Antenna structure and electronic equipment

Abstract

The invention relates to an antenna structure and electronic equipment. The antenna structure comprises a frame antenna which comprises a metal frame extending along a first direction. And the metal structure is in radiation coupling with the frame antenna to serve as a radiator of the antenna structure. The metal structure and the metal frame are arranged at an interval along a second direction, and the interval distance is within a preset distance range. The second direction is perpendicular to the first direction. The metal structure is coupled with the frame antenna radiation to serve as a radiator of the antenna structure, the metal structure and the metal frame are arranged at an interval in the second direction, and the interval distance is within the preset distance range, so that when the antenna structure works, the metal structure can sense current and participate in antenna radiation; therefore, the radiation efficiency of the antenna structure is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of terminal technology, and in particular to an antenna structure and electronic device. Background Technology

[0002] With the continuous advancement of communication technology, 5G frequency bands have become the most widely used frequency bands, making the need to improve 5G signal strength increasingly urgent. As mobile phone functions become more and more complex, the required internal environment increases, and the structure becomes more densely stacked, leading to a worsening antenna clearance environment. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This disclosure provides an antenna structure and electronic device to address the shortcomings of related technologies.

[0004] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, an antenna structure is provided, comprising:

[0005] A frame antenna, including a metal frame extending along a first direction;

[0006] A metal structure is radiatively coupled to the frame antenna to serve as the radiator of the antenna structure; the metal structure and the metal frame are spaced apart along a second direction, and the distance between them is within a preset range; the second direction is perpendicular to the first direction.

[0007] Optionally, the preset distance range includes a first preset distance, and the peak efficiency of the antenna structure is highest when the spacing between the metal structure and the metal frame along the second direction is the first preset distance;

[0008] The preset distance range is configured such that when the distance between the metal structure and the metal frame along the second direction is any distance within the preset distance range, the difference between the peak efficiency of the antenna structure and the peak efficiency of the antenna structure when the distance between the metal structure and the metal frame along the second direction is the first preset distance does not exceed 4dB.

[0009] Optionally, the antenna structure is applied to an electronic device, which includes a main circuit board; the preset distance range is configured to not exceed the spacing between the main circuit board and the metal frame along the second direction.

[0010] Optionally, the first preset distance is 0.05λ, where λ is the wavelength of the antenna structure. When the distance between the metal structure and the metal frame along the second direction is the first preset distance, the antenna structure operates in 1 / 2λ resonant mode; and / or

[0011] The distance between the main circuit board and the metal frame along the second direction is 0.1λ.

[0012] Optionally, the preset distance range d is configured as: 0.05λ≤d<0.1λ.

[0013] Optionally, the frame antenna further includes a coupling parasitic stub connected to the metal frame; the metal frame has a slit, and along the first direction, the coupling parasitic stub and the metal structure are respectively located on both sides of the slit.

[0014] Optionally, the coupled parasitic stub and the metal frame form an IFA frame antenna.

[0015] Optionally, the antenna structure covers both 5G and low-frequency bands, the 5G band including the N78 band; and / or

[0016] The antenna structure is applied to an electronic device, and the metal structure is a flexible circuit board for the screen of the electronic device.

[0017] Optionally, the metal frame has an upper frame point, and the antenna structure further includes a matching circuit connected to the upper frame point. The matching circuit includes a tuning device, and the operating frequency band of the antenna structure is adjusted by adjusting the value of the tuning device.

[0018] Optionally, the matching circuit includes:

[0019] A power supply, a first capacitor, and a first inductor are connected in series, with the first inductor connected to the upper frame point;

[0020] The second capacitor has one end grounded and the other end connected between the power supply and the first capacitor;

[0021] The tuning switch has one end grounded and the other end connected between the first capacitor and the first inductor;

[0022] The third capacitor has one end connected to the tuning switch and the other end connected between the first inductor and the upper frame point;

[0023] A second inductor and a fourth capacitor are connected in series, with the second inductor connected between the first inductor and the upper frame point, and the fourth capacitor grounded.

[0024] Optionally, the preset distance range includes a first preset distance. When the spacing between the metal structure and the metal frame along the second direction is the first preset distance, the antenna structure is in the first operating frequency band and has the highest peak efficiency.

[0025] The preset distance range includes a second preset distance. When the spacing between the metal structure and the metal frame along the second direction is the second preset distance, the antenna structure is in the second operating frequency band, and the difference between the peak efficiency and the peak efficiency of the antenna structure in the first operating frequency band does not exceed a set value. By increasing the value of the first inductor, the frequency deviation between the second operating frequency band and the first operating frequency band can be reduced.

[0026] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, an electronic device is provided, including an antenna structure as described in the first aspect embodiment.

[0027] The technical solutions provided by the embodiments of this disclosure may include the following beneficial effects:

[0028] As can be seen from the above embodiments, this disclosure sets up a metal structure and a frame antenna for radiation coupling, so as to serve as the radiator of the antenna structure. The metal structure and the metal frame are spaced apart along the second direction, and the spacing is within a preset distance range. When the antenna structure is working, the metal structure can sense the current and participate in the antenna radiation, thereby improving the radiation efficiency of the antenna structure.

[0029] It should be understood that the above general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only, and are not intended to limit this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0030] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with this disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of this disclosure.

[0031] Figure 1 This is a layout diagram of an antenna structure according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0032] Figure 2 This is an efficiency curve of an antenna structure according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0033] Figure 3 This is a current distribution diagram of a metal structure and a frame antenna of an antenna structure at different intervals, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0034] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a matching circuit for an antenna structure according to an exemplary embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0035] The technical solutions in the embodiments (or "implementations") of this disclosure will be clearly and completely described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings. When the following description relates to the drawings, unless otherwise indicated, the same numbers in different drawings represent the same or similar elements.

[0036] If this disclosure uses terms relating to directional indications or positional relationships (e.g., up, down, left, right, front, back, inside, outside, top, bottom, center, vertical, horizontal, longitudinal, transverse, length, width, counterclockwise, clockwise, axial, radial, circumferential, etc.), such terms are only used to explain the relative positional relationships and movements between components in a specific posture (as shown in the accompanying drawings); if the specific posture changes, the directional indications or positional relationships will also change accordingly. Furthermore, terms such as "first" and "second" in this disclosure are used only for descriptive convenience and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0037] To facilitate understanding of the technical solutions of this disclosure, the antenna structure and electronic equipment of this disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Unless otherwise specified, the features in the following embodiments and implementations can be combined with each other.

[0038] Given the current internal stacking space of electronic devices, it is very difficult to increase the clearance environment and improve antenna performance by improving the structure. Therefore, it is particularly important to make good use of the surrounding metal structures that can generate radiation. However, for mobile phone frame antennas, the distance between the metal structure and the frame antenna is particularly important. Too close or too far will affect the performance of the frame antenna. Therefore, in the case of a structure with extreme stacking, defining the distance relationship between the metal structure and the frame antenna is particularly important for improving the antenna's radiation performance.

[0039] Based on this, see Figure 1 As shown, this disclosure provides an antenna structure, which can be a 5G antenna and can be applied to electronic devices such as mobile phones and tablets. The antenna structure may include a frame antenna 10 and a metal structure 20. The frame antenna 10 includes a metal frame 11 extending along a first direction Y. The metal structure 20 is radiatively coupled to the frame antenna 10 to serve as a radiator of the antenna structure. The metal structure 20 and the metal frame 11 are spaced apart along a second direction X, and the distance between them is within a preset range. The second direction X is perpendicular to the first direction Y.

[0040] As can be seen from the above embodiments, this disclosure uses a metal structure 20 radiatingly coupled to the frame antenna 10 to serve as the radiator of the antenna structure. The metal structure 20 and the metal frame 11 are spaced apart along the second direction X, and the distance between them is within a preset range. When the antenna structure is working, the metal structure 20 can sense current and participate in the antenna radiation, thereby improving the radiation efficiency of the antenna structure. In antenna environments with extreme structural stacking, defining the distance relationship between the surrounding metal structure and the frame antenna improves the performance of the 5G antenna, providing a technical reference for subsequent antenna solutions.

[0041] In some optional embodiments, the frame antenna 10 further includes a coupling parasitic stub 12 connected to the metal frame 11. The metal frame 11 has a slit 13 along the first direction Y, with the coupling parasitic stub 12 and the metal structure 20 located on opposite sides of the slit. Thus, the coupling parasitic stub 12 and the metal frame 11 form an IFA frame antenna, covering multiple frequency bands from the LB low-frequency band to 5G. The frame antenna 10 can generate an effective N78 frequency band depending on the length of the coupling parasitic stub 12.

[0042] In some alternative embodiments, the antenna structure is applied to an electronic device, and the metal structure 20 can be a flexible printed circuit board (FPC) of the screen of the electronic device. Utilizing the screen FPC as an antenna radiator to participate in the radiation of the frame antenna improves antenna performance. In other embodiments, the metal structure 20 can also be other metal components inside the electronic device, capable of participating in the radiation of the frame antenna as an antenna radiator; this disclosure does not impose any limitations on this.

[0043] Understandably, the internal space and PCB structure of current mobile phones and other electronic devices are extremely compact. The USB structure, main circuit board, and radio frequency components occupy most of the bottom space, therefore the screen FPC is placed near the bezel antenna. Figure 1 The diagram shows the relative positions of the screen FPC and the bezel antenna 10 at the designed distance, where the bezel antenna covers multiple frequency bands of LB (low-frequency band) + 5G. Due to limitations in the appearance of electromechanical equipment, the feed and slot positions of the bezel antenna 10 are fixed, posing a significant challenge to the efficiency of the 5G antenna. This disclosure utilizes a metal structure 20 near the bezel antenna 10, i.e., the screen FPC, to improve the efficiency of the bezel antenna in 5G. The degree of efficiency improvement depends on the distance between the screen FPC and the bezel antenna 10.

[0044] In some optional implementations, the preset distance range includes a first preset distance, where the peak efficiency of the antenna structure is highest when the distance between the metal structure 20 and the metal frame 11 along the second direction X is the first preset distance. The preset distance range is configured such that the difference between the peak efficiency of the antenna structure and the peak efficiency when the distance between the metal structure 20 and the metal frame 11 along the second direction X is any distance within the preset distance range does not exceed 4 dB. Experimental simulations show that the peak efficiency of the antenna structure is highest at the first preset distance between the screen FPC and the metal frame 11 of the frame antenna 10; this first preset distance is the optimal design position for the metal structure. As the distance changes, the antenna efficiency decreases significantly beyond a certain range. Therefore, the requirement for the preset distance range is that the difference between the peak efficiency of the antenna at this distance and the peak efficiency when the metal structure is at the first preset distance does not exceed 4 dB, thereby ensuring that the metal structure enhances the antenna performance. In this embodiment, the first preset distance is 0.05λ, where λ is the wavelength of the antenna structure.

[0045] Furthermore, when the antenna structure is applied to an electronic device, since the electronic device includes a main circuit board, the preset distance range is also configured to not exceed the spacing between the main circuit board and the metal frame 11 along the second direction X, in order to reduce the impact of the main circuit board on the antenna performance. In this embodiment, the spacing between the main circuit board and the metal frame 11 along the second direction X is 0.1λ.

[0046] See Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, Figure 2 The graph shows the relationship between the distance d between the screen FPC and the bezel antenna and the efficiency in the 3.3-3.6GHz range. Figure 3 The figure shows the current distribution of the frame antenna at a given distance d, with black dots representing points of high current. The antenna performance of this disclosure is as follows:

[0047] At 3.5 GHz, the frame antenna operates in 1 / 2λ loop mode. From Figure 2 and Figure 3 As can be seen, a certain distance d needs to exist between the screen FPC and the frame antenna in order to effectively improve the 5G efficiency of the frame antenna.

[0048] When d = 0.05λ (e.g.) Figure 2As shown by the red curve in the middle, when the distance between the metal structure 20 and the frame antenna 10 is 0.05λ, the screen FPC senses a portion of the current, which participates in the radiation of the frame antenna. At this time, the peak efficiency of the frame antenna between 3.3-3.6GHz is -6dB, which significantly improves the antenna performance.

[0049] When there is no screen FPC (e.g.) Figure 2 As shown by the orange curve in the middle, assuming the metal structure 20 is removed, since there is no metal structure near the frame antenna that can generate effective radiation, no effective radiation is generated in the 3.3-3.6GHz frequency band. Compared with the peak efficiency of the antenna when d=0.05λ, the peak efficiency of the antenna is reduced by about 8dB, and the antenna performance is significantly reduced.

[0050] When d < 0.05λ (e.g.) Figure 2 Taking d = 0.03λ as an example (shown by the green curve), from Figure 3 As can be seen from the current distribution diagram, when the frame antenna operates in 3 / 4λ mode, this mode will produce an efficiency dip. At this time, the peak efficiency of the frame antenna is reduced by about 4dB compared with the peak efficiency of the antenna when d=0.05λ, and there is frequency offset, which has limited improvement on antenna performance.

[0051] At d = 0.075λ, the current induced by the screen FPC is relatively small, but the frame antenna still operates in 1 / 2λ mode. Therefore, there is a frequency offset in efficiency between 3.3-3.6GHz, but the peak efficiency is almost unchanged compared to the peak efficiency of the antenna at d = 0.05λ, which can still significantly improve antenna performance. The antenna structure also includes a matching circuit for adjusting the operating frequency band of the antenna structure. At this distance, the frequency offset can be adjusted by fine-tuning the values ​​of the tuning devices in the matching circuit.

[0052] Furthermore, since the distance between the main circuit board (PCB) of an electronic device and the frame antenna is typically set to 0.1λ, the spacing d between the metal structure and the frame antenna must be less than 0.1λ. Under the condition of 0.05λ≤d<0.1λ, that is, the spacing between the metal structure and the frame antenna is set to 0.05λ≤d<0.1λ, the screen FPC can improve the efficiency of the 5G antenna by optimizing the values ​​of the tuning components.

[0053] See Figure 4 As shown, in some optional embodiments, the metal frame 11 is provided with an upper frame point 14, and the antenna structure further includes a matching circuit connected to the upper frame point 14. The matching circuit includes a tuning device, and the operating frequency band of the antenna structure can be adjusted by adjusting the value of the tuning device.

[0054] Specifically, the matching circuit may include:

[0055] The power supply 15, the first capacitor C1, and the first inductor L1 are connected in series, and the first inductor L1 is connected to the upper frame point 14.

[0056] The second capacitor C2 has one end grounded and the other end connected between the power supply 15 and the first capacitor C1.

[0057] The tuning switch 16 has one end grounded and the other end connected between the first capacitor C1 and the first inductor L1.

[0058] The third capacitor C3 has one end connected to the tuning switch 16 and the other end connected between the first inductor L1 and the upper frame point 14.

[0059] The second inductor L2 and the fourth capacitor C4 are connected in series. The second inductor L2 is connected between the first inductor L2 and the upper frame point 14, and the fourth capacitor C4 is grounded.

[0060] The tuning switch can include two switching circuits, each of which may or may not have a tuning device. The tuning device may include a capacitor and an inductor. A switching circuit without a tuning device can be understood as having a tuning device with a 0-ohm resistor. Low-frequency and high-frequency radiation modes are generated by adjusting the state of the switching circuit with the capacitor. A mid-frequency radiation mode is generated by adjusting the state of the switching circuit with the inductor or without a tuning device. Thus, the tuning switch can tune to corresponding low, mid, and high-frequency bands according to different combinations of the switching circuits. In this embodiment, one of the two switching circuits has a capacitor C5, and the other has an inductor L3. Therefore, both low-frequency and high-frequency radiation modes can be generated by adjusting the state of the switching circuit with the capacitor, and a mid-frequency radiation mode can be generated by adjusting the state of the switching circuit with the inductor. It should be noted that the number of switching circuits, the type of tuning device, and its value can all be set according to actual needs, and this disclosure does not impose any limitations on this.

[0061] For example, the preset distance range includes a first preset distance, where the antenna structure is in a first operating frequency band and has the highest peak efficiency when the spacing between the metal structure 20 and the metal frame 11 along the second direction X is the first preset distance. The preset distance range also includes a second preset distance, where the antenna structure is in a second operating frequency band and the difference between its peak efficiency and the peak efficiency when it is in the first operating frequency band does not exceed a set value when the spacing between the metal structure 20 and the metal frame 11 along the second direction X is the second preset distance.

[0062] See above Figure 2 and Figure 3As described, the first preset distance is d = 0.05λ, and the first operating frequency band is 3.3-3.6GHz. The second preset distance could be d = 0.075λ, or any other distance where there is a frequency offset in efficiency between 3.3-3.6GHz, but the peak efficiency is almost unchanged compared to the peak efficiency of the antenna when d = 0.05λ.

[0063] By increasing the value of the first inductor L1, the frequency deviation between the second operating frequency band and the first operating frequency band can be reduced. In other words, by setting the distance between the metal structure and the frame antenna to 0.05λ≤d<0.1λ, the screen FPC can improve the efficiency of the 5G antenna by optimizing the values ​​of the tuning components.

[0064] Based on the technical solution of this disclosure, embodiments of this disclosure also provide an electronic device, including the antenna structure described in the above embodiments and implementation methods. The electronic device can be a mobile phone, tablet computer, or other electronic product. By setting a metal structure 20 and a frame antenna 10 for radiative coupling, serving as the radiator of the antenna structure, and with the metal structure 20 and the metal frame 11 spaced apart along the second direction X, and the spacing distance within a preset range, when the antenna structure is working, the metal structure 20 can sense current and participate in antenna radiation, thereby improving the radiation efficiency of the antenna structure. In antenna environments with extreme structural stacking, by defining the distance relationship between the surrounding metal structure and the frame antenna, the performance of the 5G antenna is improved, providing a technical reference for subsequent antenna solutions.

[0065] It should be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the precise structures described above and shown in the accompanying drawings, and various modifications and changes can be made without departing from its scope. The scope of this disclosure is limited only by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An antenna structure, characterized in that, include: A frame antenna, including a metal frame extending along a first direction; A metal structure is radiatively coupled to the frame antenna to serve as the radiator of the antenna structure; The metal structure and the metal frame are spaced apart along a second direction, and the distance between them is within a preset range; the second direction is perpendicular to the first direction.

2. The antenna structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The preset distance range includes a first preset distance. When the spacing between the metal structure and the metal frame along the second direction is the first preset distance, the peak efficiency of the antenna structure is the highest. The preset distance range is configured such that the peak efficiency of the antenna structure when the spacing between the metal structure and the metal frame along the second direction is any distance within the preset distance range, and the peak efficiency of the antenna structure when the spacing between the metal structure and the metal frame along the second direction is the first preset distance, are not more than 4dB.

3. The antenna structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, The antenna structure is applied to an electronic device, which includes a main circuit board; the preset distance range is configured to not exceed the spacing between the main circuit board and the metal frame along the second direction.

4. The antenna structure according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first preset distance is 0.05λ, where λ is the wavelength of the antenna structure. When the distance between the metal structure and the metal frame along the second direction is the first preset distance, the antenna structure operates in 1 / 2λ resonant mode. and / or The distance between the main circuit board and the metal frame along the second direction is 0.1λ.

5. The antenna structure according to claim 4, characterized in that, The preset distance range d is configured as follows: 0.05λ≤d<0.1λ.

6. The antenna structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The frame antenna also includes a coupling parasitic branch connected to the metal frame; the metal frame has a slit, and along the first direction, the coupling parasitic branch and the metal structure are located on opposite sides of the slit.

7. The antenna structure according to claim 6, characterized in that, The coupled parasitic stub and the metal frame form an IFA frame antenna.

8. The antenna structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The antenna structure covers 5G frequency bands and low-frequency bands, including the N78 frequency band in the 5G frequency band. and / or The antenna structure is applied to an electronic device, and the metal structure is a flexible circuit board for the screen of the electronic device.

9. The antenna structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The metal frame has an upper frame point, and the antenna structure also includes a matching circuit connected to the upper frame point. The matching circuit includes a tuning device, and the operating frequency band of the antenna structure is adjusted by adjusting the value of the tuning device.

10. The antenna structure according to claim 9, characterized in that, The matching circuit includes: A power supply, a first capacitor, and a first inductor are connected in series, with the first inductor connected to the upper frame point; The second capacitor has one end grounded and the other end connected between the power supply and the first capacitor; The tuning switch has one end grounded and the other end connected between the first capacitor and the first inductor; The third capacitor has one end connected to the tuning switch and the other end connected between the first inductor and the upper frame point; A second inductor and a fourth capacitor are connected in series, with the second inductor connected between the first inductor and the upper frame point, and the fourth capacitor grounded.

11. The antenna structure according to claim 10, characterized in that, The preset distance range includes a first preset distance. When the distance between the metal structure and the metal frame along the second direction is the first preset distance, the antenna structure is in the first operating frequency band and has the highest peak efficiency. The preset distance range includes a second preset distance. When the spacing between the metal structure and the metal frame along the second direction is the second preset distance, the antenna structure is in the second operating frequency band, and the difference between the peak efficiency and the peak efficiency of the antenna structure in the first operating frequency band does not exceed a set value. By increasing the value of the first inductor, the frequency deviation between the second operating frequency band and the first operating frequency band can be reduced.

12. An electronic device, characterized in that, The antenna structure includes any one of claims 1-11.

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