Electronic devices

Abstract

This invention provides an electronic device that allows a three-dimensional antenna to be installed in a limited space. [Solution] The electronic device includes a housing, a base, and an antenna module. The base is located inside the housing and has opposing first and second sides and a top surface located between the first and second sides. The antenna module is located inside the housing and includes a flexible circuit board and an antenna pattern. The flexible circuit board is placed on the base and includes a first side surface corresponding to the first side and a second side surface corresponding to the top surface, the first side surface having a first ground plane, and the second side surface having a second ground plane and a third ground plane. The antenna pattern has a feed point adjacent to the first side surface, the antenna pattern extends from the feed point to above the second and third ground planes, and there is a gap between the first section of the antenna pattern near the feed point and the first ground plane, forming a U-shaped ground plane.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an electronic device, and particularly to an electronic device including an antenna module.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, in a situation where various electronic devices can perform wireless communication, various small antennas incorporated in the electronic devices have been developed. For example, when incorporated in a small wireless earphone, the antenna size becomes very small, is easily affected by the surrounding environment, and causes a decrease in antenna performance.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0003] The present invention provides an electronic device in which a three-dimensional antenna can be installed in a limited space and the antenna efficiency is good.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0004] The electronic device of the present invention includes a housing, a base, and an antenna module. The base is located inside the housing and has a first side and a second side facing each other and an upper surface located between the first side and the second side. The antenna module is located inside the housing and includes a flexible circuit board and an antenna pattern. The flexible circuit board is disposed on the base and includes a first side surface corresponding to the first side and a second side surface corresponding to the upper surface. A first ground plane is provided on the first side surface, and a second ground plane and a third ground plane are provided on the second side surface. The antenna pattern has a feeding portion adjacent to the first side surface, and the antenna pattern extends from the feeding portion above the second ground plane and the third ground plane. There is a gap between a first section close to the feeding portion of the antenna pattern and the first ground plane, and a U-shaped ground plane is formed.

[0005] In one embodiment of the present invention, the first ground surface has a recess, the first section is located within the recess, and the opposing sides of the first section are each the same distance from the recess.

[0006] In one embodiment of the present invention, the spacing distance is 0.1 millimeters to 0.3 millimeters.

[0007] In one embodiment of the present invention, the antenna module further includes a first capacitor located in the gap and connected to one of the opposing sides of the first section and connected in parallel with the first section.

[0008] In one embodiment of the present invention, the antenna module further includes a second capacitor located in the gap and connected to the feed point and the end of the first section and connected in series with the first section.

[0009] In one embodiment of the present invention, the antenna module further includes a spacer disposed on a second side surface.

[0010] In one embodiment of the present invention, the antenna pattern further includes a second section connected to the first section, the second section being placed on a spacer and spaced apart from the second and third ground planes.

[0011] In one embodiment of the present invention, the second section includes a first segment, a second segment, and a third segment that are sequentially connected, and the first segment, the second segment, and the third segment form a plurality of bends.

[0012] In one embodiment of the present invention, the thickness of the spacer is 0.5 mm to 0.7 mm.

[0013] In one embodiment of the present invention, the electronic device further includes a connection structure and an ear pad, the connection structure being located between the ear pad and the housing. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] Based on the above, in the electronic device of the present invention, the flexible circuit board is placed on a base, the flexible circuit board has a first ground plane corresponding to the first side of the base, the flexible circuit board has second and third ground planes corresponding to the upper surface of the base, the end of the antenna pattern extends into the first ground plane to form a U-shaped ground plane, and the other end of the antenna pattern extends above the second and third ground planes, effectively utilizing the three-dimensional space attached to the base to generate the BT antenna frequency band.

[0015] To provide a clearer understanding of the features and advantages of the present invention, the following examples will be given and described in detail in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0016] [Figure 1] This is a three-dimensional diagram showing an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2A] Figure 1 is a three-dimensional diagram showing the partial components of the electronic device. [Figure 2B] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the electronic device. [Figure 3] Figure 2A is a localized enlarged view showing the electronic device. [Figure 4] This figure shows the antenna structure of the electronic device shown in Figure 2A. [Figure 5] This figure shows an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present invention applied to a human ear. [Figure 6] Figure 5 shows the relationship between frequency and VSWR depending on the presence or absence of a matching circuit in the antenna structure of the electronic device. [Figure 7] This figure shows the relationship between frequency and antenna efficiency for a conventional antenna structure and the antenna structure shown in Figure 5. [Figure 8A] Figure 5 shows the radiation pattern of the antenna structure of the electronic device. [Figure 8B] Figure 5 shows the radiation pattern of the antenna structure of the electronic device. [Figure 8C]It is a diagram showing the radiation pattern of the antenna structure of the electronic device in FIG. 5.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0017] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2A is a perspective view of partial components of the electronic device in FIG. 1. FIG. 2B is a perspective view of the electronic device in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a partially enlarged view of the electronic device in FIG. 2A. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the antenna structure of the electronic device in FIG. 2A. FIG. 5 is a view of applying the electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention to a human ear. In this embodiment, to facilitate the identification of components, rectangular coordinates X - Y - Z are provided simultaneously.

[0018] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 5, the electronic device 100 of this embodiment includes a housing 110, a base 120, and an antenna module 130. The base 120 and the antenna module 130 are located within the housing 110. The antenna module 130 includes a flexible printed circuit (FPC) 131 and an antenna pattern 132 (FIG. 4). Note that in FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 3, the illustration of the antenna pattern on the flexible printed circuit board is omitted, and the layout of the antenna pattern will be described in FIG. 4.

[0019] Referring to FIG. 2B, in this embodiment, the base 120 has a first side 121 and a second side 122 that face each other, and an upper surface 123 located between the first side 121 and the second side 122. The flexible printed circuit board 131 is disposed on the base 120 and includes a first side surface S1 corresponding to the first side 121 and a second side surface S2 corresponding to the upper surface 123.

[0020] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2B, the length E1 of the housing 110 is about 28.9 millimeters, the length E2 is about 14.5 millimeters, and the length E3 is about 8.3 millimeters, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0021] In this embodiment, the flexible circuit board 131 is attached to the base 120 by three-dimensional integral molding, effectively utilizing the narrow space between the base 120 and the housing 110. Here, the housing 110 is a plastic housing and the base 120 is a plastic component structure, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0022] In this embodiment, a BT chip circuit is provided on the first side surface S1 of the flexible circuit board 131, and it is possible to pair with other electronic devices via Bluetooth (registered trademark) wireless communication to transmit or receive data and enable data transfer between them. However, the present invention is not limited to this.

[0023] In this embodiment, the electronic device 100 is a behind-the-ear hearing aid (BTE hearing aid), but the present invention is not limited thereto. In other embodiments, the electronic device 100 may be an earphone or another small wearable device. In this embodiment, the electronic device 100 further includes a battery compartment 20, a charging connector 30, a button 40, a connection structure 140 (Figure 5), and an earpad 150 (Figure 5). As shown in Figure 5, the connection structure 140 is located between the earpad 150 and the housing 110, and the earpad 150 outputs sound facing the ear canal, but the present invention is not limited thereto. Note that in Figures 1 to 4, some unrelated structures are omitted to facilitate the display and identification of component parts that are the desired subject of explanation. The operation and implementation of the behind-the-ear hearing aid can be sufficiently taught, proposed, and explained by ordinary knowledge of the art, so a detailed explanation is omitted.

[0024] In this embodiment, the flexible circuit board 131 has a first ground plane GN1 on the first side surface S1 corresponding to the first side 121. The flexible circuit board 131 has a second ground plane GN2 and a third ground plane GN3 on the second side surface S2 corresponding to the top surface 123.

[0025] Referring to Figure 4, in this embodiment, the antenna pattern 132 has a feed point F1 adjacent to the first side surface S1, and the antenna pattern 132 extends from the feed point F1 to above the second ground plane GN2 and the third ground plane GN3. Also, for clarity in the drawings, Figure 4 schematically shows the base and antenna module. The antenna pattern 132 shown in Figure 4 may be integrated into the flexible circuit board 131 shown in Figures 2A, 2B and 3.

[0026] In detail, in this embodiment, the antenna pattern 132 includes a connected first section 1321 and a second section 1322. The second section 1322 includes sequentially connected first segments 1322a, second segments 1322b, and third segments 1322c, which form multiple bends and effectively utilize space.

[0027] In this embodiment, the extension directions of the first segment 1322a and the third segment 1322c are the same, and different from the extension direction of the second segment 1322b. Specifically, the antenna pattern 132 may be Z-shaped or S-shaped, for example, but the present invention is not limited thereto. In one embodiment, the first section 1321 of the antenna pattern 132 is positioned corresponding to position P1 shown in Figure 2A, and the second section 1322 of the antenna pattern 132 extends from position P1 to position P2 shown in Figure 2A.

[0028] At position P2 shown in Figure 3, its width D1 is approximately 3.7 millimeters and its width D2 is approximately 11.4 millimeters. Therefore, the plane indicated by position P2 is approximately 11.4 mm × 3.7 mm and is used as an antenna pattern placement area, but the present invention is not limited to this.

[0029] In this way, as shown in Figure 5, the electronic device 100 can be attached and fixed to the ear, providing use to the user. Most of the antenna pattern 132 of the antenna module 130 corresponds to the upper P3 of the housing 110 and is attached flat above the ear, making it less susceptible to the influence of the human body's proximity and achieving a better omnidirectional radiation pattern.

[0030] Referring to Figure 4, in this embodiment, there is a gap GA between the first section 1321 of the antenna pattern 132 near the feed point F1 and the first ground plane GN1, forming a U-shaped ground plane. Specifically, in the antenna module 130, the feed point F1 is used to transmit a signal to the antenna pattern 132 and to electrically connect to the signal positive end, while the ground end is electrically connected to the signal negative end through a U-shaped ground plane enclosed by points G6, G5, G1, G2, and G3 shown on the first ground plane GN1, and is connected to the system ground plane.

[0031] In this embodiment, the first ground surface GN1 has a recess, the first section 1321 is located within the recess, and in the Z direction, the opposing sides of the first section 1321 have the same spacing distance B1 and B2 between them and the recess. The spacing distances B1 and B2 are 0.1 millimeters to 0.3 millimeters, and in one embodiment, the spacing distances B1 and B2 are, for example, 0.2 millimeters each, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0032] In this embodiment, a matching circuit (capacitor value grounding) may be appropriately added to properly adjust the antenna resonant frequency and bandwidth. For example, the antenna module 130 further includes a first capacitor C1 and a second capacitor C2. The first capacitor C1 is located in the gap GA and is connected to one of the opposing sides of the first section 1321 (for example, the side away from the spacer 133, but not limited to this) and connected in parallel with the first section 1321. The second capacitor C2 is located in the gap GA and is connected to the feed point F1 and the end of the first section 1321 and connected in series with the first section 1321.

[0033] In this embodiment, the antenna module 130 further includes a spacer 133, which is positioned on a second side surface S2. Here, the spacer 133 is a plastic spacer, but is not limited to that.

[0034] In this embodiment, the second section 1322 of the antenna pattern 132 is placed on the spacer 133 and is spaced apart from the second ground plane GN2 and the third ground plane GN3. The thickness W1 of the spacer 133 is 0.5 mm to 0.7 mm. In one embodiment, the thickness W1 of the spacer 133 is 0.6 mm, but the present invention is not limited thereto. That is, the antenna pattern 132 is spaced 0.6 mm apart from the second ground plane GN2 and the third ground plane GN3. Generally, in conventional chip antenna designs, an antenna clearance area of ​​its height in the YZ plane (i.e., where metal cannot be placed) is required, so when the distance between the antenna and the ground plane is 0.6 mm, the antenna efficiency deteriorates to -7.8 to -11.8 dBi. However, under the arrangement method of the present invention, the BT antenna efficiency can be improved to -6.2 to -7.8 dBi, and it has broadband and good antenna efficiency characteristics in a very small 12.5 mm × 3 mm antenna space.

[0035] Under the above arrangement, the feed point F1 is directly connected to the Z-shaped antenna pattern (i.e., antenna pattern 132) of the path from points A1, A2, A3, A4, and A5. The path from the feed point F1 and point A1 and the U-shaped ground plane formed by the path from points G6, G5, G1, G2, and G3 of the first ground plane GN1 have the same spacing distances B1 and B2, forming a BT antenna structure fed by a Z-shaped coplanar waveguide (CPW). In a very small three-dimensional space, the antenna resonant frequency and bandwidth are appropriately adjusted by adding a matching circuit, thereby meeting the design requirements. Specifically, point A1 of the Z-shaped antenna pattern is first connected to the ground by connecting the first capacitor C1 in parallel, and then connected to the BT chip circuit terminal by connecting the second capacitor C2 in series. The capacitance value range of the first capacitor C1 is 1.5pF to 2pF, and in one embodiment, the capacitance value of the first capacitor C1 is, for example, 1.8pF, but is not limited thereto. The capacitance value range of the second capacitor C2 is 0.5pF to 0.7pF, and in one embodiment, the capacitance value of the second capacitor C2 is, for example, 0.6pF, but is not limited thereto.

[0036] Figure 6 is a diagram showing the relationship between frequency and VSWR with and without a matching circuit in the antenna structure of the electronic device shown in Figure 5. Referring to Figure 6, line segment 101 represents the frequency-VSWR relationship of antenna pattern 132, and line segment 102 represents the frequency-VSWR relationship when a matching circuit is added to antenna pattern 132. From this, it can be seen that after adding the matching circuit, the voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR) becomes 3 or less, and the antenna characteristics are improved.

[0037] Figure 7 is a frequency-antenna efficiency relationship diagram for a conventional antenna structure and the antenna structure in Figure 5. Referring to Figure 7, line segment 103 represents the performance of a conventional chip antenna, and line segment 104 represents the performance of the antenna module 130 of this embodiment. Compared to the performance of a conventional chip antenna, the antenna efficiency of this embodiment can be improved by 1.5 dBi to 4 dBi. The electronic device 100 of this embodiment has an antenna efficiency of -6.2 dBi to -7.8 dBi in the BT band (2400 MHz to 2485 MHz), and exhibits good antenna efficiency over a wide bandwidth in an extremely small antenna space of 12.5 mm × 3 mm.

[0038] Figures 8A to 8C are radiation pattern diagrams of the antenna structure of the electronic device shown in Figure 5. Referring to Figures 8A to 8C, the electronic device 100 of this embodiment has an omnidirectional radiation pattern representation.

[0039] As described above, in the electronic device of the embodiment of the present invention, by utilizing a three-dimensional integrally molded FPC and a Z-shaped antenna pattern integrated on its surface region, and combining it with a matching circuit of a first capacitor and a second capacitor, and coupling it with the environment of a coplanar waveguide and a U-shaped ground plane, the BT antenna is made capable of covering at least a 2400-2485 MHz band, achieving broadband and good antenna efficiency characteristics in an extremely small antenna space.

[0040] Although the present invention is disclosed by the above embodiments, these do not limit the invention, and those skilled in the art can make some changes and modifications without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention shall be based on the appended claims. [Industrial applicability]

[0041] The electronic device of the present invention can be used in wearable devices. [Explanation of symbols]

[0042] 20 Battery compartment 30 Charging Connectors 40 buttons Line segments 101, 102, 103, and 104 100 Electronic equipment 110 cabinets 120 base 121 First side 122 Second side 123 Top surface 130 Antenna Modules 131 Flexible circuit board 132 Antenna Patterns 1321 First section 1322 Second section 1322a First segment 1322b Second segment 1322c Third segment 133 Spacer 140 Connection Structure 150 ear pads A1, A2, A3, A4, A5 points G1, G2, G3, G4, G5, G6, G7 points B1, B2 interval distance C1 First capacitor C2 Second capacitor D1, D2 width E1, E2, E3 Length F1 Power Supply Unit GA Gap P1, P2 position P3 upper side S1 First side surface S2 Second side surface GN1 First Ground Surface GN2 Second Ground Surface GN3 Third Ground Surface W1 Thickness X, Y, Z direction

Claims

1. The casing and A base located within the housing, having an upper surface located between opposing first and second sides and between the first and second sides, An electronic device including an antenna module located within the aforementioned housing, The aforementioned antenna module is A flexible circuit board disposed on the base and including a first side surface corresponding to the first side and a second side surface corresponding to the top surface, wherein the first side surface is provided with a first ground surface and the second side surface is provided with a second ground surface and a third ground surface, The antenna pattern includes a power supply portion adjacent to the first side surface, The antenna pattern extends from the feed point to above the second and third ground planes, and there is a gap between the first section of the antenna pattern near the feed point and the first ground plane, forming a U-shaped ground plane. electronic equipment.

2. The first ground surface has a recess, the first section is located within the recess, and the opposing sides of the first section are each the same distance apart from the recess. The electronic device according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned spacing distance is 0.1 mm to 0.3 mm. The electronic device according to claim 2.

4. The antenna module further includes a first capacitor located in the gap and connected to one of the opposing sides of the first section and connected in parallel with the first section. The electronic device according to claim 2.

5. The antenna module further includes a second capacitor located in the gap, connected to the feed point and the end of the first section, and connected in series with the first section. The electronic device according to claim 4.

6. The antenna module further includes a spacer disposed on the second side surface. The electronic device according to claim 2.

7. The antenna pattern further includes a second section connected to the first section, the second section being positioned on the spacer and spaced apart from the second ground plane and the third ground plane. The electronic device according to claim 6.

8. The second section includes a first segment, a second segment, and a third segment that are connected sequentially, and the first segment, the second segment, and the third segment form a plurality of bends. The electronic device according to claim 7.

9. The thickness of the spacer is 0.5 mm to 0.7 mm. The electronic device according to claim 6.

10. Further including a connection structure and ear pads, The aforementioned connection structure is located between the ear pad and the housing. The electronic device according to claim 1.

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