CN103972657A

CN103972657A - Antenna assembly with tapered loop antenna elements

Info

Publication number: CN103972657A
Application number: CN201410111350.5A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 理查德·E·施奈德; J·E·罗斯
Original assignee: Antennas Direct Inc
Current assignee: Antennas Direct Inc
Priority date: 2013-02-05
Filing date: 2014-02-07
Publication date: 2014-08-06
Also published as: EP2763235A1; TWM488113U; TWI573323B; CN203707328U; TW201436370A

Abstract

The invention relates to an antenna assembly with tapered loop antenna elements. An antenna assembly operable for receiving high definition television signals, the antenna assembly comprising: at least one tapered loop antenna element (904); and a support including a base (988) and an upper portion (989) coupled to the tapered loop antenna element, the base having a slot (909) configured to engageably receive a portion of a reflector element (908) for mounting the reflector element to the base.

Description

The antenna module with gradual change type loop aerial element

Technical field

The disclosure relates in general to and is configured for receiving the antenna module such as the TV signal of HDTV (High-Definition Television) (HDTV) signal.

Background technology

The explanation of this part only provides the background information relevant to the disclosure, and may not form prior art.

Many people like seeing TV.Recently, due to HDTV (High-Definition Television) (HDTV), greatly improved the impression of watching TV.A lot of people are that HDTV pays by their existing cable TV or satellite TV provider.In fact, many people does not know what HDTV signal was normally propagated via free public wave band.This means and can utilize suitable antenna freely to receive HDTV signal.

Summary of the invention

According to various aspects, provide the illustrative embodiments of antenna module.In the exemplary embodiment, antenna module generally includes one or more gradual change type loop aerial elements.

According to an aspect of the present invention, a kind of can operation for receiving the antenna module of HDTV (High-Definition Television) signal comprises: at least one gradual change type loop aerial element; And the strutting piece that comprises pedestal and top, described top is attached to described gradual change type loop aerial element, described pedestal has notch, and this notch mode engaging of being configured to is held a part for reflector element, so that described reflector element is mounted to described pedestal.

Described strutting piece is constructed to make described top between the first structure and the second structure, to rotate with respect to described pedestal, described first is configured to described gradual change type loop aerial element to be supported on horizontal surface, and described second is configured to support described gradual change type loop aerial element from vertical surface.

Described strutting piece is constructed to make: described top is converted to described second structure by described strutting piece from described the first structure with respect to the rotation in a first direction of described pedestal; And with respect to described pedestal, the rotation in the second direction contrary with described first direction is converted to described the first structure by described strutting piece from described the second structure on described top.

Described strutting piece comprises threaded shank portion and for holding the screw thread openings of described threaded shank portion; Described threaded shank portion extends upward from described pedestal; And described screw thread openings is limited by described top.

Described antenna module further comprises for constructing at described the first structure and/or described second the one or more retainers that keep described strutting piece.

Described one or more retainer is configured to, and when the first and second retainers are bonded in the first or second corresponding opening, described one or more retainers provide sense of touch and/or sound to indicate to stop the described top of rotation with respect to described pedestal to user; And/or described one or more retainer comprises one or more protuberances, fritter, projection and/or protuberance.

Described antenna module comprises that the mode being configured to respectively to engage is accommodated in the first retainer and the second retainer in the first opening and the second opening, described strutting piece is remained in corresponding the first structure or the second structure; The joint of described the first retainer in described the first opening stoped relatively rotating of described top and described pedestal, thereby contributes to described strutting piece to remain in described the first structure; And the joint of described the second retainer in described the second opening stoped relatively rotating of described top and described pedestal, thereby contribute to described strutting piece to remain in described the second structure.

Described antenna module further comprises at least one reflector element, a part for this reflector element the mode engaging of being configured to is accommodated in described notch described reflector element is installed to the described pedestal separating with described gradual change type loop aerial interelement, and described reflector element can operate for towards described gradual change type loop aerial element reflects electromagnetic wave thus.

Described reflector element comprises grid or surface mesh.

Described reflector element comprises with respect to described grid or outward extending at least one peripheral outer lips of surface mesh.

Described reflector element can be installed to described pedestal via described notch, and does not need machanical fastener.

Described antenna module is configured to can be across comprising from the whole UHF DTV passage frequency spectrum of the UHF frequency (passage 7-13) of 470 megahertz to 806 megahertzes and operating; And described gradual change type loop aerial element comprises: the general toroidal with opening; Isolated first end and the second end, described first end and the second end limit the opening notch extending between isolated described end at least in part, and described opening notch can operate for providing the gap of balanced type transmission line to be fed to thus; Pars intermedia; And the first bend and the second bend that from corresponding first end and the second end, to described pars intermedia, extend, make described gradual change type loop aerial element there is the circular annular shape with circular opening; The width of described the first bend and described the second bend increases gradually from corresponding first end and the second end to described pars intermedia, make described pars intermedia be wider than described first end and described the second end, and make the external diameter of described gradual change type loop aerial element from the diameter skew of described circular opening; And described the first bend is the mirror image of described the second bend.

From after in the detailed description that provides, further aspect of the present disclosure and feature will become obvious.In addition, any one or many-sided can enforcement individually of the present disclosure, or implement with any combination with any one or more other aspects of the present disclosure.Although should be understood that detailed description and specific embodiment show illustrative embodiments of the present disclosure, they are the object for illustrating only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

Accompanying drawing explanation

Accompanying drawing as described herein is only used to the object of explanation, and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention by any way.

Fig. 1 is according to the exploded perspective view that comprises gradual change type loop aerial element, reflector, housing (for clarity sake having decomposed extremity piece) and PCB Ba Lun (balun) of an illustrative embodiments;

Fig. 2 is the stereogram of the antenna module shown in the Fig. 1 showing after parts have been assembled and be encapsulated in housing;

Fig. 3 is the stereogram of looking closely that shows gradual change type loop aerial element, reflector and the PCB Ba Lun shown in Fig. 1;

Fig. 4 is the end view of parts shown in Fig. 3;

Fig. 5 is the front view of the gradual change type loop aerial element shown in Fig. 1;

Fig. 6 is the rearview of the gradual change type loop aerial element shown in Fig. 1;

Fig. 7 is the face upwarding view of the gradual change type loop aerial element shown in Fig. 1;

Fig. 8 is the plan view from above of the gradual change type loop aerial element shown in Fig. 1;

Fig. 9 is the right view of the gradual change type loop aerial element shown in Fig. 1;

Figure 10 is the left view of the gradual change type loop aerial element shown in Fig. 1;

Figure 11 is the stereogram that shows the exemplary application of the antenna module shown in Fig. 2, wherein antenna module is supported on the top of TV, by coaxial cable, antenna module is connected to TV, thereby described antenna module can be used to receive signal, and by this coaxial cable, described signal is sent to TV;

Figure 12 shows for having the gain/directivity of computer simulation of illustrative embodiments and the exemplary graph of the relation of S11 and frequency (take megahertz as unit) of the non-equilibrium antenna module being coaxially fed to of 75 ohm;

Figure 13 is the view of another illustrative embodiments with the antenna module of two gradual change type loop aerial elements, reflector and PCB Ba Lun;

Figure 14 is the view of another illustrative embodiments with the antenna module of gradual change type loop aerial element and strutting piece, and also shows this antenna module at the top that is supported on table top or desktop;

Figure 15 is the stereogram of the antenna module shown in Figure 14;

Figure 16 is the stereogram of another illustrative embodiments with the antenna module of gradual change type loop aerial element and indoor wall installed part/strutting piece, and also shows this antenna module being installed on wall;

Figure 17 is the stereogram of another illustrative embodiments with the antenna module of gradual change type loop aerial element and strutting piece, and also shows in outdoor mounted to this antenna module on vertical pillars or bar;

Figure 18 is another stereogram of the antenna module shown in Figure 17;

Figure 19 is the stereogram of another illustrative embodiments with the antenna module of two gradual change type loop aerial elements and strutting piece, and also shows in outdoor mounted to this antenna module on vertical pillars or bar;

Figure 20 is the exemplary graph showing according to the relation of the directivity of the computer simulation of antenna module shown in Figure 13 of illustrative embodiments and S11 and frequency (take megahertz as unit);

Figure 21 is the stereogram of another illustrative embodiments that is configured to receive the antenna module of VHF signal;

Figure 22 is the front view of the antenna module shown in Figure 21;

Figure 23 is the vertical view of the antenna module shown in Figure 21;

Figure 24 is the end view of the antenna module shown in Figure 21;

Figure 25 is the exemplary graph showing according to the relation of the directivity of the computer simulation of antenna module shown in Figure 21 to 24 of illustrative embodiments and VSWR (voltage standing wave ratio) and frequency (take megahertz as unit);

Figure 26 is the stereogram of another illustrative embodiments with the antenna module of gradual change type loop aerial element and strutting piece, and this strutting piece can be at the first structure (shown in Figure 26) at horizontal surface upper support antenna module with from rotatably conversion between the second structure (shown in Figure 27) of vertical surface supporting antenna assembly;

Figure 27 is the stereogram of antenna module shown in Figure 26, but has rotated to the second structure so that from the stereogram of vertical surface supporting antenna assembly for rotatable transition support;

Figure 28 is another exploded perspective view of the antenna module shown in Figure 26 and 27, and illustrates for fixing threaded shank portion and the stopper element of rotatable transition support at the first or second structure;

Figure 29 is another exploded perspective view of antenna module shown in Figure 26 and 27;

Figure 30 is the right view of the antenna module shown in Figure 26, and rotatable transition support is shown in the first structure at horizontal surface upper support antenna module;

Figure 31 is the left view of the antenna module shown in Figure 26;

Figure 32 is the front view of the antenna module shown in Figure 26;

Figure 33 is the rearview of the antenna module shown in Figure 26;

Figure 34 is the upper rear stereogram of the antenna module shown in Figure 26;

Figure 35 is the vertical view of the antenna module shown in Figure 26;

Figure 36 is the upward view of the antenna module shown in Figure 26;

Figure 37 is the right view of the antenna module shown in Figure 27, and rotatable transition support is shown in the second structure for from vertical surface supporting antenna assembly;

Figure 38 is the left view of the antenna module shown in Figure 27;

Figure 39 is the front view of the antenna module shown in Figure 27;

Figure 40 is the rearview of the antenna module shown in Figure 27;

Figure 41 is the vertical view of the antenna module shown in Figure 27;

Figure 42 is the upward view of the antenna module shown in Figure 27;

Figure 43 is the stereogram of another illustrative embodiments with the antenna module of gradual change type loop aerial element and strutting piece, this strutting piece can be at the first structure (shown in Figure 26) at horizontal plane upper support antenna module with from rotatably conversion between the second structure (shown in Figure 27) of vertical surface supporting antenna assembly, wherein this rotatable transition support is depicted as in the first structure, in the notch of this rotatable transition support or groove, reflector is installed;

Figure 44 is the left view of the antenna module shown in Figure 43;

Figure 45 is the isometric front view of the antenna module shown in Figure 43, and gradual change type loop aerial element removes from strutting piece, and the reflector in the notch that is arranged on strutting piece is shown;

Figure 46 is the vertical view of the strutting piece of antenna module shown in Figure 43, has wherein removed threaded shank portion;

Figure 47 is the upward view of the antenna module shown in Figure 43;

Figure 48 is the stereogram of another illustrative embodiments with the antenna module of two gradual change type loop aerial elements and reflector, and wherein antenna module further comprises VHF dipole and is integrated into the integrated UHF Ba Lun antenna multicoupler of UHF antenna inside;

Figure 49 is the rear isometric view of antenna module shown in Figure 48;

Figure 50 is for being mounted to the stereogram of the antenna module shown in Figure 48 of electric pole and mast base according to illustrative embodiments for the indoor use of self-supporting.

Figure 51 is for illustrating antenna module shown in Figure 48 in the exemplary graph of the lower UHF computer simulation gain (isotropic gain (dBi) of take is unit) of different frequency (megahertz (MHz) of take is unit) and azimuthal relation;

Figure 52 is for illustrating antenna module shown in Figure 48 in the exemplary graph of the relation at the lower UHF computer simulation gain (dBi) of different frequency (megahertz (MHz) of take is unit) and the elevation angle;

Figure 53 is the exemplary graph that the UHF main axis gain (dBi) of antenna module shown in Figure 48 and the relation of frequency (MHz) are shown;

Figure 54 is the exemplary graph that the UHF computer simulation voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR) of antenna module shown in Figure 48 and the relation of frequency (MHz) are shown;

Figure 55 is for illustrating antenna module shown in Figure 48 in the exemplary graph of the lower VHF element computer simulation gain (dBi) of different frequency (MHz) and azimuthal relation;

Figure 56 is for illustrating antenna module shown in Figure 48 in the exemplary graph of the relation at the lower VHF element computer simulation gain (dBi) of different frequency (MHz) and the elevation angle; And

Figure 57 is the exemplary graph that the VHF element main axis gain (dBi) of antenna module shown in Figure 48 and the relation of frequency (MHz) are shown.

Embodiment

Below being described in is only exemplary in essence, limits absolutely not by any way the disclosure, application or use.

Fig. 1 to Fig. 4 shows the exemplary antenna assemblies 100 that embodies one or more aspects of the present disclosure.As shown in Figure 1, antenna module 100 roughly comprises gradual change type loop aerial element 104 (also showing in Fig. 5 to Figure 10), reflector element 108, Ba Lun 112 and has dismountable extremity piece or the housing 116 of end 120.

As shown in figure 11, antenna module 100 can be used for receiving digital television signal (HDTV (High-Definition Television) (HDTV) signal is a kind of of digital television signal) and the signal receiving is sent to the external device (ED) such as TV.In shown execution mode, the signal that uses coaxial cable 124 (Fig. 2 and Figure 11) that antenna module 100 is received is transferred to TV (Figure 11).Antenna module 100 also can be positioned on the surface of other approximate horizontal, such as desktop, coffee desktop, desk surface, bookshelf etc.Optional execution mode can comprise the antenna module that is positioned at other places and/or utilizes other devices to support.

In one embodiment, antenna module 100 can comprise the RG6 coaxial cable 124 of 75 ohm (but also can adopt other suitable communication lines) that is equipped with F type connector.Optional execution mode can comprise other coaxial cable or other suitable communication lines.

As shown in Figure 3, Figure 5 and Figure 6, gradual change type loop aerial element 104 has the general toroidal shape that is matched and limited by periphery or peripheral part 140 and interior week or interior perimembranous 144.Periphery or peripheral part 140 are roughly rounded.Interior week or interior perimembranous 144 are also roughly rounded, thereby gradual change type loop aerial element 104 has the opening 148 of circular.

In some embodiments, the external diameter of this gradual change type loop aerial element is about 220 millimeters, and internal diameter is about 80 millimeters.In some embodiments, internal diameter and external diameter deviate, and make roughly to limit Yuan center (mid point of internal diameter) by interior perimembranous 144 and are positioned at by peripheral part 140 and roughly limit approximately 20 millimeters of places, Yuan center (mid point of external diameter) below.In other words, this internal diameter can deviate with this external diameter, thereby the mid point of this internal diameter is positioned at this approximately 20 millimeters of places, external diameter mid point below.Like this, the departing from for gradual change type loop aerial element 104 provides the shape phasing down of diameter, thus its at least a portion (top 126 shown in Fig. 3, Fig. 5 and Fig. 6) is wider than another part (end 128 shown in Fig. 3, Fig. 5 and Fig. 6).Have been found that phasing down of gradual change type loop aerial element 104 can improve performance, strengthen aesthetic feeling.As shown in Fig. 1, Fig. 3, Fig. 5 and Fig. 6, this gradual change type loop aerial element 104 comprises roughly symmetrical the first half portions or bend 150 and the second half portion or bends 152, thereby the first half portions or bend 150 are mirror images of the second half portions or bend 152.Each bend 150,152 roughly extends between corresponding end 128, and then width phases down or increases gradually, until the middle part of gradual change type loop aerial element 104 or top 126.Gradual change type loop aerial element 104 can, with such location, orientation, make the wide portion 126 of gradual change type loop aerial element 104 be positioned at top, and narrower end 128 be positioned at bottom with housing 116.

Continuation is with reference to Fig. 3, Fig. 5 and Fig. 6, and gradual change type loop aerial element 104 comprises isolated end 128.In a special embodiment, the distance that the end 128 of gradual change type loop aerial element 104 is spaced apart approximately 2.5 millimeters.Optional execution mode can comprise that end part interval opens the antenna element that is greater than or less than 2.5 millimeters.For example, some execution modes comprise that end part interval opens approximately 2 millimeters of antenna elements to approximately 5 millimeters of distances.Isolated end can limit an open slot between them, and its gap being used to provide for balanced type transmission line is fed to (gap feed).

End 128 comprises fastener hole 132, and the pattern of these fastener hole 132 is corresponding to the fastener hole 136 of PCB Ba Lun 112.Therefore, can after fastener hole 132,136 is aimed at, machanical fastener (for example, screw etc.) be inserted through these fastener hole, so that PCB Ba Lun 112 is attached on gradual change type loop aerial element 104.Optional execution mode can comprise the different fastener hole of structure (for example, hole of more or less, difformity, different size, diverse location etc.).Other execution mode can comprise other attachment method (for example, welding etc.).

As shown in Fig. 4 and Fig. 7 to Figure 10, shown gradual change type loop aerial element 104 is plane substantially, and has constant or uniform thickness.In an illustrative embodiments, the thickness of this gradual change type loop aerial element 104 is about 3 millimeters.Other execution mode can comprise thicker or thinner antenna element.For example, some execution modes can comprise that thickness is about the antenna element of 35 microns (for example, 1 ounce of copper, etc.), and wherein antenna element is mounted, supports or is assemblied on printed circuit board (PCB).Other execution mode can comprise that the thickness of being made by aluminium, anodised aluminium, copper etc. is about the self-supporting of 0.5 millimeter to approximately 5 millimeters, the antenna element of self-support type.In another illustrative embodiments, this antenna element comprises the aluminium foil that is encapsulated in the relative thin in supporting plastic cover, and this is used to reduce the material cost relevant to aluminium.

Optional execution mode can comprise the antenna element different from gradual change type loop aerial element 104 structures shown in the drawings.For example, other execution modes can comprise the non-gradual change type loop aerial element with (without departing from) placed in the middle opening.Other execution modes can comprise such loop aerial element, and this loop aerial element limits substantially complete circular rings or do not have the ring of isolated free end 128.Other execution modes can comprise there is outer part/peripheral part, inner circle/interior perimembranous and/or size or variform opening, such as the antenna element for example, with non-circular shape (, ellipse, triangle, rectangle etc.).Can also for example, with various structures (, shape, size etc.) antenna element 104 (or its any part) be set, it depends on the final use of expection and the signal that will be received by antenna module at least in part.

Can adopt various materials for antenna module 104.Only for example, gradual change type loop aerial element 104 can be formed by the metallic conductor such as aluminium (such as anodised aluminium etc.), copper, stainless steel or other alloys etc.In another embodiment, gradual change type loop aerial element 104 can be stamped to form by sheet metal, or by printed circuit board base board selectively etched copper form.

Fig. 1, Fig. 3 show the exemplary reflector 108 that can use together with antenna module 100 with Fig. 4.As shown in Figure 3, reflector 108 comprises the surface 160 of general planar or plane.Reflector 108 also comprises with respect to surface 160 outward extending baffle plates, antelabium or side wall portion 164.Reflector 108 generally can be used for roughly towards gradual change type loop aerial element 104 reflection electromagnetic waves.

As for the size of reflector with and to the spacing of antenna element, inventor notices following situation.The size of reflector and performance is had to strong impact to the spacing of antenna element.Antenna element is placed to from reflector and will makes antenna have good gain close to very, but but have narrower impedance bandwidth and poor VSWR (voltage standing wave ratio).Except size reduction, such design is unsuitable for the broadband application of expection.If by antenna element be placed to from reflector too away from, gain because unsuitable phasing declines.If suitably determine size and ratio, size, baffle dimensions and the antenna element of reflector and the distance between reflector of antenna element, can produce a kind of like this structure of the best,, it makes full use of the near region coupling with reflector element less aspect electric, thereby produce the impedance bandwidth increased, alleviated phase place simultaneously and compensate for effect.Total effect is to form exemplary balance between impedance bandwidth, directivity or gain, emission effciency and physical size.

In the execution mode shown in this, reflector 108 is roughly has the square of four outer peripheral sidewall portions 164.Optional execution mode can comprise and have not isostructure the reflector of (for example, difformity, size, less side wall portion etc.).Even can make sidewall be inverted, make a contrary side of its directional antenna element.The effect of sidewall is increase a little effective electric size of reflector and improve impedance bandwidth.

Aspect size, the reflector 108 of an illustrative embodiments has long and the wide general square shape surface 160 that is about 228 millimeters.Continue this example, the height that reflector 108 also can have with respect to surface 160 is all about the outer peripheral sidewall portion 164 of 25.4 millimeters.The size that this paragraph provides (the same with illustrated herein all sizes) is only used to the object of explanation and the example that provides, thus any antenna element disclosed herein can be for example according to specific purposes and/or the signal that is received or sent by antenna module is configured with to different sizes.For example, another execution mode can comprise the reflector 108 with the baffle plate, antelabium or the outer peripheral sidewall portion 164 that are highly about 10 millimeters.Another execution mode can have baffle plate, antelabium towards the rightabout reflector 108 of antenna element.In such execution mode, also can be unlimited box increases by a top, and this top can be used as the radome of receiver card or other electronic components.

With further reference to Fig. 3, can in the outer peripheral sidewall portion 164 of reflector, otch, opening or recess 168 be set so that the installation of reflector 108 in housing 116 and/or housing extremity piece 120 attached.In an illustrative embodiments, reflector 108 can be positioned in housing 116 (Fig. 1) slidably.The fastener hole 172 of housing extremity piece 120 can be aimed at the opening 168 of reflector, thereby securing member can be inserted through the opening 168,172 of aiming at.Optional execution mode can have the reflector that there is no above-mentioned opening, otch or recess.

Fig. 1, Fig. 3 show the exemplary Ba Lun 112 that can use together with antenna module 100 with Fig. 4, and this Ba Lun is for changing balanced circuit into non-equilibrium circuit.In illustrated embodiment, antenna module 100 comprises the printed circuit board (PCB) with Ba Lun 112.The PCB with Ba Lun 112 can be coupled to gradual change type loop aerial element 104 (Fig. 3) by securing member and fastener hole 132 and 136.Optional execution mode can comprise for Ba Lun 112 being connected to different device on gradual change type loop aerial element and/or the dissimilar transformer except printed circuit board (PCB) Ba Lun 112.

As shown in Figure 1, housing 116 comprises extremity piece 120 and middle part 180.In this special embodiment, extremity piece 120 is detachably connected to middle part 180 by machanical fastener, fastener hole 172,174 and threaded socket 176.Optional execution mode can comprise have be integrally formed, the housing of fixing extremity piece.Other execution modes can comprise the housing with one or more dismountable extremity pieces, and the middle part of these extremity pieces and housing is clasped, frictional fit or interference engagement, and does not need machanical fastener.

As shown in Figure 2, housing 116 roughly takes the shape of the letter U, and it has isolated upstanding portion or the member 184 being connected by the member of approximate horizontal or part 186.In the present embodiment, these members 184,186 match and define the roughly U-shaped profile of housing 116.

As shown in Figure 1, gradual change type loop aerial element 104 can be positioned on the vertical component 184 different from the vertical component 184 of locating for reflector 108.In a special embodiment, housing 116 (is for example configured to, be configured as, size is defined as, etc.), each that makes to navigate to housing 116 at gradual change type loop aerial element 104 and reflector 108 be on homonymy time, gradual change type loop aerial element 104 and spaced apart approximately 114.4 millimeters of reflector 108.In addition, housing 116 can be configured so that the sidepiece 184 of housing is long and the wide general square shape that is about 25.4 centimetres.Therefore, antenna module 100 thereby can be set to have relatively little integral body take up room (footprint).These shape and size only provide for illustrative purposes, for example, because the concrete structure of housing (, shape, size etc.) can for example change according to specific purposes.

Housing 116 can be formed by various materials.In some embodiments, housing 116 is formed by plastics.At antenna module, as in those execution modes of exterior aerial, housing can for example, be formed by weather material (, the material of waterproof and/or UV resistant etc.).In addition, housing 116 (or its bottom) also can be by providing for the bottom surface of housing 116 material of relatively high coefficient of friction to form.Correspondingly, this contributes to again to prevent that antenna module 100 from for example, sliding with respect to the surface for supporting component 100 (, end face of TV as shown in figure 11 etc.).

In some embodiments, described antenna module also can comprise built-in or be positioned at the digital tuner/transducer (ATSC receiver) of housing.In these illustrative embodiments, the digital signal that digital tuner/transducer can be used for antenna module to receive is converted to analog signal.In one exemplary embodiment, the reflector that has the baffle plate that is inverted and a lid can be used as the radome of ATSC receiver.Shielding box has reduced the transmitting acting on tuner circuit or has received the effect of interfering.Tuner is placed on and in this cover, has saved space and eliminated (or reduction) possibility of antenna element with tuner coupling, otherwise their coupling will be to the impedance bandwidth of antenna and directivity generation adverse influence.

In various execution modes, antenna module 100 is tuned to (being optimised in some embodiments) receive frequency range and about 470 megahertzes, arrives the signal of HDTV (High-Definition Television) (HDTV) correlated frequency of approximately 690 megahertzes.In such execution mode, in narrower scope, tuning this antenna module 100 receives these HDTV signals and makes the antenna element 104 can be less, but can also bring into play fully function.By this each less physical size, can reduce the overall dimension of antenna module 100, thereby reduced taking up room of antenna module 100, when being placed on TV top (such as Figure 11 etc.) at indoor use antenna module 100 and by antenna module 100, this point is favourable.

Now the object just to explanation is provided to the exemplary operation parameter of antenna module 100.These running parameters can for other execution mode and change, for example, according to specific purposes with by the signal being received by antenna module.

In some embodiments, antenna module 100 can be configured with running parameter substantially as shown in figure 12, and this Figure 12 shows for having gain/directivity and the relation of S11 to frequency (take megahertz as unit) of computer simulation of illustrative embodiments of antenna module 100 of the non-equilibrium coaxial feeder of 75 ohm.In other embodiments, can adopt the balance double lead of 300 ohm.

Figure 12 roughly shows that antenna module 100 has the gain curve of the relatively flat in about 470Mhz arrives about 698Mhz.In addition, Figure 12 also shows, antenna module 100 has the maximum gain (isotropic gain decibels) of about 8dBi and the output impedance of about 75 ohm.

In addition, Figure 12 also show S11 about 470MHz in the frequency band of about 698MHz lower than-6dB.Value lower than the S11 of this value has guaranteed that antenna carries out good coupling and works under greater efficiency.

In addition, antenna module also can be configured to a certain extent without pointing to target.In such illustrative embodiments, antenna module needn't again point to target or redirect when each change television channel.

Figure 13 shows another execution mode of the antenna module 200 that has embodied one or more aspects of the present disclosure.In this execution mode shown in this, antenna module 200 comprises two roughly gradual change type loop aerial element 204A and 204B side by side, and these two antenna elements are roughly the structure (as shown in figure 13) of numeral 8.In this illustrative embodiments, two annular 204A and 204B are arranged to opposite each other, make every pair at each annular 204A, 204B relatively between isolated end, to keep gap.The gap that this gap or open slot can be used to be provided for balanced type transmission line is fed to.In operation, this gap feed arrangement allows vertical current effectively to cancel each other to current component, makes antenna module 200 under band connection frequency, have relatively pure H polarization, and shows very low-level cross polarization signal.

Antenna module 200 also comprises reflector 208 and printed circuit board (PCB) Ba Lun 212.Antenna module 200 can be provided with the housing identical or different with housing 116.Except thering is two gradual change type loop aerial element 204A and the 204B antenna range of the improvement realizing therefrom (and), at least some execution modes, antenna module 200 can with antenna module 100 similar operate and construct.Figure 20 illustrates for the exemplary graph to the relation of frequency (take megahertz as unit) according to the directivity of the computer simulation of the antenna module 200 of illustrative embodiments and S11.

Figure 14 to Figure 19 and Figure 26 to Figure 42 show other illustrative embodiments of the antenna module that has embodied one or more aspects of the present disclosure.For example, Figure 14 and Figure 15 show the antenna module 300 with gradual change type loop aerial element 304 and strutting piece 388.In this illustrative embodiments, antenna module 300 is supported on the horizontal surface 390 such as the top surface of desktop, table top, television set etc.Antenna module 300 also can comprise printed circuit board (PCB) Ba Lun 312.In some embodiments, antenna module can comprise have along the middle part of antenna element and/or the opening of the first and second bends (for example, hole, breach, recess, eat dishes without rice or wine, recess etc.) gradual change type loop aerial element (for example, 304,404,504 etc.), wherein, these openings can for example make antenna element aim at and/or be remained to strutting piece with strutting piece for helping.For example, the plasticity support construction supports of protuberance, protrusion or ridge wherein be aimed at and be frictionally contained in to the metal antenna element with the relative thin of such opening can by having with the described opening of antenna element, like this frictional engagement or be clasped and contribute to antenna element to remain to plasticity supporting construction.

As another execution mode, Figure 16 shows the antenna module 400 with gradual change type loop aerial element 404 and indoor wall installed part/strutting piece 488.In this embodiment, described antenna module is installed to as the vertical surface 490 of wall etc.Antenna module 400 also can comprise printed circuit board (PCB) Ba Lun.Yet because blocking, supported 488 of this Ba Lun be not illustrated in Figure 10.

Figure 26 to Figure 42 illustrates another exemplary antenna assemblies 800 with gradual change type loop aerial element 804 and rotatable transition support, base or bearing 888.In this example, gradual change type loop aerial 804 can be capped material (such as plastics, other dielectric materials etc.) and cover or be placed in cladding material, and this cladding material can be identical with the material of preparing strutting piece 888.

In this illustrative embodiments of antenna module 800, no matter strutting piece 888 is in the first or second structure, rotatable transition support 888 allows from vertical surface, antenna module 800 to be supported on horizontal surface.For example, Figure 26 illustrates strutting piece or the bearing 888 in the first structure, and wherein, after strutting piece 888 is placed on horizontal surface, strutting piece 888 allows antenna module 800 to be supported on horizontal surface.The horizontal surface that can place antenna module 800 on it can comprise actual any level surface, such as table top, desktop, TV end face etc.In some embodiments, antenna module 800 can insert through the machanical fastener that is positioned at the fixing hole 899 (Figure 36) on strutting piece 888 bottoms (such as wood screw etc.) and by attached or be fixed to horizontal surface regularly by use.But antenna module 800 can be attached to horizontal surface such as additive methods such as two-sided tapes by using.Or antenna module 800 does not need to be attached to horizontal surface completely.

Figure 27 illustrates the strutting piece 888 in the second structure, and it allows antenna module 800 to be installed to vertical surface, such as wall etc.In some embodiments, antenna module 800 can be by being positioned at opening 898 (Figure 40) on strutting piece 888 bottoms and nail or screw from wall suspend in midair.

By example, user can rotary support member 888 so that strutting piece 888 is transformed into the second structure (Figure 27) from the first structure (Figure 26), vice versa.As shown in Figure 28 and Figure 29, rotatable transition support 888 comprises threaded shank portion 889 and screw thread openings 894.In this example, threaded shank portion 889 extends upward from the base of strutting piece 888, and screw thread openings 894 is limited by the top of strutting piece 888.In other embodiments, this can be contrary, makes pedestal comprise screw thread openings, and threaded shank portion is from the top of installed part to downward-extension.

Continuation is with reference to Figure 28 and Figure 29, and strutting piece 888 also comprises for rotatable transition support 888 being remained on to the retainer of the first or second structure.In this illustrative embodiments shown in Figure 28, strutting piece 888 comprises and is configured to engage the first retainer 890 (such as protuberance, fritter, projection, protuberance etc.) being contained in opening 891, so that strutting piece 888 is remained in the first structure.Figure 30,31 and 34 illustrates the first retainer 890 and is bonded in opening 891, this joint has stoped the relatively rotating of upper and lower of strutting piece 888, thereby contribute to strutting piece 888 to remain in the first structure, thereby antenna module 800 is supported on horizontal surface.In this example, the first retainer 890 is set on the top of strutting piece 888, and opening 891 is on the bottom or pedestal of strutting piece 888.In other embodiments, this can be contrary, make pedestal comprise the first retainer, and opening is positioned on the top of strutting piece.

Strutting piece 888 comprises and is configured to engage the second retainer 893 (Figure 29) (such as protuberance, fritter, projection, protuberance etc.) being contained in opening 892 (Figure 28), so that strutting piece 888 is remained in the second structure.The joint of the second retainer 893 in opening 892 stoped the relatively rotating of upper and lower of strutting piece 888, thereby contributes to strutting piece 888 to remain in the second structure, thereby from vertical surface supporting antenna assembly 800.In this example, the second retainer 893 is arranged on the top of strutting piece 888, and opening 892 is positioned on the bottom or pedestal of strutting piece 888.In other embodiments, this can be contrary, make pedestal comprise the second retainer, and opening is positioned on the top of strutting piece.

Except contributing to that strutting piece 888 is remained in the first or second structure, retainer can also contribute to provide the indication of sense of touch and/or sound to user, to stop the top of strutting piece 888 or bottom with respect to the rotation of other parts.For example, when user reconfigures or is converted to other structures by strutting piece 888 from the first or second structure, this user can feel and/or hear clickly sound, because the first or second corresponding retainer 890,893 has been engaged in corresponding opening 891,892.

As shown in Figure 29 and Figure 33, antenna module 800 comprises for coaxial cable being connected to the connector 897 of antenna module 800.Alternate embodiments can comprise dissimilar connector.

Antenna module 300 (Figure 14 and 15), 400 (Figure 16) and 800 (Figure 26 to Figure 42) do not comprise any reflector.In some embodiments, antenna module 300,400,800 does not have reflector that good VSWR (voltage standing wave ratio) is also provided.Yet, in other embodiments, antenna module 300,400,800 can comprise reflector, such as for example, reflector with reflector disclosed herein (, 108 (Fig. 1), 208 (Figure 13), 508 (Figure 17), 608 (Figure 19), 708 (Figure 21), 908 (Figure 43), 1008 (Figure 48)) same or similar reflector or other suitable configurations.

In at least some execution modes, antenna module 300,400,800 can similar operate and construct with antenna module 100 and 200.Round-shaped shown in strutting piece 388,488,888 is only exemplary embodiment.Strutting piece 388,488,888 can have many shapes (such as square, hexagon etc.).Remove reflector and can cause antenna to have less gain but have wider two-way mode, this is higher and can be good from the certain situation of multiple directions for signal strength level.

In Figure 17 to Figure 19, illustrated for being arranged on other illustrative embodiments of outdoor antenna module.Figure 17 and Figure 18 show the antenna module 500 with gradual change type loop aerial element 504, printed circuit board (PCB) Ba Lun 512 and strutting piece 588, and wherein antenna module 500 arrives vertical pillars or bar 592 in outdoor mounted.Figure 19 shows the antenna module 600 with two gradual change type loop aerial element 604A and 604B and strutting piece 688, and wherein, antenna module 600 arrives vertical pillars or bar 692 in outdoor mounted.In each execution mode, strutting piece 588 and/or 688 can be inconvertible or to be substantially similar to the rotatable conversion of mode of strutting piece 888.

Antenna module 500 and 600 comprises reflector 508 and 608.Different from the roughly solid flat surfaces of reflector 108 and 208, reflector 508 and 608 has grid or surface mesh 560 and 660.Reflector 508 also comprises two peripheral outer lips 564.Reflector 608 comprises two peripheral outer lips 664.For outdoor utility, grid type reflector is normally preferred, and it can reduce wind and carry.For outdoor utility, size is conventionally not too important, thus grid type reflector can be made slightly larger than equal indoor model, to compensate the poor efficiency of grid.The size that grid type reflector increases is also eliminated or has been reduced the demand to baffle plate, and this is for to be tending towards relevant size conventionally even more important to the indoor model at performance curve boundary vicinity place.

Any (such as Figure 14 to Figure 19, Figure 26 to Figure 42, Figure 43 to Figure 47, Figure 48 to Figure 50 etc.) in each execution mode disclosed herein can comprise the similar parts of parts (for example, Ba Lun, reflector etc.) of one or more and antenna module 100.In addition, at least some execution modes, any antenna module in various antenna modules disclosed herein can with antenna module 100 similar operate and construct.

According to some execution modes, for very high frequency(VHF) (VHF) scope (for example, the antenna element of the signal in 170 megahertz to 216 megahertzes etc.) can not be circular in shape, but the substantially electric geometry based on antenna element disclosed herein still.For example, VHF antenna element can be configured to provide along the inner periphery and the outer periphery of antenna element the power path of more than one length.Appropriately combined other example antenna assemblies as disclosed herein of these elements and reflector less aspect electric are the same forms good balance between directivity, efficiency, bandwidth and physical size.

For example, Figure 21 to Figure 24 shows the illustrative embodiments of antenna module 700, and this antenna module can be used for receiving VHF signal (for example, the signal in the frequency bandwidth of 170 megahertz to 216 megahertzes, etc.).As shown, antenna module 700 comprises antenna element 704 and reflector 708.

Antenna element 704 has peripheral part or outer part 740 and interior perimembranous or inner circle 744.Peripheral part or outer part 740 are roughly rectangles.Interior perimembranous or inner circle 744 are roughly also rectangles.In addition, antenna module 704 also comprises the tuning plug 793 of roughly arranging or extending between two side members 794 of antenna element 704.This tuning plug 793 is roughly parallel to overhead 795 and the bottom member 796 of antenna element 704.This tuning plug 793 extends across antenna element 704, makes antenna element 704 comprise the lower openings 748 of essentially rectangular and the upper opening 749 of essentially rectangular.Antenna element 704 also comprises isolated end 728.

By tuning plug 793, antenna element 704 comprises the first and second power paths that length is different, and wherein shorter power path comprises tuning plug 793, and longer power path does not comprise this tuning plug 793.This longer power path is limited by the outer shroud of antenna element 704, and it comprises isolated end 728, bottom member 796, side member 794 and the overhead 795 of antenna element.Shorter power path is limited by the interior ring of antenna element 704, and it comprises isolated end 728, the bottom member 796 of antenna element, some parts (that is, the part between tuning plug 793 and bottom member 796) and the tuning plug 793 of side member 794.Theoretical according to complex coupling, in some embodiments, the power path being limited by interior ring and the outer shroud of antenna element 704 makes in the VHF bandwidth range of approximately 216 megahertzes, effectively to work at approximately 170 megahertzes.Owing to there being higher efficiency, thereby can reduce the size (for example, reduce size 75%, etc.) of antenna module, but still gratifying operating characteristic is provided.

Tuning plug 793 can be configured to (for example, size is defined as, is configured as, is positioned to etc.) and provide impedance matching to antenna element 704.In some illustrative embodiments, tuning plug 793 can be antenna element 704 impedance of closer mating with 300 ohm of transformers is provided.

In a special embodiment, the distance that the end 728 of antenna element 704 is spaced apart about 2.5 millimeters.The another example of lifting, antenna element 704 can be configured to width (in Figure 22, from left to right) and be about 600 millimeters, highly (in Figure 22, from top to bottom) be about 400 millimeters, and there is above bottom member 796 tuning plug 793 of the distance of approximately 278 millimeters.Various materials can be used for antenna element 704.In an illustrative embodiments, antenna element 704 takes advantage of the aluminum hollow tube of the square cross section of 3/4 inch to make by having 3/4 inch.In this special example, the various piece of antenna element 704 (728,793,794,795,796) is all formed by identical aluminum pipe, but not requires all execution modes all like this.Optional execution mode can comprise the differently antenna element of structure, for example by different materials, formed that (for example the other materials except aluminium, antenna element have the part being formed by different materials, Deng), (for example there is the shape of non-rectangle and/or there is different size, tip spacing is greater than or less than 2.5 millimeters, etc.).For example, some execution modes comprise that end part interval opens approximately 2 millimeters of antenna elements to approximately 5 millimeters of distances.Isolated end can limit an open slot between them, and its gap that can operate to be provided for balanced type transmission line is fed to.

Continuation is with reference to Figure 21 to Figure 24, and reflector 708 comprises grid or surface mesh 760.Reflector 708 also comprises two peripheral outer lips 764.Peripheral outer lips 764 can stretch out from surface mesh 760.In addition, member 797 can be arranged in the rear of surface mesh 760, thereby strengthens and/or be provided for surface mesh 760 to support or be connected to the device in supporting construction for surface mesh 760 provides.Only for example, reflector 708 can be configured to width (in Figure 22, from left to right) be about 642 millimeters, highly (in Figure 22, from top to bottom) be about 505 millimeters, and with the distance of antenna element 704 at a distance of approximately 200 millimeters, make the surface mesh 760 of reflector spaced apart with the rear surface of antenna element 704.Also only for example, peripheral flange 764 can be about 23 millimeters, and stretches out from surface mesh 760 with the angle of approximately 120 degree.Various materials can be used for reflector 708.In an illustrative embodiments, reflector 708 comprises the steel that is coated with polyethylene based film.Optional execution mode can comprise the different reflector (for example, different materials, shape, size, position etc.) of structure, there do not have reflector or reflector to be positioned to be farther or nearer apart from antenna element.

Figure 25 shows for the exemplary graph to the relation of frequency (take megahertz as unit) according to the directivity of the computer simulation of the antenna module 700 of illustrative embodiments and VSWR (voltage standing wave ratio).

Figure 43 to Figure 44 shows the illustrative embodiments of the antenna module 900 that has embodied one or more aspects of the present disclosure.As shown, antenna module 900 comprises gradual change type loop aerial element 904 and rotatable transition support, installed part or support 988.

Strutting piece 988 is to rotate conversion at the first structure (shown in Figure 43 and Figure 44) at horizontal surface upper support antenna module 900 with between for the second structure from vertical surface supporting antenna assembly 900.In some embodiments, antenna module 900 can insert the machanical fastener (such as screw etc.) of fixing hole 998 on the bottom (Figure 47) that is positioned at strutting piece 988 and 999 and attached, fixing or be connected to horizontal surface by use.Antenna module 900 can be used such as additive methods such as two-sided tapes and be attached to surface.Or antenna module 900 does not need to be attached to horizontal surface completely.

In structure and operation, strutting piece 988 can be similar to the strutting piece 888 of antenna module 800 recited above.For example, strutting piece 988 comprises the upwardly extending threaded shank portion 989 of pedestal (Figure 45) from strutting piece 988.Strutting piece 988 also comprises the screw thread openings that the top by strutting piece 988 limits.In other embodiments, this can be contrary, makes pedestal comprise screw thread openings, and threaded shank portion is from the top of installed part to downward-extension.

Strutting piece 988 comprises the retainer of constructing for first or second described in strutting piece 888 for rotatable transition support 988 is remained on above.In this illustrative embodiments, strutting piece 988 comprises and is configured to engage the first retainer 890 (such as protuberance, fritter, projection, protuberance etc.) being contained in opening 991 (Figure 45), so that strutting piece 988 is remained in the first structure (Figure 44).Strutting piece 988 comprises and is configured to engage the second retainer 993 (Figure 44) (such as protuberance, fritter, projection, protuberance etc.) being contained in opening, so that strutting piece 988 is remained in the second structure.Except contributing to that strutting piece 988 is remained in the first or second structure, retainer can also contribute to provide the indication of sense of touch and/or sound to user, to stop the top of strutting piece 988 or bottom with respect to the rotation of other parts.

Strutting piece 988 for example further comprises, for coaxial cable (75 ohm of RG6 coaxial cables applicable with F type connector, etc.) being connected to the connector 997 of antenna module 900.Alternative execution mode can comprise dissimilar connector.

In this illustrative embodiments, rotatable transition support 988 also comprises notch or groove 909 as shown in figure 46.The bottom that notch or groove 909 are constructed to hold reflector 908, thus without any need for mechanical fixed part or other erecting devices in the situation that, reflector 908 is installed to strutting piece 988.As shown in Figure 43 and Figure 44, strutting piece 988 in the first structure when at horizontal surface upper support antenna module 900, reflector 908 can be arranged in notch 909.As shown in figure 44, in the time of in being arranged on notch 909, reflector 908 is spaced apart with gradual change type loop aerial element 904.

Reflector 908 comprises grid or surface mesh 960, and this grid or surface mesh 960 for example have, from surface mesh 960 two peripheral outer lips or sidewall 964 that outwards (, with oblique angle etc.) extends.In use, reflector 908 can be used for roughly to gradual change type loop aerial element 904 reflection electromagnetic waves, and roughly affects impedance bandwidth and directivity.In alternative execution mode, can use the reflector with other structures, such as the reflector (such as reflector 108,208 etc.) with solid flat surfaces.In other illustrative embodiments, antenna module 900 can not comprise any reflector 908.

Except reflector 908 with have the pedestal 988 of notch 909, antenna module 900 can comprise one or more parts that are similar to antenna module 800 recited above.In addition, at least some execution modes, antenna module 900 can with antenna module 100 similar operate and construct.

In the exemplary embodiment, antenna module 900 can be configured to have, provide and/or operate one or more (but not necessarily any or whole) of following characteristics.For example, antenna module 900 can be configured to the peak gain (UHF) with 8.25dBi in the scope of 30+ mile and operate, and the constant-gain on whole UHF DTV passage frequency spectrum.No matter in indoor, outdoor or attic, antenna module 900 can provide good performance.Dimensionally, antenna module 900 may diminish to 12 inchages, 12 inches of width and 5 inches of degree of depth.Antenna module 900 can have effectively, compact design, and this provides splendid gain and impedance matching across whole rear 2009UHF DTV frequency spectrum, and has good directivity all having in the UHF DTV frequency of 8.25dBi peak gain.

Figure 48 to Figure 49 shows the illustrative embodiments of the antenna module 1000 that has embodied one or more aspects of the present disclosure.As shown, antenna module 1000 comprises two gradual change type loop aerial elements 1004 (for example, in the structure of Fig. 8, etc.) and strutting piece 1088.

In this illustrative embodiments, two annulars 1004 are arranged to toward each other, make gap remain on every pair of each annular 1004 relatively between isolated end.The gap that this gap or open slot can be used to be provided for balanced type transmission line is fed to.At work, this gap feed arrangement allows vertical current effectively to cancel each other to galvanic element, makes antenna module 1000 under band connection frequency, have relatively pure H polarization, and shows very low-level cross polarization signal.

Antenna module 1000 also comprises the reflector 1008 with grid or surface mesh 1060.Two peripheral outer lips or sidewall 1064 from surface mesh 1060 outwards (for example, with inclination angle, etc.) extend.In use, reflector 1008 can be used for roughly to gradual change type loop aerial element 1004 reflection electromagnetic waves, and roughly affects impedance bandwidth and directivity.In alternative execution mode, can use the reflector with other structures, such as the reflector (such as reflector 108,208 etc.) with solid flat surfaces.In another illustrative embodiments, antenna module 1000 can not comprise any reflector 1008.

In this illustrative embodiments, antenna module 1000 also comprises dipole 1006.Dipole 1006 can be from center-fed, and comprises two conductors or dipole antenna elements 1007 (such as bar etc.).Dipole antenna elements 1007 stretches out with respect to gradual change type loop aerial element 1004.In this illustrated embodiment, dipole antenna assembly 1007 outwards extends laterally from corresponding left side and the right side of antenna module 1000.Structure dipole 1006, thus allow antenna module 1000 to work across the VHF frequency range from about 174 megahertzes to about 216 megahertzes.Two gradual change type loop aerial elements 1004 also allow antenna module 1000 to work across the UHF frequency range from about 470 megahertzes to about 806 megahertzes.Therefore, antenna module 1000 is configured to receive (for example tuning and/or directed, etc.) especially across the UHF/VHF DTV passage frequency spectrum of frequency.Except dipole 1006, antenna module 1000 can comprise the one or more parts that are similar to above for parts described in two gradual change type loop aerial assemblies 600.In addition, antenna module 1000 can comprise the output F connector of 75 ohm of impedances.

In the exemplary embodiment, antenna module 1000 can be configured to have, provide and/or operate one or more (but not necessarily any or whole) of following characteristics.For example, antenna module 1000 can be configured to operate in the VHF frequency range from 174MHz to 216MHz (passage 7-13) with in the UHF frequency range of 470MHz to 806MHz (passage 14-69).Antenna module 1000 can have the scope of 50+ mile, the large beamwidth of 70 degree, the peak gain of 10.4dBi under 670MHz (UHF), the peak gain of 3.1dBi under 216MHz (VHF), the VSWR3.0 maximum of UHF and VHF, and the constant-gain on whole UHF/VHF DTV passage frequency spectrum.No matter in indoor, outdoor or attic, antenna module 1000 can provide good performance.Dimensionally, antenna module 1000 may diminish to 20 inchages, 35.5 inches of width and 6.5 inches of degree of depth.Antenna module 1000 can be configured to improve the performance at weak VHF station, and in the situation that performance is not lost, is operable as band Wide antenna.

In the exemplary embodiment, antenna module 1000 comprises permission integrated duplexer in conjunction with specific tuning HDTV element in the situation that performance can not reduce.Duplexer in this example comprises the integrated UHF Ba Lun antenna multicoupler that is integrated into UHF antenna inside, for example, in strutting piece 1088.Tradition multiband antenna be have admittedly lossy because when the signal of discrete component (disparate element) in conjunction with from them, by impedance mismatching and elimination of the phase possible loss 90% TV signal nearly.After recognizing this shortcoming of traditional multiband antenna, inventor develops at this point and comprises specific network feed in their antenna module 1000, and this network feed can be in conjunction with UHF and VHF signal in the situation that can not there is above mentioned loss.For example, antenna module 1000 can transmit 98% of reception signal and arrive digital tuner, and can not lose by impedance mismatching and elimination of the phase.

In Figure 50, according to illustrative embodiments, antenna module 1000 is depicted as column or the mounting rod 1092 being installed to for the indoor use of self-supporting.For example, mounting rod 1092 can and have the length of about 20 inches for J type conventionally.Mounting rod 1092 is depicted as via bolt and is fixed to installation bracket.In alternate embodiments, antenna module 1000 can differently be arranged on indoor, outdoor or attic etc.

Figure 51 to Figure 57 illustrates the performance technologies data of the antenna module 1000 shown in Figure 48.Use state-of-the-art simulator to obtain computer simulation performance data, simulator has following supposition: desirable electric conductor (PEC), free space, does not comprise Ba Lun (balun), and the circuit transmission line reference of 300 ohm.Data shown in Figure 51 to Figure 57 and result are only used to the object of explanation and the object in order to limit not.Therefore, antenna module can be configured to have substantially as in Figure 51 to Figure 57 any or a plurality of as shown in operating parameter, or it can be configured to have and for example depends on the application-specific of antenna module and the different operating parameter of received signal.

As shown in test data, antenna module 1000 has: the peak gain (VHF) of the peak gain of the 10.4dBi under 670MHz (UHF), the 3.1dBi under 216MHz, and 3.0 the maximum VSWR of UHF and VHF.Especially, antenna module has constant-gain on whole UHF/VHF DTV passage frequency spectrum.

Therefore, according to the signal that for example specific terminal is used, antenna module receives or sends, and/or the desired operation scope of antenna module, embodiment of the present disclosure comprises the antenna module of the antenna element that can expand to any amount (one or more).Only for example, another illustrative embodiments of antenna module comprises four gradual change type loop aerial elements, and these antenna element co-operation is to improve the gamut of antenna module.

Other execution modes relate to preparation and/or use the method for antenna module.Each embodiment relates to the method for receiving digital television signal, such as about 170 megahertzes in the frequency range of about 216 megahertzes and/or about 470 megahertzes to the HDTV (High-Definition Television) signal within the scope of about 690 mhz frequencys.In an illustrative embodiments, method generally includes at least one communication line from antenna module is connected to TV, so that the signal by antenna module was received is sent to TV.In the execution mode of the method, antenna module (such as 100,200,300,400,500,600,700,800,900,1000 etc.) can comprise at least one antenna element (such as 104,204,304,504,604,704,804,904 etc.).Antenna module can comprise at least one reflector element (such as 108,208,508,608,708,908,1008 etc.).In some embodiments, can have the self supporting antenna element without any reflector element, wherein self supporting antenna element can provide good impedance bandwidth, the low directivity of the very compact solution of working in high signal area.In another example, method can comprise the part rotation of strutting piece (such as strutting piece 888,988 etc.) to the first or second structure, wherein the strutting piece in the first structure allows at horizontal surface upper support antenna module, and the strutting piece in the second structure allows at vertical surface upper support antenna module.

Antenna module can be operating as to receive has about 470 megahertzes to the HDTV (High-Definition Television) signal of the frequency range of about 690 megahertzes.Antenna element can have the general toroidal shape (such as 148 etc.) with opening.Antenna element (together with reflector size, baffle plate and interval) can be tuned at least one electrical resonance frequency operating in from about 470 megahertzes to the bandwidth range of about 690 megahertzes.Reflector element can be spaced apart with antenna element, conventionally to antenna element reflection electromagnetic wave, and conventionally affects impedance bandwidth and directivity.Antenna element can comprise isolated the first and second ends (such as 128 etc.), pars intermedia (such as 126 etc.), from corresponding the first and second ends, extend to first and second complete all (such as 150,152 etc.) of pars intermedia, so that the annular of antenna element and opening are generally circular.From corresponding the first and second ends to pars intermedia, the width of the first and second bends can increase gradually, so that pars intermedia is wider than the first and second ends, and makes the external diameter of antenna element from the diameter skew of conventional circular open.The first curve part can be the mirror image of the second curve part.The center of circular opening can be from the off-centring of the circular annular of antenna element.Reflector element can comprise baffle plate for making electromagnetic wave deflection (such as 164 etc.).Baffle plate can be located along at least one circumference of reflector element at least in part.Reflector element can comprise and antenna element parallel cardinal principle flat surfaces (such as 160 etc.) substantially, and roughly towards gradual change type loop aerial elements relative in outward extending at least one side wall portion of cardinal principle flat surfaces (such as 164 etc.).In some embodiments, reflector element comprises along the side wall portion of the circumference of reflector element, and this side wall portion is substantially perpendicular to the cardinal principle flat surfaces of reflector element, and side wall portion can be used as making the baffle plate of electromagnetic wave energy deflection thus.

The execution mode of antenna module disclosed herein can be configured to provide one or more in following advantage.Execution mode disclosed herein can provide physics and electric aspect less antenna module, but it still can be similar to larger antenna module work and the running of physics and electric aspect.Disclosed illustrative embodiments can provide relatively little and inconspicuous antenna module, and it is used in indoor reception signal (for example, the signal relevant to Digital Television (HDTV (High-Definition Television) signal is that it is a kind of), etc.).Further for example, illustrative embodiments disclosed herein for example can specifically be configured to, for (receiving, tuning and/or point to) 2009 years Digital Television (DTV) frequency spectrums are (for example, be positioned at approximately 174 megahertzes to the HDTV signal of the first frequency scope of approximately 216 megahertzes and at the signal of the second frequency scope from approximately 470 megahertzes to approximately 690 megahertzes, etc.).Thereby illustrative embodiments disclosed herein (for example can have relatively high efficiency, approximately 90%, under 545MHz approximately 98%, etc.), and there is relatively good gain (for example, the maximum gain of about 8dBi, gain, relatively high gain relatively uniformly in good impedance curve, smooth gain curve, 2009DTV spectral domain, and only take up room, take advantage of approximately 25.4 centimetres for approximately 25.4 centimetres, etc.).Utilize relatively good efficiency and gain like this, can realize the television reception of better quality, and without or do not need the signal to receiving by some exemplary antenna execution modes to amplify.In addition, or optionally, illustrative embodiments also can be configured to receive VHF and/or UHF signal.

Here the exemplary enforcement side that discloses antenna module (for example, 100,200,300,400,500,600,700,800,900,1000, etc.), they are for receiving the digital television signal such as HDTV signal.Yet alternate embodiments can comprise by tuning and be used for receiving the antenna element of non-TV signal and/or frequency and the incoherent signal of HDTV.Other execution mode can be used to receive AM/FM radio signal, UHF signal, VHF signal etc.Therefore, embodiment of the present disclosure should not be restricted to or the frequency relevant to Digital Television or HDTV of receive frequency only with Digital Television or the relevant frequency range of HDTV in TV signal.Optionally, antenna module disclosed herein can be combined with the various electronic installations of all Source Musics, computer etc.Therefore, the scope of the present disclosure should not be restricted to only for TV and the signal relevant to TV.

Digital size disclosed herein and concrete material are only used to illustrative object to be provided.Specific dimensions disclosed herein and concrete material are not in order to limit the scope of the present disclosure, because other execution mode can be is for example formed and be of different sizes, have different shapes according to concrete application and expection final use, and/or is formed by different materials and/or technique.

Terms more used herein, only for reference purpose, are not therefore in order to limit.For example, such as " on ", term D score, " top ", " below ", " making progress ", " downwards ", " forward " and " backward " refers to the direction in related accompanying drawing.The some parts of the term description element such as 'fornt', 'back', " rear portion ", " bottom " and " side " is in the consistent but orientation in reference system arbitrarily, and this reference system can become clear by word and the relevant drawings with reference to discussed element is described.Such term can comprise the above word of mentioning especially, its derivative and cognate.Equally, term " first ", " second " and other so digital terms that relates to structure do not imply order or order, unless context is clear, point out.

When introducing element or feature and illustrative embodiments, article " (a) ", " one (an) ", " described (the) " and " described (said) " are intended to represent to have one or more such elements or feature.Term " comprises ", " comprising " and " having " be intended to comprising property, and expression, except these special instructions, also may have other element or feature.It will also be appreciated that method step described herein, technique and operation should not be construed as must carry out with the concrete order of discussing or illustrating, and carries out in order unless stated otherwise.It will also be appreciated that and can adopt other steps or replaceable step.

Disclosed numerical value and scope for special parameter (said frequencies scope etc.) is not precluded within other numerical value used herein and number range.Imagination can be the restriction end points of the desired number range of parameter for two or more particular example numerical value of given parameters.For example, if parameter X is exemplified as to have numerical value A and be exemplified as, there is numerical value Z here, imagine parameter X and can there is the number range from about A to about Z.Similarly, imagine all possible scope combination that disclosed two or more number ranges for parameter (no matter such scope is nested, overlapping or difference) comprise the numerical value that can use the end points of open scope and limit.For example, if parameter X is exemplified as the numerical value in the scope with 1-10 or 2-9 or 3-8, also can expect that parameter X can have other number ranges that comprise 1-9,1-8,1-3,1-2,2-10,2-8,2-3,3-10 and 3-9 here.

Description of the present disclosure is only exemplary in essence, thereby the modification that does not depart from disclosure purport is still considered to fall in the scope of the present disclosure.Such modification should not be considered to depart from spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

The cross reference of related application

The application requires the U.S. Patent application No.13/759 submitting on February 5th, 2013,750 priority.

Claims

1. can operate for receiving an antenna module for HDTV (High-Definition Television) signal, described antenna module comprises:

At least one gradual change type loop aerial element; And

The strutting piece that comprises pedestal and top, described top is attached to described gradual change type loop aerial element, described pedestal has notch, and this notch mode engaging of being configured to is held a part for reflector element, so that described reflector element is mounted to described pedestal.

2. antenna module according to claim 1, wherein, described strutting piece is constructed to make described top between the first structure and the second structure, to rotate with respect to described pedestal, described first is configured to described gradual change type loop aerial element to be supported on horizontal surface, and described second is configured to support described gradual change type loop aerial element from vertical surface.

3. antenna module according to claim 2, wherein, described strutting piece is constructed to make:

Described top is converted to described second structure by described strutting piece from described the first structure with respect to the rotation in a first direction of described pedestal; And

With respect to described pedestal, the rotation in the second direction contrary with described first direction is converted to described the first structure by described strutting piece from described the second structure on described top.

4. according to the antenna module described in claim 2 or 3, wherein:

Described strutting piece comprises threaded shank portion and for holding the screw thread openings of described threaded shank portion;

Described threaded shank portion extends upward from described pedestal; And

Described screw thread openings is limited by described top.

5. according to the antenna module described in claim 2 or 3, this antenna module further comprises for constructing at described the first structure and/or described second the one or more retainers that keep described strutting piece.

6. antenna module according to claim 5, wherein:

Described one or more retainer is configured to: when the first and second retainers are bonded in the first or second corresponding opening, described one or more retainers provide sense of touch and/or sound to indicate to stop to rotate described top with respect to described pedestal to user; And/or

Described one or more retainer comprises one or more protuberances, fritter, projection and/or protuberance.

7. according to the antenna module described in claim 2 or 3, wherein:

Described antenna module comprises that the mode being configured to respectively to engage is accommodated in the first retainer and the second retainer in the first opening and the second opening, described strutting piece is remained in corresponding the first structure or the second structure;

The joint of described the first retainer in described the first opening stoped relatively rotating of described top and described pedestal, thereby contributes to described strutting piece to remain in described the first structure; And

The joint of described the second retainer in described the second opening stoped relatively rotating of described top and described pedestal, thereby contributes to described strutting piece to remain in described the second structure.

8. according to the antenna module described in claim 1,2 or 3, this antenna module further comprises at least one reflector element, a part for this reflector element the mode engaging of being configured to is accommodated in described notch described reflector element is installed to the described pedestal separating with described gradual change type loop aerial interelement, and described reflector element can operate for towards described gradual change type loop aerial element reflects electromagnetic wave thus.

9. antenna module according to claim 8, wherein, described reflector element comprises grid or surface mesh.

10. antenna module according to claim 9, wherein, described reflector element comprises with respect to described grid or outward extending at least one peripheral outer lips of surface mesh.

11. antenna modules according to claim 8, wherein, described reflector element can be installed to described pedestal and not need machanical fastener via described notch.

12. according to the antenna module described in claim 1,2 or 3, wherein:

Described antenna module is configured to can be across comprising from the whole UHF DTV passage frequency spectrum of the UHF frequency (passage 7.13) of 470 megahertz to 806 megahertzes and operating; And

Described gradual change type loop aerial element comprises:

The general toroidal with opening;

Isolated first end and the second end, described first end and the second end limit the opening notch extending between isolated described end at least in part, and the gap that described opening notch can operate to be provided for balanced type transmission line is thus fed to;

Pars intermedia; And

The first bend and the second bend that from corresponding first end and the second end, to described pars intermedia, extend, make described gradual change type loop aerial element have the circular annular shape with circular opening;

The width of described the first bend and described the second bend increases to described pars intermedia gradually from corresponding first end and the second end, make described pars intermedia be wider than described first end and described the second end, and make the external diameter of described gradual change type loop aerial element from the diameter skew of described circular opening; And

Described the first bend is the mirror image of described the second bend.