Positioning antenna, positioning device and positioning system

Abstract

The embodiment of the invention provides a positioning antenna, positioning equipment and a positioning system. The positioning antenna comprises a substrate, an underlying metal structure, a decoupling structure and at least two antenna array elements, the underlying metal structure is located on the first side surface of the substrate, and the at least two antenna array elements are located on the second side surface of the substrate; the bottom layer metal structure is provided with at least two feed holes, and the at least two antenna array elements feed through the feed holes. The at least two antenna array elements comprise a first antenna array element and a second antenna array element which are arranged at an interval, the decoupling structure is located between the first antenna array element and the second antenna array element, and the decoupling structure is used for attenuating an electric field component of the first antenna array element towards the second antenna array element under the condition that the first antenna array element feeds, therefore, the isolation between the antenna array elements is increased, and the use performance of the positioning antenna is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of positioning technology, and in particular to a positioning antenna, a positioning device and a positioning system. Background Art

[0002] With the rapid development of mobile Internet and Internet of Things, positioning technology has become an important supporting technology for smart devices or systems. Among them, Ultra Wide Band (UWB) positioning technology is an emerging wireless positioning method. In order to achieve its high-precision spatial positioning, it is often necessary to set up multiple antenna units in smart devices or systems. The size of traditional UWB positioning antennas is large and difficult to integrate into smart devices that require miniaturization of antenna size.

[0003] In the related art, the antenna units are usually integrated into miniaturized smart devices by reducing the distance between them.

[0004] However, reducing the spacing between antenna elements will result in stronger mutual coupling between antenna elements, thereby degrading antenna performance. Summary of the invention

[0005] The embodiments of the present application provide a positioning antenna, a positioning device and a positioning system, which are beneficial to improving the isolation between antenna array elements to improve the positioning performance of the positioning antenna.

[0006] The embodiment of the present application provides a positioning antenna, which includes a substrate, an underlying metal structure, a decoupling structure and at least two antenna array elements, wherein the underlying metal structure is located on a first side surface of the substrate, and the at least two antenna array elements are located on a second side surface of the substrate; at least two feeding holes are provided on the underlying metal structure, and the at least two antenna array elements are fed through the feeding holes;

[0007] The at least two antenna array elements include a first antenna array element and a second antenna array element that are spaced apart. The decoupling structure is located between the first antenna array element and the second antenna array element. When the first antenna array element is fed, the decoupling structure is used to attenuate the electric field component of the first antenna array element toward the second antenna array element.

[0008] In a feasible implementation, the decoupling structure includes a first strip metal strip line and a second strip metal strip line, the first strip metal strip line and the second strip metal strip line are arranged opposite to each other and spaced apart, and are both located on the second side surface; the first strip metal strip line and the second strip metal strip line are both electrically connected to the underlying metal structure.

[0009] In a feasible implementation, the positioning antenna also includes a metal column and a connecting hole. The connecting hole is opened in the underlying metal structure. The metal column is used to pass through the first strip metal strip line and extend into the connecting hole; or, the metal column is used to pass through the second strip metal strip line and extend into the connecting hole.

[0010] In a feasible implementation, the decoupling structure further includes a lumped element, and the lumped element is located between the first strip metal strip line and the second strip metal strip line and is located on the second side surface.

[0011] In a feasible implementation, the decoupling structure further includes a decoupling groove, which is formed in the underlying metal structure, and an opening of the decoupling groove faces away from the first side surface.

[0012] In a feasible implementation, the length of the decoupling slot is configured to be half of the wave length of the guided wave.

[0013] In a feasible implementation, the at least two antenna array elements also include a third antenna array element, the third antenna array element is located on the second side surface, and the second antenna array element and the third antenna array element are respectively located on both sides of the first antenna array element; the number of decoupling structures is two, one of which is located between the first antenna array element and the second antenna array element, and the other is located between the first antenna array element and the third antenna array element.

[0014] In a feasible implementation, the positioning antenna further includes a feeding element, the feeding element includes an inner conductor and an outer conductor, wherein the inner conductor is provided through the substrate and the underlying metal structure;

[0015] One end of the inner conductor is connected to the antenna array element, the other end of the inner conductor is exposed from the underlying metal structure, and the outer conductor is wrapped around the exposed portion of the inner conductor.

[0016] An embodiment of the present application further provides a positioning device, including a driving module and the aforementioned positioning antenna, wherein the driving module is used to drive the positioning antenna to obtain position information of an object to be measured.

[0017] In a feasible implementation, the positioning device includes a fixing member, and the underlying metal structure is fixed on the fixing member; when the fixing member is non-metallic, the decoupling structure includes a decoupling groove, the decoupling groove is opened in the underlying metal structure, and the opening of the decoupling groove faces away from the first side surface.

[0018] The embodiment of the present application further provides a positioning system, including a terminal device and the aforementioned positioning device, wherein the positioning device transmits the position information to the terminal device so that the position information of the object to be measured is displayed on the terminal device.

[0019] A positioning antenna provided in an embodiment of the present application sets a decoupling structure between a first antenna element and a second antenna element. When the first antenna element is fed through a feeding hole, the decoupling structure increases the impedance of the electric field at the first antenna element transmitted to the second antenna element during feeding, thereby reducing the electric field component of the first antenna element toward the second antenna element, thereby reducing the electric field coupling between the first antenna element and the second antenna element, increasing the isolation between the antenna elements, and improving the performance of the positioning antenna. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the position of an antenna unit in the related art;

[0021] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A coupling electric field between the first antenna array element and the second antenna array element;

[0022] Figure 3 for Figure 1 Matching level diagram of the central positioning antenna;

[0023] Figure 4 for Figure 1 Isolation diagram of the central positioning antenna;

[0024] Figure 5 for Figure 1 Gain diagram of the central positioning antenna;

[0025] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the layer structure of a positioning antenna provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0026] Figure 7 for Figure 6 Schematic diagram of the location of the antenna array element layer;

[0027] Figure 8 for Figure 6 Structural diagram of the bottom metal structure

[0028] Figure 9a The array of antenna elements in the embodiment of the present application is Figure 1 ;

[0029] Figure 9b The array of antenna elements in the embodiment of the present application is Figure 2 ;

[0030] Fig.9c The array of antenna elements in the embodiment of the present application is Figure 3 ;

[0031] Fig.10 A schematic diagram of the electric field between the first antenna array element and the second strip metal strip line in the positioning antenna provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0032] Fig.11 A schematic diagram of the electric field between the first antenna array element and the second antenna array element in the positioning antenna provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0033] Fig.12 A schematic diagram of the electric field at the decoupling slot in the positioning antenna according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0034] Fig.13 A schematic diagram of current distribution of a positioning antenna in the related art;

[0035] Fig.14 A schematic diagram of current distribution of a positioning antenna provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0036] Fig.15 A matching level diagram of the positioning antenna provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0037] Fig.16 An isolation diagram of a positioning antenna provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0038] Fig.17 This is a gain diagram of the positioning antenna provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0039] Description of reference numerals:

[0040] 100- positioning antenna;

[0041] 10-antenna array element layer; 20-substrate; 30-bottom metal structure;

[0042] 8-dielectric substrate; 1, 11-first antenna element; 2, 12-second antenna element; 3, 13-third antenna element; 4, 5, 6-feeding point; 31-feeding hole; 15-decoupling structure; 151-first strip metal strip line; 152-second strip metal strip line; 154-lumped element; 156-decoupling slot; 32-metal column; 33-connecting hole; 51-inner conductor; 53-outer conductor; x-first direction; y-second direction; 9-electric wall; S21-first isolation; S13-second isolation; S23-third isolation. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0043] In order to enable those skilled in the art to better understand the technical solutions in the present application, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of the present application. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present application, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in the present application, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in the field without creative work should fall within the scope of protection of the present application.

[0044] In the description of the embodiments of the present invention, it should be noted that the terms "upper", "lower", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside", "first direction", "second direction" and "third direction" etc. indicate orientations or positional relationships based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the embodiments of the present invention and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the devices or elements referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as limitations on the embodiments of the present invention. In addition, the terms "first", "second" and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance. Unless otherwise specified, the "first direction" in this embodiment can be used to indicate the width direction of the antenna, the "second direction" can be used to indicate the length direction of the antenna, and the "third direction" can be used to indicate the thickness direction of the antenna.

[0045] In the description of the embodiments of the present invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the terms "connected" and "connected" should be understood in a broad sense, for example, it can be directly connected or indirectly connected through an intermediate medium. For ordinary technicians in this field, the specific meanings of the above terms in the embodiments of the present invention can be understood in specific circumstances.

[0046] In the description of this specification, the description with reference to the terms "one embodiment", "some embodiments", "example", "specific example", or "some examples" etc. means that the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described in conjunction with the embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of the embodiment of the present invention. In this specification, the schematic representations of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Moreover, the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described may be combined in any one or more embodiments or examples in a suitable manner. Different embodiments or examples described in this specification and features of different embodiments or examples may be combined and combined by a person skilled in the art without contradiction.

[0047] With the rapid development of mobile Internet and Internet of Things, positioning technology has become an important supporting technology for smart devices and smart systems. As an emerging wireless positioning method, ultra-wideband (UWB) positioning technology has gradually become the first choice for many application scenarios with its advantages of high precision, low power consumption and strong penetration, especially in high-precision positioning scenarios, such as indoor positioning, medical equipment and smart home systems. In order to achieve high-precision spatial positioning, multiple antenna units in the intelligent system are often required to synchronously send and receive ultra-wideband pulse signals at different locations to calculate the relative position of the object to be measured based on the signal arrival time difference and angle difference between each antenna unit.

[0048] For example, most UWB antennas in related technologies are in the form of 1T2R or 1T3R, where 1T2R refers to 1 transmit antenna and 2 receive antennas, and 1T3R refers to 1 transmit antenna and 3 receive antennas. It can be seen that more than two antenna units are often required. However, the overall horizontal size of traditional UWB positioning antennas is large, making it difficult to integrate into smart devices that require miniaturization of antenna size. In related technologies, by reducing the overall size of the antenna, the spacing between antenna units is reduced.

[0049] Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the position of an antenna unit in the related art. Figure 1 In the example of , the positioning antenna includes a dielectric substrate 8, a first antenna element 1, a second antenna element 2 and a third antenna element 3. The first antenna element 1, the second antenna element 2 and the third antenna element 3 are all arranged on the dielectric substrate 8. The first antenna element 1 and the second antenna element 2 are arranged at intervals in the first direction x, and the first antenna element 1 and the third antenna element 3 are arranged at intervals in the second direction y. The first antenna element 1 is fed through a feeding point 4, the second antenna element 2 is fed through a feeding point 5, and the third antenna element 3 is fed through a feeding point 6.

[0050] In the example of the related art, the center distance between the first antenna element 1 and the second antenna element 2 is 1 / 6 of the air wavelength, and the center distance between the second antenna element 2 and the third antenna element 3 is 1 / 2 of the air wavelength. Since the distance between the antenna elements is small, when the signal is fed into the first antenna element 1 through the feeding point, the electric field on it will be directly coupled to the second antenna element 2 and the third antenna element 3, such as Figure 2 As shown, Figure 1 The coupled electric field between the first antenna element and the second antenna element corresponds to the electric field distribution of the dotted line p in the third direction z. It can be seen that the first antenna element 1 and the second antenna element 2 can be equivalent to an electric wall 9, and the impedance is approximately zero, which leads to poor isolation between antenna elements and affects the performance of the positioning antenna.

[0051] Figure 3 for Figure 1 Matching level diagram of the central positioning antenna; Figure 4 for Figure 1 Isolation diagram of the central positioning antenna; Figure 5 for Figure 1 The gain diagram of the positioning antenna in . Figure 3 It can be seen that the reflection coefficient matching level of the first antenna array element 1, the second antenna array element 2 and the third antenna array element 3 is poor and the bandwidth is narrow. Figure 4In the figure, the first isolation S21 is used to represent the isolation between the first antenna array element 1 and the second antenna array element 2; the second isolation S13 is the isolation between the first antenna array element 1 and the third antenna array element 3; the third isolation S23 is the isolation between the second antenna array element 2 and the third antenna array element 3, which is represented by Figure 4 It can be seen that the isolation between the first antenna array element 1 and the second antenna array element 2 is -6dB, which is poor. Figure 5 It can be seen that the peak gain of the first antenna element 1 and the second antenna element 2 in the working frequency band is 1.5dBi, and the peak gain of the third antenna element 3 in the working frequency band is 2.8dBi. It can be obtained that there is a strong mutual coupling between the first antenna element 1 and the second antenna element 2, which causes the resonant frequency of the two to move to a high frequency, which is quite different from the resonant frequency of the third antenna element 3, thereby affecting the performance of the positioning antenna.

[0052] It can be seen that reducing the spacing between antenna units will lead to strong mutual coupling between antenna units, which will seriously affect the antenna performance.

[0053] In view of the above problems, the embodiments of the present application provide a positioning antenna, which is conducive to improving the isolation between antenna elements, thereby improving the positioning performance of the antenna. The positioning antenna is a small, high-performance and high-isolation positioning antenna that can be used in a limited space.

[0054] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the layer structure of the positioning antenna provided in the embodiment of the present application. Figure 6 As shown, in the embodiment of the present application, the positioning antenna 100 includes an antenna array element layer 10, a substrate 20 and an underlying metal structure 30, wherein the substrate 20 is located between the antenna array element layer 10 and the underlying metal structure 30, and the feed signal is transmitted to the antenna array element layer 10 via the underlying metal structure 30 and the substrate 20.

[0055] Figure 7 for Figure 6 Schematic diagram of the location of the antenna array element layer. Figure 8 for Figure 6 Schematic diagram of the structure of the bottom metal structure. Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, in some embodiments of the present application, the antenna array element layer 10 includes a decoupling structure 15 and at least two antenna array elements, the bottom metal structure 30 is located on the first side surface of the substrate 20, and the at least two antenna array elements are located on the second side surface of the substrate 20; at least two feeding holes 31 are provided on the bottom metal structure 30, and the at least two antenna array elements are fed through the feeding holes 31;

[0056] The at least two antenna elements include a first antenna element 11 and a second antenna element 12 that are spaced apart. The decoupling structure 15 is located between the first antenna element 11 and the second antenna element 12. When the first antenna element 11 is fed, the decoupling structure 15 is used to attenuate the electric field component of the first antenna element 11 toward the second antenna element 12.

[0057] In some implementations, the positioning antenna 100 may be configured as a UWB antenna, which is not specifically limited in the embodiments of the present application.

[0058] It should be noted that “between the first antenna element 11 and the second antenna element 12” here refers to an area where electric field coupling may exist between the first antenna element 11 and the second antenna element 12, including but not limited to the separation space between the first antenna element 11 and the second antenna element 12 in physical space.

[0059] Through the above scheme, by setting the decoupling structure 15 between the first antenna element 11 and the second antenna element 12, when the first antenna element 11 is fed through the feeding hole 31, the decoupling structure 15 increases the impedance of the electric field at the first antenna element 11 transmitted to the second antenna element 12 during feeding, thereby reducing the electric field component of the first antenna element 11 toward the second antenna element 12, so as to reduce the electric field coupling between the first antenna element 11 and the second antenna element 12, increase the isolation between the antenna elements, and improve the performance of the positioning antenna 100.

[0060] Figure 9a The array of antenna elements in the embodiment of the present application is Figure 1 , Figure 9b The array of antenna elements in the embodiment of the present application is Figure 2 , Fig.9c The array of antenna elements in the embodiment of the present application is Figure 3 In the embodiment of the present application, the antenna array layer 10 is provided with an antenna array, and the antenna array can be arranged as follows Figure 9a The dual-element array shown, i.e., two antenna elements are arranged at intervals; the antenna array can also be arranged as follows Figure 9b The four-element array shown, that is, the four antenna elements are arranged in a "field shape"; the antenna array can also be arranged as follows Fig.9c The multi-unit array shown, ie, the antenna array includes more than four antenna array elements, and these antenna array elements are arranged in rows and columns, and the present application does not impose any specific limitation on this.

[0061] In the embodiment of the present application, the antenna array element can be constructed as an antenna based on a microstrip structure, such as a microstrip antenna, etc. The embodiment of the present application does not impose any specific limitation on this.

[0062] In an embodiment of the present application, the decoupling structure 15 includes a first strip metal strip line 151 and a second strip metal strip line 152. The first strip metal strip line 151 and the second strip metal strip line 152 are arranged opposite to each other and spaced apart, and are both located on the second side surface; the first strip metal strip line 151 and the second strip metal strip line 152 are both electrically connected to the underlying metal structure 30.

[0063] In some embodiments of the present application, the first strip metal strip line 151 and the second strip metal strip line 152 extend along the second direction y, that is, perpendicular to the direction from the first antenna array element 11 to the second antenna array element 12, so that the first strip metal strip line 151 and the second strip metal strip line 152 can couple more electric field components from the first antenna array element 11 to the second antenna array element 12.

[0064] Through the above scheme, the first strip metal strip line 151 and the second strip metal strip line 152 are arranged together with the first antenna array element 11 and the second antenna array element 12 on the second side surface of the substrate 20, and are electrically connected to the underlying metal structure 30. In this way, when the first antenna array element 11 is fed through the feeding hole, since the first strip metal strip line 151 and the second strip metal strip line 152 are both electrically connected to the underlying metal structure and are located on the path where the electric field of the first antenna array element 11 propagates to the second antenna array element 12, the first strip metal strip line 151 and the second strip metal strip line 152 can couple the electric field component propagating from the first antenna array element 11 to the second antenna array element 12, thereby attenuating the x-direction electric field component of the first antenna array element 11 toward the second antenna array element 12, thereby improving the isolation between the antenna array elements and improving the performance of the positioning antenna 100.

[0065] Fig.10 A schematic diagram of the electric field between the first antenna element and the second strip metal strip line in the positioning antenna provided in the embodiment of the present application. In the embodiment of the present application, when the first antenna element 11 is fed, that is, when the first antenna element 100 is excited, most of the electric field components generated toward the second antenna element 12 will be directly coupled to the second strip metal strip line 152, thereby exciting the 1 / 4λ0 mode of the second strip metal strip line 152. In this mode, the second strip metal strip line 152 will lose most of the electric field components at the first antenna element 100 toward the second antenna element 12 by radiating into space. Another small part of the electric field components will be directly coupled to the second antenna element 12, thereby exciting the inverted TM10 mode of the second antenna element 12, thereby improving the directional performance of the first antenna element 11. Fig.10As shown, in this case, the electric field component generated by the first antenna element 11 toward the second antenna element 12 is mainly concentrated on the second strip metal strip line 152, and the coupling electric field is adjusted from being distributed along the first direction x to being distributed along the second direction y, thereby weakening the component of the coupling electric field along the first direction x, that is, attenuating the electric field component generated by the first antenna element 11 toward the second antenna element 12, thereby improving the isolation between the first antenna element 11 and the second antenna element 12.

[0066] It is understandable that the inverted TM10 mode of the second antenna element 12 needs to be stimulated by adjusting the position and size of the first strip metal strip line 151 , and the embodiment of the present application does not impose any specific limitation on this.

[0067] In addition, this description introduces the working principle of the decoupling structure 15, all of which are explained by taking the feeding of the first antenna array element 11 as an example. In practical applications, it can be extended to the scenario of feeding multiple antenna array elements.

[0068] In some embodiments of the present application, the first strip metal strip line 151 and the second strip metal strip line 152 are electrically connected to the underlying metal structure 30 in the following manner:

[0069] The positioning antenna 100 also includes a metal column 32 and a connection hole 33. The connection hole 33 is opened in the underlying metal structure 30. The metal column 32 is used to pass through the first strip metal strip line 151 and extend into the connection hole 33; alternatively, the metal column 32 is used to pass through the second strip metal strip line 152 and extend into the connection hole 33.

[0070] In the above scheme, a metal column 32 passes through the first strip metal strip line 151 and extends into the connection hole 33. The metal column 32 contacts both the first strip metal strip line 151 and the underlying metal structure 30 to achieve electrical connection between the first strip metal strip line 151 and the underlying metal structure 30. At the same time, another metal column 32 passes through the second strip metal strip line 152 and extends into the connection hole 33. The metal column 32 contacts both the second strip metal strip line 152 and the underlying metal structure 30 to achieve electrical connection between the second strip metal strip line 152 and the underlying metal structure 30.

[0071] In some embodiments of the present application, the decoupling structure 15 further includes a lumped element 154 , which is located between the first strip metal strip line 151 and the second strip metal strip line 152 and on the second side surface.

[0072] Among them, the lumped element 154 is electrically connected to the first strip metal strip line 151 and the second strip metal strip line 152. It can be understood that the lumped element 154 can be indirectly electrically connected to the first strip metal strip line 151 and the second strip metal strip line 152 by being electrically connected to the underlying metal structure 30, or it can be directly electrically connected to the first strip metal strip line 151 and the second strip metal strip line 152.

[0073] Through the above scheme, the coupling capacitance and self-inductance between the first strip metal strip line 151 and the second strip metal strip line 152 and the lumped element 154 together form an LC resonant circuit, and the LC resonant circuit operates at the operating frequency of the antenna array element. In this way, when the first antenna array element 11 is fed at the operating frequency, the LC resonant circuit is constructed as a first impedance infinite point, thereby further weakening the electric field component of the first antenna array element 11 toward the second antenna array element 12, improving the isolation between the antenna array elements, and improving the performance of the positioning antenna 100. Wherein, L in LC represents inductance and C represents capacitance.

[0074] In addition, in some embodiments of the present application, the first strip metal strip line 151 will excite its own 1 / 4λ0 mode in the coupled electric field. In the 1 / 4λ0 mode, the electric field component along the third direction z in the positioning antenna 100 is consistent with the electric field component along the third direction z of the anti-phase TM10 mode generated by the mutual coupling of the second antenna element 12, thereby constructing a second impedance infinity point, further attenuating the electric field component of the first antenna element 11 toward the second antenna element 12.

[0075] Fig.11 The schematic diagram of the electric field between the first antenna array element and the second antenna array element in the positioning antenna provided in the embodiment of the present application shows the electric field distribution at the position of the first dotted line q when the first antenna array element 11 is fed. Fig.11 In the example, the second dotted line a corresponds to the first impedance infinity point mentioned above, that is, the location of the lumped element 154. It can be seen that at the first impedance infinity point, the electric field is transmitted along the third direction z, that is, along the thickness direction of the positioning antenna 100, and the electric field component transmitted to the second antenna element 12 is 0. The second dotted line b corresponds to the second impedance infinity point mentioned above, that is, the location between the first strip metal strip line 151 and the second antenna element 12. The electric field condition at the second impedance infinity point is similar to the electric field condition at the first impedance infinity point.

[0076] In some embodiments of the present application, it should be noted that the introduction of lumped elements 154 in the positioning antenna 100 can improve the isolation between antenna array elements. When applied, it can be selected based on the actual cost and the index requirements of the positioning antenna 100. For example, when processing the positioning antenna 100, the LDS process is used to reduce the size of the antenna, that is, the 3D wiring technology is used. Due to the process limitations of the 3D wiring technology, welding the lumped element 154 may cause the metal traces on the surface of the substrate 20 to fall off, affecting the performance of the positioning antenna 100. Then, the lumped element 154 may not be introduced into the positioning antenna 100, thereby improving the product yield of the positioning antenna 100.

[0077] Fig.12 Schematic diagram of the electric field at the decoupling slot in the positioning antenna of the embodiment of the present application. Figure 8 and Fig.12 As shown, in some embodiments of the present application, in order to further improve the isolation between antenna elements, when the positioning antenna 100 is installed on a non-metallic structure in an application, the decoupling structure 15 also includes a decoupling slot 156, and the decoupling slot 156 is formed in the underlying metal structure 30, and the opening of the decoupling slot 156 is facing away from the first side surface, so that the electric field component of the first antenna element 11 toward the second antenna element 12 resonates at the decoupling slot 156.

[0078] Here, when the positioning antenna 100 is installed on a metal structure in an application, the side of the underlying metal structure 30 installed on the metal structure is an electrical boundary, and therefore, the decoupling structure 15 may include a first strip metal strip line 151 and a second strip metal strip line 152; or a first strip metal strip line 151, a second strip metal strip line 152 and a lumped element 154.

[0079] Conversely, when the positioning antenna 100 is installed on a non-metallic structure in an application, the side on which the underlying metal structure 30 is installed on the non-metallic structure can be approximated as an open boundary. At this time, if the positioning antenna 100 includes a decoupling slot 156, then the decoupling slot 156 will fail and cannot further attenuate the electric field component of the first antenna array element 11 toward the second antenna array element 12.

[0080] The decoupling slot 156 may extend along the second direction y on the bottom metal structure 30. In other words, the decoupling slot 156 may be consistent with the extension direction of the first strip metal strip line 151 or the second strip metal strip line 152. Accordingly, since the decoupling slot 156 is perpendicular to the electric field component from the first antenna element 11 to the second antenna element 12, the coupled electric field resonates at the decoupling slot, and then the coupled energy is radiated into space to attenuate the coupled electric field component from the first antenna element 11 to the second antenna element 12, thereby improving the isolation between the antenna elements.

[0081] In some embodiments of the present application, the length of the decoupling slot 156, that is, the length of the decoupling slot 156 along the second direction y is 1 / 2 of the guided wave wavelength, so the decoupling slot 156 can be used as a half-wavelength resonator, so that the coupled electric field on the underlying metal structure 30 resonates at the decoupling slot 156, thereby reducing the electric field component of the first antenna element 11 coupled to the second antenna element 12, and improving the isolation between the antenna elements. In addition, it can be understood that by adjusting the size and position of the half-wavelength resonator, the bandwidth of the antenna element can be expanded, and it can also be involved in the radiation to improve the directional pattern of the positioning antenna 100.

[0082] It should be noted that the decoupling groove 156 can be disposed on the bottom metal structure 30 by etching.

[0083] In some embodiments of the present application, at least two antenna elements further include a third antenna element 13, which is located on the second side surface, and the second antenna element 12 and the third antenna element 13 are respectively located on both sides of the first antenna element 11; in order to improve the problem of positioning accuracy of the positioning antenna caused by the inconsistency of the resonance points of the third antenna element 13 and the first antenna element 11 and the second antenna element 12, the number of decoupling structures 15 is two, one of which is located between the first antenna element 11 and the second antenna element 12, and the other is located between the first antenna element 11 and the third antenna element 13, which are used to change the electromagnetic environment of the antenna elements, thereby achieving adjustment of the resonant frequency.

[0084] Fig.13 A schematic diagram of current distribution of a positioning antenna in related technology. Fig.14 A schematic diagram of current distribution of a positioning antenna provided in an embodiment of the present application. Fig.13 and Fig.14 The current distribution diagrams of the positioning antenna 100 are obtained by taking the feeding of the first antenna array element as an example. Fig.13 It can be seen that in the related art, since the intervals between the first antenna element 1, the second antenna element 2 and the first antenna element 3 are relatively small, when the first antenna element 1 is fed, there are more coupled electric fields at the second antenna element 2.

[0085] And in Fig.14 In the embodiment, since the decoupling structure 15 is provided between the first antenna element 11 and the second antenna element 12, and the decoupling structure 15 is provided between the first antenna element 11 and the third antenna element 13, the mutual coupling between the antenna elements is reduced, and the performance of the positioning antenna 100 is improved. It can be seen that the decoupling structure 15 plays a positive role in the electric field distribution adjustment and resonance point tuning of the antenna elements, and the decoupling structure 15 has a simple structure and good production stability and mass production.

[0086] It should be noted that the decoupling structure 15 is provided between the first antenna element 11 and the second antenna element 12, which can reduce the mutual coupling between the two, so that the resonant frequency of the two is maintained at the target frequency. Through the above scheme, a decoupling structure 15 is added between the first antenna element 11 and the third antenna element 13. Similarly, the decoupling structure 15 can reduce the mutual coupling between the two, so that the resonant frequency of the two is maintained at the target frequency. In this way, the decoupling structure 15 is provided between the first antenna element 11 and the second antenna element 12, and the decoupling structure 15 is provided between the first antenna element 11 and the third antenna element 13, so as to achieve precise adjustment of the resonant frequency, so that the resonant frequencies of the first antenna element 11, the second antenna element 12 and the third antenna element 13 can be kept consistent, thereby improving the consistency of the antenna elements of the positioning antenna 100 and the consistency of the reflection coefficient, thereby improving the performance of the positioning antenna 100.

[0087] like Figure 6 As shown, in the embodiment of the present application, the positioning antenna 100 also includes a feeding element 50, and the feeding element 50 includes an inner conductor 51 and an outer conductor 53, wherein the inner conductor 51 is penetrated through the substrate 20 and the underlying metal structure 30; one end of the inner conductor 51 is connected to the antenna array element, and the other end of the inner conductor 51 is exposed from the underlying metal structure 30, and the outer conductor 53 is wrapped around the exposed portion of the inner conductor 51.

[0088] Here, the inner conductor 51 is passed through the connection hole 31 to be connected to the antenna array element. It can be understood that the connection hole 31 opened in the underlying metal structure 30 passes through the substrate 20 and extends to the antenna array element to achieve the connection between the inner conductor 51 and the antenna array element through the connection hole 31.

[0089] In some embodiments of the present application, the inner conductor 51 and the outer conductor 53 may be constructed as a coaxial line, the feed signal is fed to the antenna element through the inner conductor 51, and the outer conductor 53 is used to protect the inner conductor 51. The feed signal may be provided by a radio transmitter.

[0090] In some embodiments of the present application, after the antenna element is fed, it works in TM 10 resonant mode, thereby radiating wireless signals outward.

[0091] In one embodiment of the present application, the substrate 20 is configured as a RO4003C substrate with a dielectric constant of 3.38 and a loss angle of 0.0027. The size of the positioning antenna 100 in the first direction x is 10 mm, the size in the second direction y is 40 mm, and the size in the third direction z is 1.524 mm, that is, the length, width and height dimensions at the operating frequency of 8 GHz are 1.06λ0×0.27λ0×0.04λ0, where λ0 is the air wavelength.

[0092] Fig.15 A matching level diagram of the positioning antenna provided in an embodiment of the present application; Fig.16 An isolation diagram of a positioning antenna provided in an embodiment of the present application; Fig.17 The gain diagram of the positioning antenna provided in the embodiment of the present application. Fig.16 S21 is used to represent the isolation between the first antenna array element 11 and the second antenna array element 12; S13 is the isolation between the first antenna array element 11 and the third antenna array element 13; S23 is the isolation between the second antenna array element 12 and the third antenna array element 13. Figures 15 to 17 It can be seen that the matching bandwidth of the first antenna element 1, the second antenna element 2 and the third antenna element 3 at -10dB is 7.87GHz to 8.15GHz, which enables the positioning antenna 100 to be applied to the CH9 frequency band required by the market, and the peak gain in this frequency band reaches 4.7dBi. In addition, the isolation level of the positioning antenna 100 in the working frequency band reaches below -18dB, and the isolation level at the resonance point reaches -30dB, which greatly improves the isolation between the antenna elements of the positioning antenna 100 and improves the performance of the positioning antenna 100.

[0093] Based on the same concept, the embodiment of the present application also provides a positioning device, which includes a driving module and the aforementioned positioning antenna 100, wherein the driving module is used to drive the positioning antenna 100 to obtain the position information of the object to be measured. The driving module is configured to have a radio transmission function.

[0094] In an embodiment of the present application, the positioning device includes a fixing member, and the underlying metal structure 30 is fixed on the fixing member; when the fixing member is non-metallic, the decoupling structure includes a decoupling groove 156, which is opened in the underlying metal structure 30, and the opening of the decoupling groove 156 is facing away from the first side surface.

[0095] Based on the same concept, an embodiment of the present application also provides a positioning system, which includes a terminal device and the aforementioned positioning device, the positioning device transmits location information to the terminal device so that the location information is displayed on the terminal device, wherein the terminal device is also used to face the user.

[0096] In the positioning antenna 100, positioning device and positioning system of the embodiment of the present application, by setting a decoupling structure 15 between the first antenna array element 11 and the second antenna array element 12, when the first antenna array element 11 is fed through the feeding hole 31, the decoupling structure 15, that is, the second antenna array element 12, constructs a plurality of impedance infinite points, thereby reducing the electric field component of the first antenna array element 11 toward the second antenna array element 12, so as to reduce the electric field coupling between the first antenna array element 11 and the second antenna array element 12, increase the isolation between the antenna array elements, and improve the performance of the positioning antenna 100.

[0097] In addition, a decoupling structure 15 is provided between the first antenna element 11 and the second antenna element 12, which can reduce the mutual coupling between the two, so that the resonant frequency of the two is maintained at the target frequency. At the same time, a decoupling structure 15 is added between the first antenna element 11 and the third antenna element 13. Similarly, the decoupling structure 15 can reduce the mutual coupling between the two, so that the resonant frequency of the two is maintained at the target frequency. Thus, the resonant frequency of the first antenna element 11, the second antenna element 12 and the third antenna element 13 can be precisely adjusted, so that the resonant frequency of the three can be kept consistent, thereby improving the consistency of the antenna elements of the positioning antenna 100 and the consistency of the reflection coefficient, thereby improving the performance of the positioning antenna 100.

[0098] It is easy to understand that those skilled in the art can combine, split, reorganize, etc. the embodiments of the present application to obtain other embodiments based on the several embodiments provided in the present application, and these embodiments do not exceed the protection scope of the present application.

[0099] The above specific implementation methods further explain in detail the purpose, technical solutions and beneficial effects of the embodiments of the present application. It should be understood that the above are only specific implementation methods of the embodiments of the present application and are not used to limit the protection scope of the embodiments of the present application. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc. made on the basis of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application should be included in the protection scope of the embodiments of the present application.

Claims

1. A positioning antenna, characterized in that: The invention comprises a substrate, an underlying metal structure, a decoupling structure and at least two antenna array elements, wherein the underlying metal structure is located on a first side surface of the substrate, and the at least two antenna array elements are located on a second side surface of the substrate; at least two feeding holes are provided on the underlying metal structure, and the at least two antenna array elements are fed through the feeding holes; The at least two antenna array elements include a first antenna array element and a second antenna array element that are spaced apart from each other. The decoupling structure is located between the first antenna array element and the second antenna array element. When the first antenna array element is fed, the decoupling structure is used to attenuate the electric field component of the first antenna array element toward the second antenna array element.

2. The positioning antenna according to claim 1, characterized in that: The decoupling structure comprises a first strip metal strip line and a second strip metal strip line, wherein the first strip metal strip line and the second strip metal strip line are arranged opposite to each other and spaced apart, and are both located on the second side surface; The first strip metal strip line and the second strip metal strip line are both electrically connected to the underlying metal structure.

3. The positioning antenna according to claim 2, characterized in that: The positioning antenna also includes a metal column and a connecting hole, wherein the connecting hole is opened in the underlying metal structure, and the metal column is used to pass through the first strip metal strip line and extend into the connecting hole; or, the metal column is used to pass through the second strip metal strip line and extend into the connecting hole.

4. The positioning antenna according to claim 2, characterized in that: The decoupling structure further includes a lumped element, which is located between the first strip metal strip line and the second strip metal strip line and on the second side surface.

5. The positioning antenna according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that: The decoupling structure further includes a decoupling groove, which is formed in the underlying metal structure, and an opening of the decoupling groove faces away from the first side surface.

6. The positioning antenna according to claim 5, characterized in that: The length of the decoupling slot is configured to be half of the wave length of the guided wave.

7. The positioning antenna according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The at least two antenna array elements further include a third antenna array element, the third antenna array element is located on the second side surface, and the second antenna array element and the third antenna array element are respectively located on two sides of the first antenna array element; There are two decoupling structures, one of which is located between the first antenna array element and the second antenna array element, and the other is located between the first antenna array element and the third antenna array element.

8. The positioning antenna according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The positioning antenna further includes a feeding element, wherein the feeding element includes an inner conductor and an outer conductor, wherein the inner conductor penetrates the substrate and the underlying metal structure; One end of the inner conductor is connected to the antenna array element, the other end of the inner conductor is exposed from the underlying metal structure, and the outer conductor is wrapped around the exposed portion of the inner conductor.

9. A positioning device, characterized in that: It comprises a driving module and a positioning antenna according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the driving module is used to drive the positioning antenna to obtain position information of the object to be measured.

10. The positioning device according to claim 9, characterized in that: The positioning device includes a fixing part, and the underlying metal structure is fixed on the fixing part; when the fixing part is non-metallic, the decoupling structure includes a decoupling groove, which is opened in the underlying metal structure, and the opening of the decoupling groove faces away from the first side surface.

11. A positioning system, characterized in that: It comprises a terminal device and a positioning device according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the positioning device transmits the position information of the object to be measured to the terminal device so that the position information is displayed on the terminal device.

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