel off from the side member.

[0009] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a structure can be provided that blocks or reduces leakage of current from a housing to a side member.

[0010] The technical problems to be achieved in this document are not limited to the technical problems mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the technical field to which the present invention belongs from the description below.

[0011] 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 skill in the technical field to which this document pertains from the description below.

[0012] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, an electronic device may include a housing at least partly formed of a conductive material, a side member formed of a conductive material and surrounding a side surface of the housing, separated from the housing and including a power supply portion, a printed circuit board on which a communication module is disposed and disposed in the housing, a circuit member electrically connecting the power supply portion of the side member and the printed circuit board so that a communication signal generated from the communication module is transmitted to the side member, and a conductive connecting member electrically connecting the side member and the housing and including a current control element that controls a current applied from the housing to the side member.

[0013] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, an antenna structure of an electronic device including a side member formed of a conductive material and separated from a housing, which surrounds a side surface of the housing and constitutes an exterior of the electronic device and has an oxide film formed on a surface thereof, may include a feeding part of the side member, a printed circuit board on which a communication module is arranged and which is arranged in the housing, a circuit member electrically connecting the feeding part of the side member and the printed circuit board so that a communication signal generated from the communication module is transmitted to the side member, and a conductive connecting member electrically connecting the side member and the housing, the conductive connecting member including a current control element that controls a current applied from the housing to the side member.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the amount of current leaking from the housing to the side member can be controlled. For example, in one embodiment of the present disclosure, the side member may have a region used as an antenna radiator physically separated from the housing. Therefore, current is not applied from the housing to the side member, thereby ensuring a certain level of antenna radiation performance through the side member. In addition, since current is not applied from the housing to the side member, even if moisture enters between the side member and the oxide film through a scratch formed in the oxide film formed on the outer surface of the side member, hydrogen gas is not generated, thereby preventing the oxide film from peeling off from the side member.

[0015] 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 can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure belongs from the description below.

[0016] In connection with the description of the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals may be used for the same or similar components.

[0017] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device within a network environment according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] FIGS. 2A and 2B are front and rear views of an unfolded state of an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0019] FIGS. 3A and 3B are front and rear views of a folded state of an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 5A is a drawing illustrating a state in which a conductive connecting member is in contact with a side member and a first housing according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] FIG. 5b is a drawing illustrating a state in which a conductive connecting member is secured to a reinforcing member positioned between a side member and a first housing, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] Figure 6a is an exploded perspective view of the conductive connecting member illustrated in Figure 5a.

[0024] FIG. 6b is an enlarged view of the conductive connecting member illustrated in FIG. 5a in contact with the side member and the first housing.

[0025] Figure 7a is a front view of the conductive connecting member illustrated in Figure 6a.

[0026] Figure 7b is a side view of the conductive connecting member illustrated in Figure 6a.

[0027] Figure 7c is a rear view of the conductive connecting member illustrated in Figure 6a.

[0028] FIG. 8 is a drawing illustrating a state in which a conductive connecting member is in contact with a side member and a first housing according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] FIG. 9a and FIG. 9b are drawings explaining the configuration of the conductive connecting member illustrated in FIG. 8.

[0030] Figure 10a is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA shown in Figure 8.

[0031] Figure 10b is a cross-sectional view taken along the BB line shown in Figure 8.

[0032] In the following description, various embodiments of this document are described with reference to the attached drawings. It should be understood that the various embodiments of this document and the terminology used herein are not intended to limit the technical features described herein to specific embodiments, but rather encompass various modifications, equivalents, or alternatives of the embodiments.

[0033] In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components. The singular form of the noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of said items, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0034] In this document, phrases such as "A or B," "at least one of A and B," "or at least one of B," "A, B, or C," "at least one of A, B, and C," and "at least one of B or C" can each include any one of the items listed together in that phrase, or all possible combinations thereof. Terms such as "first," "second," or "first" or "second" may be used merely to distinguish the corresponding component from other corresponding components and do not limit the corresponding components in any other respect (e.g., importance or order). When a component (e.g., a first) 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.

[0035] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device (101) within a network environment (100), according to one embodiment. Referring to FIG. 1, in the network environment (100), the electronic device (101) may communicate with the electronic device (102) via a first network (198) (e.g., a short-range wireless communication network), or may communicate with the electronic device (104) or a server (108) via a second network (199) (e.g., a long-range wireless communication network). In one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may communicate with the electronic device (104) via the server (108). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include a processor (120), a memory (130), an input module (150), an audio output module (155), a display module (160), an audio module (170), a sensor module (176), an interface (177), a connection terminal (178), a haptic module (179), a camera module (180), a power management module (188), a battery (189), a communication module (190), a subscriber identification module (196), or an antenna module (197). In some embodiments, the electronic device (101) may omit at least one of these components (e.g., the connection terminal (178)), or may have one or more other components added. In some embodiments, some of these components (e.g., the sensor module (176), the camera module (180), or the antenna module (197)) may be integrated into one component (e.g., the display module (160)).

[0036] The processor (120) may, for example, execute software (e.g., a program (140)) to control at least one other component (e.g., a hardware or software component) of the electronic device (101) connected to the processor (120) and perform various data processing or operations. According to one embodiment, as at least a part of the data processing or operations, the processor (120) may store commands or data received from other components (e.g., a sensor module (176) or a communication module (190)) in a volatile memory (132), process the commands or data stored in the volatile memory (132), and store result data in a non-volatile memory (134). According to one embodiment, the processor (120) may include a main processor (121) (e.g., a central processing unit or an application processor) or an auxiliary processor (123) (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 (121). For example, when the electronic device (101) includes the main processor (121) and the auxiliary processor (123), the auxiliary processor (123) may be configured to use less power than the main processor (121) or to be specialized for a given function. The auxiliary processor (123) may be implemented separately from the main processor (121) or as a part thereof.

[0037] The auxiliary processor (123) may control at least a portion of functions or states associated with at least one component (e.g., a display module (160), a sensor module (176), or a communication module (190)) of the electronic device (101), for example, on behalf of the main processor (121) while the main processor (121) is in an inactive (e.g., sleep) state, or together with the main processor (121) while the main processor (121) is in an active (e.g., application execution) state. In one embodiment, the auxiliary processor (123) (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 (180) or a communication module (190)). In one embodiment, the auxiliary processor (123) (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 (101) itself where artificial intelligence is performed, or can be performed through a separate server (e.g., server (108)). 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 multiple artificial neural network layers.The artificial neural network may 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), a deep Q-network, or a combination of two or more of the above, but is not limited to the examples described above. In addition to, or alternatively to, a hardware structure, an artificial intelligence model may include a software structure.

[0038] The memory (130) can store various data used by at least one component (e.g., processor (120) or sensor module (176)) of the electronic device (101). The data can include, for example, software (e.g., program (140)) and input data or output data for commands related thereto. The memory (130) can include volatile memory (132) or non-volatile memory (134).

[0039] The program (140) may be stored as software in the memory (130) and may include, for example, an operating system (142), middleware (144), or an application (146).

[0040] The input module (150) can receive commands or data to be used in a component of the electronic device (101) (e.g., a processor (120)) from an external source (e.g., a user) of the electronic device (101). The input module (150) 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).

[0041] The audio output module (155) can output audio signals to the outside of the electronic device (101). The audio output module (155) 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.

[0042] The display module (160) can visually provide information to an external party (e.g., a user) of the electronic device (101). The display module (160) may include, for example, a display, a holographic device, or a projector and a control circuit for controlling the device. According to one embodiment, the display module (160) 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.

[0043] The audio module (170) can convert sound into an electrical signal, or vice versa, convert an electrical signal into sound. According to one embodiment, the audio module (170) can acquire sound through the input module (150), output sound through the sound output module (155), or an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (102)) (e.g., speaker or headphone) directly or wirelessly connected to the electronic device (101).

[0044] The sensor module (176) can detect the operating status (e.g., power or temperature) of the electronic device (101) 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 (176) 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.

[0045] The interface (177) may support one or more designated protocols that may be used to directly or wirelessly connect the electronic device (101) with an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (102)). In one embodiment, the interface (177) may include, for example, a high definition multimedia interface (HDMI), a universal serial bus (USB) interface, an SD card interface, or an audio interface.

[0046] The connection terminal (178) may include a connector through which the electronic device (101) may be physically connected to an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (102)). According to one embodiment, the connection terminal (178) may include, for example, an HDMI connector, a USB connector, an SD card connector, or an audio connector (e.g., a headphone connector).

[0047] The haptic module (179) 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 (179) can include, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

[0048] The camera module (180) can capture still images and videos. According to one embodiment, the camera module (180) may include one or more lenses, image sensors, image signal processors, or flashes.

[0049] The power management module (188) can manage power supplied to the electronic device (101). According to one embodiment, the power management module (188) can be implemented as, for example, at least a part of a power management integrated circuit (PMIC).

[0050] A battery (189) may power at least one component of the electronic device (101). In one embodiment, the battery (189) may include, for example, a non-rechargeable primary battery, a rechargeable secondary battery, or a fuel cell.

[0051] The communication module (190) may support the establishment of a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between the electronic device (101) and an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (102), electronic device (104), or server (108)), and the performance of communication through the established communication channel. The communication module (190) may operate independently from the processor (120) (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 (190) may include a wireless communication module (192) (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 (194) (e.g., a local area network (LAN) communication module, or a power line communication module). Among these communication modules, the corresponding communication module can communicate with an external electronic device (104) via a first network (198) (e.g., a short-range communication network such as Bluetooth, wireless fidelity (WiFi) direct, or infrared data association (IrDA)) or a second network (199) (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 can 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 (192) can verify or authenticate the electronic device (101) within a communication network such as the first network (198) or the second network (199) by using subscriber information (e.g., an international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI)) stored in the subscriber identification module (196).

[0052] The wireless communication module (192) 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)), minimization of terminal power and connection of multiple terminals (mMTC (massive machine type communications)), or high reliability and low latency (URLLC (ultra-reliable and low-latency communications)). The wireless communication module (192) can support, for example, a high-frequency band (e.g., mmWave band) to achieve a high data transmission rate. The wireless communication module (192) can 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 (192) can support various requirements specified in the electronic device (101), an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (104)), or a network system (e.g., the second network (199)). According to one embodiment, the wireless communication module (192) 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.

[0053] The antenna module (197) 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 (197) 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 (197) 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 (198) or the second network (199), may be selected from the plurality of antennas, for example, by the communication module (190). A signal or power may be transmitted or received between the communication module (190) and an external electronic device via the at least one selected 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 (197).

[0054] In one embodiment, the antenna module (197) 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.

[0055] 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)).

[0056] According to one embodiment, commands or data may be transmitted or received between the electronic device (101) and an external electronic device (104) via a server (108) connected to a second network (199). Each of the external electronic devices (102 or 104) may be the same or a different type of device as the electronic device (101). According to one embodiment, all or part of the operations executed in the electronic device (101) may be executed in one or more of the external electronic devices (102, 104, or 108). For example, when the electronic device (101) is to perform a certain function or service automatically or in response to a request from a user or another device, the electronic device (101) 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 (101). The electronic device (101) 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 (101) may provide an ultra-low latency service by using distributed computing or mobile edge computing, for example. In one embodiment, the external electronic device (104) may include an Internet of Things (IoT) device. The server (108) may be an intelligent server utilizing machine learning and / or a neural network. According to one embodiment, the external electronic device (104) or the server (108) may be included in the second network (199).The electronic device (101) 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.

[0057] FIGS. 2A and 2B are front and rear views of an unfolded state of an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. FIGS. 3A and 3B are front and rear views of a folded state of an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0058] Referring to FIGS. 2A to 3B, the electronic device (200) may include a pair of housings (210, 220) (e.g., a foldable housing structure) that are rotatably coupled about a folding axis (F) through at least one hinge device (e.g., a hinge device (320) of FIG. 4) (e.g., a hinge module or a hinge structure) so as to be foldable with respect to one another, a first display (230) (e.g., a flexible display, a foldable display, or a main display) arranged through the pair of housings (210, 220), and / or a second display (300) (e.g., a sub-display) arranged through one of the pair of housings (e.g., a second housing (220)). According to one embodiment, a pair of housings (210, 220) may include a first housing (210) and a second housing (220) that are foldably arranged relative to each other via at least one hinge device (e.g., hinge device (320) of FIG. 4). In one embodiment, the at least one hinge device (e.g., hinge device (320) of FIG. 4) may be arranged so as to be at least partially concealed from the outside via the first housing (210) and the second housing (220), and may be arranged so as to be concealed from the outside via a hinge housing (310) (e.g., hinge cover) that covers the foldable portion when unfolded. In this document, a surface on which the first display (230) is arranged may be defined as a front surface of the electronic device (200), and a surface opposite to the front surface may be defined as a back surface of the electronic device (200). Additionally, the surface surrounding the space between the front and back may be defined as a side surface of the electronic device (200).

[0059] In one embodiment, the pair of housings (210, 220) are not limited to the shapes and combinations illustrated in FIGS. 2A to 3B, and may be implemented by other shapes or combinations and / or combinations of parts. In one embodiment, the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) are arranged on opposite sides with respect to the folding axis (F), have an overall symmetrical shape with respect to the folding axis (F), and can be folded to match each other. According to some embodiments, the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) may be folded asymmetrically with respect to the folding axis (F). In one embodiment, the angle or distance between the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) may vary depending on whether the electronic device (200) is in an unfolded state, a folded state, or an intermediate state.

[0060] According to one embodiment, the first housing (210) may be connected to at least one hinge device (e.g., hinge device (320) of FIG. 4) in an unfolded state of the electronic device (200), and may include a first side member (213) arranged to face the front of the electronic device (200), a second side member (212) facing in an opposite direction to the first side member (211), and / or a first side member (213) surrounding at least a portion of a first space (2101) between the first side member (211) and the second side member (212). In one embodiment, the second housing (220) may include a third surface (221) that is connected to at least one hinge device (e.g., the hinge device (320) of FIG. 4) in the unfolded state of the electronic device (200) and that is arranged to face the front of the electronic device (200), a fourth surface (222) that faces in an opposite direction to the third surface (221), and / or a second side member (223) that surrounds at least a portion of a second space (2201) between the third surface (221) and the fourth surface (222). In one embodiment, the first surface (211) may face substantially the same direction as the third surface (221) in the unfolded state and at least partially face the third surface (221) in the folded state. In one embodiment, the electronic device (200) may include a recess (201) formed to accommodate a first display (230) through a structural combination of a first housing (210) and a second housing (220). In one embodiment, the recess (201) may have substantially the same size as the first display (230). In one embodiment, the first housing (210) may include a first protective frame (213a) (e.g., a first decorative member) that is combined with a first side member (213) and overlaps an edge of the first display (230) when the first display (230) is viewed from above, thereby covering the edge of the first display (230) so that it is not visible from the outside. In one embodiment, the first protective frame (213a) may be formed integrally with the first side member (213).In one embodiment, the second housing (220) may include a second protective frame (223a) (e.g., a second decorative member) that is coupled to the second side member (223) when the first display (230) is viewed from above and overlaps with the edge of the first display (230), thereby covering the edge of the first display (230) so that it is not visible from the outside. In one embodiment, the second protective frame (223a) may be formed integrally with the second side member (223). In some embodiments, the first protective frame (213a) and the second protective frame (223a) may be omitted.

[0061] According to one embodiment, the hinge housing (310) (e.g., hinge cover) may be disposed between the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) and may be disposed to cover a portion of at least one hinge device (e.g., hinge device (320) of FIG. 4). In one embodiment, the hinge housing (310) may be covered by portions of the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) or exposed to the outside, depending on whether the electronic device (200) is in an unfolded state, a folded state, or an intermediate state. For example, when the electronic device (200) is in an unfolded state, at least a portion of the hinge housing (310) may be disposed to be covered by the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) and substantially not visible from the outside. In one embodiment, when the electronic device (200) is in a folded state, at least a portion of the hinge housing (310) may be positioned so as to be visible from the outside between the first housing (210) and the second housing (220). In one embodiment, when the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) are in an intermediate state where they are folded with a certain angle, the hinge housing (310) may be positioned so as to be at least partially visible from the outside of the electronic device (200) between the first housing (210) and the second housing (220). For example, the area of ​​the hinge housing (310) exposed to the outside may be less than that in a completely folded state. In one embodiment, the hinge housing (310) may include a curved surface.

[0062] According to one embodiment, when the electronic device (200) is in an unfolded state (e.g., the state of FIGS. 2a and 2b), the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) form an angle of about 180 degrees, and the first region (230a), the second region (230b), and the folding region (230c) of the first display (230) may be arranged to form substantially the same plane and face the same direction (e.g., the z-axis direction). According to one embodiment, when the electronic device (200) is in an unfolded state, the first housing (210) may be rotated at an angle of about 360 degrees with respect to the second housing (220) so that the second side (212) and the fourth side (222) face each other and may be folded in the opposite direction (out folding method).

[0063] According to one embodiment, when the electronic device (200) is in a folded state (e.g., the state of FIGS. 3A and 3B), the first surface (211) of the first housing (210) and the third surface (221) of the second housing (220) may be arranged to face each other. In this case, the first region (230a) and the second region (230b) of the first display (230) may be arranged to face each other while forming a narrow angle (e.g., in the range of 0 degrees to about 10 degrees) with respect to each other through the folding region (230c). In one embodiment, the folding region (230c) may be deformed into a curved shape having at least a certain curvature. In one embodiment, when the electronic device (200) is in an intermediate state, the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) may be arranged at a certain angle with respect to each other. In this case, the first region (230a) and the second region (230b) of the first display (230) may form an angle that is larger than the folded state and smaller than the unfolded state, and the curvature of the folding region (230c) may be smaller than the folded state and larger than the unfolded state. In some embodiments, the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) may form an angle that can stop at a designated folding angle between the folded state and the unfolded state through at least one hinge device (e.g., the hinge device (320) of FIG. 4)) (free stop function). In some embodiments, the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) may be continuously operated while being pressed in the unfolding direction or the folding direction based on the designated inflection angle through at least one hinge device (e.g., the hinge device (320) of FIG. 4).

[0064] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (200) may include at least one of a display (230, 300), an input device (215), an audio output device (227, 228), a sensor module (217a, 217b, 226), a camera module (216a, 216b, 225), a key input device (219), an indicator (not shown), or a connector port (229) disposed in the first housing (210) and / or the second housing (220). In some embodiments, the electronic device (200) may omit at least one of the components or may additionally include at least one other component.

[0065] According to one embodiment, at least one display (230, 300) may include a first display (230) (e.g., a flexible display) that is arranged to be supported by a third surface (221) of a second housing (220) from a first surface (211) of a first housing (210), and a second display (300) that is arranged to be at least partially visible from the outside through a fourth surface (222) in an internal space of the second housing (220). In some embodiments, the second display (300) may be arranged to be visible from the outside through the second surface (212) in an internal space of the first housing (210). In one embodiment, the first display (230) may be primarily used in an unfolded state of the electronic device (200), and the second display (300) may be primarily used in a folded state of the electronic device (200). In one embodiment, the electronic device (200) can control the first display (230) and / or the second display (300) to be usable based on the folding angles of the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) in an intermediate state.

[0066] According to one embodiment, the first display (230) may be disposed in a receiving space formed by a pair of housings (210, 220). For example, the first display (230) may be disposed in a recess (201) formed by the pair of housings (210, 220), and may be disposed to occupy substantially most of the front surface of the electronic device (200) when unfolded. In one embodiment, the first display (230) may include a flexible display in which at least a portion of the display may be transformed into a flat or curved surface. In one embodiment, the first display (230) may include a first region (230a) facing the first housing (210) and a second region (230b) facing the second housing (220). In one embodiment, the first display (230) may include a folding area (230c) including a portion of the first region (230a) and a portion of the second region (230b) with respect to the folding axis (F). In one embodiment, at least a portion of the folding area (230c) may include an area corresponding to at least one hinge device (e.g., the hinge device (320) of FIG. 4). In one embodiment, the area division of the first display (230) is merely an exemplary division by a pair of housings (210, 220) and at least one hinge device (e.g., the hinge device (320) of FIG. 4), and substantially, the first display (230) may be displayed as a seamless, full screen through a pair of housings (210, 220) and at least one hinge device (e.g., the hinge device (320) of FIG. 4). In one embodiment, the first region (230a) and the second region (230b) may have an overall symmetrical shape with respect to the folding region (230c) or may have a partially asymmetrical shape.

[0067] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (200) may include a first rear cover (240) disposed on a second surface (212) of the first housing (210) and a second rear cover (250) disposed on a fourth surface (222) of the second housing (220). In some embodiments, at least a portion of the first rear cover (240) may be formed integrally with the first side member (213). In some embodiments, at least a portion of the second rear cover (250) may be formed integrally with the second side member (223). In one embodiment, at least one of the first rear cover (240) and the second rear cover (250) may be formed of a substantially transparent plate (e.g., a glass plate including various coating layers, or a polymer plate) or an opaque plate. In one embodiment, the first rear cover (240) may be formed by an opaque plate, such as, for example, coated or colored glass, ceramic, polymer, metal (e.g., aluminum, stainless steel (STS), or magnesium), or a combination of at least two of the foregoing materials. In one embodiment, the second rear cover (250) may be formed by a substantially transparent plate, such as, for example, glass or polymer. Accordingly, the second display (300) may be arranged so as to be visible from the outside through the second rear cover (250) in the internal space of the second housing (220).

[0068] In one embodiment, the input device (215) may include a microphone. In some embodiments, the input device (215) may include a plurality of microphones arranged to detect the direction of sound. In one embodiment, the audio output device (227, 228) may include speakers. In one embodiment, the audio output device (227, 228) may include a call receiver (227) arranged through the fourth side (222) of the second housing (220) and an external speaker (228) arranged through at least a portion of the second side member (223) of the second housing (220). In some embodiments, the input device (215), the audio output device (227, 228), and the connector (229) are disposed in spaces of the first housing (210) and / or the second housing (220) and can be exposed to the external environment through at least one hole formed in the first housing (210) and / or the second housing (220). In some embodiments, the holes formed in the first housing (210) and / or the second housing (220) can be used in common for the input device (215) and the audio output device (227, 228). In some embodiments, the audio output device (227, 228) may include a speaker (e.g., a piezo speaker) that operates without the holes formed in the first housing (210) and / or the second housing (220).

[0069] According to one embodiment, the camera modules (216a, 216b, 225) may include a first camera module (216a) disposed on a first surface (211) of the first housing (210), a second camera module (216b) disposed on a second surface (212) of the first housing (210), and / or a third camera module (225) disposed on a fourth surface (222) of the second housing (220). In one embodiment, the electronic device (200) may include a flash (218) disposed near the second camera module (216b). In one embodiment, the flash (218) may include, for example, a light emitting diode or a xenon lamp. In one embodiment, the camera modules (216a, 216b, 225) may include one or more lenses, an image sensor, and / or an image signal processor. In some embodiments, at least one of the camera modules (216a, 216b, 225) includes two or more lenses (e.g., wide-angle and telephoto lenses) and image sensors, and may be arranged together on either side of the first housing (210) and / or the second housing (220).

[0070] According to one embodiment, the sensor modules (217a, 217b, 226) may generate electrical signals or data values ​​corresponding to an internal operating state of the electronic device (200) or an external environmental state. In one embodiment, the sensor modules (217a, 217b, 226) may include a first sensor module (217a) disposed on a first surface (211) of the first housing (210), a second sensor module (217b) disposed on a second surface (212) of the first housing (210), and / or a third sensor module (226) disposed on a fourth surface (222) of the second housing (220). In some embodiments, the sensor module (217a, 217b, 226) may include at least one of a gesture sensor, a grip sensor, a color sensor, an infrared (IR) sensor, a light sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, an iris recognition sensor, or a distance detection sensor (e.g., a time of flight (TOF) sensor or a light detection and ranging (LiDAR) sensor).

[0071] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (200) may further include at least one sensor module, not shown, such as a pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, a biometric sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or a fingerprint recognition sensor. In some embodiments, the fingerprint recognition sensor may be disposed through at least one of the first side member (213) of the first housing (210) and / or the second side member (223) of the second housing (220).

[0072] In one embodiment, the key input device (219) may be arranged to be exposed to the outside through the first side member (213) of the first housing (210). In some embodiments, the key input device (219) may also be arranged to be exposed to the outside through the second side member (223) of the second housing (220). In some embodiments, the electronic device (200) may not include some or all of the key input devices (219), and the key input devices (219) that are not included may be implemented in another form, such as a soft key, on at least one display (230, 300). In one embodiment, the key input device (219) may be implemented using a pressure sensor included in at least one display (230, 300).

[0073] According to one embodiment, the connector port (229) may include a connector (e.g., a USB connector or an IF module (interface connector port module)) for transmitting and receiving power and / or data with an external electronic device. In some embodiments, the connector port (229) may also perform a function for transmitting and receiving audio signals with the external electronic device, or may further include a separate connector port (e.g., an ear jack hole) for performing a function for transmitting and receiving audio signals.

[0074] According to one embodiment, at least one of the camera modules (216a, 216b, 225), at least one of the sensor modules (217a, 217b, 226), and / or an indicator may be arranged to be exposed through at least one display (230, 300). For example, at least one of the camera modules (216a, 225), at least one of the sensor modules (217a, 226), and / or an indicator may be arranged to be exposed through at least one display (230, 300) in the interior space of at least one housing (210, 220), below an active area of ​​at least one display (230, 300), and may be arranged to be in contact with the external environment through an opening or transparent area perforated up to a cover member (e.g., a window layer (not shown) of the first display (230) and / or a second rear cover (250)). In one embodiment, the area where at least one display (230, 300) and at least one camera module (216a, 225) face each other may be formed as a transparent area having a certain transmittance as part of the area displaying content. In one embodiment, the transparent area may be formed to have a transmittance in the range of about 5% to about 20%. This transparent area may include an area overlapping with an effective area (e.g., a field of view area) of at least one camera module (216a, 225) through which light passes to be imaged by an image sensor to create an image. For example, the transparent area of ​​the display (230, 300) may include an area having a lower pixel density than the surrounding area. For example, the transparent area may replace an opening. For example, at least one camera module (216a, 225) may include an under-display camera (UDC) or an under-panel camera (UPC).In one embodiment, some camera modules or sensor modules (217a, 226) may be arranged to perform their functions without being visually exposed through the display. For example, an area facing a camera module (216a, 225) and / or a sensor module (217a, 226) arranged under a display (230, 300) (e.g., a display panel) may have an under-display camera (UDC) structure, eliminating the need for a perforated opening.

[0075] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0076] Referring to FIG. 4, the electronic device (200) may include a first display (230) (e.g., a flexible display), a second display (300), at least one hinge device (320), a pair of support members (261, 262), at least one substrate (270) (e.g., a printed circuit board (PCB)), a first housing (210), a second housing (220), a first rear cover (240), and / or a second rear cover (250).

[0077] In one embodiment, the first display (230) may include a display panel (430) (e.g., a flexible display panel) and a support plate (450) disposed under the display panel (430). In one embodiment, the first display (230) may include a reinforcing plate (462) disposed under the support plate (450). In some embodiments, the reinforcing plates (462) may be omitted. In one embodiment, the display panel (430) may include a first panel area (430a) corresponding to a first area of ​​the first display (230) (e.g., the first area (230a) of FIG. 2A), a second panel area (430b) extending from the first panel area (430a) and corresponding to a second area of ​​the first display (230) (e.g., the second area (230b) of FIG. 2A), and a third panel area (430c) connecting the first panel area (430a) and the second panel area (430b) and corresponding to a folding area of ​​the first display (230) (e.g., the folding area (230c) of FIG. 2A). In one embodiment, the support plate (450) is disposed between the display panel (430) and a pair of support members (261, 262), and may be formed to have a material and shape to provide a planar support structure for the first panel area (430a) and the second panel area (430b) and a bendable structure to aid in bendability for the third panel area (430c). In one embodiment, the support plate (450) may be formed of a conductive material (e.g., metal) or a non-conductive material (e.g., polymer or fiber reinforced plastics (FRP)). In one embodiment, the reinforcing plate (462) may include a first reinforcing plate (4621) positioned between the support plate (450) and the pair of support members (261, 262) to correspond with at least a portion of the first panel area (430a) and the third panel area (430c), and a second reinforcing plate (4622) positioned to correspond with at least a portion of the second panel area (430b) and the third panel area (430c).In one embodiment, the reinforcing plate (462) may be formed of a metal material (e.g., SUS) to assist in providing a ground connection structure and reinforcing rigidity for the first display (230). In some embodiments, the electronic device (200) may include a digitizer disposed below the support plate (450) and replaced with the reinforcing plate (462) or added between the support plate (450) and the reinforcing plate (462).

[0078] In one embodiment, the second display (300) may be positioned in the space between the second housing (220) and the second rear cover (250). In one embodiment, the second display (300) may be positioned in the space between the second housing (220) and the second rear cover (250) so as to be visible from the outside through substantially the entire area of ​​the second rear cover (250).

[0079] In one embodiment, at least a portion of the first support member (261) may be foldably coupled to the second support member (262) via at least one hinge device (320). In one embodiment, the electronic device (200) may include at least one wiring member (263) (e.g., a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB)) arranged from at least a portion of the first support member (261) across the at least one hinge device (320) to a portion of the second support member (262). In one embodiment, the first support member (261) may be arranged in a manner that extends from the first side member (213) or is structurally coupled with the first side member (213). In one embodiment, the electronic device (200) may include a first space (e.g., the first space (2101) of FIG. 2A) provided through the first support member (261) and the first rear cover (240). In one embodiment, the first housing (210) (e.g., the first housing structure) may be configured through a combination of a first side member (213), a first support member (261), and a first rear cover (240). In one embodiment, the second support member (262) may be arranged to extend from the second side member (223) or be structurally coupled with the second side member (223). In one embodiment, the electronic device (200) may include a second space (e.g., the second space (2201) of FIG. 2A) provided through the second support member (262) and the second rear cover (250). In one embodiment, the second housing (220) (e.g., the second housing structure) may be configured through a combination of the second side member (223), the second support member (262), and the second rear cover (250). In one embodiment, at least a portion of at least one wiring member (263) and / or at least one hinge device (320) may be arranged to be supported by at least a portion of a pair of support members (261, 262).In one embodiment, at least one wiring member (263) may be arranged to extend from the first support member (261) across the folding axis (F) to the second support member (262). In one embodiment, at least one wiring member (263) may be arranged to have a length in a direction substantially perpendicular to the folding axis (e.g., the y-axis or the folding axis (F) of FIG. 2A) (e.g., the x-axis direction).

[0080] According to one embodiment, at least one substrate (270) may include a first substrate (271) disposed in a first space (2101) and a second substrate (272) disposed in a second space (2201). In one embodiment, the first substrate (271) and the second substrate (272) may include a plurality of electronic components disposed to implement various functions of the electronic device (200). In one embodiment, the first substrate (271) and the second substrate (272) may be electrically connected through at least one wiring member (263).

[0081] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (200) may include at least one battery (291, 292). In one embodiment, the at least one battery (291, 292) may include a first battery (291) disposed in a first space (2101) of a first housing (210) and electrically connected to a first substrate (271) and a second battery disposed in a second space (2201) of a second housing (220) and electrically connected to a second substrate (272). In one embodiment, the first support member (261) and the second support member (262) may further include at least one swelling hole for the first battery (291) and the second battery (292).

[0082] In one embodiment, the first housing (210) may include a first rotation support surface (214), and the second housing (220) may include a second rotation support surface (224) corresponding to the first rotation support surface (214). In one embodiment, the first rotation support surface (214) and the second rotation support surface (224) may include curved surfaces corresponding to (naturally connected to) the curved outer surface of the hinge housing (310). In one embodiment, the first rotation support surface (214) and the second rotation support surface (224) may cover the hinge housing (310) when the electronic device (200) is in an unfolded state, thereby not exposing the hinge housing (310) to the rear surface of the electronic device (200) or exposing only a portion of the hinge housing (310). In one embodiment, the first rotational support surface (214) and the second rotational support surface (224) can rotate along the outer surface of the curve of the hinge housing (310) when the electronic device (200) is in a folded state, thereby exposing at least a portion of the hinge housing (310) to the rear surface of the electronic device (200).

[0083] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (200) may include at least one antenna (276) disposed in the first space (2201). In one embodiment, the at least one antenna (276) may be disposed in the first space (2201), on the first battery (291) and the first rear cover (240). In one embodiment, the at least one antenna (276) may include, for example, a near field communication (NFC) antenna, a wireless charging antenna, and / or a magnetic secure transmission (MST) antenna. In one embodiment, the at least one antenna (276) may, for example, perform short-range communication with an external device or wirelessly transmit and receive power required for charging. In some embodiments, the antenna structure may be formed by at least a portion of the first side member (213) or the second side member (223) and / or a portion of the first support member (261) and the second support member (262), or a combination thereof.

[0084] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (200) may further include at least one electronic component assembly (274, 275) and / or additional support members (273a, 273b) disposed in a first space (e.g., the first space (2101) of FIG. 2A) and / or a second space (e.g., the second space (2201) of FIG. 2A). For example, the at least one electronic component assembly may include an interface connector port assembly (274) or a speaker assembly (275).

[0085] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (200) may include a first waterproof member (WP1) disposed between a first reinforcing plate (4621) and a first support member (261) and a second waterproof member (WP2) disposed between a second reinforcing plate (4622) and a second support member (262). In one embodiment, the first waterproof member (WP1) may provide at least one first waterproof space between the first reinforcing plate (4621) and the first support member (261). In one embodiment, the at least one first waterproof space may accommodate an area corresponding to at least one electronic component (e.g., a camera module or a sensor module) disposed to be supported by the first support member (261). In one embodiment, the second waterproof member (WP2) may provide a second waterproof space between the second reinforcing plate (4622) and the second support member (262). In one embodiment, the second waterproof space can accommodate at least a portion of a bending portion (e.g., COP, chip on plastic) that folds toward the back of the first display (230).

[0086] In one embodiment, the electronic device (200) may include a waterproof tape (241) disposed between the first rear cover (240) and the first housing (210). In one embodiment, the electronic device (200) may include a bonding member (251) disposed between the second rear cover (250) and the second housing (220). In some embodiments, the bonding member (251) may be disposed between the second display (300) and the second housing (220). In some embodiments, the waterproof tape (241) may be replaced with the bonding member (251), and the bonding member (251) may be replaced with the waterproof tape (241).

[0087] According to one embodiment, at least one hinge device (320) may include a pair of hinge devices (320) arranged at both ends in a direction parallel to the folding axis (F). In some embodiments, three or more hinge devices (320) may be arranged at a specified interval along the folding axis (F), or one hinge device may be arranged. In one embodiment, the electronic device (200) may include a connection module (320-1) arranged between the hinge devices (320). In one embodiment, the connection module (320-1) may be arranged through a combination of at least one gear and / or a combination of at least one link. In some embodiments, the connection module (320-1) may be replaced with the hinge device (320). In one embodiment, the electronic device (200) may include a first hinge plate (311) and a second hinge plate (312) connected through at least one hinge device (320). In one embodiment, the first hinge plate (311) may form the same plane as the first housing (210) in the unfolded state, and the second hinge plate (312) may form the same plane as the second housing (220) in the unfolded state. According to one embodiment, the flexible display (230) may be deformed into a water droplet shape and accommodated in the internal space of the electronic device (200) through at least one hinge device (320, 320-1) when the electronic device (200) is in a folded state. According to one embodiment, in the folded state, the first hinge plate (311) and the second hinge plate (312) are moved to support at least a portion of the deformed teardrop-shaped folding area of ​​the flexible display (230) (e.g., the folding area (230C) of FIG. 2A), and the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) are moved to support the undeformed flat portions of the flexible display (230) in the folded state (e.g., the first area (230a) and the second area (230b) of FIG. 2A).Accordingly, the first hinge plate (311) may not form the same plane as the first housing (210) in the folded state, and the second hinge plate (312) may not form the same plane as the second housing (220). According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, at least one hinge device (320, 320-1) may induce the folding area (230c) to be deformed into a specified shape (e.g., a water drop shape) in the folded state of the flexible display (230).

[0088] FIG. 5A is a drawing illustrating a state in which a conductive connecting member is in contact with a side member and a first housing according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 5B is a drawing illustrating a state in which a conductive connecting member is seated on a reinforcing member positioned between a side member and a first housing according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 6A is an exploded perspective view of the conductive connecting member illustrated in FIG. 5A. FIG. 6B is an enlarged view of the conductive connecting member illustrated in FIG. 5A in a state in which the conductive connecting member is in contact with the side member and the first housing. FIG. 7A is a front view of the conductive connecting member illustrated in FIG. 6A. FIG. 7B is a side view of the conductive connecting member illustrated in FIG. 6A. FIG. 7C is a rear view of the conductive connecting member illustrated in FIG. 6A.

[0089] In the following description, the relationship between the first housing (210) and the first side member (213) and the relationship between the second housing (220) and the second side member (223) illustrated in FIG. 2A will be described through the housing (410) and the side member (420). The description of the housing (410) and the side member (420) described below can be applied to the first housing (210) and the first side member (213), and can be applied to the second housing (220) and the second side member (223). However, for the convenience of description, the housing (410) of FIG. 5A will be described as having a configuration corresponding to the first housing (210) of FIG. 2A, and the side member (420) of FIG. 5A will be described as having a configuration corresponding to the first side member (213) of FIG. 2A.

[0090] According to one embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 5A and 5B , the electronic device (200) (e.g., the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1 ) may include a side member (420) (e.g., the first side member (213) and the second side member (223) of FIG. 2A ) and a housing (410) (e.g., the first housing (210) and / or the second housing (220) of FIG. 2A ). In one embodiment, the side member (420) may constitute a side appearance of the electronic device (200). For example, the side member (420) may be arranged to surround a side surface of the housing (410) such that at least a portion of the side surface may constitute a portion of the side surface of the electronic device (200). In one embodiment, the housing (410) is arranged inside the side member (420), and electronic components constituting the electronic device (200) may be arranged therein. In one embodiment, referring to FIG. 5A, the side member (420) may be spaced at least partially from the side of the housing (410). For example, as described below, the side member (420) may be connected to a printed circuit board (e.g., board (270) of FIG. 4) disposed in the housing (410) via a circuit member (460) to be used as an antenna radiator. The side member (420) may be separated from the housing (410) in a region used as an antenna radiator. Accordingly, the side member (420) may prevent or reduce excess current from being applied from the housing (410) other than the current required for communication in a designated frequency band.

[0091] In one embodiment, the side member (420) and the housing (410) may be formed integrally. Alternatively, the side member (420) may be formed separately from the housing (410) and joined to the housing (410) through machining. In one embodiment, the housing (410) and the side member (420) may be formed using various machining methods, such as computer numerical control (CNC), die casting, or pressing.

[0092] In one embodiment, the housing (410) and the side member (420) may be formed at least partially of a metallic material. For example, the metallic material may include titanium, an amorphous alloy, a metal-ceramic composite material (e.g., cermet), stainless steel, magnesium, a magnesium alloy, aluminum, an aluminum alloy, a zinc alloy, or a copper alloy. This is merely an example, and the side member (420) and the housing (410) may be formed of various metallic materials. In addition, the side member (420) and the housing (410) may be formed at least partially of a non-metallic material. For example, the non-metallic material may include a synthetic resin, a ceramic, or an engineering plastic.

[0093] In one embodiment, the side member (420) may be formed of a conductive material (e.g., a metal material) and may be used as an antenna radiator. In one embodiment, the side member (420) may be electrically connected to a communication module (e.g., the communication module (190) of FIG. 1) connected to a printed circuit board (e.g., the board (270) of FIG. 4) of the electronic device (200) to transmit or receive a communication signal (e.g., a radio frequency (RF) signal) to or from an external device. In one embodiment, the side member (420) may be in contact with a circuit member (460) connected to the printed circuit board (270) and may be electrically connected to the communication module (190). In one embodiment, the side member (420) can be used as an antenna radiator to transmit or receive in at least one designated frequency band (e.g., LB (about 600 MHz to about 1 GHz), MB (about 1 GHz to about 2.3 GHz), HB (about 2.3 GHz to about 2.7 GHz), UHB (about 2.7 GHz to about 6 GHz)) via the circuit member (460). In one embodiment, the side member (420) can be electrically connected to the communication module (190) via the circuit member (460) to transmit or receive RF signals in a high frequency band (e.g., 3.5 GHz to 28 GHz, 28 GHz to 100 GHz (mmWave)).

[0094] According to one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 5A, the side member (420) may include a plurality of segments (421). In one embodiment, the side member (420) may be physically segmented into a plurality of parts through the segments (421). In one embodiment, the segments (421) may be spaces formed in the side member (420) such that one side member (420) may be segmented into a plurality of parts. In one embodiment, an insulating member may be disposed in the segments (421). In one embodiment, the insulating member may be formed of a material having low conductivity or a material having low permittivity. In one embodiment, the antenna resonance frequency may be determined according to the physical length of the side member (420). The side member (420) may have different resonance frequencies as it is segmented into a plurality of parts having different lengths through the insulating members disposed in the segments (421). The electronic device (200) can enable communication (e.g., short-range communication, long-range communication) in various frequency bands by utilizing side members (420) having different resonant frequencies.

[0095] In one embodiment, the circuit member (460) may transmit a communication signal processed by the communication module (190) of the electronic device (200) to the side member (420), which is an antenna radiator, or transmit a communication signal received by the side member (420) to the communication module (190). In one embodiment, the circuit member (460) may be a flexible printed circuit board (Fpcb) formed of a flexible material and including a plurality of conductive lines (not shown) connecting the side member (420) and the printed circuit board (270). In one embodiment, the conductive lines may include, for example, a signal line through which a communication signal is transmitted, a power line through which power for driving a circuit is transmitted, and a ground line connected to the ground. In one embodiment, the circuit member (460) may be a coaxial cable having an impedance of 50 ohms.

[0096] In one embodiment, the circuit member (460) can electrically connect the feeding portion (440) of the side member (420) and the printed circuit board (270). In one embodiment, the feeding portion (440) can be a point where a communication signal of the communication module (190) is applied through the circuit member (460). In one embodiment, the circuit member (460) can be formed of a conductive material to transmit an electrical signal generated in the communication module (190) to the feeding portion (440) of the side member (420). In one embodiment, the feeding portion (440) can be in contact with a conductive clip (e.g., a c-clip) of the circuit member (460). In addition, the feeding portion (440) can be electrically connected to the circuit member (460) through a pogo pin, a spring, a conductive poron, a conductive rubber, a conductive tape, or a conductive connector.

[0097] In one embodiment, the circuit element (460) may be an antenna integrated circuit (IC). In one embodiment, the circuit element (460) may include a plurality of integrated circuits. For example, the circuit element (460) may include various antenna-related circuits, such as a matching circuit for impedance matching and a switching circuit for allowing the antenna to correspond to wideband characteristics. In one embodiment, the matching circuit may be a circuit for matching impedance, including a component such as an inductor or a conductive connecting component (500) (capacitor). In one embodiment, the switching circuit may increase the antenna length of the antenna radiator (e.g., the side component (420)) by shorting the antenna radiators that are electrically open to each other. The matching circuit and switching circuit of the circuit element (460) described above should not be construed as limited by their names, but should be understood as a circuit including a component capable of performing the corresponding function. For example, the switching circuit may be referred to as a switching circuit portion, and the matching circuit may be referred to as a variable element portion. In one embodiment, some of the matching circuit or the switching circuit among the antenna-related circuits may be omitted.

[0098] According to one embodiment, an oxide film may be formed on the surface of the side member (420). In one embodiment, the oxide film may prevent corrosion of the side member (420) and increase the durability of the side member (420). In one embodiment, the oxide film may be formed on the surface of the side member (420) through an anodizing process. In one embodiment, the anodizing process is an electrochemical process that forms a uniform and thick oxide film on the surface of a metal by immersing a metal such as aluminum in a liquid electrolyte and then applying current using the metal as an anode and an auxiliary electrode as a cathode.

[0099] In one embodiment, referring to FIG. 5A, the side member (420) may have an antenna length (L) that can communicate in a given frequency band. The antenna length (L) may be determined by the location of a portion (ground point, ground) from which a communication signal exits (feed portion (440)) to which a communication signal is fed. In one embodiment, the feed portion (440) of the side member (420) may be a portion that comes into contact with a circuit member (460). In one embodiment, the ground point of the side member (420) may be a portion that comes into contact with a conductive connection member (500) that will be described later.

[0100] In a comparative embodiment, the side member (420) and the housing (410) may be physically connected. For example, an antenna signal applied to the side member (420) may be grounded through a portion of the housing (410) that is in contact with the side member (420). In one embodiment, when the side member (420) and the housing (410) are physically connected, current may be applied from the housing (410) to the side member (420) through the connected portion. For example, current leaking from an electronic component (e.g., a printed circuit board (270)) disposed in the housing (410) or current leaking from an external electronic device (200) (e.g., a charging port) when the electronic device (200) is connected to an external electronic device (200) may be applied from the housing (410) to the side member (420), thereby degrading the antenna radiation performance through the side member (420).

[0101] In addition, the oxide film of the side member (420) may be scratched depending on the use of the electronic device (200). If the user's sweat, moisture, etc. enters through the scratches of the oxide film and an excessive amount of current leaks from the housing (410) to the side member (420) through the portion where the housing (410) and the side member (420) are connected, hydrogen gas may be generated in the space between the side member (420) and the oxide film. The hydrogen gas may peel the oxide film layer from the side member (420).

[0102] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, as illustrated in FIGS. 5A and 5B , the side member (420) may be separated from the housing (410) in an area used as an antenna radiator so as to block or reduce an excess current other than the current required for communication in a designated frequency band from being applied from the housing (410). For example, the side member (420) may be separated from the housing (410) in an area used as an antenna radiator.

[0103] In one embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 5A and 5B , the side member (420) may have a region that is used as an antenna radiator separated from the housing (410). For example, a region of the side member (420) that is in contact with the circuit member (460) and is used as an antenna radiator may be spaced apart from the housing (410). In one embodiment, the electronic device (200) may include a conductive connecting member (500) that is in contact with the side member (420) and the housing (410) to electrically connect the side member (420) and the housing (410). In one embodiment, the conductive connection member (500) may have a portion that contacts the side member (420) (e.g., the first metal plate (530) of FIG. 6A and / or the first contact member of FIG. 9A) and a portion that contacts the housing (410) (e.g., the second metal plate (540) of FIG. 6A) formed of a conductive material (e.g., a metal material). In one embodiment, the conductive connection member (500) may function as a ground to transmit a communication signal applied from the circuit member (460) to the power supply unit (440) of the side member (420) to the housing (410). For example, the conductive connection member (500) may transmit a communication signal applied from the circuit member (460) to the power supply unit (440) of the side member (420) to the housing (410) connected to the ground.

[0104] In one embodiment, the side member (420) may have an antenna length (L) that is determined to enable communication in a given frequency band. For example, the antenna length (L) of the side member (420) may be determined as the distance between the feeding portion (440) of the side member (420) and the point where the conductive connection member (500) contacts the side member (420). In one embodiment, the distance between the feeding portion (440) of the side member (420) and the point where the conductive connection member (500) contacts the side member (420) may be determined based on a frequency band that is to be communicated through the side member (420).

[0105] According to one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 5B, a reinforcing member (401) formed of a non-metallic material may be disposed on a side surface of the housing (410). In one embodiment, the reinforcing member (401) may be disposed in a space between the housing (410) and the side surface member (420). In one embodiment, the reinforcing member (401) may be formed of a synthetic resin, ceramic, engineering plastic, or polycarbonate (PC) material. In one embodiment, the reinforcing member (401) may be disposed between the side surface member (420) and the side surface of the housing (410) through an injection molding process.

[0106] In one embodiment, the reinforcing member (401) may include a mounting portion (402) (e.g., mounting portion (402) of FIG. 8) on which a conductive connecting member (500) is disposed. The conductive connecting member (500) may be secured to the mounting portion (402) via an adhesive member (P) attached to one surface. In one embodiment, the conductive connecting member (500) may be disposed on the reinforcing member (401) and may contact a side member (420) formed of a metal material and a portion of a housing (410) formed of a metal material to induce a communication signal from the side member (420) to a ground connected to the housing (410).

[0107] According to one embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 6A to 7C, the conductive connecting member (500) may include a first metal plate (530) in contact with the side member (420), a second metal plate (540) in contact with the housing (410), a circuit board (510) disposed between the first metal plate (530) and the second metal plate (540), and a current control element (520) disposed on the circuit board (510) to control a current applied from the housing (410) to the side member (420). In one embodiment, the conductive connecting member (500) may be stacked in the following order: first metal plate (530) - circuit board (510) - second metal plate (540). In one embodiment, the first metal plate (530) and the second metal plate (540) may be electrically connected to the circuit board (510) by soldering or a conductive tape. In one embodiment, the side member (420) and the housing (410) may be electrically connected through a first metal plate (530) and a second metal plate (540). A communication signal applied from the circuit member (460) to the power supply (440) may be emitted to a ground connected to the housing (410) through the first metal plate (530) - the circuit board (510) - the second metal plate (540).

[0108] In one embodiment, the current control element (520) can control the current applied from the housing (410) to the side member (420). For example, the current control element (520) can block or reduce current leaking from an electronic component or an external electronic device (200) (e.g., a charging port) disposed in the housing (410) from being applied to the side member (420). In one embodiment, the conductive connection element (500) can block or reduce direct current (DC) current applied from the housing (410) to the side member (420) through the current control element (520).

[0109] FIG. 8 is a drawing illustrating a state in which a conductive connecting member is in contact with a side member and a first housing according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIGS. 9A and 9B are drawings illustrating the configuration of the conductive connecting member illustrated in FIG. 8. FIG. 10A is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA illustrated in FIG. 8. FIG. 10B is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB illustrated in FIG. 8.

[0110] The following description may be a description of a conductive connecting member (600) of a different embodiment from the conductive connecting member (500) illustrated in FIGS. 5A to 7C. The conductive connecting member (600) described below may perform the same role as the conductive connecting member (500) described above in FIGS. 5A to 7C. In the following description, descriptions of components identical or similar to the components described in FIGS. 5A to 7C will be omitted.

[0111] According to one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 8, a conductive connecting member (600) may be disposed on a mounting portion (402) of a reinforcing member (401) disposed between a housing (410) (e.g., the first housing (210), the second housing (220) of FIG. 2A) and a side member (420) (e.g., the first side member (213), the second side member (223) of FIG. 2A). In one embodiment, the conductive connecting member (600) may be electrically connected to the side member (420) and the housing (410).

[0112] In one embodiment, referring to FIGS. 9A and 9B, the conductive connecting member (600) may include a circuit board (610) on which a current control element (620) is disposed, and a first contact member (630) disposed on the circuit board (610) and in contact with the side member (420). In one embodiment, the first contact member (630) may be formed of a conductive material and may be electrically connected to the side member (420). In one embodiment, the first contact member (630) may be a contact member formed of a conductive material. For example, the first contact member (630) may be a clip (e.g., a C-clip) formed of a conductive material. In one embodiment, the circuit board (610) may include a screw hole (611) into which a connecting member (e.g., a screw) (S) is inserted. In one embodiment, the circuit board (610) of the conductive connecting member (600) can be fixed to the housing (410) through a connecting member (S) of a conductive material inserted into a screw hole (611). The conductive connecting member (600) can be electrically connected to the side member (420) through the first contact member (630) and electrically connected to the housing (410) through the connecting member (S). Accordingly, a communication signal of the communication module (190) applied from the circuit member (460) to the power supply unit (440) can be guided to a ground connected to the housing (410) through the first contact member (630) - the circuit board (610) - the connecting member (S).

[0113] In one embodiment not shown in the drawing, the conductive connecting member (600) may include a circuit board (610) on which a current control element (620) is disposed, a first contact member (630) disposed on the circuit board (610) and in contact with the side member (420), and a second contact member (not shown) disposed on the circuit board (630) and in contact with the first housing (210). In one embodiment, the first contact member (630) and the second contact member may be contact members formed of a conductive material. In one embodiment, the first contact member (630) and the second contact member may be clips (e.g., C-clip) formed of a conductive material. In one embodiment, the conductive connecting member (600) may be disposed on the mounting portion (402) of the reinforcing member (401) and may be in contact with the side member (420) through the first contact member (630) and with the first housing (210) through the second contact member. Accordingly, a communication signal applied from the circuit member (460) to the power supply unit (440) can be guided to the housing (410) through the first contact member (630) - the circuit board (610) - the second contact member.

[0114] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, as illustrated in FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 8, the side member (420) may have a region used as an antenna radiator separated from the housing (410). In one embodiment, the antenna length (L) of the side member (420) may be determined by the distance between the feeding portion (440) of the side member (420) and a point of contact with a conductive connecting member (e.g., the conductive connecting member (500) of FIG. 7A and the conductive connecting member (600) of FIG. 9A). In one embodiment, the conductive connecting members (500, 600) may guide a communication signal applied from a communication module (190) through a circuit member (460) to the housing (410) connected to the ground, thereby forming an antenna in the side member (420). Meanwhile, the current control elements (520, 620) disposed on the circuit boards (510, 610) of the conductive connecting members (500, 600) can block or reduce current leaking from electronic components or external electronic devices (e.g., charging ports) disposed in the housing (410) from being applied to the side member (420). Accordingly, current is not applied from the housing (410) to the side member (420), so that a certain level of antenna radiation performance through the side member (420) can be secured. In addition, since current is not applied from the housing (410) to the side member (420), even if moisture flows between the side member (420) and the oxide film through a scratch on the oxide film formed on the outer surface of the side member (420), hydrogen gas is not generated, so that the oxide film may not be peeled off from the side member (420).

[0115] According to various embodiments, the electronic device (200) (e.g., the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1) has been described as being a foldable electronic device, but the present invention is not limited thereto. In one embodiment, the present invention may be applied to an electronic device having a bar type or plate type appearance formed by only one of the first housing (210) or the second housing (220). In addition, the present invention may be applied to a slidable electronic device, a stretchable electronic device, and / or a rollable electronic device. A "slidable electronic device," a "stretchable electronic device," and / or a "rollable electronic device" may be an electronic device in which a display (e.g., the first display (230) of FIG. 2A) is capable of bending deformation, such that at least a portion thereof is folded, wound, or rolled, or at least a portion thereof is expanded. A sliderable electronic device, a stretchable electronic device, and / or a rollable electronic device can be used to expand the screen display area by unfolding the display or exposing a larger area of ​​the display to the outside, depending on the user's needs.

[0116] 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.

[0117] 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 component (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.

[0118] 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).

[0119] Various embodiments of the present document may be implemented as software (e.g., a program (140)) including one or more instructions stored in a storage medium (e.g., an internal memory (136) or an external memory (138)) readable by a machine (e.g., an electronic device (101)). For example, a processor (e.g., a processor (120)) of the machine (e.g., an electronic device (101)) 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.

[0120] According to one embodiment, the method according to various embodiments disclosed in this document may be provided as a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded between sellers and buyers as a product. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a device-readable storage medium (e.g., compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM)) or may be provided through an application store (e.g., Play Store). TM ) or directly between two user devices (e.g., smart phones), online distribution (e.g., downloading or uploading). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product may be at least temporarily stored or temporarily created in a machine-readable storage medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or an intermediary server.

[0121] 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 arranged 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.

[0122] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, an electronic device (200) (e.g., an electronic device (101) of FIG. 1) comprises: a housing (410) at least partly formed of a conductive material (e.g., a first housing (210) of FIG. 2A, a second housing (220) of FIG. 2A); a side member (420) separated from a side of the housing and surrounding a side of the housing, formed of a conductive material and including a feeding part (440) (e.g., a first side member (213) of FIG. 2A, a second side member (223) of FIG. 2A); a printed circuit board (270) disposed on the housing and having a communication module (190); a circuit member (460) electrically connecting the feeding part of the side member and the printed circuit board so that a communication signal generated from the communication module is transmitted to the side member; and a current control element (520,) electrically connecting the side member and the housing and controlling a current applied from the housing to the side member. It may include a conductive connecting member (500, 600) including 620).

[0123] Additionally, the current control element of the conductive connecting member can block or reduce current flowing from the housing to the side member.

[0124] Additionally, the side member may be separated from the housing in an area where a communication signal is applied from the circuit member to the power supply unit and used as an antenna radiator.

[0125] Additionally, the conductive connecting member may include a first metal plate (530) in contact with the side member, a second metal plate (540) in contact with the housing, and a circuit board (510) disposed between the first metal plate and the second metal plate and on which the current control element is disposed.

[0126] Additionally, it may further include a reinforcing member (401) formed of a non-metallic material and having at least a portion disposed between the side member and the housing, and including a mounting portion (402) on which the conductive connecting member is disposed.

[0127] In addition, it may further include an adhesive member (P) disposed between the reinforcing member and the conductive connecting member.

[0128] In addition, the conductive connecting member may include a circuit board (610) on which the current control element is arranged, a first contact member (630) formed of a conductive material and arranged on the circuit board to make contact with the side member, and a second contact member formed of a conductive material and arranged on the circuit board to make contact with the housing.

[0129] In addition, the conductive connecting member may include a circuit board (610) on which the current control element is arranged and which includes a screw hole (611), a contact member (630) formed of a conductive material and arranged on the circuit board to contact the side member, and a joining member (S) formed of a conductive material and fixed to the housing by passing through the screw hole.

[0130] Additionally, the surface of the side member may have an oxide film formed through an anodizing process.

[0131] Additionally, the gap between the feed portion and the conductive connecting member may be based on the antenna operating frequency using the side member.

[0132] In addition, the housing includes a first housing (210) and a second housing (220) that are foldably connected to a folding axis through a hinge device, and the side member includes a first side member (213) that is separated from a side of the first housing and surrounds a side of the first housing, and a second side member (223) that is separated from a side of the second housing and surrounds a side of the second housing, and the conductive connecting member can connect the first side member and the first housing, and the second side member and the second housing, respectively.

[0133] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the antenna structure of the electronic device, which includes a housing (210, 220, 410) formed of a conductive material and a side member (213, 223, 420) that surrounds a side surface of the housing and constitutes the exterior of the electronic device (101, 200) and has an oxide film formed on the surface, may include a feeding part (440) of the side member, a printed circuit board (270) on which a communication module (190) is arranged and arranged in the housing, a circuit member (460) that electrically connects the feeding part of the side member and the printed circuit board so that a communication signal generated from the communication module is transmitted to the side member, and a conductive connecting member (500, 600) that electrically connects the side member and the housing and includes a current control element (520, 620) that controls a current applied from the housing to the side member.

[0134] Additionally, the current control element of the conductive connecting member can block or reduce current flowing from the housing to the side member.

[0135] Additionally, the side member may be separated from the housing in an area where a communication signal is applied from the circuit member to the power supply unit and used as an antenna radiator.

[0136] Additionally, the conductive connecting member may include a first metal plate (530) in contact with the side member, a second metal plate (540) in contact with the housing, and a circuit board (510) disposed between the first metal plate and the second metal plate and on which the current control element is disposed.

[0137] Additionally, it may further include a reinforcing member (401) formed of a non-metallic material and having at least a portion disposed between the side member and the housing, and including a mounting portion (402) on which the conductive connecting member is disposed.

[0138] In addition, it may further include an adhesive member (P) disposed between the reinforcing member and the conductive connecting member.

[0139] In addition, the conductive connecting member may include a circuit board (610) on which the current control element is arranged, a first contact member (630) formed of a conductive material and arranged on the circuit board to make contact with the side member, and a second contact member formed of a conductive material and arranged on the circuit board to make contact with the housing.

[0140] In addition, the conductive connecting member may include a circuit board (610) on which the current control element is arranged and which includes a screw hole (611), a contact member (630) formed of a conductive material and arranged on the circuit board to contact the side member, and a joining member (S) formed of a conductive material and fixed to the housing by passing through the screw hole.

[0141] Additionally, the gap between the feed portion and the conductive connecting member may be based on the antenna operating frequency using the side member.

[0142] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, an electronic device (200) (e.g., an electronic device (101) of FIG. 1, an electronic device (200) of FIG. 2A) comprises: a housing (410) at least partly formed of a conductive material (e.g., a first housing (210) of FIG. 2A, a second housing (220) of FIG. 2A); a side member (420) formed of a conductive material and separated from a side of the first housing and surrounding a side of the first housing (e.g., a first side member (213) of FIG. 2A, a second side member (223) of FIG. 2A); a printed circuit board (270) disposed in the housing and having a communication module (190); a circuit member (460) electrically connecting the side member and the printed circuit board so that a communication signal generated from the communication module is transmitted to the side member, and including a power supply unit in contact with the side member; and a current source that electrically connects the side member and the housing and controls a current applied from the housing to the side member. It may include a conductive connecting member (500, 600) including a control element (520, 620).

[0143] Additionally, the current control element of the conductive connecting member can block or reduce current flowing from the housing to the side member.

[0144] Additionally, the side member may be separated from the housing in an area where a communication signal is applied from the power supply unit and is used as an antenna radiator.

[0145] Additionally, the conductive connecting member may include a first metal plate (530) in contact with the side member, a second metal plate (540) in contact with the housing, and a circuit board (510) disposed between the first metal plate and the second metal plate and on which the current control element is disposed.

[0146] Additionally, it may further include a reinforcing member (401) formed of a non-metallic material and having at least a portion disposed between the side member and the housing, and including a mounting portion (402) on which the conductive connecting member is disposed.

[0147] In addition, it may further include an adhesive member (P) disposed between the reinforcing member and the conductive connecting member.

[0148] In addition, the conductive connecting member may include a circuit board (610) on which the current control element is arranged, a first contact member (630) formed of a conductive material and arranged on the circuit board to make contact with the side member, and a second contact member (not shown) formed of a conductive material and arranged on the circuit board to make contact with the housing.

[0149] In addition, the conductive connecting member may include a circuit board (610) on which the current control element is arranged and which includes a screw hole (611), a contact member (630) formed of a conductive material and arranged on the circuit board to contact the side member, and a joining member (S) formed of a conductive material and fixed to the housing by passing through the screw hole.

[0150] Additionally, the surface of the side member may have an oxide film formed through an anodizing process.

[0151] Additionally, the gap between the power supply portion of the circuit member and the conductive connecting member may be based on the antenna operating frequency using the side member.

[0152] In addition, the housing includes a first housing (210) and a second housing (220) that are foldably connected to a folding axis through a hinge device, and the side member includes a first side member (213) that is separated from a side of the first housing and surrounds a side of the first housing, and a second side member (223) that is separated from a side of the second housing and surrounds a side of the second housing, and the conductive connecting member can connect the first side member and the first housing, and the second side member and the second housing, respectively.

[0153] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, an antenna structure of an electronic device including a housing (410) formed of a conductive material (e.g., the housing (210) of FIG. 2A, the second housing (220) of FIG. 2A) and a side member (420) (e.g., the first side member (213) of FIG. 2A, the second side member (223) of FIG. 2A) that surrounds a side surface of the housing and constitutes an exterior of an electronic device (200) (e.g., the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1, the electronic device (200) of FIG. 2A) and has an oxide film formed on a surface thereof, comprises: a printed circuit board (270) disposed on the housing, a circuit member electrically connecting the side member and the printed circuit board so that a communication signal generated from the communication module is transmitted to the side member, and including a power supply unit in contact with the side member; and a current control circuit that electrically connects the side member and the housing, and controls a current applied from the housing to the side member. It may include a conductive connecting member (500, 600) including a component (520, 620).

[0154] Additionally, the current control element of the conductive connecting member can block or reduce current flowing from the housing to the side member.

[0155] Additionally, the side member may be separated from the housing in an area where a communication signal is applied from the power supply unit and is used as an antenna radiator.

[0156] Additionally, the conductive connecting member may include a first metal plate (530) in contact with the side member, a second metal plate (540) in contact with the housing, and a circuit board (510) disposed between the first metal plate and the second metal plate and on which the current control element is disposed.

[0157] Additionally, it may further include a reinforcing member (401) formed of a non-metallic material and having at least a portion disposed between the side member and the housing, and including a mounting portion (402) on which the conductive connecting member is disposed.

[0158] In addition, it may further include an adhesive member (P) disposed between the reinforcing member and the conductive connecting member.

[0159] In addition, the conductive connecting member may include a circuit board (610) on which the current control element is arranged, a first contact member (630) formed of a conductive material and arranged on the circuit board to make contact with the side member, and a second contact member formed of a conductive material and arranged on the circuit board to make contact with the housing.

[0160] In addition, the conductive connecting member may include a circuit board (610) on which the current control element is arranged and which includes a screw hole (611), a contact member (630) formed of a conductive material and arranged on the circuit board to contact the side member, and a joining member (S) formed of a conductive material and fixed to the housing by passing through the screw hole.

[0161] Additionally, the gap between the power supply portion of the circuit member and the conductive connecting member may be based on the antenna operating frequency using the side member.

[0162] It will be appreciated that the present invention contemplates and encompasses embodiments based on any combination of two or more of the disclosed embodiments, as well as embodiments comprising any combination of the features disclosed herein. That is, the absence of an explicit indication that two features or two embodiments can be combined does not imply that such a combination is not envisioned, but rather that such a combination is intended to be included herein.

Claims

1. In an electronic device (101, 200), A housing (210, 220, 410) formed at least in part from a challenging material; A side member (213, 223, 420) formed of a conductive material and surrounding the side of the housing, separate from the side of the housing, and including a power supply part (440); A printed circuit board (270) on which a communication module (190) is placed and placed in the housing; A circuit member (460) electrically connecting the power supply unit of the side member and the printed circuit board so that a communication signal generated from the communication module is transmitted to the side member; and An electronic device comprising a conductive connecting member (500, 600) electrically connecting the side member and the housing and including a current control element (520, 620) that controls current applied from the housing to the side member.

2. In paragraph 1, The current control element of the above conductive connecting member is, An electronic device that blocks or reduces current flowing from the housing to the side member.

3. In paragraph 1, The above side members are, An electronic device in which a communication signal is applied to the power supply unit from the circuit absence and an area used as an antenna radiator is separated from the housing.

4. In paragraph 1, The above challenging connecting member is, An electronic device comprising a first metal plate (530) in contact with the side member, a second metal plate (540) in contact with the housing, and a circuit board (510) disposed between the first metal plate and the second metal plate and on which the current control element is disposed.

5. In paragraph 1, An electronic device further comprising a reinforcing member (401) formed of a non-metallic material and having at least a portion disposed between the side member and the housing, the mounting member (402) on which the conductive connecting member is disposed.

6. In paragraph 5, An electronic device further comprising an adhesive member (P) disposed between the reinforcing member and the conductive connecting member.

7. In paragraph 1, The above challenging connecting member is, An electronic device comprising: a circuit board (610) on which the current control element is arranged; a first contact member (630) formed of a conductive material and arranged on the circuit board to make contact with the side member; and a second contact member formed of a conductive material and arranged on the circuit board to make contact with the housing.

8. In paragraph 1, The above challenging connecting member is, An electronic device comprising a circuit board (610) on which the current control element is arranged and which includes a screw hole (611), a contact member (630) formed of a conductive material and arranged on the circuit board to make contact with the side member, and a joining member (S) formed of a conductive material and fixed to the housing through the screw hole.

9. In paragraph 1, An electronic device in which an oxide film is formed on the surface of the above side member through an anodizing process.

10. In paragraph 1, An electronic device in which the gap between the above-mentioned power supply and the above-mentioned conductive connecting member is based on an antenna operating frequency using the above-mentioned side member.

11. In paragraph 1, The above housing, It includes a first housing (210) and a second housing (220) that are foldably connected to a folding axis through a hinge device, The above side members are, It includes a first side member (213) that is separated from the side of the first housing and surrounds the side of the first housing, and a second side member (223) that is separated from the side of the second housing and surrounds the side of the second housing. The above challenging connecting member is, An electronic device connecting the first side member and the first housing and the second side member and the second housing, respectively.

12. In the antenna structure of the electronic device, which includes a housing (210, 220, 410) formed of a challenging material, a side member (213, 223, 420) that surrounds the side of the housing and forms the exterior of the electronic device (101, 200) and has an oxide film formed on the surface, The power supply part (440) of the above side member; A printed circuit board (270) on which a communication module (190) is placed and placed in the housing; A circuit member (460) electrically connecting the power supply unit of the side member and the printed circuit board so that a communication signal generated from the communication module is transmitted to the side member; and An antenna structure comprising a conductive connecting member (500, 600) electrically connecting the side member and the housing and including a current control element (520, 620) that controls current applied from the housing to the side member.

13. In paragraph 12, The above side members are, An antenna structure in which a region used as an antenna radiator is separated from the housing and a communication signal is supplied from the above circuit absence to the above power supply unit.

14. In paragraph 12, The above challenging connecting member is, An antenna structure including a first metal plate (530) in contact with the side member, a second metal plate (540) in contact with the housing, and a circuit board (510) disposed between the first metal plate and the second metal plate and on which the current control element is disposed.

15. In paragraph 12, The above challenging connecting member is, An antenna structure comprising a circuit board (610) on which the current control element is arranged and which includes a screw hole (611), a contact member (630) formed of a conductive material and arranged on the circuit board to make contact with the side member, and a joining member (S) formed of a conductive material and fixed to the housing through the screw hole.

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