Patent Grant
12347947
The present disclosure relates to an antenna element including an antenna.
A conventional antenna for radar device includes a radiation portion board, antenna parts, a belt loop-like conductor, a plurality of through-holes, and a ground plane. The antenna parts and the belt loop-like conductor are positioned on an upper main surface of the radiation portion board. The belt loop-like conductor makes a circuit of the antenna parts, as seen in up-down directions. The ground plane is positioned on a lower main surface of the radiation portion board. The plurality of through-holes electrically connect the belt loop-like conductor and the ground plane by piercing the radiation portion board in the up-down directions. In such an antenna for radar device, directivity of the antenna for radar device is heightened because the belt loop-like conductor is provided.
Patent Document 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2009-100253
In regard to the antenna for radar device described in Patent Document 1, there is a demand for reduction in a capacitance between the antenna parts and the belt loop-like conductor.
One aspect of the present disclosure to provide an antenna element by which a capacitance between a radiation conductor and a guard ground conductor can be reduced while directivity of the antenna element is maintained.
An antenna element includes a body including laminated insulator layers, a first ground conductor, and a radiation conductor overlapping the first ground conductor along a first direction from the first ground conductor. Guard ground conductors are provided in the body along the first direction to surround the radiation conductor. The guard ground conductors include second ground conductors electrically interconnected, and one or more first interlayer connection conductors piercing the insulator layers. The second ground conductors are shaped to not make a circuit of the radiation conductor, and are positioned at multiple positions relative to up-down directions. The second ground conductors each have an overlapping portion that overlaps the second ground conductor positioned adjacent to the overlapping portion in an upward or downward direction, and a non-overlapping portion that does not overlap the second ground conductor positioned adjacent to the non-overlapping portion in the upward or downward direction.
According to the exemplary antenna element of the present disclosure, the capacitance between the radiation conductor and the guard ground conductor can be reduced while directivity of the antenna element is maintained.
[Structure of Antenna Element 10]
Hereinbelow, a structure of an antenna element 10 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.
Hereinbelow, laminating directions of a main body 12 of the antenna element 10 are defined as up-down directions. One of the up-down directions is a first direction DIR1 and the other of the up-down directions is a second direction DIR2. In the present exemplary embodiment, an upward direction is the first direction DIR1 and a downward direction is the second direction DIR2. Further, the antenna element 10 has a rectangular shape as seen in the up-down directions. As seen in the up-down directions, directions in which long sides of the antenna element 10 extend are defined as left-right directions. As seen in the up-down directions, directions in which short sides of the antenna element 10 extend are defined as front-back directions. The up-down directions, the left-right directions, and the front-back directions are orthogonal to one another. Incidentally, definition of the directions herein represents one example. Therefore, directions at a time when the antenna element 10 is actually used and the directions herein do not need to coincide. Further, the up-down directions may be inverted in the drawings. Similarly, the left-right directions may be inverted in the drawings. The front-back directions may be inverted in the drawings.
Hereinbelow, X represents a component or a member of the antenna element 10. Herein, portions of X are defined as follows, unless otherwise noted. A front portion of X means a front half of X. A back portion of X means a back half of X. A left portion of X means a left half of X. A right portion of X means a right half of X. An upper portion of X means an upper half of X. A lower portion of X means a lower half of X. A front end of X means an end of X in a frontward direction. A back end of X means an end of X in a backward direction. A left end of X means an end of X in a leftward direction. A right end of X means an end of X in a rightward direction. A top end of X means an end of X in the upward direction. A bottom end of X means an end of X in the downward direction. A front end portion of X means the front end and a vicinity thereof of X. A back end portion of X means the back end and a vicinity thereof of X. A left end portion of X means the left end and a vicinity thereof of X. A right end portion of X means the right end and a vicinity thereof of X. A top end portion of X means the top end and a vicinity thereof of X. A bottom end portion of X means the bottom end and a vicinity thereof of X.
The antenna element 10 is used for electronic equipment such as a cellular phone, for instance. As illustrated in
The main body 12 has a plate-like shape. The main body 12 has a rectangular shape as seen in the up-down directions. The main body 12 has a structure in which a protection layer 15 and insulator layers 14a to 14f are laminated in the up-down directions. The protection layer 15 and the insulator layers 14a to 14f are arranged in order of mention from top to bottom. Material of the insulator layers 14a to 14f is thermoplastic resin. The thermoplastic resin is thermoplastic resin such as liquid crystal polymer or polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), for instance. The material of the insulator layers 14a to 14f may be polyimide.
The protection layer 15 is a resist layer. The protection layer 15 is positioned on an upper main surface of the insulator layer 14a. The protection layer 15 protects the radiation conductor 20 and the second ground conductors 18a that are positioned on the upper main surface of the insulator layer 14a. The protection layer 15 may be formed by pasting of an insulative sheet on the upper main surface of the insulator layer 14a or may be formed by printing of insulative resin paste on the upper main surface of the insulator layer 14a.
The first ground conductor 16, the guard ground conductors 18, and the radiation conductor 20 function as a patch antenna. The first ground conductor 16 is provided in the main body 12. More particularly, the first ground conductor 16 is positioned on an upper main surface of the insulator layer 14e. As illustrated in
The radiation conductor 20 is provided in the main body 12. More particularly, the radiation conductor 20 is positioned on the upper main surface of the insulator layer 14a. Therefore, the radiation conductor 20 is positioned above (in the first direction DIR1 from) the first ground conductor 16. As illustrated in
The extended conductor 22 is provided on an upper main surface of the insulator layer 14f. The extended conductor 22 has a linear shape extending in the left-right directions. A left end portion of the extended conductor 22 overlaps with the first ground conductor 16 as seen in the up-down directions. The high-frequency signals that are radiated and/or received by the radiation conductor 20 are transferred through the extended conductor 22.
An interlayer connection conductor v1 pierces the insulator layers 14a to 14e in the up-down directions. The interlayer connection conductor v1 electrically connects a center portion of the radiation conductor 20 and the left end portion of the extended conductor 22. Incidentally, an opening is provided at a position on the first ground conductor 16 that overlaps with the interlayer connection conductor v1 as seen in the up-down directions so that the interlayer connection conductor v1 and the first ground conductor 16 do not short-circuit.
The guard ground conductors 18 are provided in the main body 12. The guard ground conductors 18 are positioned above (in the first direction DIR1 from) the first ground conductor 16. At least a portion of the guard ground conductors 18 overlaps with the first ground conductor 16 as seen in the up-down directions. In the present exemplary embodiment, an entirety of the guard ground conductors 18 overlaps with the first ground conductor 16 as seen in the up-down directions. Further, the guard ground conductors 18 surround the radiation conductor 20 as seen in the up-down directions. More particularly, the guard ground conductors 18 have a rectangular and loop-like shape as seen in the up-down directions. Further, the guard ground conductors 18 are positioned around the radiation conductor 20 as seen in the up-down directions. The guard ground conductors 18 are spaced apart from the radiation conductor 20 as seen in the up-down directions. Accordingly, the guard ground conductors 18 do not overlap with the radiation conductor 20 as seen in the up-down directions. Such the guard ground conductors 18 are connected to the ground potential. Hereinbelow, the guard ground conductors 18 will be described in more detail.
The guard ground conductors 18 include the plurality of second ground conductors 18a, the plurality of second ground conductors 18b, the plurality of second ground conductors 18c, the plurality of second ground conductors 18d, a plurality of interlayer connection conductors v2, a plurality of interlayer connection conductors v3, a plurality of interlayer connection conductors v4, and a plurality of interlayer connection conductors v5. The plurality of second ground conductors 18a, the plurality of second ground conductors 18b, the plurality of second ground conductors 18c, and the plurality of second ground conductors 18d are positioned at two or more positions with respect to the up-down directions. In the present exemplary embodiment, the plurality of second ground conductors 18a, the plurality of second ground conductors 18b, the plurality of second ground conductors 18c, and the plurality of second ground conductors 18d are positioned in different layers with respect to the up-down directions.
The insulator layer 14a has the upper main surface and a lower main surface. The plurality of second ground conductors 18a are positioned on the upper main surface of the insulator layer 14a. The plurality of second ground conductors 18a each have a shape that does not make a circuit of the radiation conductor 20 as seen in the up-down directions. That is, the plurality of second ground conductors 18a each do not have a loop-like shape as seen in the up-down directions. In the present exemplary embodiment, the plurality of second ground conductors 18a are each shaped like a rectangle having long sides extending in the left-right directions or a rectangle having long sides extending in the front-back directions. The plurality of second ground conductors 18a are arranged on a track that makes a circuit of the radiation conductor 20 as seen in the up-down directions. In the present exemplary embodiment, the plurality of (e.g., fourteen) second ground conductors 18a positioned in the same layer with respect to the up-down directions are arranged at equal intervals as seen in the up-down directions.
The insulator layer 14b has an upper main surface and a lower main surface. The plurality of second ground conductors 18b are positioned on the upper main surface of the insulator layer 14b. The plurality of second ground conductors 18b each have a shape that does not make a circuit of the radiation conductor 20 as seen in the up-down directions. That is, the plurality of second ground conductors 18b each do not have a loop-like shape as seen in the up-down directions. In the present exemplary embodiment, the plurality of second ground conductors 18b are each shaped like a rectangle having long sides extending in the left-right directions or a rectangle having long sides extending in the front-back directions. The plurality of second ground conductors 18b are arranged on a track that makes a circuit of the radiation conductor 20 as seen in the up-down directions. In the present exemplary embodiment, the plurality of (e.g., fourteen) second ground conductors 18b positioned in the same layer with respect to the up-down directions are arranged at equal intervals as seen in the up-down directions. Positions of the plurality of second ground conductors 18b, however, slightly differ from positions of the plurality of second ground conductors 18a, as seen in the up-down directions, as will be described below.
Herein, the plurality of second ground conductors 18a each have two overlapping portions P1a and a non-overlapping portion P2a, as illustrated in
Further, the plurality of second ground conductors 18b each have two overlapping portions P1b-1 and a non-overlapping portion P2b-1, as illustrated in
The plurality of interlayer connection conductors v2 pierce the insulator layer 14a in the up-down directions. The interlayer connection conductors v2 electrically connect the overlapping portions P1a (see
The insulator layer 14c (first insulator layer) has an upper main surface (first main surface) and a lower main surface (second main surface). The plurality of second ground conductors 18c (third ground conductors) are positioned on the upper main surface (first main surface) of the insulator layer 14c. The plurality of second ground conductors 18c each have a shape that does not make a circuit of the radiation conductor 20 as seen in the up-down directions. That is, the plurality of second ground conductors 18c each do not have a loop-like shape as seen in the up-down directions. In the present embodiment, the plurality of second ground conductors 18c are each shaped like a rectangle having long sides extending in the left-right directions or a rectangle having long sides extending in the front-back directions. The plurality of second ground conductors 18c are arranged on a track that makes a circuit of the radiation conductor 20 as seen in the up-down directions. In the present exemplary embodiment, the plurality of (e.g., fourteen) second ground conductors 18c positioned in the same layer with respect to the up-down directions are arranged at equal intervals as seen in the up-down directions. Entire outer edges of such the plurality of second ground conductors 18c overlap with respective entire outer edges of the plurality of second ground conductors 18a as seen in the up-down directions. Accordingly, positions of the plurality of second ground conductors 18c slightly differ from the positions of the plurality of second ground conductors 18b, as seen in the up-down directions.
Herein, the plurality of second ground conductors 18b each have two overlapping portions P1b-2 and a non-overlapping portion P2b-2, as illustrated in
Further, the plurality of second ground conductors 18c each have two overlapping portions P1c-1 and a non-overlapping portion P2c-1, as illustrated in
The plurality of interlayer connection conductors v3 pierce the insulator layer 14b in the up-down directions. The interlayer connection conductors v3 electrically connect the overlapping portions P1b-2 (see
The insulator layer 14d (second insulator layer) has an upper main surface (third main surface) and a lower main surface (fourth main surface). The plurality of second ground conductors 18d (fourth ground conductors) are positioned on the upper main surface (first main surface) of the insulator layer 14d. The plurality of second ground conductors 18d each have a shape that does not make a circuit of the radiation conductor 20 as seen in the up-down directions. That is, the plurality of second ground conductors 18d each do not have a loop-like shape as seen in the up-down directions. In the present exemplary embodiment, the plurality of second ground conductors 18d are each shaped like a rectangle having long sides extending in the left-right directions or a rectangle having long sides extending in the front-back directions. The plurality of second ground conductors 18d are arranged on a track that makes a circuit of the radiation conductor 20 as seen in the up-down directions. In the present exemplary embodiment, the plurality of (fourteen) second ground conductors 18d positioned in the same layer with respect to the up-down directions are arranged at equal intervals as seen in the up-down directions. Entire outer edges of such the plurality of second ground conductors 18d overlap with respective entire outer edges of the plurality of second ground conductors 18b, as seen in the up-down directions. Accordingly, positions of the plurality of second ground conductors 18d slightly differ from the positions of the plurality of second ground conductors 18c, as seen in the up-down directions.
Herein, the plurality of second ground conductors 18c each have two overlapping portions P1c-2 and a non-overlapping portion P2c-2, as illustrated in
Further, the plurality of second ground conductors 18d each have two overlapping portions P1d and a non-overlapping portion P2d, as illustrated in
The plurality of interlayer connection conductors v4 pierce the insulator layer 14d in the up-down directions. The interlayer connection conductors v4 electrically connect the overlapping portions P1c-2 (see
The plurality of second ground conductors 18a, the plurality of second ground conductors 18b, the plurality of second ground conductors 18c, and the plurality of second ground conductors 18d as described above are arranged on the loop-like track that makes the circuit of the radiation conductor 20 as seen in the up-down directions. In the present exemplary embodiment, the plurality of second ground conductors 18a, the plurality of second ground conductors 18b, the plurality of second ground conductors 18c, and the plurality of second ground conductors 18d overlap one another and thereby form a loop that makes a circuit of the radiation conductor 20, as seen in the up-down directions. In the present exemplary embodiment, the plurality of second ground conductors 18a, the plurality of second ground conductors 18b, the plurality of second ground conductors 18c, and the plurality of second ground conductors 18d overlap one another and thereby form the loop that is rectangular, as seen in the up-down directions.
Further, as seen in the up-down directions, no ground conductor other than the first ground conductor 16 exists between the guard ground conductors 18 and the radiation conductor 20. In the present exemplary embodiment, in particular, no ground conductor other than the first ground conductor 16 exists between the overlapping portions P1a, P1b-1, P1b-2, P1c-1, P1c-2, and P1d and the radiation conductor 20, as seen in the up-down directions. Similarly, no ground conductor other than the first ground conductor 16 exists between the non-overlapping portions P2a, P2b-1, P2b-2, P2c-1, P2c-2, and P2d and the radiation conductor 20, as seen in the up-down directions.
The plurality of interlayer connection conductors v5 (second interlayer connection conductors) pierce the insulator layer 14d in the up-down directions. The interlayer connection conductors v5 electrically connect the first ground conductor 16 and the second ground conductors 18d (second ground conductors). The plurality of interlayer connection conductors v5 each do not overlap with the plurality of interlayer connection conductors v4 (first interlayer connection conductors) connected to the plurality of second ground conductors 18d, as seen in the up-down directions. The plurality of second ground conductors 18d are the plurality of second ground conductors to which the plurality of interlayer connection conductors v5 (second interlayer connection conductors) are connected.
The first ground conductor 16, the radiation conductor 20, the plurality of second ground conductors 18a, the plurality of second ground conductors 18b, the plurality of second ground conductors 18c, the plurality of second ground conductors 18d, and the extended conductor 22 are conductor layers formed by patterning of metal foil stuck on the upper main surfaces of the insulator layers 14a to 14f, for instance. The metal foil is copper foil, for instance. Further, the interlayer connection conductors v1 to v5 are via hole conductors, for instance. The via hole conductors are formed by formation of through-holes in the insulator layers 14a to 14e, filling of conductive paste in the through-holes, and sintering of the conductive paste.
[Effect]
According to the exemplary antenna element 10, directivity of the patch antenna can be improved. More particularly, the guard ground conductors 18 do not overlap with the radiation conductor 20 as seen in the up-down directions. Accordingly, the guard ground conductors 18 are positioned around the radiation conductor 20 as seen in the up-down directions. Thus, high-frequency signals directed to the guard ground conductors 18 among the high-frequency signals radiated by the radiation conductor 20 are reflected and absorbed by the guard ground conductors 18. A radiation angle of the high-frequency signals radiated from the antenna element 10 is narrowed. According to the exemplary antenna element 10, consequently, the directivity of the patch antenna is improved. Incidentally, on condition that the radiation conductor 20 receives the high-frequency signals as well, the directivity of the patch antenna is improved as with a condition that the radiation conductor 20 radiates the high-frequency signals.
According to the exemplary antenna element 10, a capacitance between the radiation conductor 20 and the guard ground conductors 18 can be reduced. More particularly, in the antenna element 10, the plurality of second ground conductors 18a, the plurality of second ground conductors 18b, the plurality of second ground conductors 18c, and the plurality of second ground conductors 18d are positioned at two or more positions with respect to the up-down directions. Thus, the plurality of second ground conductors 18a, the plurality of second ground conductors 18b, the plurality of second ground conductors 18c, and the plurality of second ground conductors 18d include the second ground conductors (such as second ground conductors 18a) that are nearer to the radiation conductor 20 and the second ground conductors (such as second ground conductors 18d) that are farther from the radiation conductor 20. Therefore, a capacitance generated between the second ground conductors (such as the second ground conductors 18d) that are farther from the radiation conductor 20 and the radiation conductor 20 is smaller than a capacitance generated between the second ground conductors (such as the second ground conductors 18a) that are nearer to the radiation conductor 20 and the radiation conductor 20. In this manner, in the guard ground conductors 18, a portion where it is difficult for the capacitance between the guard ground conductors 18 and the radiation conductor 20 to be generated is formed. Thus, according to the exemplary antenna element 10, the capacitance between the radiation conductor 20 and the guard ground conductors 18 can be reduced. With reduction in the capacitance between the radiation conductor 20 and the guard ground conductors 18, Q-value of the antenna element 10 increases. Accordingly, gain of the antenna element 10 is improved.
In the antenna element 10, the plurality of second ground conductors 18a, the plurality of second ground conductors 18b, the plurality of second ground conductors 18c, and the plurality of second ground conductors 18d overlap one another and thereby form the loop that makes the circuit of the radiation conductor 20, as seen in the up-down directions. Thus, the radiation angle of the high-frequency signals radiated from the antenna element 10 is further narrowed. According to the exemplary antenna element 10, consequently, the directivity of the patch antenna is further improved.
According to the exemplary antenna element 10, damages to the main body 12 at time of thermal compression bonding of the main body 12 are reduced. More particularly, in the antenna element 10, the plurality of interlayer connection conductors v5 are not aligned with the plurality of interlayer connection conductors v4 in the up-down directions. That is, the interlayer connection conductors v5 electrically connect the first ground conductor 16 and the second ground conductors 18d. The plurality of interlayer connection conductors v5 each do not overlap with the plurality of interlayer connection conductors v4 connected to the plurality of second ground conductors 18d to which the plurality of interlayer connection conductors v5 are connected, as seen in the up-down directions. Thus, according to the exemplary antenna element 10, the damages to the main body 12 at the time of the thermal compression bonding of the main body 12 are reduced.
Hereinbelow, an exemplary antenna element 10a according to a first modification will be described with reference to the drawing.
The antenna element 10a differs from the antenna element 10 in that the antenna element 10a further includes a plurality of floating conductors 19a, a plurality of floating conductors 19b, a plurality of floating conductors 19c, and a plurality of floating conductors 19d that are not electrically connected to the guard ground conductors 18. Potential of the plurality of floating conductors 19a, potential of the plurality of floating conductors 19b, potential of the plurality of floating conductors 19c, and potential of the plurality of floating conductors 19d are each floating potentials. In the present exemplary embodiment, the plurality of floating conductors 19a, the plurality of floating conductors 19b, the plurality of floating conductors 19c, and the plurality of floating conductors 19d are not connected to other conductors.
The plurality of floating conductors 19a are positioned on the upper main surface of the insulator layer 14a. The plurality of floating conductors 19a are each positioned between the plurality of second ground conductors 18a, as seen in the up-down directions. Thus, the plurality of second ground conductors 18a and the plurality of floating conductors 19a are arranged on a track that makes a circuit of the radiation conductor 20 as seen in the up-down directions. Further, the plurality of floating conductors 19a overlap with the plurality of respective second ground conductors 18b, as seen in the up-down directions.
The plurality of floating conductors 19b are positioned on the upper main surface of the insulator layer 14b. The plurality of floating conductors 19b are each positioned between the plurality of second ground conductors 18b, as seen in the up-down directions. Thus, the plurality of second ground conductors 18b and the plurality of floating conductors 19b are arranged on a track that makes a circuit of the radiation conductor 20, as seen in the up-down directions. Further, the plurality of floating conductors 19b overlap with the plurality of respective second ground conductors 18a and the plurality of respective second ground conductors 18c, as seen in the up-down directions.
The plurality of floating conductors 19c are positioned on the upper main surface (first main surface) of the insulator layer 14c (first insulator layer). The plurality of floating conductors 19c are each positioned between the plurality of second ground conductors 18c, as seen in the up-down directions. Thus, the plurality of second ground conductors 18c (third ground conductors) and the plurality of floating conductors 19c are arranged on a track that makes a circuit of the radiation conductor 20, as seen in the up-down directions. Further, the plurality of floating conductors 19c overlap with the plurality of respective second ground conductors 18b and the plurality of respective second ground conductors 18d (fourth ground conductors), as seen in the up-down directions.
The plurality of floating conductors 19d are positioned on the upper main surface of the insulator layer 14d. The plurality of floating conductors 19d are each positioned between the plurality of second ground conductors 18d, as seen in the up-down directions. Thus, the plurality of second ground conductors 18d and the plurality of floating conductors 19d are arranged on a track that makes a circuit of the radiation conductor 20, as seen in the up-down directions. Further, the plurality of floating conductors 19d overlap with the plurality of respective second ground conductors 18c, as seen in the up-down directions.
The other structures of the antenna element 10a are the same as those of the antenna element 10 and description thereof is therefore omitted. The antenna element 10a is capable of achieving the same function effects that the antenna element 10 achieves.
According to the exemplary antenna element 10a, intrusion of noises into the antenna element 10a and radiation of noises from the antenna element 10a are reduced. More particularly, the plurality of second ground conductors 18a and the plurality of floating conductors 19a are arranged on the track that makes the circuit of the radiation conductor 20, as seen in the up-down directions. Thus, noises that are to intrude into the antenna element 10a are absorbed by the plurality of floating conductors 19a in addition to the plurality of second ground conductors 18a. Similarly, noises that are to be radiated from the antenna element 10a are absorbed by the plurality of floating conductors 19a in addition to the plurality of second ground conductors 18a. Accordingly, the intrusion of noises into the antenna element 10a and the radiation of noises from the antenna element 10a are reduced.
Hereinbelow, an exemplary antenna element 10b according to a second modification will be described with reference to the drawing.
The antenna element 10b differs from the antenna element 10 in shapes of the second ground conductors 18a to 18d. The second ground conductors 18a to 18d overlap one another and thereby form a loop that is rectangular, as seen in the up-down directions. The second ground conductors 18a to 18d each make one side of the loop that is rectangular. More particularly, the second ground conductor 18a makes a left short side of a rectangle. The second ground conductor 18b makes a front long side of the rectangle. The second ground conductor 18c makes a right short side of the rectangle. The second ground conductor 18d makes a back long side of the rectangle.
The interlayer connection conductor v2 electrically connects a front end portion of the second ground conductor 18a and a left end portion of the second ground conductor 18b. The interlayer connection conductor v3 electrically connects a right end portion of the second ground conductor 18b and a back end portion of the second ground conductor 18c. The interlayer connection conductor v4 electrically connects the back end portion of the second ground conductor 18c and a right end portion of the second ground conductor 18d. The interlayer connection conductor v5 electrically connects a left end portion of the second ground conductor 18d and the first ground conductor 16.
The other structures of the antenna element 10b are the same as those of the antenna element 10 and description thereof is therefore omitted. The antenna element 10b is capable of achieving the same function effects that the antenna element 10 achieves.
Hereinbelow, an exemplary antenna element 10c according to a third modification will be described with reference to the drawing.
The antenna element 10c differs from the antenna element 10b in shapes of the second ground conductors 18a to 18d. The second ground conductors 18a to 18d overlap one another and thereby form a loop that is rectangular, as seen in the up-down directions. The second ground conductors 18a to 18d each make two sides of the loop that is rectangular. More particularly, the second ground conductor 18a makes a left short side and a front long side of a rectangle. The second ground conductor 18b makes a right short side and a back long side of the rectangle. The second ground conductor 18c makes the left short side and the front long side of the rectangle. The second ground conductor 18d makes the right short side and the back long side of the rectangle.
The other structures of the antenna element 10c are the same as those of the antenna element 10b and description thereof is therefore omitted. The antenna element 10c is capable of achieving the same function effects that the antenna element 10b achieves.
Hereinbelow, an exemplary antenna element 10d according to a fourth modification will be described with reference to the drawing.
The antenna element 10d differs from the antenna element 10c in that the guard ground conductors 18 include a plurality of interlayer connection conductors v5. The plurality of interlayer connection conductors v5 (second interlayer connection conductors) pierce the insulator layer 14d in the up-down directions. The plurality of interlayer connection conductors v5 (second interlayer connection conductors) electrically connect the first ground conductor 16 and the second ground conductor 18d.
The other structures of the antenna element 10d are the same as those of the antenna element 10c and description thereof is therefore omitted. The antenna element 10d is capable of achieving the same function effects that the antenna element 10c achieves.
Hereinbelow, an exemplary antenna element 10e according to a fifth modification will be described with reference to the drawing.
The antenna element 10e differs from the antenna element 10b in shapes of the second ground conductors 18a to 18d. The second ground conductors 18a to 18d overlap one another and thereby form a loop that is rectangular, as seen in the up-down directions. The second ground conductors 18a to 18d each make three sides of the loop that is rectangular. More particularly, the second ground conductor 18a makes a left short side, a front long side, and a right short side of a rectangle. The second ground conductor 18b makes a back long side, the left short side, and the front long side of the rectangle. The second ground conductor 18c makes the right short side, the back long side, and the left short side of the rectangle. The second ground conductor 18d makes the front long side and the right short side, and the back long side of the rectangle.
The other structures of the antenna element 10e are the same as those of the antenna element 10b and description thereof is therefore omitted. The antenna element 10e is capable of achieving the same function effects that the antenna element 10b achieves.
Hereinbelow, an exemplary antenna element 10f according to a sixth modification will be described with reference to the drawing.
The antenna element 10f differs from the antenna element 10 in that the antenna element 10f further includes interlayer connection conductors v11 and v12. In the antenna element 10f, the interlayer connection conductors v11 and v12 pierce the insulator layers 14a to 14d in the up-down directions. The interlayer connection conductors v11 and v12 electrically connect the radiation conductor 20 and the first ground conductor 16. Thus, the antenna element 10f includes an inverted F antenna.
The other structures of the antenna element 10f are the same as those of the antenna element 10 and description thereof is therefore omitted. The antenna element 10f is capable of achieving the same function effects that the antenna element 10 achieves.
Miniaturization of the antenna element 10f can be developed because the antenna element 10f includes the inverted F antenna.
Hereinbelow, an exemplary antenna element 10g according to a seventh modification will be described with reference to the drawing.
The antenna element 10g differs from the antenna element 10 in that the antenna element 10g does not include the insulator layers 14c and 14d, the plurality of second ground conductors 18c, and the plurality of second ground conductors 18d. Accordingly, in a loop-like track that makes a circuit of the radiation conductor 20 as seen in the up-down directions, portions where the plurality of second ground conductors 18a and the plurality of second ground conductors 18b are not positioned exist. That is, a plurality of pairs of a second ground conductor 18a and a second ground conductor 18b are arranged at equal intervals.
The other structures of the antenna element 10g are the same as those of the antenna element 10 and description thereof is therefore omitted. The antenna element 10g is capable of achieving the same function effects that the antenna element 10 achieves.
Hereinbelow, an exemplary antenna element 10h according to an eighth modification will be described with reference to the drawing.
The antenna element 10h differs from the antenna element 10 in that the guard ground conductors 18 further include a fifth ground conductor 30 in place of the plurality of second ground conductors 18d. The fifth ground conductor 30 overlaps with the plurality of second ground conductors 18a, the plurality of second ground conductors 18b, and the plurality of second ground conductors 18c, as seen in the up-down directions. The fifth ground conductor 30 has a loop-like shape as seen in the up-down directions.
The other structures of the antenna element 10h are the same as those of the antenna element 10 and description thereof is therefore omitted. The antenna element 10h is capable of achieving the same function effects that the antenna element 10 achieves.
Hereinbelow, an exemplary antenna element 10i according to a ninth modification will be described with reference to the drawings.
In the antenna element 10i, the plurality of interlayer connection conductors v2 electrically connect one overlapping portion P1a of the second ground conductor 18a and one overlapping portion P1b-1 of the second ground conductor 18b that adjoin in the up-down directions.
The other structures of the antenna element 10i are the same as those of the antenna element 10 and description thereof is therefore omitted. The antenna element 10i is capable of achieving the same function effects that the antenna element 10 achieves.
Antenna elements according to the present disclosure are not limited to the exemplary antenna elements 10 and 10a to 10i and may be modified within a range of purport thereof. Further, structures of the antenna elements 10 and 10a to 10i may be combined arbitrarily.
Incidentally, in the antenna elements 10 and 10a to 10i, it is not necessary for the plurality of second ground conductors to overlap one another and to thereby form the loop that makes a circuit of the radiation conductor 20, as seen in the up-down directions. Accordingly, the plurality of second ground conductors may exist partially around the radiation conductor 20 as seen in the up-down directions. For instance, the second ground conductors 18c and 18d may be absent from the antenna element 10b.
Incidentally, it is sufficient if the number of the floating conductors is one or more.
Incidentally, it is sufficient if the number of the second ground conductors 18c (third ground conductors) is one or more.
Incidentally, it is sufficient if the number of the second ground conductors 18d (fourth ground conductors) is one or more.
Incidentally, it is sufficient if the number of the interlayer connection conductors v4 (first interlayer connection conductors) is one or more.
Incidentally, it is sufficient if the number of the interlayer connection conductors v5 (second interlayer connection conductors) is one or more.
Incidentally, the downward direction may be the first direction DIR1 and the upward direction may be the second direction DIR2.
Incidentally, a portion of the guard ground conductors 18 may overlap with the first ground conductor 16 as seen in the up-down directions.
Incidentally, the antenna elements 10 and 10a to 10i may include a monopole antenna instead of the patch antenna or the inverted F antenna.
Incidentally, in the antenna elements 10 and 10a to 10i, it is sufficient if at least a portion of a plurality of second ground conductors positioned in the same layer with respect to the up-down directions are arranged at equal intervals as seen in the up-down directions.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021-133496 | Aug 2021 | JP | national |
This application is a continuation of International Application No. PCT/JP2022/028460, filed Jul. 22, 2022, and which claims priority to Japanese Application No. 2021-133496, filed Aug. 18, 2021. The entire contents of all prior applications are hereby incorporated by reference.
| Number | Name | Date | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7812767 | Seki | Oct 2010 | B2 |
| 8976068 | Hamabe | Mar 2015 | B2 |
| 20170279191 | Yosui | Sep 2017 | A1 |
| 20190252781 | Isayama | Aug 2019 | A1 |
| Number | Date | Country |
|---|---|---|
| 2004-312546 | Nov 2004 | JP |
| 2009-100253 | May 2009 | JP |
| 2009-206781 | Sep 2009 | JP |
| 2011-040703 | Feb 2011 | JP |
| 2018-182501 | Nov 2018 | JP |
| 2006028136 | Mar 2006 | WO |
| 2022064864 | Mar 2022 | WO |
| Entry |
|---|
| International Search Report and Written Opinion mailed on Oct. 4, 2022, received for PCT Application PCT/JP2022/028460, filed on Jul. 22, 2022, 8 pages including English Translation. |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20230378651 A1 | Nov 2023 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | PCT/JP2022/028460 | Jul 2022 | WO |
| Child | 18364477 | US |
