An antenna and a foldable device

Abstract

This application provides an antenna and a foldable device. The antenna is suitable for the foldable device, which includes a first side and a second side rotatably connected. The antenna includes a radiator, a matching network, and a radio frequency path. The matching network is located on the first side and includes a switching unit, at least two first impedance units, and a second impedance unit. The radiator includes a feed terminal. The switching unit includes an input terminal and at least two output terminals, each output terminal being connected to a first impedance unit. The switching unit is used to switch the antenna to a corresponding target frequency band. The second impedance unit is used to switch the output impedance of the matching network to a first target impedance that matches the current target frequency band when the first and second sides of the foldable device are open, and to switch the output impedance of the matching network to a second target impedance that matches the current target frequency band when the first and second sides of the foldable device are closed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of wireless communication technology, and more particularly to an antenna and a foldable device. Background Technology

[0002] The rise of foldable phones has indeed brought challenges and innovations to mobile phone antenna design. Because foldable phones differ in their unfolded and folded forms, the degree of antenna obstruction by the phone body varies, requiring antenna design to ensure good signal performance in both scenarios. Existing foldable devices mostly use the same antenna structure as candybar phones, making it difficult to achieve optimal antenna performance under different obstruction conditions. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In view of this, this application provides an antenna and a foldable device.

[0004] Specifically, this application is implemented through the following technical solution:

[0005] This application provides an antenna suitable for a foldable device. The foldable device includes a first side and a second side rotatably connected. The antenna includes a radiator, a matching network, and a radio frequency path. The matching network is located on the first side and includes a switching unit, at least two first impedance units, and a second impedance unit. The radiator includes a feed terminal for transmitting and / or receiving wireless signals. The switching unit includes an input terminal and at least two output terminals, each output terminal connected to a first impedance unit. The switching unit is used to switch the antenna to a corresponding target frequency band. Each first impedance unit is connected in parallel between one output terminal and the feed terminal of the switching unit. Each first impedance unit has one end connected to the feed terminal and grounded. The first impedance unit is used to match the output impedance of the matching network with the target frequency band when the branch is controlled to be turned on by the switching unit. The second impedance unit has one end connected to the input terminal of the switching unit and the other end connected to the RF path and one output terminal of the switching unit respectively. The second impedance unit is used to switch the output impedance of the matching network to the first target impedance that matches the current target frequency band when the first and second sides of the foldable device are open; and to switch the output impedance of the matching network to the second target impedance that matches the current target frequency band when the first and second sides of the foldable device are closed.

[0006] A second aspect of this application provides a foldable device, which includes an antenna as provided in the first aspect of this application.

[0007] Through the above-described solution, this application has at least the following beneficial effects:

[0008] By responding to the impedance requirements of the foldable device in different states of being closed or open under the same target frequency band through the second impedance unit, the impedance value of the main line from the RF path to the radiator can be changed, providing a new form of impedance matching. It can efficiently complete impedance matching when the electromagnetic environment of the current target frequency band is affected, and at the same time realize the function of switching the operating frequency band. Attached Figure Description

[0009] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the wiring of an antenna according to an exemplary embodiment of this application.

[0010] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of an antenna and tuning network circuitry illustrated in an exemplary embodiment of this application.

[0011] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a tuning network circuit as illustrated in an exemplary embodiment of this application.

[0012] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the internal circuitry of a second impedance unit as illustrated in an exemplary embodiment of this application.

[0013] Figure 5a This is a schematic diagram illustrating the composition of a second impedance unit according to an exemplary embodiment of this application.

[0014] Figure 5b This is a schematic diagram illustrating the composition of another second impedance unit as shown in an exemplary embodiment of this application.

[0015] Figure 6 This is a block diagram illustrating a foldable device in an exemplary embodiment of this application.

[0016] Figure label:

[0017] Foldable device 1; Antenna 10; First side 11; Second side 12; Tuning network 13;

[0018] Radiator 101; Feed terminal 1011;

[0019] Matching network 102; First impedance unit 1021; Second impedance unit 1022; Switching unit 1023;

[0020] RF path 103; Input terminal 10231; Output terminal 10232;

[0021] Third impedance unit 131; tuning switching unit 132; tuning radiator 14

[0022] First impedance element 10221; second impedance element 10222. Detailed Implementation

[0023] Exemplary embodiments will now be described in detail, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. When the following description relates to the drawings, unless otherwise indicated, the same numbers in different drawings denote the same or similar elements. The embodiments described in the following exemplary embodiments do not represent all embodiments consistent with this application. Rather, they are merely examples of apparatuses and methods consistent with some aspects of this application as detailed in the appended claims.

[0024] The terminology used in this application is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the application. The singular forms “a,” “the,” and “the” used in this application and the appended claims are also intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should also be understood that the term “and / or” as used herein refers to and includes any or all possible combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0025] It should be understood that although the terms first, second, third, etc., may be used in this application to describe various information, such information should not be limited to these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish information of the same type from one another. For example, without departing from the scope of this application, first information may also be referred to as second information, and similarly, second information may also be referred to as first information. Depending on the context, the word "if" as used herein may be interpreted as "when," "when," or "in response to determination."

[0026] The following are specific embodiments of this application.

[0027] As an innovation in the field of mobile devices, foldable phones have undergone a long process from concept to actual product. With the maturity of foldable phone technology and design, user acceptance of this new type of phone has gradually increased. Foldable phones are gradually becoming a favorite among a wider range of consumers.

[0028] In the development of foldable phones, there has been continuous innovation and improvement in screen technology, body design and folding mechanism. Technologies such as foldable screen technology and the stability of folding mechanism have been continuously developed, but the signal problem of foldable phones is still relatively unresolved.

[0029] When a foldable phone is in use, if the antenna is located on one side, the metal structure on the other side will interfere with the antenna's operation because it is folded closer to the antenna. Even if a tuning port is added to the other side to load the device, the effect is not significant.

[0030] In this regard, refer to Figure 1This application provides an antenna 10, which is applicable to a foldable device 1. The foldable device 1 includes a first side 11 and a second side 12 that are rotatably connected. The antenna 10 includes a radiator 101, a matching network 102, and a radio frequency path 103. The matching network 102 is located on the first side and includes a switching unit 1023, at least two first impedance units 1021, and a second impedance unit 1022.

[0031] in,

[0032] The radiator 101 includes a feed terminal 1011 for transmitting and / or receiving wireless signals;

[0033] The switching unit 1023 includes an input terminal 10231 and at least two output terminals 10232, each output terminal 10232 being connected to a first impedance unit 1021; the switching unit 1023 is used to switch the antenna to the corresponding target frequency band.

[0034] Each first impedance unit 1021 is connected in parallel between an output terminal 10232 of the switching unit 1023 and a feed terminal 1011, and one end of each first impedance unit 1021 connected to the feed terminal 1011 is grounded. The first impedance unit 121 is used to make the output impedance of the matching network 102 match the target frequency band when the branch is controlled to be turned on by the switching unit 1023.

[0035] The second impedance unit 1022 is connected at one end to the input terminal of the switching unit 1023, and at the other end to the RF path 103 and an output terminal 10232 of the switching unit 1023 respectively. The second impedance unit 1022 is used to switch the output impedance of the matching network 102 to the first target impedance 1021 that matches the current target frequency band when the first side 11 and the second side 12 of the foldable device 1 are opened; and to switch the output impedance of the matching network 102 to the second target impedance that matches the current target frequency band when the first side 11 and the second side 12 of the foldable device 1 are closed.

[0036] In the above scheme, the radio frequency path 103 refers to the signal channel when the antenna 10 and the foldable device 1 interact with each other. If the foldable device 1 transmits a signal, the foldable device 1 can transmit the signal to the inside of the antenna 10 through the radio frequency path 103, and finally transmit the wireless signal through the radiator 101. If the foldable device 1 receives a signal, the radiator 101 senses the wireless signal, converts it into an electrical signal, and transmits it to the foldable device 1 through the radio frequency path 103.

[0037] In conventional schemes, the matching network 102 is only used to switch the operating frequency band. The switching of the operating frequency band is achieved by multiple parallel inductors in the matching network 102. The adjustment capability is limited, it cannot be used to reduce interference, and its effect on folding is not taken into consideration.

[0038] By configuring a second impedance unit 1022 controlled by the output terminal 10232 between the input terminal 10231 and the RF path 103, the impedance value of the main line from the RF path 103 to the radiator 101 can be directly affected. Therefore, the impedance of the matching network 102 can be significantly adjusted. Thus, while switching the operating frequency band, the impedance of the target frequency band can be better matched.

[0039] The second impedance unit 1022, which adopts a different connection method, provides a new way of matching impedance. If expressed using a Smith chart, the matching network 102 in this application consumes less power to match the target frequency band compared with the conventional scheme, and the target position is more easily reached in the Smith chart when adjusting the impedance.

[0040] In the Smith chart, this is reflected in a shorter matching path and an initial impedance position closer to the target frequency band. This application aims to provide a novel matching method, giving the matching network 102 stronger matching capabilities under interference such as folding. The specific impedance type and impedance value can be determined according to requirements.

[0041] Based on this plan, and with reference to Figure 2 The foldable device 1 may include a first side 11 and a second side 12 that are rotatably connected, and the second side 12 includes a tuning network 13.

[0042] Figure 2 In this embodiment, the antenna is a frame antenna, and the antenna radiators are all disposed on the frame of the foldable device 1. Radiators 101 and 105 are symmetrically arranged along the rotation axis 107, and radiators 104 and 106 are symmetrically designed along the rotation axis 107. Since any radiator is a conductor, when the foldable device is closed, that is, when the first sides 11 and 12 are attached, one of the radiators (taking radiator 105 as an example) is located within the spatial range of the other radiator (taking radiator 101 as an example), and the electromagnetic signal of the other radiator (taking radiator 101 as an example) is interfered with.

[0043] The interference is reflected in the Smith chart, that is, the position of the impedance changes. When the solution of this application is applied, even if it is interfered with by other radiators or other metal materials, by controlling the second impedance unit 1022 in the matching network 102 through the switching unit 1023, the position of the matching network in the Smith chart is changed when the foldable device is closed, so that the impedance can still be matched to reduce radiation loss.

[0044] Understandably, except Figure 2 Apart from radiator 101 shown, radiators 104-106 can be understood as part of antenna 10 or as part of other antennas. The specific division depends on the actual application.

[0045] In order to Figure 2 The corresponding embodiment is easier to understand, as it omits the composition of the matching network 102. Figure 2 The composition of the matching network 102 can be referenced. Figure 1 .

[0046] It can be understood that the two sides of the foldable device 1 are relative concepts. For example, one side is called the base side, and the other side can be called the flip side. If the base side is called the first side 11, then the flip side is called the second side 12; if the flip side is the first side 11, then the base side is called the second side 12.

[0047] In the above embodiment, when the current frequency band of the antenna is switched to the target frequency band matched by the second impedance element, the tuning network 13 can adjust the phase of the coupling current on the flip side to match the phase of the target frequency band. It can adapt to different electromagnetic conditions in the unfolded and folded states, improve the impedance matching effect, and the two sides complement each other, which can improve the impedance matching fit, reduce signal loss, and thus increase the radiation capability of the antenna 10.

[0048] Based on the antenna 10 in any of the above embodiments, when the foldable device 1 is opened, the impedance of the target frequency band matched by the second impedance element is the output impedance of the matching network 102.

[0049] That is, when the foldable device 1 is opened, since it is not affected by the other side, there is no need to use the tuning network 13 for impedance matching, regardless of whether the other side contains the tuning network 13. The impedance of the target frequency band matched by the second impedance element can be the output impedance of the matching network 102.

[0050] When in the open state, the electromagnetic environment of the foldable device 1 is similar to that of the candybar device, so there is no need to rely on the tuning network 13.

[0051] It is understood that, in this application, the closing of the foldable device 1 refers to the complete or partial closure of the first side 11 and the second side 12. The specific state depends on the structure such as the hinge, and all fall within the scope of protection of this application, which will not be elaborated upon here.

[0052] based on Figure 2 Or according to Figure 2 For extended embodiments, please refer to Figure 3 The tuning network 13 may include at least two third impedance units 131 and a tuning switching unit 132. The at least two third impedance units 131 are connected in parallel between the tuning switching unit 132 and the tuning radiator 14101. The tuning switching unit 132 is used to control the on / off state of the branch where the third impedance unit 131 is located according to an external second control signal.

[0053] In this application, the first impedance unit 1021, the second impedance unit 1022, and the third impedance unit 131 are all composed of capacitive or inductive elements.

[0054] An inductor is a component that stores electrical energy and has a high impedance to low-frequency signals. In the antenna 10 circuitry, an inductor can be used to impede the transmission of high-frequency signals, thus affecting the operating frequency range of the antenna 10. A capacitor is a component that stores electrical charge and also has a high impedance to high-frequency signals. In the antenna 10 circuitry, a capacitor can be used to block the transmission of low-frequency signals, thus affecting the operating frequency range of the antenna 10.

[0055] The design of inductor and capacitor values ​​and layout can enable frequency tuning, impedance matching, and radiation mode control of antenna 10, thereby improving its performance and adaptability. Specific values ​​and types should be appropriately adjusted based on the electromagnetic environment and requirements of the actual product, combined with test results.

[0056] In one embodiment, when the third impedance unit 131 is an inductor, the inductance value of the third impedance unit 131 is not greater than 1.5nH.

[0057] In one embodiment, reference may be made to Figure 4 An internal circuit for a second impedance unit 1022 is provided. The second impedance unit 1022 may include a first impedance element 10221 and a second impedance element 10222. One end of the first impedance element 10221 is connected to the input terminal 10231, and the other end is connected to the radio frequency path 103. One end of the second impedance element 10222 is connected to the output terminal 10232, and the other end is connected to the radio frequency path 103. When the first side 11 and the second side 12 of the foldable device 1 are opened, the switching unit 1023 disconnects the branch where the second impedance element 10222 is located; when the first side 11 and the second side 12 of the foldable device 1 are closed, the switching unit 1023 connects the branch where the second impedance element 10222 is located.

[0058] With the above scheme, the switching module only needs to control the on / off state of the branch where the second impedance element 10222 is located to change the connection relationship between the first impedance element 10221 and the second impedance element 10222.

[0059] When the switching module controls the branch containing the second impedance element 10222 to disconnect, the second impedance element 10222 is disconnected from the matching network 102 and does not participate in the circuit operation. At this time, only the first impedance element 10221 is in the working state. When the switching module controls the branch containing the second impedance element 10222 to connect, the two ends of the first impedance element 10221 and the two ends of the second impedance element 10222 are connected respectively, which is equivalent to the first impedance element 10221 and the second impedance element 10222 forming a parallel connection, changing the impedance in the main circuit. Therefore, it can match the impedance of the second target frequency band in at least two states.

[0060] When the foldable device 1 has multiple states, such as different folding angles, multiple impedance elements can be connected between the switching module and the RF path 103, so that the switching module can form multiple impedances to adapt to the electromagnetic environment under multiple states.

[0061] Furthermore, when the foldable device 1 is in the closed state and multiple target frequency bands are interfered with and require new impedance matching, multiple impedance elements can be connected between the switching unit 1023 and the radio frequency path 103. Thus, the switching unit 1023 can form multiple impedances to adapt to the electromagnetic environment under various states.

[0062] Additionally, you can try changing the type and value of the impedance components to achieve a better fit.

[0063] refer to Figure 5a and 5b The first impedance element 10221 and the second impedance element 10222 are both inductors or capacitors. The first impedance unit can be an inductor or an capacitor; an inductor is used as an example in the figure.

[0064] When the first impedance element 10221 and the second impedance element 10222 are of the same type, their impedance is relatively controllable. For example, if both the first impedance element 10221 and the second impedance element 10222 are capacitors, changing their series-parallel connection is equivalent to changing the value of the first impedance element 10221. If they are of different types, it is difficult to grasp the pattern during actual debugging, and other variables are easily introduced, causing the relationship between the first impedance element 10221 and the second impedance element 10222 to become loose, resulting in the failure of impedance adjustment capability.

[0065] When the first impedance element 10221 and the second impedance element 10222 are both capacitive elements, the capacitance value of the second impedance element 10222 is in the range of 0.4-2pF.

[0066] When the first and second sides of the foldable device are closed, the switching unit and the tuning switching unit can work simultaneously. The switching unit 1023 on the first side 11 is used to increase the capacitance of the second impedance unit 1022 to reduce the matching network loss. The tuning switching unit 132 on the second side 12 is used to adjust the phase of the coupling current through the third impedance unit 131 to reduce the influence of the second side structure. Together, they improve the wireless signal transmission and reception capability of the foldable device in the closed state.

[0067] In this application, the target frequency band corresponding to the second impedance unit 1022 can be any of the mid-frequency or high-frequency bands, such as Band 41. Band 41 is a high-frequency wireless signal. The higher the frequency, the worse the penetration capability, and the more easily its frequency band is affected by the structure of the foldable device 1.

[0068] When the demand changes, the target frequency band corresponding to the second impedance unit 1022 can be any frequency band. In particular, with the booming development of wireless communication today, when the communication method changes, new communication frequency bands with higher frequencies may appear. The solution of this application can be applied and will not affect the implementation of the solution of this application.

[0069] To implement the above embodiments of this application, the switching module can be one or more of a single-pole multi-throw switch, a multiplexer, or a distributor.

[0070] Accordingly, refer to Figure 6 This application provides a foldable device 1, which may include the antenna 10 in any embodiment of this application.

[0071] Furthermore, the foldable device 1 can be a foldable mobile phone, or a laptop, foldable tablet, foldable smart wearable device, etc.

[0072] The embodiments of the subject matter and functional operation described in this specification can be implemented in the following: digital electronic circuits, computer hardware including the structures disclosed in this specification and their structural equivalents, or combinations thereof.

[0073] In addition to the above-mentioned combinations, other circuits can be incorporated to enhance the capabilities of antenna 10. For example, in this scheme, antenna 10 can include a radiator 101 for radiating mid-to-high frequency signals (MHB) and 6 GHz band signals (Sub-6G), and a GPS radiator for radiating GPS_L5 signals. The two radiators 101 can be connected and fed by their respective circuits via metal springs.

[0074] The length of radiator 101 is 17-21 mm, and the length of GPS radiator is 5-7 mm. The flip side (taking the second side 12 as an example) can have symmetrical radiators 101 and GPS radiators with the base side (taking the first side as an example). Radiators 101 and GPS radiators can be integrated into the same circuit board.

[0075] In this application, the radiator 101 may or may not be grounded. Whether the radiator 101 of the antenna 10 is grounded depends on factors such as design objectives, application requirements, frequency band, and electrical performance. Grounding can reduce reflected waves, suppress spurious radiation, and improve the efficiency of the antenna 10, but it also affects the impedance matching, radiation pattern, and polarization of the antenna 10. Appropriate grounding selection can optimize the performance, stability, and functionality of the antenna 10 to meet specific communication, navigation, or other application requirements, but this application does not make such a requirement.

[0076] While this specification contains numerous specific implementation details, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of any invention or the scope of the claims, but rather are primarily intended to describe features of specific embodiments of a particular invention. Certain features described in the various embodiments herein may also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features described in a single embodiment may also be implemented separately in various embodiments or in any suitable sub-combination. Furthermore, while features may function in certain combinations as described above and even initially claimed in this way, one or more features from a claimed combination may be removed from that combination in some cases, and a claimed combination may refer to a sub-combination or a variation thereof.

[0077] Thus, specific embodiments of the subject matter have been described. Other embodiments are within the scope of the appended claims. In some cases, the actions recited in the claims may be performed in a different order and still achieve the desired result. Furthermore, the processes depicted in the drawings are not necessarily shown in a specific order or sequence to achieve the desired result. In some implementations, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous.

[0078] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit this application. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. An antenna, characterized in that, Applicable to foldable devices, the foldable devices include a first side and a second side with rotatable connection, the antenna includes a radiator, a matching network and a radio frequency path; the matching network is located on the first side, the matching network includes a switching unit, at least two first impedance units and a second impedance unit; in, The radiator includes a feed terminal for transmitting and / or receiving wireless signals; The switching unit includes an input terminal and at least two output terminals, each of which is connected to a first impedance unit; the switching unit is used to switch the antenna to the corresponding target frequency band. Each of the first impedance units is connected in parallel between one of the output terminals and the feed terminal of the switching unit, and one end of each of the first impedance units connected to the feed terminal is grounded. The first impedance unit is used to make the output impedance of the matching network match the target frequency band when the branch it belongs to is controlled to be turned on by the switching unit. The second impedance unit has one end connected to the input terminal of the switching unit and the other end connected to the RF path and one output terminal of the switching unit, respectively. The second impedance unit is used to switch the output impedance of the matching network to a first target impedance that matches the current target frequency band when the first and second sides of the foldable device are opened; and to switch the output impedance of the matching network to a second target impedance that matches the current target frequency band when the first and second sides of the foldable device are closed. The second impedance unit includes a first impedance element and a second impedance element; one end of the first impedance element is connected to the input terminal and the other end is connected to the radio frequency path; one end of the second impedance element is connected to an output terminal of the switching unit and the other end is connected to the radio frequency path; the switching unit is also used to disconnect the branch where the second impedance element is located when the first side and the second side of the foldable device are opened; and to connect the branch where the second impedance element is located when the first side and the second side of the foldable device are closed.

2. The antenna according to claim 1, characterized in that, Both the first impedance element and the second impedance element are inductors or capacitors.

3. The antenna according to claim 2, characterized in that, When both the first impedance element and the second impedance element are capacitive elements, the capacitance value of the second impedance element is in the range of 0.4-2pF.

4. The antenna according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second side includes a tuning network, which includes at least two third impedance units and a tuning switching unit. The at least two third impedance units are connected in parallel between the tuning switching unit and the tuning radiator. The tuning switching unit is used to control the on / off state of the branch where each third impedance unit is located according to a second control signal.

5. The antenna according to claim 4, characterized in that, When the third impedance unit is an inductor, the inductance value of the third impedance unit is not greater than 1.5nH.

6. The antenna according to claim 1, characterized in that, The current target frequency band is a medium frequency or high frequency band.

7. The antenna according to claim 1, characterized in that, The switching unit is a single-pole multi-throw switch, a multiplexer, or a distributor.

8. A foldable device, characterized in that, The foldable device includes the antenna as described in any one of claims 1-7.

9. The foldable device according to claim 8, characterized in that, The foldable device is a foldable mobile phone.

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