WO2021197585A1

WO2021197585A1 - Antenna and feeding method for wireless communication devices

Info

Publication number: WO2021197585A1
Application number: PCT/EP2020/059099
Authority: WO
Inventors: Antero Lehtola; Jouni Pennanen
Original assignee: Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd.
Priority date: 2020-03-31
Filing date: 2020-03-31
Publication date: 2021-10-07

Abstract

There is provided a transmitting device, comprising: a first planner body having a signal source and a first balanced feedline attached thereto, the signal source and the first balanced feedline are electrically connected to one another, a second planner body having signal receiving element(s) and a second balanced feedline attached thereto, each of the at signal receiving element(s) is electrically connected to the second balanced feedline, and energy coupling element(s) configured to electrically connect the first balanced feedline with the second balanced feedline and configured to move along the first balanced feedline or along the second balanced feedline, wherein the first and second balanced feedlines are configured to be matched with each other so that a signal transmitted from the signal source is transferred to the signal receiving element(s) in a predefined frequency band during a predefined movement between the first and second planner bodies.

Description

ANTENNA AND FEEDING METHOD FOR WIRELESS COMMUNICATION DEVICES

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates to wireless communication devices and, more specifically, but not exclusively, to wireless communication devices including an antenna and receiver/transmitter source connected by a feeding bne(s).

Wireless communication devices include an antenna that is connected to a radio transmitter and/or receiver via a feedline. The feedline feeds current (e.g., radiofrequency) from the transmitter to the antenna, which transmits the signal. The feedline transfers small voltages induced in the antenna by received wireless signals to the receiver. Examples of feedlines include coaxial cable, twin-lead, ladder line, and waveguide (for microwave frequencies).

SUMMARY

It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a transmitting device, and a method of operating a transmitting device.

The foregoing and other objects are achieved by the features of the independent claims. Further implementation forms are apparent from the dependent claims, the description and the figures.

According to a first aspect, a transmitting device, comprises: a first planner body having a signal source and a first balanced feedline attached thereto, the signal source and the first balanced feedline are electrically connected to one another, a second planner body having at least one signal receiving element and a second balanced feedline attached thereto, each of the at least one signal receiving element is electrically connected to the second balanced feedline, and at least one energy coupling element configured to electrically connect the first balanced feedline with the second balanced feedline and configured to move along the first balanced feedline or along the second balanced feedline, wherein the first and second balanced feedlines are configured to be matched with each other so that a signal transmitted from the signal source is transferred to the at least one signal receiving element in a predefined frequency band during a predefined movement between the first and second planner bodies.

According to a second aspect, a method of operating a device, comprises transitioning the device from a folded state to a non-folded state by moving at least one energy coupling element along a first balanced feedline or a second balanced feedline, wherein the at least one energy coupling element is configured to electrically connect the first balanced feedline with the second balanced feedline, and wherein the first balanced feedline is electrically connected to a signal source attached to a first planner body and the second balanced feedline is electrically connected to at least one signal receiving element attached to a second planner body, and wherein the signal source and the first balanced feedline are electrically connected to one another and the at least one signal receiving element and the second balanced feedline are electrically connected to one another, and wherein the first and second balanced feedlines are matched so that a balanced signal transmitted from the signal source to the at least one signal receiving element is received in a predefined frequency band when the device is in transition from the folded state to the non-folded state.

The efficiency of the signal receiving element(s) (e.g., antennas) remains substantially constant during the predefined movement between the first and second planar bodies (e.g., moving from the folded to non-folded state, and/or from the non-folded to the folded state). Tuning of the signal receiving elements is substantially small and is not significantly impactful during the predefined movement. The energy coupling element, which electrically connects and matches impedances of the first and second balanced feed lines by moving along the first and/or second feedlines during the predefined movement provides continuous balanced signal transmission between the first and second balanced feedlines, for maintaining the constant efficiency of the signal receiving element(s).

In a further implementation form of the first aspect, the at least one signal receiving element comprises at least one antenna element.

In a further implementation form of the first aspect, the signal source is selected from a group consisting of: a radio frequency signal source and a microwave signal source.

In a further implementation form of the first aspect, the at least one energy coupling element is configured to slide along a rail fixated in parallel to at least one of the first and second balanced feedlines.

The coupling element that slides along rails decreases effects of mechanical tolerance between the first and second planar bodies.

In a further implementation form of the first aspect, the at least one energy coupling element is configured as a rotating structure that rolls along at least one of the first and second balanced feedlines.

In a further implementation form of the first aspect, the at least one energy coupling element is adapted to allow one of the first planner body and the second planner body to slide in parallel to the other of the first and the second planner body.

The coupling element that slides and/or rolls is adapted to allow one of the first and second planar bodies to slide in parallel, may be mechanically fitted and/or electrically designed to provide optimized coupling of energy between the first and second balanced feedlines throughout the predefined movement between the first and second planar bodies. In a further implementation form of the first aspect, the first and the second balanced feedline form an edge coupled micro-strip balanced feedline.

The edge coupled micro-strip line may replace existing unbalanced feedlines solutions such as coaxial feeding cable and/or printed circuit boards (flexible and/or rigid).

In a further implementation form of the first aspect, the at least one energy coupling element transmits energy from one of the first and second balanced feedlines to the other.

In a further implementation form of the first aspect, the transmitting device is an expandable handset for mobile communication.

In a further implementation form of the first aspect, at least one of the first and second balanced feedlines comprises a plurality of parallel sub balanced feedlines; wherein the at least one signal receiving element is adapted to slide between the plurality of parallel sub balanced feedlines.

In a further implementation form of the first aspect, further comprising a balun configured to connect the signal source and the first balanced feedline.

In a further implementation form of the first aspect, wherein the at least one signal receiving element has a current reduced by an unbalanced line, an antenna coupling element electrically connected to the at least one signal receiving is configured for balancing the second balanced feedline.

Phase and/or amplitude balance of the antenna coupling element input impedance may be more stable than a balanced antenna for varying external environmental interference. The antenna coupling element, which includes dipole, loop, and/or parasitic coupling elements, may be designed to optimize coupling of energy to the signal receiving element in different use-cases and/or varying environments. The antenna coupling element may be designed to maintain phase and/or amplitude balance, such as in different use-cases and/or varying environments.

In a further implementation form of the first aspect, at least one signal receiving element comprises a metal frame mounted on a perimeter of the second planner body.

The metal frame is designed to provide a clearance for the signal receiving element.

In a further implementation form of the first aspect, the first planner body comprises a ground-plane which is not electronically connected to a ground-plane of the second planner body. RF and/or DC connections between the two ground-planes are not required. The ground-plane of the second planner body which is not connected to the ground-plane of the first planar provides strong signal coupling between the signal receive element(s), which may improve bandwidth and/or efficiency of the signal receive element(s). Since the balanced feedlines are not directly connected to antennas that are sensitive to the user’s hand effect, the efficiency of the antenna is not necessarily impacted by the user’s hands. In a further implementation form of the first aspect, each of the first planner body and the second planner body comprises a touch screen mounted thereon such that moving one of the planner body in relation to the other forms a multiple screen display presented on both the first planner body and the second planner body.

In a folded state of the transmitting device, where the screens of the first and second planner body are separated, the size of the transmitting device may be reduced. In the non-folded state of the transmitting device, the screens form a single continuous screen for use by a user.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and/or scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the disclosure pertains. Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of embodiments of the disclosure, exemplary methods and/or materials are described below. In case of conflict, the patent specification, including definitions, will control. In addition, the materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and are not intended to be necessarily limiting.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

Some embodiments of the disclosure are herein described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings. With specific reference now to the drawings in detail, it is stressed that the particulars shown are by way of example and for purposes of illustrative discussion of embodiments of the disclosure. In this regard, the description taken with the drawings makes apparent to those skilled in the art how embodiments of the disclosure may be practiced.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of components of a transmitting device that includes energy coupling elements that electrically connect balanced feeding lines when moving along one or both of the feeding lines, in accordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 2 is a flowchart of a method of operating a transmitting device that includes energy coupling elements that electrically connect balanced feeding lines when moving along one or both of the feeding lines, in accordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 3 is a schematic of an exemplary implementation of a transmitting device, in accordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 4 is a schematic depicting transmitting device, during a non-folded state, a partial folded and partial unfolded state, and during a folded state, in accordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 5 is a schematic of an exemplary circuit diagram of a transmitting device, in accordance with some embodiments; FIG. 6 depicts a galvanic contact implementation of the energy coupling element of the transmitting device, in accordance with some embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a schematic of an electromagnetic (EM) coupling element implementation of the energy coupling element of the transmitting device, in accordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 8 is exemplary circuit diagram, in accordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 9 includes schematics of an exemplary implementation of a balanced fed antenna coupling element, in accordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 10 is another schematic of an exemplary implementation of an antenna coupling clement, in accordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 11 includes schematics depicting unbalanced and balanced signal receiving elements, in accordance with some embodiments; and

FIGs. 12A-C depict exemplary implementations of the energy coupling element, in accordance with some embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure, in some embodiments thereof, relates to wireless communication devices and, more specifically, but not exclusively, to wireless communication devices including an antenna and receiver/transmitter source connected by a feeding line(s).

An aspect of some embodiments relates to a transmitting device (e.g., smartphone) that includes a first planar body, a second planar body, and one or more energy coupling elements. The first planar body includes a signal source (e.g., radio frequency and/or microwave) and a first balanced feedline attached thereto. The signal source and the first balanced feedline are electrically connected to one another. The second planner body includes one or more signal receiving elements (e.g., antenna(s)) and a second balanced feedline attached thereto. The first and second balanced feedlines have equal impedances along their lengths, and equal impedances with respect to ground and/or to other circuits. The balanced feedlines may be implemented, for example, as twin-lead lines. Each of the signal receiving elements is electrically connected to the second balanced feedline. The energy coupling element(s) is fitted electrically for electrically connecting the first balanced feedline with the second balanced feedline (e.g., via direct physical galvanic contact and/or via energy coupling (e.g., capacitive and/inductive coupling) without direct galvanic contact) and fitted mechanically to move along the first balanced feedline or along the second balanced feedline, for example, by sliding along rails, moving pins, and/or rolling along one of the balanced feedlines. The first and second balanced feedlines are configured to be matched with each other so that a signal transmitted from the signal source is transferred to the signal receiving element(s) in a predefined frequency band during a predefined movement between the first and second planner bodies. Alternatively or additionally, the signal is transmitted from the signal receiving elements(s) to the signal source in the predefined frequency during the predefined movement. The energy coupling element continuously electrically connects the first balanced feedline with the second balanced feedline while moving along the first balanced feedline or along the second balanced feedline to continuously transmit the receiving signal and/or the signal for transmission, between the signal source and the signal receiving element(s). For example, a wireless communication session established between the transmitting device (e.g., smartphone) and a remote device is maintained during the predefined movement, for example, the smartphone is folded or un-folded.

The predefined frequency bands (also referred to as frequency ranges) are the frequency bands generated by the signal source which are transferred to the signal receiving element, and/or the frequency bands which are received by the signal receiving element and transferred to the signal source. For example, the predefined frequency bands are selected from the radio frequency spectrum when the signal source is a radio frequency signal source. In another example, the predefined frequency bands are selected from the microwave frequency spectrum when the signal source is a microwave signal source. Exemplary frequency bands include about 791 to about 960 megahertz (MHz), or other bands.

The predefined movement between the first and second planar bodies include one or more of: sliding of the energy coupling element along a rail fixated in parallel to the first and/or second balanced feedline, rolling and/or sliding of the energy coupling element along the first and/or second balanced feedline where the energy coupling element is implemented as a rotating structure, a rotatable and/or a movable structure, sliding one of the first and second planner bodies in parallel to the other planner body where the energy coupling element is adapted to allow the sliding.

At least some implementations of the transmitting device described herein address the technical problem of providing a balanced signal between a signal source and one or more signal receiving elements on transmitting devices (e.g., smartphone) with movable components, for example, that adjust from a compact configuration to an expanded configuration using a predefined movement, for example, sliding one planar body over another planar body. For example, two rectangles contact along their large surface area faces (e.g., length and width) in the compact state, having a low surface area, and contact along their small surface area faces (e.g. width and height, or length and height) in the expanded state, having a large surface area. The balanced signal may be maintained during the predefined movement for delivering signals in a predefined frequency band, for example, maintaining an active wireless communication channel established with a remote device during the predefined movement. For example, in the compact configuration, the smartphone is able to receive calls, make a call, perform downloads, perform uploads, receive messages, and/or transmit messages. When the user wants to user the smartphone, the predefined movement is performed, for example, to expand the smartphone for use. The signal transmitted between the signal source and the signal receiving element(s) via the first and second balanced feedlines is continuously maintained during the predefined movement. In existing devices, the antenna feeding process is based on printed wiring broads (e.g., flexible and/or rigid), and/or co axial cables, which may be unbalanced and/or limit the ability to move connected components of transmitter devices, since feedlines need to adapt to the movement. At least some implementations of the transmitting device described herein provide a solution to the technical problem at least by one or more energy coupling elements that electrically connect a first and second balanced feedlines which respectively connect to the signal source and signal receiving element(s) by moving along the first balanced feedline or along the second balanced feedline. The energy coupling element continuously matches the first and second feedlines during the predefined movement for transmitting the signal between the signal source and the signal receiving element.

Before explaining at least one embodiment of the disclosure in detail, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not necessarily limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of the components and/or methods set forth in the following description and/or illustrated in the drawings and/or the Examples. The disclosure is capable of other embodiments or of being practiced or carried out in various ways.

The present disclosure may be a system, a method, and/or a computer program product. The computer program product may include a computer readable storage medium (or media) having computer readable program instructions thereon for causing a processor to carry out aspects of the present disclosure.

The computer readable storage medium can be a tangible device that can retain and store instructions for use by an instruction execution device. The computer readable storage medium may be, for example, but is not limited to, an electronic storage device, a magnetic storage device, an optical storage device, an electromagnetic storage device, a semiconductor storage device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing.

Computer readable program instructions described herein can be downloaded to respective computing/processing devices from a computer readable storage medium or to an external computer or external storage device via a network, for example, the Internet, a local area network, a wide area network and/or a wireless network.

The computer readable program instructions may execute entirely on the user's computer, partly on the user's computer, as a stand-alone software package, partly on the user's computer and partly on a remote computer or entirely on the remote computer or server. In the latter scenario, the remote computer may be connected to the user's computer through any type of network, including a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), or the connection may be made to an external computer (for example, through the Internet using an Internet Service Provider). In some embodiments, electronic circuitry including, for example, programmable logic circuitry, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGA), or programmable logic arrays (PLA) may execute the computer readable program instructions by utilizing state information of the computer readable program instructions to personalize the electronic circuitry, in order to perform aspects of the present disclosure.

Aspects of the present disclosure are described herein with reference to flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems), and computer program products according to embodiments of the disclosure. It will be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer readable program instructions.

The flowchart and block diagrams in the Figures illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems, methods, and computer program products according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. In this regard, each block in the flowchart or block diagrams may represent a module, segment, or portion of instructions, which comprises one or more executable instructions for implementing the specified logical function(s). In some alternative implementations, the functions noted in the block may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two blocks shown in succession may, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality involved. It will also be noted that each block of the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, can be implemented by special purpose hardware-based systems that perform the specified functions or acts or carry out combinations of special purpose hardware and computer instructions.

Reference is now made to FIG. 1 , which is a block diagram of components of a transmitting device 102 that includes energy coupling elements that electrically connect balanced feeding lines when moving along one or both of the feeding lines, in accordance with some embodiments. Reference is also made to FIG. 2, which is a flowchart of a method of operating a transmitting device that includes energy coupling elements that electrically connect balanced feeding lines when moving along one or both of the feeding lines, in accordance with some. Transmitting device 102 of FIG. 1 may be operated by the method described with reference to FIG. 2.

Transmitting device 102 includes a first planar body 104, a second planar body 106, and one or more energy coupling elements 108.

Transmitting device 102 may be implemented as an expandable handset for mobile communication, for example, smartphone that has a folded compact state, and a non-folded state when in use.

First planner body 104 includes a signal source 110, optionally a receiver and/or transmitter (e.g., transceiver), for example, a radio frequency signal source and/or a microwave signal source. A first balanced feedline 112 is attached to signal source 110. Signal source 110 and first balanced feedline 112 are electrically connected to one another.

Optionally, a balun 118 connects signal source 110 which may be unbalanced, to first balanced feedline 112. The unbalanced signals have unequal impedances with respect to ground. The balanced signals have equal impedances with respect to ground. Alternatively, no balun 118 is implemented, for example, when antenna coupling element 150 is balanced fed, as described herein.

Optionally, where the signal receiving element 114 has a current reduced by an unbalanced line, an antenna coupling element 150 (also referred to herein and/or may be interchanged with: signal receiving element coupling element) electrically connected to the signal receiving element is configured for balancing the second balanced feedline. In such a case, signal receiving element 114 may include a metal frame mounted on a perimeter of second planner body 106. The metal frame is designed to provide a clearance for the signal receiving element. Phase and/or amplitude balance of the antenna coupling element 150 input impedance may be more stable than a balanced antenna for varying external environmental interference. Antenna coupling element 150, which includes dipole, loop, and/or parasitic coupling elements, may be designed to optimize coupling of energy to the signal receiving element in different use-cases and/or varying environments. Antenna coupling element 150 may be designed to maintain phase and/or amplitude balance, such as in different use-cases and/or varying environments. Second planner body 106 includes one or more signal receiving elements 114, optionally one or more antenna elements. A second balanced feedline 116 is attached to the signal receiving element(s) 114. The signal receiving element(s) 114 are each electrically connected to the second balanced feedline 116. Multiple signal receiver element(s) 114 may be connected to second balanced feedline 116 via a signal receiving coupling element 150.

One or more antennas 114 may be unbalanced antennas, where the feeds into the antenna have different impedances, for example, one is grounded. Optionally, when the antennas 114 are unbalanced, a balanced antenna coupling element 150 having balanced second feedline 116 balances the antenna 114. Balanced antenna coupling element 150 may include impedance matching circuits connected to ground plane 122. Balanced antenna coupling element 150 balances antennas 114 by creating equal impedances amongst the antenna feeds.

First planner body 104 may include a ground-plane 120 which is not electronically connected to a ground-plane 122 of second planner body 106. There is no continuous common group on the first and second balanced feedlines 112 116. RF and/or DC connections between the two ground-planes are not required. The ground-plane of the second planner body which is not connected to the ground-plane of the first planar provides strong signal coupling between the signal receive element(s), which may improve bandwidth and/or efficiency of the signal receive element(s). Since the balanced feedlines are not directly connected to antennas that are sensitive to the user’s hand effect, the efficiency of the antenna is not necessarily impacted by the user’s hands.

Energy coupling element 108 is fitted mechanically to maintain constant coupling of energy between first balanced feedline 112 and second balanced feedline 116, during movement(s) of first planar body 104 and/or second planar body 106, for example, moving from a folded to non-folded state and/or moving from the non-folded to folded state, and/or intermediate positions thereof. Optionally, energy coupling element 108 transmits energy from first balanced feedline 112 to second balanced feedline 116. Alternatively or additionally, energy coupling element 108 transmits energy from second balanced feedline 116 to first balanced feedline 112.

Energy coupling element 108 may be fitted mechanically to provide direct physical (i.e., galvanic) contact between first balanced feedline 112 and second balanced feedline 116. Alternatively or additionally, energy coupling element 108 may be fitted mechanically to provide RF coupling without direct galvanic contact between first balanced feedline 112 and second balanced feedline 116. There may be multiple energy coupling elements 108, for example, a combination of the direct galvanic contact and RF coupling. In another example, multiple contacting ends of the energy coupling element 108 may provide multiple contacts between the find and second balanced feedlines, for example, providing redundancy in case a certain contact end breaks.

Optionally, energy coupling element 108 is fitted mechanically to slide along a rail fixated in parallel to first balanced feedline 112 and/or second balanced feedline 116. Alternatively or additionally, energy coupling element 108 is fitted mechanically to roll along first balanced feedline 112 and/or second balanced feedline 116. Alternatively or additionally, energy coupling element 108 is fitted mechanically to allow first planner body 104 to slide in parallel to second planner body 106. Alternatively or additionally, energy coupling element 108 is fitted mechanically to allow second planner body 106 to slide in parallel to first planner body 104. The coupling element that slides and/or rolls (e.g., when implemented as a rotating circular structure) and/or is adapted to allow one of the first and second planar bodies to slide in parallel, may be mechanically fitted and/or electrically designed to provide optimized coupling of energy between the first and second balanced feedlines throughout the predefined movement between the first and second planar bodies.

One or more energy coupling element(s) 108 electrically connect first balanced feedline 112 with second balanced feedline 116, for example, by differential electromagnetic coupling and/or galvanic coupling. In one exemplary implementation, the energy coupling element(s) 108 include RF coupling elements that transmit RF energy from one balanced feedline to the other balanced feedline (i.e., between 112 and 116) over a barrier between first planar body 104 and second planar body 106. Energy coupling element(s) 108 are fitted mechanically to move along first balanced feedline 112 or along second balanced feedline 116.

First balanced feedline 112 and second balanced feedline 114 are fitted mechanically and/or electrically to be matched with each other so that a signal transmitted from signal source 110 is transferred to the signal receiving element(s) 114 in a predefined frequency band during a predefined movement between first planar body 104 and second planner body 106. The matching may be with respect to impedances, for example, using impedance matching components. The impedance matching components may adjust impedance based on the relative location of the energy coupling element with respect to the first and/or second balanced feedlines that change during the movement of the first and second planar bodies. The matching components may be passive and/or tunable components. The matching is selected so that impedance is matched during different positions of the first and second planar bodies (e.g., during folded state, un-folded state, and transition between folded and un-folded states). Exemplary frequency bands include about 791 to about 960 megahertz (MHz), or other bands.

First and second balanced feedlines 112 116 are implemented as long thin structures, such as twin-lead lines, for example, first balanced feedline 112 and second balanced feedline 116 may form an edge coupled micro-strip balanced feedline. The edge coupled micro-strip line may replace existing feedlines solutions such as coaxial feeding cable and/or printed circuit boards (flexible and/or rigid), which are unbalanced.

First balanced feedline 112 and/or second balanced feedline 116 may include parallel sub balanced feedlines. In such implementation, signal receiving element(s) is 114 adapted to slide between the parallel sub balanced feedlines.

Optionally, first planner body 104 includes a first touch screen 124 mounted thereon, and second planner body 106 includes a second touch screen 126 mounted thereon. First touch screen 124 and second touch screen 126 are positioned respectively on first planar body 104 and second planar body 106 such that moving one of the planner body in relation to the other forms a multiple screen display presented on both the first planner body and the second planner body. The multiple screen display may be created by positioning first screen 124 adjacent to second screen 126 to create a single larger continuous single screen when the device 102 is in the non-folded state. Screens 124 and 126 may exist as separate screens in the folded state, which reduces the total size of device 102 in the folded state.

Referring now back to FIG. 2, at 202, a transmitting device is provided. The transmitting device is transmitting device 102 described with reference to FIG. 1.

At 204, the transmitting device is transitioned from a folded state to a non-folded state, by moving the energy coupling element(s) along the first balanced feedline or the second balanced feedline.

In the non-folded state, the energy coupling element(s) electrically connects the first balanced feedline with the second balanced feedline. The first balanced feedline is electrically connected to the signal source attached to the first planner body. The second balanced feedline is electrically connected to signal receiving element(s) attached to the second planner body. The signal source and the first balanced feedline are electrically connected to one another. The signal receiving element and the second balanced feedline are electrically connected to one another.

When the transmitting device is in transition from the folded state to the non-folded state, the first and second balanced feedlines are matched so that a balanced signal transmitted from the signal source to the signal receiving element(s) is received in a predefined frequency band.

At 206, the transmitting device is used to receive and/or transmit wireless signals. The transmitting device receives and/or transmits signals during the folded state, during the transition from the folded state to the non-folded state, and during the non-folded state.

Reference is now made to FIG. 3, which is a schematic of an exemplary implementation of a transmitting device 302, in accordance with some embodiments. Components of transmitting device 302 may correspond to components of transmitting device 102 described with reference to FIG. 1. Transmitting device 302 includes a first planar body 304 with one or a signal source 310 (e.g., RF engine) and first balanced feedline 312, and a second planar body 306 with one or more signal receive elements 314 (e.g., antenna(s)) and a second balanced feedline 316. An antenna coupling element 320 electrically connects antenna(s) 314 with second balanced feedline 316. An energy coupling element(s) 308 (e.g., RF coupling elements) is configured to electrically connect first balanced feedline 312 with second balanced feedline 316 and configured to move along first balanced feedline 312 when first planner body 304 is moved parallel to second planar body 306, and/or when second planar body 306 is moved parallel to first planar body 304.

Optionally, antenna 314 is located at a wide outer edge of second planar body 306 for transmitting and/or receiving signals when transmitting device 302 is in the folded position (e.g. when planar bodies 304 and 306 are parallel and next to one another).

Optionally, antenna coupling element 320 is balanced fed, which may replace a balun.

Balanced RF-systems are sensitive to phase and amplitude un-balance, which may occur when user is in the near-field of the antenna. Antenna coupling element 320 may be implemented as a self-resonating element, which does not necessarily radiative in the chassis slot, antenna coupling element 320 couples RF-energy to metal chassis antennas that are cut from a metal frame. Signal receiving element(s) 314 may include a metal frame mounted on a perimeter of second planner body 306.

Reference is now made to FIG. 4, which is a schematic depicting transmitting device 302 of FIG. 4, during a non-folded state (i.e., open) 450, a partial folded and partial unfolded state (i.e., half) 452, and during a folded state (i.e., closed) 454, in accordance with some embodiments. Energy coupling element 308 remains fixed with respect to second planar body 306, and moves (e.g., slides) along first balanced feedline 312 as first planar body 304 is moved in parallel to second planar body 306 during states 450 452 and 452, from one end region of first balanced feedline 312 to the other end region of first balanced feedline 312.

The exemplary states open 450, half 452, and closed 454, represent exemplary states of the transmitting device. The open state is sometimes also referred to herein as non-folded and/or expanded state, and the closed state is sometimes referred to herein as folded and/or compact state.

Reference is now made to FIG. 5, which is a schematic of an exemplary circuit diagram of a transmitting device 502, in accordance with some embodiments. Components of transmitting device 502 are as described herein, for example, corresponding to components of transmitting device 102 described with reference to FIG. 1 and/or transmitting device 302 described with reference to FIG. 3.

A first planar body 504 includes one or a signal source 510 (e.g., RF engine), a ground 520, a balun 518, and first balanced feedline 512. A second planar body 506 includes one or more signal receive elements (i.e., antennas) 514, an antenna coupling element 520, impedance matching components 524, ground 522, and a second balanced feedline 516. An energy coupling element(s) 508 electrically connects first balanced feedbne 512 with second balanced feedbne 516.

Reference is now made to FIG. 6, which depicts a galvanic contact 608 implementation of the energy coupling element of the transmitting device, in accordance with some embodiments. Galvanic contact 608 may be implemented as the energy coupling element described herein, for example, with reference to FIG. 1, and/or FIG. 3. Schematic 650A depicts an arrangement of galvanic contact 608 that is fixed on second balance feedbne 616 and slides along first balanced feedbne 612 (e.g., during a maneuver from a folded state to non-folded state of the transmitting device, as described herein). Galvanic contact 608 may be implemented as a contact pin and/or c- clip contact element. Optionally, contact pressure of a contact pin (that contacts the corresponding feeding line) of galvanic contact 608 may be decreased and/or set to a relatively low value, as there may be at least 1 ohm of series resistance between the contact points, as depicted in schematic 650C. Schematic 650B is a side view of the arrangement in half position of schematic 650A. Schematic 650C is an exemplary circuit model implementation of galvanic contact 608, depicting 1 ohm resistive galvanic contact. In ports 5 and 6 of the model, a series capacitance component of 1 ohm is included based on an assumed contact resistance. Galvanic contact (608) introduces series resistance in simulation port 5 (call out number 650C-1) and port 6 (call out number 650C- 2) of schematic 650C. Structural capacitance in parallel to the serial resistance introduced by the galvanic contact, is not shown in schematic 650C. Exemplary circuit components which are in series with the structural resistance introduced by the galvanic contact include: passive or tunable capacitance 650C-3. Alternatively, in some cases, the separate circuit component(s) is not necessarily implemented. Normal C-clip contact resistance may be about 200-300 milliohm. The contact resistance may be selected based on sliding contact pressure between galvanic contact 608 and the corresponding balanced feedbne. Schematic 650D is a graph depicting differential feedbne insertion loss S21 in the open, half, and closed states of the transmitting device based on a simulation of circuit model 650C.

Reference is now made to FIG. 7, which is a schematic of an electromagnetic (EM) coupling element 708 implementation of the energy coupling element of the transmitting device, in accordance with some embodiments. EM coupling element 708 represents a non-galvanic implementation. EM coupling element 708 may be implemented as the energy coupling element described herein, for example, with reference to FIG. 1, and/or FIG. 3. EM coupling element 708 is fitted mechanically to move (e.g., slide) back and forth along one or more rails 750 fixated in parallel to the first and/or second balanced feedlines 712716, as the first and second planar bodies are moved relative to one another (e.g., parallel), for example, between the open, half, and closed states. EM coupling element 708 may include a dielectric material 752 that contacts rails 750. Capacitive coupling operates with very small distance between the coupling elements or the size of the elements increases too much.

The implementation of the coupling element (e.g., 708) that slides along rails decreases effects of mechanical tolerance between the first and second planar bodies.

Exemplary dimensions of EM coupling element 708 are about 6X3 X2 cubic millimeters, or other values, for example, each dimension (length, width, height) is in the range of 1-7 mm. An exemplary length of rail(s) 750 is about 50-60 mm, for example, 55 or 57 mm, or other values. Height of rail(s) 750 is about 2-3 mm, for example, about 2.4-2.6 mm.

Reference is now made to FIG. 8, which is exemplary circuit diagram 850 including a block 852 representing the rails (750), first and second balanced feedlines (712 716), and RF coupling element (708) as described with reference to FIG. 7, connected to a first matching circuit 854 of the first planar board that includes the signal source, and connected to a second matching 865 in the antenna feed of the second planar board, in accordance with some embodiments. FIG. 8 further includes graph 858 depicting differential feedline insertion loss S21 in the open, half, and closed states created by a simulation of circuit diagram 850.

Reference is now made to FIG. 9, which is schematics 950 and 952 of an exemplary implementation of a balanced fed antenna coupling element 920, in accordance with some embodiments. Antenna coupling element 920 may be implemented as the antenna coupling element described herein, for example, antenna coupling element 320 described with reference to FIG. 3. Schematic 950 depicts a full view of antenna coupling element 920 connected to a feed 954 of the second balanced feedline. Schematic 952 is a cross-sectional view of schematic 950. Exemplary dimensions of antenna coupling element 920 include: 103 x 2 square mm, or other values, for example, length in the range of about 90-110 mm, and width in the range of about 1-3 mm. It is noted that dielectric materials 956 are marked for clarity in cross sectional view 952.

Reference is now made to FIG. 10, which is another schematic 1050 of an exemplary implementation of an antenna coupling clement 1020, in accordance with some embodiments. Antenna coupling element 1020 may be implemented as the antenna coupling element described herein, for example, antenna coupling element 320 described with reference to FIG. 3. Antenna coupling element 1020 may be positioned in an antenna clearance slot 1052 between a metal frame (e.g., with two slits) 1054 and second planar body 1006. Second planar body 1006 may include a metal chassis. Second planar body 1006 may be implemented, for example, as second planar body 106 described with reference to FIG. 1. It is noted that dielectric materials are not depicted.

Schematic 1056 is an exemplary circuit model of an antenna, the antenna coupling element, impedance matching circuits, balanced feedline, and balun, as described herein. Graph 1058 depicts a simulation of circuit model 1056 during the open and closed states.

FIG. 11 includes schematics 1150A-C depicting unbalanced and balanced signal receiving elements (e.g., antenna), in accordance with some embodiments.

Schematic 1150A depicts the case of unbalanced signal receiving element(s) 1114 (e.g., metal frame antennas) positioned on second planar body 1106, and gaps 1152 in the metal frame. Clearance between signal receiving element(s)1114 and second planar body 1106 may range, for example, from about 0.5 to about 2 mm, or about 0.65 to about 1.6 mm, or other values. It is noted that dielectric materials that fill in the space of the ground clearance, and the antenna coupling element are not depicted in schematic 1150A.

Schematic 1150B depicts the case of balanced signal receiving element(s) 1114 (e.g., metal frame antennas) with antenna coupling element 1160 (e.g., as described herein) in a slot. Clearance 1162 (e.g., of 0.65 mm) is marked.

Signal receiving elements 1114 and second planar body 1106 may be implemented as the signal receiving elements and second planar body described herein, for example, signal receiving elements 114 and second planar body 106 described with reference to FIG. 1. Antenna coupling element 1160 may be implemented as the antenna coupling element described herein, for example, antenna coupling element 320 described with reference to FIG. 3.

Reference is now made to FIGs. 12A-C, which depict exemplary implementations of the energy coupling element, in accordance with some embodiments. Energy coupling element is as described herein, for example, corresponding to component 108 of FIG. 1 and/or component 308 of FIG. 3.

FIG. 12A depicts an exemplary implementation of the energy coupling element as a balanced fed antenna coupling element 1250, optionally implemented as a dipole and parasitic antenna coupling element. In such implementation, the first and second balanced feedlines are electrically connected by the balanced fed antenna coupling element that transmits signals between the feedlines.

FIG. 12 B depicts an electromagnetic (EM) coupling element 1252 implementation of the energy coupling element. EM coupling element 1252 may be implemented as planar signal coupling elements which are parallel to one another. In such an implementation, EM coupling element 1252 moves in parallel between a first balanced feedline 1212A and a second balanced feedline 1216A.

Fig. 12C depicts the energy coupling element implemented as a rotating structure or a rotatable / a movable structure 1254 (e.g., a circular structure) that rolls and/or slides along a first balanced feedline 1212B or a second balanced feedline 1216B, optionally while attached to the other balanced feedline. For example, rotating structure 1254 is implemented as two circular structures connected to the two components of one of the balanced feedlines, that rolls along two components of the other balanced feedline. The rotating structure 1254 conceptually acts as a wheel that rolls along a rail or road. The rolling of rotating structure 1254 may reduce friction, which improves the performance of energy coupling element.

Additional exemplary embodiments are now described.

It is noted that transformer baluns and energy coupling elements connected to the first and second balanced feedlines and the signal receiving element(s) are not necessarily idea for multi band implementations. For example: baluns are designed for narrow band implementations. Band- stop may occur at certain frequencies in the EM-coupled feedline implementation (described herein), which may be designed to be excluded from the frequency band. Since clearance of the signal receiving element (e.g., antenna) is relatively small, passive antenna implementations may not necessarily implement wide-band solutions. Transmission line losses increase with frequency, so high band antennas should have shorted feedlines. Examples of adjustments to the embodiments described herein to enable multi-band solutions include:

• Implementing different balanced feedline types.

• Implementing different EM-coupling methods between feedlines in the two planar bodies, for example: Galvanic feeding (as described herein), Capacitive, inductive or combination Electromagnetic-coupling (as described herein), and Tunable coupling.

• Tunable antennas (as described herein)

• Tunable antenna coupling elements (tunable capacitors etc. in antenna matching, as described herein)

• Separate baluns, feedlines and antenna channels for different frequency ranges/antennas.

• Separate transmitting channels and/or separate transmitting devices for different frequency ranges.

• Rotating, sliding or extending multibody mechanics.

• RF-energy transmission may be used to create flexible charging with adaptable charger to device -coupling.

• Device position to charger may be designed in a flexible manner.

Other systems, methods, features, and advantages of the present disclosure will be or become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following drawings and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features, and advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of the present disclosure, and be protected by the accompanying claims. The descriptions of the various embodiments of the present disclosure have been presented for purposes of illustration, but are not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the embodiments disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the described embodiments. The terminology used herein was chosen to best explain the principles of the embodiments, the practical application or technical improvement over technologies found in the marketplace, or to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the embodiments disclosed herein.

It is expected that during the life of a patent maturing from this application many relevant transmitting devices will be developed and the scope of the term transmitting device is intended to include all such new technologies a priori.

As used herein the term “about” refers to ± 10 %.

The terms "comprises", "comprising", "includes", "including", “having” and their conjugates mean "including but not limited to". This term encompasses the terms "consisting of and "consisting essentially of.

The phrase "consisting essentially of means that the composition or method may include additional ingredients and/or steps, but only if the additional ingredients and/or steps do not materially alter the basic and novel characteristics of the claimed composition or method.

As used herein, the singular form "a", "an" and "the" include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. For example, the term "a compound" or "at least one compound" may include a plurality of compounds, including mixtures thereof.

The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance or illustration”. Any embodiment described as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments and/or to exclude the incorporation of features from other embodiments.

The word “optionally” is used herein to mean “is provided in some embodiments and not provided in other embodiments”. Any particular embodiment of the disclosure may include a plurality of “optional” features unless such features conflict.

Throughout this application, various embodiments of this disclosure may be presented in a range format. It should be understood that the description in range format is merely for convenience and brevity and should not be construed as an inflexible limitation on the scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, the description of a range should be considered to have specifically disclosed all the possible subranges as well as individual numerical values within that range. For example, description of a range such as from 1 to 6 should be considered to have specifically disclosed subranges such as from 1 to 3, from 1 to 4, from 1 to 5, from 2 to 4, from 2 to 6, from 3 to 6 etc., as well as individual numbers within that range, for example, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6. This applies regardless of the breadth of the range.

Whenever a numerical range is indicated herein, it is meant to include any cited numeral (fractional or integral) within the indicated range. The phrases “ranging/ranges between” a first indicate number and a second indicate number and “ranging/ranges from” a first indicate number “to” a second indicate number are used herein interchangeably and are meant to include the first and second indicated numbers and all the fractional and integral numerals therebetween.

It is appreciated that certain features of the disclosure, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the disclosure, which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable subcombination or as suitable in any other described embodiment of the disclosure. Certain features described in the context of various embodiments are not to be considered essential features of those embodiments, unless the embodiment is inoperative without those elements. All publications, patents and patent applications mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated in their entirety by reference into the specification, to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated herein by reference. In addition, citation or identification of any reference in this application shall not be construed as an admission that such reference is available as prior art to the present disclosure. To the extent that section headings are used, they should not be construed as necessarily limiting.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A transmitting device (102), comprising: a first planner body (104) having a signal source (110) and a first balanced feedline (112) attached thereto, the signal source (110) and the first balanced feedline (112) are electrically connected to one another; a second planner body (106) having at least one signal receiving element (114) and a second balanced feedline (116) attached thereto, each of the at least one signal receiving element (114) is electrically connected to the second balanced feedline (116); and at least one energy coupling element (108) configured to electrically connect the first balanced feedline (112) with the second balanced feedline (116) and configured to move along the first balanced feedline (112) or along the second balanced feedline (116); wherein the first and second balanced feedlines (112, 116) are configured to be matched with each other so that a signal transmitted from the signal source (110) is transferred to the at least one signal receiving element (114) in a predefined frequency band during a predefined movement between the first and second planner bodies (104, 106).

2. The transmitting device (102) of claim 1, wherein the at least one signal receiving element (114) comprises at least one antenna element.

3. The transmitting device (102) of any of the previous claims, wherein the signal source (110) is selected from a group consisting of: a radio frequency signal source and a microwave signal source.

4. The transmitting device (102) of any of the previous claims, wherein the at least one energy coupling element (108) is configured to slide along a rail fixated in parallel to at least one of the first and second balanced feedlines (112, 116).

5. The transmitting device (102) of any of the previous claims, wherein the at least one energy coupling element (108) is configured as a rotating structure that rolls along at least one of the first and second balanced feedlines (112, 116).

6. The transmitting device (102) of any of the previous claims, wherein the at least one energy coupling element (108) is adapted to allow one of the first planner body (104) and the second planner body (106) to slide in parallel to the other of the first and the second planner body.

7. The transmitting device (102) of any of the previous claims, wherein the first and the second balanced feedline (112, 116) form an edge coupled micro-strip balanced feedline.

8. The transmitting device (102) of any of the previous claims, wherein the at least one energy coupling element (108) transmits energy from one of the first and second balanced feedlines (112, 116) to the other.

9. The transmitting device (102) of any of the previous claims is an expandable handset for mobile communication.

10. The transmitting device (102) of any of the previous claims, wherein at least one of the first and second balanced feedlines (112, 116) comprises a plurality of parallel sub balanced feedlines; wherein the at least one signal receiving element (114) is adapted to slide between the plurality of parallel sub balanced feedlines.

11. The transmitting device (102) of any of the previous claims, further comprises a Baiun (118) configured to connect the signal source (110) and the first balanced feedline (112).

12. The transmitting device (102) of any of the previous claims, wherein the at least one signal receiving element (114) has a current reduced by an unbalanced line, an antenna coupling element (320) electrically connected to the at least one signal receiving element (114) is configured for balancing the second balanced feedline (116).

13. The transmitting device (102) of claim 12, wherein at least one signal receiving element (114) comprises a metal frame mounted on a perimeter of the second planner body (106).

14. The transmitting device (102) of any of the previous claims, wherein the first planner body (104) comprises a ground-plane (120) which is not electronically connected to a ground- plane (122) of the second planner body (106).

15. The transmitting device (102) of any of the previous claims, wherein each of the first planner body (104) and the second planner body (106) comprises a touch screen (124, 126) mounted thereon such that moving one of the planner body in relation to the other forms a multiple screen display presented on both the first planner body and the second planner body.

16. A method of operating a device, comprising: transitioning the device from a folded state to a non-folded state by moving at least one energy coupling element along a first balanced feedline or a second balanced feedline (204); wherein the at least one energy coupling element is configured to electrically connect the first balanced feedline with the second balanced feedline; and wherein the first balanced feedline is electrically connected to a signal source attached to a first planner body and the second balanced feedline is electrically connected to at least one signal receiving element attached to a second planner body; and wherein the signal source and the first balanced feedline are electrically connected to one another and the at least one signal receiving element and the second balanced feedline are electrically connected to one another; and wherein the first and second balanced feedlines are matched so that a balanced signal transmitted from the signal source to the at least one signal receiving element is received in a predefined frequency band when the device is in transition from the folded state to the non- folded state.