Antenna module and manufacturing method of display device having the same

Abstract

An antenna module includes a plurality of bezel segments and at least one antenna structure. The antenna structure is connected to the bezel segments. The antenna structure is located at a corner of the antenna module and includes at least three branches, and the branches extend in a first direction, a second direction and a third direction constituting the corner. The antenna module can use the part of the frame of the display device that is not used as an antenna, forming an integrated bezel segment and antenna structure. In this way, the number of antennas of the display device can be increased under the same machine operation space, increasing the space utilization. The radiation lines of the antenna structure are designed in three dimensions and can cover multiple surfaces of the frame, so that the antenna structure has good radiation efficiency and field pattern. The present disclosure also relates to a manufacturing method of a display device with an antenna module.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to an antenna module and a method for manufacturing a display device having the antenna module. Background Technology

[0002] Modern display devices are designed with high screen-to-body ratios and narrow bezels, which reduces the space available for assembling antennas, making it difficult to meet the seven-antenna design requirements of current 5G mobile communications.

[0003] Therefore, how to provide a display device that can increase the number of antennas remains one of the urgent research directions. Summary of the Invention

[0004] One embodiment of this disclosure is an antenna module.

[0005] In one embodiment, the antenna module includes multiple frame segments and at least one antenna structure. The antenna structure is connected to the frame segments. The antenna structure is located at a corner of the antenna module and includes at least three branches extending in a first direction, a second direction, and a third direction constituting the corner.

[0006] In one embodiment, the first direction, the second direction, and the third direction are different from each other.

[0007] In one embodiment, the antenna module is made of metal.

[0008] In one embodiment, the antenna structure includes an upper surface forming a corner, a first side surface, and a second side surface. The antenna structure has multiple branches, including a first branch and a second branch. The first branch extends in a first direction and includes a connected first surface and a second surface, wherein the first surface is part of the upper surface and the second surface is part of the first side surface. The second branch extends in a second direction and is connected to the first branch, wherein the second branch includes connected third and fourth surfaces, the third surface being part of the upper surface and the fourth surface being part of the second side surface.

[0009] In one embodiment, the border segment includes a first border segment and a second border segment. The first border segment includes a third side surface. The second border segment connects to the first border segment, wherein the second border segment includes a fourth side surface connected to the third side surface.

[0010] In one embodiment, the third side of the first frame is separated from the first side of the antenna structure by a distance.

[0011] In one embodiment, the fourth side of the first frame is separated from the second side of the antenna structure by a distance.

[0012] In one embodiment, the antenna structure further includes a feed structure extending from the first branch toward a third side of the first frame segment.

[0013] In one embodiment, the antenna structure further includes a ground plane, which connects to the second branch and is connected to the fourth side of the second frame segment.

[0014] In one embodiment, the antenna module further includes a third branch extending from the first side toward the third side in a second direction, wherein the third branch is configured as a high-frequency radiation path.

[0015] In one embodiment, the antenna module further includes a fourth branch that connects the first branch and the third branch and extends upward in the third direction.

[0016] In one embodiment, the antenna module further includes a fifth branch extending from the second side toward the fourth side in a first direction, wherein the fifth branch is configured as a low-frequency radiation path.

[0017] In one embodiment, the antenna module further includes a sixth branch that connects the second branch and the fifth branch and extends upward in a third direction.

[0018] Another embodiment of this disclosure is a method for manufacturing a display device having an antenna module.

[0019] In one embodiment, a method of manufacturing a display device having an antenna structure includes providing a back panel of the display device; disposing a mid-frame on the back panel, wherein the mid-frame includes a connected upper surface, a first side surface, and a second side surface; performing metal processing on the mid-frame to form a plurality of connected frame segments and at least one antenna structure, wherein the antenna structure is located at a corner of the mid-frame and includes at least three branches, and the branches extend in three directions constituting the corner.

[0020] In one embodiment, the method of manufacturing a display device having an antenna structure further includes setting a plurality of antenna modules in a bezel section.

[0021] In one embodiment, performing metal processing on the mid-frame to form the connected frame segment and antenna structure further includes partially removing a first side of the mid-frame to form a third side of the first frame segment of the frame segment; and partially removing a second side of the mid-frame to form a fourth side of the second frame segment of the frame segment.

[0022] In one embodiment, performing metalworking on the mid-frame to form connected frame segments and antenna structures further includes partially removing the mid-frame to form a first branch extending along a first direction and a second branch extending along a second direction, wherein the first branch and the second branch are connected.

[0023] In one embodiment, performing metal processing on the mid-frame to form the connected frame segment and antenna structure further includes forming a feed structure and extending the feed structure from the first branch toward and connecting the third side of the first frame segment; and forming a ground plane, wherein the ground plane connects to the second branch and is connected to the fourth side of the second frame segment.

[0024] In one embodiment, performing metal processing on the mid-frame to form connected frame segments and antenna structures further includes forming a third branch extending in a second direction, such that the third branch extends from the first side toward the third side in the second direction and is configured as a high-frequency radiation path; and forming a fourth branch extending in a third direction, connecting the first branch and the third branch.

[0025] In one embodiment, performing metal processing on the mid-frame to form connected frame segments and antenna structures further includes forming a fifth branch extending in a first direction, such that the fifth branch extends from a second side toward a fourth side in the first direction and is configured as a low-frequency radiation path; and forming a sixth branch extending in a third direction, connecting the second branch and the fifth branch.

[0026] In the above embodiments, the antenna module can utilize unused portions of the display device's frame as antennas, forming an integrated frame segment and antenna structure. This method allows for an increase in the number of antennas in the display device within the same machine operating space, improving space utilization. The antenna structure's radiation path is three-dimensionally designed and can cover multiple surfaces of the frame, resulting in excellent radiation efficiency and field pattern. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1 This is a top view of a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] Figure 2 This is a partial schematic diagram of the middle frame according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] Figure 3 for Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the antenna module.

[0030] Figure 4 for Figure 3 A diagram from another perspective.

[0031] Figure 5 for Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the antenna structure.

[0032] Figure 6 for Figure 5 A diagram from another perspective.

[0033] The reference numerals in the attached figures are explained as follows:

[0034] 10: Display device

[0035] 100: Antenna Module

[0036] 110': Mid-frame

[0037] 1102: Corner

[0038] 110: Border Section

[0039] 112: First border segment

[0040] 1122: Third Side

[0041] 114: Second border segment

[0042] 1142: Fourth Side

[0043] 116: Third border segment

[0044] 118: Fourth border segment

[0045] 120: Antenna Structure

[0046] 1202: Upper surface

[0047] 1204: First side view

[0048] 1206: Second side view

[0049] 121: First Branch

[0050] 1212: First Surface

[0051] 1214: Second Surface

[0052] 122: Second Branch

[0053] 1222: Third Surface

[0054] 1224: The Fourth Surface

[0055] 123: Third Branch

[0056] 124: Fourth Branch

[0057] 125: Fifth Branch

[0058] 126: The Sixth Branch

[0059] 127: Feed structure

[0060] 128: Grounding

[0061] 200: Assemble the antenna

[0062] 300: Camera

[0063] 400: Backplate

[0064] 500: Adhesive

[0065] D1: First Direction

[0066] D2: Second Direction

[0067] D3: Third direction

[0068] L1: First distance

[0069] L2: Second distance Detailed Implementation

[0070] Several embodiments of the present invention will be disclosed below with reference to the accompanying drawings. For clarity, many practical details will be described in the following description. However, it should be understood that these practical details are not intended to limit the invention.

[0071] Figure 1 This is a top view of a display device 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The display device 10 includes an antenna module 100, a plurality of assembled antennas 200, a camera 300, and a back panel 400. The antenna module 100, the assembled antennas 200, and the camera 300 are disposed on the back panel 400. The antenna module 100 includes four frame segments 110 and at least one antenna structure 120. The antenna structure 120 is connected to the frame segments 110 and forms an integrated frame. The antenna structure 120 is located at a corner 1102 of the antenna module 100. In this embodiment, the antenna module 100 of the display device 10 includes one antenna structure 120. In other embodiments, the antenna module 100 may have multiple antenna structures 120 disposed at other corners 1102 of the frame. The frame segments 110 include a first frame segment 112, a second frame segment 114, a third frame segment 116, and a fourth frame segment 118.

[0072] Figure 2 This is a partial schematic diagram of the middle frame 110' according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The middle frame 110' used to form the antenna structure 120 and the frame section 110 is drawn with solid lines. The detailed structure of the antenna structure 120 is drawn with dashed lines. The middle frame 110' is made of metal, and the frame after forming the antenna structure 120 is a one-piece metal frame, which can simultaneously have the function of supporting the display device 10 and the communication function of the antenna. The antenna structure 120 is a branch-like structure left after removing part of the material of the middle frame 110'. The middle frame 110' has an upper surface 1202, a first side surface 1204 and a second side surface 1206 that are connected to each other, and these three surfaces extend in three different directions, and partially retain the antenna structure 120.

[0073] Figure 3 for Figure 2A schematic diagram of the antenna module 100. Figure 4 for Figure 3 A schematic diagram from another perspective. The antenna structure 120 includes an upper surface 1202 forming corner 1102, a first side surface 1204, and a second side surface 1206, equivalent to... Figure 2 The outermost surface of the middle frame 110'.

[0074] The antenna structure 120 includes at least three branches, which extend in three directions constituting the corner 1102 of the antenna module 100. As shown, the branches of the antenna structure 120 extend in three different directions: a first direction D1, a second direction D2, and a third direction D3. In this embodiment, the first direction D1, the second direction D2, and the third direction D3 are perpendicular to each other, but this disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0075] In this embodiment, the antenna structure 120 includes a first branch 121 and a second branch 122. The first branch 121 extends in a first direction D1 and includes a first surface 1212 and a second surface 1214 connected together. The first surface 1212 is part of the upper surface 1202, and the second surface 1214 is part of the first side surface 1204. The second branch 122 extends in a second direction D2 and is connected to the first branch 121. The second branch 122 includes a third surface 1222 and a fourth surface 1224 connected together. The third surface 1222 is part of the upper surface 1202, and the fourth surface 1224 is part of the second side surface 1206.

[0076] Antenna structure 120 further includes a third branch 123, a fourth branch 124, a fifth branch 125, and a sixth branch 126. The third branch 123 extends from the first side 1204 toward the third side 1122 in a second direction D2. The third branch 123 is configured as a high-frequency radiation path. The fourth branch 124 connects the first branch 121 and the third branch 123 and extends in a third direction D3.

[0077] The fourth branch 124 is formed by a portion of the first side 1204. The structure of the third branch 123 corresponds to the space between the first side 1204 and the third side 1122 of the middle frame 110', but is not a portion of the first side 1204. In other words, the third branch 123 is the remaining part after the middle frame 110' is partially hollowed out. The first side 1204 is a first distance L1 from the third side 1122, and the length of the third branch 123 is less than the first distance L1.

[0078] The fifth branch 125 extends from the second side 1206 toward the fourth side 1142 in the first direction D1. The fifth branch 125 is configured as a low-frequency radiation path. The sixth branch 126 connects the second branch 122 and the fifth branch 125 and extends in the third direction D3.

[0079] The sixth branch 126 is formed by a portion of the second side 1206. The structure of the fifth branch 125 corresponds to the space between the second side 1206 and the fourth side 1142 of the middle frame 110', but is not a portion of the second side 1206. In other words, the fifth branch 125 is the remaining part after the middle frame 110' is partially hollowed out. The second side 1206 is a second distance L2 from the fourth side 1142, and the length of the fifth branch 125 is less than the second distance L2.

[0080] The antenna structure 120 also includes a feed structure 127 extending from the first branch 121 toward the third side 1122 of the first frame segment 112. The length of the feed structure 127 is less than the first distance L1.

[0081] Figure 5 for Figure 3 A schematic diagram of antenna structure 120. Figure 6 for Figure 5 A schematic diagram from another perspective. The antenna structure 120 also includes a ground plane 128, connecting the second branch 122 and the fourth side 1142 of the second frame segment 114 (see diagram). Figure 3 (connected)

[0082] Reference Figure 1 The display device 10 is an electronic device with a high screen-to-body ratio and narrow bezel design, such as a laptop. The display device 10 features fifth-generation mobile communication and therefore requires seven antennas. Six assembled antennas 200 are attached to the outer sides of the first bezel section 112, the second bezel section 114, and the third bezel section 116 via adhesive 500. The number of antennas can be increased by integrally forming the antenna structure 120 at the corner 1102 of the antenna module 100, thus serving as a seventh antenna. For example, the antenna structure 120 can be a miniaturized wireless local area network (WLAN) or global positioning system (GPS) antenna. The assembled antenna 200 can be a wireless wide area network (WWAN), a multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) system, or a global navigation system (GNSS).

[0083] The first branch 121 and the second branch 122 of the antenna structure 120 are formed using three surfaces at the corner of the middle frame 110'. The third branch 123 and the fifth branch 125 of the antenna structure 120 are formed using the internal space of the middle frame 110'. In other words, the antenna structure 120 simultaneously has multiple branches extending in the first direction D1, the second direction D2, and the third direction D3. Therefore, the antenna module 100 of this disclosure can use the unused portion of the frame of the display device 10 as an antenna. In this way, the radiation path of the antenna structure 120 is three-dimensionally designed and can cover multiple surfaces of the frame, giving the antenna structure 120 good radiation efficiency and field pattern.

[0084] It should be understood that the component connections, materials, and technical effects already described will not be repeated, but will be stated in the preceding text. The following description will explain the manufacturing method of a display device with an antenna structure.

[0085] Reference Figure 1 The manufacturing process begins with providing the backplate 400 of the display device 10. (Refer to...) Figure 1 and Figure 2 Next, the middle frame 110' is set on the back panel 400. The middle frame 110' includes a connected upper surface 1202, a first side surface 1204, and a second side surface 1206.

[0086] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 Next, metal processing is performed on the mid-frame 110' to form multiple interconnected bezel segments 110 and at least one antenna structure 120. The metal processing method is operated by a computer numerical control (CNC) machine tool. Through the above steps, the integrated bezel segments 110 and antenna structure 120 can be completed. In this way, the number of antennas of the display device 10 can be increased within the same machine tool operating space, thereby increasing space utilization.

[0087] Finally, the manufacturing process continues by assembling the antenna 200 and camera 300 onto the antenna module 100, which already has the antenna structure 120. Therefore, the antenna structure 120 of this disclosure does not require additional assembly steps and costs, but is completed during the formation of the display device 10 frame, which has the advantage of saving steps and costs.

[0088] The step of performing metal processing on the middle frame 110' to form a plurality of connected frame segments 110 and at least one antenna structure 120 may include partially removing a third side 1122 of a first side 1204 of the middle frame 110' to form a first frame segment 112 of the frame segment 110, and partially removing a fourth side 1142 of a second frame segment 114 of the middle frame 110.

[0089] The step of performing metal processing on the middle frame 110' to form a plurality of connected frame segments 110 and at least one antenna structure 120 may further include forming a first branch 121, a second branch 122, a third branch 123, a fourth branch 124, a fifth branch 125 and a sixth branch 126 as described above.

[0090] Once the structure of the multiple branches of the antenna structure 120 is determined, the aforementioned multiple steps are essentially completed together in the same metal processing step. In some embodiments, the antenna module 100 includes multiple antenna structures 120. The formation steps of the multiple antenna structures 120 are also included in the same step. Therefore, the operating method of this disclosure can increase the number of antennas in a display device with a high screen-to-body ratio and narrow bezel without adding additional assembly steps and costs.

[0091] In summary, the antenna module disclosed herein can utilize unused portions of the display device's frame as antennas, forming an integrated frame segment and antenna structure. This method allows for an increase in the number of antennas in the display device within the same machine operating space, improving space utilization. The antenna structure's radiation path is three-dimensionally designed and covers multiple surfaces of the frame, resulting in excellent radiation efficiency and field pattern. The operating method of this disclosure can increase the number of antennas in display devices with high screen-to-body ratios and narrow bezels without adding extra assembly steps or costs.

[0092] Although the present invention has been disclosed above with reference to embodiments, it is not intended to limit the present disclosure. Any person skilled in the art can make various changes and modifications without departing from the concept and scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present disclosure shall be determined by the claims.

Claims

1. An antenna module, disposed in a display device, characterized in that, The antenna module includes: Multiple border segments; and At least one antenna structure is connected to the plurality of frame segments, wherein the antenna structure is located at a corner of the antenna module and includes at least three branches, and the at least three branches extend in a first direction, a second direction and a third direction defining the corner.

2. The antenna module as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first direction, the second direction, and the third direction are different from each other.

3. The antenna module as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The antenna module is made of metal.

4. The antenna module as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The antenna structure includes an upper surface, a first side surface, and a second side surface forming the corner, and the at least three branches of the antenna structure include: A first branch extends in the first direction and includes a first surface and a second surface connected together, wherein the first surface is part of the upper surface and the second surface is part of the first side surface; as well as A second branch, extending in the second direction and connected to the first branch, wherein the second branch includes a connected third surface and a fourth surface, the third surface being part of the upper surface and the fourth surface being part of the second side surface.

5. The antenna module as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The plurality of border segments include: A first border segment, including a third side; and A second border segment connects to the first border segment, wherein the second border segment includes a fourth side connected to the third side.

6. The antenna module as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The third side of the first frame is separated from the first side of the antenna structure by a distance.

7. The antenna module as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The fourth side of the first frame is separated from the second side of the antenna structure by a distance.

8. The antenna module as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The antenna structure further includes: A feed structure extends from the first branch toward the third side of the first border segment.

9. The antenna module as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The antenna structure further includes: One part is grounded, connecting to the second branch and then to the fourth side of the second frame segment.

10. The antenna module as described in claim 5, characterized in that, Also includes: A third branch extends from the first side toward the third side in the second direction, wherein the third branch is configured as a high-frequency radiation path.

11. The antenna module as described in claim 10, characterized in that, Also includes: A fourth branch connects the first branch and the third branch and extends in a third direction.

12. The antenna module as described in claim 5, characterized in that, Also includes: A fifth branch extends from the second side toward the fourth side in the first direction, wherein the fifth branch is configured as a low-frequency radiation path.

13. The antenna module as described in claim 12, characterized in that, Also includes: A sixth branch connects the second branch and the fifth branch and extends in a third direction.

14. A method for manufacturing a display device having an antenna structure, characterized in that, Include: Provide a back panel for a display device; A middle frame is disposed on the back plate, wherein the middle frame includes a connected upper surface, a first side surface, and a second side surface; and Metalworking is performed on the mid-frame to form a plurality of connected frame segments and at least one antenna structure, wherein the antenna structure is located at a corner of the mid-frame and includes at least three branches, and the at least three branches extend in three directions defining the corner.

15. The method for manufacturing a display device having an antenna structure as described in claim 14, characterized in that, Also includes: Multiple antenna modules are configured in the multiple frame segments.

16. The method for manufacturing a display device having an antenna structure as described in claim 14, characterized in that, The metalworking process performed on the middle frame to form the connected frame segment and the antenna structure further includes: Partially removing the first side of the middle frame to form a third side of a first border segment of the plurality of border segments; and The second side of the middle frame is partially removed to form a fourth side of a second border segment of the plurality of border segments.

17. The method for manufacturing a display device having an antenna structure as described in claim 16, characterized in that, The metalworking process performed on the middle frame to form the connected frame segment and the antenna structure further includes: The middle frame is partially removed to form a first branch extending along a first direction and a second branch extending along a second direction, wherein the first branch and the second branch are connected.

18. The method for manufacturing a display device having an antenna structure as described in claim 17, characterized in that, The metalworking process performed on the middle frame to form the connected frame segment and the antenna structure further includes: Forming a feeding structure, and extending the feeding structure from the first branch toward the third side of the first border segment and connecting the third side; and A ground plane is formed, wherein the ground plane of the claim connects the second branch and is connected to the fourth side of the second frame segment.

19. The method for manufacturing a display device having an antenna structure as described in claim 18, characterized in that, The metalworking process performed on the middle frame to form the connected frame segment and the antenna structure further includes: A third branch is formed extending in the second direction, such that the third branch extends from the first side toward the third side in the second direction, and is configured as a high-frequency radiation path; as well as A fourth branch is formed extending in a third direction, connecting the first branch and the third branch.

20. The method for manufacturing a display device having an antenna structure as described in claim 19, characterized in that, The metalworking process performed on the middle frame to form the connected frame segment and the antenna structure further includes: A fifth branch is formed extending in the first direction, such that the fifth branch extends from the second side toward the fourth side in the first direction, and is configured as a low-frequency radiation path; as well as A sixth branch is formed extending in the third direction, connecting the second branch and the fifth branch.

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