Electronic devices and antenna structures

Abstract

An electronic device and antenna structure are disclosed. The electronic device includes a metal housing, a partition wall, a first antenna module, and a second antenna module. The metal housing has a T-shaped slot, which includes an open end, a first closed end, and a second closed end, with the open end located between the first and second closed ends. The partition wall is connected to the metal housing and disposed between the first and second closed ends, with the open end located between the first closed end and the partition wall. The first antenna module has a first feed element and a radiating element. The second antenna module has a second feed element and an antenna array. The first antenna module and the second antenna module are located on opposite sides of the partition wall, with the first antenna module closer to the open end than the second antenna module. The radiating element receives a signal through the first feed element to generate a first operating frequency band, and the antenna array receives another signal through the second feed element to generate a second operating frequency band. The first operating frequency band is lower than the second operating frequency band. This invention exhibits excellent radiation characteristics and isolation performance.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an electronic device and antenna structure, and more particularly to an electronic device and antenna structure that does not have an antenna clearance area. Background Technology

[0002] With the rapid development of technology, consumers have increasingly higher demands for the performance of communication products such as electronic devices (e.g., laptops). Furthermore, electronic devices are not only becoming thinner and lighter in appearance, but also need to possess sufficient structural strength.

[0003] To meet these requirements, the electronic device needs sufficient space inside to house multiple antenna elements, enabling them to operate across different wideband frequency bands. In this case, resolving signal interference between different antenna elements is a significant challenge. Furthermore, generally, an antenna clearance zone needs to be established around the antenna elements, meaning there cannot be any metal around them. However, this conflicts with the design requirements of using a metal casing to increase structural strength and achieve a slim profile.

[0004] Therefore, how to make appropriate improvements to the antenna structure design to overcome the above-mentioned defects has become one of the important issues to be addressed in this field.

[0005] Therefore, there is a need to provide an electronic device and antenna structure to solve the above problems. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The technical problem to be solved by this invention is how to set up multiple antennas of different frequency bands in a limited space inside an electronic device and solve the signal interference between different antennas.

[0007] To address the aforementioned technical problems, one technical solution adopted by the present invention is to provide an electronic device comprising a metal housing, a partition wall, a first antenna module, and a second antenna module. The metal housing has a T-shaped slot. The slot includes an open end, a first closed end, and a second closed end, with the open end located between the first and second closed ends. The partition wall is disposed between the first and second closed ends, with the open end located between the first closed end and the partition wall. The partition wall is connected to the metal housing. The first antenna module has a first feed member and a radiating member connected to the first feed member, the vertical projection of the radiating member onto the metal housing at least partially overlapping the slot. The second antenna module has a second feed member and an antenna array, the vertical projection of the antenna array onto the metal housing at least partially overlapping the slot. The first antenna module and the second antenna module are located on opposite sides of the partition wall, with the first antenna module closer to the open end than the second antenna module. The radiating element feeds a signal through a first feeder to generate a first operating frequency band, and the antenna array feeds another signal through a second feeder to generate a second operating frequency band, wherein the first operating frequency band is lower than the second operating frequency band.

[0008] To address the aforementioned technical problems, another technical solution adopted by the present invention is to provide an antenna structure housed within a metal casing. The metal casing has a T-shaped slot, comprising an open end, a first closed end, and a second closed end, with the open end located between the first and second closed ends. The antenna structure includes a first antenna module and a second antenna module. The first antenna module has a first feed member and a radiating member connected to the first feed member, the vertical projection of the radiating member onto the metal casing at least partially overlapping the slot. The second antenna module has a second feed member and an antenna array, the vertical projection of the antenna array onto the metal casing at least partially overlapping the slot. The first antenna module and the second antenna module are located on opposite sides of a partition wall within the metal casing, with the first antenna module closer to the open end than the second antenna module. The radiating member receives a signal through the first feed member to generate a first operating frequency band, and the antenna array receives another signal through the second feed member to generate a second operating frequency band, wherein the first operating frequency band is lower than the second operating frequency band.

[0009] One of the beneficial effects of the present invention is that the electronic device and antenna structure provided by the present invention can achieve good characteristics and isolation performance when adjacent first antenna modules and second antenna modules are excited, through the technical solution that "the first antenna module and the second antenna module are respectively located on both sides of a partition wall in a metal housing, the radiating element feeds a signal through the first feed element to generate a first operating frequency band, the antenna array feeds another signal through the second feed element to generate a second operating frequency band, and the first operating frequency band is lower than the second operating frequency band".

[0010] To further understand the features and technical content of the present invention, please refer to the following detailed description and drawings of the present invention. However, the drawings provided are for reference and illustration only and are not intended to limit the present invention. Attached Figure Description

[0011] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the electronic device of the present invention.

[0012] Figure 2 This is an exploded view of the antenna structure according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0013] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the antenna structure according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0014] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the antenna structure according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0015] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of the first antenna module of the present invention.

[0016] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the first antenna module of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the antenna array and control circuit of the second antenna module of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the isolation of the second antenna module in the horizontal polarization direction according to the present invention.

[0019] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the isolation in the vertical polarization direction of the second antenna module of the present invention.

[0020] Explanation of key component symbols:

[0021] D Electronic Device

[0022] A antenna structure

[0023] M Metal casing

[0024] M1 First Side

[0025] M2 Second Side

[0026] M3 Third Side

[0027] S-groove

[0028] S0 Open end

[0029] S1 First closed end

[0030] S2 Second closed end

[0031] W partition wall

[0032] 1 First antenna module

[0033] 11 First Feeder

[0034] 12 Radiation components

[0035] 121 Grounding part

[0036] 2 Second Antenna Module

[0037] 21 Second Feeder

[0038] 22-antenna array

[0039] 221 antenna elements

[0040] 23 Control Circuit

[0041] 3 First carrier board

[0042] 4 Second carrier plate

[0043] 5 Third carrier plate

[0044] C First Direction

[0045] L First axis

[0046] Distance between H2 and H3

[0047] P1 First connection point

[0048] P2 Second Connection Point

[0049] Paths R1 and R2

[0050] X, Y, Z coordinate axes Detailed Implementation

[0051] The following specific embodiments illustrate the implementation of the "electronic device and antenna structure" disclosed in this invention. Those skilled in the art can understand the advantages and effects of this invention from the content disclosed in this specification. This invention can be implemented or applied through other different specific embodiments, and various details in this specification can also be modified and changed based on different viewpoints and applications without departing from the concept of this invention. Furthermore, the accompanying drawings of this invention are for simple illustrative purposes only and are not depictions of actual dimensions, as stated in advance. The following embodiments will further describe the relevant technical content of this invention in detail, but the disclosed content is not intended to limit the scope of protection of this invention. In addition, it should be understood that although terms such as "first," "second," and "third" may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are mainly used to distinguish one element from another. Furthermore, the term "or" as used herein may, depending on the actual situation, include any combination of one or more of the associated listed items. Furthermore, in the entire text of this invention, "connect" means that there is a physical connection between two elements, and that the connection is direct or indirect. In the entire text of this invention, "couple" means that there are two elements that are separate from each other and have no physical connection, but rather that the electric field energy generated by the current of one element excites the electric field energy of the other element.

[0052] [Example]

[0053] See Figure 1 As shown, Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the electronic device of the present invention. The present invention provides an electronic device D, which, for example, but not limited to, a notebook computer. The electronic device includes a metal casing M, a spacer wall W, and an antenna structure A (antenna structure A can be referred to earlier). Figure 2 (As shown). Antenna structure A is housed within a metal casing M. A slot S is formed in the metal casing M, and the position of slot S is as shown... Figure 1 The image shows the side frame of the electronic device D. More specifically, the metal casing M may include a first side surface M1, a second side surface M2, and a third side surface M3, while the slot S is formed on the second side surface M2.

[0054] Next, refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, Figure 2 This is an exploded view of the antenna structure according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the antenna structure according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 and Figure 3 It is Figure 1The slot S is magnified to show the relative positional relationship between the slot S and the antenna structure A. In this invention, the slot S is in the shape of an inverted T, having an open end S0, a first closed end S1, and a second closed end S2. The open end S0 faces the top cover of the electronic device D (i.e., facing the first side M1, see...). Figure 1 The slot S is opened. The open end S0 is located between the first closed end S1 and the second closed end S2, and is closer to the first closed end S1. Therefore, the slot S is actually an asymmetrical slot structure. The partition wall W can be a metal retaining wall, connected to the metal shell M and located between the first closed end S1 and the second closed end S2. Furthermore, the open end S0 is located between the first closed end S1 and the partition wall W. Even further, the partition wall W and the metal shell M have a first connection point P1 and a second connection point P2. The first connection point P1 is located at the upper edge of the slot S, and the second connection point P2 is located at the lower edge of the slot S.

[0055] Continue reading Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, antenna structure A includes a first antenna module 1 and a second antenna module 2. The first antenna module 1 has a first feed element 11 and a radiator 12 connected to the first feed element 11. The vertical projection of the radiator 12 onto the metal housing M at least partially overlaps with the slot S, preferably completely. The second antenna module 2 has a second feed element 21 and an antenna array 22. The vertical projection of the antenna array 22 onto the metal housing M at least partially overlaps with the slot S, preferably completely. The radiator 12 of the first antenna module 1 receives a signal through the first feed element 11 to generate a first operating frequency band. The antenna array 22 of the second antenna module 2 receives another signal through the second feed element 21 to generate a second operating frequency band, and the first operating frequency band is lower than the second operating frequency band. Additionally, the radiator 12 of the first antenna module 1 is also used to excite the slot S on the metal housing M to generate a third operating frequency band, and the third operating frequency band is lower than the first operating frequency band. In this invention, the first and third operating frequency bands cover the frequency ranges of LTE (Long Term Evolution) and Sub-6G, while the second operating frequency band covers the frequency range of millimeter wave (mmWave). For example, the first operating frequency band includes a frequency range of 3300MHz to 5925MHz, the third operating frequency band includes a frequency range of 1805MHz to 2690MHz, and the second operating frequency band includes frequency ranges of 24.25GHz to 28.35GHz and 37GHz to 40GHz, but this invention is not limited thereto.

[0056] As described above, the electronic device D may further include a first carrier plate 3 and a second carrier plate 4 disposed within a metal housing M. The first carrier plate 3 and the second carrier plate 4 are located on opposite sides of the partition wall W. The radiating element 12 is disposed in the first carrier plate 3, and the antenna array 22 is disposed in the second carrier plate 4. Therefore, the first antenna module 1 and the second antenna module 2 are located on opposite sides of the partition wall W and separated by the partition wall W. This invention utilizes the partition wall W to separate the first antenna module 1 and the second antenna module 2, ensuring that adjacent first antenna modules 1 and second antenna modules 2 exhibit good antenna efficiency and excellent isolation performance when each is activated (i.e., reducing signal interference between the first antenna module 1 and the second antenna module 2).

[0057] Continue reading Figure 3 As shown, in this invention, the open end S0 is relatively close to the first antenna module 1. Further, the slot S structure can be divided into a part parallel to the Z-axis (i.e., the part at the open end S0) and another part parallel to the Y-axis (i.e., the part between the first closed end S1 and the second closed end S2). The resonance path generated by the radiating element 12 exciting the slot S will first pass through the part of the slot S parallel to the Z-axis and then through the part of the slot S parallel to the Y-axis. Specifically, the resonance path can be divided into path R1 and path R2. Path R1 extends from the middle position of the open end S0 along the negative Z-axis direction to the area between the first closed end S1 and the second closed end S2. Path R2 extends along the positive Y-axis direction to the middle position between the first connection point P1 and the second connection point P2 of the partition wall W. Paths R1 and R2 are respectively along the central axis of the slot S (i.e., path R1 is along the central axis of the open end S0, and path R2 is along the central axis between the first closed end S1 and the second closed end S2), making the resonance path L-shaped. It is worth mentioning that the length of the resonant path is less than 1 / 4 wavelength of the lowest operating frequency in the third operating frequency band, and the distance between the first closed end S1 and the partition wall W is less than 1 / 4 wavelength of the lowest operating frequency in the third operating frequency band. This invention, through a structural design where the length of the resonant path is less than 1 / 4 wavelength of the lowest operating frequency in the third operating frequency band, further enables the modes excited by the first antenna module 1 to have good antenna efficiency.

[0058] Furthermore, the distance H2 between the second closed end S2 and the partition wall W is greater than twice the wavelength of a lowest operating frequency in the second operating frequency band. The distance H3 between the first connection point P1 and the second connection point P2 is greater than 1 / 4 wavelength of a lowest operating frequency (e.g., 24.25 GHz) in the second operating frequency band. Therefore, through the structural design of the distance H2 between the second closed end S2 and the partition wall W and the distance H3 between the first connection point P1 and the second connection point P2, the present invention ensures that the size of the slot S is large enough, allowing the antenna array 22 to operate without being limited by the slot S and to have good radiation performance.

[0059] See Figure 4 As shown, Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the antenna structure according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Different from... Figure 2 and Figure 3 The first embodiment shown is in Figure 4 In the second embodiment shown, the electronic device D may further include a third carrier plate 5 disposed within a metal housing M. The third carrier plate 5 penetrates the partition wall W (or the partition wall W surrounds the third carrier plate 5), and the radiating element 12 and the antenna array 22 are disposed within the third carrier plate 5. That is, the present invention is not limited to the type of carrier plate; the radiating element 12 and the antenna array 22 may be disposed within different carrier plates (the first carrier plate 3 and the second carrier plate 4), or they may be disposed within a common carrier plate (the third carrier plate 5). Furthermore, it should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the embodiment of the radiating element 12; see [reference needed]. Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, Figure 5 and Figure 6 These are schematic diagrams illustrating different embodiments of the first antenna module of the present invention. For example, such as... Figure 5 As shown, the radiating element 12 can be a monopole antenna. Or, as... Figure 6 As shown, the radiating element 12 can be an inverted-F antenna (IFA) and is grounded through the grounding part 121.

[0060] Continue reading Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 7 As shown, Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the antenna array and control circuit of the second antenna module of the present invention. Specifically, the antenna array 22 includes multiple antenna elements 221. Figure 7 The antenna array 22 in the diagram contains four antenna elements 221, but this invention is not limited thereto. Furthermore, Figure 7 Each antenna element 221 in the array is a circular patch antenna, but the invention is not limited thereto. The antenna array 22, through the design of multiple antenna elements 221, can generate two mutually orthogonal radiation patterns, for example, one radiation pattern with a horizontal polarization direction and the other with a vertical polarization direction. In this invention, the second feed 21 can, for example, be a set of intermediate frequency (IF) signal lines. The second feed 21 extends along a first direction C (parallel to the X-axis direction) and is connected to the antenna array 22, while the slot S can define a first axis L (parallel to the Y-axis direction) between the first closed end S1 and the second closed end S2, and the first direction C is orthogonal to the first axis L (see...). Figure 2Therefore, the present invention can reduce energy coupling between the second feed element 21 (intermediate frequency signal line) and the surrounding environment (e.g., slot S) by making the extension direction of the second feed element 21 orthogonal to the first axis L, thereby reducing energy loss. If the feed direction of the second feed element 21 is not orthogonal to the first axis L, the second feed element 21 may excite the slot S, resulting in fundamental frequency or harmonic frequency energy loss. In addition, the second antenna module 2, besides the second feed element 21 and the antenna array 22, also includes a control circuit 23, which can control the amplitude and phase of the two radiation patterns. Furthermore, the control circuit 23 can convert the signal generated by the second feed element 21 into millimeter waves (i.e., convert the intermediate frequency to a high frequency) and cause multiple antenna elements 221 to excite electromagnetic waves with specific amplitudes and phases, thereby controlling the beam of the antenna array 22 and improving the field coverage of the antenna array 22.

[0061] [Beneficial Effects of the Examples]

[0062] One of the beneficial effects of the present invention is that the electronic device D and antenna structure A provided by the present invention can achieve good characteristics and isolation performance when they are excited, through the technical solution that "the first antenna module 1 and the second antenna module 2 are respectively located on both sides of a partition wall W inside the metal housing M, the radiating element 12 feeds a signal through the first feed element 11 to generate a first operating frequency band, and the antenna array 22 feeds another signal through the second feed element 21 to generate a second operating frequency band, and the first operating frequency band is lower than the second operating frequency band".

[0063] Furthermore, to accommodate the slim and lightweight design and structural strength of the electronic device D, the internal antenna structure A is positioned within the frame of the metal casing M and has no clearance area (more precisely, as long as either the upper or lower surface of the metal casing M is made of metal, it is considered to have no clearance area). Therefore, to prevent the performance of the antenna structure A from being affected by the zero clearance area, the present invention utilizes the design of the slot S, allowing the first antenna module 1 and the second antenna module 2 to share the slot S. This allows the radiating element 12 of the first antenna module 1 to generate a first operating frequency band by feeding signals through the first feed element 11 and to generate a third operating frequency band by exciting the slot S. Additionally, the antenna array 22 of the second antenna module 2 utilizes the slot S as a radiating area to generate a second operating frequency band.

[0064] Furthermore, since the antenna structure A formed by the first antenna module 1 and the second antenna module 2 shares the slot S and is adjacent to each other, in order to reduce signal interference between the first antenna module 1 and the second antenna module 2, this invention provides a metal spacer W between the first antenna module 1 and the second antenna module 2. The spacer W is connected to the metal housing M. Through the design of the distance between the spacer W and the open end S0 and the second closed end S2, the resonance path of the first antenna module 1 exciting the slot S can be clearly defined, and the second antenna module 2 also has sufficient space to operate and achieve good radiation characteristics. More importantly, the isolation between the first antenna module 1 and the second antenna module 2 can also be improved by the electromagnetic wave blocking properties of the spacer W.

[0065] See Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram showing the isolation of the second antenna module in the horizontal polarization direction according to the present invention. Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the isolation in the vertical polarization direction of the second antenna module of the present invention. Figure 8 and Figure 9 It can be seen that the second antenna module 2 of the antenna structure A of the present invention exhibits better isolation in the horizontal polarization direction and the vertical polarization direction with and without the spacer wall W.

[0066] The above-disclosed content is only a preferred and feasible embodiment of the present invention, and is not intended to limit the scope of the claims of the present invention. Therefore, all equivalent technical changes made based on the content of the present invention specification and drawings are included within the scope of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. An electronic device comprising: A metal housing with a T-shaped slot, the slot including an open end, a first closed end and a second closed end, the open end being located between the first closed end and the second closed end; A partition wall is connected to the metal housing and disposed between the first closed end and the second closed end, and the open end is located between the first closed end and the partition wall. A first antenna module having a first feed member and a radiating member connected to the first feed member, wherein the vertical projection of the radiating member onto the metal housing at least partially overlaps with the slot. as well as A second antenna module having a second feed and an antenna array, the vertical projection of the antenna array onto the metal housing at least partially overlapping the slot. The first antenna module and the second antenna module are located on opposite sides of the partition wall. The first antenna module is closer to the opening end than the second antenna module. The radiating element feeds a signal through the first feeder to generate a first operating frequency band. The antenna array feeds another signal through the second feeder to generate a second operating frequency band. The first operating frequency band is lower than the second operating frequency band.

2. The electronic device as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The radiating element is a monopole antenna or an inverted F-type antenna. The radiating element is used to excite the slot to generate a third operating frequency band, which is lower than the first operating frequency band.

3. The electronic device as claimed in claim 2, wherein, The first and third operating frequency bands cover the frequency ranges of LTE and Sub-6G, while the second operating frequency band covers the frequency range of millimeter waves.

4. The electronic device as claimed in claim 2, wherein, The radiating element is used to excite the slot to generate a resonant path, the length of which is less than 1 / 4 wavelength of a lowest operating frequency in the third operating frequency band, and the distance between the first closed end and the partition wall is less than 1 / 4 wavelength of the lowest operating frequency in the third operating frequency band.

5. The electronic device as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The second antenna module also includes a control circuit. The antenna array includes multiple antenna elements. The antenna array is used to generate two mutually orthogonal radiation patterns, and the control circuit is used to control the amplitude and phase of the two radiation patterns.

6. The electronic device as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The second feed is a set of intermediate frequency signal lines. The second feed extends along a first direction and is connected to the antenna array. The slot defines a first axis between the first closed end and the second closed end, and the first direction is orthogonal to the first axis.

7. The electronic device as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a first carrier plate and a second carrier plate disposed in the metal housing, the first carrier plate and the second carrier plate being respectively located on both sides of the partition wall, the radiating element being disposed in the first carrier plate, and the antenna array being disposed in the second carrier plate.

8. The electronic device of claim 1, further comprising a third carrier plate disposed in the metal housing, the third carrier plate penetrating the partition wall, the radiating element and the antenna array being disposed in the third carrier plate.

9. The electronic device as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The distance between the second closed end and the partition wall is greater than twice the wavelength of the lowest operating frequency in the second operating frequency band.

10. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein, The partition wall and the metal shell have a first connection point and a second connection point. The first connection point is located at the upper edge of the slot, and the second connection point is located at the lower edge of the slot. The distance between the first connection point and the second connection point is greater than 1 / 4 wavelength of the lowest operating frequency in the second operating frequency band.

11. An antenna structure disposed in a metal housing, the metal housing having a T-shaped slot, the slot including an open end, a first closed end, and a second closed end, the open end being located between the first closed end and the second closed end, the antenna structure comprising: A first antenna module having a first feed member and a radiating member connected to the first feed member, wherein the vertical projection of the radiating member onto the metal housing at least partially overlaps with the slot. as well as A second antenna module having a second feed and an antenna array, the vertical projection of the antenna array onto the metal housing at least partially overlapping the slot. The first antenna module and the second antenna module are located on opposite sides of a partition wall inside the metal housing. The first antenna module is closer to the opening end than the second antenna module. The radiating element feeds a signal through the first feeder to generate a first operating frequency band. The antenna array feeds another signal through the second feeder to generate a second operating frequency band. The first operating frequency band is lower than the second operating frequency band.

12. The antenna structure as described in claim 11, wherein, The radiating element is a monopole antenna or an inverted F-type antenna. The radiating element is used to excite the slot to generate a third operating frequency band, which is lower than the first operating frequency band.

13. The antenna structure as described in claim 12, wherein, The first and third operating frequency bands cover the frequency ranges of LTE and Sub-6G, while the second operating frequency band covers the frequency range of millimeter waves.

14. The antenna structure as described in claim 11, wherein, The second antenna module also includes a control circuit. The antenna array includes multiple antenna elements. The antenna array is used to generate two mutually orthogonal radiation patterns, and the control circuit is used to control the amplitude and phase of the two radiation patterns.

15. The antenna structure as described in claim 11, wherein, The second feed is a set of intermediate frequency signal lines. The second feed extends along a first direction and is connected to the antenna array. The slot defines a first axis between the first closed end and the second closed end, and the first direction is orthogonal to the first axis.

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