Electronic device with coupling barrel antenna slot

Abstract

The invention relates to an electronic device with a coupling barrel antenna slot. An electronic device, such as a laptop computer, may have an upper housing and a lower housing. The lower housing may have a coupling barrel. The upper housing may be coupled to the coupling barrel by a hinge. The lower housing may have an upper metal wall separated from the upper housing by a first gap and a lower metal wall separated from the upper housing by a second gap. The coupling barrel may include a conductor. An antenna may be formed from a radiating slot in the conductor. The radiating slot may have a channel extending from a first opening to a second opening in the conductor across a diameter of the conductor. The channel may be linear or non-linear. The channel may have a uniform or tapered width. The radiation slot may convey radio frequency signals through the two gaps regardless of the orientation of the upper housing.

Description

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. patent application No. 18 / 477,202, filed on September 28, 2023, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to electronic devices, including electronic devices having wireless communication capabilities. Background Art

[0003] Electronic devices such as portable computers and cellular phones often have wireless communication capabilities and displays. To meet consumer demand for small form factor wireless devices, manufacturers have been working tirelessly to implement wireless communication circuits, such as antenna components, using compact structures.

[0004] Forming electronic device antenna structures with desired properties can be challenging. In some wireless devices, the presence of conductive housing structures can affect antenna performance. Device size can also affect performance. It can be difficult to achieve desired performance levels in compact devices, especially when the compact device has conductive housing structures. Summary of the invention

[0005] The present disclosure relates to an electronic device such as a laptop computer, which may have an upper housing and a lower housing. The lower housing may have a coupling barrel. The upper housing may be coupled to the coupling barrel by a hinge. The upper housing can rotate between an open position and a closed position relative to the lower housing. The lower housing may have an upper metal wall, which is separated from the upper housing by a first gap when the upper housing is in the open position. The lower housing may have a lower metal wall, which is separated from the upper housing by a second gap when the upper housing is in the open position.

[0006] The coupling barrel may include a conductor. An antenna may be formed by a radiating slot in the conductor. The radiating slot may have a channel extending from a first opening in the conductor to a second opening in the conductor across the diameter of the conductor. The channel may be linear or may be non-linear. The channel may have a uniform width or a tapered width. The upper housing may have a conductive structure with a waveguide that is aligned with the radiating slot when the upper housing is in the closed position. Multiple antennas may share one or more openings in the conductor. The radiating slot may transmit radio frequency signals through the two gaps regardless of the orientation of the upper housing. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an illustrative electronic device, such as a laptop computer, having a coupling barrel according to some embodiments.

[0008] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of an illustrative electronic device with wireless circuitry according to some embodiments.

[0009] Figure 3 is a diagram of an illustrative antenna with a radiating slot, according to some embodiments.

[0010] Figure 4 is a perspective view of an illustrative antenna having a radiating slot in a coupling barrel, according to some embodiments.

[0011] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional side view of an illustrative electronic device having a linear radiating slot in a coupling barrel according to some embodiments.

[0012] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional side view of an illustrative electronic device having angled radiating slots in a coupling barrel according to some embodiments.

[0013] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional side view of an illustrative electronic device having a tapered radiating slot in a coupling barrel according to some embodiments.

[0014] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional side view of an illustrative electronic device having a radiating slot in a hollow coupling barrel according to some embodiments.

[0015] Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional side view of an illustrative coupling barrel having a radiating slot and a dielectric cover according to some embodiments.

[0016] Fig.10 is a perspective view of an illustrative coupling barrel having multiple radiating slots extending to a shared opening, according to some embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] Electronic devices such as Figure 1 The electronic device 10 may include wireless circuitry. For example, the electronic device 10 may include wireless communication circuitry operating in a long-range communication band such as a cellular telephone band and in a short-range communication band such as 2.4 GHz. frequency band or other wireless personal area network (WPAN) bands as well as 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Device 10 may also include wireless communication circuitry for performing near field communications, communications at millimeter / centimeter wave frequencies, optical-based wireless communications, satellite navigation system communications, or other wireless communications.

[0018] Device 10 may be a handheld electronic device, such as a cellular phone, a media player, a gaming device, or other device, a laptop computer, a tablet computer, or other portable computer, a desktop computer, a computer display, a display including an embedded computer, a television or set-top box, a wireless base station, a wireless access point, a home entertainment console, a portable speaker, a gaming accessory, a wristwatch device, a head-mounted display device, or other wearable device, or other electronic equipment. A configuration in which device 10 has a rotatable cover as in a portable (e.g., laptop) computer is sometimes described herein as an example. However, this is merely illustrative. Device 10 may be any suitable electronic equipment.

[0019] like Figure 1 As shown in the example of , device 10 may have a housing, such as housing 12. Housing 12 may be formed of plastic, metal (e.g., aluminum), fiber composite materials (such as carbon fiber), glass, ceramic, other materials, and combinations of these materials. Housing 12 or portions of housing 12 may be formed using a monolithic construction, in which the housing structure is formed from a single piece of material. Multi-part housing constructions may also be used, in which housing 12 or portions of housing 12 are formed from a frame structure, housing walls, and other components attached to each other using fasteners, adhesives, and other attachment mechanisms.

[0020] like Figure 1 As shown, device 10 may have input-output devices such as a track pad 18 (e.g., a touchpad, a mouse, other touch-based user input device) and a keyboard 16 (e.g., having a set of mechanical and / or electronically based keys and / or a touch screen display). Device 10 may also have components such as a camera, a microphone, a speaker, buttons, status indicators, a buzzer, sensors, and other input-output devices. These devices may be used to collect input to device 10 and may be used to provide output to a user of device 10. Connector ports in device 10 may receive mating connectors (e.g., audio plugs, connectors associated with data cables such as universal serial bus cables, data cables that handle video and audio data, such as cables that connect device 10 to a computer display, a television or other monitor, etc.).

[0021] Device 10 may include a display, such as display 14. Display 14 may be a liquid crystal display (LCD), a plasma display, an organic light emitting diode (OLED) display, an electrophoretic display, or a display implemented using other display technologies. A touch sensor may be incorporated into display 14 (e.g., display 14 may be a touch screen display), or display 14 may not be sensitive to touch. The touch sensor for display 14 may be an impedance touch sensor, a capacitive touch sensor, an acoustic touch sensor, a light-based touch sensor, a force sensor, or a touch sensor implemented using other touch technologies.

[0022] Device 10 may have a single-piece housing or a multi-piece housing. Figure 1 As shown, electronic device 10 may be a device such as a portable computer, for example, or other device having a two-part housing formed by an upper housing portion such as upper housing 12A and a lower housing portion such as lower housing 12B. Upper housing 12A may include display 14 and may sometimes be referred to as a display housing or cover. Lower housing 12B may sometimes be referred to as a base housing or main housing.

[0023] Housings 12A and 12B may be connected to each other using hinge structures located along an upper edge of lower housing 12B and a lower edge of upper housing 12A. For example, housings 12A and 12B may be coupled by hinges 26, such as hinges 26A and 26B, located at opposite left and right sides of housing 12 along an axis of rotation, such as axis 22 (sometimes referred to herein as hinge axis 22). A slit-shaped opening, such as opening 20, may be formed between upper housing 12A and lower housing 12B and may be defined on either end by hinges 26A and 26B.

[0024] The opening 20 is also sometimes referred to herein as a gap 20 or slot 20 between the upper housing 12A and the lower housing 12B. Hinges 26A and 26B, which may be formed by conductive structures such as metal structures, may allow the upper housing 12A to rotate relative to the lower housing 12B in a direction 24 about an axis 22. The slot 20 extends parallel to the axis 22 along the rear edge of the lower housing 12B. The lateral planes of the upper housing (lid) 12A and the lateral planes of the lower housing 12B may be separated by an angle that varies between 0° when the lid is closed to 90°, 140°, 160°, 180°, or more when the lid is fully open.

[0025] Some structures in housing 12 may be electrically conductive. For example, upper housing 12A and lower housing 12B may include electrically conductive housing structures, such as metal housing walls. Lower housing 12B may include a coupling barrel, such as coupling barrel 28, along hinge axis 22. Coupling barrel 28 may extend outwardly from the metal housing wall of lower housing 12B toward upper housing 12A (e.g., within gap 20). When upper housing 12A is attached to lower housing 12B, hinges 26A and 26B may be secured to opposite ends of coupling barrel 28 (e.g., coupling barrel 28 may be laterally opposite hinges 26A and 26B). The coupling barrel 28 may include a spring and / or other coupling mechanism that allows the hinges 26A and 26B, and therefore the upper housing 12A, to rotate relative to the lower housing 12B about the hinge axis 22 while also mechanically holding the upper housing 12A in position relative to the lower housing 12B at a desired angle or orientation (e.g., an intermediate angle between the open position and the closed position of the upper housing 12A). The coupling barrel 28 may have a wall formed of a dielectric material and / or a metallic material.

[0026] To ensure that antenna structures in device 10 operate properly, care should be taken when positioning the antenna structures relative to conductive portions of housing 12. In embodiments where upper housing 12A and lower housing 12B include metal housing walls, if care is not taken, the metal in the metal housing walls may block the antenna from free-space transmission of RF signals in one or more locations of upper housing 12A relative to lower housing 12B. To mitigate these issues and optimize antenna performance, one or more antennas in device 10 may be mounted within coupling barrel 28 (e.g., overlapping a dielectric portion of coupling barrel 28).

[0027] For example, one or more antennas may be mounted or formed at one or more locations 8 within the coupling barrel 28 (e.g., on either side of the central axis of the upper housing 12A and the lower housing 12B). Providing the antennas at these locations may, for example, allow the antennas to transmit RF signals to free space in all orientations of the upper housing 12A relative to the lower housing 12B (e.g., between and including the open and closed positions).

[0028] Figure 2 A schematic diagram showing illustrative components that may be used in device 10 is shown. Figure 2As shown, the device 10 may include a control circuit, such as the control circuit 30. The control circuit 30 may include a storage device and / or a processing circuit. The storage device in the control circuit 30 may include a hard disk drive storage device, a non-volatile memory (e.g., a flash memory or other electrically programmable read-only memory configured to form a solid-state drive), a volatile memory (e.g., a static or dynamic random access memory), etc. The processing circuit in the control circuit 30 may be used to control the operation of the device 10. The processing circuit may include one or more processors, such as a microprocessor, a microcontroller, a digital signal processor, a host processor, a baseband processor integrated circuit, an application-specific integrated circuit, a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), etc. The control circuit 30 may be configured to perform operations in the device 10 using hardware (e.g., dedicated hardware or circuits), firmware, and / or software. Software code for performing operations in the device 10 may be stored on the control circuit 30 (e.g., the storage device in the control circuit 30 may include a non-transitory (tangible) computer-readable storage medium storing software code). The software code may sometimes be referred to as program instructions, software, data, instructions, or code. The software codes stored on the storage device may be executed by the processing circuit in the control circuit 30 .

[0029] Control circuitry 30 may be used to run software on device 10, such as an Internet browsing application, a Voice over Internet Protocol (VOIP) phone call application, an email application, a media playback application, operating system functions, etc. To support interaction with external equipment, control circuitry 30 may be used to implement communication protocols. Communication protocols that may be implemented using control circuitry 30 include Internet protocols, wireless local area network protocols (e.g., IEEE 802.11 protocols—sometimes referred to as ), protocols for other short-range wireless communication links such as Protocol or other WPAN protocols, IEEE802.11ad protocol, cellular phone protocols, MIMO protocols, antenna diversity protocols, satellite navigation system protocols, antenna-based spatial ranging protocols (e.g., Radio Detection and Ranging (RADAR) protocol or other required distance detection protocols for signals transmitted at millimeter wave and centimeter wave frequencies), etc. Each communication protocol may be associated with a corresponding radio access technology (RAT) that specifies the physical connection method used to implement the protocol.

[0030] Device 10 may include input-output devices 32. Input-output devices 32 may be used to allow data to be provided to device 10 and to allow data to be provided from device 10 to external devices. Input-output devices 32 may include user interface devices, data port devices, and other input-output components. For example, input-output devices may include touch screens, displays without touch sensor capabilities, buttons, joysticks, scroll wheels, trackpads, keypads, keyboards, microphones, cameras, speakers, status indicators, light sources, audio jacks and other audio port components, digital data port devices, light sensors, accelerometers, proximity sensors and other sensors and input-output components.

[0031] Device 10 may include wireless communication circuitry 34 that allows control circuitry 30 of device 10 to communicate wirelessly with external equipment. The external equipment that wirelessly communicates with device 10 may be a computer, a cell phone, a watch, a router, an access point or other wireless local area network device, a wireless base station in a cell phone network, a display, a head-mounted device, or other electronic equipment. Wireless communication circuitry 34 may include radio frequency (RF) transceiver circuitry 48 and one or more antennas, such as antenna 40. Configurations in which device 10 includes a single antenna may sometimes be described herein as an example. In general, device 10 may include any number of antennas.

[0032] The transceiver circuitry 48 may support communications in the following frequency bands: extremely high frequency (EHF) or millimeter wave communications bands between approximately 30 GHz and 300 GHz, centimeter wave communications bands between approximately 10 GHz and 30 GHz (sometimes referred to as super high frequency (SHF) bands), wireless local area network (WLAN) communications bands such as 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. (IEEE 802.11) band, wireless personal area network (WPAN) communication band such as 2.4 GHz Communications bands, cellular telephone communications bands such as cellular low band (LB) (e.g., 600 MHz to 960 MHz), cellular low mid band (LMB) (e.g., 1400 MHz to 1550 MHz), cellular mid band (MB) (e.g., 1700 MHz to 2200 MHz), cellular high band (HB) (e.g., 2300 MHz to 2700 MHz), cellular ultra-high band (UHB) (e.g., 3300 MHz to 5000 MHz, or other cellular communications bands between about 600 MHz and about 10 THz (e.g., 3G bands, 4G LTE bands, 5G New Radio (NR) frequency range 1 (FR1) bands below 10 GHz, 5G NR between about 10 GHz and 100 GHz) FR2 band, sub-THz, THz or THF band between about 100 GHz and 10 THz, such as 6G band, etc.), near field communication (NFC) band (e.g., 13.56 MHz), satellite navigation band (e.g., L1 Global Positioning System (GPS) band of 1575 MHz, L5 GPS band of 1176 MHz, Global Satellite Navigation System (GLONASS) band, BeiDou Satellite Navigation System (BDS) band, etc.), IEEE The ultra-wideband (UWB) communication bands supported by the 802.15.4 protocol and / or other UWB communication protocols (e.g., a first UWB communication band of 6.5 GHz and / or a second UWB communication band of 8.0 GHz) and / or any other desired communication bands. The communication bands handled by the radio frequency transceiver circuits may sometimes be referred to herein as frequency bands or simply as "bands" and may span corresponding frequency ranges. The transceiver circuits 48 may include one or more integrated circuits, power amplifier circuits, low noise input amplifiers, passive radio frequency components, switching circuits, transmission line structures, and other circuits for processing radio frequency signals.

[0033] If desired, device 10 may be supplied with a battery, such as battery 36. Control circuitry 30, input-output devices 32, wireless communications circuitry 34, and power management circuitry associated with battery 36 may generate heat during operation. To ensure satisfactory cooling of these components, device 10 may be provided with a cooling system, such as cooling system 38. Cooling system 38 (which may sometimes be referred to as a ventilation system) may include one or more fans and other equipment for removing heat from components of device 10. Cooling system 38 may include structures that form airflow ports (e.g., along the Figure 1The airflow ports (which may sometimes be referred to as cooling ports, ventilation ports, exhaust ports, intake ports, etc.) may be formed by an array of openings in a plastic ventilation port structure or other structure associated with the cooling system 38.

[0034] RF transceiver circuitry 48 and antenna 40 may be used to process one or more RF communication bands. For example, circuitry 48 may include a processor that can process and / or 2.4 GHz band wireless LAN transceiver circuitry for communications, and if desired, may include 5 GHz transceiver circuitry (e.g., for If desired, transceiver circuitry 48 and antenna 40 may handle communications in other frequency bands (eg, cellular telephone bands, near field communications bands, bands at millimeter wave frequencies, etc.).

[0035] Transceiver circuitry 48 may use one or more antennas 40 to transmit RF signals (e.g., antennas 40 may deliver RF signals to the transceiver circuitry). As used herein, the term "delivering RF signals" means the transmission and / or reception of RF signals (e.g., for performing unidirectional and / or bidirectional wireless communications with external wireless communication equipment). Antennas 40 may transmit RF signals by radiating RF signals into free space (or radiating into free space through intervening device structures such as dielectric cover layers). In addition or alternatively, antennas 40 may receive RF signals from free space (e.g., through intervening device structures such as dielectric cover layers). Transmission and reception of RF signals by antennas 40 each involve the excitation or resonance of antenna currents on antenna resonant elements in the antenna by RF signals within the operating frequency band of the antenna.

[0036] The antenna 40 in the wireless circuit 34 can be formed using any suitable antenna structure. For example, the antenna 40 may include an antenna with a resonant element, which is formed by a stacked patch antenna structure, a loop antenna structure, a patch antenna structure, an inverted F-shaped antenna structure, a slot antenna structure, a planar inverted F-shaped antenna structure, a monopole antenna structure, a dipole antenna structure, a spiral antenna structure, a Yagi (Yagi Uda) antenna structure, a dielectric resonator antenna, a mixture of these designs, etc. If necessary, one or more antennas in the antenna 40 can be cavity-backed antennas. Different types of antennas can be used for different frequency bands and frequency band combinations. If necessary, the antenna 40 can be arranged in one or more phased antenna arrays.

[0037] like Figure 2As shown, transceiver circuitry 48 in wireless communication circuitry 34 may be coupled to an antenna (such as antenna 40) using a radio frequency transmission line (such as transmission line 50). Transmission line paths (such as transmission line 50) in device 10 may include coaxial cables, microstrip transmission lines, stripline transmission lines, edge-coupled microstrip transmission lines, edge-coupled stripline transmission lines, waveguide transmission lines (e.g., coplanar waveguides, grounded coplanar waveguides, etc.), transmission lines formed by combinations of these types of transmission lines, and the like.

[0038] If desired, the transmission line paths (such as transmission line 50) in device 10 can be integrated into rigid and / or flexible printed circuit boards. In one suitable arrangement, the transmission line paths in device 10 may include transmission line conductors (e.g., signal and / or ground conductors) integrated into a multilayer laminate structure (e.g., layers of conductive material (such as copper) and dielectric material (such as resin), laminated together without intervening adhesives) that can be folded or bent in multiple dimensions (e.g., two or three dimensions) and maintain the bent or folded shape after bending (e.g., the multilayer laminate structure can be folded into a specific three-dimensional shape to route around other device components, and can have sufficient rigidity to maintain its shape after folding without the need for a reinforcing sheet or other structure to be held in place). All multiple layers of the laminate structure can be laminated together in batches (e.g., in a single pressing process) without an adhesive (e.g., as opposed to performing multiple pressing processes to laminate multiple layers together with an adhesive). If desired, filter circuits, switching circuits, impedance matching circuits, and other circuits can be inserted into the transmission line.

[0039] Transmission line 50 in device 10 may be coupled to antenna feed 42 of antenna 40. For example, Figure 2 Antenna 40 may form an inverted-F antenna, a planar inverted-F antenna, a slot antenna, a hybrid inverted-F slot antenna, or other antenna having an antenna feed (such as antenna feed 42) with a positive antenna feed terminal (such as positive antenna feed terminal 44) and a ground antenna feed terminal (such as ground antenna feed terminal 46). Transmission line 50 may include a positive transmission line conductor 52 (sometimes referred to herein as signal conductor 52) and a ground transmission line conductor 54 (sometimes referred to herein as ground conductor 54). Signal conductor 52 may be coupled to positive antenna feed terminal 44, and ground conductor 54 may be coupled to ground antenna feed terminal 46. Other types of antenna feeding arrangements may be used (e.g., an indirect feeding arrangement, a feeding arrangement that feeds antenna 40 using multiple feeds, etc.), and multiple antennas 40 may be provided in device 10 if desired. Figure 2 The feeding configuration is for illustration only.

[0040] If desired, filter circuits, switching circuits, impedance matching circuits, and other circuits may be interposed within transmission line 50, in or between portions of antenna 40, or in other portions of wireless communication circuitry 34. Control circuitry 30 may be coupled to transceiver circuitry 48 and input-output devices 32. During operation, input-output devices 32 may provide output from device 10 and may receive input from sources located external to device 10. Control circuitry 30 may use wireless communication circuitry 34 to transmit and receive wireless signals.

[0041] Figure 3 is a top view of an illustrative antenna 40 for device 10. Figure 3 In the example of FIG. 4 , antenna 40 is a slot antenna having slot antenna resonating element 58 in antenna ground 56 (sometimes referred to herein as ground layer 56, ground structure 56, antenna ground structure 56, or ground 56). Antenna ground 56 is formed of a conductive material (such as a metal portion) or coupling barrel 28 ( Figure 1 ). Slot antenna resonating element 58 is formed by a slot, notch, opening or hole in antenna ground portion 56. Slot antenna resonating element 58 may be filled with air or another dielectric material.

[0042] Slot antenna resonating element 58 is also sometimes referred to herein as radiating slot 58, resonating slot 58, antenna slot 58, slot element 58, radiating slot element 58, resonating slot element 58, or simply slot 58. Figure 3 In the configuration of , slot 58 is a closed slot because portions of antenna ground 56 completely surround and enclose the lateral perimeter of slot 58. An open slot antenna structure may also be formed in a conductive material such as antenna ground 56 (e.g., by forming an opening in the right-hand end or the left-hand end of antenna ground 58 such that slot 58 protrudes through antenna ground 56).

[0043] Antenna 40 can be fed by antenna feed 42 coupled across slot 58. Positive antenna feed terminal 44 can be coupled to a first edge of slot 58 (e.g., along length L of slot 58). Ground antenna feed terminal 46 can be coupled to a second edge of slot 58 opposite the first edge (e.g., along length L of slot 58). Slot 58 is an elongated slot having a longest dimension (length L) extending along a corresponding longitudinal axis (e.g., parallel to the Y axis). Slot 58 has a width W orthogonal to length L. Width W is significantly less than length L.

[0044] Generally speaking, the frequency response of an antenna is related to the size and shape of the conductive structure in the antenna. When the slot perimeter P is equal to the operating wavelength of the antenna (for example, where the perimeter P is equal to twice the length L plus twice the width W), Figure 3Slot antenna structures of the type shown in FIG. 5 tend to exhibit response peaking. Antenna current may flow between antenna feed terminals 44 and 46 around the perimeter P of slot 58. The distance between antenna feed 42 and the narrower edge of slot 58 may be selected to provide a uniform impedance of antenna 40 with respect to a corresponding transmission line (e.g., Figure 2 Impedance matching of the transmission line 50).

[0045] In the case where slot 58 is a closed slot, length L can be approximately equal to half of the antenna operating wavelength (e.g., the wavelength of the antenna's fundamental mode) (e.g., within 15%). The harmonic mode of slot 58 can also be configured to cover a desired frequency band. In the case where slot 58 is an open slot, length L can be approximately equal to one-quarter of the operating wavelength.

[0046] One or more tuning components and / or impedance matching circuits (not shown) may be used to tune the frequency response of slot 58. These components may have terminals coupled to opposite sides of slot 58 and / or to antenna feed 42. Figure 3 The examples are merely illustrative. In general, the slot 58 can have any desired shape (e.g., the perimeter P of the slot 58 defines the radiation characteristics of the antenna). For example, the slot 58 can have a meandering shape with any desired number of straight segments and / or curved segments, and / or can have any desired number of straight edges and / or curved edges defined by the antenna ground 56.

[0047] exist Figure 3 In the example of FIG. 5 , the slot 58 is shown as a two-dimensional planar slot that is confined to a single two-dimensional plane (e.g., the XY plane). If desired, the slot 58 may also have a non-zero height and may extend along a third dimension (e.g., parallel to the Z axis). In these embodiments, the slot 58 is sometimes referred to as a three-dimensional radiating slot. The three-dimensional radiating slot may be integrated into the coupling barrel 28 ( Figure 1 ) in a conductive structure.

[0048] Figure 4 is a perspective view showing one example of how slot 58 may be a three-dimensional radiating slot integrated into the conductive structure of coupling barrel 28. Figure 4As shown, the coupling barrel 28 can join the lower housing 12B to the upper housing 12A. The coupling barrel 28 can, for example, protrude from the interior volume of the lower housing 12B toward the upper housing 12A. The coupling barrel 28 may include an electrically conductive coupling barrel structure, such as a coupling barrel conductor 60. The coupling barrel conductor 60 may include, for example, one or more metal housing walls of the coupling barrel 28. The coupling barrel conductor 60 may have a cylindrical shape and may form an axis extending along the hinge axis 22 (e.g., the coupling barrel conductor 60 may have a longitudinal axis parallel to the hinge axis 22 or aligned with the hinge axis). The coupling barrel conductor 60 may be wrapped around the hinge axis 22. Although referred to herein as a coupling barrel conductor, the coupling barrel conductor 60 may include a plurality of different conductors electrically coupled together (e.g., a plurality of joined or coupled metal coupling barrel housing walls).

[0049] The coupling tube conductor 60 may form the antenna ground portion 56 ( Figure 3 ). The antenna 40 may include a slot 58 that is cut, punched, stamped, drilled, etched, or otherwise disposed in the coupling barrel conductor 60. The slot 58 may be a three-dimensional radiating slot extending between a plurality of openings 62 at an outer surface of the coupling barrel conductor 60. The outer surface of the coupling barrel conductor 60 may be curved. For example, the slot 58 may extend from an upper opening 62U at an upper end of the coupling barrel conductor 60 (e.g., at, facing, adjacent to, and / or overlapping the upper housing 12A) through the conductive material of the coupling barrel conductor 60 to an opposing lower opening 62L at a lower end of the coupling barrel conductor 60 (e.g., at, facing, adjacent to, and / or overlapping the bottom side of the lower housing 12B and / or the device 10).

[0050] The upper opening 62U and the lower opening 62L may each be located inside or outside the outer surface of the coupling barrel conductor 60. The upper opening 62U and / or the lower opening 62L may therefore be located in one or more curved surfaces (not a planar opening). Alternatively, one or both of the upper opening 62U and the lower opening 62L may be located in a plane. The openings 62U and 62L are sometimes also referred to herein as slits, notches, gaps, or orifices. In this way, the slit 58 may form a three-dimensional slit that extends from a first surface (e.g., a first curved surface) at the upper opening 62U and includes a cavity, axis, or channel extending through the thickness of the coupling barrel 28 to a second surface (e.g., across the diameter of the coupling barrel) at the lower opening 62L. Therefore, the slit 58 may have a height H orthogonal to its length L and width W. The height H may extend across all or substantially all of the diameter of the coupling barrel conductor 60 (e.g., parallel to the Z axis).

[0051] The slot 58 can be fed at any desired location along the upper opening 62U, along the lower opening 62L, or along the passage between the upper opening 62U and the lower opening 62L in the coupling tube conductor 60. As an example, the slot 58 can be fed by the antenna feed 42U coupled across the upper opening 62U. In this example, the antenna current is transmitted between the antenna feed terminals along the periphery of the upper opening 62U, so that the upper opening 62U resonates / radiates. This produces a wireless RF signal that propagates into the free space above the device 10. At the same time, some RF signals also propagate downward along the passage of the slot 58 to the lower opening 62L (for example, the passage of the slot 58 can be used as an RF waveguide), which passes the RF signal to the free space below the device 10 (for example, the lower opening 62L can form a window or aperture for the RF signal transmitted by the antenna 40).

[0052] As another example, the slot 58 can be fed by the antenna feed 42L coupled across the lower opening 62L. In this example, the antenna current is transmitted between the antenna feed terminals along the periphery of the lower opening 62L, so that the lower opening 62L resonates / radiates. This allows the RF signal to propagate into the free space below the device 10. At the same time, some RF signals also propagate upward along the channel of the slot 58 to the upper opening 62U (for example, the channel of the slot 58 can be used as an RF waveguide), which passes the RF signal to the free space above the device 10 (for example, the upper opening 62U can form a window or aperture for the RF signal transmitted by the antenna 40). As another example, the slot 58 can be fed by both the antenna feed 42L and the antenna feed 42U. The antenna feed 42 can be fed using one or more corresponding transmission lines 50 extending from the lower housing 12B to the coupling barrel 28.

[0053] As the upper housing 12A rotates about the hinge axis 22 relative to the coupling tube 28, the position of the upper housing 12A relative to the upper opening 62U may change over time, depending on how the user orients the upper housing 12A for viewing the display 14 ( Figure 1 ). On the other hand, the position of lower housing 12B relative to lower opening 62L remains fixed over time. Therefore, care should be taken to ensure that slot 58 is able to convey RF signals in all directions around device 10, regardless of the orientation of upper housing 12A relative to lower housing 12B. As an example, slot 58 may include a linear channel that extends between upper opening 62U and lower opening 62L and is laterally offset from upper housing 12A when upper housing 12A is in the closed position.

[0054] Figure 56 is a cross-sectional side view showing how the slot 58 may include a linear channel that extends between the upper opening 62U and the lower opening 62L and that is closed when the upper housing 12A is in the closed position (e.g., as shown along Figure 4 AA') is laterally offset from the upper housing 12A. Figure 5 As shown, the lower housing 12B may have an upper metal wall 63 and a lower metal wall 64 surrounding and enclosing an interior volume 66 of the lower housing 12B. Figure 1 The keyboard 16 and track pad 18 may be mounted to the metal wall 63 of the lower housing 12B.

[0055] The coupling barrel conductor 60 may be mounted to the lower housing 12B to form the coupling barrel 28 of the device 10. If desired, the coupling barrel conductor 60 may be grounded or shorted to one or both of the upper metal wall 62 and the lower metal wall 64 using one or more conductive interconnect structures (e.g., conductive screws, conductive adhesives, conductive washers, etc.). This may hold the metal walls 63 and 64 and the coupling barrel conductor 60 to a common ground potential (e.g., to form a portion of the antenna ground of the antenna 40). If desired, the curved outer surface of the coupling barrel conductor 60 may protrude vertically above the upper metal wall 63 of the lower housing 12B.

[0056] The slot 58 in the coupling barrel conductor 60 may include a linear passage (cavity) having a height H extending from an upper opening 62U on the upper side of the coupling barrel 28 to a lower opening 62L on the lower side of the coupling barrel 28. If desired, the slot 58 may have a uniform width W across the height H of the slot 58. In other words, the slot 58 may extend vertically along a linear vertical axis 82 (e.g., orthogonal to the hinge axis 22). The vertical axis 82 may extend parallel to the Z axis (e.g., orthogonal to the lateral surface of the lower housing 12B lying in the XY plane) or may be tilted at a non-zero angle relative to the Z axis (e.g., the slot 58 may be tilted at a non-orthogonal angle relative to the lateral surface of the lower housing 12B).

[0057] The upper housing 12A may be mounted (eg, hingedly coupled) to the coupling barrel 28. The housing 12A may be mounted such as Figure 612A and the upper housing 12A. When in the open position, an upper aperture (gap) 20U exists between the upper metal wall 63 of the lower housing 12B and the upper housing 12A, and a lower aperture (gap) 20L exists between the lower metal wall 64 of the lower housing 12B and the upper housing 12A. For example, the lower aperture 20L may be defined between the lower edge 68 of the upper housing 12A and the lower metal wall 64 of the lower housing 12B. The aperture 58 may transmit RF signals through the upper opening 62U and the upper aperture 20U, as indicated by arrow 78 (e.g., in a first field of view outwardly in front of the device 10 when the upper housing 12A is in the open position). The aperture 58 may simultaneously transmit RF signals through the lower opening 62L and the lower aperture 20L, as indicated by arrow 80 (e.g., in a second field of view outwardly in rear of the device 10 when the upper housing 12A is in the open position).

[0058] When the upper housing 12A is rotated about the hinge axis 22 to an intermediate angle between the open position and the closed position 76, the size of the upper aperture 20U is reduced (thereby reducing the first field of view of the antenna 40 through the upper aperture 20U), and the size of the lower aperture 20L is increased (thereby increasing the second field of view of the antenna 40 through the lower aperture 20L). The cumulative field of view of the antenna 40 through the upper aperture 20U and the lower aperture 20L can remain substantially constant over time (e.g., up to an angle of 180 degrees or more). This can, for example, help allow the antenna 40 to maintain a consistent level of wireless performance and a stable wireless link with external equipment, even when the upper housing 12A is rotated to the closed position 76, and even when the preferred viewing angle of the display on the device 10 changes over time for a given user (or between users).

[0059] When the upper housing 12A is in the closed position 76, the upper aperture 20U is removed and the lower aperture 20L presents a maximum area (field of view). Figure 5 As shown, the slot 58 may be laterally offset from the metal walls 63 and 64 of the lower housing 12B and / or the hinge axis 22 so that the upper housing 12A does not overlap the upper opening 62U and the slot 58 when in the closed position 76. The slot 58 may be sufficiently offset from the metal walls 63 and 64, for example, so that the lower edge 68 of the upper housing 12A is aligned with the edge of the upper opening 62U, or so that the lower edge 68 of the upper housing 12A is laterally offset from the upper opening 62U when the upper housing 12A is in the closed position 76. This may allow the slot 58 to continue to transmit radio frequency signals within the first field of view outward in front of the device 10, as shown by arrow 78, even when the upper housing 12A is in the closed position 76.

[0060] like Figure 5As shown, the display 14 can be mounted to the upper housing 12A. The upper housing 12A can include a conductive structure 72. The conductive structure 72 can include a conductive portion of the display 14 (e.g., a conductive display frame, a conductive display shield, a conductive portion of a feed or drive wire for the display, a pixel circuit, etc.), a conductive frame of the upper housing 12A, and / or a conductive housing wall of the upper housing 12A (e.g., a peripheral conductive housing structure surrounding the lateral perimeter of the display 14). The conductive structure 72 can include a curved edge, wall, or surface facing the coupling barrel 28 (e.g., extending from the lower edge 68 to the display 14). If desired, the curved edge can be located in a surface extending parallel to the curved outer surface of the coupling barrel conductor 60.

[0061] If desired, display 14 may include dielectric cover layers, such as front cover layer 70 and rear cover layer 74 that overlap conductive structures 72. Front cover layer 70 and rear cover layer 74 may be formed of dielectric materials such as glass, sapphire, ceramic, plastic, etc. Display 14 may emit light (e.g., display an image) through front cover layer 70 (e.g., front cover layer 70 may form a display cover layer for display 14). If desired, rear cover layer 74 may be provided with an opaque shielding layer (e.g., a thin layer of ink or another decorative layer or decoration) that helps hide the conductive display structures and / or components within upper housing 12A from view. Front cover layer 70 is sometimes also referred to as front glass or front cover glass. Rear cover layer 74 is sometimes also referred to as rear glass or rear cover glass.

[0062] Where the slot 58 is a linear slot and where the upper opening 62U is aligned with the lower opening 62L (e.g., when viewed in the -Z direction) Figure 5 If desired, the slot 58 may be a non-linear slot having a non-linear or curved channel extending between the upper opening 62U and the lower opening 62L (eg, the upper opening 62U may be tilted, offset, or misaligned relative to the lower opening 62L). Figure 6 is a cross-sectional side view showing how the slot 58 may include a non-linear or curved channel extending between the upper opening 62U and the lower opening 62L. Figure 5 In the example of FIG. 8 , for illustration purposes, the upper housing 12A is shown in a closed position. The upper housing 12A can be rotated from the closed position to the open position 88 .

[0063] like Figure 6As shown, the upper opening 62U can be angularly offset or misaligned relative to the lower opening 62L (e.g., the upper opening 62U can be centered at a first angle about the hinge axis 22, while the lower opening 62L is centered at a second angle about the hinge axis 22, wherein the first angle and the second angle or separation are an angular difference different from 180 degrees (such as 120 degrees to 150 degrees, 100 degrees to 160 degrees, 90 degrees to 170 degrees, etc.). The slot 58 can include a first portion 58A (e.g., a first channel portion or segment) that extends from the upper opening 62U along a first vertical axis (such as the vertical axis 84) (e.g., the first vertical axis can form a first channel portion that is orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the slot) The slot 58 may also include a second portion 58B (e.g., a second channel portion or segment) extending from the first portion 58A to the lower opening 62L along a second vertical axis (such as the vertical axis 82) (e.g., the second vertical axis may form a longitudinal axis of the second channel portion that is orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the slot). The vertical axis 84, and therefore the portion 58A of the slot 58, may be inclined at a non-parallel angle relative to the vertical axis 82 and therefore the portion 58B of the slot 58 (e.g., 20 to 90 degrees, 45 to 80 degrees, 30 to 85 degrees, 30 to 60 degrees, 20 to 70 degrees, 45 degrees, 60 degrees, etc.).

[0064] Tilting the slot 58 at the upper opening 62U in this manner can help redirect the first field of view of the antenna 40 (e.g., at the front side of the device 10) to be further away from the upper housing 12A in the open position 88, thereby optimizing the antenna performance when the upper housing 12A is in the open position. If desired, the upper housing 12A can include a channel 90 in the conductive structure 72. The channel 90 is sometimes also referred to herein as a cavity 90, a waveguide 90, a slot 90, or an aperture 90. The channel 90 can extend from the front of the upper housing 12A to the back of the housing 12A (e.g., from the rear cover layer 74 to the curved lower edge of the upper display 12A or the front cover layer 70).

[0065] When the upper housing 12A is in the closed position, the channel 90 can overlap and / or align with the upper opening 62U. During signal transmission, the slot 58 can transmit the RF signal through the upper opening 62U and the channel 90, as shown by arrow 78. During signal reception, the channel 90 can receive the RF signal (as shown by arrow 78) and can pass the RF signal into the slot 58 through the upper opening 62U. When the upper housing 12A is in the closed position, the channel 90 can extend along the vertical axis 86 (e.g., parallel to the vertical axis 82, parallel to the Z axis, or inclined at a non-parallel angle relative to the vertical axis 82 and / or the Z axis). In this way, when the upper housing 12A is in the closed position (as shown by arrow 78), the channel 90 can propagate the RF signal to and / or from the upper opening 62U and the slot 58 (e.g., the channel 90 can form an RF waveguide for the antenna 40). Despite the presence of conductive structures 72 in upper housing 12A, this may help maintain the first field of view of antenna 40 out in front of device 10 when upper housing 12A is in the closed position.

[0066] The channel 90 may be filled with air or another dielectric (e.g., radio frequency (RF) transparent) material. The rear cover layer 74 and / or the front cover layer 70 may overlap laterally with one or both ends of the channel 90. Since the rear cover layer 74 and the front cover layer 70 are formed of dielectric materials, the RF signal transmitted by the upper opening 62U can enter and exit the channel 90 through the cover layer. If desired, one or more opaque masking layers or ink layers under the rear cover layer 74 and / or the front cover layer 70 can help hide the channel 90 from view. The channel 90 may extend laterally along the longitudinal axis of the slot 58 (e.g., parallel to the Y-axis and the hinge axis 22).

[0067] exist Figure 6 In the example of , the gap 58 has a uniform width W across the upper opening 62U, the portion 58A of the gap 58, the portion 58B of the gap 58, and the lower opening 62L. This is merely exemplary. If desired, the gap 58 may have a tapered shape extending from the lower opening 62L to the upper opening 62U. Figure 7 62L is a cross-sectional side view showing one example of how the slot 58 may have a tapered shape extending from the lower opening 62L to the upper opening 62U. Figure 7 As shown, the lower opening 62L may have a width W, while the upper opening 62U has an expanded width W' that is wider than the width W. The width of the channel of the slot 58 may increase (taper) from the lower opening 62L to the upper opening 62U. The width may increase gradually, linearly, continuously, in a stepped manner, or in any other desired manner.

[0068] In this example, slot 58 may be fed at lower opening 62L (eg, using Figure 4 4. The antenna feed 42L of the slot 58 is shown in FIG. 4. This produces a peak electric field along the portion of the channel of the slot 58 having a width W, wherein the tapered portion of the channel of the slot 58 acts as a radiating waveguide and / or an RF horn that propagates the RF signal radiated by the peak electric field to the upper opening 62U outward. By increasing the width of the upper opening 62U in this manner, a portion of the upper opening 62U can remain exposed to free space at each orientation of the upper housing 12A relative to the lower housing 12B, thereby ensuring that regardless of the orientation of the upper housing 12A (including when the upper housing 12A is in a closed position (as shown by arrow 78)), the slot 58 is still able to convey the RF signal to the front of the device 10 outward via at least a portion of the first field of view.

[0069] Figures 5 to 7 The examples are merely illustrative. In general, the passage of the slot 58 may have any desired number of curved and / or straight edges / walls (e.g., as defined by the inner edge of the coupling barrel conductor 60) from the upper opening 62U to the lower opening 62L. The passage of the slot 58 may have any desired number of straight and / or curved segments. If desired, the passage of the slot 58 may follow a tortuous path from the upper opening 62U to the lower opening 62L. Where the coupling barrel conductor 60 is shown as a solid piece of metal Figures 5 to 7 The example of is only illustrative. If necessary, the coupling barrel conductor 60 can be formed by a metal hollow piece.

[0070] Figure 8 FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional side view of the coupling barrel 28 showing one example of how the coupling barrel conductor 60 may be formed from a hollow metal piece. Figure 8 As shown, when the passage of slot 58 extends from upper opening 62U to lower opening 62L, coupling barrel conductor 60 may be formed from one or more hollow metal sheets (e.g., folded and / or stamped metal sheet members) having recesses (such as hollow portion 92). This may be used, for example, to reduce the overall weight of device 10 without affecting antenna performance. Figure 8 In the example, the upper opening 62U has Figure 7 However, when the slot 58 has an angled channel (such as Figure 6 As shown), linear channels (as Figure 5 In this way the coupling barrel conductor 60 can be hollow when it is shaped as shown) or any other shape.

[0071] If desired, a dielectric material may be disposed on or within the coupling barrel conductor 60 to help protect the slot 58, and therefore the antenna 40, from detuning, damage, and / or contamination. Fig. 9 2 is a cross-sectional side view of the coupling barrel 28 showing some examples of how dielectric material may be disposed on or within the coupling barrel conductor 60. Fig. 9 As shown, the coupling barrel conductor 60 can be provided with a dielectric cover, such as a dielectric cover 95. The dielectric cover 95 can be laminated onto the curved outer surface of the coupling barrel conductor 60. The dielectric cover 95 can therefore be a curved dielectric cover. The dielectric cover 95 can cover the upper opening 62U, the lower opening 62L, or both the upper opening 62U and the lower opening 62L. As an example, the dielectric cover 95 can be formed of plastic or ceramic. If desired, the coupling barrel 28 may include a first dielectric cover 95 overlapping the upper opening 62U and a second dielectric cover 95 overlapping the lower opening 62L (e.g., formed of the same material or a different material). If desired, the coupling barrel 28 can be provided with a plurality of concentric (stacked) dielectric covers 95.

[0072] Additionally or alternatively, dielectric material 94 may be disposed within slot 58 at upper opening 62U and / or lower opening 62L. Dielectric material 94 may extend through only a portion of the channel of slot 58 or may completely fill the channel of slot 58. The dielectric material may include plastic (e.g., injection molded plastic), epoxy, or other material. If desired, dielectric material 94 may be disposed in one of openings 62U or 62L, while the other opening is covered by dielectric cover layer 95. If desired, one or both of openings 62U and 62L may be filled with dielectric material 94 and covered with dielectric cover layer 95. When slot 58 has any shape shown or described herein (e.g., in combination with Figures 5 to 8 ), the gap 58 can be provided with a dielectric material 94 and / or a dielectric covering layer 95.

[0073] If desired, the coupling barrel 28 may include multiple antennas having corresponding lower openings 62L but sharing a single upper opening 62U. Fig.10 is a perspective view of the coupling barrel 28 showing an example in which the coupling barrel 28 includes a first (left) antenna 40L having a first slot 58L and includes a second (right) antenna 40R having a second slot 58R formed in the coupling barrel conductor 60, wherein the antennas 40L and 40R share the same upper opening 62U.

[0074] like Fig.10 As shown, slot 58L may include a first passage extending vertically from a first lower opening 62L to an upper opening 62U. Slot 58R may include a second passage extending vertically from a second lower opening 62L to the same upper opening 62U. Portion 60' of coupling barrel conductor 60 may electrically separate (isolate) slot 58L, and therefore antenna 40L, from slot 58R and antenna 40R. Upper opening 62U may be formed of a single piece of dielectric material (e.g., Fig. 9The slots 58R and 58L may be covered and / or filled with a dielectric cover layer 95 or dielectric material 94 to help make the slots 58R and 58L appear as a single continuous opening in the coupling barrel 28. Alternatively, the slots 58L and 58R may extend from different corresponding upper openings 62U to the same common lower opening 62L. This can be generalized to any desired number of antennas 40 in the coupling barrel 28 that share any desired number of upper openings 62U and / or lower openings 62R.

[0075] As used herein, the term "simultaneous" refers to overlapping at least partially in time. In other words, if at least some of the first event occurs simultaneously with at least some of the second event (e.g., if at least some of the first event occurs during at least some of the second event, occurs at the same time as at least some of the second event, or occurs when at least some of the second event occurs), the first event and the second event are referred to as "simultaneous" with each other in this article. If the first event and the second event are synchronized (e.g., if the entire duration of the first event overlaps with the entire duration of the second event in time), the first event and the second event can be simultaneous, but if the first event and the second event are asynchronous (e.g., if the first event starts before or after the second event starts, if the first event ends before or after the second event ends, or if the first event and the second event do not partially overlap in time), the first event and the second event can also be simultaneous. As used herein, the term "while" is synonymous with "concurrent".

[0076] Device 10 may collect and / or use personally identifiable information. As is well known, use of personally identifiable information should be subject to privacy policies and practices that are generally recognized to meet or exceed industry or government requirements for maintaining user privacy. Specifically, personally identifiable information data should be managed and processed to minimize the risk of unintentional or unauthorized access or use, and the nature of authorized use should be clearly stated to the user.

[0077] According to one embodiment, a laptop computer is provided, comprising: a lower housing having an upper metal wall and a lower metal wall defining an interior volume of the lower metal housing; a coupling barrel mounted to the lower housing, the coupling barrel having a conductor, a first opening in the conductor, a second opening in the conductor, and a passage extending from the first opening through the conductor to the second opening; an upper housing coupled to the coupling barrel by a hinge; and an antenna having an antenna feed coupled across the first opening in the conductor.

[0078] According to another embodiment, the hinge has a hinge axis, the first opening has a longitudinal axis parallel to the hinge axis, and the channel extends along a first axis orthogonal to the longitudinal axis.

[0079] According to another embodiment, the conductor has a diameter orthogonal to the longitudinal axis, and the channel extends across the diameter of the conductor.

[0080] According to another embodiment, the channel has a linear shape from the first opening to the second opening.

[0081] According to another embodiment, the upper housing is rotatable from an open position to a closed position, and when the upper housing is in the closed position, the upper housing does not overlap with respect to the first opening, the passage, and the second opening.

[0082] According to another embodiment, the channel includes a first portion extending from the second opening along a first axis and a second portion extending from the first portion to the first opening along a second axis that is non-parallel to the first axis.

[0083] According to another embodiment, the upper housing is rotatable from an open position to a closed position, the upper housing including a display, a conductive structure, and a waveguide in the conductive structure, the waveguide being aligned with the second opening when the upper housing is in the closed position.

[0084] According to another embodiment, the first opening has a first width and the second opening has a second width greater than the first width.

[0085] According to another embodiment, the upper shell is capable of rotating from an open position to a closed position, and when the upper shell is in the open position, the upper metal wall of the lower shell is separated from the upper shell by a first gap, and when the upper shell is in the open position, the lower metal wall of the lower shell is separated from the upper shell by a second gap, the second opening faces the first gap, and the first opening faces the second gap.

[0086] According to another embodiment, the upper shell is capable of rotating from an open position to a closed position, and when the upper shell is in the open position, the upper metal wall of the lower shell is separated from the upper shell by a first gap, and when the upper shell is in the open position, the lower metal wall of the lower shell is separated from the upper shell by a second gap, the second opening faces the first gap, and the first opening faces the second gap.

[0087] According to another embodiment, the upper shell is capable of rotating from an open position to a closed position, and when the upper shell is in the open position, the upper metal wall of the lower shell is separated from the upper shell by a first gap, and when the upper shell is in the open position, the lower metal wall of the lower shell is separated from the upper shell by a second gap, the second opening faces the second gap, and the first opening faces the first gap.

[0088] According to one embodiment, a laptop computer is provided, comprising: a lower housing having an upper metal wall and a lower metal wall defining an internal volume of the lower metal housing; a coupling barrel mounted to the lower housing and having a conductor; an upper housing coupled to the coupling barrel by a hinge, the upper housing being capable of rotating between an open position and a closed position, the upper metal wall of the lower housing being separated from the upper housing by a first gap when the upper housing is in the open position, and the lower metal wall of the lower housing being separated from the upper housing by a second gap when the upper housing is in the open position; and an antenna having a radiation slot in the conductor of the coupling barrel, the radiation slot being located in a curved surface, and being configured to radiate through the first gap and the second gap when the upper housing is in the open position.

[0089] According to another embodiment, the radiating slot faces the first gap, the conductor has an opening facing the second gap, and the conductor has a cavity extending from the radiating slot to the opening.

[0090] According to another embodiment, the radiating slot faces the second slot, the conductor has an opening facing the first slot, and the conductor has a cavity extending from the radiating slot to the opening.

[0091] According to another embodiment, the cavity has a linear shape from the radiation slot to the opening, and the opening does not overlap relative to the upper housing when the upper housing is in the closed position.

[0092] According to another embodiment, the upper housing has a conductive structure, the upper housing has a radio frequency waveguide in the conductive structure, and the opening overlaps the radio frequency waveguide when the upper housing is in the closed position.

[0093] According to another embodiment, the cavity has a first section extending from the radiation slot along a first axis, the cavity has a second section extending from the first section to the opening along a second axis, and the second axis is non-parallel to the first axis.

[0094] According to another embodiment, a laptop computer includes a dielectric cover disposed on the conductors, the dielectric cover covering the radiating slots and the openings.

[0095] According to one embodiment, an electronic device is provided, which includes: a housing having an upper housing portion accommodating a display and having a lower housing portion, the lower housing portion having a first conductive wall and a second conductive wall relative to each other; a coupling barrel mounted to the lower housing portion; a hinge coupling the upper housing portion to the lower housing portion at the coupling barrel, the upper housing portion being capable of rotating relative to the lower housing portion, the hinge having a hinge axis, and the coupling barrel having a diameter orthogonal to the hinge axis; a conductor in the coupling barrel, the conductor extending along the hinge axis and having an opening; and an antenna having a radiation slot extending across the diameter of the coupling barrel to the opening.

[0096] According to another embodiment, the lower housing portion has an upper metal wall, the lower housing portion has a lower metal wall, when the upper housing portion is in an open position, the upper metal wall is separated from the upper housing portion by a first gap, when the upper housing portion is in an open position, the lower metal wall is separated from the upper housing portion by a second gap, the radiation gap faces the second gap, the opening faces the first gap, and the electronic device includes an additional antenna having an additional radiation gap, which faces the second gap, is separated from the radiation gap by a portion of the conductor, and extends across the diameter of the coupling barrel to the opening.

[0097] The foregoing is merely illustrative, and various modifications may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the described embodiments. The foregoing embodiments may be implemented individually or in any combination.

Claims

1. A laptop computer, comprising: a lower housing having an upper metal wall and a lower metal wall defining an interior volume of the lower metal housing; a coupling barrel mounted to the lower housing, the coupling barrel having a conductor, a first opening in the conductor, a second opening in the conductor, and a passage extending from the first opening through the conductor to the second opening; an upper housing coupled to the coupling barrel via a hinge; and An antenna has an antenna feed coupled across the first opening in the conductor.

2. The laptop computer of claim 1, wherein the hinge has a hinge axis, the first opening has a longitudinal axis parallel to the hinge axis, and the channel extends along a first axis orthogonal to the longitudinal axis.

3. The laptop computer of claim 2, wherein the conductor has a diameter orthogonal to the longitudinal axis, and the channel extends across the diameter of the conductor. 4 . The laptop computer of claim 2 , wherein the channel has a linear shape from the first opening to the second opening.

5. The laptop computer of claim 4, wherein the upper housing is rotatable from an open position to a closed position, and when the upper housing is in the closed position, the upper housing does not overlap with respect to the first opening, the channel, and the second opening.

6. The laptop computer of claim 2, wherein the channel comprises: a first portion extending from the second opening along the first axis; and A second portion extends from the first portion to the first opening along a second axis that is non-parallel to the first axis.

7. The laptop computer according to claim 6, wherein the upper housing is rotatable from an open position to a closed position, the upper housing comprising: monitor; Conductive structure; as well as A waveguide in the conductive structure is aligned with the second opening when the upper housing is in the closed position. 8 . The laptop computer of claim 2 , wherein the first opening has a first width, and the second opening has a second width greater than the first width.

9. The laptop computer according to claim 8, wherein the upper shell is capable of rotating from an open position to a closed position, when the upper shell is in the open position, the upper metal wall of the lower shell is separated from the upper shell by a first gap, when the upper shell is in the open position, the lower metal wall of the lower shell is separated from the upper shell by a second gap, the second opening faces the first gap, and the first opening faces the second gap.

10. The laptop computer according to claim 1, wherein the upper shell is capable of rotating from an open position to a closed position, when the upper shell is in the open position, the upper metal wall of the lower shell is separated from the upper shell by a first gap, when the upper shell is in the open position, the lower metal wall of the lower shell is separated from the upper shell by a second gap, the second opening faces the first gap, and the first opening faces the second gap.

11. The laptop computer according to claim 1, wherein the upper shell is capable of rotating from an open position to a closed position, when the upper shell is in the open position, the upper metal wall of the lower shell is separated from the upper shell by a first gap, when the upper shell is in the open position, the lower metal wall of the lower shell is separated from the upper shell by a second gap, the second opening faces the second gap, and the first opening faces the first gap.

12. A laptop computer, comprising: a lower housing having an upper metal wall and a lower metal wall defining an interior volume of the lower metal housing; a coupling barrel mounted to the lower housing and having a conductor; an upper housing coupled to the coupling barrel by a hinge, wherein the upper housing is rotatable between an open position and a closed position, when the upper housing is in the open position, the upper metal wall of the lower housing is separated from the upper housing by a first gap, and when the upper housing is in the open position, the lower metal wall of the lower housing is separated from the upper housing by a second gap; and An antenna having a radiating slot in the conductor of the coupling barrel, wherein the radiating slot is located in a curved surface and is configured to radiate through the first gap and the second gap when the upper housing is in the open position.

13. The laptop computer of claim 12, wherein the radiation slot faces the first gap, the conductor has an opening facing the second gap, and the conductor has a cavity extending from the radiation slot to the opening.

14. The laptop computer of claim 12, wherein the radiation slot faces the second slot, the conductor has an opening facing the first slot, and the conductor has a cavity extending from the radiation slot to the opening.

15. The laptop computer of claim 14, wherein the cavity has a linear shape from the radiation slot to the opening, and the opening does not overlap relative to the upper housing when the upper housing is in the closed position.

16. The laptop computer of claim 14, wherein the upper housing has a conductive structure, the upper housing has a radio frequency waveguide in the conductive structure, and the opening overlaps the radio frequency waveguide when the upper housing is in the closed position.

17. The laptop computer of claim 14, wherein the cavity has a first segment extending from the radiation slot along a first axis, the cavity has a second segment extending from the first segment to the opening along a second axis, and the second axis is non-parallel to the first axis.

18. The laptop of claim 14, further comprising: A dielectric cover layer is disposed on the conductor, wherein the dielectric cover layer covers the radiation slot and the opening.

19. An electronic device, comprising: a housing having an upper housing portion housing the display and having a lower housing portion, wherein the lower housing portion has opposing first and second conductive walls; a coupling barrel mounted to the lower housing portion; a hinge coupling the upper housing portion to the lower housing portion at the coupling barrel, the upper housing portion being rotatable relative to the lower housing portion, the hinge having a hinge axis, and the coupling barrel having a diameter orthogonal to the hinge axis; a conductor in the coupling barrel, wherein the conductor extends along the hinge axis and has an opening; as well as An antenna having a radiating slot extending across the diameter of the coupling barrel to the opening.

20. The electronic device according to claim 19, wherein the lower housing portion has an upper metal wall, the lower housing portion has a lower metal wall, when the upper housing portion is in the open position, the upper metal wall is separated from the upper housing portion by a first gap, when the upper housing portion is in the open position, the lower metal wall is separated from the upper housing portion by a second gap, the radiation slot faces the second gap, the opening faces the first gap, and the electronic device further comprises: An additional antenna having an additional radiating slot facing the second gap, separated from the radiating slot by a portion of the conductor, and extending across the diameter of the coupling barrel to the opening.

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