WO2020101043A1 - Antenna device and mobile terminal including same - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides a mobile terminal including multiple antennas. The mobile terminal comprises: a metal frame comprising four sides of the mobile terminal; and multiple antennas electrically connected to the metal frame and arranged on one inner side surface of the metal frame. The multiple antennas comprise a first antenna and a second antenna arranged on both sides with respect to one point of the metal frame. The first antenna and the second antenna operate as multi-input multi-output (MIMO) antennas in the same frequency band by multiple signals. The metal frame is used as a common ground for the first antenna and the second antenna. Therefore, the present invention can provide an antenna device which is excellent in the isolation level between multiple antenna elements.

Description

Antenna device and mobile terminal having same

The present invention relates to a mobile terminal having an antenna device for transmitting and receiving wireless signals. More specifically, it relates to a mobile terminal having a plurality of antennas.

Terminals can be divided into mobile terminals (mobile / portable terminals) and stationary terminals according to their mobility. Again, the mobile terminal may be divided into a handheld terminal and a vehicle mounted terminal according to whether the user can carry it directly.

The functions of mobile terminals are diversifying. For example, there are functions for data and voice communication, photo and video shooting through a camera, voice recording, music file playback through a speaker system, and output of an image or video to the display. In some terminals, an electronic game play function is added or a multimedia player function is performed. In particular, recent mobile terminals can receive multicast signals that provide visual content such as broadcast and video or television programs.

As the function is diversified, such a terminal is a multimedia player type having multiple functions such as taking a picture or a video, playing a music or video file, receiving a game, or broadcasting. Is being implemented.

In order to support and increase the function of such a terminal, it may be considered to improve the structural part and / or software part of the terminal.

In addition to the above attempts, a mobile terminal provides a variety of services by commercializing a wireless communication system using various communication technologies. In this regard, in addition to 4G (4G) communication technology such as LTE, mobile terminals have attempted to use 5G (5G) communication technology.

Meanwhile, a mobile terminal using 5G communication technology needs to provide a multi-input multi-output (MIMO) to improve transmission speed or to improve communication stability. In order to support MIMO in a mobile terminal, a plurality of antennas must be provided, and space for a separation distance of several wavelengths or more between the plurality of antennas is required. In this regard, as a mobile carrier recently prepares to build a 5G-NR (New Radio) infrastructure, a 5G wireless platform design technology of 4X4 MIMO or higher is required.

On the other hand, the 5G communication service may be serviced in a high frequency band such as a millimeter wave band, but may also be serviced in a Sub6 frequency band below 6 GHz. In this regard, the importance of the sub-6 GHz band, which can utilize the existing LTE legacy infrastructure and has both low-band communication coverage and data rate advantages in the millimeter wave (mmWave) band, is increasing.

In particular, at the time of introduction of 5G communication service, communication service is expected to be performed using a Sub6 frequency band of 6 GHz or less. However, there is a problem in that it is difficult to secure a separation distance of several wavelengths or more between a plurality of antennas in order to support MIMO in the Sub6 frequency band.

Therefore, in order to support MIMO in the Sub6 frequency band, isolation between antennas is very important when the separation distance between a plurality of antennas should be within a few wavelengths and, in some cases, within one wavelength. However, when the separation distance between a plurality of antennas in the Sub6 frequency band is close, there is a problem that there is no specific solution for securing isolation between antennas.

In addition, as the number of existing LTE antennas increases, the design space of the 5G sub-6 MIMO antenna is more insufficient, and there is a problem that it is difficult to design the sub-6 MIMO antenna without changing the design of the metal member.

On the other hand, when re-use design of the currently used LTE antenna as a 5G sub-6 antenna, there is a problem that performance deterioration occurs due to additional band design. In addition, when implementing a MIMO antenna in a narrow space, there is a problem in that antenna isolation performance deteriorates due to mutual interference. As described above, it is difficult to secure performance when implementing a MIMO antenna in a metal frame structure.

The present invention aims to solve the above and other problems. Another object is to provide a mobile terminal having a plurality of antenna elements with improved performance.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an antenna device having excellent isolation characteristics between a plurality of antenna elements in order to support multiple input multiple output (MIMO). Specifically, it is to provide a sub-6 GHz MIMO antenna implementation to which an antenna miniaturization technology is applied in order to secure a fast data transmission speed in a metal rim structure.

A mobile terminal having a plurality of antennas according to the present invention is provided to achieve the above or other objects. The mobile terminal may include a metal frame including four sides of the mobile terminal; And a plurality of antennas electrically connected to the metal frame and disposed on one side of the metal frame. Meanwhile, the plurality of antennas includes a first antenna and a second antenna disposed on both sides based on a point of the metal frame, and the first antenna and the second antenna are multiplexed in the same frequency band by a plurality of signals. It operates as an input multi-output (MIMO: Multi-Input Multi-Output), and the metal frame is used as a common ground of the first antenna and the second antenna, so that isolation characteristics between a plurality of antenna elements An excellent antenna device can be provided.

According to one embodiment, each of the first antenna and the second antenna, a first conductive line connected to the metal frame; A second conductive line bent and connected to the first conductive line at an angle; And a power supply unit to which the signal is applied and to cause the signal to be coupled to the second conductive line.

According to an embodiment, each of the first antenna and the second antenna may operate as the main radiator of the first conductive line and the second conductive line.

According to an embodiment, the plurality of antennas may further include a third antenna and a fourth antenna disposed on both sides based on another point of the metal frame. In this case, each of the third antenna and the fourth antenna may include a first conductive line connected to the metal frame; A second conductive line bent and connected to the first conductive line at an angle; And a power supply unit to which the signal is applied and to cause the signal to be coupled to the second conductive line.

According to one embodiment, one end of the metal frame is connected through a capacitor, the other end may further include a shorting strip line (shorting strip line) connected to the circuit board of the mobile terminal. At this time, the isolation between the first antenna and the second antenna may be improved by the shorting strip line.

According to an embodiment, the first conductive line and the second conductive line are disposed in a rear case of the mobile terminal, and the power supply unit may be fed from a circuit board in the mobile terminal.

According to an embodiment, the first antenna to the fourth antenna may have a main region of a radiation pattern formed on the rear surface of the mobile terminal by the first conductive line and the second conductive line disposed in the rear case. .

According to one embodiment, the first antenna to the fourth antenna may be disposed adjacent to each other on one side metal frame of the metal frame.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a fifth antenna and a sixth antenna disposed adjacent to the other side metal frame among the metal frames may be further included. At this time, the first antenna to the sixth antenna may operate in a 5th generation (5G) communication system.

According to an embodiment, the first antenna to the fourth antenna may operate in a 5th generation (5G) communication system. At this time, adjacent to the first antenna to the fourth antenna, the fifth antenna and the sixth antenna disposed on the one side metal frame; And it may further include a seventh antenna and an eighth antenna respectively disposed on the other side and the top of the metal frame. Accordingly, the fifth antenna to the eighth antenna may operate in both a 4th generation communication system and a 5th generation communication system.

Meanwhile, a mobile terminal having a plurality of antennas according to another aspect of the present invention is provided. The mobile terminal includes a metal frame including a side of the mobile terminal; And a plurality of antennas electrically connected to the metal frame and disposed on one side of the metal frame. Meanwhile, the plurality of antennas includes a first antenna and a second antenna disposed on both sides based on a point of the metal frame. At this time, each of the first antenna and the second antenna is connected to the metal frame, a part of the conductive line parallel to the metal frame; And a power supply unit to which a signal is applied and the signal is coupled to the conductive line.

According to an embodiment, the shape of each conductive line of the first antenna and the second antenna may be symmetrical with respect to the one point. In this case, the plurality of antennas may further include a third antenna and a fourth antenna disposed on both sides based on another point of the metal frame. Meanwhile, the third antenna and the fourth antenna adjacent to the first antenna and the second antenna may include the conductive line and the feeder. In addition, the shape of each conductive line of the third antenna and the fourth antenna may be symmetrical with respect to the other one point.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a first short-circuiting strip line having one end connected to one point of the metal frame and a capacitor and the other end connected to a circuit board of the mobile terminal; And a second shorting strip line having one end connected to the other point of the metal frame through a capacitor and the other end connected to a circuit board of the mobile terminal. Accordingly, the isolation between the first antenna and the second antenna may be improved by the first shorting strip line, and the isolation between the third antenna and the fourth antenna may be improved by the second shorting strip line. .

According to one embodiment, the first antenna to the fourth antenna may be disposed adjacent to each other on one side metal frame of the metal frame. Meanwhile, a fifth antenna and a sixth antenna disposed adjacent to the other side metal frame among the metal frames may be further included. In this case, the first antenna to the sixth antenna may operate in a multi-input multi-output (MIMO) in a 5th generation (5G) communication system.

According to one embodiment, the first antenna to the fourth antenna may be disposed adjacent to each other on one side metal frame of the metal frame. At this time, the first antenna to the fourth antenna may operate a multi-input multi-output (MIMO) in a 5th generation (5G) communication system. On the other hand, adjacent to the first antenna to the fourth antenna, a fifth antenna and a sixth antenna disposed on the one side metal frame; And it may further include a seventh antenna and an eighth antenna respectively disposed on the other side and the top of the metal frame. At this time, the fifth antenna to the eighth antenna may operate in both a 4th generation communication system and a 5th generation communication system.

The effects of the mobile terminal and the antenna device according to the present invention are as follows.

According to at least one of the embodiments of the present invention, there is an advantage of providing a mobile terminal connected to a metal frame and performing multiple input multiple outputs in the same frequency band by a plurality of conductive patterns disposed therein.

In addition, according to at least one of the embodiments of the present invention, there is an advantage that a mobile terminal with improved isolation characteristics between a plurality of antenna elements can be provided by changing some of the plurality of conductive patterns.

Further scope of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description. However, various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the present invention may be clearly understood by those skilled in the art, and thus, it should be understood that specific embodiments such as detailed description and preferred embodiments of the present invention are given as examples only.

1A is a block diagram illustrating a mobile terminal related to the present invention.

1B and 1C are conceptual views of an example of a mobile terminal related to the present invention viewed from different directions.

2 is an exploded perspective view of a mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention.

3A to 3C show the structure of a mobile terminal in which a plurality of antenna elements according to the present invention are disposed.

4A and 4B show the structure of a mobile terminal in which a plurality of antenna elements are disposed according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5A is an exploded view showing a shape of a plurality of antenna elements using a metal frame and a conductive pattern inside a mobile terminal according to the present invention.

5B is a conceptual diagram showing a form of a plurality of antenna elements using a metal frame and a conductive pattern inside a mobile terminal according to the present invention.

6A is a current distribution diagram showing the principle of suppressing the flow of current between antennas by a short-circuiting strip line.

6B and 6C show return loss (S11, S22) and isolation (S21) of the first antenna (ANT1) and the second antenna (ANT2) before and after applying the short-circuit strip line.

7 shows a configuration having four antennas by a plurality of conductive patterns according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments disclosed herein will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, but the same or similar elements are assigned the same reference numbers regardless of the reference numerals, and overlapping descriptions thereof will be omitted. The suffixes "modules" and "parts" for components used in the following description are given or mixed only considering the ease of writing the specification, and do not have meanings or roles distinguished from each other in themselves. In addition, in describing the embodiments disclosed in this specification, detailed descriptions of related known technologies are omitted when it is determined that the gist of the embodiments disclosed in this specification may be obscured. In addition, the accompanying drawings are only for easy understanding of the embodiments disclosed in the present specification, and the technical spirit disclosed in the specification is not limited by the accompanying drawings, and all modifications included in the spirit and technical scope of the present invention , It should be understood to include equivalents or substitutes.

Terms including ordinal numbers such as first and second may be used to describe various components, but the components are not limited by the terms. The terms are used only for the purpose of distinguishing one component from other components.

When an element is said to be "connected" or "connected" to another component, it is understood that other components may be directly connected to or connected to the other component, but there may be other components in between. It should be. On the other hand, when a component is said to be "directly connected" or "directly connected" to another component, it should be understood that no other component exists in the middle.

Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

In this application, terms such as "comprises" or "have" are intended to indicate the presence of features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts or combinations thereof described in the specification, but one or more other features. It should be understood that the existence or addition possibilities of fields or numbers, steps, operations, components, parts or combinations thereof are not excluded in advance.

Mobile terminals described herein include mobile phones, smart phones, laptop computers, digital broadcasting terminals, personal digital assistants (PDAs), portable multimedia players (PMPs), navigation, and slate PCs. , Tablet PC (tablet PC), ultrabook (ultrabook), wearable device (wearable device, for example, a watch-type terminal (smartwatch), glass-type terminal (smart glass), HMD (head mounted display), etc. may be included have.

However, a configuration according to the embodiment described in the present specification can be easily recognized by those skilled in the art that the configuration may be applied to a fixed terminal such as a digital TV, a desktop computer, and a digital signage, except when applicable only to a mobile terminal. will be.

1A to 1C, FIG. 1A is a block diagram illustrating a mobile terminal related to the present invention, and FIGS. 1B and 1C are conceptual views of an example of a mobile terminal related to the present invention viewed from different directions.

The mobile terminal 100 includes a wireless communication unit 110, an input unit 120, a sensing unit 140, an output unit 150, an interface unit 160, a memory 170, a control unit 180, and a power supply unit 190 ) And the like. The components shown in FIG. 1A are not essential for implementing a mobile terminal, so the mobile terminal described herein may have more or fewer components than those listed above.

More specifically, the wireless communication unit 110 among the components, between the mobile terminal 100 and the wireless communication system, between the mobile terminal 100 and another mobile terminal 100, or the mobile terminal 100 and an external server It may include one or more modules that enable wireless communication between. In addition, the wireless communication unit 110 may include one or more modules connecting the mobile terminal 100 to one or more networks.

The wireless communication unit 110 may include at least one of a broadcast receiving module 111, a mobile communication module 112, a wireless Internet module 113, a short-range communication module 114, and a location information module 115. .

The input unit 120 may include a camera 121 for inputting a video signal or a video input unit, a microphone for inputting an audio signal (microphone 122), or an audio input unit, a user input unit 123 for receiving information from a user, for example , A touch key, a mechanical key, and the like. The voice data or image data collected by the input unit 120 may be analyzed and processed by a user's control command.

The sensing unit 140 may include one or more sensors for sensing at least one of information in the mobile terminal, surrounding environment information surrounding the mobile terminal, and user information. For example, the sensing unit 140 includes a proximity sensor 141, an illumination sensor 142, a touch sensor, an acceleration sensor, a magnetic sensor, and gravity G-sensor, gyroscope sensor, motion sensor, RGB sensor, infrared sensor (IR sensor), fingerprint scan sensor, ultrasonic sensor , Optical sensor (e.g., camera (see 121)), microphone (see 122), battery gauge, environmental sensor (e.g. barometer, hygrometer, thermometer, radioactivity sensor, Thermal sensor, gas sensor, and the like), and a chemical sensor (eg, an electronic nose, a health care sensor, a biometric sensor, etc.). Meanwhile, the mobile terminal disclosed in this specification may combine and use information sensed by at least two or more of these sensors.

The output unit 150 is for generating output related to vision, hearing, or tactile sense, and includes at least one of a display unit 151, an audio output unit 152, a hap tip module 153, and an optical output unit 154 can do. The display unit 151 may form a mutual layer structure with the touch sensor or may be integrally formed, thereby realizing a touch screen. The touch screen may function as a user input unit 123 that provides an input interface between the mobile terminal 100 and a user, and at the same time, provide an output interface between the mobile terminal 100 and the user.

The interface unit 160 serves as a passage with various types of external devices connected to the mobile terminal 100. The interface unit 160 connects a device equipped with a wired / wireless headset port, an external charger port, a wired / wireless data port, a memory card port, and an identification module. It may include at least one of a port, an audio input / output (I / O) port, a video input / output (I / O) port, and an earphone port. In the mobile terminal 100, in response to an external device being connected to the interface unit 160, appropriate control related to the connected external device may be performed.

In addition, the memory 170 stores data supporting various functions of the mobile terminal 100. The memory 170 may store a number of application programs or applications that are driven in the mobile terminal 100 and data and instructions for the operation of the mobile terminal 100. At least some of these applications can be downloaded from external servers via wireless communication. In addition, at least some of these application programs may exist on the mobile terminal 100 from the time of shipment for the basic functions of the mobile terminal 100 (for example, an incoming call, a calling function, a message reception, and a calling function). Meanwhile, the application program may be stored in the memory 170 and installed on the mobile terminal 100 to be driven by the controller 180 to perform an operation (or function) of the mobile terminal.

In addition to the operations related to the application program, the controller 180 generally controls the overall operation of the mobile terminal 100. The controller 180 may provide or process appropriate information or functions to the user by processing signals, data, information, etc. input or output through the above-described components or by driving an application program stored in the memory 170.

In addition, the controller 180 may control at least some of the components discussed with reference to FIG. 1A to drive an application program stored in the memory 170. Furthermore, the controller 180 may operate by combining at least two or more of the components included in the mobile terminal 100 for driving the application program.

Under the control of the controller 180, the power supply unit 190 receives external power and internal power to supply power to each component included in the mobile terminal 100. The power supply unit 190 includes a battery, and the battery may be a built-in battery or a replaceable battery.

At least some of the components may operate in cooperation with each other to implement an operation, control, or control method of a mobile terminal according to various embodiments described below. In addition, the operation, control, or control method of the mobile terminal may be implemented on the mobile terminal by driving at least one application program stored in the memory 170.

1B and 1C, the disclosed mobile terminal 100 has a bar-shaped terminal body. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and can be applied to various structures such as a watch type, a clip type, a glass type, or a folder type, a flip type, a slide type, a swing type, and a swivel type in which two or more bodies are coupled to move relative to each other . It will be related to a specific type of mobile terminal, but the description of a specific type of mobile terminal can be generally applied to other types of mobile terminals.

Here, the terminal body may be understood as a concept of referring to the mobile terminal 100 as at least one aggregate.

The mobile terminal 100 includes a case (for example, a frame, a housing, a cover, etc.) forming an exterior. As illustrated, the mobile terminal 100 may include a front case 101 and a rear case 102. Various electronic components are disposed in the inner space formed by the combination of the front case 101 and the rear case 102. At least one middle case may be additionally disposed between the front case 101 and the rear case 102.

A display unit 151 is disposed on the front of the terminal body to output information. As illustrated, the window 151a of the display unit 151 is mounted on the front case 101 to form the front surface of the terminal body together with the front case 101.

In some cases, electronic components may also be mounted on the rear case 102. Electronic components that can be mounted on the rear case 102 include a removable battery, an identification module, and a memory card. In this case, the rear case 102 may be detachably coupled to the rear cover 103 for covering the mounted electronic components. Therefore, when the rear cover 103 is separated from the rear case 102, the electronic components mounted on the rear case 102 are exposed to the outside.

As shown, when the rear cover 103 is coupled to the rear case 102, a part of the side surface of the rear case 102 may be exposed. In some cases, the rear case 102 may be completely covered by the rear cover 103 when the coupling is performed. Meanwhile, an opening for exposing the camera 121b or the sound output unit 152b to the outside may be provided in the rear cover 103.

These cases (101, 102, 103) may be formed by injection of synthetic resin or may be formed of metal, for example, stainless steel (STS), aluminum (Al), titanium (Ti), or the like.

Unlike the above example in which a plurality of cases provide an internal space in which a plurality of cases accommodate various electronic components, the mobile terminal 100 may be configured such that one case provides the interior space. In this case, the mobile terminal 100 of a uni-body in which synthetic resin or metal extends from the side to the rear may be implemented.

On the other hand, the mobile terminal 100 may be provided with a waterproof portion (not shown) to prevent water from entering the terminal body. For example, the waterproof portion is provided between the window 151a and the front case 101, between the front case 101 and the rear case 102, or between the rear case 102 and the rear cover 103, the combination of these It may include a waterproof member for sealing the interior space of the city.

The mobile terminal 100 includes a display unit 151, first and second sound output units 152a and 152b, a proximity sensor 141, an illuminance sensor 142, a light output unit 154, the first and second units Cameras 121a and 121b, first and second operation units 123a and 123b, a microphone 122, and an interface unit 160 may be provided.

Hereinafter, as illustrated in FIGS. 1B and 1C, a display unit 151, a first sound output unit 152a, a proximity sensor 141, an illuminance sensor 142, and an optical output unit are provided on the front surface of the terminal body. 154), the first camera (121a) and the first operation unit (123a) is disposed, the second operation unit (123b), the microphone 122 and the interface unit 160 is disposed on the side of the terminal body, the terminal body The mobile terminal 100 in which the second sound output unit 152b and the second camera 121b are disposed on the rear surface of the mobile terminal 100 will be described as an example.

However, these configurations are not limited to this arrangement. These configurations may be excluded or replaced as necessary, or may be disposed on other sides. For example, the first operation unit 123a may not be provided on the front surface of the terminal body, and the second sound output unit 152b may be provided on the side surface of the terminal body rather than the rear surface of the terminal body.

The display unit 151 displays (outputs) information processed by the mobile terminal 100. For example, the display unit 151 may display execution screen information of an application program driven by the mobile terminal 100, or user interface (UI) or graphical user interface (GUI) information according to the execution screen information. .

The display unit 151 includes a liquid crystal display (LCD), a thin film transistor-liquid crystal display (TFT LCD), an organic light-emitting diode (OLED), and a flexible display (flexible). display), a three-dimensional display (3D display), an electronic ink display (e-ink display).

Also, two or more display units 151 may be present depending on the implementation form of the mobile terminal 100. In this case, a plurality of display units may be spaced apart from one surface or integrally disposed in the mobile terminal 100, or may be respectively disposed on different surfaces.

The display unit 151 may include a touch sensor that senses a touch on the display unit 151 so that a control command can be input by a touch method. Using this, when a touch is made to the display unit 151, the touch sensor detects the touch, and the controller 180 can be configured to generate a control command corresponding to the touch based on the touch. The content input by the touch method may be a letter or a number, or an instruction or designable menu item in various modes.

On the other hand, the touch sensor is composed of a film having a touch pattern, is disposed between the display (not shown) on the back surface of the window 151a and the window 151a, or a metal wire patterned directly on the back surface of the window 151a. It may be. Alternatively, the touch sensor may be integrally formed with the display. For example, the touch sensor may be disposed on the substrate of the display, or may be provided inside the display.

As such, the display unit 151 may form a touch screen together with a touch sensor, and in this case, the touch screen may function as a user input unit 123 (see FIG. 1A). In some cases, the touch screen may replace at least some functions of the first operation unit 123a.

The first sound output unit 152a may be implemented as a receiver that delivers a call sound to the user's ear, and the second sound output unit 152b is a loud speaker that outputs various alarm sounds or multimedia playback sounds. ).

An acoustic hole for emitting sound generated from the first sound output unit 152a may be formed in the window 151a of the display unit 151. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the sound may be configured to be emitted along an assembly gap between structures (for example, a gap between the window 151a and the front case 101). In this case, the appearance of the mobile terminal 100 may be simpler because the holes formed independently for the sound output are not visible or hidden.

The light output unit 154 is configured to output light to notify when an event occurs. Examples of the event include message reception, call signal reception, missed calls, alarm, schedule notification, email reception, information reception through an application, and the like. The control unit 180 may control the light output unit 154 so that the output of light is terminated when the user's event confirmation is detected.

The first camera 121a processes an image frame of a still image or video obtained by an image sensor in a shooting mode or a video call mode. The processed image frame may be displayed on the display unit 151, and may be stored in the memory 170.

The first and second operation units 123a and 123b are examples of the user input unit 123 that is operated to receive a command for controlling the operation of the mobile terminal 100, and may also be collectively referred to as a manipulating portion. have. The first and second operation units 123a and 123b may be employed in any manner as long as the user operates the device with a tactile feeling, such as touch, push, scroll, and the like. Also, the first and second manipulation units 123a and 123b may be employed in such a way that the user operates without a tactile feeling through a proximity touch, a hovering touch, or the like.

In this figure, the first operation unit 123a is illustrated as a touch key, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the first operation unit 123a may be a mechanical key or a combination of a touch key and a push key.

Contents input by the first and second operation units 123a and 123b may be variously set. For example, the first operation unit 123a receives commands such as a menu, home key, cancel, search, etc., and the second operation unit 123b is output from the first or second sound output units 152a, 152b. Commands such as adjusting the volume of the sound and switching to the touch recognition mode of the display unit 151 may be received.

Meanwhile, as another example of the user input unit 123 on the rear surface of the terminal body, a rear input unit (not shown) may be provided. The rear input unit is operated to receive a command for controlling the operation of the mobile terminal 100, and the input content may be variously set. For example, commands such as power on / off, start, end, scroll, etc., control the volume of sound output from the first and second sound output units 152a, 152b, and touch recognition mode of the display unit 151. You can receive commands such as conversion of. The rear input unit may be implemented in a form capable of input by touch input, push input, or a combination thereof.

The rear input unit may be disposed to overlap the front display unit 151 in the thickness direction of the terminal body. For example, when the user holds the terminal body with one hand, the rear input unit may be disposed on the rear upper portion of the terminal body so as to be easily operated using the index finger. However, the present invention is not necessarily limited to this, and the position of the rear input unit may be changed.

When the rear input unit is provided on the rear surface of the terminal body, a new type of user interface using the rear input unit may be implemented. In addition, when the touch screen or the rear input unit described above replaces at least some functions of the first operation unit 123a provided on the front of the terminal body, when the first operation unit 123a is not disposed on the front of the terminal body, The display unit 151 may be configured as a larger screen.

Meanwhile, the mobile terminal 100 may be provided with a fingerprint recognition sensor for recognizing a user's fingerprint, and the controller 180 may use fingerprint information detected through the fingerprint recognition sensor as an authentication means. The fingerprint recognition sensor may be embedded in the display unit 151 or the user input unit 123.

The microphone 122 is configured to receive a user's voice, other sounds, and the like. The microphone 122 may be provided at a plurality of locations and configured to receive stereo sound.

The interface unit 160 is a passage through which the mobile terminal 100 can be connected to an external device. For example, the interface unit 160 is a connection terminal for connection with other devices (eg, earphones, external speakers), a port for short-range communication (for example, an infrared port (IrDA Port), a Bluetooth port (Bluetooth) Port, Wireless LAN Port, etc.], or at least one of a power supply terminal for supplying power to the mobile terminal 100. The interface unit 160 may be implemented in the form of a socket that accommodates an external card such as a subscriber identification module (SIM) or a user identity module (UIM) or a memory card for storing information.

A second camera 121b may be disposed on the rear side of the terminal body. In this case, the second camera 121b has a shooting direction substantially opposite to the first camera 121a.

The second camera 121b may include a plurality of lenses arranged along at least one line. The plurality of lenses may be arranged in a matrix format. Such a camera may be referred to as an array camera. When the second camera 121b is configured as an array camera, images may be photographed in various ways using a plurality of lenses, and images of a better quality may be obtained.

The flash 124 may be disposed adjacent to the second camera 121b. When the flash 124 photographs the subject with the second camera 121b, the light is directed toward the subject.

A second sound output unit 152b may be additionally disposed on the terminal body. The second sound output unit 152b may implement a stereo function together with the first sound output unit 152a, or may be used to implement a speakerphone mode during a call.

The terminal body may be provided with at least one antenna for wireless communication. The antenna may be built in the terminal body or may be formed in the case. For example, the antenna forming part of the broadcast receiving module 111 (see FIG. 1A) may be configured to be pulled out from the terminal body. Alternatively, the antenna may be formed of a film type and attached to the inner surface of the rear cover 103, or a case including a conductive material may be configured to function as an antenna.

The terminal body is provided with a power supply unit 190 (see FIG. 1A) for supplying power to the mobile terminal 100. The power supply unit 190 may include a battery 191 built in the terminal body or configured to be detachable from the outside of the terminal body.

The battery 191 may be configured to receive power through a power cable connected to the interface unit 160. Also, the battery 191 may be configured to be wirelessly charged through a wireless charger. The wireless charging may be implemented by a magnetic induction method or a resonance method (magnetic resonance method).

Meanwhile, in this drawing, the rear cover 103 is coupled to the rear case 102 so as to cover the battery 191 to limit the detachment of the battery 191, and is configured to protect the battery 191 from external shocks and foreign objects. For example. When the battery 191 is configured to be detachably attached to the terminal body, the rear cover 103 may be detachably coupled to the rear case 102.

An accessory that protects the appearance or assists or expands the function of the mobile terminal 100 may be added to the mobile terminal 100. An example of such an accessory is a cover or pouch that covers or accommodates at least one side of the mobile terminal 100. The cover or pouch may be configured to expand the function of the mobile terminal 100 in conjunction with the display unit 151. Another example of an accessory is a touch pen for assisting or extending a touch input to a touch screen.

Hereinafter, embodiments related to the antenna device configured as described above and the mobile terminal on which the antenna device is implemented will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit and essential features of the present invention.

First, FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a mobile terminal related to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 2, the mobile terminal includes a window 210a and a display module 210b constituting the display unit 210. Includes. The window 210a may be coupled to one surface of the front case 201. The window 210a and the display module 210b may be integrally formed.

A frame 260 is formed between the front case 201 and the rear case 202 to support electrical elements. In this regard, when the front case 201 and the rear case 202 are made of metal, it may be referred to as a metal frame. In the present invention, for convenience, the front case 201 is described as being a metal frame 201, but is not limited thereto, and at least one of the front case 201 and the rear case 202 may be implemented as a metal frame made of metal. have. Meanwhile, at least a part of the side surface of the metal frame 201 may operate as an antenna.

The frame 260 is a support structure inside the terminal, and is formed to support at least one of a display module 210b, a camera module 221, an antenna device, a battery 240, or a circuit board 250, for example. .

A part of the frame 260 may be exposed outside the terminal. In addition, the frame 260 may constitute a part of a sliding module that connects the main body portion and the display portion to each other in a slide-type terminal rather than a bar type.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, as an example, the circuit board 250 is disposed between the frame 260 and the rear case 202, and the display module 210b is coupled to one surface of the frame 260. . The circuit board 250 and the battery are disposed on the other surface of the frame 260, and the battery cover 203 may be coupled to the rear case 202 to cover the battery.

The window 210a is coupled to one surface of the front case 201. A touch sensing pattern 210c formed to detect a touch may be formed on one surface of the window 210a. The touch sensing pattern 210c is formed to sense a touch input, and is made of light transmittance. The touch sensing pattern 210c is mounted on the front surface of the window 210a, and may be configured to convert a change in voltage or the like generated in a specific portion of the window 210a into an electrical input signal.

The display module 210b is mounted on the rear side of the window 210a. In this embodiment, as an example of the display module 210b, a thin film transistor-liquid crystal display (TFT LCD) is disclosed, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

For example, the display module 210b may be a liquid crystal display (LCD), an organic light-emitting diode (OLED), a flexible display, a 3D display, or the like. Can be.

As described above, the circuit board 250 may be formed on one surface of the frame 260, but may be mounted on the lower portion of the display module 210b. And, at least one electronic device is mounted on the lower surface of the circuit board 250.

The frame 260 is formed with a recessed receiving portion to accommodate the battery 240. A contact terminal connected to the circuit board 250 may be formed on one side of the battery accommodating portion so that the battery 240 supplies power to the terminal body.

 The frame 260 may be formed of a metal material to maintain sufficient rigidity even if it is formed with a thin thickness. The metal frame 260 may operate as a ground. That is, the circuit board 250 or the antenna device may be ground connected to the frame 260, and the frame 260 may operate as the circuit board 250 or the ground of the antenna device. In this case, the frame 260 may extend the ground of the mobile terminal.

The circuit board 250 is electrically connected to an antenna device, and is configured to process radio signals (or radio electromagnetic waves) transmitted and received by the antenna device. For processing a wireless signal, a plurality of transmission / reception circuits may be formed or mounted on the circuit board 250.

Transceiver circuits may be formed including one or more integrated circuits and associated electrical components. As an example, the transceiver circuit may include a transmit integrated circuit, a receive integrated circuit, a switching circuit, an amplifier, and the like.

The plurality of transceiver circuits simultaneously feeds conductive members formed in a conductive pattern that is a radiator, so that a plurality of antenna devices can operate simultaneously. For example, while one is transmitting, the other can receive, both can transmit, or both can receive.

The coaxial cable may be formed to connect the circuit board and each antenna device to each other. As an example, the coaxial cable may be connected to a power feeding device for feeding antenna devices. Feeding devices may be formed on one surface of the flexible circuit board 242 formed to process signals input from the operation unit 123a. The other surface of the flexible circuit board 242 may be combined with a signal transmission unit formed to transmit a signal from the operation unit 123a. In this case, a dome may be formed on the other surface of the flexible circuit board 242, and an actuator may be formed on the signal transmission unit.

The flexible circuit board 242 is connected to the lower portion of the carrier 135. The flexible circuit board 242 may have one end connected to a circuit board 250 having a control unit. Further, the flexible circuit board 242 may be connected to the operation unit 123a of the terminal. In this case, the flexible circuit board 242 is formed so that the signal generated by the operation unit 123a is transmitted to the control unit of the circuit board 250.

In the present invention, a description will be given of a mobile terminal in which at least a part of the side surface of the metal frame 201 and a plurality of conductive patterns therein operate as an antenna. In this regard, a plurality of conductive patterns inside the metal frame 201 can operate as a plurality of antenna elements.

In this regard, the present invention uses a metal frame 201, that is, a metal decoration as a ground (GND) of two antennas of the same frequency when implementing the 5G Sub 6 antenna. Meanwhile, each of the two antenna patterns connected to the metal member becomes a main radiator.

Therefore, in the antenna according to the present invention, the metal member corresponding to the metal frame 201 is grounded, and is a common ground of a plurality of antennas. In addition, there is an antenna pattern in contact with a metal member, that is, a conductive pattern, and the conductive pattern serves as a main emitter.

Meanwhile, the mobile terminal according to the present invention has an antenna structure that simultaneously radiates in the same frequency band. In addition, an L / C structure is provided between the metal member and the printed circuit board (PCB) connection terminal to improve isolation between the two antennas. That is, when two antennas radiate simultaneously, an L / C structure is needed to improve isolation. In this way, mutual interference is reduced as the isolation between the two antennas is improved. Therefore, according to the interference improvement between the two antennas, the placement distance between the antennas can be reduced even during MIMO operation, thereby miniaturizing the antenna.

Accordingly, with respect to the configuration of the present invention, it is to propose a 5G Sub-6 GHz MIMO antenna structure capable of securing a mobile carrier's specification in a metal rim structure. In addition, the present invention is to provide an antenna miniaturization design technology for applying MIMO of 4X4 or more. Specifically, in the metal frame 201 structure of the metal frame structure, it is to propose a method of optimally arranging a 5G Sub-6 GHz antenna.

Through the metal frame structure of the present invention, a sub-6 GHz MIMO antenna miniaturization design technology is proposed, and thus, it is possible to preempt the 5G sub-6 GHz antenna platform technology.

Meanwhile, FIGS. 3A to 3C show the structure of a mobile terminal in which a plurality of antenna elements according to the present invention are disposed. Referring to FIG. 3A, a plurality of antenna elements 1110 to 1140 supporting 5G communication service may be disposed on one side of the mobile terminal metal frame, for example, on the left side. Here, the metal frame includes four sides of the mobile terminal. Meanwhile, the number of the plurality of antenna elements 1110 to 1140 is not limited to four, and can be freely changed according to application.

Meanwhile, referring to FIG. 3B, a plurality of antenna elements 1110 to 1140 supporting 5G communication service may be disposed on one side and the other side of the metal frame of the mobile terminal, for example, the left side and the right side. At this time, the first and second antenna elements 1110 and 1120 may be disposed on one side of the metal frame, and the third and fourth antenna elements 1130 and 1140 may be disposed on the other side. At this time, the third and fourth antenna elements 1130 and 1140 may be disposed on the other side spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance from the ends of the first antenna 1110.

Meanwhile, the mobile terminal needs to support not only 5G communication service, but also existing 4G communication service, WiFi communication service, and GPS service. In connection with LTE communication service, which is a 4G communication service, a mobile terminal must operate in a low band (LB: Low-Band), a middle band (MB: Middle-Band), and a high band (HB: High-Band).

In this regard, referring to FIG. 3C, a plurality of antenna elements 1151 and 1152 supporting 4G communication service may be disposed on one side and the other side of the outer frame of the mobile terminal, for example, the left side and the right side. At this time, a plurality of antenna elements 1151 and 1152 supporting 4G communication service, that is, the fifth and sixth antenna elements 1151 and 1152 may support 5G communication service.

Meanwhile, since the fifth and sixth antenna elements 1151 and 1152 support both 4G communication service and 5G communication service, it may be referred to as a “LTE sharing antenna”. In this case, the fifth antenna 1151 elements may be arranged to be spaced apart from the second antenna element 1120 by a predetermined distance. Further, the sixth antenna element 1152 may be disposed on the right side of the metal frame. At this time, the sixth antenna element 1152 may be disposed on the other side spaced apart from the end of the fifth antenna 1151 element by a predetermined distance.

On the other hand, the number of the plurality of antenna elements according to the present invention is not limited to four as described above, but can be changed freely according to the application, and according to an embodiment, eight antenna elements may be arranged in a metal frame.

In this regard, FIGS. 4A and 4B show the structure of a mobile terminal in which a plurality of antenna elements are arranged according to another embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 4A, a plurality of antenna elements 1110 to 1140 supporting 5G communication service may be disposed on one side of the mobile terminal metal frame, for example, on the left side.

Meanwhile, a plurality of antenna elements 1151 to 1154 supporting 4G communication service may be disposed at upper and lower portions of the metal frame of the mobile terminal. Meanwhile, the plurality of antenna elements 1110 to 1140 supporting 5G communication service may operate in the same frequency band supporting 5G communication service. On the other hand, the plurality of antenna elements 1151 to 1154 supporting 4G communication service may operate in different frequency bands. For example, the plurality of antenna elements 1151 to 1154 may operate in different frequency bands corresponding to the aforementioned LB, MB, and HB. In this case, the plurality of antenna elements 1151 to 1154 supporting 4G communication service may be referred to as fifth to eighth antenna 1151 to 1154 elements. In addition, since the fifth to eighth antenna elements 1151 to 1154 support both 4G communication service and 5G communication service, it may be referred to as a “LTE sharing antenna”.

In this case, the fifth antenna 1151 elements may be arranged to be spaced apart from the fourth antenna element 1140 by a predetermined distance. Also, the sixth antenna element 1152 may be spaced apart from the fifth antenna 1151 element and disposed on one side and the left side of the metal frame. Further, the seventh antenna element 1153 may be disposed on the other side and the right side of the metal frame. At this time, some areas of the sixth antenna element 1152 and the seventh antenna element 1153 may be disposed at the lower end of the metal frame. Meanwhile, the eighth antenna element 1154 may be disposed on the upper end of the metal frame.

Meanwhile, referring to FIG. 4B, a plurality of antenna elements 1110 to 1140 supporting 5G communication service may be disposed on one side of the mobile terminal metal frame, for example, on the left side. In addition, a plurality of antenna elements 1150 and 1160 supporting 5G communication service may be further disposed on one side of the metal frame, for example, on the right side. That is, the first to fourth antenna elements 1110 to 1140 may be disposed on one side of the metal frame, and the fifth and sixth antenna elements 1150 and 1160 may be disposed on the other side of the metal frame.

Meanwhile, a plurality of antenna elements 1171 and 1172 supporting 4G communication service, that is, the seventh and eighth antenna elements 1171 and 1172 may be arranged. In this case, the seventh and eighth antenna elements 1171 and 1172 may be referred to as "LTE sharing antennas" in that they support 5G communication services in addition to 4G communication services.

In this case, the seventh antenna element 1171 may be disposed on one side of the metal frame adjacent to the fourth antenna element 1140. Meanwhile, the eighth antenna element 1172 may be disposed on the other side of the metal frame. However, the positions of the seventh and eighth antenna elements 1171 and 1172 are not limited thereto, and may be any one of the positions of the fifth to eighth antenna elements 1151 to 1154 of FIG. 4A. In addition, the positions of the seventh and eighth antenna elements 1171 and 1172 are not limited thereto, and may be optimized to optimize isolation characteristics between antennas.

Meanwhile, FIG. 5A is an exploded view showing a form of a plurality of antenna elements using a metal frame according to the present invention and a conductive pattern inside a mobile terminal. In addition, FIG. 5B is a conceptual diagram showing a form of a plurality of antenna elements using a metal frame and a conductive pattern inside a mobile terminal according to the present invention.

2 and 5A, 5B, a plurality of conductive patterns 1300 may be disposed on one surface of the rear case 202, and one end may be disposed to be electrically connected to the metal frame 201. have. Specifically, the plurality of conductive patterns 1300 are electrically connected to the metal frame 201 and may be disposed on one plane in the metal frame 201.

Meanwhile, the plurality of conductive patterns 1300 may include a first conductive pattern 1310 and a second conductive pattern 1320 disposed on both sides based on a point of the metal frame 201. Here, the first conductive pattern 1310 and the second conductive pattern 1320 correspond to the first antenna 1310 and the second antenna 1320, respectively. Accordingly, the plurality of antennas includes a first antenna 1310 and a second antenna 1320 disposed on both sides based on a point of the metal frame 201.

Accordingly, the first antenna 1310 and the second antenna 1320 may operate as multi-input multi-output (MIMO) in the same frequency band by a plurality of signals.

Meanwhile, the metal frame 201 may be used as a common ground between the first antenna 1310 and the second antenna 1320. The metal frame 201 used as a common ground has an advantage in that the size of a structure having a plurality of antennas can be miniaturized. In addition, while using the metal frame 201 used as a common ground, there is an advantage that the isolation between the plurality of antennas, that is, the first antenna 1310 and the second antenna 1320 can also be improved.

Meanwhile, each of the first antenna 1310 and the second antenna 1320 includes first conductive lines 1311 and 1321, second conductive lines 1312 and 1322, and power feeding units 1313 and 1323. At this time, one end of the first conductive lines 1311 and 1321 is connected to the metal frame 201. Meanwhile, the second conductive lines 1312 and 1322 are bent and connected to the first conductive lines 1311 and 1312 at an angle. In addition, a signal is applied from the circuit board 250 to the power feeding units 1313 and 1323, and the signal is coupled to the second conductive lines 1312 and 1322. In order to generate such a coupling, a part of the power feeding units 1313 and 1323 is disposed parallel to the second conductive lines 1312 and 1322.

On the other hand, each of the first antenna 1310 and the second antenna 1320, the first conductive line (1311, 1321) and the second conductive line (1312, 1322) may operate as a main radiator (main radiator). Accordingly, since the signal is applied from the circuit board 250 to the first conductive lines 1311 and 1321, the first conductive lines 1311 and 1321 and the second conductive lines 1312 and 1322 connected thereto are "antenna patterns". It can be referred to as. Meanwhile, since the signals of the second conductive lines 1312 and 1322 are coupled to the power feeding units 1313 and 1323, the second conductive lines 1312 and 1322 may be referred to as a “coupling (feeding) pattern”.

At this time, the first antenna ANT1 is formed by the first conductive line and the second conductive line 1311 and 1312 of the first conductive pattern and the metal frame 201 operating as the ground. Meanwhile, the second antenna ANT2 is configured by the first conductive line and the second conductive lines 1321 to 1322 of the second conductive pattern and the metal frame 201 operating as the ground. Meanwhile, the shape of each conductive line of the first antenna ANT1 and the second antenna ANT2 may be symmetrical with respect to one point X.

Meanwhile, as shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, a shorting strip line 1325 is further included. At this time, the short-circuit strip line 1325 may be connected to one end of the metal frame 201 through a capacitor C, and the other end to the mobile terminal circuit board 250. At this time, the isolation between the first antenna ANT1 and the second antenna ANT2 may be improved by the short-circuit strip line.

Therefore, the antenna according to the present invention is a conductive pattern in which the main radiator is an internal antenna pattern rather than the metal frame 201. Therefore, even without the metal frame 201, there is only a decrease in radiation performance, and it is possible to operate as an antenna. However, as the metal frame 201 operates as a common ground for a plurality of antennas, antenna radiating performance can be improved and antenna miniaturization is possible.

Meanwhile, the LC contact structure for improving interference proposed in the antenna structure according to the present invention, that is, the short-circuit strip line 1325 suppresses current flowing between the first and second antennas ANT1 and ANT2 at a desired frequency. Accordingly, interference between the first and second antennas ANT1 and ANT2 may be improved to improve radiation performance. In this regard, improving the inter-antenna interference means that the arrangement distance between the antennas can be reduced, and accordingly, the antenna can be miniaturized. Therefore, in this 5G sub6 antenna field, the antenna miniaturization technology corresponds to a very important technology in the limited structure of the mobile terminal when the basic 4x4 and future 8x8 MIMO are applied.

On the other hand, when the metal frame 201 itself operates as a radiator, the metal frame 201 should be made of a structure segmented according to the resonance length. Therefore, a plurality of slits are required in the metal frame 201, and an antenna placement space problem occurs when implementing 4x4 or 8x8 MIMO.

Therefore, in order to solve this problem, the present invention implements the main radiator in the proposed antenna structure as the antenna pattern, not the metal frame 201, that is, the first and second conductive patterns 1310 and 1320. That is, by implementing the first and second conductive patterns 1310 and 1320 inside the metal frame 201 as a main radiator, it is not necessary to form a plurality of slits in the metal frame 201 according to the resonance length. Accordingly, the present invention is to improve the spinning performance by using the metal frame 201, it is not necessary to form a plurality of slits in the metal frame 201, it is possible to provide an integrated design. In addition, the metal frame 201 having an integrated design according to the present invention has the advantage of a structure resistant to external shocks.

On the other hand, Figure 6a is a current distribution diagram showing the principle of suppressing the flow of current between antennas by a short-circuit strip line. Referring to FIG. 6A, when a signal is applied to the first antenna ANT1 to operate, a current to the second antenna ANT2 is suppressed by a shorting strip line 1325. As the current to the second antenna ANT2 is suppressed, the isolation between the first antenna ANT1 and the second antenna ANT2 is improved. That is, the C-loaded shorting strip line 1325 with a capacitor constitutes a current path such as a band pass resonator made of an LC element. Therefore, when the first antenna ANT1 is operated, current induced to the second antenna ANT2 is prevented.

 Further, even when a signal is applied to the second antenna ANT2 to operate, the short circuit strip line 1325 suppresses the current to the first antenna ANT1.

On the other hand, Figures 6b and 6c shows the return loss (S11, S22) and isolation (S21) of the first antenna (ANT1) and the second antenna (ANT2) before and after applying the short-circuit strip line. It can be seen that the current flow between the antennas is suppressed at the operating frequency by the short-circuit strip line 1325, and the isolation (S21) is improved by about 7dB. On the other hand, by adjusting the length of the short-circuit strip line 1325 and the value of the capacitor (C), it is possible to optimize the isolation (S21) characteristics in the desired frequency band, that is, to place the S21 dip point in the desired frequency band.

As described above, it can be seen that interference is improved compared to the existing antenna structure. In this way, the antenna can be miniaturized by reducing the spacing between antennas due to the improvement of interference.

On the other hand, referring to Figures 3a and 5a, the number of a plurality of antennas by a plurality of conductive patterns can be expanded to 4, 6, 8, etc. in addition to two. In this regard, FIG. 7 shows a configuration having four antennas by a plurality of conductive patterns according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 7, the plurality of conductive patterns may further include a third conductive pattern 1330 and a fourth conductive pattern 1340 disposed on both sides based on another point of the metal frame 201. Accordingly, the plurality of antennas may further include a third antenna 1330 and a fourth antenna 1340 disposed on both sides based on another point of the metal frame 201.

In this case, the third conductive pattern 1330 and the fourth conductive pattern 1340 adjacent to the first conductive pattern 1310 and the second conductive pattern 1320 may include first conductive lines 1331 and 1341 and second conductive lines, respectively. (1332, 1342) and feeder (1333, 1343). Accordingly, the third antenna 1330 and the fourth antenna 1340 adjacent to the first antenna 1310 and the second antenna 1320 may include first conductive lines 1331 and 1341 and second conductive lines 1332, respectively. 1342) and feeders 1333, 1343.

Meanwhile, the third antenna ANT3 is configured by the first conductive line and the second conductive lines 1331 and 1332 of the third conductive pattern, the power supply unit 1333, and the metal frame 201 operating as the ground. On the other hand, the fourth antenna ANT4 is configured by the first conductive line and the second conductive line 1341 to 1342 of the fourth conductive pattern, the power supply 1342, and the metal frame 201. Meanwhile, the shape of each conductive line of the third antenna ANT3 and the fourth antenna ANT4 may be symmetrical with respect to another one point X2.

Meanwhile, referring to FIGS. 5A and 7, a plurality of antennas ANT 1 to ANT4 according to the present invention may be formed in a conductive pattern on the rear case 202. Specifically, the first conductive line and the second conductive line and the power feeding units 1311 to 1313, 1321 to 1323, 1331 to 1333, and 1341 to 1343 may be disposed in the rear case 202 of the mobile terminal. At this time, the power feeding units 1313, 1323, 1333, and 1343 may be powered from the circuit board 250 in the mobile terminal.

Meanwhile, referring to FIGS. 2, 5A, 5B, and 7, a plurality of antennas ANT 1 to ANT4 according to the present invention may have a back emission structure. That is, the first antenna to the fourth antenna (ANT 1 to ANT4) is the first conductive line and the second conductive line and the power supply (1311 to 1313, 1321 to 1323, 1331 to 1333, 1341) disposed in the rear case 202 To 1343). On the other hand, the primary area of the radiation pattern by the first conductive line and the second conductive line and the power feeding units (1311 to 1313, 1321 to 1323, 1331 to 1333, 1341 to 1343), Can be formed through.

Meanwhile, the slot region S may be a non-metal region corresponding to a partial region of the battery case 201, and radiation may be made through the non-metal region. However, the radiation by the first antenna to the fourth antenna ANT 1 to ANT4 may be made only through the back of the mobile terminal through the metal frame 201 on the side of the mobile terminal.

Meanwhile, referring to FIGS. 3A to 3C and FIGS. 4A and 4B and 7, one side metal frame of the first to fourth antennas (ANT 1 to ANT4) metal frames 201 may be disposed adjacent to each other. have. Accordingly, an area in which a plurality of antennas (ANT 1 to ANT4) in the Sub6 band supporting 5G communication service is disposed can be minimized.

On the other hand, the number of the plurality of antennas according to the present invention may be composed of four or more as described above. That is, MIMO may be performed using 4 or more antennas in a 5th generation (5G) communication system. In this regard, referring to FIGS. 4B and 7, first to fourth antennas 1110 to 1140 are disposed on one side of the metal frame. In addition, a fifth antenna and a sixth antenna 1150 and 1160 disposed adjacent to each other of the metal frame of the metal frame may be disposed. At this time, the first to sixth antennas 1110 to 1140 operate in a 5th generation (5G) communication system.

Meanwhile, referring to FIGS. 4A and 7, some antennas may operate in a 5G (5G) communication system, and some other antennas may operate in both a 4G and 5G communication system. In this regard, the first to fourth antennas 1110 to 1140 operate in a fifth generation (5G) communication system. In this case, the first to fourth signals may be received or transmitted in the form of MIMO or diversity using the first to fourth antennas 1110 to 1140.

In addition, adjacent to the first antenna to the fourth antenna 1110 to 1140, the fifth antenna and the sixth antenna 1151 and 1152 may be disposed on one side metal frame. In addition, a seventh antenna 1154 and an eighth antenna 1172 may be further disposed on the other side and the top of the metal frame, respectively. At this time, the fifth to eighth antennas 1151 to 1154 operate in both a 4th generation communication system and a 5th generation communication system. Accordingly, the first to eighth signals may be received or transmitted in the form of MIMO or diversity using the first to eighth antennas 1110 to 1140 and 1151 to 1154. Or, by using the first antenna to the eighth antenna (1110 to 1140) and the fifth antenna to the eighth antenna (1151 to 1154), each of the 5G communication system and 4G communication system is connected through a dual connection (DC: Dual Connectivity ).

Meanwhile, an antenna structure of a mobile terminal supporting a 5G communication system according to another aspect of the present invention will be described as follows. In this regard, referring to FIGS. 2, 3A to 3B, 4A and 4B and FIGS. 5A and 5B, a mobile terminal including antennas supporting a 5G communication system has the following characteristics. In this regard, the mobile terminal includes a plurality of antennas including a metal frame 201, a first antenna ANT1 and a second antenna ANT2. At this time, the plurality of antennas are electrically connected to the metal frame 201, and are disposed on one plane in the metal frame 201.

Meanwhile, the first antenna ANT1 and the second antenna ANT2 include first conductive lines 1311 and 1321, second conductive lines 1312 and 1322, and power feeding units 1313 and 1323. At this time, one end of the first conductive lines 1311 and 1321 is connected to the metal frame. Further, the second conductive lines 1312 and 1322 are bent and connected to the first conductive line at an angle. Accordingly, the first conductive lines 1311 and 1321 and the second conductive lines 1312 and 1322 may be referred to as “antenna patterns”. Meanwhile, the power feeding units 1313 and 1323 where one portion is disposed parallel to the second conductive lines 1312 and 1322 may be referred to as a “coupling feeding pattern”.

Meanwhile, referring to FIGS. 2, 3A to 3B, 4A, and 4B and 7, antennas supporting a 5G communication system may include four or more antennas. In this case, the shape of each conductive line of the first antenna ANT1 and the second antenna ANT2 may be symmetrical with respect to one point X. Meanwhile, the plurality of antennas further includes a third antenna ANT3 and a fourth antenna ANT4 disposed on both sides based on another point of the metal frame 201.

Similarly, the third antenna ANT3 and the fourth antenna ANT4 adjacent to the first antenna ANT1 and the second antenna ANT2 include first conductive lines 1331 and 1341 and second conductive lines 1332 and 1342. And power feeding units 1333 and 1343. At this time, the shape of each conductive line of the third antenna and the fourth antenna may be mutually symmetrical with respect to another point X2.

Meanwhile, two or more short-circuit strip lines configured using four or more antennas may also be implemented. In this regard, referring to FIG. 7, a first short strip line 1325a and a second short strip line 1325b may be further included. At this time, the first short-circuit strip line 1325a has one end connected to one point of the metal frame 201 and a capacitor C1, and the other end to the circuit board 250 of the mobile terminal. Meanwhile, one end of the second short-circuit strip line 1325b is connected to one point of the metal frame 201 through a capacitor C2, and the other end is connected to the circuit board 250 of the mobile terminal. Accordingly, the isolation between the first antenna ANT1 and the second antenna ANT2 may be improved by the first shorting strip line 1325a. In addition, the isolation between the third antenna ANT3 and the fourth antenna ANT4 may be improved by the second shorting strip line 1325b.

Meanwhile, an antenna structure of a mobile terminal supporting a 5G communication system according to another aspect of the present invention may be composed of four or more antennas, for example, eight antennas. In this regard, referring to FIGS. 4A and 4B, the first to fourth antennas 1110 to 1140 may be disposed adjacent to one side metal frame of the metal frame 201. In addition, referring to FIG. 4B, a fifth antenna and a sixth antenna 1150 and 1160 may be further disposed adjacent to the other side metal frame among the metal frames 201. In this case, the first to sixth antennas 1110 to 1140 and 1150 and 1160 may operate in a multi-input multi-output (MIMO) in a 5th generation (5G) communication system. In addition, by further including the seventh and eighth antennas 1171 and 1172 corresponding to the "LTE shared antenna", it is possible to support up to 8x8 MIMO.

Meanwhile, it is possible to switch between MIMO modes, and accordingly, it is possible to switch from 8 × 8 MIMO mode to 4 × 4 MIMO mode. At this time, the 7th and 8th antennas 1171 and 1172 may be operated in the 4G communication system according to the 4 × 4 MIMO mode switching. Accordingly, while performing MIMO operation using the first to fourth antennas 1110 to 1140, a dual connection configuration between different communication systems is possible using the seventh and eighth antennas 1171 and 1172. At this time, the antenna selected according to the 4 × 4 MIMO mode switching is not limited to the first antenna to the fourth antenna 1110 to 1140, and may be an antenna having a good radio wave performance. In this regard, when the controller determines that the user grips the lower end of the mobile terminal through the sensor, 4 × 4 using the first to fourth antennas 1110 to 1140 disposed in the non-grasped area. MIMO can be performed.

Meanwhile, referring to FIG. 4A, the first to fourth antennas 1110 to 1140 are disposed adjacent to one side metal frame of the metal frame 201. At this time, the first to fourth antennas 1110 to 1140 operate multiple input multiple output (MIMO) in a 5th generation (5G) communication system. Meanwhile, the fifth antenna 1151 and the sixth antenna 1152 may be disposed on one side metal frame adjacent to the first to fourth antennas 1110 to 1140. At this time, the fifth antenna 1151 and the sixth antenna 1152 may operate in both 4G and 5G communication systems.

Meanwhile, a seventh antenna 1153 and an eighth antenna 1154 disposed on the other side and the upper portion of the metal frame 201 may be further included. At this time, the fifth antenna to the eighth antenna 1151 to 1154 may operate in both a 4th generation communication system and a 5th generation communication system.

Even in this case, it is possible to switch between MIMO modes, and accordingly, it is possible to switch from 8 × 8 MIMO mode to 4 × 4 MIMO mode. At this time, the 5th to 8th antennas 1151 to 1154 may be operated in the 4G communication system according to the 4 × 4 MIMO mode switching.

Hereinafter, the technical effects of the mobile terminal and the antenna device according to the present invention will be described.

According to at least one of the embodiments of the present invention, there is an advantage of providing a mobile terminal connected to a metal frame and performing multiple input multiple outputs in the same frequency band by a plurality of conductive patterns disposed therein.

In addition, according to at least one of the embodiments of the present invention, there is an advantage that a mobile terminal with improved isolation characteristics between a plurality of antenna elements can be provided by changing some of the plurality of conductive patterns.

Further scope of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description. However, various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the present invention may be clearly understood by those skilled in the art, and thus, it should be understood that specific embodiments such as detailed description and preferred embodiments of the present invention are given as examples only.

In connection with the present invention described above, the design of the antenna device and its driving can be implemented as computer readable codes on a medium on which a program is recorded. The computer-readable medium includes all types of recording devices in which data readable by a computer system is stored. Examples of computer-readable media include a hard disk drive (HDD), solid state disk (SSD), silicon disk drive (SDD), ROM, RAM, CD-ROM, magnetic tape, floppy disk, and optical data storage device. This includes, and is also implemented in the form of a carrier wave (eg, transmission over the Internet). In addition, the computer may include a control unit 180 of the terminal. Accordingly, the above detailed description should not be construed as limiting in all respects, but should be considered illustrative. The scope of the invention should be determined by rational interpretation of the appended claims, and all changes within the equivalent scope of the invention are included in the scope of the invention.

Claims (15)

1. In the mobile terminal,

   A metal frame including four sides of the mobile terminal; And

   It is electrically connected to the metal frame, and includes a plurality of antennas disposed on one side of the metal frame,

   The plurality of antennas includes a first antenna and a second antenna disposed on both sides based on one point of the metal frame,

   The first antenna and the second antenna operate as a multi-input multi-output (MIMO) in the same frequency band by a plurality of signals,

   The metal frame is used as a common ground (common ground) of the first antenna and the second antenna, the mobile terminal.
2. According to claim 1,

   Each of the first antenna and the second antenna,

   A first conductive line connected to the metal frame;

   A second conductive line bent and connected to the first conductive line at an angle; And

   And a power supply unit to which the signal is applied and to couple the signal to the second conductive line.
3. According to claim 2,

   Each of the first antenna and the second antenna,

   The mobile terminal, characterized in that the first conductive line and the second conductive line operate as a main radiator.
4. According to claim 2,

   The plurality of antennas further includes a third antenna and a fourth antenna disposed on both sides based on another point of the metal frame,

   Each of the third antenna and the fourth antenna,

   A first conductive line connected to the metal frame;

   A second conductive line bent and connected to the first conductive line at an angle; And

   And a power supply unit to which the signal is applied and to couple the signal to the second conductive line.
5. According to claim 2,

   One end of the metal frame is connected through a capacitor and the other end is connected to the circuit board of the mobile terminal further comprises a shorting strip line (shorting strip line),

   A mobile terminal in which isolation between the first antenna and the second antenna is improved by the shorting strip line.
6. According to claim 4,

   The first conductive line and the second conductive line are disposed in a rear case of the mobile terminal, and the power feeding portion is fed from a circuit board in the mobile terminal.
7. The method of claim 6,

   The first antenna to the fourth antenna is characterized in that the main area of the radiation pattern is formed on the rear of the mobile terminal by the first conductive line and the second conductive line disposed in the rear case.
8. According to claim 4,

   The first antenna to the fourth antenna are characterized in that they are arranged adjacent to each other on one side metal frame of the metal frame, the mobile terminal.
9. The method of claim 8,

   The metal frame further includes a fifth antenna and a sixth antenna disposed adjacent to each other on the other side metal frame,

   The first antenna to the sixth antenna are operated in a 5th generation (5G) communication system.
10. The method of claim 8,

    The first antenna to the fourth antenna operate in a 5th generation (5G) communication system,

    A fifth antenna and a sixth antenna adjacent to the first antenna to the fourth antenna and disposed on the one side metal frame; And

    The metal frame further includes a seventh antenna and an eighth antenna respectively disposed on the other side and the top,

    The fifth antenna to the eighth antenna is characterized in that it operates in both a 4th generation communication system and a 5th generation communication system, a mobile terminal.
11. In the mobile terminal,

    A metal frame including a side of the mobile terminal; And

    It is electrically connected to the metal frame, and includes a plurality of antennas disposed on one side of the metal frame,

    The plurality of antennas includes a first antenna and a second antenna disposed on both sides based on one point of the metal frame,

    Each of the first antenna and the second antenna,

    A conductive line connected to the metal frame and having a portion parallel to the metal frame; And

    A mobile terminal comprising: a feeder to which a signal is applied and to cause the signal to be coupled to the conductive line.
12. The method of claim 11,

    The shape of each conductive line of the first antenna and the second antenna is mutually symmetric with respect to the one point,

    The plurality of antennas further includes a third antenna and a fourth antenna disposed on both sides based on another point of the metal frame,

    The third antenna and the fourth antenna adjacent to the first antenna and the second antenna include the conductive line and the feeder,

    The shape of each conductive line of the third antenna and the fourth antenna is mutually symmetrical with respect to the other one point, the mobile terminal.
13. The method of claim 12,

    A first shorting strip line having one end connected to one point of the metal frame and a capacitor, and the other end connected to a circuit board of the mobile terminal; And

    A second short-circuiting strip line having one end connected to another point of the metal frame through a capacitor and the other end connected to a circuit board of the mobile terminal,

    The first short-circuit strip line improves the isolation between the first antenna and the second antenna, and the second short-circuit strip line improves the isolation between the third antenna and the fourth antenna.
14. The method of claim 12,

    The first antenna to the fourth antenna are disposed adjacent to each other on one side metal frame of the metal frame,

    The metal frame further includes a fifth antenna and a sixth antenna disposed adjacent to each other on the other side metal frame,

    The first antenna to the sixth antenna are multi-input multi-output (MIMO: Multi-Input Multi-Output) operating in a 5G (5G) communication system.
15. The method of claim 12,

    The first antenna to the fourth antenna are disposed adjacent to each other on one side metal frame of the metal frame,

    The first antenna to the fourth antenna operate in a multi-input multi-output (MIMO) in a 5th generation (5G) communication system,

    A fifth antenna and a sixth antenna adjacent to the first antenna to the fourth antenna and disposed on the one side metal frame; And

    The metal frame further includes a seventh antenna and an eighth antenna respectively disposed on the other side and the top,

    The fifth antenna to the eighth antenna is characterized in that it operates in both a 4th generation communication system and a 5th generation communication system, a mobile terminal.

Images