KR20020005040A - An antenna device and a piece of telecommunication equipment including such a device - Google Patents

Abstract

The antenna device 1 for mounting on a fragment of the mobile telecommunication device 12 according to the invention is distinguished by connecting means for connecting the pin element 5 with the free end 7 of the pointed shape. Each pin element 5 is provided in the elastic portion 4, 13 of the antenna element 2 or connected to the antenna element, so that each pin element 5 is bent in the longitudinal direction. The invention also relates to a fragment of the telecommunication equipment comprising such an antenna device.

Description

AN ANTENNA DEVICE AND A PIECE OF TELECOMMUNICATION EQUIPMENT INCLUDING SUCH A DEVICE}

Mobile phones are subject to increasing demands for large scale continuous production as well as cost reduction requirements. For this purpose, each device included in a mobile phone is examined, with affinity and economics as well as maintained or extended functionality becoming an issue.

Most prior art antennas for mobile phones are fixed to the telephone housing by screw or snap-in connection means, which provide not only fixing but also electrical connections. In this solution, it is necessary to provide male and female fixing / connection means separate from the corresponding fixing elements on mating parts. The advantage of using such fastening means is that a secure contact is obtained, the disadvantage of which is the cost of producing and assembling separate parts.

For example, efforts have been made to overcome the disadvantages by placing a patch antenna, for example, inside a mobile phone cover. In this case, the antenna terminal has a telescopic structure comprising a bias spring, so that the contact pressure for the contact associated with the circuit of the mobile telephone, possibly located on the PCB of the telephone, is obtained. Such connectors are referred to as "pogo pins". However, this solution assumes the provision of relatively movable parts, which is costly. In addition, it is difficult to produce in a minimized configuration. Moreover, this solution cannot provide the ideal performance for transmitting RF signals. In one solution of the prior art, the patch antenna consists of a metal plate having a metal plate tongue extending perpendicular to the patch. By the way, each tongue is bent to provide an outer contact, where the straight end of the connection can be provided with a predetermined springing action on the contact element. An important problem associated with this solution is: poor RF performance due to uncontrollable resistance, undefined contact position and undefined electrical length of the device connecting the antenna element.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an antenna device which provides a solution to the above problems.

This object is achieved with an antenna device in the form of the features of claim 1.

In this method the electrical contact required to supply a signal between the antenna and the circuit of the mobile phone is ensured in a simple and safe manner.

The present invention relates to an antenna device according to the preamble of claim 1. The invention also relates to a piece of telecommunication equipment comprising such a device.

1 is a view showing an antenna device in an operating position inside a mobile telephone,

2 is a view showing an antenna device according to a second embodiment;

3 is a view showing an antenna device according to a third embodiment;

4 is a view showing an antenna device according to a fourth embodiment;

5 is a view showing an antenna device according to a fifth embodiment;

6 is a view showing an antenna device according to a sixth embodiment;

7 shows a first alternative pin configuration,

8 shows a second alternative pin configuration,

9 is a view partially showing an antenna device according to a seventh embodiment;

10 is a view partially showing an antenna device according to an eighth embodiment;

11 is a view partially showing an antenna device according to a ninth embodiment;

12A and 12B show an antenna device according to a tenth embodiment in detail;

13 is a diagram schematically showing a part of an antenna device according to an eleventh embodiment;

14 is a view partially showing an antenna device according to a twelfth embodiment;

15A and 15B are detailed views of the antenna device according to the thirteenth embodiment.

The configuration of the connecting means makes it possible to guide the pin with great accuracy, thereby making it possible to achieve spatially accurate and low resistance contact even on the minimized contact pads associated with the circuit. However, rigid pins that must be produced in precisely defined lengths and configurations with well-defined contact points provide accurate RF performance, resulting in a reduction in defects in production, even if certain parameters are present. It is more permissible to change the tolerance for. Moreover, the number of elements constituting the antenna device is reduced, and the simple assembly method results in an economical solution. Therefore, the pin becomes rigid and bends only in accordance with the bending of the elastic portion. Preferably, the free end of the pin provides a slightly curved defined point, with the correct geometry becoming less important within an appropriate range. Pins with defined points and biased by the elastic force of the elastic part result in good contact. However, compared with the prior art described above, the free end of the tongue is a straight edge which results in an undefined point of contact with uncontrolled or high contact resistance.

By providing one flexible pin element for supply and a pin element for ground, an accurate contact similar to the above is provided for both of these purposes. Grounding results in impedance matching of the antenna elements.

It is highly desirable that the pin element or pin elements be fixed directly to the antenna or metal sheet constituting the antennas. This dual function of the metal sheet reduces assembly costs by simplifying production and reducing the number of elements involved. Another advantage is the provision of an antenna function with minimum space requirements.

Rerotating the pin element to the elastic part ensures good electrical contact and effective fixation. Normally, when the pin is pivoted on the elastic portion, the pin is optimized for material, surface treatment, or the like, so that surface treatment does not need to be involved. The retrofitting can be performed by the reduced sized end of each pin blocking the part as a pivot. In addition, a minimum contact resistance is provided at this location, which is very important for such an antenna.

The pin can be integrated with the elastic part, which means that the pin is made of one piece with the elastic part without any connecting means such as ribs or solder. However, this solution is not an optimal solution because it requires expensive equipment sets and specific fabrication for application in other applications. Moreover, at least partial surface treatment of the pins is actually necessary, for example, to achieve acceptable electrical contact to the contact pads.

It is preferable that the pin element is provided on the elastic tongue which is a part of the same element as the antenna element or antenna elements. This simplifies the control of elasticity and achieves the pressure and travel length required for the pins. By sizing the tongue and selecting a material with adequate elasticity and elasticity, the pressure is easily determined. When the tongue is made of a metal plate constructed with antenna elements, the choice of plate thickness may depend on the required elasticity. Plate thickness is less important for antenna function, but it is important to have a material with good conductivity in the region through which the current of the antenna element flows.

In addition, the device is particularly superior to double or multi band antennas, in which simple fabrication is achieved by two antennas operating in different bands made of a common sheet metal structure, for example, by punching or cutting.

By shaping the antenna element or elements to fit the mobile phone cover, the device can be used in a miniaturized telephone.

According to another aspect of the invention, the device comprises a support comprising guide means for the pin element. Such a support may be a single piece of plastic material comprising guide channels for fin elements. Since the guide means can be designed to guide the pin element accurately on the minimized contact pad while allowing the required bending motion, the provision of this support allows for improved functionality. By tapering the channel, the mounting is simplified.

In addition, since the support structure for the antenna device can be provided in the body of the mobile phone, simpler fabrication and assembly and improved economics are provided.

The antenna device 1 of FIG. 1 comprises an antenna element 2, which is located inside the orientation rim of the support 3. The support is applied for the support and positioning of the antenna element and the pin element 5 (see below) on the one hand, and is fixed on the body (not shown) of the mobile telephone on the other hand. For this purpose, the support body 3 and the body part are provided with the engaging position adjusting means of a known kind (not shown).

In this case, the antenna element 2 is made of a metal plate and is integrated with the elastic tongue 4, each elastic tongue providing a spring action, and the pin element 5 is received at its free end. Each pin 5 is fixed on a hole (not shown) at the outer side of each tongue. In addition, each pin element has a pointed or curved free end 7, and as the antenna device is mounted on the body of the mobile phone, each pin 5 contacts the contact pad 8 associated with the circuit of the mobile phone. . The support 3 comprises a guide means 10 for the pin element 5, thus ensuring that the pin element 5 is reliably in contact with a very small contact pad 8. The circuit board is indicated by the reference numeral 9. The guide means 10 comprises a guide channel 11, in which case the guide channel is tapered at its lower end to facilitate positioning of the antenna element on the support 3. Thus, the tapering configuration simplifies the insertion of the straight pin element and basically reduces contact since contact is made only at the bottom of each channel. In addition, the tapering configuration allows some movement laterally of the upper fin element when the fin element 5 is bent due to the elasticity of the tongue. This configuration also provides a small but significant lateral movement of the pointed end 7 at the contact pad 8, thus ensuring a certain relative movement between these elements to increase electrical contact.

In Fig. 2, the antenna device comprises a single band antenna 2 having an L-shaped antenna element and an elastic tongue 4 extending in a straight line, each elastic tongue 4 containing a pin element, One 5 'is the signal supply 5' and the other is the ground connection 5 ". In Fig. 1, one of the pin elements is the signal supply pin and the other is the ground pin.

In Fig. 3, the antenna device includes two antenna elements 2 ', 2 " to form a double band antenna.

In Fig. 4, an apparatus for fixing a pin element on an elastic portion 13 integrated with an antenna element is provided. In this case, the properties of the part 13 in relation to elasticity and the like are selected such that the tongue can be omitted.

In FIG. 5, the principle of the present invention is applied to another type of antenna. In this case, the pin element is arranged on the carrier plate 14, which accommodates an antenna element (not shown) inside the cover 15. The device may be a helical antenna or some other suitable antenna. In this case or the like, an elastic portion such as an elastic tongue may be provided extending from the metal plate, in which the spiral or some other type of antenna element is accommodated.

It is possible to form the antenna element differently and to provide a circuit such as a matching circuit, for example adjacent the tongue or the tongues. It is also possible to design the tongue and use the length of the fin element to match the antenna function in a simple way. In particular, for the purpose of impedance matching, it is possible to mold the pin element, for example, by having a cross-sectional shape deviating from the circle or by having a different cross-sectional shape on the pin element and selecting the pin length. For example, see FIG. 8 where the pin 5 has an X-shaped cross section. Impedance matching is also possible by selecting the distance between adjacent pins and / or tongues.

Signals other than RF signals, such as signals to loudspeakers that may be mounted on antenna elements, may be coupled across the pins.

In order to obtain optimal signal transmission for various RF bands by supplying for various bands over various pins, two or more pins may be attached to the antenna element at any position.

Since direct metal contact must be ensured, a pivoting or similar fastening method at the connection point between the pin element and the tongue is preferred. Soldering is not required. By using separate pin elements, it is possible to easily optimize the characteristics on one pin element and the other antenna element. Pin devices are easily fabricated and are designed to have optimum contact and low contact resistance and / or conductivity. These fin elements are, for example, sheet metal gold or nickel palladium alloys, while the antenna element may be untreated surface copper or copper alloys.

In particular, preferably, the antenna device according to the present invention is used as an internal antenna which is an antenna provided inside the cover of the mobile telephone. Such internal antennas are sensitive to how they are positioned inside the cover and to separate contacts, and the present invention provides a safe solution to the problems encountered by such internal antennas.

The present invention allows the possibility for application in modular systems that easily permit the desired modifications for fabrication and (easy) assembly with flexibility. Therefore, the antenna device according to the present invention can be easily mounted in the telephone by simply positioning the antenna apparatus on the telephone body during assembly. The pressing action can be provided, for example, by a telephone cover which exerts a holding force on a selected part of the device while making the elastic part free of bending.

As an example, as shown in FIG. 6, if only one pin element can be provided on the device for the purpose of grounding, the signal supply to the antenna element can be provided, for example, by capacitive coupling.

The pin element can be integrated with the structure providing the elastic portion shown in FIG. For this purpose, the pin 5 can be manufactured as an elastic part 4 and, for example, a bent metal plate part extending from the part constituting the antenna element or the carrier structure. However, as mentioned above, this solution has some significant disadvantages.

In the embodiment of FIG. 9, the pin 5 is fixed to the swirl-shaped elastic portion 34 of the antenna element 12. In this case, the elastic portion is formed at the "inside" of the antenna element and is enclosed by the antenna element together with the pin. This solution allows the freedom of design of the holding and contacting means associated with the antenna device, the overall size of which can be reduced compared to the case where the elastic part or elastic parts extend from one end of the antenna element. It also allows greater freedom to choose a point of contact. Further, this advantage is achieved when the elastic portion is partially surrounded by the antenna element, that is, when the edge portion of the elastic portion forms the edge portion of the component constituting the antenna element. The elastic portion thus positioned may have other shapes, such as linear (see FIG. 8) or curvature, but has advantages for spring lengths extending in areas of reduced vortex shape. In addition, this method of arranging the elastic portion allows the radiator area to be used more effectively, leading to improved antenna characteristics and freedom of antenna design. In addition, it makes contact at a more central point of the antenna element, which has an advantage with respect to radiation propagation. Moreover, greater degrees of freedom for impedance matching are allowed. The elastic portions thus located may be separated from the sheet portion constituting the antenna element by any suitable known method, for example by stamping, laser cutting or etching.

The antenna device may be mounted inside the mobile phone in various ways. In order to shorten the assembly time and provide a simple mounting device, it is desirable to provide a reduced number of components to be assembled and to provide a reasonable assembly method. The antenna element 22 of FIG. 10 has holes (not shown) for receiving studs protruding from the base 35, which may be the outer plastic cover of the mobile phone (shown schematically in the figure as a box). Reference numeral 33 is provided. By the way, this stud may be a separate holding element or a support made of a synthetic material. Each stud is deformed, for example, by heating (eg, by ultrasonic waves) in the assembly process, such that a fixing cap 16 is formed on the base 35 to securely hold the antenna element. A cavity is formed at 37 to allow bending of the elastic portion 4. 11 shows an embodiment in which the stud 17 protruding from the base 35 extends through the hole 33 in the antenna element 22. These studs 17 are deformed by retaining caps (reference numeral 16 in FIG. 10).

As is apparent from Fig. 12A, the antenna device can be fixed by an antenna element 22 which is slid into a slot 18 (one of two slots is shown) in the base 35, which can be an outer cover or a detachable holder. have. In this embodiment according to FIG. 12B, the pin 5 associated with the antenna element 22 follows an arrow 19 perpendicular to the general extension of the pin 5 to the guide slot 21 in the guide body 20. To make it slide in the direction. This means that during bending satisfactory in most applications, the pin is supported in almost all directions (all directions except the single direction corresponding to arrow 10).

Fig. 13 shows another embodiment in which the antenna device and, in particular, the radiation antenna element 2 are firmly mounted in the mobile telephone by the application of the adhesive tape. Reference numeral 23 denotes a lid, which may or may not be part of the outer cover of the mobile telephone. The antenna element 2 is fixed to the lid over the double adhesive tape 24. The lid 23 is fixed to the remaining parts of the phone in the direction that takes into account the bending characteristics of the parts 4 and 5. Such a device can provide sufficient fixation for various applications. In this case, however, a second double adhesive tape 25 is provided on the second side surface of the element 2 to fix the support 26. In addition, a fixing stud 17 may be provided which is distributed over the area of the lid. These studs 17 are deformed by heat to form a cap (see FIG. 10) that cooperates with the support 26.

By precise positioning of the antenna element relative to the dielectric and ground plane in the mobile phone and the integrated circuit, undesirable changes to the frequency of the antenna device can be minimized. In particular, such positioning is important at the edge of the antenna element. Optimal fixation in this respect is achieved by tape attachment seen on both sides of the antenna element, which offers the possibility of accurately positioning the antenna element relative to the dielectric. By the way, in some cases, the antenna element 2 is sufficiently fixed between the lid 23 and the support body 26 without the tape intervening.

FIG. 14 illustrates positioning the antenna element 22 inside the support 29 by providing paired snap-lock fixing elements 27 and 28 on the lid 30 and the body 29, respectively. The elements 27 and 28 may be selected from a plurality of elements of a conventionally known type, which may be elements that extend continuously or discretely across the rim of the facing part.

FIG. 15A shows the antenna element 22 fixed in the support 29 which may or may not constitute part of the outer cover of the telephone. The stud 17 extends through the hole 33, the element 22 having a hole 33 with a restraining means 28 for fixing the metal antenna element on the stud when the antenna element 22 is pressed and positioned. Is formed, thereby providing fixing of the antenna element 22. Such fastening holes are often referred to as "star-lock" elements known in the art as fasteners.

It goes without saying that other shapes of fasteners can be used. To provide good economics, simple and reliable mounting is the basis. Also within the scope of the present invention, a direct snap-in of the antenna element into the support is contemplated.

Preferably, when the portion is formed of a metal sheet, the pin is basically connected to an elastic portion perpendicular to it.

The illustrated embodiment allows for freedom in sizing these parts so that the spring force applied to the pin can be selected to match a particular application.

As mentioned above, it is important that the free end of the pin is pointed or curved to provide a small contact surface and a secure connection.

An antenna element can be designed to minimize the space used by being applied to the shape of the phone cover. For this purpose, the antenna element can be formed in a curved configuration.

Claims (28)

Fragment of mobile telecommunication device 12 comprising at least one antenna element 2 for transmitting and / or receiving an RF signal and at least one connecting means for electrically connecting each antenna element to a circuit of the piece of equipment. In the antenna device for mounting on, Each connecting means is basically a connecting pin element 5 extending in the first direction and having a pointed free end 7, each pin element 5 being an elastic portion 4, 13 of the antenna element 2. Antenna device provided on or connected to an antenna element (2), basically allowing longitudinal bending of each pin element (5) in said first direction. 2. An antenna device according to claim 1, wherein two pin elements (5) are provided for the first and the ground for signal transmission. The antenna device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein each antenna element (5) is formed of a metal sheet, and each pin element (5) is attached (6) to the sheet. 4. Antenna device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one pin element (5) is pivoted to the elastic part (4,13). 5. Antenna device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one pin element (5) is integrated with the elastic part (4). The antenna device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the elastic portion is an elastic tongue (4). Antenna device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each elastic part (4) extends outward from the antenna element (2). The antenna device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein each elastic portion (34) is provided inside the antenna element (12) and is at least partially enclosed by the antenna element. Antenna device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the elastic part (34) is curved, for example vortex shaped. Antenna device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that two antenna elements (2 ', 2 ") operating at different frequencies are provided. The antenna element according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the shape of each antenna element is basically from the group consisting of letters U, L, V, I, F, G, C, H, meander, square and spiral. Antenna device, characterized in that according to the predetermined shape. The antenna device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each pin element (5) is a surface treated to obtain good conductivity, such as sheet metal gold or nickel palladium. The antenna device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each antenna element is formed to fit a cover of a fragment of the telecommunication equipment. The antenna device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the physical size of each elastic portion and / or each pin element is selected for impedance matching purposes. The antenna device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the distance between the pins is selected for impedance matching purposes. The antenna device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a piece of electronic circuitry such as a matching means is included. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, having means for supporting the antenna elements, and guiding means (10, 21) for guiding each pin element in the first bending direction, and being fixed in a piece of telecommunication equipment. Antenna device characterized in that it comprises a support (3) with means for positioning. 18. An antenna apparatus according to claim 17, wherein each guide means comprises a guide channel (11) tapered in a conical shape. 19. Antenna device according to claim 17 or 18, characterized in that the support (3) is made of synthetic material. Means (16, 17, 18, 24, 25, 27, 28, 30, 33) for fixing the antenna elements on the support structures (3, 23, 26, 29, 35). Antenna device, characterized in that provided. The antenna device according to claim 20, wherein the support structure is a part of an outer cover of the mobile telephone. 22. The method according to claim 20 or 21, wherein the fixing means comprises heating deformable elements (16, 17) of the synthetic material, snap-in connectors (25, 26, 27), friction locks (28, 17) and adhesive tapes (24). And 25). A fragment of a telecommunications device, comprising the device according to any one of the preceding claims. A fragment of a telecommunications device according to claim 23, comprising a circuit board having a contact pad (8) for contacting each pin element (5). 23. A piece of telecommunications device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the piece of equipment comprises a support structure for the device. 27. A fragment of telecommunications device according to claim 25, having a portion including guide means for guiding each pin element in a first bending direction. 27. A fragment of telecommunication equipment according to any one of claims 23 to 26, comprising means for securing in cooperation with the antenna device. 28. A fragment of telecommunications device according to any one of claims 23 to 27, comprising a circuit board having means for contacting each pin element.