Electronic device and method for controlling transmission / reception path of radio signals

Abstract

An electronic device according to various embodiments of the present document may comprise: a first housing; a second housing connected to be rotatable from the first housing through a hinge structure; a display including a first area disposed on the first housing and a second area disposed in the second area, the display being foldable with respect to the boundary area between the first area and the second area in response to a change in angle between the first housing and the second housing; a first communication module for processing transmission / reception of a first signal of a first wireless communication type; a second communication module for processing transmission / reception of a second signal of a second wireless communication type different from the first wireless communication type; multiple antennas for transmitting and / or receiving the first signal and / or the second signal; a memory; and at least one processor disposed in the first housing or the second housing and operatively connected to the display, the first communication module, the second communication module, the antennas, and the memory.

Description

Method for controlling transmission and reception paths of electronic devices and wireless signals

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an electronic device, and for example, to an electronic device capable of transmitting and receiving wireless signals in an RF (radio frequency) band.

[0002] Portable electronic devices (hereinafter referred to as electronic devices) can provide various user experiences through applications. As the performance of electronic devices improves and the applications and functions they provide diversify, electronic devices are increasingly utilizing wireless local area network (WLAN) (or Wi-Fi), Bluetooth, and other wireless communication technologies in addition to cellular wireless communication (e.g., 4G LTE, 5G NR). TM ), UWB (ultra-wideband), NFC (near field communication) and other wireless communication methods can be supported. Each of the wireless communication methods supported by the electronic device is standardized to transmit and receive wireless signals in a specific frequency band, and the electronic device may include a plurality of antennas for transmitting and receiving each wireless communication signal. Each antenna may be designed to transmit and receive signals in a specific range of frequency bands, and the electronic device may use at least one antenna each to transmit and receive signals of a specific wireless communication method. Some of the wireless communication methods supported by the electronic device may use the same or adjacent frequency bands. For example, some frequency bands of cellular wireless communication (e.g., LTE B40 or NR n40) have uplink and downlink bands defined in 2300 - 2400 MHz, and some frequency bands of WWAN communication (e.g., Wi-Fi 2.4 GHz) may include multiple channels between 2400 - 2483 MHz.

[0003] Meanwhile, electronic devices with displays of various form factors, whose display area can be varied in size, are being developed to meet spatial efficiency requirements. For example, electronic devices may include foldable displays or rollable displays (or slider displays), which are displays that are rolled up and extend outward.

[0004] When different wireless signals using adjacent frequency bands are transmitted and received in electronic devices, they can affect the RF path between them. For example, when cellular wireless communication and short-range wireless communication (e.g., WLAN, Bluetooth, UWB, Zigbee) operate simultaneously, performance degradation in the receiving path of the other wireless communication method can occur due to Tx and Rx signals in adjacent frequency bands, nth harmonic components, and differences in Tx frequencies. This performance degradation can be greater as the distance between the antennas transmitting and receiving signals of the other wireless communication method gets closer.

[0005] For electronic devices with a form factor in which the size of the display area changes, such as a foldable or rollable type, the distance between each antenna may change depending on the change in the state of the display.

[0006] An electronic device according to the present disclosure (or specification, invention) may include a first housing, a second housing rotatably connected to the first housing through a hinge structure, a first region disposed in the first housing and a second region disposed in the second region, and a display that can be folded based on a boundary region of the first region and the second region as an angle between the first housing and the second housing changes, a first communication module that processes transmission and reception of a first signal of a first wireless communication method, a second communication module that processes transmission and reception of a second signal of a second wireless communication method different from the first wireless communication method, a plurality of antennas for transmitting and / or receiving the first signal and / or the second signal, a memory, and at least one processor disposed in the first housing or the second housing and operatively connected to the display, the first communication module, the second communication module, the antennas, and the memory.

[0007] According to one embodiment, the plurality of antennas include at least one antenna disposed in the first housing and at least one antenna disposed in the second housing, and a distance between the at least one antenna disposed in the first housing and the at least one antenna disposed in the second housing can be changed depending on an angle between the first housing and the second housing.

[0008] According to one embodiment, the memory may store instructions that are executable by at least one processor and, when executed, cause the electronic device to confirm transmission of the first signal in a first frequency band through the first communication module, confirm reception of the second signal in a second frequency band that at least partially overlaps the first frequency band through the second communication module at least partially simultaneously with transmission of the first signal, determine a state of the electronic device based on an angle between the first housing and the second housing, and determine at least one antenna to be used for transmission of the first signal and at least one antenna to be used for reception of the second signal based on the determined state of the electronic device.

[0009] A method for controlling a transmission and reception path of a wireless signal of an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present document may include an operation of confirming transmission of a first signal in a first frequency band, an operation of confirming reception of a second signal in a second frequency band at least partially overlapping with the first frequency band at least partially simultaneously with transmission of the first signal, an operation of determining a state of the electronic device based on an angle between a first housing and a second housing of the electronic device, and an operation of determining at least one antenna to be used for transmission of the first signal and at least one antenna to be used for reception of the second signal based on the determined state of the electronic device.

[0010] According to various embodiments of the present document, an electronic device and a method for controlling a transmission and reception path of a wireless signal of the electronic device can be provided, which can improve the reception performance of a signal by performing an operation to reduce the influence on a reception path including an antenna according to the state of the electronic device in a co-existence situation of WWAN and WLAN.

[0011] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device within a network environment according to various embodiments.

[0012] FIGS. 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d and 2e illustrate a foldable type electronic device that can be folded left and right based on a vertical folding axis according to one embodiment.

[0013] FIGS. 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d and 3e illustrate a foldable type electronic device that can be folded vertically based on a horizontal folding axis according to one embodiment.

[0014] FIGS. 4a, 4b, 4c and 4d illustrate a horizontally expandable slider-type electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0015] FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate a vertically expandable slider-type electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0016] FIG. 6 illustrates antennas arranged in a foldable type electronic device that can be folded vertically according to one embodiment.

[0017] FIG. 7 illustrates antennas arranged in a foldable type electronic device that can be folded left and right according to one embodiment.

[0018] FIG. 8 illustrates antennas arranged in a vertically expandable slider-type electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0019] Figure 9 is a block diagram of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0020] FIG. 10 is a block diagram of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0021] FIG. 11 is a flowchart of a method for controlling a transmission and reception path of a wireless signal of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0022] FIG. 12 is a flowchart of a method for controlling a transmission and reception path of a wireless signal of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0023] FIG. 13A is a flowchart of a method for blocking a portion of a Tx path of a first signal when an electronic device unfolds according to one embodiment.

[0024] FIG. 13b is a flowchart of a method for transmitting a first signal and receiving a second signal by dividing a time domain when an electronic device is folded according to one embodiment.

[0025] FIG. 14 is a flowchart of a method for blocking a portion of an Rx path of a second signal when an electronic device unfolds according to one embodiment.

[0026] FIG. 15a and FIG. 15b are flowcharts of a method for preferentially transmitting and receiving WLAN signals when an electronic device is simultaneously connected to WWAN and WLAN in an unfolded state according to one embodiment.

[0027] FIG. 16 is a flowchart of a method for an electronic device to change the frequency of a WLAN in a simultaneous WWAN and WLAN connection state according to one embodiment.

[0028] FIG. 17 is a flowchart of a method for an electronic device to change the frequency of a WLAN in a simultaneous WWAN and WLAN connection state according to one embodiment.

[0029] FIG. 18 is a flowchart of a method for an electronic device to preferentially transmit and receive a WLAN signal during a VoWiFi call in a state of simultaneous WWAN and WLAN connection according to one embodiment.

[0030] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily implement the present disclosure. However, the present disclosure may be implemented in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. In connection with the description of the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals may be used for identical or similar components. Furthermore, in the drawings and related descriptions, descriptions of well-known functions and configurations may be omitted for clarity and conciseness.

[0031] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device (101) within a network environment (100) according to various embodiments. 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 at least one of the electronic device (104) or the 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)).

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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, on the electronic device (101) itself where the artificial intelligence model is executed, 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.

[0034] 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).

[0035] 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).

[0036] 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).

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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).

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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).

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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).

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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).

[0048] 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.

[0049] 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).

[0050] According to various embodiments, 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.

[0051] 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)).

[0052] 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 another 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.

[0053] FIGS. 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d and 2e illustrate an electronic device that can be folded left and right according to one embodiment.

[0054] FIGS. 2A and 2B are front and rear views of the unfolded stage of the electronic device, and FIGS. 2C and 2D are front and rear views of the folded state of the electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. According to one embodiment, the electronic device (200) may include a foldable structure that folds left and right based on a vertical folding axis (A).

[0055] Referring to FIGS. 2A to 2D, the electronic device (200) may include a pair of housings (210, 220) (or foldable housing structure) that are rotatably coupled about a folding axis (A) via a hinge device so as to be foldable with respect to each other, a first display (230) (or flexible display, foldable display, or main display) disposed through the pair of housings (210, 220), and / or a second display (280) (or sub-display) disposed through the second housing (220). According to one embodiment, at least a portion of the hinge device may be disposed so as not to be visible from the outside through the first housing (210) and the second housing (220), and in an unfolded state, may be disposed so as not to be visible from the outside through a hinge housing (290) that covers the foldable portion.

[0056] According to one embodiment, the hinge device may include a gear assembly including a plurality of gears, a hinge module including a plurality of hinge cams that are coupled to hinge shafts that rotate through the gear assembly and perform a cam-linkage operation, and hinge plates that connect the hinge module to the first housing (210) and the second housing (220). 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 rear surface of the electronic device (200). In addition, a surface surrounding a space between the front surface and the rear surface may be defined as a side surface of the electronic device (200).

[0057] In one embodiment, the 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 a hinge device. In one embodiment, the pair of housings (210, 220) are not limited to the shapes and combinations illustrated in FIGS. 2A to 2D, 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) may be arranged on opposite sides with respect to a folding axis (A), and may have an overall symmetrical shape with respect to the folding axis (A). In some embodiments, the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) may be folded asymmetrically with respect to the folding axis (A). According to one embodiment, the angle or distance between the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) may be different depending on whether the electronic device (200) is in an unfolded state, a folded state, or an intermediate state.

[0058] According to one embodiment, the first housing (210) may include a first side member (213) that is connected to the hinge device in the unfolded state of the electronic device (200) and is arranged to face the front of the electronic device (200), a second side member (212) that faces in the opposite direction of the first side member (211), and / or surrounds at least a portion of a first space (2101) between the first side member (211) and the second side member (212). According to one embodiment, the second housing (220) may include a third side (221) that is connected to the hinge device when the electronic device (200) is in an unfolded state and is arranged to face the front of the electronic device (200), a fourth side (222) that faces in an opposite direction to the third side (221), and / or a second side member (223) that surrounds at least a portion of a second space (2201) between the third side (221) and the fourth side (222). According to one embodiment, the first side (211) may face substantially the same direction as the third side (221) when in an unfolded state, and may at least partially face the third side (221) when in a folded state. According to 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). According to one embodiment, the recess (201) may have substantially the same size as the first display (230). According to one embodiment, the first housing (210) may include a first protective frame (213a) that is combined with a first side member (213) when the first display (230) is viewed from above and overlaps an edge of the first display (230), thereby covering the edge of the first display (230) so that it is not visible from the outside. According to one embodiment, the first protective frame (213a) may be formed integrally with the first side member (213).According to one embodiment, the second housing (220) may include a second protective frame (223a) (or 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. According to 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.

[0059] According to one embodiment, the hinge housing (290) (or hinge cover) may be disposed between the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) and may be disposed to cover a portion of the hinge device disposed in the hinge housing (290). According to one embodiment, the hinge housing (290) may be covered by portions of the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) or exposed to the outside, depending on the unfolded state, the folded state, or the intermediate state of the electronic device (200). For example, when the electronic device (200) is in the unfolded state, at least a portion of the hinge housing (290) may be covered by the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) and may not be substantially exposed. According to one embodiment, when the electronic device (200) is in a folded state, at least a portion of the hinge housing (290) may be exposed to the outside between the first housing (210) and the second housing (220). According to 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 (290) may be at least partially exposed to the outside of the electronic device (200) between the first housing (210) and the second housing (220). For example, the area where the hinge housing (290) is exposed to the outside may be less than that in a completely folded state. According to one embodiment, the hinge housing (290) may include a curved surface.

[0060] 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) form substantially the same plane and may be arranged to face substantially the same direction (e.g., the z-axis direction). In another 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).

[0061] According to one embodiment, when the electronic device (200) is in a folded state (e.g., the state of FIGS. 2c and 2d), 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 to about 10 degrees) with each other through the folding region (230c). According to one embodiment, the folding region (230c) may be deformed into a curved shape having at least a certain curvature. According to 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 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 a hinge device (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 the hinge device.

[0062] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (200) may include at least one of a display (230, 280), 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.

[0063] According to one embodiment, at least one display (230, 280) may include a first display (230) that is arranged to be supported by a third surface (221) of a second housing (220) via a hinge device from a first surface (211) of a first housing (210), and a second display (280) that is arranged to be at least partially visible from the outside through a fourth surface (222) in an interior space of the second housing (220). In some embodiments, the second display (280) may be arranged to be visible from the outside through the second surface (212) in an interior space of the first housing (210). According to one embodiment, the first display (230) may be primarily used in an unfolded state of the electronic device (200), and the second display (280) may be primarily used in a folded state of the electronic device (200). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (200) can control the first display (230) and / or the second display (280) to be usable based on the folding angles of the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) in an intermediate state.

[0064] According to one embodiment, the first display (230) may be placed in a receiving space formed by a pair of housings (210, 220). For example, the first display (200) may be placed in a recess (201) formed by the pair of housings (210, 220), and may be placed to occupy substantially most of the front surface of the electronic device (200) when unfolded. According to 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. According to 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). According to one embodiment, the first display (230) may include a folding area (230c) including a part of the first region (230a) and a part of the second region (230b) with respect to the folding axis (A). According to one embodiment, at least a part of the folding area (230c) may include a region corresponding to a hinge device. According to one embodiment, the region division of the first display (230) is merely an exemplary physical division by a pair of housings (210, 220) and a hinge device, and substantially, the first display (230) may be displayed as a seamless, full screen through a pair of housings (210, 220) and a hinge device. According to one embodiment, the first region (230a) and the second region (230b) may have an overall symmetrical shape with respect to the folding area (230c) or a partially asymmetrical shape.

[0065] 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). According to 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 (280) 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).

[0066] 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 input device (215), the audio output device (227, 228), and the connector (229) may be arranged in spaces of the first housing (210) and / or the second housing (220) and may be exposed to the external environment through at least one hole formed in the first housing (210) and / or the second housing (220). In one embodiment, the audio output device (227, 228) may also include a speaker (e.g., a piezo speaker) that operates without the hole formed in the first housing (210) and / or the second housing (220).

[0067] 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). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (200) may include a flash (218) disposed near the second camera module (216b).

[0068] According to one embodiment, the sensor modules (217a, 217b, 226) may generate electrical signals or data values ​​corresponding to the internal operating state of the electronic device (200) or the external environmental state. According to 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). According to one embodiment, 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).

[0069] According to one embodiment, the key input device (219) may be positioned to be exposed to the outside through the first side member (213) of the first housing (210). For example, the key input device (219) may also be positioned to be exposed to the outside through the second side member (223) of the second housing (220).

[0070] According to one embodiment, the connector port (229) may include a connector (e.g., a USB connector or an interface connector port module) for transmitting and receiving power and / or data to and from an external electronic device.

[0071] 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, 280). 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, 280) in the interior space of at least one housing (210, 220), below an active area of ​​at least one display (230, 280), 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, an area where at least one display (230, 280) 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 an area displaying content. In one embodiment, the transparent area may be formed to have a transmittance in a 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, 280) 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 another 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, the area facing the camera module (216a, 225) and / or sensor module (217a, 226) arranged under the display (230, 280) (e.g., display panel) may have an under-display camera (UDC) structure, eliminating the need for a perforated opening.

[0072] FIG. 2e illustrates an electronic device having multiple folding regions according to various embodiments.

[0073] In the following, descriptions of configurations corresponding to those described through FIGS. 2a to 2d will be omitted.

[0074] Referring to FIG. 2e, a flexible display (260) is included, and the flexible display (260) can be arranged across a first housing (251), a second housing (252), and a third housing (253) that are arranged sequentially.

[0075] According to one embodiment, the first housing (251) and the second housing (252) may be foldable or unfoldable relative to each other via the first hinge member (254). For example, the first housing (251) and the second housing (252) may be rotatably coupled about the folding axis B using the first hinge member (254). The second housing (252) and the third housing (253) may be foldable or unfoldable relative to each other via the second hinge member (255). For example, the second housing (252) and the third housing (253) may be rotatably coupled about the folding axis C using the second hinge member (255).

[0076] According to one embodiment, a first folding area (264) may be formed between the first housing (251) and the second housing (252). The first folding area (264) may be formed as a lattice structure including a plurality of openings. The first folding area (264) may provide elasticity by expanding or contracting the size of the openings when the first housing (251) and the second housing (252) are folded or unfolded.

[0077] According to one embodiment, a second folding area (265) may be formed between the second housing (252) and the third housing (253). The second folding area (265) may be formed as a lattice structure including a plurality of openings. The second folding area (265) may provide elasticity by expanding or contracting the size of the openings when the second housing (252) and the third housing (253) are folded or unfolded.

[0078] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (205) can be completely folded in the following order: the third housing (253) is first folded relative to the second housing (252) via the second hinge member (255) between the second housing (252) and the third housing (253), and the first housing (251) is folded relative to the folded second housing (252) and third housing (253) via the first hinge member (254) between the first housing (251) and the second housing (252). To this end, the area of ​​the first folding area (264) can be wider than the area of ​​the second folding area (265). For example, the third display area (263) and the second display area (262) of the flexible display (260) can be folded to face each other primarily through the second hinge member (255), and the first display area (261) of the flexible display (260) and the rear surface of the third housing (253) can be folded to face each other secondarily.

[0079] FIGS. 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d and 3e illustrate electronic devices that can be folded vertically according to various embodiments.

[0080] FIG. 3A is a perspective view of an electronic device in an unfolding state (or flat state), FIG. 3B is a plan view of a front side of the electronic device in an unfolding state, and FIG. 3C is a plan view of a rear side of the electronic device in an unfolding state. FIG. 3D is a perspective view of an electronic device in a folding state, and FIG. 3E is a perspective view of an electronic device in an intermediate state. According to one embodiment, the electronic device (300) may include a foldable structure that folds up and down with respect to a horizontal folding axis (A).

[0081] Referring to FIGS. 3A to 3E, the electronic device (300) may include a pair of housings (310, 320) (e.g., foldable housings) that are rotatably coupled to face each other and foldable with respect to a hinge device. According to one embodiment, the hinge devices may be arranged in the X-axis direction or the Y-axis direction, and two or more may be arranged so as to fold in the same direction or different directions. According to one embodiment, the electronic device (300) may include a flexible display (390) (or foldable display) that is arranged in an area formed by the pair of housings (310, 320).

[0082] According to one embodiment, the first housing (310) and the second housing (320) may be arranged on both sides with respect to the folding axis (axis A) as the center, and may have a shape that is substantially symmetrical with respect to the folding axis (axis A). According to one embodiment, the angle or distance between the first housing (310) and the second housing (320) may vary depending on whether the state of the electronic device (300) is a flat state (or unfolding state), a folding state, or an intermediate state.

[0083] In one embodiment, a pair of housings (310, 320) may include a first housing (310) (or a first housing structure) coupled with a hinge device and a second housing (320) (or a second housing structure) coupled with the hinge device. In one embodiment, the first housing (310) may include, in an unfolded state, a first surface (311) facing a first direction (e.g., a front direction) (z-axis direction) and a second surface (312) facing a second direction (e.g., a rear direction) (-z-axis direction) opposite to the first surface (311). In one embodiment, the second housing (320) may include, in an unfolded state, a third surface (321) facing a first direction (z-axis direction) and a fourth surface (322) facing a second direction (-z-axis direction). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (300) can be operated in such a way that, in an unfolded state, the first surface (311) of the first housing (310) and the third surface (321) of the second housing (320) face substantially the same first direction (z-axis direction), and in a folded state, the first surface (311) and the third surface (321) face each other. According to one embodiment, the electronic device (300) can be operated in such a way that, in an unfolded state, the second surface (312) of the first housing (310) and the fourth surface (322) of the second housing (320) face substantially the same second direction (-z-axis direction), and in a folded state, the second surface (312) and the fourth surface (322) face opposite directions. For example, in the folded state, the second side (312) can face the first direction (z-axis direction), and the fourth side (322) can face the second direction (-z-axis direction).

[0084] According to one embodiment, the first housing (310) may include a first side member (313) that at least partially forms an exterior of the electronic device (300) and a first rear cover (314) that is coupled to the first side member (313) and forms at least a portion of a second side (312) of the electronic device (300). According to one embodiment, the first side member (313) may include a first side surface (313a), a second side surface (313b) that extends from one end of the first side surface (313a), and a third side surface (313c) that extends from the other end of the first side surface (313a). According to one embodiment, the first side member (313) may be formed into a rectangular (e.g., square or rectangular) shape through the first side surface (313a), the second side surface (313b), and the third side surface (313c).

[0085] According to one embodiment, the second housing (320) may include a second side member (323) that at least partially forms an exterior of the electronic device (300) and a second rear cover (324) that is coupled to the second side member (323) and forms at least a portion of a fourth side (322) of the electronic device (300). According to one embodiment, the second side member (323) may include a fourth side (323a), a fifth side (323b) that extends from one end of the fourth side (323a), and a sixth side (323c) that extends from the other end of the fourth side (323a). According to one embodiment, the second side member (323) may be formed into a rectangular shape through the fourth side (323a), the fifth side (323b), and the sixth side (323c).

[0086] According to one embodiment, the pair of housings (310, 320) are not limited to the illustrated shapes and combinations, and may be implemented by other shapes or combinations and / or combinations of parts. For example, the first side member (313) may be formed integrally with the first rear cover (314), and the second side member (323) may be formed integrally with the second rear cover (324).

[0087] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (300), in an unfolded state, the second side (313b) of the first side member (313) and the fifth side (323b) of the second side member (323) can be connected without any gap. According to one embodiment, the electronic device (300), in an unfolded state, the third side (313c) of the first side member (313) and the sixth side (323c) of the second side member (323) can be connected without any gap. According to one embodiment, the electronic device (300), in an unfolded state, can be configured such that the combined length of the second side (313b) and the fifth side (323b) is longer than the length of the first side (313a) and / or the fourth side (323a). In addition, the combined length of the third side (313c) and the sixth side (323c) may be configured to be longer than the length of the first side (313a) and / or the fourth side (323a). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (300) may be configured such that, in the unfolded state, the combined length of the second side (313b) and the fifth side (323b) is shorter than or equal to the length of the first side (313a) and / or the fourth side (323a). In addition, the combined length of the third side (313c) and the sixth side (323c) may be configured to be shorter than or equal to the length of the first side (313a) and / or the fourth side (323a).

[0088] In one embodiment, the first side member (313) and / or the second side member (323) may further include a polymer formed of metal or injected into metal. In one embodiment, the first side member (313) and / or the second side member (323) may also include at least one conductive portion (316 and / or 126) electrically segmented through at least one segment (3161, 1162 and / or 1261, 1262) formed of polymer. In this case, the at least one conductive portion may be electrically connected to a wireless communication circuit included in the electronic device (300) so as to be used as an antenna operating in at least one designated band (e.g., a legacy band).

[0089] According to one embodiment, the first rear cover (314) and / or the second rear cover (324) may be formed by, for example, at least one or a combination of two of coated or colored glass, ceramic, polymer, or metal (e.g., aluminum, stainless steel (STS), or magnesium).

[0090] According to one embodiment, the flexible display (390) may be arranged to extend from the first side (311) of the first housing (310) across the hinge device to at least a portion of the third side (321) of the second housing (320). For example, the flexible display (390) may include a first region (330a) substantially corresponding to the first side (311), a second region (330b) substantially corresponding to the third side (321), and a third region (330c) (or a bendable region) connecting the first region (330a) and the second region (330b) and corresponding to the hinge device. According to one embodiment, the electronic device (300) may include a first protective cover (315) (or a first protective frame, a first decorative member) coupled along an edge of the first housing (310). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (300) may include a second protective cover (325) (or a second protective frame, a second decorative member) coupled along an edge of the second housing (320). According to one embodiment, the first protective cover (315) and / or the second protective cover (325) may be formed of a metal or polymer material. According to one embodiment, the first protective cover (315) and / or the second protective cover (325) may be used as a decoration member. According to one embodiment, the flexible display (390) may be positioned such that an edge of the first region (330a) is interposed between the first housing (310) and the first protective cover (315).

[0091] According to one embodiment, the flexible display (390) may be positioned such that the edge of the second region (330b) is interposed between the second housing (320) and the second protective cover (325). According to one embodiment, the flexible display (390) may be positioned such that the edge of the flexible display (390) corresponding to the protective cap is protected by a protective cap (335) disposed in an area corresponding to the hinge device. Accordingly, the edge of the flexible display (390) may be substantially protected from the outside. According to one embodiment, the electronic device (300) may include a hinge housing (341) (e.g., a hinge cover) that supports a hinge device and is exposed to the outside when the electronic device (300) is in a folded state and is positioned so as to be invisible from the outside by being introduced into a first space (e.g., an internal space of the first housing (310)) and a second space (e.g., an internal space of the second housing (320)) when the electronic device (300) is in an unfolded state. According to one embodiment, the flexible display (390) may be positioned so as to extend from at least a portion of the second surface (312) to at least a portion of the fourth surface (322). In this case, the electronic device (300) may be folded so that the flexible display (390) may be exposed to the outside (out-folding method).

[0092] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (300) may include a sub-display (331) that is arranged separately from the flexible display (390). According to one embodiment, the sub-display (331) may be arranged to be at least partially exposed on the second side (312) of the first housing (310), so that when in a folded state, it may display status information of the electronic device (300) that replaces the display function of the flexible display (390). According to one embodiment, the sub-display (331) may be arranged to be visible from the outside through at least a portion of the first rear cover (314). According to one embodiment, the sub-display (331) may also be arranged on the fourth side (322) of the second housing (320). In this case, the sub-display (331) may be arranged to be visible from the outside through at least a portion of the second rear cover (324).

[0093] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (300) may include at least one of an input device (e.g., a microphone (303)), an audio output device (e.g., a call receiver (301), a speaker (302)), a sensor module (304), a camera device (e.g., a first camera device (305), a second camera device (308)), a key input device (306), or a connector port (307). In the illustrated embodiment, the input device (e.g., microphone (303)), audio output device (e.g., call receiver (301), speaker (302)), sensor module (304), camera device (e.g., first camera device (305), second camera device (308)), key input device (306) or connector port (307) refers to a hole or shape formed in the first housing (310) or the second housing (320), but may be defined to include an actual electronic component (e.g., input device, audio output device, sensor module or camera device) disposed inside the electronic device (300) and operating through the hole or shape.

[0094] According to one embodiment, the input device may include at least one microphone (303) disposed in the second housing (320). According to one embodiment, the audio output device may include call receivers (301) and speakers (302). According to one embodiment, the audio output device may include a call receiver (301) disposed in the first housing (310) and a speaker (302) disposed in the second housing (320). According to one embodiment, the input device (e.g., microphone (303)), the audio output device (e.g., call receiver (301), speaker (302)), and the connector port (307) may be disposed in a space provided in the first housing (310) and / or the second housing (320) of the electronic device (300) and may be exposed to the external environment through at least one hole formed in the first housing (310) and / or the second housing (320). According to one embodiment, at least one connector port (307) may be used to transmit and receive power and / or data to and from an external electronic device.

[0095] According to one embodiment, the sensor module (304) can generate an electrical signal or data value corresponding to the internal operating state of the electronic device (300) or the external environmental state. The sensor module (304) can detect the external environment, for example, through the first surface (311) of the first housing (310).

[0096] According to one embodiment, the camera devices may include a first camera device (305) (e.g., a front camera device) disposed on a first side (311) of a first housing (310) and a second camera device (308) disposed on a second side (312) of the first housing (310). The electronic device (300) may further include a flash (309) disposed near the second camera device (308).

[0097] According to one embodiment, a key input device (e.g., a key button (306)) may be disposed on a third side (313c) of a first side member (313) of a first housing (310). According to one embodiment, a key input device (e.g., a key button (306)) may also be disposed on at least one of the other side members (313a, 113b) of the first housing (310) and / or the side members (323a, 123b, 123c) of the second housing (320).

[0098] Referring to FIG. 3E, the electronic device (300) may be operated to maintain an intermediate state through a hinge device. In this case, the electronic device (300) may control the flexible display (390) to display different contents on the display area corresponding to the first side (311) and the display area corresponding to the third side (321). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (300) may be operated in a substantially unfolded state (e.g., the unfolded state of FIG. 3A) and / or a substantially folded state (e.g., the folded state of FIG. 3D) based on a certain inflection angle (e.g., the angle between the first housing (310) and the second housing (320) when in the intermediate state) through the hinge device. For example, the electronic device (300) may be operated to transition to an unfolded state (e.g., the unfolded state of FIG. 3a) when a pressure is applied in the unfolding direction (direction B) from a state in which it is unfolded at a certain inflection angle through a hinge device. For example, the electronic device (300) may be operated to transition to a closed state (e.g., the folded state of FIG. 3d) when a pressure is applied in the folding direction (direction C) from a state in which it is unfolded at a certain inflection angle through a hinge device. In one embodiment, the electronic device (300) may be operated to maintain an unfolded state (not shown) at various angles through the hinge device.

[0099] Hereinafter, the structure of an electronic device including a display and a housing structure that are expandable in the horizontal direction, i.e., expandable to the left or right based on the vertical direction (or portrait type) of the electronic device, will be described with reference to FIGS. 4a, 4b, 4c, and 4d.

[0100] FIGS. 4A and 4B are drawings showing the front and back of a horizontally expandable electronic device according to various embodiments when in a slide-in state, and FIGS. 4C and 4D are drawings showing the front and back of the electronic device when in a slide-out state.

[0101] Referring to FIGS. 4A to 4D , the electronic device (400) may include a first housing part (410) (or a fixed part, a base housing), a second housing part (420) (e.g., a movable part, a slide housing) movably coupled to the first housing part (410) in a specified direction (e.g., an x-axis direction) and within a specified distance, and a flexible display (430) arranged to be supported by at least a portion of the first housing part (410) and the second housing part (420). The flexible display (430) may include an expandable display or a stretchable display. The size of an area visible from the front of the flexible display (430) may change (e.g., expand or contract) as the second housing part (420) is moved from the first housing part (410). The flexible display (430) may include at least some of the configurations and / or functions of the display module (40) disclosed in FIG. 1.

[0102] According to one embodiment, at least a portion of the second housing part (420) may be accommodated in the first space (4601) of the first housing part (410), thereby allowing the electronic device (400) to be changed into a slide-in state. The electronic device (400) may include a bendable member (or bendable support member) (e.g., a multi-joint hinge module or a multi-bar assembly) that forms at least a partially coplanar plane with at least a portion of the first housing part (410) in the slide-out state and is accommodated at least partially into the second space (4701) of the second housing part (420) in the slide-in state.

[0103] According to one embodiment, at least a portion of the flexible display (430) can be arranged so as to be invisible from the outside by being accommodated in the internal space (4701) of the second housing part (420) while being supported by the bendable member in the slide-in state. At least a portion of the flexible display (430) can be arranged so as to be visible from the outside by being supported by the bendable member that forms at least partially the same plane as the first housing part (410) in the slide-out state.

[0104] According to various embodiments, the electronic device (400) may include a front surface (400a) (e.g., a first surface), a rear surface (400b) (e.g., a second surface) facing in an opposite direction from the front surface (400a), and a side surface (not shown) surrounding a space between the front surface (400a) and the rear surface (400b). For example, the electronic device (400) may include a first housing part (410) including a first side surface member (411), and a second housing part (420) including a second side surface member (421).

[0105] According to one embodiment, the first side member (411) can include a first side (4611) having a first length along a first direction (e.g., an x-axis direction), a second side (4612) extending from the first side (4611) to have a second length along a direction substantially perpendicular to the first side (4611) (e.g., a y-axis direction) longer than the first length, and a third side (4613) extending from the second side (4612) substantially parallel to the first side (4611) and having the first length. The first side member (411) can be formed at least partially of a conductive material (e.g., a metal). At least a portion of the first side member (411) can include a first support member (412) extending to at least a portion of the first space (4601) of the first housing part (410).

[0106] In one embodiment, the second side member (421) can include a fourth side member (4711) that corresponds at least partially with the first side member (4611) and has a third length, a fifth side member (4712) that extends from the fourth side member (4711) in a direction substantially parallel to the second side member (4612) and has a fourth length that is longer than the third length, and a sixth side member (4713) that extends from the fifth side member (4712) to correspond with the third side member (4613) and has a third length. The second side member (421) can be formed at least partially of a conductive material (e.g., metal). At least a portion of the second side member (421) can include a second support member (422) that extends to at least a portion of the second space (4701) of the second housing part (420).

[0107] According to one embodiment, the first side (4611) and the fourth side (4711) and the third side (4613) and the sixth side (4713) can be slidably coupled to each other. The electronic device (400) can be arranged so that the fourth side (4711) overlaps the first side (4711) in the slide-in state, so that it is substantially invisible from the outside. The electronic device (400) can be arranged so that the sixth side (4713) overlaps the third side (4713) in the slide-in state, so that it is substantially invisible from the outside. In some embodiments, the electronic device (400) can be arranged so that at least a portion of the fourth side (4711) and the sixth side (4713) are at least partially visible from the outside in the slide-in state.

[0108] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (400) may be arranged so that the second support member (422) overlaps the first support member (412) in the slide-in state, thereby being substantially invisible from the outside. In some embodiments, a portion of the second support member (422) may be arranged so that it overlaps the first support member (412) in the slide-in state, thereby being invisible from the outside, and the remaining portion of the second support member (422) may be arranged so that it is visible from the outside.

[0109] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (400) may include a rear cover (413) disposed on at least a portion of the first housing part (410). The rear cover (413) may be disposed on the rear surface (400b) of the electronic device (400) via at least a portion of the first support member (412). In some embodiments, the rear cover (413) may be formed integrally with the first side member (411). The rear cover (413) may be formed of a polymer, a coated or colored glass, a ceramic, a metal (e.g., aluminum, stainless steel (STS), or magnesium), or a combination of at least two of the materials. In some embodiments, the rear cover (413) may extend to at least a portion of the first side member (411). At least a portion of the first support member (412) may be replaced by the rear cover (413). The electronic device (400) may also include another rear cover (e.g., a second rear cover) disposed on at least a portion of the second support member (422) in the second housing part (420), or replacing at least a portion of the second support member (422).

[0110] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (400) may include a flexible display (430) (e.g., an expandable display) arranged to be supported by at least a portion of the first housing part (410) and the second housing part (420). The flexible display (430) may include a first portion (430a) (e.g., a first display) that is always visible from the outside in a slide-in state or a slide-out state, and a second portion (430b) (e.g., a second display) that extends from the first portion (430a) and extends in a designated direction (e.g., an x-axis direction) together with the second housing part (420) in the slide-out state. The first portion (430a) of the flexible display (430) may form a first display area, and the second portion (430b) may form a second display area. The first part (430a) of the flexible display (430) can form a flat surface, and the second part (430b) can form a bendable part that is at least partially accommodated in the second space (4701) of the second housing part (420) so that at least a portion thereof is not visible from the outside when in a slide-in state. The first part (430a) can be arranged to be supported by the first housing part (410), and the second part (430b) can be arranged to be at least partially supported by the bendable member. The second part (430b) of the flexible display (430) can be arranged to extend from the first part (430a) while being supported by the bendable member as the second housing part (420) is pulled out along a designated direction (e.g., the x-axis direction), and to form substantially the same flat surface as the first part (430a) and be visible from the outside. The second part (430b) of the flexible display (430) can be accommodated in the second space (4201) of the second housing part (420) and positioned so as not to be visible from the outside as the second housing part (420) is introduced into the first housing part (410) along a designated direction (e.g., -x-axis direction).The display area of ​​the flexible display (430) can be expanded as the second housing part (420) is moved (e.g., withdrawn) in a sliding manner along a specified direction (e.g., x-axis direction) from the first housing part (410) of the electronic device (400).

[0111] In one embodiment, the electronic device (400) can display at least one application using the first part (430a) (e.g., the first display area) of the flexible display (430) in a slide-in state. In another embodiment, the electronic device (400) can display at least one application using the first part (430a) (e.g., the first display area) and the second part (430b) (e.g., the second display area) in a state where the second housing part (420) is pulled out from the first housing part (410). In various embodiments, the flexible display (430) can display the first application (A) using the first part (430a) and the second application (B) using the second part (430b) in a slide-out state.

[0112] In one embodiment, referring to FIG. 4C, although the size of the first portion (430a) (e.g., the first display area) of the flexible display (430) is illustrated as being formed to be larger than the size of the second portion (430b) (e.g., the second display area), the sizes of the first portion (430a) and the second portion (430b) may be formed to be substantially the same, or the size of the second portion (430b) may be formed to be larger than the size of the first portion (430a). The sizes of the first portion (430a) and the second portion (430b) of the flexible display (430) may be formed to be the same or various sizes that are different from each other.

[0113] According to one embodiment, the first housing part (410) and the second housing part (420) can be operated in a sliding manner so that the overall width is variable with respect to each other. Referring to FIG. 4C, the electronic device (400) can be configured to have a first width (W1) from the second side (4612) to the fifth side (4712) in a slide-in state. In a slide-out state, the electronic device (400) can be configured to have a third width (W3) greater than the first width (W1) by moving at least a portion of the bendable member accommodated in the second space (4701) of the second housing part (410) to have an additional second width (W2). For example, the flexible display (430) may have a display area substantially corresponding to the first width (W1) in the slide-in state, and may have an expanded display area substantially corresponding to the third width (W3) in the slide-out state. In one embodiment, although the second width (W2) is illustrated as having a smaller width than the first width (W1) in FIG. 4C, the first width (W1) and the second width (W2) may be configured to have substantially the same width. In one embodiment, the first portion (430a) and the second portion (430b) of the flexible display (430) may be configured to have substantially the same display screen.

[0114] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (400) may include a driving unit (or actuator) (not shown) for moving the second housing part (420) from the first housing part (410). For example, the driving unit may include a rotary motor structure, and when a user presses a specific button and / or moves a portion of the second housing part (420), the motor may be activated to provide a driving force for sliding movement of the second housing part (420).

[0115] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (400) may include at least one of an input module (e.g., a microphone (403)), an audio output module (e.g., a call receiver (406) or a speaker (407)), a sensor module (404, 317), a camera module (e.g., a first camera module (405) or a second camera module (416)), a connector port (408), a key input device (not shown), or an indicator (not shown) disposed in a first space (4601) of a first housing part (410). The electronic device (400) may be configured such that at least one of the above-described components is omitted, or other components are additionally included. In another embodiment, at least one of the above-described components may be disposed in a second space (4701) of a second housing part (420).

[0116] According to various embodiments, the input module may include an embodiment related to the input module (150) of FIG. 1. The audio output module may include an embodiment related to the audio output module (155) of FIG. 1. The sensor module (404, 317) may include an embodiment related to the sensor module (176) of FIG. 1. The camera module may include an embodiment related to the camera module (180) of FIG. 1.

[0117] In one embodiment, the input module (e.g., the input module (150) of FIG. 1) may include a microphone (403). In some embodiments, the input module (e.g., the microphone (403)) may include a plurality of microphones arranged to detect the direction of sound. The audio output module may include, for example, a call receiver (406) and a speaker (407). The speaker (407) may be exposed to the outside through at least one speaker hole formed in the first housing part (410) in a slide-out state. The connector port (408) may be exposed to the outside through a connector port hole formed in the first housing part (410) in a slide-out state. The call receiver (406) may also include a speaker (e.g., a piezo speaker) that operates without a separate speaker hole.

[0118] According to various embodiments, the sensor module (404, 317) (e.g., the sensor module (176) of FIG. 1) may generate an electrical signal or data value corresponding to an internal operating state of the electronic device (400) or an external environmental state. The sensor module (404, 317) may include, for example, a first sensor module (404) (e.g., a proximity sensor or an illuminance sensor) disposed on the front (400a) of the electronic device (400) and / or a second sensor module (417) (e.g., a heart rate monitoring (HRM) sensor) disposed on the back (400b) of the electronic device (400). The first sensor module (404) may be disposed on the back (e.g., in the -z-axis direction) of the flexible display (430) on the front (400a) of the electronic device (400). The first sensor module (404) and / or the second sensor module (417) may include at least one of a proximity sensor, an illuminance sensor, a time of flight (TOF) sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, a fingerprint recognition sensor, a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a grip sensor, a color sensor, an infrared (IR) sensor, a biometric sensor, a temperature sensor, or a humidity sensor.

[0119] According to one embodiment, a camera module (e.g., camera module (180) of FIG. 1) may include a first camera module (405) disposed on a front side (400a) of an electronic device (400) and a second camera module (416) disposed on a rear side (400b). The electronic device (400) may include a flash (418) positioned near the second camera module (416). The camera modules (405, 316) may include one or more lenses, image sensors, and / or image signal processors. The first camera module (405) may be disposed on a rear side (e.g., in the -z-axis direction) of the flexible display (430) and configured to capture an object through a portion of an active area of ​​the flexible display (430). The flash (418) may include, for example, a light-emitting diode or a xenon lamp.

[0120] According to one embodiment, among the camera modules, the first camera module (405) and among the sensor modules (404, 317), some sensor modules (404) may be arranged to detect the external environment through the flexible display (430).

[0121] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (400) may include at least one antenna (A1, A2) electrically connected to a wireless communication circuit (e.g., a wireless communication module (192) of FIG. 1) disposed in a first space (4601) of the first housing part (410). The at least one antenna (A1, A2) may include a first antenna (A1) disposed in an upper region of the electronic device (400) and a second antenna (A2) disposed in a lower region.

[0122] According to one embodiment, the first antenna (A1) may include a first conductive portion (4110) segmented through at least one non-conductive portion (4111, 4112) on a third side of the first side member (411). The first conductive portion (4110) may be arranged to be segmented through a first non-conductive portion (4111) and a second non-conductive portion (4112) spaced at a specified interval, and may be electrically connected to a wireless communication circuit (e.g., a wireless communication module (192) of FIG. 1). The second antenna (A2) may include a second conductive portion (4210) segmented through at least one non-conductive portion (4211, 4212) on a first side of the first side member (411). The second conductive portion (4210) is arranged to be segmented through a third non-conductive portion (4211) and a fourth non-conductive portion (4212) spaced at a specified interval, and can be electrically connected to a wireless communication circuit (e.g., a wireless communication module (192) of FIG. 1).

[0123] Hereinafter, the structure of an electronic device including a display that is vertically expandable, i.e., expandable up or down based on the vertical direction (or portrait type) of the electronic device, will be described with reference to FIGS. 5a and 5b.

[0124] FIG. 5A is a diagram illustrating a vertically expandable electronic device in a slide-in state according to one embodiment. FIG. 5B is a diagram illustrating a front view of a vertically expandable electronic device in a slide-out state according to one embodiment.

[0125] Referring to FIGS. 5A and 5B , the electronic device (500) may include a first housing part (510), a second housing part (520) slidably coupled to the first housing part (510) in a designated direction (e.g., direction ① or direction ②) (e.g., direction of the y-axis), and a flexible display (530) arranged to be supported by at least a portion of the first housing part (510) and the second housing part (520). The flexible display (530) may include an expandable display or a stretchable display. The flexible display (530) may include at least a portion of the configuration and / or function of the display module (160) disclosed in FIG. 1.

[0126] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (500) may be arranged such that the first housing part (520) is pulled out (slide-out) in a first direction (direction ①) or inserted (slide-in) in a second direction (direction ②) opposite to the first direction (direction ①) based on the second housing part (520) held by the user. According to one embodiment, at least a portion of the first housing part (510) including the first space (5101) may be accommodated in the second space (5201) of the second housing part (520), thereby changing to a slide-in state.

[0127] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (500) may include a bendable member (or bendable support member) that, in a slide-out state, forms at least partially the same plane as at least a portion of the first housing part (510), and, in a slide-in state, is at least partially accommodated into the second space (5201) of the second housing part (520).

[0128] According to one embodiment, at least a portion of the flexible display (530) can be arranged so as to be invisible from the outside by being accommodated in the internal space (5201) of the second housing part (520) while being supported by the bendable member in the slide-in state. According to one embodiment, at least a portion of the flexible display (530) can be arranged so as to be visible from the outside by being supported by the bendable member that forms at least partially the same plane as the first housing part (510) in the slide-out state.

[0129] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (500) may include a first housing part (510) including a first side member (511) and a second housing part (520) including a second side member (521). According to one embodiment, the first side member (511) may include a first side (5111) having a first length along a first direction (e.g., a y-axis direction), a second side (5112) extending from the first side (5111) to have a second length shorter than the first length along a direction substantially perpendicular to the first side (5111) (e.g., an x-axis direction), and a third side (5113) extending from the second side (5112) to be substantially parallel to the first side (5111) and having the first length. According to one embodiment, the first side member (511) may be formed at least partially of a conductive material (e.g., a metal). In some embodiments, the first side member (511) may be formed by a combination of a conductive material and a non-conductive material (e.g., a polymer).

[0130] In one embodiment, the first housing part (510) may include a first support member (512) extending from at least a portion of the first side member (511) to at least a portion of the first space (5101). In one embodiment, the first support member (512) may be formed integrally with the first side member (511). In some embodiments, the first support member (512) may be configured separately from the first side member (511) and structurally coupled to the first side member (511).

[0131] In one embodiment, the second side member (521) can include a fourth side member (5211) that corresponds at least partially with the first side member (5111) and has a third length, a fifth side member (5212) that extends from the fourth side member (5211) in a direction substantially parallel to the second side member (5112) and has a fourth length that is shorter than the third length, and a sixth side member (5213) that extends from the fifth side member (5212) to correspond with the third side member (5113) and has a third length. In one embodiment, the second side member (521) can be formed at least partially of a conductive material (e.g., a metal). In some embodiments, the second side member (521) can be formed by a combination of a conductive material and a non-conductive material (e.g., a polymer). In one embodiment, at least a portion of the second side member (521) may include a second support member (522) extending to at least a portion of the second space (5201) of the second housing part (520). In one embodiment, the second support member (522) may be formed integrally with the second side member (521). In some embodiments, the second support member (522) may be configured separately from the second side member (521) and structurally coupled to the second side member (521).

[0132] In one embodiment, the first side (5111) and the fourth side (5211) can be slidably coupled to each other. In one embodiment, the third side (5113) and the sixth side (5213) can be slidably coupled to each other. In one embodiment, in the slide-in state, the first side (5111) can be arranged to overlap with the fourth side (5211) so as to be substantially invisible from the outside. In one embodiment, in the slide-in state, the third side (5113) can be arranged to overlap with the sixth side (5213) so as to be substantially invisible from the outside. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the first side (5111) and the third side (5113) can be arranged to be at least partially visible from the outside in the slide-in state. According to one embodiment, in the slide-in state, the first support member (512) can be arranged to overlap the second support member (522) so as to be substantially invisible from the outside.

[0133] In one embodiment, the electronic device (500) may include a first rear cover (513) coupled with a first housing part (510) on the rear side. In one embodiment, the first rear cover (513) may be disposed through at least a portion of the first support member (512). In some embodiments, the first rear cover (513) may be formed integrally with the first side member (511). In one embodiment, the first rear cover (513) may be formed of a polymer, a coated or colored glass, a ceramic, a metal (e.g., aluminum, stainless steel (STS), or magnesium), or a combination of at least two of these materials. In some embodiments, the first rear cover (513) may extend to at least a portion of the first side member (511). In some embodiments, at least a portion of the first support member (512) may be replaced by the first rear cover (513).

[0134] In one embodiment, the electronic device (500) may include a second rear cover (523) coupled with a second housing part (520) on the rear side. In one embodiment, the second rear cover (523) may be disposed through at least a portion of the second support member (522). In some embodiments, the second rear cover (523) may be formed integrally with the second side member (521). In one embodiment, the second rear cover (523) may be formed of a polymer, a coated or colored glass, a ceramic, a metal (e.g., aluminum, stainless steel (STS), or magnesium), or a combination of at least two of these materials. In some embodiments, the second rear cover (523) may extend to at least a portion of the second side member (521). In some embodiments, at least a portion of the second support member (522) may be replaced by the second rear cover (523).

[0135] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (500) may include a flexible display (530) arranged to be supported by at least a portion of the first housing part (510) and the second housing part (520). According to one embodiment, the flexible display (530) may include a first portion (530a) (e.g., a flat portion) that is always visible from the outside and a second portion (530b) (e.g., a bendable portion) that extends from the first portion (530a) and is at least partially accommodated into a second space (5201) of the second housing part (520) such that at least a portion thereof is not visible from the outside in a slide-in state.

[0136] In one embodiment, the first portion (530a) may be positioned to be supported by the first housing part (510), and the second portion (530b) may be positioned to be at least partially supported by the bendable member.

[0137] According to one embodiment, the second part (530b) of the flexible display (530) may be arranged to extend from the first part (530a) while receiving support from the bendable member in a state where the first housing part (510) is pulled out along the first direction (direction ①), form substantially the same plane as the first part (530a), and be visible from the outside. According to one embodiment, the second part (530b) of the flexible display (530) may be arranged to be accommodated in the second space (5201) of the second housing part (520) in a state where the second housing part (520) is pulled in along the second direction (direction ②), and not be visible from the outside. Accordingly, the electronic device (500) can induce the display area of ​​the flexible display (530) to vary as the first housing part (510) slides along a specified direction (e.g., y-axis direction) from the second housing part (520).

[0138] According to one embodiment, the flexible display (530) may have a length that varies in the first direction (direction ①) according to the sliding movement of the first housing part (510) relative to the second housing part (520). For example, the flexible display (530), in a slide-in state, may have a first display area (e.g., an area corresponding to the first part (530a)) corresponding to the first length (L1). According to one embodiment, the flexible display (530) may be expanded to have a third display area (e.g., an area including the first part (530a) and the second part (530b)) that corresponds to a third length (L3) that is longer than the first length (L1) and is larger than the first display area, according to the sliding movement of the first housing part (510) that is additionally moved by a second length (L2) based on the second housing part (520) in the slide-out state.

[0139] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (500) may include at least one of an input module (e.g., a microphone (503-1)), an audio output device (e.g., a call receiver (506) or a speaker (507)), a sensor module (504), a camera module (e.g., a first camera module (505) or a second camera module on the rear), a connector port (508), a key input device (519), or an indicator (not shown) disposed in a first space (5101) of a first housing part (510). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (500) may include another input device (e.g., a microphone (503)) disposed in a second housing part.

[0140] According to one embodiment, the slide-in and slide-out operations of the electronic device (500) may be performed automatically. For example, the slide-in and slide-out operations of the electronic device (500) may be performed through a gearing operation of a drive motor including a pinion gear (not shown) disposed in a first space (5101) of a first housing part (510) and a rack gear disposed in a second space (5201) of a second housing part (520) and meshed with the pinion gear (561). For example, when a processor of the electronic device (500) (e.g., the processor (120) of FIG. 1) detects a triggering operation to change from a slide-in state to a slide-out state or from a slide-out state to a slide-in state, the processor may operate a drive unit (e.g., a drive motor) disposed inside the electronic device (500). In one embodiment, the triggering action may include selecting (e.g., touching) an object displayed on the flexible display (530) or operating a physical button (e.g., a key button) included in the electronic device (500).

[0141] FIG. 6 illustrates antennas arranged in a foldable type electronic device that can be folded vertically according to one embodiment.

[0142] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (600) may be a foldable type electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (300) of FIGS. 3A to 3E) that can be folded up and down based on a horizontal folding axis (e.g., the folding axis A of FIGS. 3A to 3E).

[0143] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (600) may include a first housing (610) (e.g., the first housing (310) of FIGS. 3A to 3E) and a second housing (620) (e.g., the second housing (320) of FIGS. 3A to 3E) that is rotatably coupled to the first housing (610) via a hinge structure. According to one embodiment, at least one antenna may be arranged in the first housing (610) corresponding to the upper body, and at least one antenna may be arranged in the second housing (620) corresponding to the lower body.

[0144] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (600) may support various wireless communication methods (e.g., 4G LTE, 5G NR cellular wireless communication, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, UWB, Zigbee). Hereinafter, among the wireless communication methods supported by the electronic device (600), cellular mobile communication such as 4G LTE (long term evolution) and 5G NR (new radio) may be referred to as cellular communication or WWAN (wireless wide area network). In addition, wireless LAN communication defined in IEEE 802.11 may be referred to as wireless LAN communication, WLAN (wireless local area network), or Wi-Fi.

[0145] According to one embodiment, the frequency bands of wireless communication supported by the electronic device (600) may also vary. Accordingly, the electronic device (600) may include a plurality of antennas to support wireless communication of various frequency bands. Referring to FIG. 6, the Main 1 antenna, the Main 2 antenna, and the Main 3 antenna may be arranged in the second housing (620) (or the lower body), and the Sub 1 antenna, the Sub 2 antenna, the Sub 3 antenna, the Sub 4 antenna, the Sub 5 antenna, and the Sub 6 antenna may be arranged in the first housing (610) (or the upper body).

[0146] According to one embodiment, each antenna can transmit and / or receive signals of at least one wireless communication method in a given frequency band. For example, the Main 1 antenna disposed in the second housing (620) (or the lower body) can support a WWAN low-frequency band (e.g., LTE B5, NR n28) and a mid-frequency band (e.g., LTE B1), the Main 2 antenna can support a WWAN high-frequency band (e.g., LTE B40), and the Main 3 antenna can support a WWAN mid-frequency band (e.g., NR n77, n79) and a high-frequency band. According to one embodiment, the Sub 1 antenna disposed in the first housing (610) (or upper body) supports a WWAN low frequency band (e.g., LTE B5), the Sub 2 antenna supports a WWAN high frequency band and WLAN 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands, the Sub 3 antenna supports a WWAN low frequency band and a mid frequency band, the Sub 4 antenna supports WLAN 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands, the Sub 5 antenna supports a WWAN mid frequency band (e.g., LTE B1) and a high frequency band (e.g., LTE B40, NR n41), and the Sub 6 antenna supports a WWAN high frequency band (e.g., NR n79). Each antenna may be used to transmit, receive, or both transmit and receive signals of a given frequency band.

[0147] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (600) can transmit and / or receive both WWAN signals and short-range wireless signals (e.g., WLAN signals, Bluetooth signals, UWB signals, Zigbee signals), and the WWAN signals and short-range wireless signals can be transmitted and received simultaneously in the same or adjacent frequency bands. For example, the LTE B40 band of WWAN and the 2.4 GHz band of WLAN may be adjacent frequency bands, and the NR n79 band of WWAN and the 5 GHz band of WLAN may be adjacent frequency bands. In this case, in the Rx path including the antenna for receiving the WWAN or WLAN signal, a phenomenon may occur in which the Rx component (e.g., low noise amplifier (LNA)) is damaged and / or the Rx block error rate (BLER) increases. More specifically, when WWAN and WLAN operate simultaneously, the WWAN output signal may cause performance degradation in the WLAN Rx path, or the WLAN output signal may cause performance degradation in the WWAN Rx path, due to adjacent frequencies, nth-order harmonic components, and frequency differences between Txs. Hereinafter, when WWAN and WLAN operate simultaneously, the Tx side that affects the counterpart's Rx path will be referred to as the aggressor, and the Rx side that is affected by the counterpart's Tx will be referred to as the victim. Bluetooth uses signals in the 2.4 GHz band, and can affect the counterpart's Rx path even when Bluetooth and WWAN operate simultaneously. This document describes embodiments in which WLAN and WWAN operate simultaneously as examples, but various embodiments of this document can also be applied when Bluetooth and WWAN (e.g., LTE B40) operate simultaneously.

[0148] Table 1 shows examples of frequency bands for WLAN and WWAN that can affect each other during simultaneous operation.

[0149] BandChannel Frequency rangeRx / TxVictim / AggressorBandChannel Frequency rangeRx / TxVictim / AggressorWLAN 2.4G2402-2437Rx / TxV / ALTE B402300-2350Rx / TxV / AWLAN 2.4G2402-2447Rx / TxV / ALTE B402351-2370Rx / TxV / AWLAN 2.4G2402-2482Rx / TxV / ALTE B402371-2400Rx / TxV / AWLAN 2.4G2447-2482Rx / TxV / ALTE B412496-2520Rx / TxV / AWLAN 2.4G2447-2482RxVictimLTE B72500-2524TxAggressorWLAN 5G5170-5210RxVictimNR n794400-5000TxAggressor

[0150] Table 2 shows examples of frequency bands for WLAN and WWAN where the second or third harmonic components on the Tx side can affect the Rx path.

[0151] BandChannel Frequency rangeRx / TxVictim / AggressorBandChannel Frequency rangeRx / TxVictim / AggressorWLAN 5G5150-5240Rx / TxVictimLTE B382575-2620TxAggressorWLAN 5G5150-5380Rx / TxVictimLTE B412575-2690TxAggressorWLAN 5G5760-5850Rx / TxVictimLTE B11920-1950TxAggressorWLAN 5G5790-5850TxAggressorLTE B21930-1950RxVictim

[0152] According to one embodiment, when WWAN and WLAN operate simultaneously through adjacent antennas, performance degradation of the Rx path may occur. For example, referring to FIG. 6, the electronic device (600) may receive a WLAN 2.4G signal using the Sub 2 antenna and the Sub 4 antenna, and output an LTE B40 signal through the Sub 5 antenna and the Main 2 antenna. Here, the WLAN 2.4GHz includes channels between 2.4GHz and 2.4835GHz, and the LTE B40 includes a band between 2.3GHz and 2.4GHz, so that the frequency bands may be adjacent (or at least partially overlap). In this case, when the Sub 2 antenna and / or the Sub 4 antenna and the Sub 5 antenna and / or the Main 2 antenna output the LTE B40 signal in an adjacent state, performance degradation such as component damage and / or increased Rx BLER may occur in the Rx path receiving the WLAN 2.4G signal. Tables 3 and 4 show the deviation in the reception performance of the WLAN signal of the Sub 4 antenna and the Sub 2 antenna when the Sub 5 antenna of FIG. 6 does not output the WWAN signal and when it outputs it at the maximum intensity (e.g., 23 dBm to 24 dBm).

[0153] Sub 5Sub 4 Measurement Value (dBm)Tx Output DeviationFreeWith TxLTE B40TRP12.613.50.9TIS83.852.031.8

[0154] Sub 5Sub 2 Measurement Value (dBm)Tx Output DeviationFreeWith TxLTE B40TRP4.95.60.9TIS77.657.420.2

[0155] (TRP: total radiated power, TIS: total isotropic sensitivity)

[0156] Referring to Tables 3 and 4 above, the deviation between the case where the Sub 5 antenna of the TIS does not output a WWAN signal (free) and the case where it outputs a WWAN signal (with Tx) indicating a difference in reception performance can be measured as 31.8 dBm for the Sub 4 antenna and 20.2 dBm for the Sub 2 antenna. In other words, it can be confirmed that the degradation of reception performance due to the signal output of the Sub 5 antenna is greater for the Sub 4 antenna, which is relatively closer to the Sub 5 antenna.

[0157] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (600) is a foldable type electronic device (600) that can be folded or unfolded according to a user's operation. As illustrated in FIG. 6, the antennas of the electronic device (600) can be respectively disposed in the first housing (610) (or upper body) and the second housing (620) (or lower body), and thus the distance between some antennas can vary depending on the change in the state of the electronic device (600). For example, as illustrated in (a) of FIG. 6, when the electronic device (600) is in an unfolded state, the Sub 5 antenna is adjacent to the Sub 4 antenna and the Sub 2 antenna disposed in the same first housing (610), but the Main 2 antenna disposed in the second housing (620) can be spaced apart from the Sub 4 antenna and the Sub 2 antenna disposed in the first housing (610) by a predetermined distance. In contrast, when the electronic device (600) is in a folded state as shown in (b) of FIG. 6, the Main 2 antenna placed in the second housing (620) and the Sub 2 antenna placed in the first housing (610) may be close to each other. In this way, since the distance between the antennas may vary depending on the state change of the electronic device (600), the impact on the RF path of the other party may vary when WWAN and WLAN are operated simultaneously.

[0158] The antenna arrangement structure, frequency band used in each antenna, and wireless communication method illustrated in FIG. 6 are merely examples for explaining the invention, and the various embodiments of this document are not limited thereto.

[0159] FIG. 7 illustrates antennas arranged in a foldable type electronic device that can be folded left and right according to one embodiment.

[0160] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (700) may be a foldable type electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (200) of FIGS. 2A to 2D) that can be folded left and right based on a vertical folding axis (e.g., the folding axis A of FIGS. 2A to 2D).

[0161] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (700) may include a first housing (710) (e.g., the first housing (210) of FIGS. 2A to 2D) and a second housing (720) (e.g., the second housing (220) of FIGS. 2A to 2D) that is rotatably coupled to the first housing (710) via a hinge structure. According to one embodiment, at least one antenna may be arranged in the first housing (710) corresponding to the left body, and at least one antenna may be arranged in the second housing (720) corresponding to the right body.

[0162] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (700) supports various wireless communication methods such as WLAN (or Wi-Fi) and WWAN (e.g., 4G LTE, 5G NR), and the frequency bands of the wireless communication used in the electronic device (700) may also be diverse. Accordingly, the electronic device (700) may include a plurality of antennas to support wireless communications of various frequency bands. Referring to FIG. 7, a Sub 1 antenna, a Sub 2 antenna, a Sub 3 antenna, a Sub 4 antenna, a Main 1 antenna, a Main 2 antenna, and a Main 4 antenna may be arranged in a first housing (710), and a Wi-Fi 1 antenna and a Wi-Fi 2 antenna may be arranged in a second housing (720). Here, the antennas arranged in the first housing (710) may transmit and receive WWAN signals, and the antennas arranged in the second housing (720) may transmit and receive WLAN signals.

[0163] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (700) can be folded or unfolded according to a user's operation. As shown in FIG. 7, when the electronic device (700) is in an unfolded state, the distance between the antennas disposed in the first housing (710) and the antennas disposed in the second housing (720) may be far. Conversely, when the electronic device (700) is in a folded state, some of the antennas disposed in the first housing (710) and the antennas disposed in the second housing (720) may come close to each other. For example, the Sub 3 antenna disposed at the top center of the first housing (710) and the Wi-Fi 1 antenna disposed at the top center of the second housing (720) are spaced apart by a predetermined distance when the electronic device (700) is in an unfolded state, but may come close to each other when the electronic device (700) is changed to a folded state. Additionally, the Main 2 antenna positioned at the bottom center of the first housing (710) and the Wi-Fi 2 antenna positioned at the bottom center of the second housing (720) are spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance when the electronic device (700) is in an unfolded state, but can come closer to each other when the electronic device (700) is changed to a folded state.

[0164] Accordingly, when the electronic device (700) is in a folded state, if the Sub 3 antenna transmits and receives a WWAN signal in a frequency band adjacent to the WLAN signal received from the Wi-Fi 1 antenna, the reception performance of the Wi-Fi 1 antenna may be affected, and if the Main 2 antenna transmits and receives a WWAN signal in a frequency band adjacent to the WLAN signal received from the Wi-Fi 2 antenna, the reception performance of the Wi-Fi 2 antenna may be affected.

[0165] The antenna arrangement structure, frequency band used in each antenna, and wireless communication method illustrated in FIG. 7 are merely examples for explaining the invention, and the various embodiments of this document are not limited thereto.

[0166] FIG. 8 illustrates antennas arranged in a vertically expandable slider-type electronic device (800) according to one embodiment.

[0167] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (800) may be a vertically expandable slider type electronic device (800) (e.g., the electronic device (500) of FIGS. 5A and 5B).

[0168] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (800) may include a first housing part (820), a second housing part (810) movably coupled to the first housing part (820) in a specified direction and within a specified distance, and a display (or flexible display, expandable display, stretchable display) arranged to be supported by at least a portion of the first housing part (820) and the second housing part (810). The display may have a size of an area visible from the front thereof changed as the second housing part (810) is moved from the first housing part (820).

[0169] According to one embodiment, at least one antenna may be arranged in the first housing part (820) of the electronic device (800), and at least one antenna may be arranged in the second housing part (810). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (800) supports various wireless communication methods such as WLAN (or Wi-Fi) and WWAN (e.g., 4G LTE, 5G NR), and the frequency bands of the wireless communication used in the electronic device (800) may also be diverse. Accordingly, the electronic device (800) may include a plurality of antennas to support wireless communication of various frequency bands.

[0170] Referring to FIG. 8, a Main 1 antenna, a Main 2 antenna, a Main 3 antenna, a Main 4 antenna, and a Main 5 antenna may be arranged in a first housing part (820), and a Sub 1 antenna, a Sub 2 antenna, a Sub 3 antenna, a Sub 4 antenna, a Sub 5 antenna, a Sub 6 antenna, and a Sub 7 antenna may be arranged in a second housing part (810). Here, at least some of the antennas may transmit and / or receive WWAN (e.g., 4G LTE, 5G NR) signals, at least some of the other antennas may transmit and / or receive WLAN (or Wi-Fi) signals, and at least some of the other antennas may transmit and / or receive both WWAN and WLAN signals.

[0171] According to one embodiment, the second housing part (810) can be moved upward from the first housing part (820), and accordingly, the distance between the antennas disposed in the first housing part (820) and the antennas disposed in the second housing part (810) can be changed. As shown in (a) of FIG. 8, when the second housing part (810) is inserted into the first housing part (820) (or in a slide-in state), the distance between the antennas disposed in the first housing part (820) and the antennas disposed in the second housing part (810) is relatively close, and as shown in (b) of FIG. 8, when the second housing part (810) is detached from the first housing part (820) (or in a slide-out state), the distance between the antennas disposed in the first housing part (820) and the antennas disposed in the second housing part (810) can be relatively far. In this way, the distance between antennas may change depending on the state of the electronic device (800), and when WWAN and WLAN operate simultaneously, the effect on one Rx path may also vary depending on the signal output of the other.

[0172] The antenna arrangement structure, frequency band used in each antenna, and wireless communication method illustrated in FIG. 8 are merely examples for explaining the invention, and the various embodiments of this document are not limited thereto.

[0173] Figure 9 is a block diagram of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0174] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (900) may include at least one antenna (940), a cellular communication module (920), a short-range communication module (930), a display (960), a sensor (970), a processor (910), and a memory (950), and may implement various embodiments of the present document even if some of the illustrated configurations are omitted and / or replaced with other configurations.

[0175] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (900) may be a foldable type electronic device. The foldable type electronic device includes a first housing and a second housing, and the first housing and the second housing may be rotatably connected to each other through a hinge structure disposed therebetween. For example, the electronic device (900) may include a foldable structure that can be folded left and right based on a vertical folding axis (e.g., folding axis A of FIGS. 2A to 2D ) (e.g., foldable structure of the electronic device (200) of FIGS. 2A to 2D , electronic device (700) of FIG. 7 ), or may include a foldable structure that can be folded up and down based on a horizontal folding axis (e.g., foldable structure of the electronic device (300) of FIGS. 3A to 3E , electronic device (600) of FIG. 6 ).

[0176] According to another embodiment, the electronic device (900) may be a slidable type (or foldable type) electronic device. The slidable type electronic device (900) includes a first housing part and a second housing part, and the second housing part can be movably coupled to the first housing part within a specified direction and distance. For example, the electronic device (900) may include a structure in which the second housing can move vertically to expand the display area (e.g., the electronic device (500) of FIGS. 5A and 5B) or a structure in which the second housing can move horizontally to expand the display area (e.g., the electronic device (400) of FIGS. 4A to 4D).

[0177] Hereinafter, the description will be made based on an electronic device (900) including a foldable structure that can be folded vertically (e.g., the foldable structure of the electronic device (300) of FIGS. 3A to 3E and the electronic device (600) of FIG. 6), but various embodiments of the present document may also be applied to electronic devices (900) having other form factors.

[0178] According to one embodiment, the display (960) can display image data provided from the processor (910). The display (960) can include a display panel (not shown) in which a plurality of pixels are formed and a display driving circuit (not shown) for driving the display panel (not shown). In addition, the display (960) can include a touch screen capable of detecting a user's touch input or hovering input. The display (960) can be configured as an OLED (organic light emitting diode) display, but is not limited thereto. The display (960) can include at least some of the configurations and / or functions of the display module (160) of FIG. 1.

[0179] According to one embodiment, the display (960) may be implemented as a flexible display in which at least a portion of the display area is flexible and / or bendable, and the display area that is exposed to the outside to display image information may be changed. For example, when the electronic device (900) is implemented as a foldable type electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (200) of FIGS. 3A to 3D), the display (960) (e.g., the flexible display (390) of FIG. 3A) may not be exposed to the outside in a folding state, so that the entire display (960) may be deactivated, and in an unfolding state, the entire area of ​​the display (960) may be exposed to the outside to display image information.

[0180] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (900) may include at least one sensor (970) that collects various information. According to one embodiment, the electronic device (900) may include a folding detection sensor that detects a folding angle of the electronic device (900), i.e., an angle between a first housing (e.g., a first housing (310) of FIGS. 3A to 3D ) and a second housing (e.g., a second housing (320) of FIGS. 3A to 3D ) or an angle between a first area (e.g., a first area (330a) of FIGS. 3A to 3D ) and a second area (e.g., a second area (330b) of FIGS. 3A to 3D ) of the display (960). According to one embodiment, the electronic device may further include at least one of 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 infrared (IR) sensor, a biometric sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or an ambient light sensor.

[0181] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (900) can support various wireless communication methods. For example, the electronic device (900) can support wireless wide area network (WWAN) communication (or cellular communication) such as 4G long term evolution (LTE) and 5G new radio (NR), and wireless local area network (WLAN) communication (or Wi-Fi) defined in IEEE 802.11.

[0182] According to one embodiment, the cellular communication module (920) may perform various operations such as establishing a communication channel related to cellular communication (or WWAN) and supporting communication through the established communication channel. For example, the cellular communication module (920) may include a communication processor that performs control operations such as encoding and decoding data related to cellular wireless communication (e.g., 4G LTE, 5G NR) and processing of communication protocols, a transceiver that modulates and demodulates signals, and / or an RF front end module that performs functions such as amplification, filtering, and antenna matching of signals. According to one embodiment, the cellular communication module (920) may be configured as at least one chip independent of the processor (910) described below, or at least some of the operations of the cellular communication module (920) may be performed by the processor (910) or the communication processor.

[0183] According to one embodiment, the short-range communication module (930) may perform various operations related to short-range wireless communication (e.g., WLAN, Bluetooth, UWB, Zigbee). For example, the short-range communication module (930) may include a communication processor that performs control operations such as encoding and decoding data related to WLAN communication or Bluetooth communication, processing of communication protocols, a transceiver that modulates and demodulates signals, and / or an RF front end module that performs functions such as amplification, filtering, and antenna matching of signals. According to one embodiment, the short-range communication module (930) may include separate communication processors and transceivers that respectively process WLAN and Bluetooth communications, or operations related to WLAN and Bluetooth communications may be performed in a single communication processor and transceiver. According to one embodiment, the short-range communication module (930) may be comprised of at least one chip independent of the processor (910) described below, or at least some of the operations of the short-range communication module (930) may be performed by the processor (910) or the communication processor.

[0184] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (900) may include a plurality of antennas (940) for transmitting and receiving signals in an RF band. Each antenna (940) may be used to transmit, receive, or both transmit and receive signals in a given frequency band.

[0185] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (900) may include at least one antenna disposed in the first housing and at least one antenna disposed in the second housing. For example, when the electronic device (900) is implemented as a foldable type as in FIGS. 3A to 3D, as described with reference to FIG. 6, it may include a Main 1 antenna, a Main 2 antenna, a Main 3 antenna disposed in the second housing (or lower body), and a Sub 1 antenna, a Sub 2 antenna, a Sub 3 antenna, a Sub 4 antenna, a Sub 5 antenna, and a Sub 6 antenna disposed in the first housing (or upper body).

[0186] According to one embodiment, each antenna (940) can transmit and / or receive a signal of at least one wireless communication method in a predetermined frequency band. For example, in the case of the antennas arranged in the foldable type electronic device (900) of FIG. 6, the Main 1 antenna arranged in the second housing (or lower body) can support a WWAN low frequency band (e.g., LTE B5, NR n28) and a mid-frequency band (e.g., LTE B1), the Main 2 antenna can support a WWAN high frequency band (e.g., LTE B40), and the Main 3 antenna can support a WWAN mid-frequency band (e.g., NR n77, n79) and a high-frequency band. According to one embodiment, the Sub 1 antenna disposed on the first housing (or upper body) supports a WWAN low frequency band (e.g., LTE B5), the Sub 2 antenna supports a WWAN high frequency band and WLAN 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands, the Sub 3 antenna supports a WWAN low frequency band and a mid frequency band, the Sub 4 antenna supports WLAN 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands, the Sub 5 antenna supports a WWAN mid frequency band (e.g., LTE B1) and a high frequency band (e.g., LTE B40, NR n41), and the Sub 6 antenna supports a WWAN high frequency band (e.g., NR n79). Each antenna may be used to transmit, receive, or both transmit and receive signals of a given frequency band.

[0187] The arrangement structure of the above-described antennas (940), the wireless communication method supported by each antenna (940), and the frequency band correspond to one embodiment and are not limited thereto.

[0188] According to one embodiment, the memory (950) may include known volatile memory and non-volatile memory. The memory (950) may store various instructions that may be performed by the processor (910). Such instructions may include control commands such as arithmetic and logical operations, data movement, and input / output that may be recognized by the processor (910). The memory (950) may include at least a portion of the configuration and / or functions of the memory (130) of FIG. 1, and may store at least a portion of the program (140) of FIG. 1.

[0189] According to one embodiment, the processor (910) is a configuration capable of performing calculations or data processing related to control and / or communication of each component of the electronic device (900), and may include at least some of the components of the processor (120) of FIG. 1. The processor (910) may be operatively, electrically, and / or functionally connected to internal components of the electronic device (900), such as a plurality of antennas (940), a display (960), a cellular communication module (920), a short-range communication module (930), a sensor (970), and a memory (950).

[0190] There is no limitation to the computational and data processing functions that the processor (910) can implement within the electronic device (900). However, in this document, various control operations of the processor (910), such as antenna switching, time division operation, and frequency band change, are described to minimize the impact of the signal output of either WWAN or WLAN on the Rx path of the other in a co-existence situation of WWAN and WLAN. The operations of the processor (910) described below may be performed by executing instructions stored in the memory (950). At least some of the operations of the processor (910) described below may also be performed by a communication processor included in a cellular communication module (920) or a wireless LAN communication module (930) that operate independently of the processor (910).

[0191] In this document, the description that the processor (910) (or the electronic device (900)) can perform a certain operation (or function, operation, task) may be interpreted to mean substantially the same as that an instruction (or command, computer program) causing the electronic device (900) (or the processor (910)) to perform the corresponding operation is stored in the memory (950) (e.g., non-volatile memory, storage). In addition, the description that the processor (910) can perform a certain operation may be interpreted to mean substantially the same as that at least one processor, without a specific definition, can perform the corresponding operation.

[0192] According to one embodiment, when transmission or reception of a WLAN signal by the short-range communication module (930) is initiated, the short-range communication module (930) may transmit a notification indicating the initiation of transmission or reception of the WLAN signal to the processor (910). According to one embodiment, the short-range communication module (930) and the processor (910) may be connected through a predetermined interface, and the short-range communication module (930) may transmit a notification or request related to transmission and reception of a WLAN signal to the processor (910) through the interface, and the processor (910) may transmit a notification or request related thereto to the short-range communication module (930) through the interface in a case of co-existence of WWAN and WLAN.

[0193] According to one embodiment, when transmission or reception of a WWAN signal by the cellular communication module (920) is initiated, the cellular communication module (920) may transmit a notification indicating the initiation of transmission or reception of the WWAN signal to the processor (910). According to one embodiment, the cellular communication module (920) and the processor (910) may include a plurality of pins used for exchanging information related to transmission and reception of the WWAN signal. For example, the processor (910) may include a Coex Tx pin for receiving a notification related to the initiation of transmission of the WWAN signal, a Coex Rx pin for transmitting a notification related to the initiation of transmission of the WWAN signal to the cellular communication module (920), a PA mute pin for receiving a request to stop transmission of the WLAN signal from the cellular communication module (920), and / or a PA mute pin for transmitting a request to stop transmission of the WWAN signal to the cellular communication module (920). The cellular communication module (920) may include a plurality of pins connected to respective pins of the processor (910). In another embodiment, the cellular communication module (920) and the short-range communication module (930) may be connected via an interface for transmitting and receiving notifications related to the initiation and / or cessation of WWAN signals and WLAN signals.

[0194] In one embodiment, when a co-existence situation occurs in which transmission and reception of WWAN signals and WLAN signals in adjacent or at least partially overlapping frequency bands occur simultaneously, the transmission of one signal may affect the reception path of the other signal. For example, the LTE B40 band of WWAN and the 2.4 GHz band of WLAN may be adjacent frequency bands, and the NR n79 band of WWAN and the 5 GHz band of WLAN may be adjacent frequency bands. In this case, in the Rx path including the antenna receiving the WWAN or WLAN signal, the signal output from the adjacent antenna may be introduced, causing damage to the Rx component (e.g., low noise amplifier (LNA)) and / or an increase in the Rx block error rate (BLER). More specifically, when WWAN and WLAN operate simultaneously, the WWAN output signal may cause performance degradation in the WLAN Rx path, or the WLAN output signal may cause performance degradation in the WWAN Rx path, due to adjacent frequencies, n-th harmonic components, and frequency differences between Txs.

[0195] The influence of the signal output of the Tx side (or aggressor) on the Rx side (or victim) may increase as the distance between the Tx antenna and the Rx antenna becomes closer. Since the distance between the antennas arranged in the electronic device (900) may be different depending on whether the electronic device (900) is in a folded state or an unfolded state, the processor (910) may perform control operations such as antenna switching, time division operation, and / or frequency band change based on the state of the electronic device (900) when a co-existence situation of WWAN and WLAN occurs.

[0196] Hereinafter, either the cellular communication module (920) or the short-range communication module (930) may be referred to as the first communication module, the other as the second communication module, and either the WWAN signal or the WLAN signal may be referred to as the first signal, and the other as the second signal. In addition, the following describes the operation of the processor (910) (or communication processor) when the WWAN signal and the WLAN signal are operated simultaneously, but various embodiments may also be applied when the WWAN signal and the Bluetooth signal controlled by the short-range communication module (930) are operated simultaneously.

[0197] According to one embodiment, the processor (910) may determine that transmission of a first signal (e.g., a WWAN signal or a WLAN signal) in a first frequency band via a first communication module (e.g., a cellular communication module (920) or a short-range communication module (930)) is initiated, and determine that reception of a second signal (e.g., a WLAN signal or a WWAN signal) in a second frequency band via a second communication module (e.g., a short-range communication module (930) or a cellular communication module (920)) is initiated at least partially simultaneously with the transmission of the first signal. Here, the first frequency band and the second frequency band may be adjacent to each other or may at least partially overlap. For example, the first signal and the second signal may be a WWAN signal and a WLAN signal in frequency bands that are adjacent to each other or at least partially overlap each other, such as an LTE B40 signal and a Wi-Fi 2.4 GHz signal.

[0198] According to one embodiment, the processor (910) can determine the state of the electronic device (900) based on the angle between the first housing and the second housing. For example, the processor (910) can use a folding detection sensor to check the angle between the first housing and the second housing (or the angle between the first area and the second area of ​​the display (960)) and, based on the detected angle, can detect whether the electronic device (900) is in a folded state or an unfolded state.

[0199] According to one embodiment, when in a folded state or an unfolded state, the distance between the antenna that outputs the first signal and the antenna that receives the second signal may be different. For example, taking the antenna structure of FIG. 6 as an example, the electronic device (900) may output an LTE B40 signal through the Sub 5 antenna disposed in the first housing and the Main 2 antenna disposed in the second housing, and may receive a Wi-Fi 2.4 GHz signal through the Sub 2 antenna and the Sub 4 antenna disposed in the first housing. When the electronic device (900) is in an unfolded state as shown in (a) of FIG. 6, the Sub 5 antenna may be adjacent to the Sub 4 antenna and the Sub 2 antenna disposed in the same first housing, but the Main 2 antenna disposed in the second housing may be spaced apart from the Sub 4 antenna and the Sub 2 antenna disposed in the first housing by a predetermined distance. In contrast, when the electronic device (900) is in a folded state as in (b) of FIG. 6, the Main 2 antenna placed in the second housing and the Sub 2 antenna placed in the first housing may be close to each other.

[0200] According to one embodiment, the processor (910) may determine at least one antenna to be used for transmitting a first signal and at least one antenna to be used for receiving a second signal based on the state of the electronic device (900) (e.g., a folded state or an unfolded state). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (900) may index antennas and RF paths to be used in each wireless communication method and frequency band and store them in the memory (950) in the form of a table. The table stored in the memory (950) may map and store information on antennas and RF paths to be used for signal transmission according to the folded state and unfolded state of the electronic device (900). According to one embodiment, the processor (910) may check an antenna index corresponding to the current state of the electronic device (900) (e.g., an unfolded state, a folded state) and the wireless communication method and frequency band used from the table stored in the memory (950).

[0201] According to one embodiment, the processor (910) may switch the antenna to be used for outputting the first signal in a co-existence situation of WWAN and WLAN when the state of the electronic device (900) is in an unfolded state. According to one embodiment, the processor (910) may control to output the first signal using at least one antenna disposed in the first housing and to receive the second signal using at least one antenna disposed in the second housing. According to one embodiment, the first signal may be transmitted through the second antenna and the third antenna, and the second signal may be received through the first antenna. When the state of the electronic device (900) is in an unfolded state, the processor (910) may control to stop outputting the first signal using the second antenna while receiving the second signal through the first antenna in a co-existence situation of WWAN and WLAN, and to output the first signal using the third antenna.

[0202] For example, if the electronic device (900) is configured to output a WWAN signal (e.g., an LTE B40 signal) through a Sub 5 antenna disposed in a first housing and a Main 2 antenna disposed in a second housing as shown in FIG. 6, and to receive a WLAN signal (e.g., a Wi-Fi 2.4 GHz signal) through a Sub 2 antenna and a Sub 4 antenna disposed in the first housing, in a co-existence situation of WWAN and WLAN, the electronic device (900) can stop receiving the WWAN signal using the Sub 5 antenna disposed in the first housing and receive the WLAN signal using only the Main 2 antenna disposed in the second housing. In the above example, since the Sub 5 antenna is adjacent to the Sub 4 antenna that receives the WLAN signal, the output of the WWAN signal using the Sub 5 antenna is stopped, but in the case of the Main 2 antenna, since the electronic device (900) is in the unfolded state and the distance from the Sub 2 antenna and the Sub 4 antenna is far, there is no effect due to co-existence, so the output of the WWAN signal through the Main 2 antenna can be maintained as is. The above example corresponds to one embodiment, and if the antenna configuration of the electronic device (900) is different from the example of FIG. 6 described above, the processor (910) can reduce the effect due to co-existence by outputting a signal using only the antenna that is arranged in a different housing and is far from the Rx antenna in the unfolded state. This embodiment will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. 13A.

[0203] According to one embodiment, when output of a first signal (e.g., an LTE B40 signal) is initiated, a first communication module (e.g., a cellular communication module (920)) may transmit a first notification to a second communication module (e.g., a short-range communication module (930)) instructing output of the first signal. When the first notification is received, the second communication module may transmit a second notification including information on whether the second signal has been received to the first communication module. For example, when output of the first signal is initiated, the first communication module may transmit the first notification to the processor (910), and the processor (910) may, in response to receiving the first notification, confirm that a second signal (e.g., a Wi-Fi 2.4 GHz signal) is being received through the second communication module, and transmit a second notification indicating that the second signal is being received to the first communication module. Alternatively, the first communication module and the second communication module may transmit and receive the first notification and the second notification through an interface formed between the first communication module and the second communication module without going through the processor (910). Here, the second notification may include information on an antenna (e.g., Sub 5 antenna) that will stop outputting the first signal upon simultaneous reception of the second signal among a plurality of antennas (e.g., Sub 5 antenna, Main 2 antenna) capable of outputting the first signal.

[0204] According to one embodiment, the processor (910) may communicate with the cellular communication module (920) via a designated pin to share a co-existence situation. This embodiment will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. 10.

[0205] According to one embodiment, the processor (910) may compare the output strength of the first signal with a first reference value, and if the output strength of the first signal (e.g., LTE B40 signal) is greater than or equal to the reference value, the processor may control the first communication module to stop outputting the first signal using the second antenna (e.g., Sub 5 antenna of FIG. 6) and output the first signal using the third antenna (e.g., Main 2 antenna of FIG. 6). The first communication module may stop outputting the first signal using the second antenna in response to a control command of the processor (910). Here, the first reference value is the intensity of an output signal of an antenna disposed in a first housing (e.g., the first housing (610) of FIG. 6, the first housing (710) of FIG. 7) when the electronic device (900) is in an unfolded state, which can affect the performance of a receiving path of an antenna disposed in a second housing (e.g., the second housing (620) of FIG. 6, the second housing (720) of FIG. 7), and may be set to, for example, about -20 dBm, but is not limited thereto, and may be determined by variables such as the placement position and / or distance of the antennas used for the first wireless communication and the second wireless communication, the RF path, and the type / property of the antenna.

[0206] According to one embodiment, the processor (910) may control the reception of the second signal using an antenna disposed in the first housing, as in a non-co-existence situation, when the output intensity of the first signal is less than the first reference value, and output the first signal using at least one of the antenna disposed in the first housing and the antenna disposed in the second housing at least partially simultaneously. For example, the electronic device (900) may operate the antenna at a low power (e.g., -40 dBm to -20 dBm) when transmitting only a PUCCH (physical uplink control channel) signal in a strong electric field region, and in this case, the output of the Sub 5 antenna disposed in the first housing may not affect the Rx paths of the Sub 4 antenna and the Sub 2 antenna disposed in the first housing. Accordingly, when the Tx power of the first signal is lower than the first threshold, the electronic device (900) can operate the antenna in a co-existence situation of the first wireless communication and the second wireless communication as in a non-co-existence situation.

[0207] According to one embodiment, the first signal may be transmitted through the fourth antenna disposed in the first housing, and the second signal may be received through the fifth antenna disposed in the first housing and the sixth antenna disposed in the second housing. According to one embodiment, when the state of the electronic device (900) is in the unfolded state, the processor (910) may switch the antenna to be used for receiving the second signal in a co-existence situation of WWAN and WLAN. When the state of the electronic device (900) is in the unfolded state, the processor (910) may control the first wireless communication module to stop receiving the second signal using the fifth antenna and to receive the second signal using the sixth antenna while outputting the first signal through the fourth antenna in a co-existence situation of WWAN and WLAN. For example, the electronic device (900) can control to maintain 2 Rx by turning on the MIMO PRx configured as the antenna of the second housing for receiving the second signal. Alternatively, the electronic device (900) can control to additionally use an antenna, among the antennas arranged in the second housing, that was not used for receiving the second signal before the co-existence of the first wireless communication and the second wireless communication, to receive the second signal during the co-existence. This embodiment will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. 14.

[0208] According to one embodiment, when the state of the electronic device (900) is a folding state, the processor (910) may control the first communication module and the second communication module to output a first signal using at least one antenna during at least a portion of the first time period and to receive a second signal using the other at least one antenna during at least a portion of the second time period in one cycle consisting of a first time period and a second time period. For example, in the electronic device (900) having the antenna structure of FIG. 6, when the electronic device (900) is in the folding state, unlike in the unfolding state, the distance between the Sub 2 antenna disposed in the first housing used for outputting the WWAN signal and the Main 2 antenna disposed in the second housing may be close. Therefore, when the first signal is output using the Sub 2 antenna disposed in the first housing as in the unfolding state, the first signal may be introduced to the Main 2 antenna in the folding state and may affect the Rx path. Accordingly, the processor (910) can divide the time domain and alternately perform the output of the first signal and the reception of the second signal. This embodiment will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. 13b.

[0209] According to one embodiment, the processor (910) may control the short-range communication module (930) to change the frequency band of a WLAN signal in a co-existence situation of WWAN and WLAN. For example, the WLAN signal may be transmitted and received in a 2.4 GHz band and / or a 5 GHz band, and in a co-existence situation with WWAN, transmission and reception through a frequency band adjacent to or at least partially overlapping with the frequency band of the WWAN signal may be stopped, and WLAN signals may be transmitted and received using another frequency band. According to one embodiment, in the case of WWAN (e.g., 4G LTE, 5G NR), after accessing the network through a random access channel (RACH) and entering an RRC connected state, the electronic device (900) cannot select a serving band by itself. In contrast, in the case of WLAN, since the electronic device (900) can select a frequency band to be used for transmitting and receiving WLAN signals while being capable of connecting to multiple frequency bands, the processor (910) can control the change of the frequency band of the WLAN in a co-existence situation of WWAN and WLAN. This embodiment will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. 16.

[0210] According to one embodiment, the processor (910) can control the short-range communication module (930) to stop transmitting WWAN signals when a voice call (e.g., VoWiFi) using WLAN is in progress. Accordingly, stable calls can be made in a co-existence situation between WWAN and WLAN.

[0211] FIG. 10 is a block diagram of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0212] According to one embodiment, a processor (910) (e.g., processor (910) of FIG. 9) may be operatively connected to a cellular communication module (920) (e.g., cellular communication module (920) of FIG. 9) that controls transmission and reception of WWAN signals and a short-range communication module (930) (e.g., short-range communication module (930) of FIG. 9) that controls transmission and reception of WLAN signals (or Bluetooth signals, UWB signals, Zigbee signals).

[0213] According to one embodiment, the processor (910) may communicate with the cellular communication module (920) via designated pins (911, 912, 913, 914) to share a co-existence situation of WWAN and WLAN. Referring to FIG. 10, the processor (910) may include a first pin (911), a second pin (912), a third pin (913), and a fourth pin (914) for communicating with the cellular communication module (920). The processor (910) may receive a notification or request related to transmission and reception of a WWAN signal through the first pin (911), transmit a notification or request related to transmission and reception of a WLAN signal through the second pin (912), receive a Tx stop request (or PA mute 1) of a WLAN signal from the cellular communication module (920) through the third pin (913), and / or transmit a Tx stop request (or PA mute 2) of a WWAN signal to the cellular communication module (920) through the fourth pin (914). The cellular communication module (920) may include pins (921, 922, 923, 924) connected to the respective pins (911, 912, 913, 914) of the processor (910). In one embodiment, the cellular communication module (920) and the short-range communication module (930) may be connected through a separate interface (918) that does not go through the processor (910).

[0214] According to one embodiment, the processor (910) may be connected to a short-range communication module (930) through a predetermined interface (915). The short-range communication module (930) may transmit a notification or request related to transmission and reception of a WLAN signal to the processor (910) through the interface (915), and the processor (910) may transmit a notification or request related to a co-existence situation of WWAN and WLAN (or Bluetooth, UWB, Zigbee) to the short-range communication module (930) through the interface (915).

[0215] According to one embodiment, when the electronic device is in a call using WLAN (e.g., VoWiFi), the processor (910) may receive a notification related to the WLAN call from the short-range communication module (930) through the interface (915) and request the cellular communication module (920) to stop transmitting the WWAN signal through the fourth pin (914). Alternatively, when the processor (910) is in a call using WLAN, the processor (910) may notify the cellular communication module (920) through the second pin (912), in which case the cellular communication module (920) may be configured not to request the processor (910) to stop transmitting the WWAN signal.

[0216] According to another embodiment, the cellular communication module (920) and the short-range communication module (930) can transmit and receive notifications or requests related to the co-existence situation of WWAN and WLAN (or Bluetooth) through the interface (918) between the cellular communication module (920) and the short-range communication module (930).

[0217] FIG. 11 is a flowchart of a method for controlling a transmission and reception path of a wireless signal of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0218] The method illustrated in FIG. 11 can be performed by an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (900) of FIG. 9), and the technical features described above may be omitted from the description below. FIG. 11 describes an embodiment of disabling reception of either signal in a co-existence situation of WWAN and WLAN, without considering the state of the electronic device (e.g., folded state or unfolded state).

[0219] According to one embodiment, in operation 1110, the electronic device may initiate a first wireless communication and a second wireless communication. Here, the first wireless communication may be one of WWAN and WLAN (or Bluetooth), and the second wireless communication may be another. For example, when WWAN communication is initiated, the electronic device may establish a connection with a cellular wireless communication base station using a cellular communication module, and when WLAN communication is initiated, the electronic device may establish a connection with an adjacent external device using a short-range communication module. The electronic device may transmit and receive a first signal of the first wireless communication using at least one antenna, and transmit and receive a second signal of the second wireless communication using at least one other antenna, and the antennas used for transmitting and receiving the first signal and the antennas used for transmitting and receiving the second signal may be adjacent to each other.

[0220] According to one embodiment, in operation 1120, the electronic device may detect the output of a first signal (e.g., a WWAN signal or a WLAN signal) of a first wireless communication. Since the antenna used for transmitting and receiving the first signal and the antenna used for transmitting and receiving the second signal are adjacent to each other, the output of the first signal may affect an Rx path including the antenna of the second signal.

[0221] According to one embodiment, if the first signal is not output, the electronic device may not perform operations 1130 and 1140.

[0222] According to one embodiment, when the first signal is output, in operation 1130, the electronic device may notify the second communication module that the first signal is output.

[0223] In one embodiment, at operation 1140, the second communication module may stop receiving the second signal. For example, the second communication module may turn off a low noise amplifier (LNA) connected to at least one antenna adjacent to an antenna used for transmitting the first signal among a plurality of antennas used for receiving the second signal and / or an RFIC input connected to the LNA.

[0224] As described above, in the embodiment of FIG. 11, when the first wireless communication is activated, the reception of the second wireless communication can be stopped. When the electronic device is of a foldable type or a slider type, the distance between the antenna used for the first wireless communication and the antenna used for the second wireless communication can be changed, and even in a case where the transmission of the first signal does not affect the reception of the second signal, such as when the electronic device is in an unfolded state, the reception of the second signal can be stopped according to the embodiment of FIG. 11.

[0225] FIG. 12 is a flowchart of a method for controlling a transmission and reception path of a wireless signal of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0226] The method illustrated in FIG. 12 can be performed by an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (900) of FIG. 9), and the technical features described above may be omitted below.

[0227] According to one embodiment, in operation 1210, the electronic device may set at least one RF path according to the frequency band of the first wireless communication and / or the second wireless communication. For example, the electronic device may index antennas and RF paths to be used in each wireless communication method and frequency band and store them in a memory in the form of a table. The electronic device may store a table that stores antenna information to be used for signal transmission according to the folding state and unfolding state of the electronic device. When the electronic device is currently in the unfolding state and LTE B40 and Wi-Fi 2.4GHz are activated, the electronic device may check an antenna index that maps an RF path including an antenna and an antenna to be used for transmission and reception of an LTE B40 signal and transmission and reception of a Wi-Fi 2.4GHz corresponding to the current state in the table.

[0228] In one embodiment, at operation 1220, the electronic device can detect a change in the state of the electronic device. For example, the electronic device can detect an angle between the first housing and the second housing through a folding detection sensor, and based on the detected angle, determine whether the electronic device is in a folded state or an unfolded state.

[0229] According to one embodiment, in operation 1230, the electronic device may reconfigure at least one RF path to be used for the first wireless communication and / or the second wireless communication. For example, when the electronic device changes from an unfolded state to a folded state, the electronic device may check an antenna index that maps an RF path including an antenna and an antenna to be used for transmission and reception of an LTE B40 signal and transmission and reception of a Wi-Fi 2.4GHz corresponding to the folded state on a table. The electronic device may use the checked antenna index to determine an antenna and an RF path to be used for transmission and reception of an LTE B40 signal and an antenna and an RF path to be used for transmission and reception of a Wi-Fi 2.4GHz.

[0230] According to one embodiment, the electronic device may be a foldable type electronic device that can be folded based on a folding axis (e.g., the electronic device (200) of FIGS. 2A to 2D, the electronic device (300) of FIGS. 3A to 3D).

[0231] According to one embodiment, the electronic device can transmit and receive a first signal of a first wireless communication method (e.g., WWAN) using at least one of a plurality of antennas disposed in a first housing and a plurality of antennas disposed in a second housing, and can transmit and receive a second signal of a second wireless communication method (e.g., WLAN, Bluetooth) using at least another one of the plurality of antennas. For example, the electronic device can output a first signal (e.g., LTE B40 signal) through a Sub 5 antenna disposed in the first housing and a Main 2 antenna disposed in the second housing, and receive a second signal (e.g., Wi-Fi 2.4 GHz signal) through a Sub 2 antenna and a Sub 4 antenna disposed in the first housing. When the first wireless communication and the second wireless communication are not operating simultaneously, the electronic device can transmit and receive the first signal and the second signal, respectively, using the antennas and an RF path including the antennas as defined above.

[0232] In FIGS. 13A and 13B, the operation of an electronic device in a co-existence situation where the first wireless communication and the second wireless communication are simultaneously activated will be described. The method illustrated in FIGS. 13A and 13B can be performed by an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (900) of FIG. 9), and the technical features described above may be omitted from the description below.

[0233] FIG. 13A is a flowchart of a method for blocking a portion of a Tx path of a first signal when an electronic device unfolds according to one embodiment.

[0234] According to one embodiment, in operation 1310, the electronic device can determine activation of the first wireless communication and / or the second wireless communication. Here, the first wireless communication is described as using LTE B40 of WWAN (or cellular wireless communication) and the second wireless communication is described as using the 2.4 GHz band of WLAN (or Wi-Fi), but is not limited thereto, and various embodiments of the present document can also be applied when the first wireless communication and the second wireless communication use different frequency bands that overlap at least partially, such as NR n79 and Wi-Fi 5 GHz band. In addition, the following description will be made as an example of a case where the Tx signal output of LTE B40 affects the reception path of Wi-Fi 2.4 GHz, but conversely, the Tx signal output of Wi-Fi 2.4 GHz may also affect the reception path of LTE B40.

[0235] According to one embodiment, in operation 1320, the electronic device can determine that the current state of the electronic device is an unfolding state. For example, the electronic device can determine an angle between the first housing and the second housing using a sensor (e.g., the sensor of FIG. 9), and if the determined angle is greater than or equal to a reference angle (e.g., 175 degrees), the electronic device can determine that the electronic device is in an unfolding state.

[0236] According to one embodiment, in operation 1325, the electronic device can determine whether the Tx power of the first signal of the first wireless communication is equal to or greater than a first reference value. Here, the first reference value is a strength of an output signal of an antenna disposed in a first housing (e.g., the first housing (610) of FIG. 6 and the first housing (710) of FIG. 7) when the electronic device is in an unfolded state, which can affect the performance of a receiving path of an antenna disposed in a second housing (e.g., the second housing (620) of FIG. 6 and the second housing (720) of FIG. 7), and may be set to, for example, about -20 dBm, but is not limited thereto, and may be determined by variables such as the placement position and / or distance of the antennas used in the first wireless communication and the second wireless communication, the RF path, and the type / property of the antenna. According to one embodiment, the electronic device can determine the Tx power of the first signal by considering various factors such as the strength of the received signal, connection status, surrounding communication environment or electric field, and battery status.

[0237] According to one embodiment, when the Tx power of the first signal is equal to or greater than the first reference value, in operation 1330, the electronic device may check an antenna index to be used for transmitting the first signal. According to one embodiment, the electronic device may index antennas and RF paths to be used in each wireless communication method and frequency band and store them in a memory in the form of a table. The electronic device may store a table that stores antenna information to be used for signal transmission according to the folding state and unfolding state of the electronic device. The electronic device may check an antenna index corresponding to the current state of the electronic device (e.g., unfolding state) and the wireless communication method and frequency band used (e.g., LTE B40) from the table stored in the memory. According to one embodiment, in a LTE B40 and Wi-Fi 2.4GHz co-existence situation, when the electronic device is in the unfolding state, only the antenna (e.g., Main 2 antenna) disposed in the second housing may be indexed to be used for outputting the LTE B40 signal.

[0238] According to one embodiment, in operation 1335, the electronic device may stop outputting the first signal using an antenna (e.g., a Sub 5 antenna) disposed in the first housing in response to the identified antenna index. For example, the electronic device may check that only the Main 2 antenna disposed in the second housing is indexed for outputting the LTE B40 signal, stop outputting the LTE B40 signal of the Sub 5 antenna, and output the LTE B40 signal using only the Main 2 antenna.

[0239] According to one embodiment, in operation 1340, the electronic device may receive a second signal using an antenna (e.g., a Sub 2 or Sub 4 antenna) disposed in the first housing, and output a first signal through an antenna (e.g., a Main 2 antenna) disposed in the second housing at least partially simultaneously. For example, the Sub 2 antenna and the Sub 4 antenna disposed in the first housing may be spaced far apart from the Main 2 antenna disposed in the second housing when the electronic device is in an unfolded state, and thus, even if the Main 2 antenna outputs a signal with a high power higher than the first reference value, the amount of radio waves entering the Sub 2 antenna and the Sub 4 antenna may be minimal. Accordingly, even if the output of the first signal and the reception of the second signal are performed simultaneously, the Rx path including the Sub 2 antenna and the Sub 4 antenna may not be substantially affected.

[0240] According to one embodiment, when the Tx power of the first signal is less than the first reference value, in operation 1345, the electronic device may receive the second signal using the antenna disposed in the first housing, and output the first signal using both the antenna disposed in the first housing and the antenna disposed in the second housing at least partially simultaneously. For example, the electronic device may operate the antenna at a low power (e.g., -40 dBm to -20 dBm) when transmitting only a signal of a physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) in a strong electric field region, and in this case, the output of the Sub 5 antenna disposed in the first housing may not affect the Rx paths of the Sub 4 antenna and the Sub 2 antenna disposed in the first housing. Accordingly, when the Tx power of the first signal is lower than the first reference value, the electronic device may operate the antenna as if it were a non-co-existence situation even in a co-existence situation of the first wireless communication and the second wireless communication.

[0241] FIG. 13b is a flowchart of a method for transmitting a first signal and receiving a second signal by dividing a time domain when an electronic device is folded according to one embodiment.

[0242] According to one embodiment, at operation 1350, the electronic device may determine activation of a first wireless communication (e.g., LTE B40) and a second wireless communication (e.g., Wi-Fi 2.4GHz).

[0243] According to one embodiment, at operation 1360, the electronic device can determine that the current state of the electronic device is a folding state. For example, the electronic device can determine an angle between the first housing and the second housing using a sensor (e.g., the sensor of FIG. 9), and if the determined angle is less than a reference angle (e.g., 5 degrees), the electronic device can determine that the electronic device is in an unfolding state.

[0244] According to one embodiment, in operation 1365, the electronic device can determine whether the Tx power of the first signal of the first wireless communication is greater than or equal to a second reference value. Here, the second reference value may be a value lower than the first reference value when the electronic device is in a folded state. The Sub 2 antenna, which is placed in the first housing far apart when the electronic device is in an unfolded state, and the Main 2 antenna, which is placed in the second housing, may be closer in the folded state. Therefore, the second reference value may be a value much lower than the first reference value used in the unfolded state.

[0245] According to one embodiment, when the Tx power of the first signal is equal to or greater than the second reference value, in operation 1370, the electronic device may check an antenna index to be used for transmitting the first signal. The electronic device may check an antenna index corresponding to the current state of the electronic device (e.g., folding state) and the wireless communication method and frequency band used (e.g., LTE B40, Wi-Fi 2.4GHz) from a table stored in a memory. According to one embodiment, when the electronic device is in the folding state in an LTE B40 and Wi-Fi 2.4GHz co-existence situation, the antenna index may not be mapped to output of an LTE B40 signal and reception of a Wi-Fi 2.4GHz signal, or may be indexed as only capable of time-division operation.

[0246] According to one embodiment, the electronic device can determine that simultaneous output of a first signal and reception of a second signal are impossible through an antenna index, and can divide the time domain to alternately output the first signal and receive the second signal.

[0247] According to one embodiment, in operation 1375, the electronic device can output the first signal during at least a portion of a first time interval in one cycle. Since reception of the second signal is not performed during the first time interval due to the division of the time domain, the electronic device can output the first signal using both the Sub 5 antenna disposed in the first housing and the Main 3 antenna disposed in the second housing, which are set for outputting the first signal, as in a non-co-existence situation.

[0248] According to one embodiment, in operation 1380, the electronic device may receive the second signal during at least a portion of a second time interval following the first time interval. The electronic device may receive the second signal using both the Sub 2 antenna and the Sub 4 antenna, which are arranged in the first housing configured for receiving the second signal, as in a non-co-existence situation.

[0249] According to one embodiment, when the Tx power of the first signal is less than the second reference value, in operation 1385, the electronic device may receive the second signal using the antenna disposed in the first housing, and output the first signal using both the antenna disposed in the first housing and the antenna disposed in the second housing at least partially simultaneously. When the Tx power of the first signal is less than the second reference value, the electronic device may operate the antenna as if it were a non-co-existence situation, because the output of the Tx signal is low enough not to affect an immediately adjacent Rx path.

[0250] FIG. 14 is a flowchart of a method for blocking a portion of an Rx path of a second signal when an electronic device unfolds according to one embodiment.

[0251] According to one embodiment, the electronic device may be a foldable type electronic device that can be folded based on a folding axis (e.g., the electronic device (200) of FIGS. 2A to 2D, the electronic device (300) of FIGS. 3A to 3D).

[0252] According to one embodiment, the electronic device can transmit and receive a first signal of a first wireless communication method (e.g., WLAN) using at least one of a plurality of antennas disposed in a first housing and a plurality of antennas disposed in a second housing, and can transmit and receive a second signal of a second wireless communication method (e.g., WWAN) using at least another one of the plurality of antennas. For example, when receiving a second signal of LTE B40, the electronic device can operate with a total of 4 Rxs, including 2 Rx paths formed in the first housing and 2 Rx paths formed in the second housing. When the first wireless communication and the second wireless communication are not operating simultaneously, the electronic device can transmit and receive the first signal and the second signal, respectively, using the antennas and the RF paths including the antennas as defined above.

[0253] In Fig. 14, the operation of an electronic device in a co-existence situation where first and second wireless communications are simultaneously activated will be described. The method illustrated in Fig. 14 can be performed by an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (900) of Fig. 9), and the technical features described above may be omitted from the description below.

[0254] According to one embodiment, in operation 1410, the electronic device can confirm the activation of the first wireless communication and the second wireless communication. Here, the first wireless communication is described as using the 2.4 GHz band of WLAN (or Wi-Fi) and the second wireless communication is described as using LTE B40 of WWAN (or cellular wireless communication), but is not limited thereto, and various embodiments of the present document can also be applied when the first wireless communication and the second wireless communication use different frequency bands that at least partially overlap, such as the Wi-Fi 5 GHz band and NR n79. In addition, the following description will be made as an example of a case where the Tx signal output of the Wi-Fi 2.4 GHz affects the reception path of the LTE B40 signal, but conversely, the LTE B40 Tx signal output may also affect the reception path of the Wi-Fi 2.4 GHz signal.

[0255] According to one embodiment, in operation 1415, the electronic device can determine that the current state of the electronic device is an unfolding state. For example, the electronic device can determine an angle between the first housing and the second housing using a sensor (e.g., the sensor of FIG. 9), and if the determined angle is greater than or equal to a reference angle (e.g., 175 degrees), the electronic device can determine that the electronic device is in an unfolding state.

[0256] According to one embodiment, in operation 1420, the electronic device can determine whether the Tx power of the first signal of the first wireless communication is equal to or greater than a first reference value. Here, the first reference value is a strength of an output signal of an antenna disposed in a first housing (e.g., the first housing of FIG. 6 and the first housing of FIG. 7) that can affect the performance of a reception path of an antenna disposed in a second housing (e.g., the second housing of FIG. 6 and the second housing of FIG. 7) when the electronic device is in an unfolded state, and may be set to, for example, about -20 dBm, but is not limited thereto, and may be determined by variables such as the placement position and / or distance of the antennas used for the first wireless communication and the second wireless communication, the RF path, and the type / property of the antenna. According to one embodiment, the electronic device can determine the Tx power of the first signal by considering various factors such as the strength of the received signal, a connection status, a surrounding communication environment or electric field, and a battery status.

[0257] According to one embodiment, when the Tx power of the first signal is equal to or greater than the first reference value, in operation 1425, the electronic device may check the antenna index to be used for transmitting the first signal. According to one embodiment, the electronic device may index the antennas and RF paths to be used in each wireless communication method and frequency band and store them in a memory in the form of a table. The electronic device may store a table that stores antenna information to be used for signal transmission according to the folding state and unfolding state of the electronic device. The electronic device may check the antenna index corresponding to the current state of the electronic device (e.g., unfolding state) and the wireless communication method and frequency band used (e.g., Wi-Fi 2.4 GHz, LTE B40) from the table stored in the memory. According to one embodiment, in a situation of LTE B40 and Wi-Fi 2.4 GHz co-existence, when the electronic device is in the unfolding state, it may be indexed that only the antennas arranged in the second housing are used for receiving the LTE B40 signal.

[0258] According to one embodiment, in operation 1430, the electronic device may stop receiving a second signal of an antenna disposed in the first housing in response to the identified antenna index. For example, the electronic device may confirm that only the antennas disposed in the second housing are indexed for reception of an LTE B40 signal, and may deactivate at least one component (e.g., a low noise amplifier (LNA)) disposed in an Rx path connected to the antenna disposed in the first housing. In a non-co-existence situation, the electronic device may operate with a total of 4 Rx, and may receive the second signal using two Rx paths including the antenna disposed in the second housing by blocking the Rx path including the antenna disposed in the first housing.

[0259] According to one embodiment, in operation 1435, the electronic device may output a first signal (e.g., a WLAN signal, a Wi-Fi 2.4 GHz signal) using an antenna disposed in a first housing, and receive a second signal (e.g., a WWAN signal, an LTE B40 signal) using an antenna disposed in a second housing. For example, the electronic device may maintain 2 Rx by turning on MIMO PRx configured as an antenna of the second housing to receive the second signal. Alternatively, the electronic device may additionally use an antenna disposed in the second housing that was not used for receiving the second signal before the co-existence of the first wireless communication and the second wireless communication, in the co-existence, to receive the second signal.

[0260] According to one embodiment, when the Tx power of the first signal is less than the first reference value, in operation 1440, the electronic device can output the first signal using an antenna disposed in the first housing and receive the second signal using both the antenna disposed in the first housing and the antenna disposed in the second housing at least partially simultaneously. When the Tx power of the first signal is lower than the first reference value, the electronic device can operate the antenna in a co-existence situation of the first wireless communication and the second wireless communication as in a non-co-existence situation.

[0261] FIG. 15a and FIG. 15b are flowcharts of a method for preferentially transmitting and receiving WLAN signals when an electronic device is simultaneously connected to WWAN and WLAN in an unfolded state according to one embodiment.

[0262] The method illustrated in FIGS. 15A and 15B may be performed by an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (900) of FIG. 9), and the processor (910), the cellular communication module (920), and the short-range communication module (930) may be the processor (910), the cellular communication module (920), and the short-range communication module (930) of FIG. 9, respectively. The description of the technical features described above may be omitted below.

[0263] Figure 15a illustrates an embodiment of setting the priority of WLAN to high when connecting and disconnecting WLAN.

[0264] According to one embodiment, in operation 1512, the electronic device may connect to the Internet PDN via WLAN communication (or wireless LAN, Wi-Fi) using the short-range communication module (930). For example, the electronic device may connect to an adjacent AP (access point) via WLAN and transmit and receive data to and from the PDN via the AP. While the electronic device is connected to the Internet PDN via WLAN, cellular communication using the cellular communication module (920) may not be connected to the IMS PDN. (1514)

[0265] According to one embodiment, in operation 1516, the short-range communication module (930) may provide WLAN connection information to the processor (910) when connecting to a WLAN. The processor (910) may transmit and receive various information related to wireless LAN communication through a predetermined interface with the short-range communication module (930).

[0266] According to one embodiment, at operation 1518, the processor (910) may transmit a WWAN low priority request to the cellular communication module (920). Here, the WWAN low priority request may include a request to operate the WWAN (e.g., LTE B40 or NR n79) with a lower priority than a WLAN (e.g., Wi-Fi 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz) operating in an overlapping frequency band so as not to affect signal transmission and reception of the WLAN.

[0267] According to one embodiment, at operation 1520, the cellular communication module (920) responds with accept in response to the WWAN low priority request of the processor (910), and at operation 1522, the processor (910) can notify the short-range communication module (930) that the WWAN low priority request is completed.

[0268] According to one embodiment, in operation 1523, the cellular communication module (920) may receive a WWAN signal using only the lower antenna among the antennas used for receiving the WWAN signal. For example, the electronic device may be configured to receive a WWAN signal using at least one upper antenna disposed in the first housing and at least one lower antenna disposed in the second housing, and since the antenna used for transmitting and receiving the WWAN signal is disposed in the first housing, in a WWAN low priority situation, the transmission and reception of the WWAN signal through the at least one upper antenna disposed in the first housing may be stopped. The cellular communication module (920) may maintain 2 Rx by turning on MIMO PRx composed of at least one lower antenna for receiving the WWAN signal, or may additionally use an antenna among the lower antennas disposed in the second housing that was not used for receiving the WWAN signal in a co-existence situation to receive the WWAN signal.

[0269] According to one embodiment, the short-range communication module (930) may transmit information instructing the processor (910) to disconnect the WLAN connection when the WLAN connection is disconnected. According to one embodiment, the short-range communication module (930) may transmit information instructing the processor (910) to change the frequency band when the WLAN is changed to a different frequency band (e.g., when changing from a Wi-Fi 2.4 GHz band to a Wi-Fi 5 GHz band).

[0270] According to one embodiment, when the processor (910) receives information indicating a WLAN disconnection (operation 1524) or receives information indicating a WLAN frequency band change (operation 1526), ​​the processor (910) may transmit a WWAN normal priority request to the cellular communication module (920).

[0271] According to one embodiment, at operation 1530, the cellular communication module (920) responds with accept in response to the WWAN normal priority request of the processor (910), and at operation 1532, the processor (910) can notify the short-range communication module (930) that the WWAN normal priority request is completed.

[0272] According to one embodiment, when the cellular communication module (920) receives a WWAN normal priority request, it may receive a WWAN signal again using at least one upper antenna disposed in the first housing and at least one lower antenna disposed in the second housing. For example, when the cellular communication module (920) transmits and receives an NR n79 signal using both the upper and lower antennas, it may use only the lower antenna when it receives a WWAN low priority request, and when it receives a WWAN normal priority request due to a Wi-Fi connection release or a frequency band change to Wi-Fi 2.4 GHz, it may again transmit and receive an NR n79 signal using both the upper and lower antennas.

[0273] Figure 15b illustrates an embodiment in which the priority of WWAN is set high when connecting an IMS call to WWAN.

[0274] According to one embodiment, in operation 1562, the electronic device may be connected to the Internet PDN via WLAN communication (or wireless LAN, Wi-Fi) using the short-range communication module (930), and the cellular communication using the cellular communication module (920) may be in a state where it is not connected to the IMS PDN. (1564)

[0275] According to one embodiment, in operation 1566, the short-range communication module (930) may provide WLAN connection information to the processor (910) when a WLAN connection is established.

[0276] According to one embodiment, at operation 1568, the processor (910) may transmit a WWAN low priority request to the cellular communication module (920). According to one embodiment, at operation 1570, the cellular communication module (920) may respond with an accept in response to the WWAN low priority request of the processor (910), and at operation 1572, the processor (910) may notify the short-range communication module (930) that the WWAN low priority request is completed.

[0277] According to one embodiment, in operation 1574, the cellular communication module (920) may receive a WWAN signal using only the lower antenna among the antennas used for receiving the WWAN signal. For example, the electronic device may be configured to receive a WWAN signal using at least one upper antenna disposed in the first housing and at least one lower antenna disposed in the second housing, and since the antenna used for transmitting and receiving the WWAN signal is disposed in the first housing, the transmission and reception of the WWAN signal through the at least one upper antenna disposed in the first housing may be stopped in a WWAN low priority situation.

[0278] In one embodiment, at operation 1576, the cellular communication module (920) may initiate a call connection via the IP multimedia subsystem (IMS) when making or receiving a call. At operation 1578, the cellular communication module (920) may transmit a notification to the processor (910) indicating the initiation of an IMS call.

[0279] According to one embodiment, the processor (910) may set the priority of WWAN higher than WLAN to compensate for call continuity when connecting an IMS call.

[0280] According to one embodiment, in operation 1580, the processor (910) may transmit a WWAN high priority request to the cellular communication module (920), and in operation 1582, the cellular communication module (920) may respond with an accept. Additionally, in operation 1584, the processor (910) may transmit a WWAN high priority request to the short-range communication module (930), and in operation 1586, the short-range communication module (930) may respond with a complete. Operations 1580-1582 and 1584-1586 may be performed in reverse order or at least partially concurrently.

[0281] According to one embodiment, the cellular communication module (920) can transmit and receive WWAN signals using both the upper antenna disposed in the first housing and the lower antenna disposed in the second housing in response to a WWAN high priority request.

[0282] FIG. 16 is a flowchart of a method for an electronic device to change the frequency of a WLAN in a simultaneous WWAN and WLAN connection state according to one embodiment.

[0283] The method illustrated in FIG. 16 may be performed by an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (900) of FIG. 9), and the processor (910), the cellular communication module (920), and the short-range communication module (930) may be the processor (910), the cellular communication module (920), and the short-range communication module (930) of FIG. 9, respectively. The description of the technical features described above may be omitted below.

[0284] In one embodiment, the electronic device may perform WLAN communications across multiple frequency bands. For example, the electronic device may transmit and receive WLAN signals using the Wi-Fi 2.4 GHz band and / or the Wi-Fi 5 GHz band.

[0285] According to one embodiment, in operation 1612, the cellular communication module (920) may transmit a notification to the processor (910) indicating activation (or initiation) of WWAN communication. For example, the short-range communication module (930) may transmit and receive a wireless LAN signal in the Wi-Fi 2.4 GHz band, and the cellular communication module (920) may transmit and receive an LTE B40 signal in a frequency band adjacent to or at least partially overlapping with the Wi-Fi 2.4 GHz band.

[0286] In one embodiment, the electronic device may determine the priority of WWAN and WLAN upon receiving a notification indicating WWAN activation. For example, the electronic device may determine that WWAN has a higher priority than WLAN if there are no nearby external devices to connect to via WLAN, if WWAN communication performance is relatively good, if an IMS call is in progress via WWAN, and / or based on user settings.

[0287] According to one embodiment, at operation 1614, the electronic device may transmit a WLAN low priority request to the short-range communication module (930). At operation 1616, the short-range communication module (930) may respond with an accept in response to the WLAN low priority request, and at operation 1618, the processor (910) may notify the cellular communication module (920) that the WLAN low priority request is completed.

[0288] According to one embodiment, in operation 1619, the short-range communication module (930) may change the operating frequency of the WLAN. For example, the short-range communication module (930) may use at least one of the Wi-Fi 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands, and may receive a WLAN low priority request according to the activation of LTE B40 having adjacent frequency bands in a situation where both the Wi-Fi 2.4 GHz band and the 5 GHz band are used. In this case, the short-range communication module (930) may switch to the Wi-Fi 5 GHz band, which is not adjacent in frequency band to the LTE B40, and transmit and receive a wireless LAN signal using only the 5 GHz band, excluding the Wi-Fi 2.4 GHz band. Alternatively, the short-range communication module (930) may receive a WLAN low priority request according to the activation of NR n79 having adjacent frequency bands in a situation where the Wi-Fi 5 GHz band is used. In this case, the short-range communication module (930) can transmit and receive wireless LAN signals by switching to the Wi-Fi 2.4 GHz band, which has a frequency band that is not adjacent to NR n79.

[0289] In one embodiment, for WWAN (e.g., 4G LTE, 5G NR), after accessing the network via a random access channel (RACH) and entering the RRC connected state, the electronic device cannot select its own serving band. In contrast, for WLAN, the electronic device can connect to multiple frequency bands and can select the frequency band to use for transmitting and receiving WLAN signals.

[0290] According to one embodiment, when the WWAN connection is disconnected, at operation 1620, the cellular communication module (920) may transmit a notification to the processor (910) indicating WWAN deactivation.

[0291] According to one embodiment, when WWAN deactivation is confirmed, the processor (910) may transmit a WLAN normal priority request to the short-range communication module (930) at operation 1622. At operation 1624, the short-range communication module (930) may respond with an accept in response to the WLAN normal priority request, and at operation 1626, the processor (910) may notify the cellular communication module (920) that the WLAN normal priority request is completed.

[0292] According to one embodiment, the electronic device can perform the operation of changing the WLAN frequency band described above when in the folded state. For example, when the electronic device is in the unfolded state, since the distance between the antennas disposed in the first housing and the antennas disposed in the second housing is far, in the WWAN and WLAN co-existence state, the Tx antenna or the Rx antenna of the WWAN or WLAN can be switched as in the embodiment described through FIGS. 13a, 13b, 14, 15a, and 15b. In contrast, when the electronic device is in the folded state, since the antennas disposed in the first housing and the antennas disposed in the second housing are adjacent to each other, the antenna switching method as described above may not be able to eliminate the influence on the Rx path depending on the Tx signal output. Accordingly, when the electronic device is in the folded state, the electronic device can change the operating frequency of the WLAN as described through FIG. 16 to avoid the WWAN and WLAN co-existence.

[0293] FIG. 17 is a flowchart of a method for an electronic device to change the frequency of a WLAN in a simultaneous WWAN and WLAN connection state according to one embodiment.

[0294] The method illustrated in FIG. 17 can be performed by an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (900) of FIG. 9), and the technical features described above may be omitted below.

[0295] According to one embodiment, in operation 1710, the electronic device can perform cellular communication and wireless LAN communication in a first frequency band. For example, the electronic device can use LTE B40 and Wi-Fi 2.4GHz, which use a band of about 2.4GHz, or NR n79 and Wi-Fi 5GHz, which use a band of about 5GHz. According to one embodiment, the electronic device can detect activation of cellular communication while transmitting and receiving a wireless LAN signal using a short-range communication module in the first frequency band. According to one embodiment, the electronic device can transmit and receive a cellular signal using at least one antenna among a plurality of antennas, and transmit and receive a wireless LAN signal using at least one other antenna.

[0296] In one embodiment, at operation 1720, the electronic device may determine whether wireless LAN communication can be switched to a second frequency band. For example, while transmitting and receiving wireless LAN signals with an external device (e.g., an AP) in the 2.4 GHz band, the electronic device may determine whether communication with the external device in the 5 GHz band is possible.

[0297] According to one embodiment, when the second frequency band can be changed, in operation 1730, the electronic device can connect to an external device for wireless LAN communication in the second frequency band. When the operating frequency of the wireless LAN communication is changed from the first frequency band to the second frequency band, the antenna for transmitting and receiving the wireless LAN signal and the RF path including the antenna may also be changed.

[0298] According to one embodiment, in operation 1740, the electronic device may perform cellular communication in a first frequency band and perform wireless LAN communication in a switched second frequency band.

[0299] According to one embodiment, when wireless LAN communication cannot be changed to a second frequency band, in operation 1750, the electronic device can eliminate the influence of a signal output of one of the cellular communication and wireless LAN communication on the other reception path through antenna switching and / or time division operations. For example, the electronic device can stop signal output (or reception) using an antenna located close to an antenna for wireless LAN communication (or cellular communication) among antennas used for cellular communication (or wireless LAN communication). Alternatively, the electronic device can output (or receive) a signal for cellular communication in a first time interval of one cycle, and receive (or output) a signal for wireless LAN communication in a second time interval.

[0300] FIG. 18 is a flowchart of a method for an electronic device to preferentially transmit and receive a WLAN signal during a VoWiFi call in a state of simultaneous WWAN and WLAN connection according to one embodiment.

[0301] The method illustrated in FIG. 18 can be performed by an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (900) of FIG. 9), and the description of the technical features described above may be omitted below.

[0302] According to one embodiment, in operation 1812, when a call based on VoWiFi (voice over Wi-Fi) is initiated, the short-range communication module (930) may transmit a notification indicating the initiation of VoWiFi to the processor (910). According to one embodiment, the processor (910) may set the priority of WLAN to be higher than that of WWAN for a stable VoWiFi call.

[0303] According to one embodiment, at operation 1814, the processor (910) may transmit a WWAN low priority request to the cellular communication module (920). At operation 1816, the cellular communication module (920) may respond with an accept in response to the WWAN low priority request, and at operation 1818, the processor (910) may notify the short-range communication module (930) that the WWAN low priority request is completed.

[0304] According to one embodiment, the cellular communication module (920) may, in response to a WWAN low priority request, switch some of the Tx antennas of the WWAN signal or temporarily deactivate during a period in which a WLAN signal is transmitted and received.

[0305] According to one embodiment, when a VoWiFi call is terminated, at operation 1820, the short-range communication module (930) may transmit a notification to the processor (910) instructing the processor (910) to terminate the VoWiFi. The processor (910) may set the priority of the WLAN back to the same priority as the WWAN as the VoWiFi call is terminated.

[0306] According to one embodiment, at operation 1822, the processor (910) may transmit a WWAN normal priority request to the cellular communication module (920). At operation 1824, the cellular communication module (920) may respond with an accept in response to the WWAN normal priority request, and at operation 1826, the processor (910) may notify the short-range communication module (930) that the WWAN normal priority request is completed.

[0307] According to various embodiments of the present document, an electronic device may include a first housing, a second housing rotatably connected to the first housing through a hinge structure, a first region disposed in the first housing and a second region disposed in the second region, a display that can be folded based on a boundary region of the first region and the second region as an angle between the first housing and the second housing changes, a first communication module that processes transmission and reception of a first signal of a first wireless communication method, a second communication module that processes transmission and reception of a second signal of a second wireless communication method different from the first wireless communication method, a plurality of antennas for transmitting and / or receiving the first signal and / or the second signal, a memory, and a processor disposed in the first housing or the second housing and operatively connected to the display, the first communication module, the second communication module, the antennas, and the memory.

[0308] According to one embodiment, the plurality of antennas include at least one antenna disposed in the first housing and at least one antenna disposed in the second housing, and a distance between the at least one antenna disposed in the first housing and the at least one antenna disposed in the second housing can be changed depending on an angle between the first housing and the second housing.

[0309] According to one embodiment, the memory may store instructions for confirming transmission of the first signal in the first frequency band through the first communication module, confirming reception of the second signal in the second frequency band, at least partially overlapping with the first frequency band, through the second communication module at least partially simultaneously with transmission of the first signal, determining a state of the electronic device based on an angle between the first housing and the second housing, and determining at least one antenna to be used for transmission of the first signal and at least one antenna to be used for reception of the second signal based on the determined state of the electronic device.

[0310] According to one embodiment, the memory may store instructions for determining the state of the electronic device as an unfolding state when the angle between the first housing and the second housing is greater than or equal to a first reference angle, determining the state of the electronic device as a folding state when the angle between the first housing and the second housing is less than a second reference angle, and outputting the first signal using at least one antenna disposed in the second housing and receiving the second signal using at least one antenna disposed in the first housing when the state of the electronic device is the unfolding state.

[0311] According to one embodiment, the plurality of antennas include a first antenna and a second antenna disposed in the first housing, and a third antenna disposed in the second housing, the first signal can be transmitted through the second antenna and the third antenna, the second signal can be received through the first antenna, and the memory can store instructions for stopping output of the first signal using the second antenna while receiving the second signal through the first antenna, and outputting the first signal using the third antenna, when the state of the electronic device is an unfolded state.

[0312] According to one embodiment, the memory may store instructions for stopping the output of the first signal using the second antenna and outputting the first signal using the third antenna when the output strength of the first signal is greater than or equal to a first reference value.

[0313] According to one embodiment, the memory may store instructions for outputting the first signal using the second antenna and the third antenna when the output intensity of the first signal is less than the first reference value.

[0314] According to one embodiment, the first communication module may store instructions that, when output of the first signal is initiated, transmit a first notification to the processor instructing output of the first signal, and the memory may store instructions that, in response to reception of the first notification, confirm that the second signal is being received through the second communication module, and transmit a second notification to the first communication module instructing that the second signal is being received.

[0315] According to one embodiment, the memory may store instructions for transmitting the second notification, which includes information about an antenna among a plurality of antennas capable of outputting the first signal, to the first communication module, to stop outputting the first signal upon reception of the second signal.

[0316] According to one embodiment, the memory may store instructions for receiving the first notification from the first communication module via the first pin and transmitting the second notification to the first communication module via the second pin.

[0317] According to one embodiment, the memory may store a table mapping at least one antenna used for transmitting the first signal and at least one antenna used for receiving the second signal, corresponding to a state of the electronic device.

[0318] According to one embodiment, the plurality of antennas include a fourth antenna and a fifth antenna disposed in the first housing, and a sixth antenna disposed in the second housing, the first signal can be transmitted through the fourth antenna, the second signal can be received through the fifth antenna and the sixth antenna, and the memory can store instructions for stopping reception of the second signal using the fifth antenna while outputting the first signal through the fourth antenna, and receiving the second signal using the sixth antenna when the state of the electronic device is an unfolded state.

[0319] According to one embodiment, the memory may store instructions for, when the state of the electronic device is a folding state, outputting the first signal using at least one antenna during at least a portion of the first time period and receiving the second signal using at least one other antenna during at least a portion of the second time period in one period consisting of a first time period and a second time period.

[0320] According to one embodiment, the second signal of the second wireless communication method can be transmitted and received in the second frequency band, and / or a third frequency band that does not overlap with the first frequency band and the second frequency band, and the memory can store instructions for stopping transmission and reception of the second signal in the second frequency band and transmitting and receiving the second signal through the third frequency band when the state of the electronic device is a folding state.

[0321] According to one embodiment, the memory may store instructions for stopping transmission of the first signal when a voice call is being made via the second wireless communication method.

[0322] A method for controlling a transmission and reception path of a wireless signal of an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present document may include an operation of confirming transmission of a first signal in a first frequency band, an operation of confirming reception of a second signal in a second frequency band at least partially overlapping with the first frequency band at least partially simultaneously with transmission of the first signal, an operation of determining a state of the electronic device based on an angle between a first housing and a second housing of the electronic device, and an operation of determining at least one antenna to be used for transmission of the first signal and at least one antenna to be used for reception of the second signal based on the determined state of the electronic device.

[0323] According to one embodiment, the operation of determining the state of the electronic device may include an operation of determining the state of the electronic device as an unfolding state when an angle between the first housing and the second housing is greater than or equal to a first reference angle, and an operation of determining the state of the electronic device as a folding state when an angle between the first housing and the second housing is less than a second reference angle, and the operation of determining at least one antenna to be used for transmitting the first signal and at least one antenna to be used for receiving the second signal may include an operation of outputting the first signal using at least one antenna disposed in the second housing and receiving the second signal using at least one antenna disposed in the first housing when the state of the electronic device is the unfolding state.

[0324] According to one embodiment, the electronic device includes a first antenna and a second antenna disposed in the first housing, and a third antenna disposed in the second housing, and the first signal can be transmitted through the second antenna and the third antenna, and the second signal can be received through the first antenna, and the operation of determining at least one antenna to be used for transmitting the first signal and at least one antenna to be used for receiving the second signal may include an operation of stopping output of the first signal using the second antenna while receiving the second signal through the first antenna when the state of the electronic device is an unfolded state, and outputting the first signal using the third antenna.

[0325] According to one embodiment, when the output intensity of the first signal is greater than or equal to a first reference value, the method may include an operation of stopping the output of the first signal using the second antenna and outputting the first signal using the third antenna.

[0326] According to one embodiment, when the output intensity of the first signal is less than the first reference value, the method may include an operation of outputting the first signal using the second antenna and the third antenna.

[0327] According to one embodiment, the electronic device may store a table mapping at least one antenna used for transmitting the first signal and at least one antenna used for receiving the second signal, corresponding to a state of the electronic device.

[0328] According to one embodiment, the plurality of antennas include a fourth antenna and a fifth antenna disposed in the first housing, and a sixth antenna disposed in the second housing, and the first signal can be transmitted through the fourth antenna, and the second signal can be received through the fifth antenna and the sixth antenna, and the operation of determining at least one antenna to be used for transmitting the first signal and at least one antenna to be used for receiving the second signal may include an operation of, when the state of the electronic device is an unfolded state, stopping reception of the second signal using the fifth antenna while outputting the first signal through the fourth antenna, and receiving the second signal using the sixth antenna.

[0329] 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.

[0330] 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.

[0331] 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).

[0332] 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.

[0333] 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.

[0334] According to various embodiments, each component (e.g., a module or a program) of the above-described components may include one or more entities, and some of the entities may be separated and placed in other components. According to various embodiments, one or more components or operations of the aforementioned components may be omitted, or one or more other components or operations may be added. Alternatively or additionally, a plurality of components (e.g., a module or a program) may be integrated into a single component. In such a case, the integrated component may perform one or more functions of each of the plurality of components identically or similarly to those performed by the corresponding component among the plurality of components prior to the integration. According to various embodiments, the operations performed by a module, program, or other component may be executed sequentially, in parallel, iteratively, or heuristically, or one or more of the operations may be executed in a different order, omitted, or one or more other operations may be added.

Claims

1. In electronic devices, 1st housing; A second housing rotatably connected to the first housing through a hinge structure; A display including a first region arranged in the first housing and a second region arranged in the second region, and capable of being folded based on a boundary region between the first region and the second region as an angle between the first housing and the second housing changes; A first communication module that processes transmission and reception of a first signal of a first wireless communication method; A second communication module that processes transmission and reception of a second signal of a second wireless communication method different from the first wireless communication method; A plurality of antennas for transmitting and / or receiving the first signal and / or the second signal; memory; and At least one processor disposed within the first housing or the second housing and operatively connected to the display, the first communication module, the second communication module, the antennas, and the memory; The plurality of antennas include at least one antenna disposed in the first housing and at least one antenna disposed in the second housing, and the distance between the at least one antenna disposed in the first housing and the at least one antenna disposed in the second housing can be changed according to the angle between the first housing and the second housing. The above memory is executable by at least one processor, and when executed, the electronic device: Confirming the transmission of the first signal in the first frequency band through the first communication module, Confirming the reception of the second signal of the second frequency band, which overlaps at least partly with the first frequency band, through the second communication module at least partly simultaneously with the transmission of the first signal; Determining the state of the electronic device based on the angle between the first housing and the second housing, and An electronic device storing instructions for determining at least one antenna to be used for transmitting the first signal and at least one antenna to be used for receiving the second signal based on the determined state of the electronic device.

2. In paragraph 1, The above memory, the electronic device, If the angle between the first housing and the second housing is greater than or equal to the first reference angle, the state of the electronic device is determined to be an unfolding state, When the angle between the first housing and the second housing is less than the second reference angle, the state of the electronic device is determined as a folding state, If the state of the above electronic device is unfolded, The first signal is output using at least one antenna disposed in the second housing, An electronic device storing instructions for receiving the second signal using at least one antenna disposed in the first housing.

3. In paragraph 2, The above plurality of antennas include a first antenna and a second antenna arranged in the first housing, and a third antenna arranged in the second housing, The first signal can be transmitted through the second antenna and the third antenna, and the second signal can be received through the first antenna. The above memory, the electronic device, If the state of the above electronic device is unfolded, An electronic device storing instructions for stopping output of the first signal using the second antenna while receiving the second signal through the first antenna, and outputting the first signal using the third antenna.

4. In paragraph 3, The above memory, the electronic device, If the output strength of the first signal is greater than or equal to the first reference value, the output of the first signal using the second antenna is stopped, and the first signal is output using the third antenna, and An electronic device storing instructions for outputting the first signal using the second antenna and the third antenna when the output intensity of the first signal is less than the first reference value.

5. In paragraph 2, The above first communication module, When the output of the first signal is initiated, a first notification is transmitted to the processor to instruct the output of the first signal, The above memory, the electronic device, In response to receiving the first notification, confirm that the second signal is being received through the second communication module, and An electronic device storing instructions causing the first communication module to transmit a second notification indicating that the second signal is being received.

6. In paragraph 5, The above memory, the electronic device, An electronic device storing instructions for transmitting, to the first communication module, the second notification including information about an antenna that stops outputting the first signal upon reception of the second signal among a plurality of antennas capable of outputting the first signal.

7. In paragraph 1, The above memory is, An electronic device storing a table mapping at least one antenna used for transmitting the first signal and at least one antenna used for receiving the second signal, corresponding to a state of the electronic device.

8. In paragraph 1, The above plurality of antennas include a fourth antenna and a fifth antenna arranged in the first housing, and a sixth antenna arranged in the second housing, The first signal can be transmitted through the fourth antenna, and the second signal can be received through the fifth antenna and the sixth antenna. The above memory, the electronic device, If the state of the above electronic device is unfolded, An electronic device storing instructions for stopping reception of the second signal using the fifth antenna while outputting the first signal through the fourth antenna, and receiving the second signal using the sixth antenna.

9. In paragraph 1, The above memory, the electronic device, If the state of the above electronic device is in the folding state, An electronic device storing instructions for outputting the first signal using at least one antenna during at least a portion of the first time interval and receiving the second signal using at least another antenna during at least a portion of the second time interval, in a period comprising a first time interval and a second time interval.

10. In paragraph 1, The second signal of the second wireless communication method can be transmitted and received in the second frequency band and / or a third frequency band that does not overlap with the first frequency band and the second frequency band. The above memory, the electronic device, If the state of the above electronic device is in the folding state, An electronic device storing instructions for stopping transmission and reception of the second signal in the second frequency band and transmitting and receiving the second signal through the third frequency band.

11. In paragraph 1, The above memory, the electronic device, An electronic device storing instructions for stopping transmission of the first signal when a voice call is being made via the second wireless communication method.

12. A method for controlling a transmission and reception path of a wireless signal of an electronic device, An operation for verifying transmission of a first signal in a first frequency band; An operation of confirming reception of a second signal in a second frequency band that overlaps at least partly with the first frequency band at least partly simultaneously with transmission of the first signal; An operation for determining a state of the electronic device based on an angle between a first housing and a second housing of the electronic device; and A method comprising an operation of determining at least one antenna to be used for transmitting the first signal and at least one antenna to be used for receiving the second signal based on the determined state of the electronic device.

13. In paragraph 12, The operation of determining the state of the above electronic device is: An operation of determining the state of the electronic device as an unfolding state when the angle between the first housing and the second housing is greater than or equal to the first reference angle; and Including an operation of determining the state of the electronic device as a folding state when the angle between the first housing and the second housing is less than the second reference angle, The operation of determining at least one antenna to be used for transmitting the first signal and at least one antenna to be used for receiving the second signal is: A method including an operation of outputting the first signal using at least one antenna arranged in the second housing and receiving the second signal using at least one antenna arranged in the first housing when the state of the electronic device is an unfolded state.

14. In paragraph 13, The electronic device includes a first antenna and a second antenna arranged in the first housing, and a third antenna arranged in the second housing, The first signal can be transmitted through the second antenna and the third antenna, and the second signal can be received through the first antenna. The operation of determining at least one antenna to be used for transmitting the first signal and at least one antenna to be used for receiving the second signal is: A method including an operation of stopping output of the first signal using the second antenna while receiving the second signal through the first antenna, and outputting the first signal using the third antenna, when the state of the electronic device is an unfolded state.

15. In paragraph 12, The above electronic device, A method of storing a table mapping at least one antenna used for transmitting the first signal and at least one antenna used for receiving the second signal, corresponding to a state of the electronic device.

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