EP4668477A1

EP4668477A1 - Antenna device and wireless device

Info

Publication number: EP4668477A1
Application number: EP24756639.1A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Shigehiro KAI
Original assignee: Sony Group Corp
Current assignee: Sony Group Corp
Priority date: 2023-02-15
Filing date: 2024-01-30
Publication date: 2025-12-24
Also published as: JPWO2024171788A1; WO2024171788A1

Abstract

An antenna device of the present disclosure includes a housing, an antenna, and a dielectric. The housing has a first surface at least a part of which is formed of a first member having a first relative dielectric constant. The antenna is disposed inside the housing so as to radiate a radio wave in a millimeter waveband or more from the first member. The dielectric has a second relative dielectric constant smaller than the first relative dielectric constant and is disposed between the antenna and the first member.

Description

Field

The present disclosure relates to an antenna device and a wireless device.

Background

In recent years, a technique for mounting an antenna that radiates a radio wave in a millimeter waveband on a portable terminal such as a smartphone has begun to spread. For example, the radio wave radiated from the antenna is radiated from the back surface of a terminal device. At this time, for example, when the back surface of the terminal device is made of glass, there is a problem that the radiation gain of the antenna is deteriorated.
In order to solve such a problem, there is known a technique for reducing the deterioration of the radiation gain of the antenna by changing the thickness of the glass.

Citation List

Non Patent Literature

Non Patent Literature 1: R. K. Enjiu et al, "Design of 5G mm-Wave Compatible Covers for High End Mobile Phones", NAFEMS World Congress, Quebec City, Canada, June 2019

Summary

Technical Problem

However, there is a problem that the thickness of a portion from which the radio wave is radiated needs to be thicker than the other portions, the manufacturing cost of the glass increases, and the manufacturing cost of the terminal device itself increases.
Therefore, the present disclosure provides a mechanism capable of reducing deterioration of a radiation gain of an antenna while suppressing an increase in manufacturing cost of a terminal device.
Note that the above problem or object is merely one of a plurality of problems or objects that can be solved or achieved by a plurality of embodiments disclosed in the present specification.

Solution to Problem

An antenna device of the present disclosure includes a housing, an antenna, and a dielectric. The housing has a surface at least a part of which is formed of a first member having a first relative dielectric constant. The antenna is disposed inside the housing so as to radiate a radio wave in a millimeter waveband or more from the first member. The dielectric has a second relative dielectric constant smaller than the first relative dielectric constant and is disposed between the antenna and the first member.

Brief Description of Drawings

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of a wireless device according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A1-A1 illustrated in FIG. 1 as viewed in the direction of arrows.
FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining an example of an antenna unit according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a simulation result of the wireless device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a simulation result of the wireless device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating another example of a simulation result of the wireless device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating another example of a simulation result of the wireless device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a cross-sectional view of a wireless device according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a cross-sectional view of a wireless device according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure.

Description of Embodiments

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that in the present specification and the drawings, components having substantially the same functional configuration are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description is omitted.
In addition, in the present specification and the drawings, specific values may be indicated and described, but the values are merely examples, and other values may be applied.
One or a plurality of embodiments (including examples, modifications, and application examples) described below can each be implemented independently. On the other hand, at least some of the plurality of embodiments described below may be implemented by appropriately combining with at least some of other embodiments. The plurality of embodiments may include novel features different from each other. Therefore, the plurality of embodiments can contribute to solving different objects or problems, and can exhibit different effects.

<<1. First Embodiment>>

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of a wireless device 10 according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A1-A1 illustrated in FIG. 1 as viewed in the direction of arrows. Note that hereinafter, XYZ coordinates are illustrated in the drawings. An X-axis direction corresponds to a thickness direction of the wireless device 10. A Y-axis direction corresponds to a lateral direction of the wireless device 10. A Z-axis direction corresponds to a longitudinal direction of the wireless device 10.
In the following description, a surface on which a screen (display) is provided among external appearance surfaces constituting the wireless device 10 may be referred to as a "front surface" for convenience, and a surface opposite to the front surface among the external appearance surfaces constituting the wireless device 10 may be referred to as a "back surface". In addition, in the following description, a side where the "front surface" exists with reference to the inside of the wireless device 10 may be referred to as a "front surface side", and a side where the "back surface" exists with reference to the inside of the wireless device 10 may be referred to as a "back surface side".
The wireless device 10 is, for example, a portable terminal device such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal. Alternatively, the wireless device 10 may be a mobile object such as a drone or a terminal device such as a notebook personal computer (PC). Note that the wireless device 10 is not limited thereto, and may be a wireless base station device (or an antenna device of the wireless base station device). Hereinafter, in order to simplify the description, it is assumed that the wireless device 10 is a smartphone.
The wireless device 10 illustrated in FIG. 1 includes a housing 300, an antenna module 200, and a dielectric 100.

(Housing 300)

A part of one surface (back surface (an example of a surface) in FIG. 1) of the housing 300 of the wireless device 10 is formed of a high dielectric constant member 310. The housing 300 other than the back surface, for example, a side surface of the housing 300 may be formed of a member other than a high dielectric constant member, such as metal. In addition, it is sufficient that at least a part of the back surface is formed of a high dielectric constant member, and the others may be formed of a member other than the high dielectric constant member, such as metal. Note that in FIG. 1, a part of the high dielectric constant member 310 of the housing 300 is illustrated, and the illustration of the others such as the front surface and the side surface is omitted.
For example, the high dielectric constant member 310 of the housing 300 illustrated in FIG. 1 is glass. In the case of glass, the relative dielectric constant of the high dielectric constant member 310 is about 7, which is higher than, for example, a case where the back surface is made of resin.

(Antenna Module 200)

The antenna module 200 is a module for performing wireless communication with another wireless device. The antenna module 200 includes a control unit 210 (an example of a wireless unit) and an antenna unit 220 (an example of an antenna).
The control unit 210 includes a so-called radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC). The antenna unit 220 is disposed inside the housing 300 so as to radiate radio waves from the high dielectric constant member 310.
FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining an example of the antenna unit 220 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 3 illustrates the antenna unit 220 as viewed in the negative direction of the X axis illustrated in FIG. 1. That is, FIG. 3 illustrates the antenna unit 220 as viewed from the high dielectric constant member 310 side.
The antenna unit 220 includes, for example, a main radiation unit 221 having a plurality of patch antennas 222. FIG. 3 illustrates an example in which the antenna unit 220 includes four patch antennas 222A to 222D, but the number of patch antennas 222 is not limited to four. The number of patch antennas 222 may be three or less, or may be five or more.
In the example of FIG. 3, the patch antennas 222A to 222D are arranged in a line in the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) of the antenna unit 220. Power is supplied to each of a side parallel to the Z-axis direction and a side parallel to the Y-axis direction in the patch antennas 222A to 222D.
Each of the patch antennas 222A to 222D transmits and receives a signal of a polarized wave (hereinafter, also referred to as a vertically polarized wave) parallel to the Z axis. Each of the patch antennas 222A to 222D transmits and receives a signal of a polarized wave (hereinafter, also referred to as a horizontally polarized wave) parallel to the Y axis.
Note that the polarization direction of the patch antenna 222 here is an example, and is not limited to the example of FIG. 3. For example, as long as a plurality of polarization directions have a relationship of approximately 90 degrees with each other, the polarized wave may not be parallel or perpendicular to the Z-axis. More specifically, among the plurality of polarization directions in one patch antenna, a first polarization direction may have an angle of -45 degrees with respect to the Z axis, and a second polarization direction may have an angle of +45 degrees with respect to the Z axis. In addition, the patch antenna 222 may be configured to transmit and receive a signal of any one (e.g., any one of the vertically polarized wave and the horizontally polarized wave) of polarized waves of a plurality of angles.
In addition, here, the antenna unit 220 includes the patch antenna 222, but the antenna included in the antenna unit 220 is not limited to the patch antenna 222. It is sufficient that radio waves are radiated from the main radiation unit 221 of the antenna unit 220 to the outside via the high dielectric constant member 310. For example, the antenna unit 220 may include a linear antenna. In addition, the patch antenna 222 does not need to be exposed to the outside of the antenna unit 220, and may be covered with, for example, a dielectric (not illustrated) or the like.
As illustrated in FIG. 2, the control unit 210 is disposed on a surface of the antenna unit 220 opposite to the main radiation unit 221 (the front surface side of the wireless device 10). The control unit 210 is electrically connected to the plurality of patch antennas 222 and controls driving of the patch antennas 222. For example, the control unit 210 can be shielded in order to suppress electrical interference with the antenna unit 220.
In addition, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the antenna unit 220 is disposed such that a distance from the high dielectric constant member 310 to the main radiation unit 221 is d1.
Note that in FIG. 2, the control unit 210 is attached to the surface of the antenna unit 220 opposite to the main radiation unit 221, but the arrangement of the control unit 210 is not limited thereto. The control unit 210 can be disposed at a place away from the antenna unit 220. In this case, the antenna module 200 can be configured to include the antenna unit 220. A device including the housing 300, the antenna unit 220, and the dielectric 100 to be described later is also referred to as an antenna device. In addition, the antenna of the antenna unit 220 may be formed as a conductor pattern of a printed circuit board (e.g., a flexible printed circuit board (Flexible Printed Circuits)). In a case where the control unit 210 and the antenna unit 220 are disposed at places away from each other, the control unit 210 and the antenna unit 220 can be connected to each other using, for example, wiring, a flexible board, or the like.
The antenna module 200 of the present embodiment transmits and/or receives a signal in a millimeter wave band. Note that the millimeter wave band is a frequency band of 30 GHz to 300 GHz.
As another example, the use frequency band used by the antenna module 200 for wireless communication can be a frequency band of 28 GHz (n257, n261), 39 GHz (n260), or 40 GHz or more. Further or alternatively, the use frequency band used by the antenna module 200 for wireless communication may be any one of frequency ranges (FR) 2-1 and 2-2 defined in the 3GPP (registered trademark) standard. Further or alternatively, the use frequency band is not limited to the millimeter wave band. The use frequency band may be a frequency band of the millimeter wave band or more, and may be, for example, a terahertz wave, which is a frequency band of 0.1 to 100 THz.

(Dielectric 100)

As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the wireless device 10 includes the dielectric 100 disposed between the antenna module 200 and the high dielectric constant member 310. The dielectric 100 is a member having a relative dielectric constant higher than that of resin, such as ceramic. The dielectric ratio (an example of a second dielectric ratio) of the dielectric 100 according to the present embodiment is smaller than the dielectric ratio (an example of a first dielectric ratio) of the high dielectric constant member 310.
As illustrated in FIG. 2, the dielectric 100 is disposed such that a distance from the main radiation unit 221 of the antenna unit 220 to one surface of the dielectric 100 is d2. The dielectric 100 is disposed so as to have a gap from the antenna unit 220. In addition, in the example of FIG. 2, the dielectric 100 is disposed such that the other surface opposite to the one surface described above is in contact with the high dielectric constant member 310.
In this manner, since the dielectric 100 is disposed so as to have a gap of d2 between the antenna module 200 and the dielectric 100, the heat of the antenna module 200 is less likely to be transferred to the dielectric 100.
As described above, the antenna module 200 includes the control unit 210 and the antenna unit 220. Further, the antenna module 200 may have a power supply. In this manner, the antenna module 200 has an element that generates heat.
In the wireless device 10 of the present embodiment, by providing the gap between the dielectric 100 and the antenna module 200, the heat of the antenna module 200 is less likely to be transferred to the housing 300 via the dielectric 100.
As a result, the heat generated by the antenna module 200 is less likely to be transmitted to the outside (e.g., a user using the wireless device 10) of the housing 300, and the user can use the wireless device 10 more comfortably.
FIGS. 4 and 5 are diagrams illustrating examples of simulation results of the wireless device 10 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 4 illustrates a simulation result of an antenna peak gain of the wireless device 10 on an XY plane (Phi) in FIG. 1. FIG. 5 illustrates a simulation result of the antenna peak gain of the wireless device 10 on an XZ plane (Theta) in FIG. 1.
In FIGS. 4 and 5, the results of simulations performed while changing the distance (d1) between the main radiation unit 221 of the antenna unit 220 and the high dielectric constant member 310 are illustrated for each frequency band. In FIGS. 4 and 5, the vertical axis represents the peak gain (dB) of the antenna unit 220, and the horizontal axis represents the distance (d1) between the main radiation unit 221 and the high dielectric constant member 310.
Here, results of simulations performed by changing the distance (d1) between the main radiation unit 221 and the high dielectric constant member 310 to λ/2, 3λ/4, and λ of the radio wave radiated by the antenna unit 220 are illustrated. Note that λ is an effective wavelength of the radio wave radiated by the antenna unit 220.
In addition, here, simulation results in a case where the frequency bands of the radio waves radiated by the antenna unit 220 are 25 GHz, 28 GHz, 39 GHz, and 43 GHz are illustrated. Here, the simulation result at 25 GHz is indicated by white circles, and the simulation result at 28 GHz is indicated by black circles. In addition, the simulation result at 39 GHz is indicated by dot hatched circles. The simulation result at 43 GHz is indicated by hatched circles.
In addition, FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate, for comparison, simulation results in the case of only the high dielectric constant member 310 (glass in FIGS. 4 and 5), that is, in a case where the wireless device 10 does not include the dielectric 100.
The high dielectric constant member 310 used in this simulation is glass as described above, and has a relative dielectric constant of 6.84. The thickness of the high dielectric constant member 310 is 0.57 mm. In addition, the relative dielectric constant of the dielectric 100 is 6.15. In addition, the distance (d2) between the dielectric 100 and the main radiation unit 221 is 0.5 mm.
As illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, the radiation gain (antenna peak gain) of the radio wave radiated from the antenna unit 220 is improved in any of the frequency bands as compared with the case of not including the dielectric 100 (only glass).
As illustrated in FIG. 4, for example at 25 GHz, in the case of only glass, the radiation gain on the XY plane (Phi) is about 6.0 dB. When the distance (d1) between the main radiation unit 221 and the high dielectric constant member 310 is λ/2, this radiation gain is about 7.0 dB. In addition, when d1 is 3λ/4, this radiation gain is about 8.0 dB. When d1 is λ, this radiation gain is about 7.8 dB.
As illustrated in FIG. 5, for example at 25 GHz, in the case of only glass, the radiation gain on the XZ plane (Theta) is about 7.4 dB. When the distance (d1) between the main radiation unit 221 and the high dielectric constant member 310 is λ/2, this radiation gain is about 8.1 dB. In addition, when d1 is 3λ/4, this radiation gain is about 8.2 dB. When d1 is λ, this radiation gain is about 8.1 dB.
In addition, as illustrated in FIG. 4, at 28 GHz, in the case of only glass, the radiation gain on the XY plane (Phi) is about 9.2 dB. When the distance (d1) between the main radiation unit 221 and the high dielectric constant member 310 is λ/2, the radiation gain is about 9.9 dB. In addition, when d1 is 3λ/4, the radiation gain is about 9.8 dB, and when d1 is λ, the radiation gain is about 10.1 dB.
As illustrated in FIG. 5, for example at 28 GHz, in the case of only glass, the radiation gain on the XZ plane (Theta) is about 9.2 dB. When the distance (d1) between the main radiation unit 221 and the high dielectric constant member 310 is λ/2, this radiation gain is about 9.9 dB. In addition, when d1 is 3λ/4, this radiation gain is about 9.7 dB. When d1 is λ, this radiation gain is about 10.1 dB.
In addition, as illustrated in FIG. 4, at 39 GHz, in the case of only glass, the radiation gain on the XY plane (Phi) is about 9.0 dB. When the distance (d1) between the main radiation unit 221 and the high dielectric constant member 310 is λ/2, the radiation gain is about 10.2 dB. In addition, when d1 is 3λ/4, the radiation gain is about 11.2 dB, and when d1 is λ, the radiation gain is about 10.3 dB.
As illustrated in FIG. 5, for example at 39 GHz, in the case of only glass, the radiation gain on the XZ plane (Theta) is about 9.0 dB. When the distance (d1) between the main radiation unit 221 and the high dielectric constant member 310 is λ/2, this radiation gain is about 10.2 dB. In addition, when d1 is 3λ/4, this radiation gain is about 11.2 dB. When d1 is λ, this radiation gain is about 10.4 dB.
In addition, as illustrated in FIG. 4, at 43 GHz, in the case of only glass, the radiation gain on the XY plane (Phi) is about 8.8 dB, whereas in a case where the distance (d1) between the main radiation unit 221 and the high dielectric constant member 310 is λ/2, the radiation gain is about 11.1 dB. In addition, when d1 is 3λ/4, the radiation gain is about 10.9 dB, and when d1 is λ, the radiation gain is about 11.0 dB.
As illustrated in FIG. 5, for example at 32 GHz, in the case of only glass, the radiation gain on the XZ plane (Theta) is about 8.7 dB. When the distance (d1) between the main radiation unit 221 and the high dielectric constant member 310 is λ/2, this radiation gain is about 11.0 dB. In addition, when d1 is 3λ/4, this radiation gain is about 10.9 dB. When d1 is λ, this radiation gain is about 11.0 dB.
In this manner, since the wireless device 10 includes the dielectric 100, it is possible to improve the radiation gain as compared with the case of not including the dielectric 100 (only the high dielectric constant member 310).
In addition, the dielectric 100 is a member different from the high dielectric constant member 310. In this manner, the wireless device 10 includes the dielectric 100 as a member different from the high dielectric constant member 310. As a result, the wireless device 10 can be more easily manufactured as compared with a case where the thickness of the high dielectric constant member 310 is changed, and the manufacturing cost of the wireless device 10 can be further reduced.
In addition, since the wireless device 10 includes the dielectric 100 as a member different from the high dielectric constant member 310, the thickness, the relative dielectric constant, and the like of the dielectric 100 can be easily changed. As a result, the wireless device 10 can include the dielectric 100 having a thickness, a relative dielectric constant, and the like with which the radiation gain is further improved according to the radio wave radiated by the antenna unit 220.
FIGS. 6 and 7 are diagrams illustrating other examples of simulation results of the wireless device 10 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 6 illustrates a simulation result of the antenna peak gain of the wireless device 10 on the XY plane (Phi) in FIG. 1. FIG. 7 illustrates a simulation result of the antenna peak gain of the wireless device 10 on the XZ plane (Theta) in FIG. 1.
In FIGS. 6 and 7, the results of simulations performed while changing a width w1 (see FIG. 2) of the dielectric 100 are illustrated for each of the distances (d1) between the main radiation unit 221 of the antenna unit 220 and the high dielectric constant member 310. In FIGS. 6 and 7, the vertical axis represents the peak gain (dB) of the antenna unit 220, and the horizontal axis represents the width w1 of the dielectric 100 for each case.
In this simulation, the frequency band of the radio wave radiated by the antenna unit 220 is 28 GHz. In this case, results of simulations performed by changing the width w1 of the dielectric 100 from Case 1 to Case 4 are illustrated for each of the distances (d1) between the main radiation unit 221 and the high dielectric constant member 310.
Specifically, FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate simulation results in a case where d1 is λ/2, 3λ/4, and λ of the radio wave radiated by the antenna unit 220 in each of Cases 1 to 4. Note that λ is an effective wavelength of the radio wave radiated by the antenna unit 220.
Here, the simulation result in the case where d1 is λ/2 is indicated by black circles. In addition, the simulation result in the case where d1 is 3λ/4 is indicated by dot hatched circles. The simulation result in the case where d1 is λ is indicated by hatched circles.
Note that the width w1 of the dielectric 100 is the length of the dielectric 100 in the Z-axis direction (see FIG. 2). In FIGS. 6 and 7, the simulation results are illustrated with the width w1 of the dielectric 100 in four cases (Case 1 to Case 4).
Case 1 is a simulation result in a case where the width w1 of the dielectric 100 is the same length as a width w3 (see FIG. 3) of the patch antenna 222 of the antenna unit 220 (w1 = w3). Note that the width w3 of the patch antenna 222 is the length of the patch antenna 222 in the Z-axis direction (see FIG. 3).
Case 2 is a simulation result in a case where the width w1 of the dielectric 100 is half the total value of a width w2 (see FIG. 2) of the antenna module 200 and the width w3 of the patch antenna 222 (w1 = (w2 + w3)/2). Note that the width w2 of the antenna module 200 is the length of the antenna module 200 in the Z-axis direction (see FIG. 2).
Case 3 is a simulation result in a case where the width w1 of the dielectric 100 is the same length as the width w2 of the antenna module 200 (w1 = w2).
Case 4 is a simulation result in a case where the width w1 of the dielectric 100 is a length obtained by adding 1/4 of an effective wavelength λ to the width w2 of the antenna module 200 (w1 = w2 + λ/4).
The high dielectric constant member 310 used in the simulations illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7 is glass, and has a relative dielectric constant of about 7. The thickness of the high dielectric constant member 310 is 0.57 mm. In addition, the dielectric 100 used in the simulations has a relative dielectric constant of about 6. In addition, the distance (d2) between the dielectric 100 and the main radiation unit 221 is 0.5 mm. In addition, the width w2 of the antenna module 200 is 3.5 mm. The width w3 of the patch antenna 222 is 2 mm.
As illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7, for example, when the distance (d1) between the main radiation unit 221 and the high dielectric constant member 310 is λ/2, the radiation gain (antenna peak gain) of the antenna unit 220 is about 9.7 dB in Cases 1, 2, and 3. In Case 4, this radiation gain is about 10.5 dB.
In addition, as illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7, for example, when the distance (d1) between the main radiation unit 221 and the high dielectric constant member 310 is 3λ/4, the radiation gain of the antenna unit 220 is about 9.6 dB in Cases 1, 2, and 3. In Case 4, this radiation gain is about 10.0 dB.
In addition, as illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7, for example, when the distance (d1) between the main radiation unit 221 and the high dielectric constant member 310 is λ, the radiation gain of the antenna unit 220 is about 10.0 dB in Cases 1, 2, and 3. In Case 4, this radiation gain is about 10.5 dB.
In this manner, the wireless device 10 can further improve the radiation gain by adjusting the width w1 of the dielectric 100.
As described above, the antenna device according to the present embodiment includes the housing 300, the antenna unit 220, and the dielectric 100. The housing 300 has the back surface (an example of a first side surface) at least a part of which is formed of the high dielectric constant member 310 (an example of a first member) having a first relative dielectric constant. The antenna unit 220 is disposed inside the housing 300 so as to radiate the radio wave in the millimeter waveband or more from the high dielectric constant member 310. The dielectric 100 has a second relative dielectric constant smaller than the first relative dielectric constant. The dielectric 100 is disposed between the antenna unit 220 and the high dielectric constant member 310.
The wireless device 10 according to the present embodiment includes the antenna device described above and the control unit 210 (an example of the wireless unit). The control unit 210 causes the antenna unit 220 to radiate the radio wave.
In this manner, since the wireless device 10 according to the present embodiment includes the dielectric 100 between the high dielectric constant member 310 and the antenna module 200, the radiation efficiency of the antenna module 200 can be improved. In addition, since the wireless device 10 includes the dielectric 100 as a member different from the high dielectric constant member 310, the wireless device 10 can be more easily manufactured, and an increase in manufacturing cost of the wireless device 10 can be further reduced.

<<2. Second Embodiment>>

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a cross-sectional view of a wireless device 10A according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. The wireless device 10A according to the present embodiment has a gap between the high dielectric constant member 310 and the dielectric 100.
As illustrated in FIG. 8, the dielectric 100 according to the present embodiment is disposed such that a distance from the high dielectric constant member 310 is d3. The configuration of the wireless device 10A other than that is the same as that of the wireless device 10 illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2.
Since the dielectric 100 is disposed so as to have a gap of d3 from the high dielectric constant member 310, the heat of the dielectric 100 may be less likely to be transferred to the high dielectric constant member 310. Since the heat of the dielectric 100 is less likely to be transferred to the high dielectric constant member 310, the heat generated by the antenna module 200 is less likely to be transferred to the high dielectric constant member 310, and the user can use the wireless device 10A more comfortably.

<<3. Third Embodiment>>

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a cross-sectional view of a wireless device 10B according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure. A dielectric 100B of the wireless device 10B according to the present embodiment includes a plurality of dielectric members.
As illustrated in FIG. 9, the dielectric 100B according to the present embodiment includes a first dielectric member 110 and a second dielectric member 120. The first and second dielectric members 110 and 120 are disposed between the antenna module 200 and the high dielectric constant member 310.
The second dielectric member 120 has, for example, the same relative dielectric constant (an example of the second relative dielectric constant) as that of the dielectric 100 illustrated in FIG. 1. The first dielectric member 110 has, for example, a relative dielectric constant (an example of a third relative dielectric constant) different from that of the second dielectric member 120.
Here, for example, it is assumed that the relative dielectric constant of the second dielectric member 120 is smaller than the relative dielectric constant of the first dielectric member 110. Note that the relative dielectric constant of the second dielectric member 120 may be equal to or higher than the relative dielectric constant of the first dielectric member 110.
In the example of FIG. 9, the first dielectric member 110 is disposed on the antenna module 200 side, and the second dielectric member 120 is disposed on the high dielectric constant member 310 side. Here, the first dielectric member 110 is disposed so as to be in contact with the second dielectric member 120, but the first dielectric member 110 may be disposed so as to have a predetermined gap from the second dielectric member 120.
The first dielectric member 110 is disposed such that a distance from the antenna module 200 is d2. In addition, the second dielectric member 120 is disposed such that a distance from the high dielectric constant member 310 is d3. Note that d3 may be 0. That is, the second dielectric member 120 may be disposed so as to be in contact with the high dielectric constant member 310.
In this manner, by configuring the dielectric 100B with the plurality of dielectric members, the degree of freedom in designing the dielectric 100 increases. In addition, by adjusting the relative dielectric constant, the size, and the like of each of the dielectric members, the radiation gain of the wireless device 10B can be more easily adjusted to a desired gain.
In addition, although not illustrated, the wireless device 10B may include various components such as a display. These components may include, for example, a dielectric member such as resin. A part of the dielectric member used for other configurations of the wireless device 10B may be used as at least a part (e.g., the first dielectric member 110) of the dielectric 100B according to the present embodiment. In this manner, by sharing at least a part of the dielectric 100B with other constituent members of the wireless device 10B, an increase in the number of components of the wireless device 10B can be suppressed.
In addition, when the relative dielectric constant of other constituent members shared with the dielectric 100B (i.e., the relative dielectric constant of at least a part of the dielectric 100B) is too smaller than the relative dielectric constant of the high dielectric constant member 310, the radiation gain of the wireless device 10B may not be improved. For example, in a case where the constituent member is made of resin, when the constituent member is used as a part of the dielectric 100B, a desired radiation gain may not be obtained.
In this case, the radiation gain of the wireless device 10B can be improved by adjusting the relative dielectric constant of the others (e.g., the second dielectric member 120) of the dielectric 100B. For example, when the relative dielectric constant of the first dielectric member 110 is small, the radiation gain of the wireless device 10B can be improved by increasing the relative dielectric constant of the second dielectric member 120.
In this manner, by configuring the dielectric 100B with the plurality of dielectric members, it is possible to suppress an increase in the number of components of the wireless device 10B. In addition, an effect that the radiation gain of the wireless device 10B can be improved can be obtained.

<<4. Summary>>

Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, the technical scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments as they are, and various modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the present disclosure. In addition, the components in the embodiments and the modifications may be appropriately combined.
In addition, the effects in the embodiments described in the present specification are merely examples and are not limited, and other effects may be provided.
Note that the present disclosure can also have the following configurations.

(1) An antenna device comprising:
- a housing having a surface at least a part of which is formed of a first member having a first relative dielectric constant;
- an antenna disposed inside the housing so as to radiate a radio wave in a millimeter waveband or more from the first member; and
- a dielectric having a second relative dielectric constant smaller than the first relative dielectric constant and disposed between the antenna and the first member.
(2) The antenna device according to (1), wherein the dielectric is disposed so as to have a gap from the first member.
(3) The antenna device according to (1) or (2), wherein the dielectric is disposed so as to have a gap from the antenna.
(4) The antenna device according to any one of (1) to (3), further comprising a second dielectric having a third relative dielectric constant less than or equal to the second relative dielectric constant and disposed between the first member and the antenna.
(5) A wireless device comprising:
- a housing having a surface at least a part of which is formed of a first member having a first relative dielectric constant;
- an antenna disposed inside the housing so as to radiate a radio wave in a millimeter waveband or more from the first member;
- a dielectric having a second relative dielectric constant smaller than the first relative dielectric constant and disposed between the antenna and the first member; and
- a wireless unit that causes the antenna to radiate the radio wave.

Reference Signs List

10: WIRELESS DEVICE
100: DIELECTRIC
200: ANTENNA MODULE
210: CONTROL UNIT
220: ANTENNA UNIT
222: PATCH ANTENNA
300: HOUSING
310: HIGH DIELECTRIC CONSTANT MEMBER

Claims

An antenna device comprising:
a housing having a surface at least a part of which is formed of a first member having a first relative dielectric constant;

an antenna disposed inside the housing so as to radiate a radio wave in a millimeter waveband or more from the first member; and

a dielectric having a second relative dielectric constant smaller than the first relative dielectric constant and disposed between the antenna and the first member.
The antenna device according to claim 1, wherein the dielectric is disposed so as to have a gap from the first member.
The antenna device according to claim 1, wherein the dielectric is disposed so as to have a gap from the antenna.
The antenna device according to claim 1, further comprising a second dielectric having a third relative dielectric constant less than or equal to the second relative dielectric constant and disposed between the first member and the antenna.
A wireless device comprising:
a housing having a surface at least a part of which is formed of a first member having a first relative dielectric constant;

an antenna disposed inside the housing so as to radiate a radio wave in a millimeter waveband or more from the first member;

a dielectric having a second relative dielectric constant smaller than the first relative dielectric constant and disposed between the antenna and the first member; and

a wireless unit that causes the antenna to radiate the radio wave.