Notebook computer

Abstract

This invention discloses a notebook computer, including a computer host, a back cover, an antenna bracket, and an antenna module. The computer host includes a first hinge unit and a second hinge unit. The back cover is rotatably connected to the computer host via the first hinge unit. The antenna bracket is rotatably connected to the computer host via the second hinge unit. The antenna module is disposed on the antenna bracket and is adapted to transmit a wireless signal.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a notebook computer, and more particularly to a notebook computer with an antenna bracket. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, most laptops do not have built-in satellite communication capabilities. If a user is in an environment without a base station or wired network, such as a wilderness area, the laptop itself cannot provide internet access. In existing technology, laptops must use an external satellite communication device to provide internet connectivity. However, satellite communication devices are typically bulky and require various cables, adapters, and access points (APs) for connection, making them inconvenient to carry and use. Therefore, there is a need for laptops with built-in satellite communication capabilities. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The present invention provides a notebook computer to address the problems of the prior art, comprising a computer host, a back cover, an antenna bracket, and an antenna module. The computer host includes a first hinge unit and a second hinge unit. The back cover is rotatably connected to the computer host via the first hinge unit. The antenna bracket is rotatably connected to the computer host via the second hinge unit. The antenna module is disposed on the antenna bracket and is adapted to transmit a wireless signal.

[0004] In one embodiment, the computer host includes a host side, the first hinge unit is disposed on the host side, and the second hinge unit is also disposed on the host side.

[0005] In one embodiment, the computer host includes an input interface, a first surface, and a second surface, the first surface being opposite to the second surface, the input interface being disposed on the first surface, the back cover being adapted to cover the first surface, and the antenna bracket being adapted to cover the second surface.

[0006] In one embodiment, in a first spatial orientation, the antenna support is positioned in a first support orientation and overlapped with the computer host; in a second spatial orientation, the antenna support is positioned in a second support orientation and forms a V-shaped structure with the computer host on one side of the projection plane.

[0007] In one embodiment, the back cover includes a screen and a phase modulation module, the phase modulation module being oriented opposite to the orientation of the screen.

[0008] In one embodiment, in a third spatial orientation, the back cover is in an open position relative to the computer host, the antenna bracket is in the second bracket orientation, and the phase modulation module is adapted to perform phase modulation on at least a portion of the wireless signal.

[0009] In one embodiment, the back cover includes a screen and a cover body, the screen being disposed on the cover body, the cover body being made of a non-metallic material, and the wireless signal being adapted to pass through at least a portion of the back cover for transmission.

[0010] In one embodiment, the antenna module includes a feed unit, a ground layer, a first patch unit, and a second surface unit. The feed unit includes a horizontal feed conductor and a vertical feed conductor. The ground layer corresponds to the feed unit. The first patch unit corresponds to the feed unit. The second surface unit corresponds to both the feed unit and the first patch unit, wherein the first patch unit is located between the second patch unit and the feed unit.

[0011] In one embodiment, the horizontal feed conductor includes a first horizontal feed structure and a second horizontal feed structure, and the vertical feed conductor includes a first vertical feed structure and a second vertical feed structure. The first horizontal feed structure and the second horizontal feed structure are arranged along a vertical line, and the first vertical feed structure and the second vertical feed structure are arranged along a horizontal line.

[0012] In one embodiment, at least a portion of the vertical feed conductor is located between the first horizontal feed structure and the second horizontal feed structure.

[0013] In one embodiment, the first horizontal feed structure and the second horizontal feed structure are U-shaped. The first horizontal feed structure includes a first notch, and the second horizontal feed structure includes a second notch. The first notch and the second notch are opposite to each other.

[0014] In one embodiment, the first vertical feed structure and the second vertical feed structure are U-shaped, the first vertical feed structure includes a third notch, and the second vertical feed structure includes a fourth notch, the third notch being opposite to the fourth notch.

[0015] In one embodiment, the horizontal feed conductor includes an impedance matching structure connected to a connection point on the first horizontal feed structure. A first surface current path is defined between the connection point and one end of the first horizontal feed structure, and a second surface current path is defined between the connection point and the other end of the first horizontal feed structure. The first surface current path is not equal to the second surface current path.

[0016] In one embodiment, the first patch unit includes four first patches, and the first horizontal feed structure, the second horizontal feed structure, the first vertical feed structure and the second vertical feed structure feed multiple feed signals to the first patches respectively.

[0017] In one embodiment, the first patch unit includes a plurality of capacitive coupling pads that do not directly contact the first patches. The capacitive coupling pads are respectively coupled to the ends of the first horizontal feed structure, the second horizontal feed structure, the first vertical feed structure, and the second vertical feed structure.

[0018] In one embodiment, the second patch unit includes four second patches, the second patches being larger than the first patches, and the second patches being stacked and covering the first patches respectively.

[0019] In one embodiment, each capacitive coupling pad has a gap between it and the adjacent first patch, and the second patch covers the corresponding gap.

[0020] In one embodiment, the ground layer is located between the feed unit and the first patch unit.

[0021] In the notebook computer of this embodiment, the back cover is rotatably connected to the computer host via a first hinge unit. The antenna bracket is rotatably connected to the computer host via a second hinge unit. The antenna module is mounted on the antenna bracket. Thus, the notebook computer can provide satellite communication functionality through the antenna module on the antenna bracket. Furthermore, the angle of the antenna bracket relative to the computer host can be adjusted as needed to achieve better signal transmission. The notebook computer of this embodiment has a simple structure, is easy to carry, and provides good convenience for users. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1A , Figure 1B This is a schematic diagram of a notebook computer in a first spatial posture, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a notebook computer in a second spatial posture according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 3A , Figure 3B This is a schematic diagram of a notebook computer in a third-space posture according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 3C This is a schematic diagram of a modified example of a notebook computer according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 4 This is an exploded view of the antenna module according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the detailed structure of the feed unit according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 6This is a combined diagram of the antenna module according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the detailed structure of the capacitive coupling pad and the first patch according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Symbol Explanation

[0031] C: Notebook computer

[0032] 1: Computer host

[0033] 11: First Surface

[0034] 12: Second Surface

[0035] 131: First hinge unit

[0036] 132: Second hinge unit

[0037] 14: Side of the main unit

[0038] 15: Input Interface

[0039] 2: Back cover

[0040] 21: Screen

[0041] 22: Phase Modulation Module

[0042] 23: Cover

[0043] 3: Antenna bracket

[0044] S: Wireless signal

[0045] A: Antenna module

[0046] 4: Feed unit

[0047] 41: Horizontal feed conductor

[0048] 411: First horizontal feed structure

[0049] 411n: First Gap

[0050] 412: Second horizontal feed structure

[0051] 412n: Second gap

[0052] 413: Impedance matching structure

[0053] 414: Connection point

[0054] P1: First surface current path

[0055] P2: Second surface current path

[0056] 42: Vertical feed conductor

[0057] 421: First vertical feed structure

[0058] 421n: Third Gap

[0059] 422: Second vertical feed structure

[0060] 422n: Fourth Gap

[0061] 5: Grounding layer

[0062] 6: First surface mount unit

[0063] 61: First patch

[0064] 62: Capacitive coupling pad

[0065] g: gap

[0066] 7: Second veneer unit

[0067] 71: Second patch

[0068] L1: Vertical line

[0069] L2: Horizontal line Detailed Implementation

[0070] Figure 1A , Figure 1B This is a notebook computer illustrating an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the notebook computer is in a first spatial posture. (See accompanying reference.) Figure 1A , Figure 1B The notebook computer C of this embodiment includes a computer host 1, a back cover 2, an antenna bracket 3, and an antenna module (not shown). The computer host 1 includes a first hinge unit 131 and a second hinge unit 132. The back cover 2 is rotatably connected to the computer host 1 via the first hinge unit 131. The antenna bracket 3 is rotatably connected to the computer host 1 via the second hinge unit 132. The antenna module (not shown) is disposed on the antenna bracket 3 and is adapted to transmit a wireless signal.

[0071] Matching reference Figure 1A , Figure 1B In one embodiment, the computer host 1 includes a host side 14, a first hinge unit 131 is disposed on the host side 14, and a second hinge unit 132 is also disposed on the host side 14. In this embodiment, the host side 14 is a straight side.

[0072] Matching reference Figure 1A , Figure 1BIn one embodiment, the computer host 1 includes an input interface 15, a first surface 11 and a second surface 12, the first surface 11 being opposite to the second surface 12, the input interface 15 being disposed on the first surface 11, the back cover 2 being adapted to cover the first surface 11, and the antenna bracket 3 being adapted to cover the second surface 12.

[0073] Figure 2 This is a notebook computer illustrating an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the notebook computer is in a second spatial orientation. (See accompanying reference.) Figure 1A , Figure 1B as well as Figure 2 In one embodiment, in a first spatial pose ( Figure 1A , Figure 1B The antenna bracket 3 is positioned in a first bracket orientation and overlaps with the computer host 1. In a first spatial orientation, the notebook computer C is adapted to provide common notebook computer functions. In a second spatial orientation ( Figure 2 The antenna support 3 is positioned in a second support orientation and forms a V-shaped structure with the computer host 1 on one side of the projection plane. In this second spatial attitude, the notebook computer C is suitable for use as a standalone satellite signal base station.

[0074] Figure 3A , Figure 3B This refers to a notebook computer illustrating an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the notebook computer is in a third-space orientation. (See accompanying reference.) Figure 3A , Figure 3B In one embodiment, the back cover includes a screen 21 and a phase modulation module 22, the phase modulation module 22 being oriented opposite to the orientation of the screen 21. In this third spatial orientation, the notebook computer C can be operated and simultaneously provides satellite communication functionality.

[0075] Matching reference Figure 3A , Figure 3B In one embodiment, in a third spatial orientation, the back cover 2 is in an open position relative to the computer host 1, the antenna bracket 3 is in the second bracket orientation, and the phase modulation module 22 is adapted to perform phase modulation on at least a portion of the wireless signal S transmitted by the antenna module A. This improves the communication quality of low-elevation satellites. In one embodiment, the phase modulation module 22 can be a Reconfigurable Intelligent Surface (RIS).

[0076] Figure 3C This is a modified example of a notebook computer illustrating an embodiment of the present invention. (See reference...) Figure 3CIn one embodiment, the back cover 2 includes a cover body 23, on which the screen is disposed. The cover body 23 is made of a non-metallic material, and the wireless signal S transmitted by the antenna module A is adapted to pass through at least a portion of the back cover 2 for transmission.

[0077] Figure 4 This is an exploded view showing the antenna module according to an embodiment of the present invention. (Refer to...) Figure 4 In one embodiment, the antenna module A includes a feed unit 4, a ground layer 5, a first patch unit 6, and a second surface unit 7. The feed unit 4 includes a horizontal feed conductor 41 and a vertical feed conductor 42. The ground layer 5 corresponds to the feed unit 4. The first patch unit 6 corresponds to the feed unit 4. The second surface unit 7 corresponds to the feed unit 4 and the first patch unit 6, wherein the first patch unit 6 is located between the second patch unit 7 and the feed unit 4. In one embodiment, the ground layer 5 is located between the feed unit 4 and the first patch unit 6.

[0078] Figure 5 This shows the detailed structure of the feed unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. (Refer to...) Figure 5 In one embodiment, the horizontal feed conductor 41 includes a first horizontal feed structure 411 and a second horizontal feed structure 412, and the vertical feed conductor 42 includes a first vertical feed structure 421 and a second vertical feed structure 422. The first horizontal feed structure 411 and the second horizontal feed structure 412 are arranged along a vertical line L1, and the first vertical feed structure 421 and the second vertical feed structure 422 are arranged along a horizontal line L2.

[0079] Reference Figure 5 In one embodiment, at least a portion of the vertical feed conductor 42 is located between the first horizontal feed structure 411 and the second horizontal feed structure 412.

[0080] Reference Figure 5 In one embodiment, the first horizontal feed structure 411 and the second horizontal feed structure 412 are U-shaped. The first horizontal feed structure includes a first notch 411n, and the second horizontal feed structure 412 includes a second notch 412n. The first notch 411n and the second notch 412n are opposite to each other.

[0081] Reference Figure 5 In one embodiment, the first vertical feed structure 421 and the second vertical feed structure 422 are U-shaped. The first vertical feed structure 421 includes a third notch 421n, and the second vertical feed structure 422 includes a fourth notch 422n. The third notch 421n is opposite to the fourth notch 422n.

[0082] Reference Figure 5 In one embodiment, the horizontal feed conductor 41 includes an impedance matching structure 413. The impedance matching structure 413 connects to a connection point 414 on the first horizontal feed structure 411 (the location is indicated only in the figure). A first surface current path P1 is defined between the connection point 414 and one end of the first horizontal feed structure 411, and a second surface current path P2 is defined between the connection point 414 and the other end of the first horizontal feed structure 411. The first surface current path P1 is not equal to the second surface current path P2. In one embodiment, the phase difference between the first surface current path P1 and the second surface current path P2 can be 180 degrees, thereby creating out-of-phase feeds and achieving constructive interference.

[0083] Figure 6 This is a diagram illustrating the antenna module assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. See also: [Matching Reference] Figure 4 , Figure 5 , Figure 6 In one embodiment, the first patch unit 6 includes four first patches 61, and the first horizontal feed structure 411, the second horizontal feed structure 412, the first vertical feed structure 421 and the second vertical feed structure 422 respectively feed multiple feed signals to the first patches 61.

[0084] Matching reference Figure 4 , Figure 5 , Figure 6 The first patch unit 6 includes multiple capacitive coupling pads 62. These capacitive coupling pads 62 do not directly contact the first patches 61. The capacitive coupling pads 62 are respectively coupled to the ends of the first horizontal feed structure 411, the second horizontal feed structure 412, the first vertical feed structure 421, and the second vertical feed structure 422. In this embodiment, the capacitive coupling pads 62 are coupled to the ends of the first horizontal feed structure 411, the second horizontal feed structure 412, the first vertical feed structure 421, and the second vertical feed structure 422 through vias (dots in the figures). In one embodiment, the inductance can be adjusted by the length of the via.

[0085] Matching reference Figure 4 , Figure 5 , Figure 6 In one embodiment, the second patch unit 7 includes four second patches 71, the second patches 71 being larger than the first patches 61, and the second patches 72 being stacked and covering the first patches 61 respectively. In one embodiment, the second patches 72 electromagnetically couple the first patches 61 to excite multiple modes, thereby increasing the bandwidth.

[0086] Figure 7This shows the detailed structure of the capacitive coupling pad and the first patch according to an embodiment of the present invention. (Refer to...) Figure 7 In one embodiment, each capacitive coupling pad 62 has a gap g between it and the adjacent first patch 61, and the second patch 71 covers the corresponding gap g. In one embodiment, adjusting the gap g can adjust the capacitance value. Better resonance and impedance matching can be achieved by fine-tuning the capacitor and inductor.

[0087] In one embodiment, the antenna module meets the communication quality requirements of Tx Gain: 11dBi and Rx Gain: 8dBi. It is applicable to the Ku-band frequency range (Tx: 13.75GHz~14.6GHz; Rx: 11GHz~12GHz). The antenna polarization isolation meets (S21 < -20dB), approaching -30dB. When applied to the aforementioned notebook computer, a 16×8=128 antenna module array can be used to achieve an EIRP (Equivalent Isotropic Radiated Power) > 36dBW.

[0088] In the notebook computer of this embodiment, the back cover is rotatably connected to the computer host via a first hinge unit. The antenna bracket is rotatably connected to the computer host via a second hinge unit. The antenna module is mounted on the antenna bracket. Thus, the notebook computer can provide satellite communication functionality through the antenna module on the antenna bracket. Furthermore, the angle of the antenna bracket relative to the computer host can be adjusted as needed to achieve better signal transmission. The notebook computer of this embodiment has a simple structure, is easy to carry, and provides good convenience for users.

[0089] Although the present invention has been disclosed above with reference to specific preferred embodiments, it is not intended to limit the present invention. Any person skilled in the art may make some modifications and refinements without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention shall be defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A notebook computer, comprising: The computer host includes a first hinge unit and a second hinge unit; The back cover is rotatably connected to the computer host via the first hinge unit; The antenna bracket is rotatably connected to the computer host via the second hinge unit; as well as The antenna module, located on the antenna bracket, is suitable for transmitting wireless signals.

2. The notebook computer as described in claim 1, wherein, The computer host includes a host side, the first hinge unit is located on the host side, and the second hinge unit is also located on the host side.

3. The notebook computer as described in claim 1, wherein, The computer host includes an input interface, a first surface and a second surface, the first surface being opposite to the second surface, the input interface being disposed on the first surface, the back cover being adapted to cover the first surface, and the antenna bracket being adapted to cover the second surface.

4. The notebook computer as described in claim 3, wherein, In the first spatial orientation, the antenna support is positioned in the first support orientation and overlaps with the computer host. In the second spatial orientation, the antenna support is positioned in the second support orientation and forms a V-shaped structure with the computer host on one side of the projection plane.

5. The notebook computer as described in claim 4, wherein, The back cover includes a screen and a phase modulation module, the phase modulation module being oriented opposite to the orientation of the screen.

6. The notebook computer as described in claim 5, wherein, In the third spatial orientation, the back cover is in an open position relative to the computer host, the antenna bracket is in the second bracket orientation, and the phase modulation module is adapted to perform phase modulation on at least a portion of the wireless signal.

7. The notebook computer as described in claim 4, wherein, The back cover includes a screen and a cover body, the screen being disposed on the cover body, the cover body being made of a non-metallic material, and the wireless signal being adapted to pass through at least a portion of the back cover for transmission.

8. The notebook computer as described in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, The antenna module includes: The feed unit includes a horizontal feed conductor and a vertical feed conductor; The grounding layer corresponds to the feed-in unit; The first patch cell corresponds to the feed-in cell; The second bonding unit corresponds to the feed unit and the first bonding unit, wherein the first bonding unit is located between the second bonding unit and the feed unit.

9. The notebook computer as claimed in claim 8, wherein, The horizontal feed conductor includes a first horizontal feed structure and a second horizontal feed structure, and the vertical feed conductor includes a first vertical feed structure and a second vertical feed structure. The first horizontal feed structure and the second horizontal feed structure are arranged along a vertical line, and the first vertical feed structure and the second vertical feed structure are arranged along a horizontal line.

10. The notebook computer of claim 9, wherein, At least a portion of the vertical feed conductor is located between the first horizontal feed structure and the second horizontal feed structure.

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