EP1374335A1 - An antenna arrangement - Google Patents

An antenna arrangement

Info

Publication number
EP1374335A1
EP1374335A1 EP02717259A EP02717259A EP1374335A1 EP 1374335 A1 EP1374335 A1 EP 1374335A1 EP 02717259 A EP02717259 A EP 02717259A EP 02717259 A EP02717259 A EP 02717259A EP 1374335 A1 EP1374335 A1 EP 1374335A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
connection
aperture
connection device
antenna
support structure
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
EP02717259A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP1374335B1 (en
Inventor
Stefan Mor N
Minh Tri Nguyen
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Laird Technologies AB
Original Assignee
AMC Centurion AB
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from SE0101172A external-priority patent/SE0101172L/en
Application filed by AMC Centurion AB filed Critical AMC Centurion AB
Publication of EP1374335A1 publication Critical patent/EP1374335A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1374335B1 publication Critical patent/EP1374335B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01Q—ANTENNAS, i.e. RADIO AERIALS
    • H01Q9/00—Electrically-short antennas having dimensions not more than twice the operating wavelength and consisting of conductive active radiating elements
    • H01Q9/04—Resonant antennas
    • H01Q9/0407—Substantially flat resonant element parallel to ground plane, e.g. patch antenna
    • H01Q9/0421—Substantially flat resonant element parallel to ground plane, e.g. patch antenna with a shorting wall or a shorting pin at one end of the element
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01Q—ANTENNAS, i.e. RADIO AERIALS
    • H01Q1/00—Details of, or arrangements associated with, antennas
    • H01Q1/12—Supports; Mounting means
    • H01Q1/22—Supports; Mounting means by structural association with other equipment or articles
    • H01Q1/24—Supports; Mounting means by structural association with other equipment or articles with receiving set
    • H01Q1/241—Supports; Mounting means by structural association with other equipment or articles with receiving set used in mobile communications, e.g. GSM
    • H01Q1/242—Supports; Mounting means by structural association with other equipment or articles with receiving set used in mobile communications, e.g. GSM specially adapted for hand-held use
    • H01Q1/243—Supports; Mounting means by structural association with other equipment or articles with receiving set used in mobile communications, e.g. GSM specially adapted for hand-held use with built-in antennas
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01Q—ANTENNAS, i.e. RADIO AERIALS
    • H01Q1/00—Details of, or arrangements associated with, antennas
    • H01Q1/36—Structural form of radiating elements, e.g. cone, spiral, umbrella; Particular materials used therewith
    • H01Q1/38—Structural form of radiating elements, e.g. cone, spiral, umbrella; Particular materials used therewith formed by a conductive layer on an insulating support
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01Q—ANTENNAS, i.e. RADIO AERIALS
    • H01Q9/00—Electrically-short antennas having dimensions not more than twice the operating wavelength and consisting of conductive active radiating elements
    • H01Q9/04—Resonant antennas
    • H01Q9/0407—Substantially flat resonant element parallel to ground plane, e.g. patch antenna
    • H01Q9/0442—Substantially flat resonant element parallel to ground plane, e.g. patch antenna with particular tuning means

Definitions

  • the present invention generally relates to an antenna arrangement for a portable radio communication device. More particularly it relates to an antenna element including a connection portion for connection to RF circuitry in a portable radio communication device by means of a connection device .
  • One known way to mount and electrically connect a patch antenna in a high frequency device is to provide a patch electrode through a dielectric and thereafter soldering the patch electrode to the patch antenna.
  • connection electrodes involves both drawbacks and advantages .
  • One drawback with soldering is that the high temperature used puts high demands on components exposed to such high temperature.
  • One advantage is that the connection electrode is securely fixed in its position.
  • An object of the present invention is to provide an antenna arrangement that is easily adapted to new configurations.
  • connection device By providing an axially resilient connection device the radial forces necessary to secure the connection device in an aperture is reduced, whereby soldering of the connection device may be passed over.
  • connection portion is more easily folded into the aperture.
  • connection device By providing a rounded surface on a connection device a well defined yet smooth connection may be obtained between the connection device and a connection portion of an antenna element.
  • Fig. 1 shows an exploded view of an antenna arrangement according to a first embodiment of the present invention
  • Fig. 2 shows the antenna arrangement in Fig. 1 in a non- exploded view
  • Fig. 3 shows an exploded view of an antenna arrangement according to a second embodiment of the present invention
  • Fig. 4 shows the antenna arrangement in Fig. 3 in a non- exploded view
  • Fig. 5 shows an antenna arrangement according to a third embodiment of the present invention
  • Fig. 6 shows the antenna arrangement in Fig. 5 viewed from below;
  • Fig. 7 shows an antenna arrangement according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
  • Fig. 8 shows a connection device according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.
  • Fig. 9 shows a top view and a cut along the line A-A of the fourth embodiment of the present invention.
  • Fig. 10 shows an antenna arrangement according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.
  • Fig. 11 shows a connection device according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.
  • Fig. 12 shows a top view and a cut along the line C-C of the fifth embodiment of the present invention.
  • Fig. 13 shows blown up portion of the area D shown in Fig. 12;
  • Fig. 14-16 shows a cross-section of an aperture according to the present invention.
  • Fig. 17-19 shows a cross-section of another aperture according to the present invention.
  • An antenna module comprises a flexible antenna element 1, such as a flex film, and a support structure 2 for support of the flex film.
  • the flex film includes two tongues 5; one for feeding the antenna and one for grounding the antenna.
  • the support structure 2 includes two apertures 4 for receiving the two tongues 5.
  • the antenna ⁇ module further comprises two connection devices 3, wherein each has a longitudinal axis, such as PoGoTM pins, for connecting the flex film to RF circuitry and grounding portions of a portable radio communication device, such as a mobile telephone.
  • the two apertures 4 are further for receiving the two connection devices 3. Next one connection device 3 and one corresponding aperture 4 will be described.
  • the connection device 3 is arranged to fixate one tongue 5 in the aperture 4 by means of radial forces .
  • An end of the connection device 3 fixates the tongue 5 in the aperture and electrically connects to it. This end of the connection device is of uniform thickness along a length corresponding to the length the tongue 5 that extends down into the aperture 4.
  • connection device 3 is axially resilient, for connection to a PCB (Printed Circuit Board) of the mobile telephone, either for connection to RF circuitry or to ground. Due to the axial resilience of the connection device 3 the radial forces necessary to prevent axial displacement of the connection device is greatly reduced.
  • PCB Print Circuit Board
  • the aperture 4 has a square shaped cross-section, such that at least the side 4a receiving the connection tongue 5 is planar. Further, the connection device 3 has a circularly shaped cross-section, such that at least the portion connecting the connection tongue 5 has a rounded surface.
  • the aperture 4 may alternatively have a cross-section shaped e.g. as illustrated in Fig. 17-19. With a circular cross- section of the connection device 3 and the alternatively shaped aperture 4 a rounded surface press against the connection tongue 5 and a rounded surface press against a correspondingly rounded surface of the alternatively shaped aperture 4.
  • the antenna module is by the above-described configuration easily adapted to requirements on the space an antenna module may occupy in a housing of a mobile telephone and contact positions where to contact RF circuitry and grounding portions on a PCB in the mobile telephone.
  • the support structure 2 is easily adapted to fit a specific volume.
  • the apertures 4 are easily provided in the support structure 2 in connection with the contact positions on the PCB.
  • the flex film 1 is mounted to the support structure 2.
  • the connection tongues 5 are positioned in the apertures 4.
  • the connection devices 3 are positioned in the apertures 4, fixating the connection tongues 5 in the apertures 4 and electrically connects thereto.
  • a stopper may be provided in the aperture 4, to facilitate mounting of a connection device 3.
  • the connection tongue 5 may be positioned above the aperture 4, to be positioned in the aperture 4 by the positioning of the connection device 3 into the aperture 4.
  • connection devices 3 are axially resilient. The axial resilience further lowers the needed radial forces to maintain the connection devices 3 in its respective aperture 4.
  • An antenna module comprises a flexible antenna element 1', such as a flex film, and a support structure 2 ' for support of the flex film.
  • the flex film includes two tongues; one for feeding the antenna and one for grounding the antenna.
  • the support structure 2 ' includes two apertures 4 for receiving a respective tongue.
  • the antenna module further comprises two connection devices 3, wherein each has a longitudinal axis, such as PoGoTM pins, for connecting the flex film to RF circuitry and grounding portions of a portable radio communication device, such as a mobile telephone.
  • the two apertures 4 are further for receiving a connection device 3 each.
  • Each respective connection device 3 is arranged to fixate a respective tongue in a respective aperture 4 , by means of radial forces .
  • One end of a connection device 3 fixates a respective tongue in an aperture 4 and electrically connects to it.
  • This end of the connection device is of uniform thickness along a length corresponding to the length a tongue 5 extending down into the aperture 4.
  • the other end of the connection device 3 is axially resilient, for connection to a PCB of the mobile telephone .
  • Each aperture 4 has a square-shaped cross-section, such that at least the side 4a receiving the connection tongue 5 is planar.
  • Each connection device 3 has circularly shaped cross-section, such that at least the portion connecting the connection tongue 5 has a rounded surface.
  • An aperture 4 may alternatively have a cross-section shaped as illustrated in Fig. 17-19. With a circular cross-section of the connection device 3 and the alternatively shaped aperture 4 a rounded surface press against the connection tongue 5 and a rounded surface press against a correspondingly rounded surface of the alternatively shaped aperture 4.
  • the contact positions on the PCB are different from the contact positions of the first embodiment, resulting from a different configuration of the antenna element and/or from different positions of RF and ground positions on the PCB of the mobile telephone.
  • the antenna module is by the above-described configuration easily adapted to requirements on the space an antenna module may occupy in a housing of a mobile telephone and contact positions where to contact RF circuitry on a PCB in the mobile telephone.
  • the support structure 2 is easily adapted to fit a specific volume.
  • the apertures 4 are easily provided in the support structure 2 in connection with the contact positions on the PCB.
  • the flex film 1 is mounted to the support structure 2.
  • the connection tongues 5 are positioned in the apertures 4.
  • the connection devices 3 are positioned in the apertures 4, fixating the connection tongues 5 in the apertures 4.
  • a stopper may be provided in the aperture 4, to facilitate mounting of a connection device 3.
  • the antenna module is then ready to be positioned in the housing of the mobile telephone. It is not necessary to know the exact distance between the support structure 2 and the contact positions on the PCB as the connection devices 3 are axially resilient. Further, the axial resilience lowers the needed radial forces to maintain the connection devices 3 in its respective the aperture 4.
  • An antenna module comprises a flexible antenna element 1 ' ' , such as a flex film, a support structure 2 ' ' for support of the flex film.
  • the flex film includes two tongues; one for feeding the antenna and one for grounding the antenna.
  • the support structure 2 ' ' includes two apertures for receiving the two tongues.
  • the two apertures are surrounded by a supportive stoper 6.
  • the antenna module further comprises two connection devices 3, each having a longitudinal axis, such as PoGoTM pins, for connecting the flex film to RF circuitry and grounding portions of a portable radio communication device, such as a mobile telephone.
  • the two apertures are further for receiving the two connection devices 3.
  • Each respective connection device 3 is arranged to fixate a respective tongue in a respective aperture , by means of radial forces.
  • One end of a connection device 3 fixates a respective tongue in an aperture and electrically connects to it.
  • the other end of each connection device 3 is axially resilient, for connection to a PCB of the mobile telephone.
  • Each stopper 6 uniform with the support 2 ' ' , includes a land to maintain a connection device 3 received therein. The axially resilient part of the connection device 3 protrudes past the land towards the contact positions on the PCB.
  • the contact positions on the PCB are different from the contact positions of the first and second embodiments, resulting from a different configuration of the antenna element.
  • the antenna module is by the above-described configuration easily adapted to requirements on the space the antenna module may occupy in a housing of a mobile telephone and contact positions where to contact RF circuitry on a PCB in the mobile telephone.
  • the support structure 2 is easily adapted to fit a specific volume.
  • the apertures 4 are easily provided in the support structure 2 in connection with the contact positions on the PCB.
  • the flex film 1 is mounted to the support structure 2.
  • the connection tongues 5 are positioned in the apertures 4.
  • the connection devices 3 are positioned in the apertures 4, fixating the connection tongues 5 in the apertures 4.
  • the antenna module is then ready to be positioned in the housing of the mobile telephone. It is not necessary to know the exact distance between the support structure 2 and the contact positions on the PCB as the connection devices 3 are axially resilient. Further, the axial resilience lowers the needed radial forces to maintain the connection devices in its respective aperture.
  • An antenna module as shown in Fig. 7, comprises an antenna element 7, formed as a meander, and a support structure 8 for support of the flex film.
  • the meander antenna 7 includes two tongues 9; one for feeding the antenna and one for grounding the antenna.
  • the support structure 8 includes two holes 10 for receiving a respective connection device 11, as shown in Fig. 8, each having a longitudinal axis.
  • the two connection devices 11 are provided for connecting the meander antenna element 7 to RF circuitry and grounding portions of a portable radio communication device, such as a mobile telephone.
  • Each respective connection device 11 is arranged to fixate a respective tongue 9 of the meander antenna element 7 to the support structure 8 and to be connectable to a PCB of the mobile telephone, by means of radial forces.
  • a protruding contact point 12 at one end of the connection device 11 fixates the respective tongue 9 to the support structure 8 and electrically connects to it.
  • the other end of the connection device 11 is axially resilient, for connection to the PCB of the mobile telephone, comprising a protruding contact point 13 for electrical connection to the mobile telephone.
  • connection device 11 further comprises two hooks 14 for locking the connection device 11 to the hole 10, which is illustrated in Fig. 9.
  • a fifth embodiment of the present invention will next be described with reference to Figs. 10-13.
  • An antenna module as shown in Fig. 10, comprises an antenna element 7', formed as a meander, and a support structure 8' for support of the meander antenna element 7 ' .
  • the meander antenna element 7' includes two tongues 9'; one for feeding the antenna and one for grounding the antenna.
  • the support structure 8' includes two holes 10' for receiving a respective connection device 11', as shown in Fig. 11.
  • the two connection devices 11' are provided for connecting the antenna element 7 ' to RF circuitry and grounding portions of a portable radio communication device, such as a mobile telephone.
  • Each respective connection device 11' is arranged to fixate a respective tongue 9' to the support structure 8' and to be connectable to a PCB of the mobile telephone.
  • a protruding contact point 12' at one end of the connection device 11' fixates the respective tongue 9 ' to the support structure 8 ' and electrically connects to it.
  • the other end of the connection device 11' is resilient, for connection to the PCB of the mobile telephone, comprising a protruding contact point 13' for electrical connection to the mobile telephone.
  • connection device 11' further comprises a hook 14' for locking the connection device 11' to the hole 10', which is illustrated in Fig. 12 and blow up in Fig. 13.
  • connection tongues which may vary from one to as many as desired.
  • connection tongue For each connection tongue a corresponding aperture, or hole, and connection device are provided.
  • flex film should be interpreted as a flexible and thin material comprising conductive portions such as wires or bands .

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Computer Networks & Wireless Communication (AREA)
  • Support Of Aerials (AREA)
  • Telephone Set Structure (AREA)
  • Details Of Aerials (AREA)
  • Variable-Direction Aerials And Aerial Arrays (AREA)
  • Waveguide Aerials (AREA)

Abstract

The present invention provides an antenna arrangement for a portable radio communication device, allowing a flexible design. This is achieved by using axially resilient connection devices (3) that are positioned in apertures (4) in a support structure (2) for an antenna element (1). The present invention further provides a method for performing a flexible design of such an antenna arrangement.

Description

AN ANTENNA ARRANGEMENT
FIELD OF INVENTION
The present invention generally relates to an antenna arrangement for a portable radio communication device. More particularly it relates to an antenna element including a connection portion for connection to RF circuitry in a portable radio communication device by means of a connection device .
BACKGROUND
There are many known ways to mount and electrically connect an antenna of a portable radio communication device, such as a mobile phone, to the RF part of the internal electronic arrangement. With very large production volumes, several million antennas or more, the cheapest possible components are usually selected, as small differences in manufacturing price results in large differences in manufacturing cost.
A great deal of both time and money are spent to obtain the cheapest possible solution of an antenna arrangement.
With moderate production volumes, up to a few million antennas, the largest cost reductions are possible to obtain during development of new production lines .
One known way to mount and electrically connect a patch antenna in a high frequency device is to provide a patch electrode through a dielectric and thereafter soldering the patch electrode to the patch antenna.
Soldering of connection electrodes involves both drawbacks and advantages . One drawback with soldering is that the high temperature used puts high demands on components exposed to such high temperature. One advantage is that the connection electrode is securely fixed in its position.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
An object of the present invention is to provide an antenna arrangement that is easily adapted to new configurations.
This object, among others, is attained by an antenna arrangement, a portable radio communication device and a method as defined in the appended claims .
By providing an axially resilient connection device the radial forces necessary to secure the connection device in an aperture is reduced, whereby soldering of the connection device may be passed over.
By providing a planar surface in an aperture for receiving a connection portion of an antenna element the connection portion is more easily folded into the aperture.
By providing a rounded surface on a connection device a well defined yet smooth connection may be obtained between the connection device and a connection portion of an antenna element.
Further features and advantages of the present invention will be evident from the following description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description of embodiments given below and the accompanying figures, which are given by way of illustration only, and thus, are not limitative of the present invention, wherein: Fig. 1 shows an exploded view of an antenna arrangement according to a first embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 2 shows the antenna arrangement in Fig. 1 in a non- exploded view;
Fig. 3 shows an exploded view of an antenna arrangement according to a second embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 4 shows the antenna arrangement in Fig. 3 in a non- exploded view;
Fig. 5 shows an antenna arrangement according to a third embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 6 shows the antenna arrangement in Fig. 5 viewed from below;
Fig. 7 shows an antenna arrangement according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 8 shows a connection device according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 9 shows a top view and a cut along the line A-A of the fourth embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 10 shows an antenna arrangement according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 11 shows a connection device according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 12 shows a top view and a cut along the line C-C of the fifth embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 13 shows blown up portion of the area D shown in Fig. 12; Fig. 14-16 shows a cross-section of an aperture according to the present invention; and
Fig. 17-19 shows a cross-section of another aperture according to the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
In the following description, for purpose of explanation and not limitation, specific details are set forth, such as particular techniques and applications in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will be apparent for a person skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced in other embodiments that depart from these specific details. In other instances, detailed description of well-known methods and apparatuses are omitted so as not to obscure the description of the present invention with unnecessary details.
A first embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to Figs. 1, 2 and 14-16.
An antenna module comprises a flexible antenna element 1, such as a flex film, and a support structure 2 for support of the flex film. The flex film includes two tongues 5; one for feeding the antenna and one for grounding the antenna.
The support structure 2 includes two apertures 4 for receiving the two tongues 5. The antenna^ module further comprises two connection devices 3, wherein each has a longitudinal axis, such as PoGo™ pins, for connecting the flex film to RF circuitry and grounding portions of a portable radio communication device, such as a mobile telephone. The two apertures 4 are further for receiving the two connection devices 3. Next one connection device 3 and one corresponding aperture 4 will be described. The connection device 3 is arranged to fixate one tongue 5 in the aperture 4 by means of radial forces . An end of the connection device 3 fixates the tongue 5 in the aperture and electrically connects to it. This end of the connection device is of uniform thickness along a length corresponding to the length the tongue 5 that extends down into the aperture 4. The other end of the connection device 3 is axially resilient, for connection to a PCB (Printed Circuit Board) of the mobile telephone, either for connection to RF circuitry or to ground. Due to the axial resilience of the connection device 3 the radial forces necessary to prevent axial displacement of the connection device is greatly reduced.
The aperture 4 has a square shaped cross-section, such that at least the side 4a receiving the connection tongue 5 is planar. Further, the connection device 3 has a circularly shaped cross-section, such that at least the portion connecting the connection tongue 5 has a rounded surface. The aperture 4 may alternatively have a cross-section shaped e.g. as illustrated in Fig. 17-19. With a circular cross- section of the connection device 3 and the alternatively shaped aperture 4 a rounded surface press against the connection tongue 5 and a rounded surface press against a correspondingly rounded surface of the alternatively shaped aperture 4.
The antenna module is by the above-described configuration easily adapted to requirements on the space an antenna module may occupy in a housing of a mobile telephone and contact positions where to contact RF circuitry and grounding portions on a PCB in the mobile telephone. The support structure 2 is easily adapted to fit a specific volume. The apertures 4 are easily provided in the support structure 2 in connection with the contact positions on the PCB. The flex film 1 is mounted to the support structure 2. The connection tongues 5 are positioned in the apertures 4. The connection devices 3 are positioned in the apertures 4, fixating the connection tongues 5 in the apertures 4 and electrically connects thereto. A stopper may be provided in the aperture 4, to facilitate mounting of a connection device 3. Alternatively, the connection tongue 5 may be positioned above the aperture 4, to be positioned in the aperture 4 by the positioning of the connection device 3 into the aperture 4.
The antenna module is then ready to be positioned in the housing of the mobile telephone. It is not necessary to know the exact distance between the support structure 2 and the contact positions on the PCB as the connection devices 3 are axially resilient. The axial resilience further lowers the needed radial forces to maintain the connection devices 3 in its respective aperture 4.
A second embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to Figs. 3, 4 and 14-16.
An antenna module comprises a flexible antenna element 1', such as a flex film, and a support structure 2 ' for support of the flex film. The flex film includes two tongues; one for feeding the antenna and one for grounding the antenna.
The support structure 2 ' includes two apertures 4 for receiving a respective tongue. The antenna module further comprises two connection devices 3, wherein each has a longitudinal axis, such as PoGo™ pins, for connecting the flex film to RF circuitry and grounding portions of a portable radio communication device, such as a mobile telephone. The two apertures 4 are further for receiving a connection device 3 each.
Each respective connection device 3 is arranged to fixate a respective tongue in a respective aperture 4 , by means of radial forces . One end of a connection device 3 fixates a respective tongue in an aperture 4 and electrically connects to it. This end of the connection device is of uniform thickness along a length corresponding to the length a tongue 5 extending down into the aperture 4. The other end of the connection device 3 is axially resilient, for connection to a PCB of the mobile telephone .
Each aperture 4 has a square-shaped cross-section, such that at least the side 4a receiving the connection tongue 5 is planar. Each connection device 3 has circularly shaped cross-section, such that at least the portion connecting the connection tongue 5 has a rounded surface. An aperture 4 may alternatively have a cross-section shaped as illustrated in Fig. 17-19. With a circular cross-section of the connection device 3 and the alternatively shaped aperture 4 a rounded surface press against the connection tongue 5 and a rounded surface press against a correspondingly rounded surface of the alternatively shaped aperture 4.
The contact positions on the PCB are different from the contact positions of the first embodiment, resulting from a different configuration of the antenna element and/or from different positions of RF and ground positions on the PCB of the mobile telephone.
The antenna module is by the above-described configuration easily adapted to requirements on the space an antenna module may occupy in a housing of a mobile telephone and contact positions where to contact RF circuitry on a PCB in the mobile telephone. The support structure 2 is easily adapted to fit a specific volume. The apertures 4 are easily provided in the support structure 2 in connection with the contact positions on the PCB. The flex film 1 is mounted to the support structure 2. The connection tongues 5 are positioned in the apertures 4. The connection devices 3 are positioned in the apertures 4, fixating the connection tongues 5 in the apertures 4. A stopper may be provided in the aperture 4, to facilitate mounting of a connection device 3.
The antenna module is then ready to be positioned in the housing of the mobile telephone. It is not necessary to know the exact distance between the support structure 2 and the contact positions on the PCB as the connection devices 3 are axially resilient. Further, the axial resilience lowers the needed radial forces to maintain the connection devices 3 in its respective the aperture 4.
A third embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to Figs . 5 and 6.
An antenna module comprises a flexible antenna element 1 ' ' , such as a flex film, a support structure 2 ' ' for support of the flex film. The flex film includes two tongues; one for feeding the antenna and one for grounding the antenna.
The support structure 2 ' ' includes two apertures for receiving the two tongues. The two apertures are surrounded by a supportive stoper 6. The antenna module further comprises two connection devices 3, each having a longitudinal axis, such as PoGo™ pins, for connecting the flex film to RF circuitry and grounding portions of a portable radio communication device, such as a mobile telephone. The two apertures are further for receiving the two connection devices 3.
Each respective connection device 3 is arranged to fixate a respective tongue in a respective aperture , by means of radial forces. One end of a connection device 3 fixates a respective tongue in an aperture and electrically connects to it. The other end of each connection device 3 is axially resilient, for connection to a PCB of the mobile telephone. Each stopper 6 , uniform with the support 2 ' ' , includes a land to maintain a connection device 3 received therein. The axially resilient part of the connection device 3 protrudes past the land towards the contact positions on the PCB.
The contact positions on the PCB are different from the contact positions of the first and second embodiments, resulting from a different configuration of the antenna element.
The antenna module is by the above-described configuration easily adapted to requirements on the space the antenna module may occupy in a housing of a mobile telephone and contact positions where to contact RF circuitry on a PCB in the mobile telephone. The support structure 2 is easily adapted to fit a specific volume. The apertures 4 are easily provided in the support structure 2 in connection with the contact positions on the PCB. The flex film 1 is mounted to the support structure 2. The connection tongues 5 are positioned in the apertures 4. The connection devices 3 are positioned in the apertures 4, fixating the connection tongues 5 in the apertures 4.
The antenna module is then ready to be positioned in the housing of the mobile telephone. It is not necessary to know the exact distance between the support structure 2 and the contact positions on the PCB as the connection devices 3 are axially resilient. Further, the axial resilience lowers the needed radial forces to maintain the connection devices in its respective aperture.
A fourth embodiment of the present invention will next be described with reference to Figs. 7-9.
An antenna module, as shown in Fig. 7, comprises an antenna element 7, formed as a meander, and a support structure 8 for support of the flex film. The meander antenna 7 includes two tongues 9; one for feeding the antenna and one for grounding the antenna.
The support structure 8 includes two holes 10 for receiving a respective connection device 11, as shown in Fig. 8, each having a longitudinal axis. The two connection devices 11 are provided for connecting the meander antenna element 7 to RF circuitry and grounding portions of a portable radio communication device, such as a mobile telephone.
Each respective connection device 11 is arranged to fixate a respective tongue 9 of the meander antenna element 7 to the support structure 8 and to be connectable to a PCB of the mobile telephone, by means of radial forces. A protruding contact point 12 at one end of the connection device 11 fixates the respective tongue 9 to the support structure 8 and electrically connects to it. The other end of the connection device 11 is axially resilient, for connection to the PCB of the mobile telephone, comprising a protruding contact point 13 for electrical connection to the mobile telephone.
The connection device 11 further comprises two hooks 14 for locking the connection device 11 to the hole 10, which is illustrated in Fig. 9. A fifth embodiment of the present invention will next be described with reference to Figs. 10-13.
An antenna module, as shown in Fig. 10, comprises an antenna element 7', formed as a meander, and a support structure 8' for support of the meander antenna element 7 ' . The meander antenna element 7' includes two tongues 9'; one for feeding the antenna and one for grounding the antenna.
The support structure 8' includes two holes 10' for receiving a respective connection device 11', as shown in Fig. 11. The two connection devices 11' are provided for connecting the antenna element 7 ' to RF circuitry and grounding portions of a portable radio communication device, such as a mobile telephone.
Each respective connection device 11' is arranged to fixate a respective tongue 9' to the support structure 8' and to be connectable to a PCB of the mobile telephone. A protruding contact point 12' at one end of the connection device 11' fixates the respective tongue 9 ' to the support structure 8 ' and electrically connects to it. The other end of the connection device 11' is resilient, for connection to the PCB of the mobile telephone, comprising a protruding contact point 13' for electrical connection to the mobile telephone.
The connection device 11' further comprises a hook 14' for locking the connection device 11' to the hole 10', which is illustrated in Fig. 12 and blow up in Fig. 13.
In the above described embodiments different positions of the apertures or holes (i.e. the contact positions on the PCB) have resulted in different configurations of the antenna element. Each embodiment of the present invention may of course adapt the configuration of the antenna element in dependence on desired radiation characteristics. The configuration of the antenna element includes the number of connection tongues, which may vary from one to as many as desired. For each connection tongue a corresponding aperture, or hole, and connection device are provided.
The above used term flex film, should be interpreted as a flexible and thin material comprising conductive portions such as wires or bands .
It will be obvious that the present invention may be varied in a plurality of ways . Such variations are not to be regarded as departure from the scope of the present invention. All such variations as would be obvious for a person skilled in the art are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An antenna arrangement for a portable radio communication device including RF circuitry, said antenna arrangement comprising:
- an antenna element (1; 1'; 1''; 7; 7') comprising a connection portion ( 5 ; ; 9 ' ) ;
- a support structure (2; 2'; 2''; 8; 8') supporting said antenna element and comprising at least one aperture (4; 10; 10'); and
- a connection device (3; 11; 11') for connecting said antenna element to the RF circuitry of the portable radio communication device, wherein said connection device has a longitudinal axis and is positioned in said at least one aperture; and
characterized in that
- said connection device fixates said connection portion to said support structure and electrically connects said connection portion to said connection device by means of radial forces;
- said connection device is axially resilient for connection to said RF circuitry; and
- said aperture has a planar portion (4a) for receiving said connection portion.
2. The antenna arrangement as claimed in claim 1, wherein said connection device has a circular cross-section for a smooth fixation and connection to said connection portion.
3. The antenna arrangement as claimed in claim 1 or 2 , wherein said antenna element is flexible.
4. The antenna arrangement as claimed in claim 5, wherein said flexible antenna element is a flex film.
5. The antenna arrangement as claimed in any of claims 1-4, comprising a stopper (6) for defining a mounting position of said connection device.
6. The antenna arrangement as claimed in any of claims 1-5, wherein said connection device comprises a hook (14; 14') for locking said connection device into said aperture.
7. A portable radio communication device, comprising an antenna arrangement as claimed in any of the previous claims.
8. A method for manufacturing an antenna arrangement for a portable radio communication device including RF circuitry, said antenna arrangement comprising: an antenna element (1; 1'; 1''; 7; 7') including a connection portion (5; 9; 9'); a support structure (2; 2'; 2''; 8; 8') supporting said antenna element and comprising at least one aperture (4; 10; 10'); and a connection device (3; 11; 11') for connecting said antenna element to the RF circuitry of the portable radio communication device, wherein said connection device has a longitudinal axis is positioned in said at least one aperture; wherein said connection device fixates said connection portion to said support structure and electrically connects said connection portion to said connection device by means of radial forces; said connection device is axially resilient for connection to said RF circuitry; and said aperture has a planar portion (4a) for receiving said connection portion; and wherein said method is characterized by the following steps :
- forming said support structure to fit into a predetermined volume inside the portable radio communication device; - forming said at least one aperture (4; 10; 10') in said support structure in alignment with a contact area on a PCB of the portable radio communication device;
- attaching said antenna element to said support structure, wherein said connection portion is positioned above the aperture;
- bringing said connection device into said aperture, and thereby fixating said connection portion and said connection device in said aperture.
EP02717259A 2001-04-02 2002-03-28 An antenna arrangement Expired - Lifetime EP1374335B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (5)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
SE0101172 2001-04-02
SE0101172A SE0101172L (en) 2001-04-02 2001-04-02 Antenna device
SE0102363A SE0102363D0 (en) 2001-04-02 2001-07-02 An antenna arrangement
SE0102363 2001-07-02
PCT/SE2002/000630 WO2002080304A1 (en) 2001-04-02 2002-03-28 An antenna arrangement

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1374335A1 true EP1374335A1 (en) 2004-01-02
EP1374335B1 EP1374335B1 (en) 2004-08-25

Family

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Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP02717259A Expired - Lifetime EP1374335B1 (en) 2001-04-02 2002-03-28 An antenna arrangement

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EP (1) EP1374335B1 (en)
KR (1) KR100530520B1 (en)
CN (1) CN1220303C (en)
AT (1) ATE274754T1 (en)
DE (1) DE60201083T2 (en)
SE (1) SE0102363D0 (en)
WO (1) WO2002080304A1 (en)

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FI115870B (en) * 2003-06-04 2005-07-29 Filtronic Lk Oy Plate antenna contact arrangement
GB0316169D0 (en) * 2003-07-10 2003-08-13 Koninkl Philips Electronics Nv Communication device and an antenna therefor
JP4181004B2 (en) * 2003-09-29 2008-11-12 株式会社ヨコオ Antenna structure
SE526253C2 (en) * 2003-12-29 2005-08-09 Amc Centurion Ab Method of mounting a contact element in an antenna device
KR100714599B1 (en) 2004-12-21 2007-05-07 삼성전기주식회사 A built in anntena assembly of wireless communication terminal
SE0501502L (en) * 2005-06-28 2006-10-17 Amc Centurion Ab supply Terminal
DE102005030384B3 (en) * 2005-06-29 2006-11-02 Siemens Ag Antenna for e.g. radiotelephone, has conductive strip that has output base portion squeezed to conductive strip frame through support frame when conductive strip frame and support portion are installed in radiotelephone
SE0600548L (en) 2006-03-13 2007-07-03 Amc Centurion Ab Antenna device and portable radio communication device for such an antenna device
CN101645531A (en) * 2008-08-07 2010-02-10 英资莱尔德无线通信技术（北京）有限公司 FM antenna device and portable electronic device comprising same
EP3293823A1 (en) * 2016-09-09 2018-03-14 Thomson Licensing Antenna feeder configured for feeding an antenna integrated within an electronic device

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JP3540361B2 (en) * 1994-05-17 2004-07-07 古河電気工業株式会社 Antenna module and method of manufacturing the same
FR2736214A1 (en) * 1995-06-29 1997-01-03 Siemens Automotive Sa Electrical contact pin mounting on flexible flat pcb
JPH09260933A (en) * 1996-03-25 1997-10-03 Taiyo Yuden Co Ltd Feeding pin mount method for patch antenna
SE514486C2 (en) * 1999-05-31 2001-03-05 Allgon Ab Antenna device for mobile phone, has connector pin moved longitudinally in extension direction
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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
DE60201083T2 (en) 2005-09-01
WO2002080304A1 (en) 2002-10-10
DE60201083D1 (en) 2004-09-30
SE0102363D0 (en) 2001-07-02
CN1220303C (en) 2005-09-21
CN1476651A (en) 2004-02-18
KR100530520B1 (en) 2005-11-22
EP1374335B1 (en) 2004-08-25
KR20030081327A (en) 2003-10-17
ATE274754T1 (en) 2004-09-15

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