WO2018103965A1

WO2018103965A1 - A broadcast receiving device

Info

Publication number: WO2018103965A1
Application number: PCT/EP2017/077938
Authority: WO
Inventors: Mehmet Emin CEPNI; Mustafa Ilker Uzun; Ahmet KADIROGLU; Osman Osman; Cengiz Berkay
Original assignee: Arcelik Anonim Sirketi
Priority date: 2016-12-08
Filing date: 2017-11-01
Publication date: 2018-06-14
Also published as: TR201618087A2

Abstract

The present invention relates to a broadcast receiving device (1 ) comprising a mounting plate (4) that is disposed in the body (2) and whereon at least one electronic card (3) is disposed, and at least one RF antenna (6) provided by forming cut-outs on the mounting plate (4) that have geometries suitable for the frequency of the electromagnetic wave.

Description

A BROADCAST RECEIVING DEVICE

The present invention relates to a broadcast receiving device with improved remote access compatibility and wireless communication performance.

Nowadays, in order for any electronic devices to connect to the Internet or be suitable for remote access, such devices need to be provided with communication modules, especially antennas. The antennas receive the electromagnetic waves propagating through space and enables the said waves to be transmitted through transmission lines (receiving antenna), or enable the signals coming from the transmission lines to be emitted to space in the form of waves (transmitting antenna). The antennas are dimensioned and shaped according to wavelengths and are generally named according to wavelengths. An electronic device emits electromagnetic waves while connecting to another electronic device. The electronic device that is desired to be connected converts the said waves to electrical signals by means of a receiving antenna suitable for receiving the frequency of the transmitted waves, and thus, the connection is established. The broadcast receiving devices such as televisions comprise a receiving antenna that enables the device to be connected remotely. The said antennas are called RF (radio frequency) antennas, since the electromagnetic waves transmitted to connect the said device are compatible with radio frequency.

The RF antennas must be produced from electrically conductive materials and, in order to connect to a device at a certain distance, must be directly exposed to the electromagnetic waves emitted by the device. In order for the RF antenna in a broadcast receiving device to connect to an electronic device, the said RF antenna should effectively receive the electromagnetic waves emitted by the said electronic device and since the use of more than one antenna that are designed to receive different frequencies is required, the antennas must be positioned correctly. Therefore, the electromagnetic waves must be prevented from hitting on various surfaces and changing direction/frequency. The broadcast receiving devices generally comprise metallic structural elements that may cause distortions in frequency, an antenna that is reached through these regions cannot function properly. When the RF antenna is positioned at the rear side of the broadcast receiving device, the structure of waves may change since the waves similarly reach the antenna after reflecting from the objects in the environment. In order to eliminate this problem, the antenna can be positioned on the frame portion around the display screen, in the front section of the broadcast receiving devices. As the frame of the broadcast receiving device is a relatively narrow region and receives the waves in a very limited angle, the antenna cannot be used effectively. Furthermore, this situation requires the antenna to be positioned away from the control card. When the antenna is away from the control card, interference on the signal increases and this adversely affects the performance. The electromagnetic waves can also be received by means of an external RF antenna, but in such cases, the aesthetic appearance is adversely affected and the costs increase.

In the state of the art European Patent Document No. EP0923157, an antenna that is rendered suitable for receiving certain frequencies by forming cut-outs on the metal surface is disclosed.

In the state of the art the United States of America Patent Document No. US7605763, it is disclosed that in order to receive waves at different frequencies, a plurality of elements suitable for receiving waves at such frequencies are disposed on a single structure.

The aim of the present invention is the realization of a broadcast receiving device comprising an RF antenna with improved remote access and wireless communication and facilitated production.

The broadcast receiving device realized in order to attain the aim of the present invention, explicated in the first claim and the respective claims thereof comprises an optically conductive panel and a body that has a frame surrounding the panel, a front section disposed behind the panel and where illumination elements enabling the generation of images by illuminating the panel are positioned and a rear section where parts such as control unit, electronic connection elements, etc. and the mounting plate that supports the latter are positioned. In the region from the front section of the broadcast receiving device up to the mounting plate at the rear section, there is not any material that prevents the passage of the electromagnetic waves. Cut-outs with a geometry suitable for the frequency of the signal to be received are formed on the mounting plate that is preferably produced from metal material. This structure with cut-outs forms an RF antenna that collects the signal effectively and transmits the same to the electronic card by means of a connection cable. As the electronic card is mounted on the mounting plate, the RF antenna is positioned as close as possible to the electronic card and thus, possible interference that may occur during the signal transmission is prevented. Since the antenna formed on the mounting plate can be produced by means of a single cut-out during the production of the plate without the need for an additional part or a connection process, savings in time and costs are provided.

In an embodiment of the present invention, a receptacle is provided between the front section and the rear section of the body. The receptacle forms a surface at the front section of the body that is suitable for fixing the illumination element thereon and can be used as a support for the metal plate at the rear section. The receptacle is produced from a non-metallic material such as plastic, etc. that is permeable to electromagnetic waves. Thus, while functioning as a support for the elements in the body, the receptacle does not prevent the passage of the electromagnetic waves and enables the RF antenna formed on the mounting plate to effectively function.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the cut-outs formed on the mounting plate are designed with a geometry that is suitable for Wi-Fi signals. Wi-Fi is a technology that enables devices such as computers, video game consoles, digital audio players, smartphones, etc. to connect to the Internet wirelessly as well as an indicator of wireless connection compatibility of the products, and specified with IEEE 802.11a, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g, IEEE 802.11n and IEEE 802.11ac standards. The antenna form with the most efficient geometry for receiving Wi-Fi signals is determined via various tests. This form is obtained by providing cut-outs on the plate during the production process. Since the cut-outs can be mass-produced by being easily formed during the dimensioning of the plate, the production is facilitated. Being formed without the need for any additional materials, the cut-outs also provide cost advantage. The antenna is positioned close to the electronic card mounted on the mounting plate and the communication therebetween is provided by means of connection cables. The short distance between the antenna and the electronic card allows the usage of shorter connection cables and thus, possible interferences that may occur are minimized. The electromagnetic waves transmitted by the electronic devices for establishing a Wi-Fi connection directly reach the antenna without being diverted on the broadcast receiving device. Thus, the electromagnetic propagation pattern is improved. Since the positioning of the antenna is not subject to any limitations, the antenna is positioned so as to receive the waves emitted by the electronic devices in a wide angle and thus the signal strength is increased. Thus, the occurrence of the problem of the devices not being able to establish a connection due to weak signal levels is minimized.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the cut-outs arranged on the mounting plate are formed so as to be suitable for Bluetooth signals. Bluetooth is the name of the short distance radio frequency (RF) technology that eliminates the need for cable connections. Bluetooth provides communication between computers, peripheral units and other devices without cable connections, even when not in the field of view of each other. Bluetooth technology operates at 2.4 GHz ISM frequency range and allows audio and video transmission. Bluetooth devices that can transfer data at speeds up to 24 MBPS have a range of approximately 10 to 100 meters. Bluetooth complies with the IEEE 802.15.1 standard set by IEEE. The antenna form with the most efficient geometry for receiving Bluetooth signals is determined via various tests. This form is obtained by providing cut-outs on the plate during the production process. Since the cut-outs can be mass-produced by being easily formed during the dimensioning of the plate, the production is facilitated. Being formed without the need for any additional materials, the cut-outs also provide cost advantage. The antenna is positioned close to the electronic card mounted on the mounting plate and the communication therebetween is provided by means of connection cables. The short distance between the antenna and the electronic card allows the usage of shorter connection cables and thus, possible interferences that may occur are minimized. The electromagnetic waves transmitted by the electronic devices for establishing a Bluetooth connection directly reach the antenna without being diverted on the broadcast receiving device. Thus, the electromagnetic propagation pattern is improved.

In an embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of RF antennas suitable for receiving different frequencies are provided on the mounting plate. The RF antennas are formed in geometries that are suitable for receiving electromagnetic waves at certain frequencies. Using a wider frequency receiving range in the antenna degrades the efficiency of the connection. Therefore, certain frequencies are chosen that comply with the specifications of the connection aimed to be established between the devices. By using a plurality of antennas that receive the electromagnetic waves at the same frequency, the signal receiving performance can be improved. Since a plurality of antenna forms can be created on the plate in a single process during the production of the mounting plate, cost advantage is provided. Since the antennas are not external parts, ease of assembly is also provided.

By means of the present invention, a broadcast receiving device is realized, that comprises an RF antenna that is formed on the mounting plate as a single piece element, with improved remote access and wireless communication and facilitated production.

The broadcast receiving device realized in order to attain the aim of the present invention is illustrated in the attached figure, where:

Figure 1 - The rear view of the broadcast receiving device.

The elements illustrated in the figures are numbered as follows:

Broadcast receiving device
Body
Electronic card
Mounting plate
Connection cable
RF antenna
Receptacle

RF: Radio frequency

The broadcast receiving device (1) comprises a body (2) wherein elements such as the panel, illumination elements and the frame are disposed; a metallic mounting plate (4) that is disposed close to the rear surface of the body (2) and that is suitable for fixing at least one electronic card (3) thereon, and at least one RF antenna (6) that is connected to the electronic card (3) via a connection cable (5) and that is obtained by forming cut-outs on the mounting plate (4) in geometries suitable for the frequency of the signal to be received. The broadcast receiving device (1) operates by interconnecting various elements disposed into the body (2). The control unit that controls the operational functions is obtained by means of the electronic parts on the electronic card (3) and commands that are loaded in the said electronic parts. The electronic card (3) is disposed onto a mounting plate (4) fixed into the body (2). The mounting plate (4) is metallic. Thus, the electrical conductivity is provided. Between the mounting plate (4) and the front part of the body (2), non-metallic, optically conductive structural elements are provided. The broadcast receiving device (1) comprises an RF antenna (6) for receiving remote wireless connections. The RF antenna (6) receives electromagnetic waves emitted by an electronic device at a certain frequency and converts the same to electrical signals. The electrical signals created by means of the RF antenna (6) are transferred to the respective processor on the electronic card (3) and the connection is established. The RF antenna (6) is obtained by forming cut-outs with certain geometries on the mounting plate (4) during the production. The form is chosen to be suitable for receiving the electromagnetic waves at the frequency to be received. The cut-outs are formed on the mounting plate (4) without the need for an assembly or connection process and maintain their forms thanks to the strength of the mounting plate (4). The cut-outs are generally designed to provide a curving RF antenna (6) form starting from a point on the mounting plate (4). The electrical signal created at the connection point between the RF antenna (6) and the mounting plate (4) is transmitted to the electronic card (3) by means of a connection cable (5) and a wireless connection is established between the devices. Thus, since the reception with a wider range is provided without distorting the electromagnetic signals, the remote wireless connection performance of the broadcast receiving device (1) is improved.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the broadcast receiving device (1) comprises a non-metallic receptacle (7) that is disposed into the gap close to the rear surface of the body (2) and the mounting plate (4) that is disposed into the receptacle (7). The panel produced from an optically conductive material enabling the image to be created on the front side of the body (2) is illuminated by the illumination means in the body (2), behind the panel. A non-metallic receptacle (7) with the front side thereof being suitable for fixing the illumination means thereon is provided in a gap in the body (2). The receptacle (7) is positioned so as to completely fill the gap in the body (2) and to prevent the illumination means and the panel at the front part from being reached from the rear side of the body (2). The rear section of the receptacle (7) is in a form that allows the placing of the mounting plate (4). The mounting plate (4) is positioned in the receptacle (7) so as not to protrude outside the receptacle (7). The electronic card (3) and other electronic connection elements are disposed onto the mounting plate (4). After the completion of necessary connections, the rear side of the body (2) is closed by means of a cover. In case of possible problems related to the electronic elements, the said cover is opened so as to reach the receptacle (7) and the electronic card (3) therein. In cases requiring repair, when the body (2) is opened from the rear section thereof, the receptacle (7) prevents the region wherein the panel and the illumination means are positioned from being directly reached and thus, protects the delicate display means therein, which should be kept clean. Thus, security is improved and ease of use is provided.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the broadcast receiving device (1) comprises at least one RF antenna (6) that is obtained by forming cut-outs on the mounting plate (4) with a geometry suitable for receiving the frequency of the Wi-Fi signal. Today, commonly used Wi-Fi frequencies are 2.4 GHz, 3.6 GHz, 4.9 GHz, 5 GHz and 5.9 GHz. With technological developments, frequency ranges may change. The RF antenna (6) with a geometry suitable for optimally receiving electromagnetic wave signals at this frequency is used. Since the said RF antenna (6) is specifically designed to process signals at a certain frequency, the signal reception and range thereof are improved. Establishing a remote connection to a device by means of Wi-Fi technology is performed via a Wi-Fi specific authentication protocol executed by means of the electronic card (3). The RF antenna (6) receiving the Wi-Fi electromagnetic signals can transmit the necessary electrical signals to the electronic card (3) unit that is directly assigned to this process. Different RF antennas (6) can be formed on the mounting plate (4) for Wi-Fi signals at different frequencies. Thus, the signal reception strength of the RF antenna (6) integrated into the broadcast receiving device (1) can be increased and the production costs are decreased.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the broadcast receiving device (1) comprises at least one RF antenna (6) that is obtained by forming cut-outs on the mounting plate (4) with a geometry suitable for receiving the frequency of the Bluetooth signal. Nowadays, the Bluetooth frequency is specified as 2.4 GHz. This frequency may change with the advances in Bluetooth technology. The RF antenna (6) with a geometry suitable for optimally receiving electromagnetic wave signals at this frequency is used. Since the said RF antenna (6) is specifically designed to process signals at a certain frequency, the signal reception and range thereof are improved.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the broadcast receiving device (1) comprises a plurality of RF antennas (6) on the mounting plate (4) for receiving different frequencies. The RF antennas (6) that can be formed on the mounting plate (4) at several points enable different signals to be processed and/or the signal strength to be increased. During the production of the mounting plate (4), all the RF antenna (6) forms can be created at once on the mounting plate (4) and thus, cost advantage and ease of production are provided. Furthermore, since the antenna (6) is not an additional part, the antenna (6) does not increase the material or labor costs.

By means of the present invention, a broadcast receiving device (1) is realized, wherein the remote access and the wireless communication performance are improved by means of an RF antenna (6) that is easier to production and that is suitable for receiving electromagnetic signals at various frequencies.

Claims

A broadcast receiving device (1) comprising a body (2) wherein elements such as the panel, illumination elements and the frame are disposed; a metallic mounting plate (4) that is disposed close to the rear surface of the body (2) and that is suitable for fixing at least one electronic card (3) thereon, characterized by at least one RF antenna (6) that is connected to the electronic card (3) via a connection cable (5) and that is obtained by forming cut-outs on the mounting plate (4) in geometries suitable for the frequency of the signal to be received.
A broadcast receiving device (1) as in Claim 1, characterized by a non-metallic receptacle (7) that is disposed into the gap in the region close to the rear surface of the body (2) and the mounting plate (4) that is disposed into the receptacle (7).
A broadcast receiving device (1) as in Claim 1 or 2, characterized by the RF antenna (6) provided by forming cut-outs on the mounting plate (4) that have geometries suitable for the frequency of the Wi-Fi signal.
A broadcast receiving device (1) as in any one of the above claims, characterized by the RF antenna (6) provided by forming cut-outs on the mounting plate (4) that have geometries suitable for the frequency of the Bluetooth signal.
A broadcast receiving device (1) as in any one of the above claims, characterized by a plurality of RF antennas (6) formed on the mounting plate (4) for receiving different frequencies.