The present invention relates to a wide bandwidth antenna.
For example, JP-A-57-142003 discloses the following antennas. That is, it discloses a monopole antenna in which a flat-plate type radiation element 1001 having a disc shape is erected vertically to an earth plate or the ground 1002 as shown in
In addition, JP-A-55-4109 discloses the following antennas, for example. That is, a sheet-type elliptical antenna 1006 is erected vertically to a refection surface 1007 so that the major axis thereof is parallel to the reflection surface 1007, and power supply is carried out through a coaxial power feeder 1008, as shown in
Besides, a monopole antenna as shown in
The aforementioned antennas pertain to a monopole antenna in which a flat-plate conductor having various shapes is erected vertically to the ground surface, and a symmetric dipole antenna using two flat-plate conductors having the same shape.
Besides, U.S. Pat. No. 6,351,246 discloses a symmetric dipole antenna having a special shape as shown in
In addition,
Furthermore, US-A-2002-122010A1 discloses an antenna 1020 in which a tapered clearance area 1023 and a driven element 1022 whose feed point 1025 is connected to a transmission line 1024 are provided within a ground element 1021 as shown in
As described above, though various antennas have been hitherto known, the conventional vertical mount type monopole antennas have problems that their sizes are large, and it is difficult to control the antenna characteristic since it is difficult to control the distance between the radiation conductor and the ground surface. Furthermore, the conventional symmetrical type dipole antennas also have a problem that it is difficult to control the antenna characteristic since the radiation conductors have the same shape, thereby it is difficult to control the distance between the radiation conductors.
Besides, the special symmetric dipole antenna described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,351,246 has a problem on the implementation, in which a lot of elements and two kinds of signals, which are supplied to the elements, must be prepared. In addition, the distance between the ground pattern 1103 and the balance elements 1101 and 1102 straightly varies.
In addition, in the glass antenna device for the automobile telephone in JP-A-8-213820, the distance between the radiation pattern and the ground pattern straightly changes. This publication does not disclose that this distance is adjusted by a shape of the ground pattern. Moreover, such the glass antenna device for the automobile telephone cannot sufficiently achieve the wide bandwidth. Furthermore, there is no disclosure as to processing an external form of the ground pattern.
In addition, though the antenna of US-A-2002-122010A1 aims at miniaturization, the structure that the driven element is provided within the ground element cannot achieve the sufficient miniaturization because of the shape of the ground element. Besides, the shape of the ground element does not have a tapered shape with respect to the driven element.
In view of the foregoing problems, an object of the present invention is to provide an antenna having a novel shape that can be miniaturized and widened in bandwidth.
Furthermore, another object of the present invention is to provide an antenna having a novel shape that can be miniaturized and make it easy to control the antenna characteristic.
An antenna according to a first aspect of the invention comprises a ground pattern; and a planar element, which has a feed point and is juxtaposed with the ground pattern, and the planar element has a trimmed portion (may also be called as a continuous varying portion, for example) causing to continuously change a distance between the planar element and the ground pattern.
Since it becomes possible to appropriately adjust the coupling degree between the ground pattern and the planar element by juxtaposing the ground pattern with the planar element and providing the aforementioned trimmed portion, the wide bandwidth is achieved. In addition, the aforementioned trimmed portion may be formed from the feed point toward a side opposite to the ground pattern. Moreover, the planar element and the ground pattern may be formed extending along counter directions respectively.
Furthermore, the ground pattern may be disposed without surrounding the planar element. By disposing the ground pattern and the planar element in the aforementioned positional relationship, the entire antenna can also be miniaturized.
Incidentally, at the aforementioned trimmed portion, the distance with the ground pattern may be gradually increased as being farther away from the feed point of the planar element. Besides, at least a part of the aforementioned trimmed portion may be composed of an arc.
Moreover, at least a part of the edge portion other than the trimmed portion may be formed so as to be opposite to the ground pattern side of the planar element or so as not to face the ground pattern. For example, by separating into the ground pattern side and the planar element side, the miniaturization can be achieved. Thus, if the planar element side and the ground pattern side are separated, other parts (for example, a RF (Radio Frequency) circuitry) can be mounted on the ground pattern, thereby the miniaturization can entirely be achieved.
In addition, the aforementioned ground pattern may be formed so as to have an opening for at least a part of the edge portion other than the trimmed portion. The external form of the ground pattern is adjusted according to various factors; however, the ground pattern may be formed so as not to be directly opposite to at least a part of the edge portion other than the trimmed portion.
Furthermore, the planar element may have a cut-out portion formed at the edge portion opposite to the ground pattern side of the planar element. The cut-out portion may be formed from the edge portion farthest from the feed point toward the ground pattern side. This achieves the miniaturization of the planar element and the improvement of the characteristic in the low frequency range.
Incidentally, at least a part of the edge portion including the cut-out portion may be formed at a position that is not opposite to the ground pattern.
In addition, a tapered shape with respect to the feed point of the planar element may be formed at the ground pattern. This is because the coupling degree between the ground pattern and the planar element is adjusted to widen the bandwidth.
Incidentally, the planar element may be symmetric with respect to a straight line passing through the feed point of the planar element. In addition, the distance between the ground pattern and the planar element may be symmetric with respect to the straight line passing the feed point of the planar element.
Furthermore, the planar element may be formed on a dielectric substrate and the distance with the ground pattern may be saturatedly increased at the trimmed portion as being farther away from the feed point of the planar element.
Incidentally, the planar element may be formed on a resin substrate.
An antenna according to a second aspect of the invention comprises a ground pattern; and a planar element that has a feed point and whose edge portion opposite to the ground pattern has a trimmed portion that makes a distance with the ground pattern vary and is composed of at least either one of a curved line and line segments which are connected while their inclinations are changed stepwise, and the ground pattern is disposed without fully surrounding the edge portion of the planar element, and the planar element and the ground pattern are disposed without complete overlap with each other, and both planes thereof are parallel or substantially parallel to each other. The plane of the ground pattern and the plane of the planar element are disposed in a non-opposite state, and both the planes are parallel or substantially parallel to each other.
An antenna according to a third aspect of the invention comprises a ground pattern; and a planar element that has a feed point and whose edge portion opposite to the ground pattern has a trimmed portion at which a distance with the ground pattern is gradually increased from the feed point, and the ground pattern is juxtaposed with the planar element without fully surrounding the edge portion of the planar element.
Preferred embodiments according to the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
The structure of an antenna according to a first embodiment of the present invention is shown in
Moreover, the planar element 1 and the ground pattern 2 are designed symmetrically with respect to a line 4 passing through the feed point 1a. Accordingly, the shortest distance from any point on the arc of the planar element 1 to the ground pattern 2 is also designed to be symmetrical with respect to the line 4. That is, if the distance from the line 4 to each of two points on the arc of the planar element 1 is the same, the shortest distances D1 and D2 from each of the two points on the arc of the planar element 1 to the ground pattern 2 are the same.
In this embodiment, a side 2a of the ground pattern 2 opposite to the edge of the planar element 1 is a line. Accordingly, the shortest distance between an arbitrary point on the downward arc of the planar element 1 and the side 2a of the ground pattern 2 increases curvedly along the arc as being farther away from the feed point 1a.
Moreover, according to this embodiment, the planar element 1 is disposed on the center line 5 of the ground pattern 2 as shown in
Incidentally, in this embodiment, the ground pattern 2 is formed without surrounding the planar element 1, and the antenna is separated into the ground pattern 2 side and the planar element 1 side up and down. In other words, they extend along counter directions respectively. That is, though the size of a certain degree is necessary, the ground pattern 2 can be formed regardless of the size of the planar element 1. Further, by providing an electrical insulation layer, other parts can be mounted on the ground pattern 2. Accordingly, the substantial size of the antenna is determined according to the size of the planar element 1. In addition, the upward arc of the planar element 1, which is opposite to the downward arc, is an edge portion that does not directly face the ground pattern 2, and though it depends on the installation place or the like, at least a part of this portion is not surrounded by the ground pattern 2, and is disposed so as to face toward a direction of an opening provided at the ground pattern 2.
As for the operation principle of the antenna shown in
Moreover, comparing with a case where the disc is erected vertically to the ground surface, there is an effect in which the bandwidth can be further widened.
Incidentally, the planar element 1 of this embodiment may be considered as a radiation conductor of a monopole antenna. On the other hand, since the ground pattern 2 of the antenna of this embodiment partially contributes to radiation, the antenna of this embodiment is also considered as a dipole antenna. However, since the dipole antenna normally uses two radiation conductors having the same shape, the antenna of this embodiment may be called as an asymmetrical dipole antenna. Furthermore, the antenna of this embodiment is considered as a traveling wave antenna. Such considerations can be applied to all the embodiments described below.
The structure of an antenna according to a second embodiment of the present invention is shown in
Besides, the planar element 11 and the ground pattern 12 are symmetrical with respect to a straight line 14 passing through the feed point 11a. Furthermore, the length (hereinafter referred to as “distance”) of a line segment extending from any point on the arc of the planar element 11 to the ground pattern 12 in parallel with the line 14 is also symmetric with respect to the line 14. That is, if the distances from the straight line 14 are the same, the distances D11 and D12 extending from any point of the arc of the planar element 11 to the ground pattern are the same.
In this embodiment, sides 12a and 12b of the ground pattern 12, which face the planar element 11, are inclined so that the distance between the planar element 11 and the ground pattern 12 is further gradually increased as being farther away from the straight line 14. That is, at the ground pattern 12, a tapered shape is formed with respect to the feed point 11a of the planar element 11. Therefore, the distance between the planar element 11 and the ground pattern 12 is gradually and curvedly increased more than a curved line defined by the arc of the planar element 11. Incidentally, the inclination of the sides 12a and 12b must be adjusted to obtain the desired antenna characteristic.
Namely, as described in the first embodiment, by changing the distance between the planar element 11 and the ground pattern 12, it is possible to change the capacitance component C in the impedance equivalent circuit of the antenna. As shown in
Also in this embodiment, the ground pattern 12 is formed without surrounding the planar element 11 and the antenna is separated into the ground pattern 12 side and the planar element 11 side up and down. In other words, they extend along counter directions respectively. In addition, the upward arc of the planar element 11, which is opposite to the downward arc, is an edge portion that does not directly face the ground pattern 12, and though it depends on the installation place or the like, at least a part of this portion is not surrounded by the ground pattern 12.
Incidentally, according to this embodiment, the planar element 11 and the ground pattern 12 are disposed on the same plane like the first embodiment. However, they are not necessarily located on the same plane, and they may be disposed so that the planes thereof are parallel or substantially parallel to each other.
The structure of an antenna according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention is shown in
Moreover, the planar element 21 and the ground pattern 22 are designed symmetrically with respect to a line 24 passing through the feed point 21a. Accordingly, the shortest distance from any point on the arc of the planar element 21 to the ground pattern 22 is also designed to be symmetrical with respect to the line 24. That is, if the distance from the line 24 to each of two points on the arc of the planar element 21 is the same, the shortest distance from each of the two points on the arc of the planar element 21 to the ground pattern 22 is the same.
In this embodiment, a side 22a of the ground pattern 22 opposite to the edge of the planar element 21 is a straight line. Accordingly, the shortest distance between arbitrary point on the arc of the planar element 21 and the side 22a of the ground pattern 22 increases curvedly along the arc as being farther away from the feed point 21a.
Moreover, in this embodiment, the planar element 21 and the ground pattern 22 are located on the same plane similarly to the first embodiment. However, they are not necessarily located on the same plane, and they may be disposed so that the planes thereof are parallel or substantially parallel to each other.
Also in this embodiment, the ground pattern 22 is formed without surrounding the planar element 21, and the antenna is separated into the ground pattern 22 side and the planar element 21 side up and down. In other words, they extend along counter directions respectively. In addition, the straight line of the planar element 21, which is opposite to the downward arc, is an edge portion that does not directly face the ground pattern 22, and though it depends on the installation place or the like, an opening toward the outside of the antenna is formed at the ground pattern 22 for at least a part of this portion.
The frequency characteristic of the antenna in this embodiment can be controlled by the radius of the planar element 21 and the distance between the planar element 21 and the ground pattern 22. By the radius of the planar element 21, the lower limit frequency is almost determined. Incidentally, similarly to the second embodiment, it is possible to change a form of the ground pattern 22 so as to be tapered. The wide bandwidth is achieved also in this antenna of this embodiment.
The structure of an antenna according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention is shown in
The planar element 31 and the ground pattern 32 are designed symmetrically with respect to a line 34 passing through the feed point 31a, and also the cut-out portion 35 is designed to be symmetrical with respect to the line 34. Furthermore, the shortest distance from any point on the arc of the planar element 31 to the ground pattern 32 is also symmetrical with respect to the line 34. That is, if the distance from the line 34 to each of two points on the arc of the planar element 31 is the same, the shortest distance from each of the two points on the arc of the planar element 31 to the ground pattern 32 is the same.
In this embodiment, a side 32a of the ground pattern 32 opposite to the edge of the planar element 31 is a line. Accordingly, the shortest distance between arbitrary point on the arc of the planar element 31 and the side 32a of the ground pattern 32 gradually increases curvedly along the arc as being farther away from the feed point 31a.
Moreover, the side of the antenna according to this embodiment is the same as
Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the planar element 31 is disposed so that the edge portion of the planar element 31 other than the cut-out portion 35 provided in the planar element 31 is opposite to the edge of the ground pattern 32. On the contrary, the edge portion of the planar element 1 at which the cut-out portion 35 is provided is not opposite to the edge of the ground pattern 32, and also is not surrounded by the ground pattern 32. That is, since the planar element 31 portion and the ground pattern 32 portion are clearly separated from each other up and down, it is unnecessary to provide an useless area of the ground pattern 32 and the miniaturization is facilitated. In addition, if the ground pattern 32 portion and the planar element 31 portion are separated from each other, other parts can be mounted on the ground pattern 32, thereby the miniaturization can be also enhanced as the entire communication device.
Next, the operation principle of the antenna according to this embodiment is considered. Since the basic shape of the planar element is changed from the circular shape to the semicircular shape, the length of the current path is shorter than in the case where the circular planar element is used. Though some current paths are longer than the radius of the circle, the frequency at which the length of the radius of the circle corresponds to the quarter wavelength is almost equal to the lower limit frequency. Therefore, there occurs a problem that the characteristic especially in the low frequency range is lowered due to the effect of the miniaturization.
Therefore, by providing the cut-out portion 35 for the planar element 31 like this embodiment, the current is prevented from linearly flowing from the feed point 31a to the top portion 31b by the cut-out portion 35, and detours around the cut-out portion 35 as shown in
With respect to the antenna of this embodiment, the antenna characteristic can be controlled by the shape of the cut-out portion 35 and the distance between the planar element 31 and the ground pattern 32. However, it has been known that it is impossible to control the antenna characteristic by the cut-out portion in such an antenna that a radiation conductor is erected vertically to the ground surface like the background art (see the non-patent document 1). On the other hand, if the planar element 31 and the ground pattern 32 are juxtaposed with each other like this embodiment, the antenna characteristic can be controlled by the cut-out portion 35.
As described above, there is not only an effect that the distance between the planar element 31 and the ground pattern 32 can be easily controlled, but also an effect that the bandwidth can be stably widened by the “juxtaposition” of the planar element 31 and the ground pattern 32. In addition, the planar element 1 can be miniaturized by the cut-out portion 35.
Incidentally, it is not shown, but the shape of the portion of the ground pattern 32, which is opposite to the edge of the planar element 31, may be changed so as to be tapered. The shape can control the antenna characteristic as well as the shape of the cut-out portion 35 in a desired style.
Furthermore, the shape of the cut-out portion 35 is not limited to the rectangular shape. For example, an inverted triangular cut-out portion 35 may be used. In this case, the feed point 31a and one apex of the inverted triangle are arranged to be located on the line 34. Still furthermore, the cut-out portion 35 may be designed in a trapezoidal shape. In the case of the trapezoid, if the bottom side is designed to be longer than the top side, the detour length at which the current path detours around the cut-out portion 35 is increased. Accordingly, the current path in the planar element 31 can be more increased. The corners of the cut-out portion 35 may be rounded.
The antenna according to the fifth embodiment comprises the planar element 41, the ground pattern 42 juxtaposed with the planar element 41, and a high-frequency power source connected to the planar element 41. The high-frequency power source is omitted from the illustration of
Also in this embodiment, the ground pattern 42 is formed without surrounding the planar element 41, and the antenna is separated into the ground pattern 42 side and the planar element 41 side up and down. In other words, they extend along counter directions respectively. In addition, the cut-out portion 45 and the top portion 41d of the planar element 41 are edge portions that is not directly opposite to the ground pattern 42, and though it depends on the installation place or the like, an opening toward the outside of the antenna is formed at the ground pattern 42 for at least a part of this portion.
The ground pattern 42 is equipped with a recess 47 in which the projecting portion 41a of the planar element 41 is accommodated. Accordingly, the side 42a opposite to the curved portion 41b of the planar element 41 is not straight, but is divided into two sides. The antenna according to this embodiment is designed to be symmetrical with respect to the line 44 passing through the center of the projecting portion 41a, which is the feed position. That is, the cut-out portion 45 is also symmetrical. The distance between the curved line 41b of the planar element 41 and the side 42a of the ground pattern 42 is gradually increased as being farther away from the line 44.
Incidentally, the shape of the cut-out portion 45 is not limited to the rectangle, and the shape of the cut-out portion as described with respect to the fourth embodiment may be adopted.
Besides, the planar element 51 and the ground pattern 52 are symmetrical with respect to a straight line 54 passing through the feed point 51a. Besides, a length (hereinafter referred to as a distance) of a line segment extending from a point on the sides 51c, 51d and 51e of the planar element 51 to the ground pattern 52 in parallel to the straight line 54 is symmetrical with respect to the straight line 54. That is, when lengths from the straight line 54 are identical, the distances become identical.
In this embodiment, a side 52a of the ground pattern 52 facing the dielectric substrate 55 is a straight line. Accordingly, the distance is gradually increased as an arbitrary point on the sides 51c, 51d and 51e moves on the sides 51c, 51d and 51e. That is, as the arbitrary point moves away from the straight line 54, the distance is increased.
Although a polygonal line constituted by connecting the sides 51c, 51d and 51e is not a curved line, the inclination of each side is changed stepwise so that the distance is increased to become saturated. In other words, when the point moves away from the straight line 54 along the polygonal line, although the distance is rapidly increased at first, the increase rate is gradually decreased. That is, the shape is such that shaving is performed inward from a straight line connecting an end point of the top portion 51f and an end point of the bottom side 51b, which are positioned at the same side when viewed from the straight line 54.
In this embodiment, the side edge portion of the planar element opposite to the side 52a of the ground pattern 52 is constituted by the three line segments 51c, 51d and 51e. However, as long as the condition that the distance is increased to become saturated is satisfied, the shape of the inclined sides is not limited to this. Instead of the sides 51c, 51d and 51e, a polygonal line constituted by an arbitrary number of line segments not less than two may be adopted. Besides, instead of the sides 51c, 51d and 51e, the side edge portion may be a curved line convex upwardly with respect to the straight line connecting the end point of the top portion 51f and the end point of the bottom side 51b, which are positioned at the same side when viewed from the straight line 54. That is, when viewed from the planar element 51, the curved line is convex inwardly.
Even when any shape is adopted, as the point moves away from the straight line 54 along the sides 1c, 1d and 1e, the distance continuously varies, and by the existence of the continuous varying portion, a continuous resonance characteristic can be obtained at the lower limit frequency or higher.
As stated above, when the planar element 51 is formed so as to be covered with the dielectric substrate 55, the state of an electromagnetic field around the planar element 51 is changed by the dielectric. Specifically, since an effect of increasing the density of the electric field in the dielectric and a wavelength shortening effect can be obtained, the planar element 51 can be miniaturized. Besides, by these effects, a lift-off angle of a current path is changed, and an inductance component L and a capacitance component C in an impedance equivalent circuit of the antenna are changed. That is, a great influence occurs on the impedance characteristic. When the shape is optimized so as to obtain a desired impedance characteristic in the bandwidth from 4.9 GHz to 5.8 GHz in consideration of the influence on this impedance characteristic, the shape as shown in
Besides, the planar element 61 and the ground pattern 62 are symmetrical with respect to a straight line 64 passing through the feed point 61a. Besides, a length (hereinafter referred to as a distance) of a line segment extending from a point on sides 61c, 61d and 61e of the planar element 61 to the ground pattern 62 in parallel to the straight line 64 is also symmetrical with respect to the straight line 64. That is, when lengths from the straight line 64 are identical, the distances become identical.
In this embodiment, sides 62a and 62b of the ground pattern 62 facing the dielectric substrate 65 are inclined so that as the point moves away from the straight line 64 along the sides 61c, 61d and 61e, the distance between the planar element 61 and the ground pattern 62 becomes long. In this embodiment, the height at the side edge portion of the ground pattern 62 is lower than the height of a cross point of the ground pattern and the straight line 64 by a length L6 (=2 to 3 mm). That is, the ground pattern 62 has a tapered shape formed of the upper edge portions 62a and 62b with respect to the dielectric substrate 65. The structure of the side surface is similar to
It is confirmed that when the sides 62a and 62b of the ground pattern 62 are inclined as in this embodiment, in the bandwidth from 4.9 GHz to 5.8 GHz, the impedance characteristic is better than the antenna of the sixth embodiment.
The structure of an antenna according to the eighth embodiment of the invention is shown in
The planar element 71 has an edge portion connected with the external electrode 75a, a curved line 71b opposite to the side 72a of the ground pattern 72, and a top portion 71c. Incidentally, the dielectric substrate 75 including the planar element 71 is juxtaposed with the ground pattern 72.
Incidentally, in this embodiment, the planar element 71 is formed inside the dielectric substrate 75. That is, the dielectric substrate 75 is formed by laminating ceramic sheets, and the conductive planar element 71 is formed as one layer of the laminate. Accordingly, when the antenna is viewed from the upper side, it is not actually viewed like
Since the recess 77 for accommodating the feed portion 76 is provided for the ground pattern 72, the side 72a opposite to the planar element 71 is not straight, and is divided into two sides. Incidentally, the antenna according to this embodiment is symmetric with respect to a straight line 74 passing through the center of the feed portion 76. The distance between sides 71b of the planar element 71 and the sides 72a becomes longer as being father away along the curved lines of the sides 71b from the straight line 74. This distance is symmetric with respect to the straight line 74. However, since the side 71b is convex inwardly toward the planar element 71, the distance becomes saturated as being farther away from the straight line 74. In other words, as being farther away from the straight line 74, although the distance rapidly increases at first, the increase rate is gradually decreased. Incidentally, the structure of the side surface is almost similar to that shown in
Also in this embodiment, the ground pattern 72 does not surround the dielectric substrate 75 including the planar element 71, and the ground pattern 72 side and the dielectric substrate 75 side are separated form each other up and down.
The planar element 81 is equipped with the projecting portion 81a connected to the external electrode 86a, a curved line portion 81b opposite to a side 82a of the ground pattern 82, arm portions 81c for securing current paths for low frequencies, and a rectangular cut-out portion 85 formed so as to concave from the top portion 81d toward the ground pattern 82. The dielectric substrate 86 containing the planar element 81 is juxtaposed with the ground pattern 82.
Incidentally, in this embodiment, the planar element 81 is formed inside the dielectric substrate 86. That is, the dielectric substrate 86 is formed by laminating ceramic sheets, and the conductive planar element 81 is formed as one layer of the laminate. Accordingly, when viewed from the upper side, the planar element 81 is not actually viewed like
The ground pattern 82 is provided with the recess 87 for accommodating the feed portion 88. Therefore, the sides 82a opposite to the curved portion of the planar element 81 are not straight, but divided into two segments. The antenna according to this embodiment is symmetrical with respect to a line 84 passing through the center of the feed portion 88. The rectangular cut-out portion 85 is also symmetrical with respect to the line 84. The distance between the curved lines 81b of the planar element 81 and the sides 82a of the ground pattern 82 is gradually increased as being farther away from the line 84 along with the curved line 81b, and it is symmetric with respect to the line 84. The structure of the side surface is almost the same as
Also in this embodiment, the ground pattern 82 is formed without surrounding the dielectric substrate 86 including the planar element 81 and the antenna is separated into the ground pattern 82 side and the dielectric substrate 86 side up and down.
Though the embodiments of the present invention were explained, this invention is not limited to these embodiments. For example, though the shape of the cut-out portion of the planar element is indicated to be a rectangle as a typical example, it may be designed in a trapezoidal shape or other polygonal shape. The corners of the cut-out portion may be rounded. As for the tapered shape of the ground pattern, it may be composed of lines other than the segments. Moreover, though an example in which a recess for accommodating an electrode for feeding is provided was explained, it is unnecessary to form an acute angle to the tip of the ground pattern.
In addition, though an example in which the edge portion of the planar element is composed of downwardly convex arcs was mainly explained, it may be composed of downwardly convex line segments which are connected while their inclinations are changed stepwise.
Although the present invention has been described with respect to a specific preferred embodiment thereof, various change and modifications may be suggested to one skilled in the art, and it is intended that the present invention encompass such changes and modifications as fall within the scope of the appended claims.
Number | Date | Country | Kind |
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2002-343290 | Nov 2002 | JP | national |
2003-056740 | Mar 2003 | JP | national |
2003-160176 | Jun 2003 | JP | national |
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