Antenna modules and electronic products

Abstract

The present application provides an antenna module and electronic product. The antenna module comprises: a circuit board having an electrical connection portion; a flexible antenna having an antenna segment and a connection segment, the antenna segment being attached to the inside of the back cover of the electronic product, the connection segment having an exposed metal area; and a magnetic connection assembly for electrically connecting the connection segment to the electrical connection portion. This antenna module prevents the antenna connection structure from exerting significant pressure on the electronic product structure without sacrificing antenna performance.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of sensor technology, and in particular to an antenna module and an electronic product. Background Art

[0002] With the popularization of 5G, the number of antennas in electronic products is increasing. The product frame can no longer support all antennas, and it is necessary to explore the space on the back cover, that is, to set the antenna on the back cover of the electronic product. At this time, it is necessary to design a connection between the antenna and the circuit board of the electronic product.

[0003] Currently, a common method is to use surface mount technology to install metal springs on electronic product circuit boards. A flexible patch antenna is then attached to the back cover of the electronic product. The patch antenna has copper in the connection area where it contacts the metal springs. This technical solution results in high pressure at the connection point between the patch antenna and the metal springs, which can cause film marks. Furthermore, when there are a large number of metal springs, they exert significant pressure on the back cover, posing a risk of it being pushed open. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present application provides an antenna module and an electronic product, so as to reduce the pressure exerted by the antenna connection structure on the structure of the electronic product while ensuring the antenna performance.

[0005] In the first aspect, the present application provides an antenna module, which is applied to electronic products such as mobile phones and tablet computers to realize the antenna function of these electronic products. Specifically, the antenna module includes a circuit board, a flexible antenna, and a magnetic connection component; wherein the circuit board can be the main control unit of the electronic product or a main control unit independent of the electronic product; an electrical connection portion for electrically connecting the flexible antenna is provided on the circuit board, and the electrical connection portion here can be realized in a raised structure; the flexible antenna has an antenna segment and a connection segment, and the antenna segment can be fixed to the inside of the back cover (or other structure) of the electronic product in the form of an attachment, and the connection segment has a metal exposed area; the magnetic connection component is used to drive the metal exposed area of the connection segment to contact with the electrical connection portion and maintain stability, thereby realizing the antenna function. Specifically, the first magnetic part and the ferromagnetic block generate a magnetic attraction effect to press the flexible antenna onto the ferromagnetic block, so that the metal exposed area on the connecting section is in close contact with the surface of the ferromagnetic block facing the flexible antenna, which is equivalent to the metal exposed area being in close contact with the electrical connection part, so that the flexible antenna is electrically connected to the circuit board 1, realizing the function of feeding the radio frequency signal from the circuit board to the flexible antenna or the function of feeding the radio frequency signal from the flexible antenna to the circuit board.

[0006] It can be seen that the antenna module provided in this application electrically connects the flexible antenna to the circuit board through a magnetic connection component. Without sacrificing the antenna performance, it will not produce adverse pressure on other structures of the electronic product, and the electrical connection structure is more stable and reliable.

[0007] In one possible implementation, the magnetic connection assembly includes a magnetically engaged ferromagnetic block and a first magnetic component, the ferromagnetic block is disposed on a circuit board, and the electrical connection portion is formed on the ferromagnetic block; the first magnetic component is fixed to the side of the connection section facing away from the circuit board.

[0008] The side of the first magnetic member facing away from the connecting section can be fixed to the inside of the back cover of the electronic product. Specifically, a flexible buffer structure can be provided between the first magnetic member and the inside of the back cover to absorb tolerances. The flexible buffer structure can be an ultra-soft foam, a PI (polyimide) film ring, or other structures.

[0009] In order to improve the stability of the structure, the flexible antenna can also be configured to have a fixed section, which is specifically located at one end of the connecting section away from the antenna section. There are multiple ways to fix the fixed section.

[0010] For example, the fixed section can be fixed to the inner side of the back cover of the electronic product, and the fixed section and the antenna section are respectively located on both sides of the connecting section, which can provide more reliable and stable support for the connecting section; based on this, the fixed section can be U-shaped, so that the fixed section includes a first fixing part and a second fixing part that are relatively arranged, and the first fixing part is fixed to the first magnetic part, and the second fixing part is fixed to the inner side of the back cover, and the first fixing part and the second fixing part are located between the first magnetic part and the back cover, and there is a gap between the first fixing part and the second fixing part.

[0011] Alternatively, the fixing section may be fixed to the antenna section, and the antenna section, the connecting section, and the fixing section surround the first magnetic component until the fixing section and the antenna section are connected in parallel.

[0012] In another possible implementation, the structure of the antenna module's circuit board side is improved; specifically, a mounting slot is formed on the circuit board, and a ferromagnetic sheet is provided on the circuit board to cover the mounting slot, with the electrical connection portion formed on the ferromagnetic sheet. The magnetic connection assembly includes a first magnetic member and a second magnetic member that magnetically attract each other, with the first magnetic member being fixed to the side of the connecting section facing away from the circuit board, and the second magnetic member being disposed within the mounting slot. The magnetic attraction generated by the first and second magnetic members can drive the exposed metal area on the connecting section into close contact with the ferromagnetic sheet, thereby enabling the function of feeding RF signals from the circuit board to the flexible antenna or feedback of RF signals from the flexible antenna to the circuit board. The magnetic attraction generated by the first and second magnetic members can also ensure the stability of the contact between the exposed metal area and the ferromagnetic sheet.

[0013] In addition, the bending area between the antenna segment and the connecting segment can be configured as a serpentine line, and the bending area between the connecting segment and the fixing segment can also be configured as a serpentine line to reduce structural stress.

[0014] In a second aspect, the present application further provides an electronic product comprising a main body, a back cover, and any antenna module provided by the aforementioned technical solutions. The antenna segment of the flexible antenna in the antenna module is fixed to the inside of the back cover, and the circuit board is fixed to the main body. The exposed metal area of the connecting segment is electrically connected to the electrical connection portion, thereby realizing the antenna function of the electronic product. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] Figure 1 A schematic structural diagram of an antenna module for an electronic product in the prior art;

[0016] Figure 2a A schematic structural diagram of an antenna module provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0017] Figure 2b A schematic diagram of the structure of an antenna module for achieving electrical connection according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0018] Figure 2c A graph showing antenna efficiency simulation results of an antenna module provided in an embodiment of the present application and an antenna module in the prior art;

[0019] Figure 2d A schematic diagram of the planar structure of a flexible antenna in an antenna module provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0020] Figure 3a A schematic structural diagram of an antenna module provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0021] Figure 3b A schematic diagram of the structure of an antenna module for achieving electrical connection according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0022] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the structure of an antenna module for achieving electrical connection according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0023] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the structure of an antenna module for achieving electrical connection according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0024] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the structure of an antenna module for achieving electrical connection according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0025] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the planar structure of a flexible antenna in an antenna module provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0026] Figure 8a A schematic structural diagram of another antenna module provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0027] Figure 8bA schematic diagram of the structure of another antenna module for achieving electrical connection according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0028] Figure 9a A schematic diagram of the structure of an antenna module for achieving electrical connection according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0029] Figure 9b A schematic diagram of the structure of an antenna module for achieving electrical connection according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0030] Figure 9c A schematic diagram of the structure of an antenna module for achieving electrical connection according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0031] Figure 9d A schematic diagram of the structure of an antenna module for achieving electrical connection according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0032] Figure 10 A schematic structural diagram of an electronic product provided in an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] In the existing technology, electronic products such as mobile phones and tablet computers need to have antenna functions to achieve communication, such as Figure 1 As shown, the antenna function is achieved by using surface mount technology to place a metal dome 02 on a circuit board 01 and attach a flexible patch antenna 04 to the back cover 03 of the electronic product. Patch antenna 04 uses copper in the connection area to contact metal dome 02. In this technical solution, the pressure at the contact point Q between patch antenna 04 and metal dome 02 is relatively high, which may cause film marks. Moreover, when there are a large number of metal domes 02, the number of contact points between patch antenna 04 and metal dome 02 also increases, which will exert greater pressure on the back cover 03 of the electronic product, and there is a risk of back cover 03 being pushed open.

[0034] Based on this, the embodiment of the present application provides an antenna module that can be applied to the above electronic products to solve the above problems. In order to make the purpose, technical solution and advantages of the present application clearer, the present application will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0035] The terms used in the following embodiments are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the present application. As used in the specification and appended claims of this application, the singular expressions "a", "an", "said", "above", "the", and "this" are intended to also include expressions such as "one or more", unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0036] References to "one embodiment" or "some embodiments" in this specification mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in conjunction with that embodiment is included in one or more embodiments of the present application. Thus, phrases such as "in one embodiment," "in some embodiments," "in other embodiments," and "in yet other embodiments" appearing in various places in this specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, but rather mean "one or more but not all embodiments," unless otherwise specifically emphasized. The terms "including," "comprising," "having," and variations thereof mean "including but not limited to," unless otherwise specifically emphasized.

[0037] For example, the structure of the antenna module provided in this application can refer to Figure 2a The antenna module comprises a circuit board 1, a flexible antenna 2, a ferromagnetic block 31, and a first magnetic member 32. The ferromagnetic block 31 and the first magnetic member 32 cooperate to electrically connect the circuit board 1 to the flexible antenna 2. Since the antenna module is used in electronic products, its structure and functionality also depend on the electronic products. Therefore, a portion of the electronic product structure (such as the back cover 10 of the electronic product) is also introduced here.

[0038] The circuit board 1 herein carries the radio frequency signal of the antenna module and can be the circuit board of an electronic product or part of the circuit board of an electronic product. When the antenna module is applied to other terminals, the circuit board 1 can be part of the circuit control hardware of the terminal or electrically connected thereto. An electrical connection portion is provided on the circuit board 1, which is used to electrically connect to the flexible antenna 2 to transmit the signal received by the flexible antenna 2 to the circuit board 1 or transmit the signal emitted by the circuit board 1 to the flexible antenna 2 for radiation into space. The flexible antenna 2 has an antenna segment 21 and a connecting segment 22. The antenna segment 21 is fixed to the inside of the back cover 10 of the electronic product by adhesive. It should be understood that the inside of the back cover 10 here is shown relative to the structure of the electronic product. When in use, the portion of the back cover 10 located outside the overall structure of the electronic product is equivalent to the outside of the back cover 10, and the portion located inside the overall structure of the electronic product is equivalent to the inside of the back cover 10. To establish electrical contact with the electrical connection portion on the circuit board 1, the connecting segment 22 has an exposed metal area A. When the exposed metal area A does not form a ring around the circumference of the connecting segment 22, it is located on the side of the connecting segment 22 facing the circuit board 1. Between the antenna segment 21 and the connecting segment 22 is a bending area B. This bending area B can be easily deformed, allowing the connecting segment 22 to change position relative to the antenna segment 21, making it easier for the connecting segment 22 to establish electrical contact with the electrical connection portion on the circuit board 1.

[0039] Specifically, the ferromagnetic block 31 and the first magnetic member 32 constitute a magnetic connection assembly that drives the connecting section 22 into contact with the electrical connection portion. The ferromagnetic block 31 is disposed on the circuit board 1, and the electrical connection portion is formed on the ferromagnetic block 31. The ferromagnetic block 31 can be mounted on the circuit board 1 using surface mount technology. The ferromagnetic block 31 can be made of a ferromagnetic material (e.g., iron), and the electrical connection portion is formed by plating nickel or gold on the ferromagnetic block 31. Here, the electrical connection portion is exemplarily configured as a raised contact point P, which can improve the stability of the connection.

[0040] The first magnetic member 32 is fixed to the side of the connecting section 22 away from the circuit board 1. The first magnetic member 32 and the ferromagnetic block 31 can be magnetically matched. Figure 2b As shown, when the flexible antenna 2 is close to the circuit board 1, the first magnetic member 32 will generate a magnetic attraction with the ferromagnetic block 31 (as shown in FIG. Figure 2b ), thereby pressing the flexible antenna 2 against the ferromagnetic block 31. This allows the exposed metal area A on the connecting section 22 to be in close contact with the surface of the ferromagnetic block 31 facing the flexible antenna 2. This is equivalent to the exposed metal area A being in close contact with the electrical connection portion (contact point P), thereby electrically connecting the flexible antenna 2 to the circuit board 1, thereby enabling the function of feeding RF signals from the circuit board 1 to the flexible antenna 2 or feeding RF signals from the flexible antenna 2 to the circuit board 1. The magnetic attraction between the first magnetic member 32 and the ferromagnetic block 31 also ensures the stability of the contact between the exposed metal area A and the electrical connection portion.

[0041] right Figure 2b The antenna module shown in the figure performs antenna function simulation and obtains Figure 2c The antenna efficiency simulation result diagram is shown in FIG. 1 , where S1 is the curve related to the antenna efficiency and loss of the antenna module provided in this application, and S0 is Figure 1 The curve showing the efficiency and loss of the antenna in the prior art is shown. It can be seen that compared with the prior art, the antenna efficiency of the antenna module provided by the present application is equivalent to that of the prior art. From a structural analysis, the antenna module provided by the present application avoids the antenna connection structure from exerting a large pressure on the back cover 10 of the electronic product.

[0042] In addition, in the antenna module provided in this application, Figure 2d As shown, the bending region B between the antenna segment 21 and the connecting segment 22 of the flexible antenna 2 may adopt a serpentine routing to reduce structural stress.

[0043] In order to further increase the stability of the structure, the side of the first magnetic member 32 away from the connecting section 22 can be fixed to the back cover 10 of the electronic product; and in order to meet the flexible buffering effect of the connecting structure, for example Figure 3a As shown, in Figure 2a On the basis of the structure shown, a flexible buffer structure 4 can be provided between the first magnetic member 32 and the back cover 10. One side of the flexible buffer structure 4 is bonded to the first magnetic member 32 and the other side is bonded to the back cover 10. When the flexible antenna 2 is in contact with the circuit board 1, as shown in FIG. Figure 3b As shown, the flexible buffer structure 4 can absorb tolerance while fixing the connecting section 22; the flexible buffer structure 4 can be an ultra-soft foam or a PI film ring.

[0044] exist Figure 2b Based on the structure of the antenna module shown in FIG, the present application provides an antenna module of another structure, such as Figure 4 As shown, the connecting section 22 further comprises a fixing section 23 located at one end of the metal exposed area A away from the antenna section 21, and the fixing section 23 and the connecting section 22 are connected by a bending area C. Figure 4 In the embodiment, the fixing section 23 is fixed to the back cover 10 , which is equivalent to using the structure of the flexible antenna 2 itself to achieve the effect of fixing and absorbing tolerances.

[0045] exist Figure 4 Based on the antenna module shown in FIG, the structure of the antenna module provided in this application can be modified, for example, as shown in FIG. Figure 5 As shown, the fixing section 23 is U-shaped, specifically including a first fixing portion 231 and a second fixing portion 232. The connecting portion between the two is bent so that the first fixing portion 231 and the second fixing portion 232 are opposite to each other. The first fixing portion 231 is fixed to the first magnetic member 32, and the second fixing portion 232 is fixed to the inner side of the back cover 10, playing a role in structural fixing; in addition, there is a gap between the first fixing portion 231 and the second fixing portion 232, which can absorb tolerance during assembly.

[0046] As another Figure 4 The structural deformation of the antenna module shown is exemplified as follows Figure 6 As shown, the connecting section's fixed section 23 is fixed to the antenna section 21. The antenna section 21, bending area B, fixed section 23, and bending area C form a circle around the first magnetic member 32, until the fixed section 23 is fixed to the antenna section 21 in a parallel state. This structure also provides structural stability, and the bending areas B and C provide a deformation buffer for the structure, thereby absorbing tolerances.

[0047] Figure 3a 、 Figure 3b 、 Figure 4 、 Figure 5 、 Figure 6 The unfolded structure of the flexible antenna 2 in the antenna module shown can be referred to Figure 7 As shown, it can be seen that both the bending area B and the bending area C adopt serpentine routing, which can reduce the stress of the structure.

[0048] For example, the structure of another antenna module provided in the embodiment of the present application is as follows: Figure 8a As shown, a mounting groove D is formed on the circuit board 1, and a ferromagnetic sheet 12 capable of covering the mounting groove D is provided on the circuit board 1. The ferromagnetic sheet 12 is equivalent to being overlapped on the mounting groove D, and the electrical connection portion for docking with the metal exposed area A on the connecting section 22 is formed on the ferromagnetic sheet 12; a first magnetic member 32 is provided on the side of the connecting section 22 facing away from the circuit board 1, and a second magnetic member 33 capable of magnetically attracting the first magnetic member 32 is provided in the mounting groove D. When the flexible antenna 2 approaches the circuit board 1, the first magnetic member 32 will produce a magnetic attraction with the second magnetic member 33, thereby pressing the flexible antenna 2 onto the ferromagnetic sheet 12, so that the metal exposed area A on the connecting section 22 is in close contact with the surface of the ferromagnetic sheet 12 (contact contact P) as shown in FIG. Figure 8b As shown, this is equivalent to the bare metal area A being in close contact with the electrical connection portion, thereby electrically connecting the flexible antenna 2 to the circuit board 1, thereby enabling the function of feeding RF signals from the circuit board 1 to the flexible antenna 2 or feeding RF signals from the flexible antenna 2 to the circuit board 1. The magnetic attraction between the first magnetic member 32 and the second magnetic member 33 also ensures the stability of the contact between the bare metal area A and the ferromagnetic sheet 12.

[0049] The first magnetic member 32 and the second magnetic member 33 can both be magnets, and the material of the ferromagnetic sheet 12 can be a ferromagnetic material (such as iron). The electrical connection portion is formed on the ferromagnetic sheet 12, and the ferromagnetic sheet 12 can also serve as the electrical connection portion. Figure 8a and Figure 8b In FIG, the electrical connection portion is exemplarily shown as a structure of a contact point P.

[0050] In summary, Figure 2b The structure of the antenna module shown is based on Figure 3b 、 Figure 4 、 Figure 5 、 Figure 6 The antenna modules shown are all improvements to the structure on the back cover 10 side. Figure 8b The antenna module shown is an improvement on the structure of the circuit board 1 side, so the structure of the back cover 10 side can be improved (such as Figure 3b 、 Figure 4 、 Figure 5 、 Figure 6 As shown) combined with the structural improvement of the circuit board 1 side, other possible structures of the antenna module are obtained. Figure 9a Shown Figure 3b The structure of the rear cover 10 side shown is the same as Figure 8b An antenna module is formed by combining the structure on the side of the circuit board 1 shown. Figure 9b Shown Figure 4 The structure of the rear cover 10 side shown is the same as Figure 8b An antenna module is formed by combining the structure on the side of the circuit board 1 shown. Figure 9c Shown Figure 5 The structure of the rear cover 10 side shown is the same as Figure 8b An antenna module is formed by combining the structure on the side of the circuit board 1 shown. Figure 9d Shown Figure 6 The structure of the rear cover 10 side shown is the same as Figure 8b The structures on one side of the circuit board 1 are combined to form an antenna module.

[0051] Based on the structure of the above antenna module, the embodiment of the present application also provides an electronic product, which can be a mobile phone, tablet computer or other device; Figure 10 As an example, the electronic product 100 shown in FIG. 1 includes a main body 20 and a back cover 10. The main body 20 is provided with a main control unit 201. The antenna module is provided between the main body 20 and the back cover 10. Figure 2b The structure shown in FIG is similar to that shown in FIG. 1 , the circuit board 1 of the antenna module is provided on the main body 20. The circuit board 1 can be integrated with the main control unit 201 of the electronic product 100, or can be provided separately and electrically connected to the main control unit 201 of the electronic product 100 ( Figure 10 The structure shown in the figure is that the circuit board 1 can be integrated with the main control unit 201 of the electronic product 100); a ferromagnetic block 31 is provided on the circuit board 1, and an electrical connection portion is formed on the side of the ferromagnetic block 31 facing the flexible antenna 2; the antenna segment 21 of the flexible antenna 2 of the antenna module is fixed to the back cover 10 by adhesive, and the metal exposed area A of the connection segment 22 is electrically connected to the electrical connection portion on the circuit board 1, thereby realizing the antenna function of the electronic product.

[0052] The above are only specific embodiments of the present application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions that can be easily conceived by a person skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this application should be included in the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be based on the scope of protection of the claims.

Claims

1. An antenna module, characterized in that: The antenna module is applied to electronic products, including: A circuit board, wherein an electrical connection portion is provided on the circuit board; A flexible antenna comprising an antenna segment, a connecting segment, and a bending region between the antenna segment and the connecting segment, wherein the antenna segment is attached to the inside of the back cover of the electronic product, the connecting segment is deformable so that the connecting segment can change position relative to the antenna segment, and the connecting segment has an exposed metal region; A magnetic connection component is used to drive the connection section to be electrically connected to the electrical connection part.

2. The antenna module according to claim 1, wherein: The magnetic connection assembly includes a ferromagnetic block and a first magnetic member that are magnetically matched; The ferromagnetic block is disposed on the circuit board, and the electrical connection portion is formed on the ferromagnetic block; The first magnetic member is fixed to a side of the connecting section facing away from the circuit board.

3. The antenna module according to claim 2, wherein: The side of the first magnetic member facing away from the connecting section is fixed to the inner side of the back cover of the electronic product.

4. The antenna module according to claim 3, wherein: A flexible buffer structure is provided between the first magnetic member and the inner side of the back cover.

5. The antenna module according to claim 2, wherein: The flexible antenna further comprises a fixing section located at one end of the connecting section away from the antenna section, and the fixing section is fixed to the inner side of the back cover of the electronic product.

6. The antenna module according to claim 5, wherein: The fixing section is U-shaped and includes a first fixing portion and a second fixing portion that are arranged opposite to each other, the first fixing portion is fixed to the first magnetic member, and the second fixing portion is fixed to the inner side of the back cover.

7. The antenna module according to claim 2, wherein: The connecting section further comprises a fixing section located at one end of the metal exposed area away from the antenna section, and the fixing section is fixed to the antenna section.

8. The antenna module according to claim 1, wherein: A mounting groove is formed on the circuit board, and a ferromagnetic sheet covering the mounting groove is provided on the circuit board, and the electrical connection portion is formed on the ferromagnetic sheet; The magnetic connection assembly includes a first magnetic member and a second magnetic member that are magnetically attracted to each other. The first magnetic member is fixed to a side of the connection section away from the circuit board, and the second magnetic member is arranged in the installation slot.

9. The antenna module according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that: The area between the antenna segment and the connecting segment is a serpentine trace.

10. An electronic product, characterized in that: It comprises a main body, a back cover and the antenna module according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the antenna segment of the flexible antenna is fixed to the inner side of the back cover, and the circuit board is fixed to the main body.

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