Antenna module and electronic device including the same

Abstract

An antenna module according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a first radiation unit and a second radiation unit, to which a current is applied via at least one power supply line; a first coupled radiation unit, which is coupled to the first radiation unit while being spaced apart from the first radiation unit by a predetermined distance; and a second coupled radiation unit, which is coupled to the second radiation unit while being spaced apart from the second radiation unit by a predetermined distance, wherein the first radiation unit and the second radiation unit radiate signals in different frequency bands.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an antenna module, and more particularly to an antenna module capable of overcoming radiation space limitations using a coupled radiation unit and an electronic device including the same. Background Art

[0002] Recently, as the thickness of TVs has become thinner, the space between the TV and the wall has gradually decreased. Since the TV is thinner and closer to the wall, particularly when the TV is mounted on the wall, radiation space limitations may occur between the TV and the wall. Accordingly, as the rear distance between the TV and the wireless (antenna) module communicating with the outside and the metal plate (metal) of the TV decreases (conventional: 15 mm → slim TV: 5 mm), radiation deterioration may occur. In the existing 15 mm, the influence of the metal plate is negligible, but there is a problem in that since the radiation current is not smoothly formed at a distance of 5 mm, radiation is not well performed. In addition, as the distance between the wireless module and the concrete wall decreases (conventional: 15 mm → slim TV: 5 mm), radiation degradation may also occur. In the past, even when the TV was used as a stand-alone or wall-mounted TV, a space for radiation was ensured with a TV thickness of 50 mm or more, but as the TV thickness becomes less than 20 mm, the distance to the wall becomes only 3 mm, and thus, there is a problem that radiation itself does not occur or most of the radiation field is absorbed by the wall. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Technical Subject

[0004] The technical problem that the present invention aims to solve is to provide an antenna module and a wireless module including the same, which can overcome radiation space constraints using a coupled radiation unit.

[0005] The problems of the present invention are not limited to the above-mentioned problems, and other problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art according to the following description.

[0006] Technical Solution

[0007] To solve the above technical problems, an antenna module according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a first radiation unit and a second radiation unit, the first radiation unit and the second radiation unit being supplied with current via at least one feeder line; a first coupled radiation unit coupled to the first radiation unit while being spaced apart from the first radiation unit by a predetermined distance; and a second coupled radiation unit coupled to the second radiation unit while being spaced apart from the second radiation unit by a predetermined distance, wherein the first radiation unit and the second radiation unit radiate signals in different frequency bands.

[0008] In addition, the first coupling radiation part and the second coupling radiation part may be formed to face one direction.

[0009] In addition, the length of the radiation patch of the first radiation part may be 17.5 to 17.7 mm.

[0010] In addition, the length of the radiation patch of the second radiation part may be 17.2 to 17.4 mm.

[0011] In addition, the first coupling radiation part may be formed as a line patch having a predetermined width.

[0012] In addition, the length of the line patch may be 31.3 to 31.5 mm.

[0013] In addition, the line patch may be formed in a meander line shape.

[0014] In addition, the second coupling radiation part may include: a square patch in a quadrilateral shape; a first line patch extending from one end of the square patch; and a second line patch extending from the other end of the square patch.

[0015] In addition, at least one of the first line patch and the second line patch may be formed in a meander line shape.

[0016] In addition, the square patch is formed to have a length of 21.6 to 21.8 mm and a width of 4.9 to 5.1 mm, the length of the first line patch is 24.25 to 24.45 mm, and the length of the second line patch may be 18.75 to 18.95 mm.

[0017] In addition, the first coupling radiation part or the second coupling radiation part may be formed to have a length such that the isolation level from different coupling radiation parts is equal to or less than a threshold value.

[0018] In addition, the first radiation part may cause resonance with the first coupling radiation part in at least one of the 2.4 to 2.5 GHz band or the 5.0 to 5.2 GHz band.

[0019] In addition, the second radiation part may cause resonance with the second coupling radiation part in the 2.4 to 2.5 GHz band.

[0020] In addition, either the first radiation part or the second radiation part may be a radiation part for Wi-Fi, and the other may be a radiation part for Bluetooth.

[0021] In addition, the antenna module includes a third radiation portion to which current is applied through at least one feeder, wherein the third radiation portion can be spaced apart from the first radiation portion at a predetermined interval.

[0022] In addition, the radiation patch of the third radiation portion may have a different lengthwise direction from that of the radiation patch of the first radiation portion.

[0023] In addition, the first radiation portion and the second radiation portion may be formed on a substrate, and the first coupling radiation portion and the second coupling radiation portion may be formed on at least one outer surface of a bracket covering the substrate.

[0024] To solve the above technical problems, an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a substrate; a first radiation portion and a second radiation portion, the first radiation portion and the second radiation portion being connected to the substrate through at least one feeder and having current applied thereto; a bracket covering the substrate; a first coupling radiation portion spaced apart from the first radiation portion at a predetermined interval, formed on at least one outer surface of the bracket, and coupled to the first radiation portion; and a second coupling radiation portion spaced apart from the second radiation portion at a predetermined interval, formed on at least one outer surface of the bracket, and coupled to the second radiation portion.

[0025] Advantageous Effects

[0026] According to an embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to direct the radiation direction of a signal to a space in which radiation can be performed by using a coupled antenna. Accordingly, it is possible to overcome radiation degradation in a space where the radiation space is limited. Specifically, it is possible to overcome radiation degradation by minimizing the influence of the rear distance between a metal plate and the antenna module, and to overcome radiation degradation by minimizing the influence of the distance from a concrete wall.

[0027] The effects according to the present invention are not limited to the above-exemplified contents, and various other effects are included in this specification. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] Figure 1 An antenna module according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0029] Figure 2 It is a diagram for explaining a form in which an antenna module according to an embodiment of the present invention is coupled.

[0030] FIGS. 3 to 12 are diagrams for explaining an antenna module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] FIGS. 13 to 14 are diagrams for explaining the radiation characteristics of an antenna module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 15 is a diagram for explaining an example in which an antenna module is positioned between a metal plate and a wall according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0034] However, the technical idea of the present invention is not limited to certain embodiments to be described, but can be implemented in various forms, and within the scope of the technical idea of the present invention, one or more of the constituent elements can be selectively combined or substituted between embodiments.

[0035] In addition, unless explicitly defined and described, terms (including technical and scientific terms) used in the embodiments of the present invention can be interpreted as meanings that can be generally understood by those skilled in the art, and common terms such as terms defined in a dictionary can be interpreted in consideration of the meaning of the context of the related art.

[0036] In addition, the terms used in this specification are for describing embodiments and are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0037] In this specification, the singular form may include the plural form unless specifically stated in a phrase, and when described as "at least one (or more than one) of A, B, and C", it may include one or more of all combinations that can be combined with A, B, and C.

[0038] In addition, when describing components of embodiments of the present invention, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), and (b) may be used. These terms are only intended to distinguish these components from other components, and these terms do not limit the nature, order, or sequence of the components.

[0039] And, when a component is described as being "connected", "coupled", or "interconnected" to another component, the component is not only directly connected, coupled, or interconnected to the other component, but may also include a case where it is "connected", "coupled", or "interconnected" due to another component between the other components.

[0040] In addition, when described as being formed or disposed "on (above)" or "under (below)" each component, "on (above)" or "under (below)" means that it includes not only the case where the two components are in direct contact, but also the case where one or more other components are formed or disposed between the two components. In addition, when expressed as "on (above)" or "under (below)", it may include the meaning of not only the upward direction but also the downward direction based on one component.

[0041] Figure 1 An antenna module according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0042] The antenna module 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a first radiation unit 110, a second radiation unit 120, a first coupling radiation unit 130, a second coupling radiation unit 140, and may further include a substrate 210, a bracket 220, a third radiation unit 212, and a communication module chip 211.

[0043] Current is applied to the first radiation unit 110 and the second radiation unit 120 through at least one feeder, and the first radiation unit 110 and the second radiation unit 120 emit signals having different frequency bands.

[0044] More specifically, the first radiation unit 110 and the second radiation unit 120 are formed on the substrate 210, and current can be applied through the substrate 210 and at least one feeder. When current is applied through the feeder, the first radiation unit 110 and the second radiation unit 120 emit signals having a predetermined frequency band to the outside according to the applied current. The frequency band of the signal radiated from the first radiation unit 110 and the frequency band of the signal radiated from the second radiation unit 120 may be different from each other. The specific shapes of the first radiation unit 110 and the second radiation unit 120 will be described in detail later.

[0045] The first coupling radiation unit 130 is spaced apart from the first radiation unit 110 at a predetermined interval, is coupled to the first radiation unit 110 to radiate a signal, and the second coupling radiation unit 140 is spaced apart from the second radiation unit 120 at a predetermined interval and is coupled to the second radiation unit 120 to radiate a signal.

[0046] More specifically, the first coupling radiation part 130 is formed to be separated from the first radiation part 110 by a preset interval. The first coupling radiation part 130 and the first radiation part 110 are not connected to each other, and since the first coupling radiation part 130 does not include a feeder part, it may not be directly connected to a power supply or ground. The first coupling radiation part 130 can be formed to be insulated from other components. When a current is applied to the first radiation part 110, the first coupling radiation part 130, which is separated from the first radiation part 110 by a predetermined interval, is coupled to the first radiation part 110 to allow current to flow, thereby emitting a signal. The signal coupled to and radiated from the first coupling radiation part 130 can vary depending on the shape of the first radiation part 110, the shape of the first coupling radiation part 130, and the distance between the first radiation part 110 and the first coupling radiation part 130.

[0047] The second coupling radiation part 140 is formed to be separated from the second radiation part 120 by a preset interval. The second coupling radiation part 140 and the second radiation part 120 are not connected to each other, and since the second coupling radiation part 140 does not include a feeding part, it may not be directly connected to a power supply or ground. The second coupling radiation part 140 can be formed to be insulated from other components. When a current is applied to the second radiation part 120, the second coupling radiation part 140, which is separated from the second radiation part 120 by a predetermined interval, is coupled to the second radiation part 120 to allow current to flow, and thereby emits a signal. The signal coupled to and radiated from the second coupling radiation part 140 can vary depending on the shape of the second radiation part 120, the shape of the second coupling radiation part 140, and the distance between the second radiation part 120 and the second coupling radiation part 140. The specific shapes of the first coupling radiation part 130 and the second coupling radiation part 140 will be described in detail later.

[0048] A plurality of radiation parts having various frequency bands can be formed in one antenna module for various communications. In particular, for near-field communication, radiation parts for Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, and NFC may be required. In the case of a smart TV, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are essential for data transmission and reception between the TV and a router or a mobile terminal, and an antenna module having radiation parts for the corresponding communications needs to be formed.

[0049] One of the first radiation unit 110 and the second radiation unit 120 may be a radiation unit for Wi-Fi, and the other may be a radiation unit for Bluetooth. Alternatively, it may be a radiation for other communications, such as a radiation unit for NFC. Here, the first radiation unit 110 may be a radiation unit for Wi-Fi. For this purpose, the first radiation unit 110 may cause resonance with the first coupling radiation unit 130 in at least one of the 2.4 to 2.5 GHz band or the 5.0 to 5.2 GHz band (which are Wi-Fi bands). The second radiation unit 120 may be a radiation unit for Bluetooth. For this purpose, the second radiation unit 120 may cause resonance with the second coupling radiation unit 140 in the 2.4 to 2.5 GHz (which is the Bluetooth frequency) band.

[0050] As shown in Figure 2 The antenna module 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a substrate 210 and a bracket 220 covering the substrate 210. In forming the first radiation unit 110, the second radiation unit 120, the first coupling radiation unit 130, and the second coupling radiation unit 140, the antenna module 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention may form the first radiation unit 110 and the second radiation unit 120 on the substrate 210, and may form the first coupling radiation unit 130 and the second coupling radiation unit 140 on the bracket 220. By coupling the bracket 220 on which the first coupling radiation unit 130 and the second coupling radiation unit 140 are formed to the substrate 210 on which the first radiation unit 110 and the second radiation unit 120 are formed, the antenna module 100 may be formed. A communication module chip 211 or a third radiation unit 212 may be further included on the substrate 210. The communication module chip 211 may be a chip including a processor for controlling signals required for communication performed by the antenna module 100. The communication module chip 211 may perform various functions required for communication.

[0051] By forming the first radiation unit 110 and the second radiation unit 120 on the substrate 210 and forming the first coupling radiation unit 130 and the second coupling radiation unit 140 on the bracket 220, the first radiation unit 110 and the first coupling radiation unit 130 can be positioned to be spaced apart from each other at a predetermined interval, and thus the second radiation unit 120 and the second coupling radiation unit 140 can also be positioned to be spaced apart from each other at a predetermined interval. In addition, by forming the first coupling radiation unit 130 and the second coupling radiation unit on the bracket, it is possible to prevent the first coupling radiation unit 130 and the second coupling radiation unit from contacting the first radiation unit 110 and the second radiation unit 120, and it can be formed not to be connected to a power source or ground.

[0052] The first coupling radiation part 130 and the second coupling radiation part 140 are formed on the bracket so as to be separated from the first radiation part 110 and the second radiation part 120 or not to be connected to a power source or ground, corresponding to an exemplary embodiment. And since the first coupling radiation part 130 and the second coupling radiation part 140 are formed on a substrate other than the bracket 220 to be separated from the first radiation part 110 and the second radiation part 120, naturally the first coupling radiation part 130 and the second coupling radiation part 140 can be formed in another form to be separated from the first radiation part 110 and the second radiation part 120.

[0053] The first coupling radiation part 130 and the second coupling radiation part 140 can be formed in the same direction or different directions independent of the radiation directions of the first radiation part 110 or the second radiation part 120. As previously described, the first coupling radiation part 130 is coupled to the first radiation part 110 to radiate a signal, and the second coupling radiation part 140 is coupled to the second radiation part 120 to radiate a signal. At this time, the direction in which the signal is emitted can be formed according to the radiation directions of the first coupling radiation part 130 or the second coupling radiation part 140.

[0054] When the radiation direction of the first coupled radiation portion 130 is different from that of the first radiation portion 110, the signal coupled and radiated from the first coupled radiation portion 130 follows the radiation direction of the first coupled radiation portion 130. Therefore, even if the signal is emitted from the first radiation portion 110, the direction of the signal coupled and emitted can be controlled according to the corresponding signal. For example, by forming the first radiation portion 110 to face the upper surface of the substrate, even if the radiation direction is formed toward the upper surface direction of the substrate, by forming the first coupled radiation portion 130 in a direction perpendicular to the upper surface direction of the substrate, the direction of the signal radiated from the first coupled radiation portion 130 can be directed to a corresponding specific direction. Similarly, by forming the second coupled radiation portion 140 in a direction different from that of the first radiation portion 110, the radiation direction of the signal radiated from the second coupled radiation portion 140 can be directed to a specific direction. The first coupled radiation portion 130 and the second coupled radiation portion 140 can be formed on at least one outer surface of the bracket 220 covering the substrate 210. The first radiation portion 110 and the second radiation portion 120 are formed on the substrate 210 to radiate signals to the upper surface of the substrate 210, but the first coupled radiation portion 130 and the second coupled radiation portion 140 can be formed on at least one outer surface of the bracket 220 to radiate signals in the lateral direction. When only the first radiation portion 110 and the second radiation portion 120 that emit signals to the upper surface of the substrate 210 are formed, radiation difficulties may occur when an obstacle or a wall is in the direction of the upper surface of the substrate 210. At this time, by forming the first coupled radiation portion 130 and the second coupled radiation portion 140 that radiate signals in the lateral direction, the radiation space constraint that may occur in the upper surface direction of the substrate can be overcome.

[0055] Alternatively, the radiation direction of the first coupled radiation portion 130 or the second coupled radiation portion 140 can be formed in the same direction as that of the first radiation portion 110 and the second radiation portion 120. When the radiation direction of the first coupled radiation portion 130 is formed to be the same as that of the first radiation portion 110, the signal coupled and radiated from the first coupled radiation portion 130 is radiated in the same manner as the signal from the first radiation portion 110, and the magnitude of the signal radiated in the corresponding direction can be increased.

[0056] The first coupled radiation portion 130 and the second coupled radiation portion 140 can be formed to face one direction. When the first radiation portion 110 and the second radiation portion 120 are formed to radiate in a specific direction and an obstacle such as a wall is in the radial direction, thereby causing a limitation in the radiation space, the first coupled radiation portion 130 and the second coupled radiation portion 140 can be formed to face a radial direction different from that of the first radiation portion 110 and the second radiation portion 120 and in a direction without constraint in the radiation space.

[0057] Hereinafter, specific embodiments of the shapes of the first radiation unit 110, the second radiation unit 120, the first coupling radiation unit 130, and the second coupling radiation unit 140 will be described.

[0058] The first coupling radiation unit 130 and the second coupling radiation unit 140 are respectively coupled to the first radiation unit 110 and the second radiation unit 120 to radiate signals, and as shown in Figure 3a the coupling characteristics formed between the first coupling radiation unit 130 and the first radiation unit 110 are affected by the distance D1 between the first coupling radiation unit 130 and the first radiation unit 110. Similarly, the coupling characteristics formed between the second coupling radiation unit 140 and the second radiation unit 120 are affected by the distance D2 between the second coupling radiation unit 140 and the second radiation unit 120.

[0059] Figure 3b is a graph showing the return loss according to D1 and D2. Here, the return loss refers to the ratio of how much reflection occurs when an electrical signal is transmitted based on a specific radiation unit, and the less the reflection, the less the loss of the electrical signal being radiated. Therefore, the lower the Y-axis value on the graph, the better the radiation characteristics. Here, the variable range of D1 and D2 is 2.7 to 3.5 mm (unit: 0.1 mm). The return loss in the first radiation unit 110 is the same as Figure 3b (A), and the return loss in the second radiation unit 120 is the same as Figure 3b (B).

[0060] As a result of considering the return loss, when the interval between D1 and D2 is 2.7 to 2.9 mm, resonance distortion occurs in the first radiation unit 110 or the second radiation unit 120, the deterioration of the radiation characteristics can be confirmed, and the resonance occurring at 3.0 to 3.5 mm can be confirmed. The closer the distance between the two radiation units, the better the coupling characteristics, and because the resonance is distorted at a specific distance or less, D1 and D2 can be set to the minimum distance of 3.0 mm in the resonance range. Considering the error, D1 and D2 can be set to 2.9 to 3.1 mm.

[0061] The first radiation unit 110 may include a radiation patch, at least one feeding unit, and at least one supporting unit. As an embodiment, as shown in Figure 4a and 4bAs shown in the figure, the first radiation unit 110 may include a radiation patch 111, at least one feeding unit 112, and at least one of support units 113 to 115. It includes the radiation patch 111 for radiating signals, and may be connected to the substrate 210 through the feeding unit 112 to which current is applied from the substrate 210. The radiation patch 111 is formed to be spaced apart from the substrate 210 at a predetermined interval, and includes support units 113 to 115 for supporting the radiation patch 111 formed to be spaced apart from the substrate 210. Components described as feeding units and support units may be configured as feeding units or support units depending on whether they are connected to the feeder of the substrate 210. This may vary depending on the design of the radiation unit.

[0062] The first radiation unit 110 may be a PIFA antenna. A Planar Inverted-F Antenna (PIFA) is a type of planar inverted-F antenna, and it refers to such a planar antenna where a square patch board with a smaller area is placed on the ground plane of a flat board, just like the letter F is inverted. It may include a ground plane, a radiation patch, a feeding unit, and a shorting unit (shorting pin or shorting bar). When the patch resonates with the ground plane through the feeding of current, the PIFA antenna serves as a radiating element, and the bandwidth, gain, resonant frequency, etc. can be determined depending on the length, width, and height of the patch, the position of the feeder, the position of the shorting pin, etc. The first radiation unit 110 is not limited to a PIFA antenna, and naturally it can be various antennas such as helical and monopole antennas, SMD antennas, etc.

[0063] The characteristics of the first radiation unit 110 are affected by the length D401, width D410 of the radiation patch 111, the length D409 by which the radiation patch 111 is spaced apart from the substrate 210, etc. In particular, it is greatly affected by the length D401 of the radiation patch 111.

[0064] Figure 5 is a graph showing the return loss according to the length D401 of the radiation patch 111, and thereby, the length of the radiation patch 111 of the first coupled radiation unit 130 and the first radiation unit 110 where resonance occurs most at the resonant frequency is derived, and the corresponding length may be set as the length of the radiation patch 111. Here, the first radiation unit 110 determines the length where resonance occurs most with the first coupled radiation unit 130 in the 2.4 to 2.5 GHz band as the optimal length, and may set the length of the first radiation unit 110 as the corresponding length. By setting the variable range to 14.6 to 17.6 mm (unit length: 1 mm), it can be seen that the resonant frequency varies according to the length, and it can be seen that the length where resonance occurs most with the first coupled radiation unit 130 is 17.6 mm. Considering the error, the length of the radiation patch 111 of the first radiation unit 110 may be 17.5 to 17.7 mm.

[0065] When the length of the radiation patch 111 of the first radiation unit 110 is 17.5 to 17.7 mm, Figure 4b each length of can be the same as the following.

[0066]

Table 1

[0067] Reference number Length (mm) D401 17.6±0.1 D402 19.6±0.1 D403 2.3 D404 2.0 D405 16.55±0.1 D406 13.05±0.1 D407 2.0 D408 3.0±0.1 D409 3.0±0.1 D410 3.95±0.1 D411 2.1 D412 1.0±0.1 D413 5.4±0.1 D414 3.0±0.1

[0068] Each length in Table 1 indicates the length in an embodiment, and the length of the radiation patch 111 of the first radiation unit 110 can vary at the same ratio. Additionally, naturally, the shape or length of each component can vary depending on the design. The second radiation unit 120 may include a radiation patch, at least one feeding portion, and at least one supporting portion. As an embodiment, as shown in Figure 6a and 6b the second radiation unit 120 may include radiation patches 121 to 123, at least one feeding portion 124, and at least one supporting portion 125. The radiation patch for transmitting a signal may be formed with a first radiation patch 121 parallel to the substrate 210, a second radiation patch 122 perpendicular to the substrate 210, and a third radiation patch 123 perpendicular to the substrate 210 and the first radiation patch 121. Here, by being connected to the feeding portion 124, the second radiation patch 122 and the third radiation patch 123 may be referred to as feeding patches, and current flows through the feeding patches. The radiation patches 121 to 123 may be connected to the substrate 210 through the feeding portion 124 that receives current from the substrate 210. The feeding portion 124 and the radiation patch 121 may be connected through the radiation patch 122, and the radiation patch 121 is formed to be spaced apart from the substrate 210 at a predetermined interval and may be supported by the radiation patches 122 and 123 and the supporting portion 125. Depending on whether it is connected to the feeder of the substrate 210, the configuration described as the feeding portion and the configuration described as the supporting portion may be included in the feeding portion or the supporting portion. Additionally, the radiation patch may also be formed in various shapes and may vary depending on the design of the radiation unit.

[0069] The second radiation unit 120 may also be a PIFA antenna. Additionally, the second radiation unit 120 is not limited to a PIFA antenna, and naturally it may be various antennas such as a helix, a monopole antenna, and an SMD antenna.

[0070] The characteristics of the second radiation unit 120 are affected by the length D601 and width D605 of the radiation patch, the length D602 by which the radiation patch is spaced apart from the substrate 210, etc. In particular, it will be greatly affected by the length D601 of the radiation patch.

[0071] Figure 7is a graph showing the return loss according to the length D601 of the radiation patch, and therefrom, the length of the radiation patch of the second coupling radiation unit 140 and the second radiation unit 120 where resonance occurs the most at the resonance frequency is derived, and the corresponding length can be set as the length of the radiation patch. Here, the second radiation unit 120 determines the length where resonance with the second coupling radiation unit 140 occurs the most in the 2.4 to 2.5 GHz band as the optimal length, and the corresponding length can be set as the length of the second radiation unit 120. For the variable range of 15.3 to 18.3 mm (unit length: 1 mm), it can be seen that the resonance frequency changes according to the length, and it can be seen that the length where resonance with the second coupling radiation unit 140 occurs the most is 17.3 mm (length = 2). Considering the error, the length of the radiation patch of the second radiation unit 120 can be 17.2 to 17.4 mm.

[0072] When the length of the radiation patch of the second radiation unit 120 is 17.2 to 17.4 mm, Figure 6b each length can be the same as follows.

[0073]

Table 2

[0074] Reference number Length (mm) D601 17.3±0.1 D602 3.0±0.1 D603 8.0 D604 4.65 D605 3.5 D606 3.0±0.1 D607 1.4±0.1 D608 13.05±0.1 D609 16.55±0.1 D610 1.0±0.1 D611 0.9±0.1 D612 90±1.5(°)

[0075] Each length and angle in Table 2 shows the length and angle in one embodiment, and it can change at the same ratio according to the length of the radiation patch of the second radiation unit 120. Additionally, of course, the shape or length of each component can vary depending on the design. As shown in Figure 8 the first coupling radiation unit 130 can be formed as a wire patch 131. The first coupling radiation unit 130 can be formed as a wire patch 131 in the shape of a wire and can be coupled to the first radiation unit 110 to cause resonance. At this time, the wire patch 131 of the first coupling radiation unit 130 can be formed in a meandering line shape. Here, as shown in Figure 8 the meandering line shape means a bent shape or a zigzag shape, and can also be expressed as a zigzag shape. In order to form a wire with a predetermined length in a narrow area, the wire patch 131 can be formed in a meandering line shape. Thereby, a small antenna module can be formed. Figure 9It is a graph showing the return loss of the first radiation unit 110 with respect to the total length of the line patch 131 of the first coupling radiation unit 130. From this, the length of the line patch 131 of the first coupling radiation unit 130 at which resonance with the first radiation unit 110 occurs most frequently at its resonant frequency is derived, and the corresponding length can be set as the length of the line patch 131. Here, the first coupling radiation unit 130 determines the length at which resonance with the first radiation unit 110 occurs most frequently in the 2.4 to 2.5 GHz band as the optimal length, and the length of the line patch 131 of the first coupling radiation unit 130 can be set to the corresponding length. For a variable range of 31.4 to 35.4 mm (unit length: 1 mm), it can be seen that the resonant frequency changes according to the length, and it can be seen that the length at which resonance with the first radiation unit 110 occurs most frequently is 31.4 mm (length = 1). Considering the error, the length of the line patch of the first coupling radiation unit 130 can be 31.3 to 31.5 mm.

[0076] The second coupling radiation unit 140 may include a square patch and at least one line patch, and as shown in Figure 8 it may be formed of a square patch 141 and line patches 142 and 143. The square patch 141 is formed in a square shape, and the first line patch 142 extends from one end of the square patch 141, and the second line patch 143 may be formed by extending from the other end of the square patch 141. At least one of the first line patch 142 and the second line patch 143 may be formed in a meandering line shape.

[0077] Figure 10It is a graph showing the return loss of the second radiation unit 120 indicating the total length of the second line patch 143 of the second coupling radiation unit 140. From this, the length of the line patch of the second coupling radiation unit 140 where resonance with the second radiation unit 120 occurs most frequently at its resonant frequency is derived, and the corresponding length can be set as the length of the line patch. Here, the second coupling radiation unit 140 can determine the length where resonance with the second radiation unit 120 occurs most frequently in the 2.4 to 2.5 GHz band as the optimal length, and the length of the second line patch 143 of the second coupling radiation unit 140 can be set as the corresponding length. Here, the square patch 141 is formed to have a length of 21.7 mm and a width of 5 mm, the length of the first line patch 142 is 24.35 mm, and by setting the variable range of the length of the second line patch 143 to 17.85 to 35.85 mm (unit length: 2 mm), it can be seen that the resonant frequency changes according to the length, and it can be seen that the length where resonance with the second radiation unit 120 occurs most frequently is 18.85 mm. Considering the error, the square patch 141 of the second coupling radiation unit 140 is formed to have a length of 21.6 to 21.8 mm and a width of 4.9 to 5.1 mm, the length of the first line patch 142 is 24.25 to 24.45 mm, and the length of the second line patch 143 can be 18.75 to 18.95 mm.

[0078] The length of the line patch 131 of the first coupling radiation unit 130 is 31.3 to 31.5 mm, the square patch 141 of the second coupling radiation unit 140 is formed to have a length of 21.6 to 21.8 mm and a width of 4.9 to 5.1 mm, the length of the first line patch 142 is 24.25 to 24.45 mm, and when the length of the second line patch 143 is 18.75 to 18.95 mm, Figure 8 each length in can be the same as the following.

[0079]

Table 3

[0080] Reference number Length (mm) Reference number Length (mm) D801 31.7 D814 1.3 D802 1.63 D815 0.9 D803 9.0 D816 17.1 D804 9.0 D817 21.7 D805 1.0 D818 24.3 D806 0.85 D819 0.85 D807 1.7 D820 10.0 D808 2.55 D821 0.85 D809 3.4 D822 1.15 D810 4.25 D823 9.15 D811 0.85 D824 0.85 D812 6.75 D825 R0.4 D813 3.8

[0081] Each length in Table 3 represents the length in an embodiment and can vary in the same proportion depending on the length of the wire patch 131 of the first coupling radiator 130 or the length of the second wire patch 143 of the second coupling radiator. Additionally, naturally, the shape or length of each component can vary depending on the design. The first coupling radiator 130 or the second coupling radiator 140 can be formed to have a length at which the isolation level from different coupling radiators becomes lower than the threshold. The first coupling radiator 130 is coupled to the first radiator 110, and the second coupling radiator 140 is coupled to the second radiator 120, and when both of these coupling radiators are coupled, they can affect each other. Therefore, the isolation level from different coupling radiators can be formed such that the length at which the isolation level is less than or equal to the threshold, so as not to affect each other. Here, the isolation level indicates the influence between two radiators and means the ratio at which a signal emitted from one radiator enters the other radiator, and the lower it is, the higher the radiation characteristics. Figure 11 is a graph showing the isolation level, and as previously described, the length of the wire patch 131 of the first coupling radiator 130 is 31.3 to 31.5 mm, the square patch 141 of the second coupling radiator 140 is formed to have a length of 21.6 to 21.8 mm and a width of 4.9 to 5.1 mm, the length of the first wire patch 142 is 24.25 to 24.45 mm, and it can be seen that when the length of the second wire patch 143 is 18.75 to 18.95 mm, the isolation level is low.

[0082] In addition to the first radiator 110 and the second radiator 120, the antenna module 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include other radiators. When the first radiator 110 is a radiator for Wi-Fi, a third radiator 212 may be further included to increase the radiation characteristics of the Wi-Fi signal. The number and shape of the radiators formed in the antenna module 100 can vary depending on the design of the antenna module.

[0083] The antenna module 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a third radiator 212, current is applied to the third radiator 212 through at least one feeder, and the third radiator 212 may be formed to be spaced apart from the first radiator 110 at a predetermined interval. The radiation patch of the third radiator 212 may have a longitudinal direction different from that of the radiation patch of the first radiator 110. As in Figure 2As shown, in addition to the first radiation part 110 and the second radiation part 120, a third radiation part 212 may be formed on the substrate 210. At this time, the third radiation part 212 and the first radiation part 110 may be radiation parts for Wi-Fi. When forming the third radiation part 212, it may be formed at a predetermined interval from the first radiation part 110, and it may be formed such that the longitudinal directions of the radiation patches are different from each other to reduce interference between the radiation parts.

[0084] The third radiation part 212 may include a radiation patch, at least one feeding part, and at least one supporting part. As an example, as shown in Figure 12a and 12b the third radiation part 212 may include a radiation patch 1210, at least one feeding part 1220, and a supporting part 1230. It includes the radiation patch 1210 for radiating a radiation signal, and may be connected to the substrate 210 through the feeding part 1220 to which current is applied from the substrate 210. The radiation patch 1210 is formed at a predetermined interval from the substrate 210, and includes the supporting part 1230 for supporting the radiation patch 1210 formed at a distance from the substrate 210. The configuration described as the feeding part and the configuration described as the supporting part may be configured as a feeding part or a supporting part depending on whether they are connected to the feeder of the substrate. This may vary depending on the design of the radiation part.

[0085] The third radiation part 212 may be a PIFA antenna, and may be various antennas such as a helix and a monopole antenna, an SMD antenna, etc. Figure 12b Each length of the third radiation part 212 of

[0086]

Table 4

[0087] Reference number Length (mm) D1201 13.6±0.1 D1202 2.3 D1203 2.0 D1204 7.05±0.1 D1205 10.55±0.1 D1206 3.0±0.1 D1207 4.5±0.1 D1208 1.0±0.1 D1209 3.55±0.1 D1210 3.0±0.1 D1211 2.1

[0088] Each length in Table 4 represents the length in one embodiment, and naturally the shape or length of each component may vary depending on the design. FIGS. 13 to 14 are diagrams for explaining the radiation characteristics of the antenna module according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 13 to 14 may be the radiation characteristics measured in the same environment as in Figure 15 Figure 15 shows a case where the antenna module 100 is positioned between the metal plate 1510 and the wall surface 1520, and the radiation part formed on the substrate may be formed to face the wall surface 1520. In the case of an antenna including a coupled antenna, the coupled antenna may be formed on the side surface instead of the wall surface 1520.

[0089] Figure 13ais the flow of current measured at 2.4 GHz when the coupling antenna is not included, and it can be seen that since the influence of the bottom metal plate 1510 is large due to the low rear distance, the radiation is not well performed. In contrast, Figure 13b is the flow of current measured at 2.4 GHz when the first coupling antenna and the second coupling antenna are included, and when compared with Figure 13a it can be seen that the current flow is formed in the side surface, that is, in the region 1310 where the coupling antenna is formed. That is, by inducing a radiation current in the coupling antenna via the use of the coupling antenna, it can be seen that the coupling antenna is smoothly radiated toward the front (the space between the metal plate and the wall surface).

[0090] Figure 14a is the flow of current measured at 5 GHz when the coupling antenna is not included, and it can be seen that due to the influence of the wall surface 1520, a plurality of null points are generated in the radiation pattern, so that the radiation is not well performed. In contrast, Figure 14b is the flow of current measured at 5 GHz when the first coupling antenna and the second coupling antenna are included, and when compared with Figure 14a it can be seen that the current flow is formed in the side surface, that is, in the region 1410 where the coupling antenna is formed. That is, by inducing a radiation current in the coupling antenna via the use of the coupling antenna, it can be seen that the coupling antenna is smoothly radiated toward the front (the space between the metal plate and the wall).

[0091] An electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a substrate; a first radiation unit and a second radiation unit, the first radiation unit and the second radiation unit are connected to the substrate through at least one feeder, and current is applied to the first radiation unit and the second radiation unit; a bracket that covers the substrate; a first coupling radiation unit that is spaced apart from the first radiation unit at a predetermined interval, is formed on at least one outer surface of the bracket, and is coupled to the first radiation unit; and a second coupling radiation unit that is spaced apart from the second radiation unit at a predetermined interval, is formed on at least one outer surface of the bracket, and is coupled to the second radiation unit. The detailed description of the antenna module composed of the first radiation unit, the second radiation unit, the first coupling radiation unit, and the second coupling radiation unit included in the electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention corresponds to the detailed description of the antenna module 100 regarding Figures 1 to 15 that.

[0092] An electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention can be applied to various types of devices having a communication function. For example, it can be applied to various devices including an antenna module, namely, a TV (especially a smart TV), a monitor, a PDA, a PC, a notebook computer, a mobile terminal, a smart terminal, a navigation device, etc., and furthermore, it can be applied to various types of devices including a communication function.

[0093] By directing the radiation direction of a signal to a direction that can be radiated by using a first radiation part, a second radiation part, a first coupling radiation part, and a second coupling radiation part, the electronic device enables communication even when the electronic device is placed in close contact with a wall or the like. Thus, a wall-mounted or wall-hung smart TV can be realized. In addition, radiation degradation can be overcome by minimizing the influence of the rear distance between the metal plate and the antenna module, and radiation degradation can be overcome by minimizing the influence of the distance from a concrete wall.

[0094] As described above, in the present invention, although the present invention is described by specific matters such as specific components and limited embodiments and drawings, this is only provided to assist a more general understanding of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains can make various modifications and variations from these descriptions.

[0095] Therefore, the spirit of the present invention should not be limited to the described embodiments, and not only the claims described later, but also all those having equivalents or equivalent modifications of the claims will be considered to fall within the scope of the spirit of the present invention.

Claims

1. An antenna module, comprising: A first radiation portion and a second radiation portion, wherein the first radiation portion and the second radiation portion are applied with current via at least one feeder; A first coupled radiation portion, which is coupled to the first radiation portion and is spaced apart from the first radiation portion by a predetermined distance; And A second coupled radiation portion, which is coupled to the second radiation portion and is spaced apart from the second radiation portion at a predetermined interval, wherein the first radiation portion and the second radiation portion radiate signals in different frequency bands, wherein the first radiation portion and the second radiation portion are formed on a substrate, wherein the first coupled radiation portion and the second coupled radiation portion are formed on at least one outer surface of a bracket covering the substrate, and wherein the second radiation portion and the second coupled radiation portion are not arranged in the same plane.

2. The antenna module according to claim 1, wherein The first coupled radiation portion and the second coupled radiation portion are formed to face one direction.

3. The antenna module according to claim 1, wherein The length of the radiation patch of the first radiation portion is 17.5 to 17.7 mm.

4. The antenna module according to claim 1, wherein, The length of the radiation patch of the second radiation portion is 17.2 to 17.4 mm.

5. The antenna module according to claim 1, wherein, The first coupled radiation portion is formed as a line patch having a predetermined width.

6. The antenna module according to claim 5, wherein, The length of the line patch is 31.3 to 31.5 mm.

7. The antenna module according to claim 5, wherein, The line patch is formed in a meandering line shape.

8. The antenna module according to claim 1, wherein, The second coupled radiation portion includes: A square patch in a quadrilateral shape; A first line patch extending from one end of the square patch; and A second line patch extending from the other end of the square patch.

9. The antenna module according to claim 8, wherein, At least one of the first line patch and the second line patch is formed in a meandering line shape.

10. The antenna module according to claim 8, wherein, The square patch is formed to have a length of 21.6 to 21.8 mm and a width of 4.9 to 5.1 mm, wherein the length of the first line patch is between 24.25 and 24.45 mm, and wherein the length of the second line patch is between 18.75 and 18.95 mm.

11. The antenna module according to claim 1, wherein, The first coupled radiation portion or the second coupled radiation portion is formed to have a length such that the isolation level from a different coupled radiation portion is equal to or less than a threshold.

12. The antenna module according to claim 1, wherein The first radiation portion causes resonance with the first coupled radiation portion in at least one of the 2.4 to 2.5 GHz band or the 5.0 to 5.2 GHz band.

13. The antenna module according to claim 1, wherein, The second radiation portion causes resonance with the second coupled radiation portion in the 2.4 to 2.5 GHz band.

14. The antenna module according to claim 1, wherein, One of the first radiation portion and the second radiation portion is a radiation portion for Wi-Fi, and the other is a radiation portion for Bluetooth.

15. The antenna module according to claim 1, comprising: A third radiation portion, which is applied with current via at least one feeder, wherein the third radiation portion is spaced apart from the first radiation portion at a predetermined interval.

16. The antenna module according to claim 15, wherein, The radiation patch of the third radiation portion has a longitudinal direction different from that of the radiation patch of the first radiation portion.

17. An electronic device, comprising: A substrate; A first radiation portion and a second radiation portion, wherein the first radiation portion and the second radiation portion are connected to the substrate via at least one feeder and are applied with current; A bracket that covers the substrate; A first coupling radiation portion that is spaced apart from the first radiation portion at a predetermined interval, is formed on at least one outer surface of the bracket, and is coupled to the first radiation portion; And A second coupling radiation portion that is spaced apart from the second radiation portion at a predetermined interval, is formed on at least one outer surface of the bracket, and is coupled to the second radiation portion.

18. The electronic device according to claim 17, wherein, The first coupling radiation portion and the second coupling radiation portion are formed to face one direction.

19. The electronic device according to claim 17, wherein, The first coupling radiation portion is formed as a line patch having a predetermined width, and Wherein, the second coupling radiation portion includes: A square patch having a quadrilateral shape; A first line patch that extends from one end of the square patch; and A second line patch that extends from the other end of the square patch.

Images