Foldable electronic devices

Abstract

This application provides a foldable electronic device for the field of communication technology. The foldable electronic device includes an antenna, a hinge assembly, a first housing, and a second housing. At least one of the first and second housings is rotatably connected to the hinge assembly, and the angle between the first and second housings can be maintained at a preset angle. The first housing includes multiple frames, including a second frame and a third frame located at both ends of the hinge assembly, and a first frame connected to the ends of the second and third frames away from the hinge assembly. The antenna is located on one frame of the first housing and includes a main radiator and a feed point located on the main radiator. When the antenna is located on the first frame, the feed point is 1 / 8 to 3 / 8 of the antenna's operating wavelength from the edge of the ground facing the second or third frame. When the antenna is located on the second or third frame, the feed point is 1 / 8 to 3 / 8 of the antenna's operating wavelength from the hinge assembly. The foldable electronic device provided by this application enables satellite communication.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a foldable electronic device. Background Technology

[0002] Antennas are crucial components for enabling communication functions in terminal devices. For example, in mobile phones and tablets, antennas enable communication. However, in related technologies, when users are outdoors or in areas with poor base station signal coverage, even with an antenna, the terminal device's SMS, call, and multimedia functions are unusable. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This application provides a foldable electronic device that enables satellite communication.

[0004] This application provides a foldable electronic device comprising a first housing, a second housing, a hinge assembly, and an antenna. Specifically, the first housing and the second housing are respectively disposed on both sides of the hinge assembly, and at least one of the first housing and the second housing is rotatably connected to the hinge assembly, so that the first housing can be opened and closed relative to the second housing, and the foldable electronic device can switch between an unfolded state, a partially folded state, and a folded state. For example, when the included angle between the first housing and the second housing is a preset angle, the relative position between the first housing and the second housing can be maintained, so that the user can perform corresponding operations when the foldable electronic device is at the preset angle. Specifically, the first housing includes multiple frames, including at least a first frame, a second frame, and a third frame. The second frame and the third frame are respectively disposed at both ends of the hinge assembly, and the first frame is connected between the second frame and the third frame and located on the side of the second frame and the third frame away from the hinge assembly. Further, the metal portion in the first housing, the metal portion in the second housing, and the metal portion in the hinge assembly are electrically connected as a floor. The antenna is located on one side of the first housing. Specifically, the antenna includes a main radiator and a feed point located on the main radiator. When the antenna is located on the first side, the distance between the feed point and the edge of the floor facing the second or third side is 1 / 8 to 3 / 8 of the antenna's operating wavelength. When the antenna is located on the second or third side, the distance between the feed point and the axis of the rotating shaft assembly is 1 / 8 to 3 / 8 of the antenna's operating wavelength.

[0005] In this scheme, the ground current excited by the antenna on the floor generates two current components that are perpendicular to each other, have equal amplitude, and a 90° phase difference. These two current components can form a circularly polarized radiation wave, thereby enabling communication with the satellite. Specifically, when the antenna is located on the first frame, and the distance between the antenna feed point and the edge of the floor facing the second or third frame is 1 / 8 to 3 / 8 of the antenna's operating wavelength, and the first and second housings are at a preset angle, the main radiation direction of the circularly polarized radiation wave generated by the antenna is located between the first and second housings, extending from the first housing in a direction away from both housings. When the angle between the first and second housings is the preset angle, their relative positions are maintained. In this way, on the one hand, the second housing can reflect the circularly polarized radiation wave once, thereby improving the antenna gain. On the other hand, the ground current on the floor within the second housing can provide a co-polarized component to the circularly polarized radiation wave, further improving the antenna gain. Ultimately, this enables foldable electronic devices to not only generate circularly polarized radiation waves for satellite communication, but also improve satellite communication capabilities in at least two ways: increasing the amount and quality of satellite communication data, thus better meeting satellite communication needs. When the antenna is located on the second or third frame, and the distance between the antenna feed point and the axis of the rotating assembly is 1 / 8 to 3 / 8 of the antenna's operating wavelength, taking the second housing as an example, which includes a fourth, fifth, and sixth frame, with the fourth frame opposite to the rotating assembly, the fifth frame in the same plane as the second frame, and the sixth frame in the same plane as the third frame, the main radiation direction of the circularly polarized radiation wave generated by the antenna is located between the first and second housings, pointing from one of the planes containing the second and fifth frames, or the planes containing the third and sixth frames, to the other. This allows for satellite communication, enabling users to still use the foldable electronic device's SMS, call, and multimedia functions even when outdoors or in areas where base station signals are difficult to cover.

[0006] In one specific technical solution, when the antenna is located on the first frame, the distance between the feed point and the edge of the ground plane facing the second or third frame is 1 / 4 of the antenna's operating wavelength. In this solution, the edge of the ground plane facing the corresponding second or third frame acts as a forced boundary for the ground current, enabling the two current components generated by the ground current to form a circularly polarized radiation wave, thereby allowing the foldable electronic device to achieve satellite communication.

[0007] In another specific technical solution, when the antenna is located on the second or third frame, the distance between the feed point and the axis of the rotating assembly is 1 / 4 of the antenna's operating wavelength. In this solution, the axis of the rotating assembly acts as a forced boundary for the ground current, enabling the two current components generated by the ground current to form a circularly polarized radiation wave, thereby allowing the foldable electronic device to achieve satellite communication.

[0008] In one optional technical solution for configuring the first housing, the first side frame is parallel to the pivot assembly, and the second and third side frames are both perpendicular to the first side frame and the pivot assembly. The cross-sectional shape of the first accommodating space formed by the side frame of the first housing and the pivot assembly is rectangular. The planar profile of the floor formed by the metal part in the first housing is approximately the same as the planar profile of the first accommodating space. Therefore, the floor formed by the metal part in the first housing is also approximately rectangular. The approximate rectangular shape of the floor formed by the metal part in the first housing is more conducive to generating a current component with a 90° phase difference on the floor, enabling the antenna to form a more ideal circularly polarized radiation wave.

[0009] In one alternative technical solution, the antenna is located at the top of the foldable electronic device when it is in use. Taking a mobile phone as an example, when a user uses a mobile phone, they typically hold it by the bottom. In this case, the user's hand absorbs electromagnetic waves radiated by the antenna, thus affecting the antenna's performance. Placing the antenna at the top of the foldable electronic device avoids this problem.

[0010] In one optional technical solution, the preset angle is 60° to 120°, meaning that the included angle between the first housing and the second housing can be maintained between 60° and 120°. For example, the preset angle is 90° to improve the satellite communication performance of the antenna.

[0011] It is easy to understand that foldable electronic devices also include flexible displays that continuously cover the first housing, the hinge assembly, and the second housing, and that are fixedly connected to both the first housing and the second housing.

[0012] Furthermore, in one specific technical solution, the foldable electronic device also includes a folding state detection component and a processing unit. The folding state detection component detects the angle between the first and second housings. The processing unit stores the correspondence between Earth coordinates and satellite elevation angles, as well as the correspondence between the angle between the first and second housings and the main radiation direction of the antenna. Both the folding state detection component and the flexible display screen are electrically connected to the processing unit, enabling the processing unit to control the flexible display screen to guide the user to align the main radiation direction of the antenna with the satellite based on feedback from the folding state detection component, thereby enhancing the satellite communication capability of the foldable electronic device.

[0013] In one alternative technical solution, the antenna is a left-handed antenna or an inverted F-shaped antenna.

[0014] In one alternative technical solution, the aforementioned frame is a metal frame, and the main radiator of the antenna is a portion of the metal frame.

[0015] In another alternative technical solution, the aforementioned frame is an insulating frame, and the main radiator of the antenna is a metal coating or the metal part of a flexible circuit board. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a foldable electronic device in a folded state, provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0017] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the structure of a foldable electronic device in an unfolded state, provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0018] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a foldable electronic device in a folded state according to an embodiment of this application;

[0019] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a foldable electronic device in a folded state according to an embodiment of this application;

[0020] Figure 5 This application provides a schematic diagram illustrating the position of the antenna in a foldable electronic device in one possible embodiment.

[0021] Figure 6 for Figure 5 The left-hand circular polarization pattern of the antenna in the foldable electronic device shown.

[0022] Figure 7 for Figure 5 The total radiation pattern of the antenna in the foldable electronic device shown;

[0023] Figure 8 for Figure 5 The gain pattern of the antenna of the foldable electronic device shown.

[0024] Figure 9 for Figure 5 The gain pattern of the antenna of the foldable electronic device shown is in the flat state.

[0025] Figure 10 This application provides a schematic diagram illustrating the position of the antenna in a foldable electronic device in one possible embodiment.

[0026] Figure 11 This application provides a schematic diagram illustrating the position of the antenna in a foldable electronic device in one possible embodiment.

[0027] Figure 12 This application provides a schematic diagram illustrating the position of the antenna in a foldable electronic device in one possible embodiment.

[0028] Figure 13 for Figure 12 The left-hand circular polarization pattern of the antenna in the foldable electronic device shown.

[0029] Figure 14 for Figure 12 The total radiation pattern of the antenna in the foldable electronic device shown;

[0030] Figure 15 for Figure 12 The axial ratio simulation diagram of the circularly polarized radiation wave radiated by the antenna in the foldable electronic device is shown.

[0031] Figure 16 for Figure 12 The figure shows a simulation diagram of the axial ratio of the circularly polarized radiation wave radiated by the antenna when the foldable electronic device is in a flat state.

[0032] Figure 17 This application provides schematic diagrams illustrating the antenna's position in a foldable electronic device in some possible embodiments.

[0033] Figure 18 This application provides schematic diagrams illustrating the antenna's position in a foldable electronic device in some possible embodiments.

[0034] Figure 19 This application provides schematic diagrams illustrating the antenna's position in a foldable electronic device in some possible embodiments.

[0035] Figure 20 This application provides schematic diagrams illustrating the antenna's position in a foldable electronic device in some possible embodiments.

[0036] Figure 21 This is a schematic diagram of a foldable electronic device provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0037] Reference numerals: 1-First housing; 11-First frame; 12-Second frame; 13-Third frame; 2-Second housing; 3-Hinge assembly; 4-Antenna; 5-Folding state detection assembly; 6-Processing unit; 7-Flexible display screen. Detailed Implementation

[0038] Antennas are crucial components for enabling communication functions in terminal devices. For example, in mobile phones and tablets, the antenna enables their communication capabilities. However, in related technologies, when users are outdoors or in areas where base station signals are difficult to reach, the terminal device's antenna becomes ineffective. This renders functions such as SMS, calls, and multimedia unusable, causing considerable inconvenience to users.

[0039] Based on this, embodiments of this application provide a foldable electronic device capable of satellite communication to solve the aforementioned problems. It is worth noting that the foldable electronic device provided in this application includes, but is not limited to, terminal devices with flexible displays such as mobile phones, tablets, laptops, monitors, and vehicle-mounted devices. To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, a further detailed description of this application will be provided below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0040] The terminology used in the following embodiments is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of this application. As used in the specification and appended claims of this application, the singular expressions “a,” “an,” “the,” “the,” “the,” and “this” are intended to also include expressions such as “one or more” unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0041] References to "one embodiment" or "some embodiments" as described in this specification mean that one or more embodiments of this application include a specific feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment. Therefore, the phrases "in one embodiment," "in some embodiments," "in other embodiments," "in still other embodiments," etc., appearing in different parts of 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 "comprising," "including," "having," and variations thereof mean "including but not limited to," unless otherwise specifically emphasized.

[0042] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a foldable electronic device in a folded state, as provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a foldable electronic device in its unfolded state, as provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the structure of a foldable electronic device in a partially folded state, as provided in an embodiment of this application. It is easy to understand that the aforementioned partially folded state is a state between the unfolded state and the folded state. Figures 1-3As shown, an embodiment of this application provides a foldable electronic device including a first housing 1, a second housing 2, and a hinge assembly 3 (not shown in the figure). Specifically, the first housing 1 and the second housing 2 are rotatably connected via the hinge assembly 3. That is, the first housing 1 and the second housing 2 are respectively disposed on opposite sides of the hinge assembly 3, and at least one of the first housing 1 and the second housing 2 can rotate relative to the hinge assembly 3, thereby enabling the first housing 1 to open and close relative to the second housing 2, and allowing the foldable electronic device to switch between an unfolded state, a partially folded state, and a folded state. Exemplarily, in one optional embodiment, the first housing 1 is rotatably connected to the hinge assembly 3. In another optional embodiment, the second housing 2 is rotatably connected to the hinge assembly 3; in yet another optional embodiment, both the first housing 1 and the second housing 2 are rotatably connected to the hinge assembly 3. Further, when the included angle between the first housing 1 and the second housing 2 is a preset angle, the relative position between the first housing 1 and the second housing 2 can be maintained, thereby facilitating the user to perform corresponding operations when the first housing 1 and the second housing 2 are at the preset angle. For example, when the first housing 1 and the second housing 2 are at the preset angle, the user uses the satellite communication function of the foldable electronic device. Exemplarily, in one specific embodiment, the pivot assembly 3 may include a damping mechanism or a locking mechanism, so that when the included angle between the first housing 1 and the second housing 2 is the preset angle, the relative position between the first housing 1 and the second housing 2 can be maintained.

[0043] Please continue to refer to the following. Figure 2 and Figure 3 Specifically, when configuring the first housing 1, the first housing 1 may include multiple borders. For example, in an optional embodiment, the first housing 1 includes a first border 11, a second border 12, and a third border 13, wherein one of the second border 12 and the third border 13 is disposed at one end of the pivot assembly 3, and the other is disposed at the other end of the pivot assembly 3, and the first border 11 is connected to the end of the second border 12 and the third border 13 away from the pivot assembly 3. The first border 11, the second border 12, and the third border 13, together with the pivot assembly 3, enclose a first accommodating space, the cross-sectional shape of which may be quadrilateral. It is easy to understand that the cross-section of the first accommodating space refers to the cross-section of the first accommodating space in the direction perpendicular to the thickness of the first housing 1.

[0044] The foldable electronic device includes numerous metal parts, each distributed in different locations. In one optional embodiment, the metal parts in the first housing 1, the second housing 2, and the hinge assembly 3 are electrically connected to form a ground plane, which serves as a reference ground for the antenna in the foldable electronic device. For example, when specifically configuring the hinge assembly 3, it can be a metal structure. That is, the entire hinge assembly 3 is a component of the ground plane. It is understood that both the first housing 1 and the second housing 2 include multiple borders, and the borders of the first housing 1 and the second housing 2 together enclose a second accommodating space. In this embodiment, the planar contour of the ground plane can be considered approximately the same as the planar contour of the second accommodating space. Of course, this is not strictly limited to the planar contour of the ground plane being identical to the planar contour of the second accommodating space; the planar contour of the ground plane can have notches, and the planar contour of the second accommodating space can also have notches and protrusions, as long as the approximate planar contour of the ground plane is the same as the approximate planar contour of the second accommodating space.

[0045] Specifically, when the antenna 4 is configured as described above, the antenna 4 includes a main radiator and a feed point located on the main radiator. The main radiator of the antenna 4 is located on one side of the first housing 1. Further, in an optional embodiment, the antenna 4 is located on the first side 11 of the first housing 1, and the distance between the feed point of the antenna 4 and the edge of the floor facing the second side 12 or the third side 13 is 1 / 8 to 3 / 8 of the operating wavelength of the antenna 4. Obviously, the operating wavelength of the antenna is related to the operating frequency band of the target communication satellite, which will not be elaborated further.

[0046] The satellite's radiation waves are circularly polarized, and only antenna 4, which radiates circularly polarized radiation waves, can communicate with it. For example... Figure 3 As shown, in the foldable electronic device provided in this embodiment, the ground current excited by the antenna 4 on the floor can generate two current components (i.e., current A and current B). These two current components are perpendicular to each other, have equal amplitudes, and have a 90° phase difference. Therefore, they can form a circularly polarized radiation wave to communicate with a satellite, thus becoming a satellite antenna. Specifically, when the antenna 4 is located on the first frame 11, the distance between the feed point of the antenna 4 and the edge of the floor facing the second frame 12 or the third frame 13 is 1 / 8 to 3 / 8 of the operating wavelength of the antenna 4, and the first housing 1 and the second housing 2 are at a preset angle, the main radiation direction of the circularly polarized radiation wave formed by the antenna 4 is located between the first housing 1 and the second housing 2, and extends from the first housing 1 in a direction away from the first housing 1 and the second housing 2, such as... Figure 4Arrow F is shown in the schematic diagram of a foldable electronic device in its folded state. It should be understood that the main radiation direction mentioned in this embodiment refers to the radiation direction that satisfies communication conditions within a certain angular range on the antenna's radiation pattern. In this scheme, on the one hand, the second housing 2 can reflect the aforementioned circularly polarized radiation wave once, thereby increasing the gain of the antenna 4. On the other hand, the ground current C on the floor of the second housing 2 can provide a co-polarized component to the aforementioned circularly polarized radiation wave, thereby further increasing the gain of the antenna 4. Ultimately, this enables the foldable electronic device not only to generate circularly polarized radiation waves for satellite communication, but also to improve satellite communication capabilities in at least two ways. This allows users in areas where base station signals are difficult to cover, such as outdoors, to achieve satellite communication through the antenna, thereby enabling functions such as SMS, voice calls, and multimedia.

[0047] In one specific embodiment, antenna 4 is located on the first frame 11, and the distance between the feed point of antenna 4 and the edge of the ground plane facing the second frame 12 is 1 / 4 of the operating wavelength of antenna 4. In this case, the edge of the ground plane facing the second frame 12 acts as a forced boundary for the ground current, enabling the two current components generated by the ground current to form a circularly polarized radiation wave, thus achieving satellite communication. Please refer to... Figure 5 , Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the antenna's position in a foldable electronic device in one possible embodiment. The foldable electronic device is in a folded state, and as mentioned above, it has stronger satellite communication capabilities in this state. Figure 6 for Figure 5 The left-hand circular polarization pattern of the antenna in the foldable electronic device shown is... Figure 7 for Figure 5 The total radiation pattern of the antenna in the foldable electronic device shown can be read from the software. Figure 6 The maximum gain of the left-hand circularly polarized antenna is 0.3 dBic. Figure 7 The maximum gain of the antenna is 1.75 dBi. Next, please combine... Figure 8 and Figure 9 ,in, Figure 8 for Figure 5 The gain pattern of the antenna of the foldable electronic device shown is as follows. Figure 9 for Figure 5 The image shows the gain pattern of the antenna of the foldable electronic device when it is in its flat state. Figure 8 It can be seen that when the foldable electronic device is in its intermediate folded state, the gain of antenna 4 in the main radiation direction is -0.5 to 0.5 dBi. From... Figure 9It can be seen that when the foldable electronic device is in its flat state, the gain of antenna 4 in the main radiation direction is -1.5 to -0.5 dBi. Therefore, compared to the conventional flat state of the foldable electronic device, the gain of antenna 4 is approximately 1 to 2 dB in the partially folded state. In other words, the satellite communication performance of the foldable electronic device is better when it is in its partially folded state. It is easy to understand that the flat state of the foldable electronic device is one type of unfolded state. In other embodiments, the unfolded state of the foldable electronic device can also be that the first housing 1 is at a certain angle relative to the second housing 2.

[0048] Of course, the antenna 4 and the frame of the first housing 1 can also have other positional relationships, for example, please refer to Figure 10 The diagram illustrates the antenna's position in a foldable electronic device in one possible embodiment. In this embodiment, antenna 4 is located on the first frame 11, and the distance between the feed point of antenna 4 and the edge of the ground plane facing the third frame 13 is 1 / 4 of the operating wavelength of antenna 4. The edge of the ground plane facing the third frame 13 serves as a forced boundary for the ground current, enabling the two current components generated by the ground current to form a circularly polarized radiation wave, thus providing satellite communication capabilities. Simultaneously, when the foldable electronic device is in... Figure 10 When shown in the intermediate folded state, the foldable electronic device has stronger satellite communication capabilities.

[0049] It is worth noting that in the two embodiments described above, the circularly polarized radiation waves generated by antenna 4 have different rotation directions: one is a left-handed circularly polarized radiation wave, and the other is a right-handed circularly polarized radiation wave, which will be explained in detail below. The specific position of antenna 4 can be set according to the rotation direction of the circularly polarized radiation waves of the target communication satellite. If the target communication satellite of antenna 4 radiates a left-handed circularly polarized radiation wave, then antenna 4 is set at a position that enables it to generate a left-handed circularly polarized radiation wave. If the target satellite of antenna 4 radiates a right-handed circularly polarized radiation wave, then antenna 4 is set at a position that enables it to generate a right-handed circularly polarized radiation wave.

[0050] In another optional embodiment, antenna 4 is located on the second frame 12 or the third frame 13, and the distance between the feed point of antenna 4 and the axis of the rotating shaft assembly 3 is 1 / 8 to 3 / 8 of the operating wavelength of antenna 4. In this scheme, the ground current excited by antenna 4 on the floor can also generate two current components that are perpendicular to each other, have equal amplitude, and have a 90° phase difference, thereby forming a circularly polarized radiation wave to communicate with the satellite, becoming a satellite antenna 4. This allows users in areas where base station signals are difficult to cover, such as outdoors, to achieve functions such as texting, making calls, and multimedia through the satellite communication function of the foldable electronic device. Taking the second housing 2 as an example, which includes a fourth frame, a fifth frame, and a sixth frame, with the fourth frame opposite to the rotating shaft assembly 3, the fifth frame in the same plane as the second frame 12, and the sixth frame in the same plane as the third frame, the main radiation direction of the circularly polarized radiation wave formed by the antenna is located between the first housing 1 and the second housing 2, and points from one of the planes containing the second and fifth frames and the planes containing the third and sixth frames to the other, as will be explained in detail below. Of course, the main radiation direction of the circularly polarized radiation wave formed by the antenna is not necessarily parallel to the axis of the rotating shaft assembly; it may also be at a certain angle to the axis of the rotating shaft assembly. Furthermore, in an optional embodiment, the outer contour of the first housing 1 is symmetrical to the outer contour of the second housing 2, thereby making the foldable electronic device provided in this embodiment more regular in shape and easier to store when the first housing 1 and the second housing 2 are folded.

[0051] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the position of the antenna in a foldable electronic device in one possible embodiment of this application. (See attached diagram.) Figure 11 As shown, in one specific embodiment, antenna 4 is located on the second frame 12, and the distance between the feed point of antenna 4 and the axis of the rotating shaft assembly 3 is 1 / 4 of the operating wavelength of antenna 4. In this scheme, the axis of the rotating shaft assembly 3 serves as a forced boundary for the ground current, enabling the two current components generated by the ground current to form a circularly polarized radiation wave with the main radiation direction extending from the plane containing the third and sixth frames to the plane containing the second and fifth frames. That is, the main radiation direction is... Figure 11 The circularly polarized radiation wave, indicated by the middle arrow G, enables the foldable electronic device to have satellite communication capabilities. In another specific embodiment, please refer to... Figure 12The diagram illustrates the antenna's position in a foldable electronic device in one possible embodiment. Antenna 4 is located on the third frame 13, and the distance between the feed point of antenna 4 and the axis of the pivot assembly 3 is 1 / 4 of the operating wavelength of antenna 4. In this scheme, the excitation of antenna 4 generates a ground current, which propagates along the floor in a traveling wave manner. The axis of the pivot assembly 3 acts as a forced boundary for the ground current, enabling it to generate two current components, current D and current E. Currents D and E are equidistant from the axis of the pivot assembly. When currents D and E form a 90° phase difference along the axis of the pivot assembly, a circularly polarized radiation wave is formed, with the main radiation direction extending from the plane containing the second and fifth frames to the plane containing the third and sixth frames. Figure 12 The circularly polarized radiation wave, indicated by the middle arrow H, enables the foldable electronic device to achieve satellite communication. This foldable electronic device is located in... Figure 12 When the antenna is in the intermediate folded state as shown, the left-hand circular polarization pattern of antenna 4 is as follows: Figure 13 As shown, the total radiation pattern of antenna 4 is as follows: Figure 14 As shown. Figure 15 for Figure 12 The simulation diagram shows the axial ratio of the circularly polarized radiation wave emitted by antenna 4 when the foldable electronic device is in its intermediate folded state. Figure 16 for Figure 13 The simulation diagram shows the axial ratio of the circularly polarized radiation wave radiated by antenna 4 when the foldable electronic device is in its flat state. Comparing the simulation diagrams of the axial ratio of the circularly polarized radiation wave radiated by antenna 4 when the foldable electronic device is in its intermediate folded state and its flat state, it can be seen that the circular polarization characteristics of the electromagnetic wave radiated by antenna 4 are significantly improved when the foldable electronic device is in its intermediate folded state. That is, the satellite communication performance is better when the foldable electronic device is in its intermediate folded state.

[0052] In the two embodiments described above, the circularly polarized radiation waves generated by antenna 4 have different rotation directions; one is a left-handed circularly polarized radiation wave, and the other is a right-handed circularly polarized radiation wave, which will be explained in detail below. The specific position of antenna 4 can be set according to the rotation direction of the circularly polarized radiation wave of the target satellite. If the target satellite of antenna 4 is a satellite radiating left-handed circularly polarized radiation waves, then antenna 4 is set at a position that enables it to generate left-handed circularly polarized radiation waves. If the target satellite of antenna 4 is a satellite radiating right-handed circularly polarized radiation waves, then antenna 4 is set at a position that enables it to generate right-handed circularly polarized radiation waves.

[0053] As can be seen from the above, the foldable electronic device provided in this application embodiment can achieve better satellite communication functions by setting the antenna 4 position and combining the middle folded state of the foldable electronic device, thereby improving the amount and quality of satellite communication data. When users are in areas where base station signals are difficult to cover, such as outdoors, they can use the satellite communication function of the foldable electronic device to better realize functions such as texting, making calls and multimedia.

[0054] Specifically, when configuring the first housing 1, the first side frame 11 can be parallel to the rotating shaft assembly 3, and the second side frame 12 and the third side frame 13 can be perpendicular to the first side frame 11 and the rotating shaft assembly 3. That is, the cross-sectional shape of the first accommodating space formed by the side frames of the first housing 1 and the rotating shaft assembly 3 is rectangular. The planar profile of the floor formed by the metal portion in the first housing 1 is approximately the same as the planar profile of the first accommodating space; that is, the floor formed by the metal portion in the first housing 1 is also approximately rectangular. The approximate rectangular shape of the floor formed by the metal portion in the first housing 1 is more conducive to generating two mutually perpendicular current components on the floor, thus forming a more ideal circularly polarized radiation wave. It is worth noting that rounded corners can be formed between adjacent side frames in the first housing 1 or the second housing 2.

[0055] It is easy to understand that in the foldable electronic device provided in this application embodiment, antenna 4 is a frame antenna, such as a composite right and left hand (CRLH) antenna or an inverted F antenna (IFA). Exemplarily, in one optional embodiment, the frame of the first housing 1 is a metal frame, and the main radiator is a portion of the metal frame. In another optional embodiment, the frame of the first housing 1 is an insulating frame, for example, a plastic frame or a glass frame. Exemplarily, in this case, the main radiator can be a metal coating disposed on the frame of the first housing 1 or a metal portion of the flexible circuit board.

[0056] In one optional embodiment, the preset angle is 60° to 120°, for example, 60°, 75°, 90° and 120°.

[0057] It is easy to understand that the foldable electronic device mentioned in the embodiments of this application can be a vertically folding structure or a horizontally folding structure. Taking the unfolded state of the foldable electronic device during normal use as an example, when the foldable electronic device is a vertically folding structure, the aforementioned first housing 1 can be either the housing located above the hinge assembly 3 or the housing located below the hinge assembly 3. When the foldable electronic device is a horizontally folding structure, the aforementioned first housing 1 can be either the housing located on the left side of the hinge assembly 3 or the housing located on the right side of the hinge assembly 3.

[0058] The following is a brief explanation of the specific settings of antenna 4 when the foldable electronic device is in the middle folded state during normal use, taking the foldable electronic device in the middle folded state as an example.

[0059] Figure 17 This is a schematic diagram showing the location of the antenna in a foldable electronic device in some possible embodiments, such as... Figure 17 As shown, the first housing 1 is located above the pivot assembly 3, the first frame 11 is located above the pivot assembly 3, and the second frame 12 and the third frame 13 are respectively located at the left and right ends of the first frame 11. Exemplarily, the antenna 4 is located on the first frame 11, and the distance between the feed point of the antenna 4 and the edge of the ground facing the second frame 12 is 1 / 8 to 3 / 8 of the operating wavelength of the antenna 4. That is, the antenna 4 is located... Figure 17 At position a, antenna 4 forms a left-hand circularly polarized radiation wave. The main radiation direction of this left-hand circularly polarized radiation wave is located between the first housing 1 and the second housing 2, and extends from the first housing 1 in a direction away from the first housing 1 and the second housing 2. Alternatively, antenna 4 is located on the aforementioned first frame 11, and the distance between the feed point of antenna 4 and the edge of the floor facing the third frame 13 is 1 / 8 to 3 / 8 of the operating wavelength of antenna 4. That is, antenna 4 is located on... Figure 17 At position b, antenna 4 forms a right-hand circularly polarized radiation wave. The main radiation direction of this right-hand circularly polarized radiation wave is located between the first housing 1 and the second housing 2, and extends from the first housing 1 in a direction away from the first housing 1 and the second housing 2. Alternatively, antenna 4 is located on the aforementioned second frame 12, and the distance between the feed point of antenna 4 and the axis of the rotating shaft assembly 3 is 1 / 8 to 3 / 8 of the operating wavelength of antenna 4. That is, antenna 4 is located at... Figure 17 At position c, antenna 4 forms a right-hand circularly polarized radiation wave. The main radiation direction of this right-hand circularly polarized radiation wave is located between the first housing 1 and the second housing 2, and points from the plane containing the third and sixth borders to the plane containing the second and fifth borders. Alternatively, antenna 4 is located on the aforementioned third border 13, and the distance between the feed point of antenna 4 and the axis of the rotating shaft assembly 3 is 1 / 8 to 3 / 8 of the operating wavelength of antenna 4. In other words, antenna 4 is located on... Figure 17 At position d in the diagram, antenna 4 forms a left-hand circularly polarized radiation wave. The main radiation direction of this left-hand circularly polarized radiation wave is located between the first housing 1 and the second housing 2, and points from the plane containing the second and fifth side frames to the plane containing the third and sixth side frames.

[0060] Figure 18 This is a schematic diagram showing the location of the antenna in a foldable electronic device in some possible embodiments, such as... Figure 18As shown, in an optional embodiment, the first housing 1 is located below the pivot assembly 3, the first frame 11 is located below the pivot assembly 3, and the second frame 12 and the third frame 13 are respectively located at the left and right ends of the first frame 11. The antenna 4 is located on the first frame 11, and the distance between the feed point of the antenna 4 and the edge of the ground facing the second frame 12 is 1 / 8 to 3 / 8 of the operating wavelength of the antenna 4. That is, the antenna 4 is located on the first frame 11. Figure 18 Position e in the diagram. In another optional embodiment, antenna 4 is located on the first frame 11, and the distance between the feed point of antenna 4 and the edge of the floor facing the third frame 13 is 1 / 8 to 3 / 8 of the operating wavelength of antenna 4. That is, antenna 4 is located at... Figure 18 The position f in the diagram. In another optional embodiment, antenna 4 is located on the second frame 12, and the distance between the feed point of antenna 4 and the axis of the rotating shaft assembly 3 is 1 / 8 to 3 / 8 of the operating wavelength of antenna 4. That is, antenna 4 is located at... Figure 18 The position g in the text. In another optional embodiment, antenna 4 is located on the third frame 13, and the distance between the feed point of antenna 4 and the axis of the rotating shaft assembly 3 is 1 / 8 to 3 / 8 of the operating wavelength of antenna 4. That is, antenna 4 is located at... Figure 18 The principle of the antenna is similar to that of the first housing 1 located above the rotating shaft assembly 3, as described above, and will not be explained in detail here.

[0061] It's worth noting that when the foldable electronic device has a vertically folding structure, with the first housing 1 located above the hinge assembly 3 and the antenna 4 located on the first frame 11 (i.e., the antenna 4 is at the top of the foldable electronic device), the circularly polarized radiation wave generated by the antenna 4 can better achieve satellite communication functionality. Furthermore, after activating the satellite communication function, the user's grip on the foldable electronic device is closer to its normal usage state, resulting in a better user experience. When the antenna 4 is located on the second frame 12 or the third frame 13, after activating the satellite communication function, the user needs to rotate the foldable electronic device to align the antenna's main radiation direction with the satellite. Typically, after rotation, the foldable electronic device resembles a horizontally folding structure. Additionally, when using the foldable electronic device, users usually hold it near the bottom. If the antenna 4 is located at the bottom of the foldable electronic device, i.e., below the hinge assembly 3, the user's hand will absorb the radiation wave from the antenna 4, thus reducing its communication capability. To avoid this, the user needs to rotate the foldable electronic device to grip the second housing.

[0062] Next, taking the foldable electronic device in its middle folded state during normal use as an example, we will briefly explain the specific settings of antenna 4 when the foldable electronic device has a left-right folding structure.

[0063] Figure 19 This is a schematic diagram showing the location of the antenna in a foldable electronic device in some possible embodiments, such as... Figure 19 As shown, the first housing 1 is located on the left side of the pivot assembly 3, the first frame 11 is located on the left side of the pivot assembly 3, and the second frame 12 and the third frame 13 are respectively located at the upper and lower ends of the first frame 11. Further, in an optional embodiment, the antenna 4 is located on the first frame 11, and the distance between the feed point of the antenna 4 and the edge of the ground facing the second frame 12 is 1 / 8 to 3 / 8 of the operating wavelength of the antenna 4, that is, the antenna 4 is located on... Figure 19 The k position in the diagram. In another optional embodiment, antenna 4 is located on the first frame 11, and the distance between the feed point of antenna 4 and the edge of the floor facing the third frame 13 is 1 / 8 to 3 / 8 of the operating wavelength of antenna 4, that is, antenna 4 is located at... Figure 19 The position of l in the middle. In another optional embodiment, the antenna 4 is located on the second frame 12, and the distance between the feed point of the antenna 4 and the axis of the rotating shaft assembly 3 is 1 / 8 to 3 / 8 of the operating wavelength of the antenna 4, that is, the antenna 4 is located at the position of l in the middle. Figure 19 The m position in the image. In another optional embodiment, antenna 4 is located on the third frame 13, and the distance between the feed point of antenna 4 and the axis of the rotating shaft assembly 3 is 1 / 8 to 3 / 8 of the operating wavelength of antenna 4, that is, antenna 4 is located at... Figure 19 The n position in the equation.

[0064] Figure 20 This is a schematic diagram showing the location of the antenna in a foldable electronic device in some possible embodiments, such as... Figure 20 As shown, in an optional embodiment, the first housing 1 is located on the right side of the pivot assembly 3, the first frame 11 is located on the right side of the pivot assembly 3, and the second frame 12 and the third frame 13 are respectively disposed at the upper and lower ends of the first frame 11. Specifically, in an optional embodiment, the antenna 4 is located on the first frame 11, and the distance between the feed point of the antenna 4 and the edge of the ground facing the second frame 12 is 1 / 8 to 3 / 8 of the operating wavelength of the antenna 4, that is, the antenna 4 is located on the first frame 11. Figure 20 The o position in the diagram. In another optional embodiment, antenna 4 is located on the first frame 11, and the distance between the feed point of antenna 4 and the edge of the floor facing the third frame 13 is 1 / 8 to 3 / 8 of the operating wavelength of antenna 4, that is, antenna 4 is located at... Figure 20 The p position in the image. In another optional embodiment, antenna 4 is located on the second frame 12, and the distance between the feed point of antenna 4 and the axis of the rotating shaft assembly 3 is 1 / 8 to 3 / 8 of the operating wavelength of antenna 4, that is, antenna 4 is located at... Figure 20The q position in the diagram. In another optional embodiment, antenna 4 is located on the aforementioned third frame 13, and the distance between the feed point of antenna 4 and the axis of the rotating shaft assembly 3 is 1 / 8 to 3 / 8 of the operating wavelength of antenna 4, that is, antenna 4 is located at... Figure 20 The position of r in the text.

[0065] It's worth noting that when the foldable electronic device has a left-right folding structure and antenna 4 is located on the second frame 12 (i.e., at the top), the circularly polarized radiation wave generated by antenna 4 provides better satellite communication capabilities. Furthermore, after activating satellite communication, the user's grip on the foldable device is closer to its normal usage state, resulting in a better user experience. When antenna 4 is located on the first frame 11, after activating satellite communication, the user needs to rotate the device to align the antenna's main radiation direction with the satellite. After rotation, the device's position is similar to a top-bottom folding device. Additionally, users typically hold the foldable device near the bottom. If antenna 4 is at the bottom, the user's hand will absorb its radiation, reducing its communication capability. To avoid this, when the foldable device has the left-right folding structure described above, the user needs to hold the end of the device opposite the antenna frame, ensuring antenna 4 is at the top. It should be understood that when a foldable electronic device has a left-right folding structure, the principle of the antenna is similar to that when the foldable electronic device has a top-bottom folding structure, as described above, so it will not be explained in detail here.

[0066] It should be understood that the foldable electronic device also includes a flexible display screen 7, which continuously covers the first housing 1, the hinge assembly 3, and the second housing 2, and the flexible display screen 7 is fixedly connected to both the first housing 1 and the second housing 2. Further, please refer to... Figure 21 , Figure 21This is a schematic diagram of a foldable electronic device provided in one embodiment of this application. In an optional implementation, the foldable electronic device further includes a folding state detection component 5 and a processing unit 6. Both the folding state detection component 5 and the flexible display screen 7 are electrically connected to the processing unit 6. The folding state detection component 5 is used to detect the angle between the first housing 1 and the second housing 2. For example, the folding state detection component 5 can be a sensor component. The processing unit 6 stores the correspondence between Earth coordinates and satellite elevation angles, and also stores the correspondence between the angle between the first housing 1 and the second housing 2 and the main radiation direction of the antenna 4. This allows the processing unit 6 to control the flexible display screen 7 to guide the user to align the main radiation direction of the antenna 4 with the satellite based on the feedback from the folding state detection component 5. In other words, the processing unit 6 can, based on the correspondence between the user's geographical location and the satellite elevation angle, and the angle between the first housing 1 and the second housing 2 fed back by the folding state detection component 5, recall the correspondence between the angle between the first housing 1 and the second housing 2 and the main radiation direction of the antenna 4, and guide the user to rotate the foldable electronic device through the flexible display screen 7 to align the main radiation direction of the antenna 4 with the satellite. It is easy to understand that when the satellite communication function is activated, the foldable electronic device is in a folded state, and the angle between the first housing 1 and the second housing 2 can be maintained at the aforementioned preset angle, so as to improve the satellite communication performance of the foldable electronic device. It is worth noting that when the angle between the first housing 1 and the second housing 2 is maintained at 90°, the circular polarization ratio of the antenna 4 is better and the satellite communication performance is better after the satellite communication function of the foldable electronic device is activated.

[0067] The following is a brief introduction to the main application scenarios of the foldable electronic device provided in this application embodiment. After enabling the satellite communication function of the foldable electronic device, the flexible display screen 7 of the foldable electronic device can prompt the user to fold the foldable electronic device to 60° to 120° to improve the gain of the antenna 4 and provide a more stable and higher quality satellite communication service. In a specific embodiment, after enabling the satellite communication function of the foldable electronic device, the flexible display screen 7 of the foldable electronic device prompts the user to fold the foldable electronic device at an angle of 60°, 75°, 90° or 120°. The processing unit 6 of the foldable electronic device will, based on the correspondence between the user's geographical location and the satellite elevation angle, and the angle between the first housing 1 and the second housing 2 fed back by the folding state detection component 5, call the correspondence between the angle between the first housing 1 and the second housing 2 and the main radiation direction of the antenna 4, and guide the user to rotate the foldable electronic device through the user interface (UI) on the flexible display screen 7 to align the main radiation direction of the antenna 4 with the satellite.

[0068] Of course, the antenna mentioned in this application embodiment can also be other types of antennas, such as WIFI antennas or cellular antennas, so as to realize communication with terminal devices in WIFI networks or cellular networks.

[0069] The above are merely specific embodiments of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A foldable electronic device, characterized in that, The device includes a first housing, a second housing, a rotating shaft assembly, and an antenna. The first housing and the second housing are respectively disposed on both sides of the rotating shaft assembly, and at least one of the first housing and the second housing is rotatably connected to the rotating shaft assembly. The included angle between the first housing and the second housing can be maintained at a preset angle. The first housing includes multiple side frames, which include at least a first side frame, a second side frame, and a third side frame. The second side frame and the third side frame are respectively disposed at both ends of the pivot assembly, and the first side frame is located between the second side frame and the third side frame on the side away from the pivot assembly. The metal parts in the first housing, the metal parts in the second housing, and the metal parts in the rotating shaft assembly are electrically connected to serve as a floor. The antenna is located on one side of the first housing. The antenna includes a main radiator and a feed point, with the feed point located on the main radiator. When the antenna is located on the first side, the distance between the feed point and the edge of the floor facing the second or third side is 1 / 8 to 3 / 8 of the antenna's operating wavelength. When the antenna is located on the second or third side, the distance between the feed point and the axis of the rotating shaft assembly is 1 / 8 to 3 / 8 of the antenna's operating wavelength.

2. The foldable electronic device according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the antenna is located on the first frame, the distance between the feed point and the edge of the floor facing the second or third frame is 1 / 4 of the antenna's operating wavelength.

3. The foldable electronic device according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the antenna is located on the second or third frame, the distance between the feed point and the axis of the rotating shaft assembly is 1 / 4 of the antenna's operating wavelength.

4. The foldable electronic device according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The first border is parallel to the pivot assembly, and the second and third borders are both perpendicular to the first border and the pivot assembly.

5. The foldable electronic device according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, When the foldable electronic device is in use, the antenna is located on top of the foldable electronic device.

6. The foldable electronic device according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The preset angle is 60° to 120°.

7. The foldable electronic device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The preset angle is 90°.

8. The foldable electronic device according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The device includes a flexible display screen that continuously covers the first housing, the pivot assembly, and the second housing, and the flexible display screen is fixedly connected to the first housing and the second housing.

9. The foldable electronic device according to claim 8, characterized in that, It also includes a folding state detection component and a processing unit, both of which are electrically connected to the processing unit; The folding state detection component is used to detect the angle between the first housing and the second housing; The processing unit stores the correspondence between Earth coordinates and satellite elevation angle, and also stores the correspondence between the included angle between the first housing and the second housing and the main radiation direction of the antenna; The processing unit can control the flexible display screen to guide the user to align the main radiation direction of the antenna with the satellite based on the feedback from the folding state detection component.

10. The foldable electronic device according to any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that, The antenna is a left-handed antenna or an inverted F-shaped antenna.

11. The foldable electronic device according to any one of claims 1-10, characterized in that, The frame is a metal frame, and the main radiator is a portion of the metal frame.

12. The foldable electronic device according to any one of claims 1-10, characterized in that, The frame is an insulated frame, and the main radiator is a metal coating or the metal part of a flexible circuit board.

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