JP2003124728A - Antenna device, communication module and electronic equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an antenna device, a communication module and electronic equipment in which both the polarized waves of electromagnetic waves can be efficiently transmitted/received by improving multi-path characteristics without performing excessive processes and without adding excessive parts. SOLUTION: This antenna device is provided with an antenna part 3 equipped with a first antenna part 31 in which the horizontally polarized wave of the electromagnetic wave can be transmitted and received, and a second antenna part 32 in which the vertically polarized wave of the electromagnetic wave can be transmitted and received, and a flexible substrate 2a on which the antenna part 3 is formed, and a slit 4 is provided at a prescribed position inside the flexible substrate 2a.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an antenna device for transmitting and receiving electromagnetic waves, a communication module, and electronic equipment.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a pattern antenna in which an antenna is formed of a conductive material on a substrate is known for reasons such as miniaturization and cost reduction. In this pattern antenna,
Since the antenna is formed on the flat substrate, for example, either horizontal polarized wave or vertical polarized wave of electromagnetic waves can be transmitted and received.

By the way, in recent years, for example, small-sized wireless devices, especially portable transceivers used for radio wave key systems have become widespread.

In the above-mentioned transceiver, it is known that direct waves of electromagnetic waves used for transmission and reception and interference (multipath characteristic) due to a plurality of reflected waves of the direct waves occur. As one method for eliminating the influence of this interference, there is known a method of transmitting and receiving by using horizontal polarization and vertical polarization of electromagnetic waves.

[0005]

However, for example, when a transceiver is constructed using the above-mentioned pattern antenna, since the pattern antenna is formed on a flat substrate, the horizontal polarization of electromagnetic waves is Also, there is a problem in that it is not possible to transmit and receive both vertically polarized waves with high sensitivity.

Conventionally, in order to solve this problem, for example, as disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-32409, a pattern antenna in which a metal piece called a plate antenna is vertically mounted on a pattern antenna. It has been known.

Further, in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, as disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 3159185, pattern antennas are formed on both surfaces of the substrate, and the upper surface and the bottom surface of the substrate are connected by through holes. Pattern antennas are known. In the above-mentioned pattern antenna, the through-hole part is perpendicular to the pattern antenna formed on the substrate. Therefore, both horizontal and vertical polarized waves of electromagnetic waves are transmitted and received using this pattern antenna and the through-hole. can do.

However, the pattern antenna disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 10-343209 has a problem in that another component called a plate antenna is required and the man-hours for mounting the component are also required.

Further, in the pattern antenna disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 3159185, the through-hole formed in the substrate polarizes the electromagnetic wave only for the thickness of the substrate, for example, the pattern antenna formed on the substrate causes the electromagnetic wave to radiate. In the case of transmitting and receiving horizontal polarized waves, it is possible to transmit and receive vertical polarized waves of electromagnetic waves for the thickness of the substrate through the through holes, but it is not possible to transmit and receive both polarized waves efficiently enough by itself. There was a problem.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to improve the multipath characteristics without adding extra steps and without adding extra parts, and to improve both electromagnetic waves. An object is to provide an antenna device, a communication module, and an electronic device that can efficiently transmit and receive polarized waves.

[0011]

In order to achieve the above object, an antenna device of the present invention has an antenna section formed of a conductive material, the antenna section is formed, and the antenna section has desired antenna characteristics. And a substrate that can be bent.

[0012] Preferably, the substrate is a flexible substrate.

Also, preferably, the substrate includes a slit for bending at a predetermined position.

Also, preferably, the antenna section is a horizontal polarization transmitting / receiving section capable of transmitting / receiving horizontal polarization of electromagnetic waves and a vertical polarization capable of transmitting / receiving vertical polarization of electromagnetic waves in accordance with the bent state. A wave transceiver is formed.

Further, in order to achieve the above object, the communication module of the present invention has an antenna part formed of a conductive material, the antenna part is formed, and the antenna part is bent to have desired antenna characteristics. It has a possible substrate and a communication circuit for performing communication by electromagnetic waves via the antenna section.

Preferably, the communication circuit is mounted on the substrate.

Further, in order to achieve the above-mentioned object, an electronic device of the present invention is an electronic device in which a communication module is mounted, wherein the communication module includes an antenna part formed of a conductive material and the antenna part. It has a substrate that is formed and is bendable so that the antenna section has desired antenna characteristics, and a communication circuit that performs communication by electromagnetic waves via the antenna section.

In the present invention, for example, the antenna portion is formed of a conductive material on the flexible substrate. And
For example, a communication circuit that performs communication by electromagnetic waves is mounted on the flexible substrate and is connected to the antenna unit.

The flexible substrate is kept deformed so as to have desired antenna characteristics for transmitting and receiving desired electromagnetic waves through the antenna section by the communication circuit. As the flexible board is deformed, the antenna section is simultaneously deformed, so that the antenna section has desired antenna characteristics.

In the above-mentioned deformation, for example, when the position to be deformed is known in advance, a slit is formed at a predetermined position of the flexible substrate, so that the deformation occurs at the position of the slit. The flexible substrate can be bent to have desired antenna characteristics without adjustment.

Then, the planar flexible substrate is three-dimensionally deformed so that the flexible substrate can be bent in accordance with the bent state.
A horizontal polarization transmission / reception unit and a vertical polarization transmission / reception unit are formed in the antenna unit. The horizontal polarization transmission / reception unit transmits / receives horizontal polarization of electromagnetic waves, and the vertical polarization transmission / reception unit transmits / receives vertical polarization of electromagnetic waves. .

[0022]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION First Embodiment FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing a first embodiment of an antenna device according to the present invention.

Antenna device 1 according to the first embodiment
As shown in FIG. 1, has a flexible substrate 2 and an antenna unit 3.

The flexible substrate 2 is, for example, a bendable plastic sheet.

The antenna section 3 is formed, for example, of a conductive material on the flexible substrate 2 in a shape capable of transmitting and receiving desired electromagnetic waves. Further, in the antenna part 3, for example, as shown in FIG. 1, a loop-shaped antenna pattern formed by cutting a part of a conductive material is formed on the peripheral part of the flexible substrate 2.

The flexible substrate 2 is kept in a bent state in a substantially L-shape at a desired place, for example, in the center, and the antenna portion 3 formed on the flexible substrate 2 is bent accordingly. .

Then, in the antenna part 3, for example, as shown in FIG. 1, the first antenna part 31 kept in a horizontal state and the first antenna part 31 kept in a substantially vertical direction with respect to the first antenna part 31. The second antenna portion 32 is formed.

In the state shown in FIG. 1 described above, the first antenna section 31 can transmit and receive horizontal polarization of electromagnetic waves, and functions as a horizontal polarization transmission / reception section. In addition, the second antenna unit 32 can transmit and receive the vertically polarized wave of the electromagnetic wave, and functions as a vertically polarized wave transceiver.

Further, for example, when the antenna device 1 in the state shown in FIG. 1 is rotated by 90 degrees about the bending axis of the central portion of the flexible substrate 2, the first antenna portion 31 vertically polarizes electromagnetic waves. Waves can be transmitted / received and function as a vertical polarization transmission / reception unit, and the second antenna unit 32 can transmit / receive horizontal polarization of electromagnetic waves and functions as a horizontal polarization transmission / reception unit.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a state before the antenna device of FIG. 1 is bent.

First, the antenna device 1 is, for example, as shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 3, the antenna part 3 is formed on the flat flexible substrate 2 with the conductive material as described above.

From the central portion of the flexible substrate 2, the front side is kept horizontal with respect to the figure, the back side is oriented substantially perpendicular to the front side with respect to the figure, and the central portion is bent. It is bent so that it becomes the center of
It is formed in the shape shown in.

As described above, for example, the antenna section 3 including the first antenna section 31 capable of transmitting / receiving the horizontally polarized wave of the electromagnetic wave and the second antenna section 32 capable of transmitting / receiving the vertically polarized wave of the electromagnetic wave, Since the flexible substrate 2 on which the antenna unit 3 is formed is provided, the first antenna unit 31 can transmit and receive horizontal polarized waves of electromagnetic waves, and the second antenna unit 32 can transmit vertical polarized waves of electromagnetic waves. Can send and receive.

Further, by setting the bending position of the flexible substrate 2 so as to have desired antenna characteristics, it is possible to provide an antenna device capable of transmitting and receiving desired electromagnetic waves.

Further, since vertically polarized waves and horizontally polarized waves of electromagnetic waves can be transmitted and received, it is possible to provide an antenna device capable of improving multipath characteristics.

Second Embodiment FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically showing a second embodiment of the antenna device according to the present invention.

The antenna device 1a according to the second embodiment.
Is, for example, as shown in FIG.
It has a, the antenna part 3, and the slit 4.

The antenna device 1a has substantially the same structure as the antenna device 1 according to the first embodiment, and is different in that the slit 4 is formed in the flexible substrate 2a.

The slit 4 is formed in a desired size at a predetermined position of the flexible substrate 2a, for example, a bending position. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the slit 4 includes a slit 4a formed in the central portion of the flexible substrate 2 and a slit 4b and a slit 4c in the central portion of the peripheral portion of the flexible substrate 2 so as to face each other. Has been formed.

The other components are the same as those of the antenna device 1 according to the first embodiment, and the explanations thereof are omitted.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a state before bending the antenna device of FIG.

In the antenna device 1a, first, as shown in FIG. 4, for example, an antenna portion 3a is formed of a conductive material on a flat flexible substrate 2a. Then, the slits 4a, 4b, 4c are formed in the central portion of the flexible substrate 2a.
Are formed by punching, for example. And
The flexible substrate 2a is bent along the slits 4a, 4b, 4c so that the front side of the first slit 4 is kept horizontal and the rear side of the slit 4 of the flexible substrate 2a is oriented substantially vertically toward the drawing. And formed into the shape shown in FIG.

As described above, the bendable flexible substrate 2a, the antenna portion 3 formed on the flexible substrate 2a, and the slits 4 provided at predetermined places in the flexible substrate 2a are provided. Compared with the antenna device 1 according to the embodiment, by bending at the position where the slit 4 of the flexible substrate 2a is formed, it is possible to surely bend at a predetermined position.

Then, in the flexible substrate 2a, the antenna portion 3 having desired antenna characteristics can be formed by bending at the position of the slit 4 formed in advance.

Third Embodiment FIG. 5 is a diagram schematically showing a third embodiment of the antenna device according to the present invention.

The antenna device 1b according to the third embodiment.
Is, for example, as shown in FIG.
b and the antenna part 3 formed on the flexible substrate 2b
b and.

The flexible substrate 2b is, for example, as shown in FIG.
As shown in, the horizontal portion 21 b, the first vertical portion 221, and the second vertical portion 222 are included.

The horizontal portion 21b, the first vertical portion 221, and the second vertical portion 222 are formed so as to be perpendicular to each other.

The flexible substrate 2b has a first
Like the flexible substrate 2 according to the embodiment, the antenna portion 3b is formed.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a state before the antenna device of FIG. 5 is bent.

In the antenna device 1b, for example, as shown in FIG. 6, first, the antenna portion 3b is formed in a loop shape partially cut with a conductive material on the peripheral portion of the L-shaped flexible substrate 2b. .

The first vertical portion 221 and the second vertical portion 222 are vertical to the horizontal portion 21b, and the first vertical portion 221 and the second vertical portion 222 are vertical. Thus, it is bent and formed into the shape shown in FIG.

The horizontally polarized electromagnetic waves can be transmitted and received at the antenna portion 3 formed on the horizontal portion 21b. First
Vertically polarized electromagnetic waves can be transmitted and received in the vertical portion 221 and the portion of the antenna portion 3 formed in the second vertical portion.

The other constituent elements are the same as those of the antenna device 1 according to the first embodiment, and therefore their explanations are omitted.

As described above, the bendable flexible substrate 2b and the antenna portion 3b formed on the flexible substrate 2b are provided, and the flexible substrate 2b has the horizontal portion 21b and the first vertical portion 221 which are perpendicular to each other. Since it is formed by two vertical portions 222, compared to the antenna device 1 according to the first embodiment, for example, even when the antenna device 1b is arbitrarily rotated in three dimensions, the antenna device 1b is formed perpendicular to each other. The antenna part 3b formed on the horizontal part 21b, the first vertical part 221, and the second vertical part 222 widens the range of angles at which horizontal and vertical polarizations of electromagnetic waves can be transmitted and received.

Fourth Embodiment FIG. 7 is a diagram schematically showing a communication module according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

Communication module 1 according to the fourth embodiment
For example, 0 has a flexible substrate 2c, an antenna unit 3c, and a transmission / reception circuit 5 which is a communication circuit, as shown in FIG.

The transmission / reception circuit 5 has a function of transmitting / receiving information signals by electromagnetic waves, and for example, SAW (Surface ac)
is an electronic circuit in which an oscillator and a modulator using a resonator are integrated. Further, the transmission / reception circuit 5 is connected to the antenna unit 3c. The transmitter / receiver circuit 5 is
Instead of being made into a unit, the flexible substrate 2c may be configured by individual components and mounted.

The other structure is the same as that of the antenna device according to the first embodiment, and the explanation thereof is omitted.

The communication module 10 is formed, for example, by mounting the transmitting / receiving circuit 5 on the antenna device 1 according to the first embodiment, and electrically connecting the terminal of the transmitting / receiving circuit 5 (not shown) to the antenna section 3c. To be done.

As described above, a bendable flexible substrate 2c including the first antenna section 31 capable of transmitting / receiving the horizontally polarized wave of the electromagnetic wave and the second antenna section 32 capable of transmitting / receiving the vertically polarized wave of the electromagnetic wave. , Flexible board 2c
Since the antenna section 3c formed of a conductive material and the transmission / reception circuit 5 connected to the antenna section 3c are provided in the first antenna section 31, the first antenna section 31 can transmit and receive horizontal polarized waves of electromagnetic waves, and the second antenna The unit 32 can transmit and receive vertically polarized waves of electromagnetic waves.

Further, since the antenna portion 3c is formed on the flexible substrate 2c, the desired electromagnetic wave frequency can be transmitted and received by bending at a predetermined position.

Further, since the transmission / reception circuit 5 is mounted on the flexible substrate 2c, it can be made smaller than a general communication module.

Fifth Embodiment FIG. 8 is a diagram schematically showing an electronic device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

Electronic device 100 according to the fifth embodiment
As shown in FIG. 8, the communication module, for example, the communication module 10 according to the fourth embodiment is included inside the case 110.

The case 110 is hollow and has the communication module 10 built therein as described above. The case 110 is preferably made of a non-conductive material so that the communication module 10 can transmit and receive electromagnetic waves.

For example, the case part 110 includes the lid part 11
1 and a storage unit 112 that stores the communication module 10. For example, the communication module 10 including the flexible substrate 2 in which the antenna unit 3 is formed and the transmission / reception circuit 5 is mounted in the storage unit 112 of the case unit 110,
The antenna unit 3 is housed so as to have a desired shape.

For example, the communication module 10 transmits / receives data to / from a test radio wave measuring device (not shown) through the antenna section 3, and transforms the shape into a shape capable of obtaining a predetermined antenna characteristic. Then, in order to maintain its shape, it is fixed to the case 110 by using, for example, a fixing member or an adhesive. Then, the electronic device 100 as shown in FIG. 8 is formed by closing the storage portion 112 in which the communication module is stored using the lid portion 111.

As described above, the antenna section 3 capable of transmitting and receiving the horizontally polarized wave and the vertically polarized wave of the electromagnetic wave, the flexible substrate 2 including the antenna section 3, and the communication circuit electrically connected to the antenna section 3 are provided. Since the communication module including the above and the case unit 110 having the built-in communication module are provided, it is possible to provide an electronic device capable of transmitting and receiving the horizontal polarized wave and the vertical polarized wave of the electromagnetic wave and improving the multipath characteristics.

Further, by fixing the flexible substrate 2 to the case 110 in a desired shape, it is possible to provide an electronic device incorporating a communication module having desired communication characteristics.

The present invention is not limited to this embodiment, and various suitable modifications can be made.

Although the communication module and the electronic device according to the present embodiment are provided with the transmitting / receiving circuit capable of transmitting / receiving, the present invention is not limited to this form. For example, it may be a transmission circuit or a reception circuit.

Further, the antenna device according to the present embodiment,
In the communication module and the electronic device, the flexible substrate is used while being held in a shape bent in a substantially vertical direction, but the present invention is not limited to this form. For example, as shown in FIG. 9, the flexible substrate may be formed in a state in which it is twisted and kept in an arbitrary shape.

In addition to the shape shown in FIG. 9, it may be used by being deformed into a desired shape depending on desired antenna characteristics and other conditions.

Further, the flexible substrate may be fixed and used, for example, in a shape bent so as to draw an arc.
Alternatively, the flexible substrate may be bent into a tubular shape to form a coiled antenna.

Further, the antenna device according to the present embodiment,
In the communication module and the electronic device, the antenna portion formed of the conductive material is formed on the peripheral portion of the flexible substrate, but the invention is not limited to this. For example, a double loop may be formed and may have any shape that has the desired antenna characteristics.

[0077]

As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide an antenna device, a communication module, and an electronic device which are small in size and have improved multipath characteristics without adding components.

Further, since the flexible substrate can be bent freely, there is an advantage that it can be deformed into a shape that optimizes the sensitivity.

There is also an advantage that the optimum antenna angle and position can be adjusted while checking the sensitivity.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing a first embodiment of an antenna device according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a state before bending the antenna device of FIG.

FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically showing a second embodiment of an antenna device according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a state before the antenna device of FIG. 3 is bent.

FIG. 5 is a diagram schematically showing a third embodiment of the antenna device according to the present invention.

6 is a diagram showing a state of the antenna device of FIG. 5 before bending.

FIG. 7 is a diagram schematically showing a communication module according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a diagram schematically showing an electronic device according to a fifth embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 9 is a diagram schematically showing an embodiment of an antenna device according to the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

1, 1a, 1b, 1c ... Antenna device, 2, 2a, 2
b, 2c, 2d, ... Flexible substrate, 3, 3b, 3c
... antenna part, 4,4a, 4b, 4c ... slit, 5 ...
Transmission / reception circuit, 10 ... Communication module, 21, 21b ... Horizontal part, 22 ... Vertical part, 100 ... Electronic device, 110 ... Case part, 111 ... Lid part, 112 ... Storage part, 221 ... First
Vertical part 222, ... Second vertical part.

Claims (14)

[Claims] 1. An antenna device comprising: an antenna portion formed of a conductive material; and a substrate on which the antenna portion is formed and which can be bent so that the antenna portion has desired antenna characteristics. 2. The antenna device according to claim 1, wherein the substrate is a flexible substrate. 3. The antenna device according to claim 1, wherein the substrate includes a slit for bending at a predetermined position. 4. The antenna unit includes a horizontal polarization transmission / reception unit capable of transmitting / receiving horizontal polarization of electromagnetic waves and a vertical polarization transmission / reception unit capable of transmitting / receiving vertical polarization of electromagnetic waves according to the bent state. The antenna device according to claim 1, wherein the antenna device is formed. 5. An antenna part formed of a conductive material, a substrate on which the antenna part is formed, and which can be bent so that the antenna part has desired antenna characteristics, and communication by electromagnetic waves through the antenna part. A communication module having a communication circuit for performing. 6. The communication module according to claim 5, wherein the communication circuit is mounted on the substrate. 7. The communication module according to claim 5, wherein the substrate is a flexible substrate. 8. The communication module according to claim 5, wherein the substrate includes a slit for bending at a predetermined position. 9. The antenna unit includes a horizontal polarization transmission / reception unit capable of transmitting / receiving horizontal polarization of electromagnetic waves and a vertical polarization transmission / reception unit capable of transmitting / receiving vertical polarization of electromagnetic waves in accordance with the bent state. The communication module according to claim 5, wherein the communication module is formed. 10. An electronic device having a communication module mounted thereon, wherein the communication module has an antenna part formed of a conductive material, and the antenna part is formed so that the antenna part has desired antenna characteristics. An electronic device having a bendable substrate and a communication circuit that performs communication by electromagnetic waves via the antenna unit. 11. The electronic device according to claim 10, wherein the communication circuit is mounted on the substrate. 12. The electronic device according to claim 10, wherein the substrate is a flexible substrate. 13. The electronic device according to claim 10, wherein the substrate includes a slit for bending at a predetermined position. 14. The antenna unit includes a horizontal polarization transmission / reception unit capable of transmitting / receiving horizontal polarization of electromagnetic waves according to a bent state, and a vertical polarization transmission / reception unit capable of transmitting / receiving vertical polarization of electromagnetic waves. The electronic device according to claim 10.