JP6083142B2 - Antenna device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an antenna device.

  In terminal devices such as portable non-contact communication terminals, various antennas are provided, and an example thereof is disclosed in Patent Document 1. The antenna disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes a regular quadrangular prism 31, four radiating elements 33, a power supply network 37 that supplies a radiating element with a phase difference of 90 degrees, an impedance matching circuit 33, and a low-noise amplification of a received signal. And a low noise amplifying unit 39 for receiving a circularly polarized signal.

Special table 2010-521865

  Incidentally, electronic devices such as portable terminals are required to be smaller and lighter, and especially in portable terminals equipped with antennas, the space occupied by the antenna tends to increase in the entire terminal, so the antenna portion is small. There is a strong demand for reduction in weight and weight. However, the antenna of Patent Document 1 and other conventional antennas still tend to be bulky as a whole, and further improvements are required in terms of size reduction and weight reduction. In particular, a circularly polarized wave antenna or a plurality of polarized wave antennas are difficult to reduce in size and weight compared to a single polarized wave antenna because of the configuration for changing the polarization direction. .

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a configuration capable of further reducing the size and weight of an antenna device that can change the direction of polarization.

The present invention comprises a substrate;
A plurality of elements made of conductive material;
A power switching circuit that switches so that an output destination of a high-frequency signal input from the outside is sequentially selected from the plurality of elements;
With
The element includes a main body portion extending in a longitudinal direction in a direction orthogonal to the front-rear direction when the thickness direction of the substrate is a front-rear direction, and a connection portion connecting the main body portion and the substrate, It is configured to be fed from the power switching circuit to the main body part via the connection part,
Each element has a configuration in which the longitudinal direction of the main body portion is different from the longitudinal direction of the main body portion of another element adjacent to the main body portion, and the plurality of elements are arranged around a predetermined region of the substrate. Arranged along the periphery of the substrate ,
The connection portion is electrically connected to the power switching circuit and includes a first connection portion that rises back and forth between a portion on one end side in the longitudinal direction of the main body portion and the first plate surface of the substrate,
Further, the element connects the portion on the other end side in the longitudinal direction of the main body and the substrate, and rises back and forth between the portion on the other end side in the longitudinal direction and the first plate surface. A connecting part is provided,
The main body, the first connecting portion, and the second connecting portion are integrally formed of the same conductive material, and the main body is held by the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion,
Each of the substrates is provided with a frequency adjustment unit made of a conductive material in a configuration that is electrically connected to each second connection portion of each element.
The frequency adjustment unit is configured as a wiring pattern that is exposed from the first plate surface side so as to be bent along the first plate surface from the second connection unit, and toward the first connection unit side toward the tip side. characterized Rukoto arranged to have one or more bent portions are arranged in a straight line so as to approach.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, a plurality of elements each having a body portion extending in a longitudinal direction in a direction orthogonal to the thickness direction of the substrate (that is, a direction along the plate surface of the substrate) are provided. The plurality of elements are arranged side by side around a predetermined region of the substrate in a configuration in which the longitudinal direction is different from the longitudinal direction of the main body portion of another element adjacent to the main body portion. A power switching circuit is provided to switch the output destination of the high-frequency signal input from the outside so as to be sequentially selected from a plurality of elements. According to this configuration, a configuration capable of changing the direction of polarization can be easily realized while suppressing bulkiness from the substrate. In particular, since each body part is placed along the substrate, the bulkiness of the elements in the front-rear direction is suppressed, and each element is configured in a longitudinal shape and disposed on the substrate, so it is compared with the patch antenna etc. The element size in the plane direction (substrate board surface direction) orthogonal to the direction can also be suppressed. Further, the output destination of the input high-frequency signal is switched by the power switching circuit, and in this way, the polarization direction can be switched reliably with a simple and small configuration.
Furthermore, the connection portion is electrically connected to the power switching circuit, and from a first connection portion that rises back and forth between a portion on one end side in the longitudinal direction of the main body portion and the first plate surface of the substrate. Further, the element is connected to a portion on the other end side in the longitudinal direction of the main body portion and the substrate, and rises back and forth between the portion on the other end side in the longitudinal direction and the first plate surface. A second connecting portion is provided, and the main body portion, the first connecting portion, and the second connecting portion are integrally formed of the same conductive material, and the main body portion is formed of the first connecting portion and It is held by the second connecting portion.
By comprising in this way, each element and its vicinity can be comprised smaller and more lightweight. In particular, since the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion are respectively connected to both ends of the main body portion, the size in the longitudinal direction can be reduced as compared with the configuration in which the main body portion is held in a cantilever shape. In addition, since members for holding each element can be omitted or reduced, the antenna as a whole becomes lighter. Further, the space generated by such omission or reduction can be efficiently used for the arrangement of other components. become able to.
In particular, the substrate is provided with a frequency adjusting unit made of a conductive material so as to be electrically connected to each second connecting portion of each element.
In this configuration, since the frequency adjustment unit configured as a conductive path is electrically connected to the second coupling unit, the length of the conductive part including the element and the frequency adjustment unit is suppressed while suppressing the length of the element. It can be ensured, and can be realized with a lighter and more compact configuration when setting at a desired resonance frequency.
And the said frequency adjustment part is comprised as a wiring pattern exposed from the said 1st board surface side of the said board | substrate.
By configuring the frequency adjustment unit as a wiring pattern in this way, the part that plays the role of frequency adjustment can be configured in a lightweight and simple manner.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, four elements are provided, and in the four elements, the longitudinal direction of the main body portion of each element is orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the main body portion of another element adjacent to the main body portion. The four elements are arranged so as to surround the predetermined area of the substrate in a rectangular shape, and the power switching circuit outputs the high-frequency signals in order to the four elements. The destination is switched. In this way, it is possible to output electromagnetic waves while sequentially switching the polarization direction from each of the annular and rectangular portions.

  In the invention of claim 3, the two elements are provided, and the two elements are arranged in a configuration in which the longitudinal direction of the main body portion of one element is orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the main body portion of the other element. The power switching circuit switches the output destination so as to output the high-frequency signal to the two elements in order. If it does in this way, the structure which can radiate | emit two electromagnetic waves with which a polarization direction is orthogonal can be implement | achieved by suppressing the number of members, and it contributes further to size reduction and weight reduction.

In the invention of claim 4, on the second plate surface side opposite to the first plate surface side on which the plurality of elements protrude from the substrate, the plurality of elements are covered from the side opposite to the protruding side. Thus, a ground layer is provided.
By comprising in this way, a coupling with the circuit distribute | arranged to the 1st board surface side of a board | substrate can be suppressed.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the substrate is formed in a rectangular shape, and each element is arranged so as to be adjacent to each end portion constituting the peripheral portion of the substrate.
By configuring in this way, each element can be efficiently arranged by utilizing the area of the substrate to the end.

In the invention of claim 6, the connecting portion is electrically connected to the power switching circuit and is configured to rise back and forth between the substrate and the main body portion, and the front-rear direction of the connecting portion A bent portion that is bent in a configuration that is concave in a direction perpendicular to the front-rear direction is formed at a predetermined position.
If comprised in this way, when an impact is added to one of a main-body part or a board | substrate, the impact can be absorbed in a bending part, and the transmission to the other can be suppressed effectively. Further, since the line length can be ensured as compared with the case where all the connecting portions are formed in a straight line, it is further advantageous in reducing the size of the element. Further, when the element or the like expands or contracts due to heat, the influence of the change can be reduced by the bent portion.

FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating a portable terminal equipped with the antenna device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1A is a plan view of the portable terminal, and FIG. Is a side view of the portable terminal. 2A is a block diagram illustrating an electrical configuration of the mobile terminal of FIG. 1, and FIG. 2B is a block schematically illustrating an information code reading unit of the mobile terminal. (C) is a block diagram schematically illustrating a non-contact communication unit of the mobile terminal. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an antenna used in the antenna device according to the first embodiment. 4 is a perspective view of the antenna of FIG. 3 viewed from a direction different from that of FIG. FIG. 5 is a front view of the antenna of FIG. 6 is a rear view of the antenna of FIG. FIG. 7 is a bottom view of the antenna of FIG. FIG. 8 is a plan view of the antenna of FIG. FIG. 9 is a right side view of the antenna of FIG. FIG. 10 is a left side view of the antenna of FIG. 11A is an enlarged view of the vicinity of the first connecting portion of the antenna of FIG. 3 as viewed from the longitudinal direction of the main body, and FIG. 11B shows the vicinity of the first connecting portion in the width direction of the main body. It is the enlarged view seen from. FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which each element is omitted from the front view of FIG. FIG. 13 is a graph illustrating the relationship between the length of the frequency adjustment unit in each element of the antenna of FIG. 3 and the resonance frequency. FIG. 14A is an explanatory diagram schematically illustrating the antenna device according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 14B is an explanatory diagram schematically illustrating an antenna device according to the modification. FIG. 15A is an explanatory diagram conceptually illustrating a power switching circuit used in the antenna device of the first embodiment, and FIG. 15B is a diagram illustrating signals input to the power switching circuit, output destinations, and the like. It is explanatory drawing explaining the relationship. FIG. 16A is an explanatory diagram conceptually illustrating a power switching circuit used in the antenna device of the modified example, and FIG. 16B is a relationship between a signal input to the power switching circuit and an output destination. It is explanatory drawing explaining these. FIG. 17 is a perspective view of an antenna used in the antenna device according to the second embodiment. FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram illustrating another example of the frequency adjustment unit.

[First embodiment]
Hereinafter, a first embodiment embodying the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
(Overall configuration of mobile device)
First, an outline of a mobile terminal in which the antenna device according to the present invention is mounted will be described.
A portable terminal 1 shown in FIGS. 1 (A) and 1 (B) has a longitudinal appearance, and has a configuration in which a substantially half region on one end side is a grip region and is used while being gripped by a user. ing. The portable terminal 1 is configured as a portable information terminal that is carried by a user and used in various places, for example, and functions as an information code reader that reads an information code such as a barcode or a two-dimensional code; It has a function as a reader / writer that communicates with a non-contact communication medium such as a wireless tag, and can be read in two ways.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 (A) and 1 (B), a portable terminal 1 includes a longitudinal case 2 configured by assembling an upper case 2a and a lower case 2b formed of a synthetic resin material such as ABS resin. The outer shell is formed by. The upper case 2a is provided with a key operation unit 105 such as function keys and numeric keys operated when inputting predetermined information, a display unit 103 for displaying predetermined information, and the like. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the lower case 2b is also formed with a reading port 2c that opens downward.

  As shown in FIG. 3A, a control unit 101 that controls the entire mobile terminal 1 is provided in the case 2 of the mobile terminal 1. The control unit 101 is configured mainly with a microcomputer, and includes a CPU, a system bus, an input / output interface, and the like, and constitutes an information processing apparatus together with the memory 107. The control unit 101 is connected to an LED 102, a display unit 103, an external interface 104, a key operation unit 105, a speaker 106, and the like. In addition, a power supply unit 108 is provided in the case 2, and power is supplied to the control unit 101 and various electrical components by the power supply unit 108 and the battery 109.

  In addition, an information code reading unit 130 and a non-contact communication unit 120 are connected to the control unit 101. 2B, the information code reading unit 130 includes a light receiving sensor 133 formed of a CCD area sensor, an imaging lens 137, an illumination unit 131 formed of a plurality of LEDs, lenses, and the like. And functions to read the information code C (bar code or two-dimensional code) attached to the reading object R in cooperation with the control unit 101.

  The non-contact communication unit 120 communicates by electromagnetic waves with a non-contact communication medium such as an RFID tag in cooperation with the antenna 3 and the control unit 101 described later, reads data stored in the non-contact communication medium, Alternatively, it functions to write data to the non-contact communication medium. The non-contact communication unit 120 is configured, for example, as a circuit that performs transmission using a known radio wave system, and includes an oscillator, a modulator, and the like as schematically illustrated in FIG. A signal generation unit 122 that converts the generated data signal into a high-frequency signal (AC signal) by a known method, and a power switching circuit 123 that switches an output destination of the signal generated by the signal generation unit 122; These constitute a transmission circuit. A receiving circuit 124 that receives and demodulates radio waves received by the antenna 3 is also provided.

(Configuration of antenna device)
The antenna device 100 according to the present invention has a configuration including an antenna 3 and a power switching circuit 123 (see FIG. 14 and the like). Here, the antenna 3 is described in detail with reference to FIGS. Describe. The antenna 3 is disposed, for example, at a position near one end in the longitudinal direction of the mobile terminal 1 (in the example of FIG. 1, the display unit 103 side). (Thickness direction) is configured to be substantially orthogonal, or the plate surface of the substrate 10 is arranged to be inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the thickness direction of the case 2. In addition, the board | substrate 10 may be accommodated so that the 1st plate surface 11 mentioned later may face the surface side (the operation surface side in which the display part 103, the key operation part 105, etc. are arrange | positioned) of the portable terminal 1. The plate surface 11 may be accommodated so as to face the back surface of the mobile terminal 1 (on the side opposite to the operation surface side on which the display unit 103, the key operation unit 105, etc. are arranged).

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the antenna 3 has a configuration including a substrate 10, a plurality of elements 20, and a plurality of frequency adjusting units 60 provided corresponding to the elements 20, respectively. These are configured as an integral unit. An electromagnetic wave is emitted from each element 20 by selectively outputting an AC signal to each element 20 by a power switching circuit 123 described later.

  The substrate 10 is configured, for example, as a resin or ceramic substrate, and a pattern composed of a conductive layer is formed on the surface or inside of the substrate 10. In addition, although illustration is abbreviate | omitted in FIG. 3 etc., the electronic component may be mounted in the 1st board surface 11 side of the board | substrate 10, for example. Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the substrate 10 is configured to have a rectangular shape such as a square or a rectangle when viewed from the front, and the outer periphery of the substrate 10 (four end portions 10 a and 10 b constituting the peripheral edge b). 10c and 10d (the portions of each side when viewed from the front) are all or most of a straight line, and are adjacent to the end portions 10a, 10b, 10c and 10d, respectively. Each element 20 (the first element 21, the second element 22, the third element 23, and the fourth element 24), which will be described later, is disposed so as to extend along the line.

  Further, in the substrate 10, the element 20 is covered from the side opposite to the protruding side on the back side (second plate surface 12 side) opposite to the surface side (first plate surface 11 side) from which each element 20 protrudes. A ground layer 15 made of a conductive material (the ground layer 15 corresponds to an example of a ground portion) is provided with a predetermined thickness. The ground layer 15 is a conductive layer whose potential is set to a predetermined ground level, and is electrically connected to the ground side connecting portion 72 of each element 20. In the example of FIG. 6, the ground layer 15 is provided in a configuration covering a majority region (more specifically, substantially the entire region) on the back surface of the substrate 10, and each region obtained by orthographic projection of each element 20 on the second plate surface 12. The ground layer 15 is disposed so as to cover almost the whole of the substrate 10 and also to cover the vicinity of the central portion of the substrate 10.

  Each element 20 is made of a conductive material (for example, a metal material), and is provided in a form protruding from the first plate surface 11 side of the substrate 10. Each of these elements 20 is formed by applying a sheet metal process to a plate material made of a metal material to have a predetermined shape, and is configured in a U shape or a C shape as a whole. In the antenna 3 shown in FIG. 3 and the like, the four elements 20 (the first element 21, the second element 22, the third element 23, and the fourth element 24) have the same shape. The shape may be slightly different from other elements.

  Any element 20 also has a direction (specifically, a first direction) orthogonal to the front-rear direction when the thickness direction of the substrate 10 (the direction orthogonal to the first plate surface 11 and the second plate surface 12) is the front-rear direction. The main body part 30 extending in the longitudinal direction in the direction along the plate surface 11, and the first connecting part 40 (the first connecting part 40 is a “connecting part”) that connects one end of the main body part 30 in the longitudinal direction and the substrate 10. And a second connecting portion 50 that connects the other end in the longitudinal direction of the main body 30 and the substrate 10, so that power is supplied to the main body 30 through the first connecting portion 40. It is configured. In the present specification, the direction orthogonal to the first plate surface 11 and the second plate surface 12 of the substrate 10 is the front-rear direction, and the first plate surface 11 side is the front and the second plate surface 12 side is the rear. . Further, the main body 30 only needs to extend in a longitudinal direction in a direction orthogonal to the thickness direction of the substrate 10, and the longitudinal direction of the main body 30 may be completely parallel to the plate surface of the substrate 10. The longitudinal direction of the portion 30 may be slightly inclined with respect to the direction of the plate surface of the substrate 10.

  For example, the first element 21 includes a main body 31 that extends in a longitudinal direction in a direction orthogonal to the front-rear direction (specifically, a direction along the first plate surface 11), one end in the longitudinal direction of the main body 31, and the substrate 10. And a second connecting portion 51 that connects the other end in the longitudinal direction of the main body portion 31 and the substrate 10 to the main body portion 30 via the first connecting portion 41. It is configured to be fed. The other second element 22, third element 23, and fourth element 24 have the same configuration as the first element 21, and are supplied with power similarly to the first element 21.

  These four elements 20 are configured such that the longitudinal direction of the main body portion 30 of each element 20 is different from the longitudinal direction of the main body portion 30 of another element 20 adjacent to the element 20. Arranged around the central portion 10f (predetermined region) of the substrate 10. In the present embodiment, the direction in which the end 10a and the end 10b face each other is the vertical direction, and the direction in which the end 10c and the end 10d face each other is the left-right direction. A position P where the center line L1 in the vertical direction and the center line L2 in the left-right direction intersect in the substrate 10 when viewed from the front is defined as the center position of the substrate 10, and a portion in the vicinity of the position P is defined as the central portion 10f. Specifically, the plurality of elements 20 are positioned at the center position P1 of the substrate 10 so that the longitudinal direction of the main body portion 30 of each element 20 is orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the main body portion 30 of another element 20 adjacent thereto. Arranged in an annular and rectangular shape around (more specifically, around the central portion 10f). For example, the main body portion 31 of the first element 21 and the main body portion 32 of the second element 22 are both oriented in the direction orthogonal to the longitudinal directions of the main body portions 33 and 34 of the adjacent third element 23 and fourth element 24. It is arranged to extend. Similarly, the main body portion 33 of the third element 23 and the main body portion 34 of the fourth element 24 are both orthogonal to the longitudinal directions of the main body portions 31 and 32 of the adjacent first element 21 and second element 22. It is arrange | positioned so that it may extend.

  Each element 20 has a first connecting portion 40 on one side in the longitudinal direction adjacent to a second connecting portion 50 of another element 20 adjacent to the one side in the longitudinal direction, and a second connecting portion 50 on the other side in the longitudinal direction. It adjoins the 1st connection part 40 of the other element 20 adjacent to the longitudinal direction other side. For example, in the first element 21, the first connecting portion 41 on one side in the longitudinal direction is adjacent to the second connecting portion 54 of the fourth element 24 adjacent to one side in the longitudinal direction, and the second connecting portion 51 on the other side in the longitudinal direction. Is adjacent to the first connecting portion 43 of the third element 23 adjacent to the other side in the longitudinal direction. Similarly, in the second element 22, the first connecting portion 42 on one side in the longitudinal direction is adjacent to the second connecting portion 53 of the third element 23 adjacent to one side in the longitudinal direction, and the second connecting portion on the other side in the longitudinal direction. 52 is adjacent to the first connecting portion 44 of the fourth element 24 adjacent to the other side in the longitudinal direction. Further, in the third element 23, the first connecting portion 43 on one side in the longitudinal direction is adjacent to the second connecting portion 51 of the first element 21 adjacent to the one side in the longitudinal direction, and the second connecting portion 53 on the other side in the longitudinal direction. Is adjacent to the first connecting portion 42 of the second element 22 adjacent to the other side in the longitudinal direction. The fourth element 24 has a first connecting portion 44 on one side in the longitudinal direction adjacent to the second connecting portion 52 of the second element 22 adjacent to the one side in the longitudinal direction, and a second connecting portion 54 on the other side in the longitudinal direction. Is adjacent to the first connecting portion 41 of the first element 21 adjacent to the other side in the longitudinal direction.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 7 to 10, in any element 20, the first connecting portion 40 is configured as shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B, and the first connecting portion 40 includes The first plate surface 11 is connected to the power supply path 150 (described later) and connected to the power supply side coupling portion 71 that rises back and forth from the first plate surface 11 toward the main body portion 30 and the ground layer 15 (ground portion). And a grounding side connecting portion 72 that rises back and forth toward the main body portion 30. In any of the first connecting portions 40, the power feeding side connecting portion 71 and the ground side connecting portion 72 are arranged apart from each other between the first plate surface 11 and a predetermined position in front of the first plate surface 11. ing. In addition, the power supply side connecting portion 71 and the ground side connecting portion 72 are separated from each other on the rear side of the first plate surface 11. The power supply side connecting portion 71 has a configuration in which an elongated metal plate-like portion is partially bent, and a distal end portion is fixed to the first plate surface 11 side of the substrate 10. The ground-side connecting portion 72 is also configured by partially bending an elongated metal plate-like portion, and the ground layer 15 provided on the second plate surface 12 is arranged so that the tip portion penetrates the substrate 10. It is connected to. In this configuration, the width W1 of the power supply side connection portion 71, the width W2 of the ground side connection portion 72, the interval W3 between the power supply side connection portion 71 and the ground side connection portion 72, the power supply side connection portion 71 and the ground side connection portion 72, The impedance can be adjusted by adjusting the height H1 from the substrate 10 up to the position where the two are connected.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, for example, the first connecting portion 41 of the first element 21 is connected to a power feeding path 151 (described later) and rises forward and backward from the first plate surface 11 toward the main body portion 31. A power supply side connection portion 71 a and a ground side connection portion 72 a that is connected to the ground layer 15 (ground portion) and rises back and forth from the first plate surface 11 toward the main body portion 31 are provided. And between the 1st board surface 11 and the predetermined position ahead of the said 1st board surface 11, the electric power feeding side connection part 71a and the earthing | grounding side connection part 72a are spaced apart, and are arrange | positioned. In addition, the power supply side connection portion 71 b and the ground side connection portion 72 b provided in the first connection portion 42 of the second element 22, the power supply side connection portion 71 c provided in the first connection portion 43 of the third element 23, and the ground side The connection portion 72c, the power supply side connection portion 71d and the ground side connection portion 72d provided in the first connection portion 44 of the fourth element 24 are also the same as the power supply side connection portion 71a and the ground side connection portion 72a of the first element 21. It has a configuration.

  Moreover, as shown in FIG. 3, FIG. 7 to FIG. 10 and the like, the second connecting portion 50 of any element 20 has the same shape, and has a configuration in which an elongated metal plate-like portion is partially bent. ing. Each of the second connection portions 50 is connected to the end portion of the main body portion 30 corresponding to one end side (base end side), and is fixed to the substrate 10 on the other end side (tip end side). Specifically, one end portion 79 in the width direction at the end of each second connecting portion 50 on the substrate 10 side (the portion near the periphery of the substrate at the end of each second connecting portion 50) penetrates the substrate 10. It is fixed. And each width direction one end side part 79 of each 2nd connection part 50 each fixed to the board | substrate 10 is distribute | arranged in the insulation state so that it may not conduct | electrically_connect with the ground layer 15. FIG. For example, the width direction one end side portion 79a (the portion near the end portion 10a at the tip end portion of the second connecting portion 51) at the tip end portion of the second connecting portion 51 (the second connecting portion 50 of the first element 21) is made to the substrate 10. It is fixed in a penetrating form, and is arranged in an insulated state so as not to conduct with the ground layer 15. In addition, the width direction one end side part 79b in the 2nd connection part 52 of the 2nd element 22, the width direction one end side part 79c in the 2nd connection part 53 of the 3rd element 23, the width in the 2nd connection part 54 of the 4th element 24. One end portion 79d in the direction is also arranged in the same configuration as the one end portion 79a in the width direction of the first element 21.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 to 10, in any element 20, the first connecting portion 40 and the second connecting portion 50 have a concave outer surface (an outer surface on the element outer wall side) in a direction orthogonal to the front-rear direction. Bent portions 74, 75, and 77 that are bent in the configuration as described above are formed. The bent portions 74, 75, and 77 formed in the first connecting portion 40 and the second connecting portion 50 are all on the space side that is configured between the first connecting portion 40 and the second connecting portion 50. It protrudes and is bent so that the outer wall surface is recessed toward this space. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the inner region of the first element 21 is configured as a space surrounded by the main body portion 31, the first connecting portion 41, the second connecting portion 51, and the substrate 10, and the first element All of the bent portions 74, 75, 77 formed on the surface 21 protrude toward the space side, and each outer wall surface (the outer surface on the outer side (opposite side to the space) of the power supply side connecting portion 71a), the ground side The outer outer surface of the connecting portion 72a and the outer outer surface of the second connecting portion 51 are bent so as to be recessed toward the space. The second element 22, the third element 23, and the fourth element 24 are also formed with bent portions having the same shape as the bent portions 74, 75, and 77 of the first element 21. In particular, in each of the first connecting portions 40, the bent portions 74 and 75 are in the shape of a “U” in the vicinity of the center portion in the front-rear direction of the power supply side connection portion 71 and the ground side connection portion 72 (power supply side connection portion 71, ground side connection The cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the plate thickness direction of the portion 72 is formed to be bent in a “U” shape, and both the front and rear sides of the bent portions 74 and 75 are configured as plate-like portions extending linearly in the front-rear direction. Has been. Further, in each of the second connecting portions 50, the bent portion 77 has a “U” shape (perpendicular to the plate thickness direction of the second connecting portion 50) at the center position in the front-rear direction or a position slightly closer to the substrate 10 side than the center position. The cross-sectional shape of the bent portion 77 is formed as a plate-like portion extending linearly in the front-rear direction.

  Next, the frequency adjustment unit 60 will be described. Each frequency adjustment unit 60 provided corresponding to each element 20 is configured as a conductive path electrically connected to the second coupling unit 50 on the substrate 10, and at least a part of the first frequency adjustment unit 60 is provided on the substrate 10. The wiring pattern is exposed from the plate surface 11 side. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3 and the like, as a wiring pattern that bends along the first plate surface 11 of the substrate 10 from the vicinity of the front end portion (end portion on the substrate 10 side) of the second connecting portion 50 extending in the front-rear direction. For example, it is formed with a thickness smaller than the thickness of the element 20.

  In addition, each frequency adjustment unit 60 is elongated along the outer edge of the adjacent substrate, and is an area between the first connection unit 40 and the second connection unit 50 so as to approach the first connection unit 40 side toward the front end side. It is arranged inside. These frequency adjusting units 60 are configured as conductive paths through which current from the connected elements 20 can flow, and the resonance frequency of the corresponding element 20 is determined by the length and shape of the frequency adjusting unit 60. Yes.

  For example, the frequency adjustment unit 61 corresponding to the first element 21 is configured as a wiring pattern that bends along the first plate surface 11 of the substrate 10 from the vicinity of the front end portion of the second connecting portion 51 that extends in the front-rear direction. The first connecting portion 41 and the second connecting portion 51 are arranged so as to be elongated along the end portion 10a and approach the first connecting portion 41 side toward the front end side. The resonance frequency of the corresponding first element 21 is determined by the length and shape of the frequency adjusting unit 61. Further, the frequency adjustment unit 62 corresponding to the second element 22, the frequency adjustment unit 63 corresponding to the third element 23, and the frequency adjustment unit 64 corresponding to the fourth element 24 are the same as the frequency adjustment unit 61 of the first element 21. It has the same function. In addition, in FIG. 12, the structure which abbreviate | omitted each element 20 from the front view of FIG. 5 is shown schematically, and the hole etc. which each part of the element 20 penetrates are abbreviate | omitted and shown.

  Further, in this configuration, as described above, the ground layer 15 made of a conductive material is provided on the second plate surface 12 side of the substrate 10, and each frequency adjustment unit arranged as a conductive layer on the first plate surface 11 side. Each of 60 faces the ground layer 15 with an insulating material constituting the substrate 10 interposed therebetween. In this configuration, each frequency adjusting unit 60 and the ground layer 15 face each other in the vicinity of the thickness of the substrate 10, so that a capacitor is formed at this portion and a capacitance component is generated.

  FIG. 13 shows the relationship between the length of the frequency adjusting unit 63 (element tip length) and the length of the resonance frequency when the antenna 3 is configured as shown in FIG. The example of FIG. 13 is an example in which each element is formed with a predetermined size. However, as illustrated in FIG. 13, each element 20 of the antenna 3 resonates when the length of the frequency adjustment unit 60 is changed. The frequency is also changing. In such a configuration, a region where the slope of the curve indicating the correspondence between the resonance frequency and the length of the frequency adjustment unit 60 is small (region where the degree of change in the resonance frequency with respect to the change in the length of the frequency adjustment unit 60 is small). If the resonance frequency and the length of the frequency adjusting unit 60 are set, the desired resonance frequency can be obtained with high accuracy. For example, when a frequency of about 920 MHz is set as a desired resonance frequency, an element having a characteristic such that the gradient near the desired resonance frequency (about 920 MHz) is reduced as shown in FIG. 13 is obtained. What is necessary is just to adjust the frequency adjustment part 60 by such length. In this way, even if the length of the frequency adjustment unit 60 is slightly deviated, the resonance frequency is not greatly deviated from the desired resonance frequency, and the frequency error can be suppressed.

Next, the power switching circuit 123 will be described. In this configuration, the antenna 3 described above and the power switching circuit 123 described below correspond to an example of an “antenna device”.
The high-frequency signal (AC signal) generated by the signal generator 122 shown in FIG. 3 is input to the power switching circuit 123 as shown in FIG. 15A via, for example, a connector shown in FIG. The data is output to the output destination selected by 123. The power switching circuit 123 in FIG. 15A switches the output destination of the input signal (high frequency signal) input to the input port in according to the signal input to the ports A and B from the four output ports. The power supply side connection portion 71a of the first element 21 is connected to the output port out1, and the power supply side connection portion 71c of the third element 23 is connected to the output port out2. The power supply side connecting portion 71b of the second element 22 is connected to the port out3, and the power supply side connecting portion 71d of the fourth element 24 is connected to the output port out4.

  As shown in FIG. 15B, when the L level signal is input to the port A and the L level signal is input to the port B, the input signal (high frequency signal) input to the input port in is output to the output port. When an H level signal is input to port A and an L level signal is input to port B, the input signal (high frequency signal) input to input port in is output to only the first element 21 via out1. Only the third element 23 is output via the output port out2. Further, when the L level signal is input to the port A and the H level signal is input to the port B, only the second element 22 is input to the input signal (high frequency signal) input to the input port in via the output port out3. When the H level signal is input to the port A and the H level signal is input to the port B, the input signal (high frequency signal) input to the input port in is sent to the fourth element via the output port out4. 24 is output only.

  The signal input to the port A and the port B can be performed by, for example, the control unit 101. For example, the output destination of the input signal (high frequency signal) is the output port out1, the output port out2, the output port out3, and the output port out4. Control may be performed so that the combination of signal inputs to port A and port B is changed every predetermined short time so as to sequentially switch in the circumferential direction.

  In the configuration described above, a plurality of elements 20 including the main body portion 30 extending in the longitudinal direction in the direction orthogonal to the thickness direction of the substrate 10 (that is, the direction along the plate surface of the substrate 10) are provided. The configuration in which the longitudinal direction of the main body 30 is different from the longitudinal direction of the main body 30 of another element 20 adjacent to the main body 30, and the plurality of elements 20 are arranged around a predetermined region of the substrate 10. Has been. According to this configuration, a configuration capable of changing the direction of polarization can be easily realized while suppressing bulkiness from the substrate 10. In particular, since each main body portion 30 is along the plate surface of the substrate 10, the bulkiness of the elements in the front-rear direction is suppressed, and since each element 20 is configured in a longitudinal shape and disposed on the substrate 10, the patch antenna The element size in the plane direction (substrate plate surface direction) orthogonal to the front-rear direction can be suppressed as compared with the above. Further, the output destination of the input high-frequency signal is switched by the power switching circuit 123, and in this way, the polarization direction can be switched reliably with a simple and small configuration. Note that the power switching circuit 123 may be mounted on the substrate 10 or may be provided in a portion other than the substrate 10.

  In the above-described configuration, four elements 20 are provided, and the four elements 20 include the longitudinal direction of the main body portion 30 of each element 20 and the longitudinal length of the main body portion 30 of another element 20 adjacent to the main body portion 30. The four elements 20 are arranged so as to surround a predetermined region (central portion 10f) of the substrate 10 in a rectangular shape with a configuration orthogonal to the direction. The power switching circuit 123 switches the output destination so as to output the high-frequency signal to the four elements 20 in order. In this way, it is possible to output electromagnetic waves while sequentially switching the polarization direction from each of the annular and rectangular portions.

  Further, in the configuration described above, the element 20 as the power feeding element is provided in a form protruding from the first plate surface 11 side of the substrate 10, and this element 20 extends in a longitudinal direction in a direction orthogonal to the front-rear direction. A main body part 30, a first connecting part 40 that connects one end side in the longitudinal direction of the main body part 30 and the substrate 10, and a second connecting part 50 that connects the other end side in the longitudinal direction of the main body part 30 and the substrate 10 are provided. It has been. Thus, since the 1st connection part 40 and the 2nd connection part 50 are each connected with the both ends of the main-body part 30, the size of a longitudinal direction is made small compared with the structure which hold | maintains the main-body part 30 in a cantilever shape. be able to. Furthermore, since the frequency adjusting unit 60 configured as a conductive path is electrically connected to the second connecting unit 50, the length of the element 20 is suppressed and the conductive portion including the element 20 and the frequency adjusting unit 60 is included. The length can be ensured, and when setting at a desired resonance frequency, it can be realized with a lighter and more compact configuration.

  Further, as described above, the frequency adjustment unit 60 is configured as a wiring pattern that is at least partially exposed from the first plate surface 11 side of the substrate 10. By configuring the frequency adjustment unit 60 as a wiring pattern in this way, the part that plays the role of frequency adjustment can be configured in a lightweight and simple manner.

Further, in the configuration described above, the first connecting portion 40 is connected to the feeding path (each output line from the power switching circuit 123) and is connected to the feeding side that rises forward and backward from the first plate surface 11 toward the main body portion 30. And a ground-side connecting portion 72 that is connected to the ground layer 15 and rises back and forth from the first plate surface 11 toward the main body portion 30. The first plate surface 11 and the front side of the first plate surface 11 The power supply side connecting portion 71 and the ground side connecting portion 72 are spaced apart from each other at a predetermined position.
By doing so, it is possible to easily perform impedance adjustment or the like according to the length or shape of the power supply side connecting portion 71 or the ground side connecting portion 72 while realizing a lightweight and compact antenna structure.

  In the configuration described above, the ground layer 15 made of a conductive material is provided on the second plate surface 12 side opposite to the first plate surface 11 in the substrate 10 so as to cover the element 20 from the side opposite to the protruding side. It has been. By comprising in this way, a coupling with the circuit arrange | positioned at the 1st board surface 11 side of the board | substrate 10 can be suppressed. Particularly, since the ground layer 15 is provided so as to cover almost the entire surface on the second plate surface 12 side, the above-described effect becomes more remarkable.

In the configuration described above, the ground layer 15 made of a conductive material is provided on the second plate surface 12 side opposite to the first plate surface 11 in the substrate 10 so as to cover the element 20 from the side opposite to the protruding side. The frequency adjusting unit 60 is disposed as a conductive layer on the first plate surface 11 side, and the frequency adjusting unit 60 and the ground layer 15 are opposed to each other with an insulating material constituting the substrate 10 interposed therebetween.
With this configuration, the frequency adjustment unit 60 and the ground layer 15 can form a capacitive component, so that the required element size (required line length) can be reduced, and the antenna 3 can be further reduced. Miniaturization can be achieved.

In the above-described configuration, the first connecting portion 40 and the second connecting portion 50 are formed with bent portions 74, 75, and 77 that are bent in a configuration that is concave in a direction orthogonal to the front-rear direction.
With such a configuration, when an impact is applied to one of the main body 30 or the substrate 10, the impact can be absorbed by the bent portions 74, 75, and 77, and transmission to the other can be effectively suppressed. it can. In addition, since the line length can be ensured as compared with the case where the first connecting portion 40 and the second connecting portion 50 are all formed in a straight line, it is further advantageous in reducing the size of the element 20. Further, when the element 20 or the like expands or contracts due to heat, the bent portions 74, 75, and 77 can mitigate the influence of the fluctuation.

  In the above-described configuration, the bent portions 74, 75, and 77 formed in the first connecting portion 40 and the second connecting portion 50 are all configured between the first connecting portion 40 and the second connecting portion 50. It is bent so as to be recessed in the space side. According to this configuration, the first connecting portion 40 and the second connecting portion 50 can be prevented from protruding outward (the outer side in the longitudinal direction of the element 20), can absorb shocks, and can secure the line length. Can be realized while suppressing the overall length of the element 20.

  In the above-described configuration, a plurality of elements 20 are provided, and the plurality of elements 20 are arranged such that the longitudinal direction of the main body 30 of each element 20 is different from the longitudinal direction of the main body 30 of another element 20 adjacent thereto. The elements 20 are arranged side by side around the central portion 10 f of the substrate 10. By comprising in this way, the structure which can generate the several polarization from which direction differs can be implement | achieved lightweight and compactly. In particular, a radio wave whose circular polarization or polarization direction changes can be emitted well to the front side.

  Further, in the configuration described above, the substrate 10 is configured in a rectangular shape, and each element 20 is disposed so as to be adjacent to each end portion constituting the peripheral portion of the substrate 10. By configuring in this way, each element 20 can be efficiently arranged using the region of the substrate 10 to the end.

[Modification of the first embodiment]
Next, a modified example of the first embodiment will be described.
The modification shown in FIG. 14B has a configuration in which the two elements (second element 22 and fourth element 24) are omitted from the antenna 3 as shown in FIG. Further, in the modified example, the high frequency signal (AC signal) generated by the signal generation unit 122 shown in FIG. 3 is converted into a power switching circuit as shown in FIG. 16A via a connector shown in FIG. 123, and output to the output destination selected by the power switching circuit 123. The power switching circuit 123 in FIG. 14A is a known switch that switches the output destination of the input signal (high frequency signal) input to the input port in according to the signal input to the port A from the two output ports. The output port out1 is connected to the power supply side connecting portion 71a of the first element 21, and the output port out2 is connected to the power supply side connecting portion 71c of the third element 23.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 16B, when the L level signal is input to the port A, the input signal (high frequency signal) input to the input port in is transmitted only to the first element 21 via the output port out1. When an H level signal is input to the port A, an input signal (high frequency signal) input to the input port in is output only to the third element 23 via the output port out2.

  Also in this case, the signal input to the port A and the port B can be performed by, for example, the control unit 101. For example, the output destination of the input signal (high frequency signal) is alternately switched to the output port out1 and the output port out2. As described above, the control may be performed so that the combination of signal inputs to the port A and the port B is changed every predetermined short time.

  When configured as shown in FIGS. 14B and 16, a configuration capable of radiating two electromagnetic waves whose polarization directions are orthogonal can be realized with a reduced number of members, further contributing to reduction in size and weight. .

[Second Embodiment]
Next, a second embodiment will be described mainly with reference to FIG.
In the second embodiment, the power switching circuit 123 is the same as that in the first embodiment, and a detailed description thereof is omitted. As shown in FIG. 17, also in the antenna device 100 of the present embodiment, a plurality of elements 20 made of the substrate 10 and a conductive material, and a power switching circuit 123 (first operation) for selecting an output destination of a high-frequency signal input from the outside. The same power switching circuit as in the first embodiment. Each element 20 has a main body portion 30 extending in a longitudinal direction in a direction orthogonal to the front-rear direction when the thickness direction of the substrate 10 is the front-rear direction, and a connection portion 240 that connects the main body portion 30 and the substrate 10. The power switching circuit 123 is configured to supply power to the main body unit 30 via the connection unit 240.

  As shown in FIG. 17, even in this embodiment, the longitudinal direction of the main body portion 30 of each element 20 is different from the longitudinal direction of the main body portion 30 of another element 20 adjacent to the main body portion 30. 20 are arranged around a predetermined area of the substrate 10. Specifically, the four elements 20 (first element 21, second element 22, third element 23, fourth element 24) are adjacent to the longitudinal direction of the main body 30 of each element 20 and the main body 30. In the configuration in which the longitudinal direction of the main body portion 30 of the other element 20 is orthogonal, the four elements 20 are arranged so as to surround a predetermined region (near the central portion 10f) of the substrate in a rectangular shape, and the power switching circuit 123 is The output destination is sequentially switched to output an AC signal to each element 20.

  In the present embodiment, the second substrate 210 is provided at a position facing the substrate 10, the main body portions 30 of the plurality of elements 20 are disposed on the second substrate 210, and the connection portions 240 of the elements 20 are One end side is fixed to the substrate 10 and the other end side is connected to each main body 30. The second substrate 210 is held on the substrate 10 by a plurality of connection portions 240 fixed to the substrate 10. In the present embodiment, a frequency adjustment unit 260 including a conductive path connected in series to each main body unit 30 is provided on the second substrate 210, and the frequency adjustment unit 260 is wound or folded. It is comprised by the wiring comprised. In each frequency adjustment unit 260 of FIG. 17, a coil is connected in series between the end of the main body 30 adjacent to one side of the frequency adjustment 260 and the end of the main body 30 adjacent to the other side. It has a configuration. In the configuration of FIG. 17, each main body 30 is divided into a region on one side and a region on the other side with a frequency adjustment unit 260 disposed in the center, and both regions are configured to be elongated in the same direction. Has been. And in the form where the frequency adjustment part 260 is interposed between the main body part on the one side (connecting part 240 side) configured in the longitudinal direction and the main body part on the other side, the main body part on one side, the frequency adjustment part ( Coil) 260 and the other body part are connected in series. In the example of FIG. 17, the second substrate 210 has a through hole 211 formed in a central region surrounded by the plurality of main body portions 30. In addition, although it is the through-hole 211 in the example of FIG. 17, this part may not be a perfect hole, for example, may be comprised as a notch part.

In the second embodiment, basically the same effects as those in the first embodiment can be obtained.
Furthermore, in the configuration of the second embodiment, the second substrate 210 is provided at a position facing the substrate 10, the main body portions 30 of the plurality of elements 20 are respectively disposed on the second substrate 210, and the connection portions 240 of each element 20. The one end side is fixed to the substrate 10 and the other end side is connected to the main body 30, and the second substrate 210 is held by at least a plurality of connection portions 240 fixed to the substrate 10. In this configuration, since the plurality of main body portions 30 can be stably fixed to the second substrate 210, the orientation of the main body portion 30 is more accurately maintained. Moreover, since the structure which hold | maintains the main-body part 30 with the 2nd board | substrate 210 is employ | adopted, it is not necessary to raise the rigidity of the main-body part 30 so much, and it becomes easy to aim at size reduction and weight reduction of the main-body part 30.

  In the present embodiment, a frequency adjustment unit 260 including a conductive path connected in series to the main body unit 30 is provided on the second substrate 210, and the frequency adjustment unit 260 is wound or folded. It is comprised by the comprised wiring. In this configuration, the path length of the conductive portion including the element and the frequency adjusting unit 260 can be secured while suppressing the total length of the element, and the configuration is lighter and more compact when trying to set at a desired resonance frequency. It can be realized.

  In the configuration of the present embodiment, the second substrate 210 has a through hole 211 (or a notch) formed in a central region surrounded by the plurality of main body portions 30. By doing in this way, the 2nd board | substrate 210 can be reduced more in size and weight, and also the part for fixing the 2nd board | substrate 210 to the board | substrate 10 (1st board | substrate) by this is further simplified. Can do.

[Other Embodiments]
The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described with reference to the above description and drawings. For example, the following embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

  In the said embodiment, although the frequency adjustment part 60 arrange | positioned linearly along the 1st board surface 11 was illustrated, the structure of the frequency adjustment part 60 is not limited to this. For example, you may comprise as a pattern by the side of the 1st plate surface 11 which has a some bending location. Or you may comprise a conductive path by the pattern by the side of the 1st board surface 11 and the pattern by the side of the 2nd board surface 12 like FIG. In the example of FIG. 18, a linear pattern on the first plate surface (front surface) 11 side (conceptually shown by a solid line) and a linear pattern on the second plate surface (back surface) 12 side (conceptually shown by a broken line) You may comprise the frequency adjustment part 60 which folds up sequentially and comprises zigzag.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Portable terminal 3 ... Antenna 10 ... Board | substrate 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d ... End part 11 ... 1st board surface 12 ... 2nd board surface 15 ... Ground layer (ground part)
20 ... Element 30 ... Main body 40 ... First connecting portion (connecting portion)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 50 ... 2nd connection part 60 ... Frequency adjustment part 71 ... Power feeding side connection part 72 ... Ground side connection part 74,75,77 ... Bending part 100 ... Antenna apparatus 123 ... Power switching circuit 210 ... 2nd board | substrate 210 ... Through-hole 240 ... Connection 260 ... Frequency adjuster

Claims (6)

A substrate,
A plurality of elements made of conductive material;
A power switching circuit that switches so that an output destination of a high-frequency signal input from the outside is sequentially selected from the plurality of elements;
With
The element includes a main body portion extending in a longitudinal direction in a direction orthogonal to the front-rear direction when the thickness direction of the substrate is a front-rear direction, and a connection portion connecting the main body portion and the substrate, It is configured to be fed from the power switching circuit to the main body part via the connection part,
Each element has a configuration in which the longitudinal direction of the main body portion is different from the longitudinal direction of the main body portion of another element adjacent to the main body portion, and the plurality of elements are arranged around a predetermined region of the substrate. Arranged along the periphery of the substrate ,
The connection portion is electrically connected to the power switching circuit and includes a first connection portion that rises back and forth between a portion on one end side in the longitudinal direction of the main body portion and the first plate surface of the substrate,
Further, the element connects the portion on the other end side in the longitudinal direction of the main body and the substrate, and rises back and forth between the portion on the other end side in the longitudinal direction and the first plate surface. A connecting part is provided,
The main body, the first connecting portion, and the second connecting portion are integrally formed of the same conductive material, and the main body is held by the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion,
Each of the substrates is provided with a frequency adjustment unit made of a conductive material in a configuration that is electrically connected to each second connection portion of each element.
The frequency adjustment unit is configured as a wiring pattern that is exposed from the first plate surface side so as to be bent along the first plate surface from the second connection unit, and toward the first connection unit side toward the tip side. An antenna device, wherein the antenna device is arranged in a straight line so as to approach or has a plurality of bent portions. Four elements are provided,
The four elements are configured such that the longitudinal direction of the main body portion of each element is orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the main body portion of another element adjacent to the main body portion, and the four elements are the predetermined region of the substrate. Is enclosed in a rectangular shape,
The antenna apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the power switching circuit switches an output destination so as to output the high-frequency signal to the four elements in order. Two of the elements are provided,
The two elements are arranged in a configuration in which the longitudinal direction of the main body portion of one element and the longitudinal direction of the main body portion of the other element are orthogonal to each other,
The antenna apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the power switching circuit switches an output destination so as to output the high-frequency signal to the two elements in order.   A ground layer is provided on the second plate surface side opposite to the first plate surface side on which the plurality of elements protrude from the substrate so as to cover the plurality of elements from the side opposite to the protruding side. The antenna device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the antenna device is provided. The substrate is configured in a rectangular shape,
5. The antenna device according to claim 1 , wherein each element is arranged so as to be adjacent to each end portion constituting the peripheral portion of the substrate . The connecting portion is electrically connected to the power switching circuit and is configured to rise back and forth between the substrate and the main body, and the connecting portion has a predetermined position in the front-rear direction. 6. The antenna device according to claim 1, wherein a bent portion that is bent in a configuration that is concave in a direction orthogonal to the direction is formed .

Images