Vehicle antenna device

Abstract

To ensure isolation between multiple antenna elements disposed within a narrow space while also reducing the size of an on-board antenna device, this on-board antenna device (100) comprises: an antenna case (101); a base (102) that forms an accommodation space together with the antenna case (101); and a first antenna element (122) and a second antenna element (123) that are accommodated in the accommodation space. The first antenna element (122) and the second antenna element (123) at least transmit or receive radio waves of different frequency bands. The first antenna element (122) has, in at least a portion thereof, a meandering shape in a first direction that intersects a polarized wave of a radio wave transmitted or received by the second antenna element (123).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an in-vehicle antenna device. [Background technology]

[0002] There is known a composite antenna device that is mounted on a vehicle and that receives or transmits signals of multiple media (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2). In a composite antenna device, multiple antenna elements are often provided to receive or transmit signals in different frequency bands depending on the media. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-208383 [Patent Document 2] US Patent Application Publication No. 2016 / 0064807 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] There is a demand for miniaturization of composite antenna devices mounted on vehicles, but if multiple antenna elements are placed close to each other in a small space, the antenna elements and the circuits connected to those antenna elements may affect each other, resulting in a decrease in antenna performance.

[0005] An example of an object of the present invention is to ensure isolation between a plurality of antenna elements arranged in a narrow space while miniaturizing an in-vehicle antenna device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] One aspect of the present invention is Case and a base that forms a storage space together with the case; a first antenna element accommodated in the accommodation space and configured to at least transmit or receive radio waves in a first frequency band; a second antenna element that is accommodated in the accommodation space and that at least transmits or receives radio waves in a second frequency band different from that of the first antenna element; The first antenna element has a first polarization that crosses the polarization of the second antenna element. The in-vehicle antenna device has at least a portion having a meandering shape in the direction. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the above aspect of the present invention, it is possible to reduce the size of the in-vehicle antenna device while ensuring isolation between a plurality of antenna elements arranged in a narrow space. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1A, 1B, and 1C are diagrams showing the appearance of an in-vehicle antenna device according to a first embodiment of the present invention, in which (a) is a plan view, (b) is a left side view, and (c) is a rear view. [Figure 2] 1 is an exploded perspective view of an in-vehicle antenna device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 3] 1 is a left side view of the vehicle-mounted antenna device according to the first embodiment, showing the inside of the housing space with the antenna case and inner case removed at approximately the center in the left-right direction. FIG. [Figure 4] 1 is a perspective view of the in-vehicle antenna device according to the first embodiment, with the antenna case not attached. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a first connecting conductor according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a left side view of the first capacitive loading element according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a left side view of the first holder according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 4 is a left side view of a second circuit board according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9]3(a) to 3(d) are diagrams showing examples of circuit configurations employed in the first to fourth circuits according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10(a) is a diagram showing another example of the circuit configuration of the fourth circuit, and FIG. 10(b) is a diagram showing yet another example of the circuit configuration of the fourth circuit. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a first spring contact fitting according to the first embodiment. [Figure 12] 5A and 5B are enlarged views showing an example of how the second antenna element is attached in the housing space according to the first embodiment, where (a) is a view from the left side and (b) is a view from the rear. [Figure 13] FIG. 3 is a left side view of the second capacitive loading element according to the first embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 1(a) is a left side view of the second holder according to the first embodiment, and (b) and (c) are enlarged perspective views showing the vicinity of the tip of the base locking claw when attached to the first circuit board. [Figure 15] 3 is a diagram showing the positional relationship between the first helical element and the second helical element according to the first embodiment, as viewed from above. FIG. [Figure 16] FIG. 5 is a left side view of an in-vehicle antenna device according to a second embodiment of the present invention, and corresponds to FIG. 3 according to the first embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a left side view of an in-vehicle antenna device according to a third embodiment of the present invention, and corresponds to FIG. 3 according to the first embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is a left side view of an in-vehicle antenna device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, and corresponds to FIG. 3 according to the first embodiment. [Figure 19] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the relationship between the amount of isolation between the first helical element and the second helical element and the frequency in the fourth embodiment. [Figure 20] FIG. 10 is a left side view of an in-vehicle antenna device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention, and corresponds to FIG. 3 according to the first embodiment. [Figure 21] FIG. 10 is a left side view of an in-vehicle antenna device according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention, and corresponds to FIG. 3 according to the first embodiment. [Figure 22] FIG. 10 is a left side view of an in-vehicle antenna device according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention, and corresponds to FIG. 3 according to the first embodiment. [Figure 23] FIG. 13 is a left side view of an in-vehicle antenna device according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention, and corresponds to FIG. 3 according to the first embodiment. [Figure 24] FIG. 13 is a left side view of an in-vehicle antenna device according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention, and corresponds to FIG. 3 according to the first embodiment. [Figure 25] FIG. 19 is a left side view of an in-vehicle antenna device according to a tenth embodiment of the present invention, and corresponds to FIG. 3 according to the first embodiment. [Figure 26] 26 is a left side view of the antenna device according to the tenth embodiment, showing a state in which the second capacitive loading element is removed from the left side view shown in FIG. [Figure 27] FIG. 22 is a left side view of the antenna device according to the eleventh embodiment, and corresponds to FIG. 3 according to the first embodiment. [Figure 28] FIG. 23 is a left side view of an antenna device according to a twelfth embodiment of the present invention, and corresponds to FIG. 3 according to the first embodiment. [Figure 29] FIG. 23 is a perspective view of the vehicle-mounted antenna device according to the twelfth embodiment, with the antenna case not attached. [Figure 30] FIG. 23 is a side view of the vehicle-mounted antenna device according to the twelfth embodiment, with the antenna case not attached. [Figure 31] FIG. 23 is an exploded perspective view showing a part of the inner case and the first capacitive loading element according to the twelfth embodiment. [Figure 32] FIG. 23 is a perspective view showing a first capacitive loading element attached to an inner case in the twelfth embodiment. [Figure 33] FIG. 23 is a perspective view showing a first holder, a second antenna element, a second holder, and a fourth antenna element attached to a first circuit board in the twelfth embodiment. [Figure 34]FIG. 23 is a left side view showing the first holder, the second antenna element, the second holder, and the fourth antenna element attached to the first circuit board in the twelfth embodiment. [Figure 35] FIG. 23 is a left side view of a first holder according to a twelfth embodiment. [Figure 36] FIG. 23 is a left side view of the first holder to which the second circuit board and the first helical element are attached in the twelfth embodiment. [Figure 37] FIG. 23 is a perspective view of a first holder to which a first spring contact fitting is attached, as viewed from a first direction, in a twelfth embodiment. [Figure 38] FIG. 23 is a perspective view of a first holder to which a first spring contact fitting is attached, viewed from a second direction, in the twelfth embodiment. [Figure 39] 23A to 23C are diagrams showing a method for attaching the first spring contact fitting to the first holder in the twelfth embodiment. [Figure 40] 23A to 23C are diagrams showing a method for attaching the second circuit board to the first holder in the twelfth embodiment. [Figure 41] FIG. 23 is a left side view of a second antenna element according to a twelfth embodiment. [Figure 42] FIG. 23 is a perspective view of the rear portion of the first circuit board according to the twelfth embodiment, as viewed from below. [Figure 43] FIG. 23 is a perspective view of a second holder according to a twelfth embodiment. [Figure 44] FIG. 23 is a perspective view of a lower terminal according to a twelfth embodiment. [Figure 45] 23A to 23C are diagrams showing a method for attaching the second spring contact fitting to the second holder in the twelfth embodiment. [Figure 46] 23A to 23C are diagrams showing a method for attaching the lower terminal to the second holder in the twelfth embodiment. [Figure 47] FIG. 23 is a diagram showing an example of antenna characteristics when the meandering pattern width of the first capacitive loading element according to the twelfth embodiment is 4 mm and the pitch is 2 mm. [Figure 48]FIG. 23 is a diagram showing an example of antenna characteristics when the meandering pattern width of the first capacitive loading element according to the twelfth embodiment is 3 mm and the pitch is 3 mm. [Figure 49] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a state in which the antenna case is not attached to the antenna device according to the sixth modification. [Figure 50] FIG. 13 is a left side view showing the antenna device according to Modification 6 in a state where the antenna case is not attached. [Figure 51] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a state in which the antenna case is not attached to the antenna device according to the seventh modification. [Figure 52] FIG. 13 is a left side view showing the antenna device according to Modification 7 in a state where the antenna case is not attached. [Figure 53] FIG. 13 is an enlarged perspective view showing the vicinity of a V2X antenna according to a seventh modification. [Figure 54] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a state in which the antenna case is not attached to the antenna device according to Modification 8. [Figure 55] FIG. 13 is a left side view showing an antenna device according to Modification 8 in a state where the antenna case is not attached. [Figure 56] FIG. 20 is an enlarged perspective view of the vicinity of a second antenna element according to Modification 8. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In all the drawings, like components are designated by like reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0010] In this specification, ordinal numbers such as "first," "second," and "third" are used merely to distinguish between similarly named configurations, unless otherwise specified, and do not imply any particular characteristics (e.g., order or importance) of the configurations.

[0011] [First embodiment]

[0012] An in-vehicle antenna device (hereinafter also simply referred to as "antenna device") 100 according to a first embodiment of the present invention is mounted, for example, on the roof of a vehicle.

[0013] The vehicle-mounted antenna device includes a plurality of antenna elements that are compatible with radio waves in a plurality of different frequency bands, and each of the plurality of antenna elements transmits and receives radio waves in the corresponding frequency band.

[0014] "Sending and receiving" means at least sending or receiving, and specifically includes either sending or receiving, as well as both sending and receiving. In the following, "sending and receiving" will be used in the same sense.

[0015] In the following description, "front" or "forward" refers to the front side of the vehicle on which the antenna device 100 is mounted, and "rear" or "rearward" refers to the opposite side, i.e., the rear side of the vehicle. "Right" or "right side" refers to the right side as seen by the driver of the vehicle, and "left" or "left side" refers to the opposite side. "Down" or "below" refers to the direction of gravity of the vehicle on which the antenna device 100 is mounted, and "up" or "upper" refers to the opposite direction.

[0016] As shown in FIG. 1, the antenna device 100 generally includes an antenna case 101, an antenna base 102, and a capture unit 103.

[0017] Here, FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the appearance of the antenna device 100 according to this embodiment, where (a) is a plan view, (b) is a left side view, and (c) is a rear view.

[0018] (Configuration of antenna case 101) The antenna case 101 is a hollow member made of radio wave-transmitting synthetic resin, and is formed in a streamlined shape (commonly referred to as a shark fin shape) that becomes thinner and lower as it goes forward, and the sides also turn inward (towards the central axis in the fore-and-aft direction) as they go upward.

[0019] The lower end of the antenna case 101 has an opening surface that forms an opening.

[0020] The external dimensions of the antenna case 101 are, for example, approximately 190 mm to 200 mm in the front-rear direction, approximately 60 mm to 65 mm in the up-down direction, and approximately 70 mm to 75 mm in the left-right direction.

[0021] (Configuration of antenna base 102) The outer edge or the vicinity of the outer edge of the antenna base 102 is fitted into the opening surface of the antenna case 101 so as to cover at least a part of the opening of the opening surface of the antenna case 101. In this way, the antenna case 101 is locked to the antenna base 102, and the antenna base 102 forms a storage space together with the antenna case 101. Note that the method of attaching the antenna case 101 to the antenna base 102 is not limited to locking, and other methods such as screw fastening, adhesive bonding, welding using a laser or ultrasonic waves, etc. may also be used.

[0022] The accommodation space accommodates multiple types of antennas (described in detail below) for transmitting and receiving radio waves in multiple frequency bands.

[0023] In detail, as shown in FIG. 2, the antenna base 102 includes a first circuit board 104, a connector 105, an O-ring 106, a base 107, and a mounting boss portion (not shown) through which the connector 105 passes.

[0024] As shown in FIG. 2, the base 107 in this embodiment is made up of a conductive base 107a.

[0025] The base 107 may be composed of only the conductive base 107a, or may be composed of the conductive base 107a and an insulating base, or may be composed of the insulating base and a metal plate, or may be composed of the insulating base, the conductive base 107a, and a metal plate.

[0026] 2 is an exploded perspective view of the in-vehicle antenna device 100 according to this embodiment. In FIG. 2, the antenna case 101 and a first helical element 144, which will be described later, are not shown.

[0027] The conductive base 107a is a conductor that has the same potential as the roof of the vehicle after being attached to the roof, and is produced in a predetermined shape by die casting, for example.

[0028] The base 107 may be, for example, a metal plate formed from a metal plate instead of the conductive base 107a, or may include a combination of the conductive base 107a and a metal plate.

[0029] The first circuit board 104 is long in the front-rear direction, and has left and right constricted portions 108, first to fifth through holes 109 to 113, and screw holes into which a plurality of screws are inserted.

[0030] The left and right constricted portions 108 are located approximately in the center of the first circuit board 104 in the front-rear direction or slightly forward of that center, and have an arc-shaped notch cut out inward at the outer edge.

[0031] The first to fifth through holes 109 to 113 are through holes in the up-down direction that are arranged side by side in order from the front of the first circuit board 104, approximately at the center of the first circuit board 104 in the left-right direction.

[0032] More specifically, first through-hole 109 is a hole provided near the front end of first circuit board 104, and has a quadrilateral shape such as a circle, a square, or a rectangle when viewed from above.

[0033] Here, "nearby" means a position that is relatively close in distance from a reference position such as the front end, and the same applies hereinafter.

[0034] The second through-hole 110 is a hole provided slightly behind the constricted portion 108 in the front-to-rear direction, and has, for example, a rectangular shape that is long in the front-to-rear direction when viewed from above. The fifth through-hole 113 is a hole provided near the rear end portion of the first circuit board 104, and has, for example, a quadrilateral shape that is long in the front-to-rear direction when viewed from above.

[0035] The third through hole 111 and the fourth through hole 112 are provided at approximately equal intervals between the second through hole 110 and the fifth through hole 113. The third through hole 111 has, for example, a circular shape when viewed from above, and the fourth through hole 112 has, for example, a quadrilateral shape that is long in the front-to-rear direction when viewed from above.

[0036] The positions and shapes of the first to fifth through holes 109 to 113 described here are merely examples, and may be changed as appropriate.

[0037] The connector 105 is fixed to the lower surface of the first circuit board 104 between the left and right constricted portions 108 and protrudes downward.

[0038] The O-ring 106 is a soft insulating body that forms an enclosing shape.

[0039] The base 107 is formed into a shape that allows the vicinity of its outer periphery to be locked onto the opening surface of the antenna case 101 when it is fitted to close the opening surface of the antenna case 101 .

[0040] In this embodiment, the base 107 is formed so that the conductive base 107 a included therein closes the opening of the open surface of the antenna case 101 .

[0041] However, without being limited to this, an insulating base or a metal plate may be formed to cover the opening of the opening surface of the antenna case 101, or any combination of an insulating base, a conductive base 107a, and a metal plate may be formed to cover the opening of the opening surface of the antenna case 101.

[0042] The base 107 is treated with cationic coating, and the surface is covered with a coating film. This is an example of improving water resistance, rust resistance, and insulation from the vehicle and the first circuit board 104, and the base 107 does not have to be covered with a coating film. The base 107 has enough strength to hold the components that make up the antenna device 100, such as the antenna case 101, an inner case 121 (described later), and an antenna element.

[0043] The base 107 also has a through-hole in the vertical direction, through which the connector 105 is inserted. The upper surface of the base 107 is provided with a front protrusion 114 and a rear protrusion 115 that protrude upward near the front end and rear end, respectively, and a protruding stripe 116 that protrudes upward and has a surrounding shape that fits into the O-ring 106.

[0044] Each of the front protrusion 114 and the rear protrusion 115 is provided with two female screws aligned in the left-right direction.

[0045] The outer surface of the protrusion 116 is configured so that an O-ring 106 is fitted thereto and is flush with the outer periphery of the circuit board 104. The protrusion 116 also includes thick portions formed to be thick, and each thick portion is provided with a female thread for threading in with a screw that has passed through a screw hole in the first circuit board 104. Here, "threaded engagement" means fitting together by a screw action, and the same applies hereinafter.

[0046] (Configuration of capture unit 103) The capture unit 103 is a part for establishing grounding, and is fixed in a state where it is inserted into a mounting hole provided on a mounting surface of the roof of the vehicle. By fixing the capture unit 103 to the mounting surface, the antenna device 100 is attached to the mounting surface.

[0047] In detail, as shown in FIG. 2, the capture portion 103 includes a connector 105, a pre-lock holder 117, a bolt 118, a vehicle fixing claw member 119, a seal member 120, and a mounting boss portion (not shown).

[0048] The pre-lock holder 117 has a locking claw that fits around the mounting hole in the vehicle roof when the connector 105 is inserted and fitted into the mounting hole. By fitting the locking claw around the mounting hole, the antenna device 100 can be temporarily fixed to the mounting surface before tightening the bolt 118. This makes it possible to improve the ease of mounting the antenna device 100 to the vehicle roof.

[0049] After the temporary fixation, the bolts 118 are tightened to open the claws of the vehicle fixing claw members 119. Thereafter, the tips of the vehicle fixing claw members 119 scrape the painted surface of the vehicle roof, so that the roof and the base 107 are electrically connected to each other and have approximately the same potential, and are mechanically fixed together.

[0050] The sealing member 120 is an elastic member fixed to the underside of the base 107 with an adhesive or the like, and has a surrounding shape, for example, a substantially quadrilateral shape. When the bolts 118 are tightened, the sealing member 120 is compressed between the roof and the base 107 due to its elasticity.

[0051] By providing such a sealing member 120, it is possible to prevent dust and liquid droplets from entering the interior of the vehicle through the mounting hole in the roof, and also to prevent dust and liquid droplets from entering the inside of the antenna device 100 through the through-hole in the base 107.

[0052] (Parts arrangement structure in storage space) As shown in Figure 2 and the left side view of Figure 3, the storage space of the antenna device 100 is provided with an inner case 121, a first antenna element 122, a second antenna element 123, a third antenna element 124, and a fourth antenna element 125.

[0053] Here, FIG. 3 is a left side view of the antenna device 100, showing the inside of the housing space with the antenna case 101 and the inner case 121 removed at approximately the center in the left-right direction.

[0054] (Configuration of inner case 121) Inner case 121 is a member made of radio wave-transmitting synthetic resin and is configured by combining parts separated approximately in the center in the left-right direction. The configuration of inner case 121 will be described below with the left and right parts combined. Note that inner case 121 may also be molded as a single unit.

[0055] Inner case 121 is hollow, and its outer surface is shaped to correspond to the shape of the inner surface of antenna case 101. The lower end of inner case 121 forms an opening, and is disposed so as to come into contact with O-ring 106 attached to base 107. In this embodiment, conductive base 107a of base 107 and the lower end of inner case 121 are configured to engage with each other via O-ring 106.

[0056] In detail, the inner case 121 includes a streamlined portion 126 , a connecting wall portion 127 , and a base mounting portion 128 .

[0057] Streamlined portion 126 is a portion formed into a streamlined shape such that it generally becomes thinner and lower toward the front, and the side surfaces also become more inward toward the top. Streamlined portion 126 includes left and right first element mounting portions 129, first conductor insertion holes 130 that penetrate in the left-right direction, locking grooves 131, left and right second element mounting portions 132, and second conductor insertion holes 133 that penetrate in the left-right direction.

[0058] The left and right first element mounting portions 129 are formed symmetrically, and a first capacitive loading element 140 (described later) is disposed on each of them. When viewed from the side, the outer edge of each first element mounting portion 129 is shaped like a roughly right-angled triangle whose width in the vertical direction narrows toward the front, and whose hypotenuse curves slightly upward.

[0059] As shown in the oblique view of Figure 4, each of the first element mounting portions 129 includes first engagement piece fitting portions 134a and 134b provided at the front and rear, and first step portions 135 formed at the upper end, rear end, and lower end by outwardly protruding ribs.

[0060] The front first engagement piece fitting portion 134a is provided at the lower front end portion of the first element mounting portion 129, and is surrounded by wall surfaces on the front, rear, left and right sides to form a substantially rectangular parallelepiped space extending in the front-rear direction. Approximately the front half of the first engagement piece fitting portion 134a is covered by the wall, and an opening that opens upward is formed in approximately the rear half.

[0061] The rear first engagement piece fitting portion 134b is provided at the lower rear end portion and is surrounded by walls on the front, rear, left, and right sides to form a substantially rectangular parallelepiped space extending in the front-rear direction. Approximately the rear half of the first engagement piece fitting portion 134b is covered by the walls, and an opening that opens to the side is formed in approximately the front half.

[0062] The first conductor insertion hole 130 is a cylindrical hole that penetrates in the left-right direction near the upper end of the first element mounting portion 129 and in front of the rear first stepped portion 135 .

[0063] The locking groove 131 is a portion that forms a groove penetrating in the left-right direction, and is provided in a portion that gently slopes downward at the front of the portion that forms the ridge of the streamlined portion 126. The locking groove 131 according to this embodiment is provided slightly forward of the center of the first element mounting portion 129 in the front-rear direction.

[0064] The left and right second element mounting portions 132 are formed symmetrically, and a second capacitive loading element 168 (described later) is disposed on each of them. The outer edge of each of the second element mounting portions 132 has a substantially rectangular shape when viewed from the side.

[0065] Each of the second element mounting portions 132 includes second engagement piece fitting portions 136a, 136b provided at the front and rear of the lower end, and second step portions 137 formed at the upper end, lower end, front end and rear end by outwardly protruding ribs.

[0066] Each of the second engagement piece fitting portions 136a, 136b is surrounded by wall surfaces on the front, back, left and right sides to form a generally rectangular parallelepiped space that is open at the top. A slit is provided at the front end of each of the second engagement piece fitting portions 136a, 136b to open it to the sides.

[0067] The second conductor insertion holes 133 are cylindrical holes that penetrate in the left-right direction near the upper ends of the left and right second element mounting portions 132 and at approximately the centers of the front and rear second step portions 137 .

[0068] The connecting wall portion 127 is a portion that extends downward from the lower end of the streamlined portion 126 and connects to the base mounting portion 128.

[0069] Base mounting portion 128 is connected to the lower end of connecting wall portion 127, and is a portion that is attached to base 107. When viewed from above, the outer edge of base mounting portion 128 has roughly the same shape as the outer edge of base 107. Base mounting portion 128 includes base mounting screw holes 138 through which screws for attaching inner case 121 to the base are disposed and pass in the vertical direction.

[0070] In this embodiment, two base mounting screw holes 138 are provided near the front end and two near the rear end, and one each at approximately the center on the left and right.

[0071] As shown in the perspective view of Fig. 4, the inner case 121 is attached to the base 107 by threading the screws passing through the base attachment screw holes 138 into the female threads of the front protrusion 114 and the rear protrusion 115. Here, Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the antenna device 100, showing a state in which the antenna case 101 is not attached.

[0072] At this time, due to its elasticity, O-ring 106 is compressed between the lower end of inner case 121 and base 107. This seals the gap between the lower end of inner case 121 and base 107, preventing dust and liquid droplets from entering the internal space formed by inner case 121 and base 107 through this gap.

[0073] Here, the internal space is a sealed space formed by inner case 121 and base 107 , and forms part of the accommodation space formed by antenna case 101 and base 107 .

[0074] (Configuration of the first antenna element 122) The first antenna element 122 transmits and receives radio waves in a first frequency band.

[0075] The first antenna element 122 according to this embodiment receives AM broadcast radio waves (522 kHz to 1710 kHz) and FM broadcast radio waves (76 MHz to 108 MHz).

[0076] The first antenna element 122 includes a first connecting conductor 139 attached to the inner case 121, left and right first capacitance loading elements 140, and a first fastener 141. The first antenna element 122 further includes a first holder 142 provided on the first circuit board 104, and a second circuit board 143, a first helical element 144, and a first spring contact fitting 145 attached to the first holder 142.

[0077] 5, the first connecting conductor 139 is a cylindrical conductor and is placed in the first conductor insertion hole 130. A pair of grooves 146 is provided on the outer surface of the first connecting conductor 139, approximately at the center along the axial direction, at positions that are approximately opposite each other in a plane perpendicular to the axial direction. The first connecting conductor 139 has a simple configuration, which makes it possible to reduce manufacturing costs.

[0078] Each of the first capacitive loading elements 140 is a conductor disposed on the first element mounting portion 129 and has a shape that matches the shape of the first element mounting portion 129 .

[0079] That is, each of the first capacitance loading elements 140 is a conductor curved to fit the shape of the first element mounting portion 129. When viewed from the side, the shape formed by the outer edge of each of the first capacitance loading elements 140 is a roughly right-angled triangle whose width in the vertical direction narrows toward the front, as shown in Fig. 6, and whose hypotenuse curves slightly upward.

[0080] First capacitance loading element 140 does not resonate in the FM band by itself, but functions as a capacitance loading element that adds (loads) earth capacitance to first helical element 144, which will be described later. This makes it possible to improve the antenna gain of first antenna element 122.

[0081] In this embodiment, two first capacitance loading elements 140 are provided. This makes it possible to improve the antenna gain of the first antenna element 122 compared to when there is one first capacitance loading element 140.

[0082] The first capacitance loading element 140 is disposed in the first element mounting portion 129, and is therefore provided outside the inner case 121. As a result, the first capacitance loading element 140 is positioned higher in the vertical direction than when the first capacitance loading element 140 is provided inside the inner case 121, and therefore the antenna gain of the first antenna element 122 can be improved.

[0083] It is desirable that the thickness of each of the first capacitance loading elements 140 is thinner than the step of the first step portion 135. This can prevent the worker's work gloves or clothes from getting caught on the first capacitance loading element 140 during the assembly process, and can also prevent deformation of the first capacitance loading element 140 caused by the worker's work gloves or clothes getting caught. This makes it possible to improve work efficiency and prevent damage to parts.

[0084] Each of the first capacitive loading elements 140 is fabricated by, for example, punching, and is preferably made of stainless steel, which makes it possible to achieve both rust resistance, rigidity, and electrical conductivity.

[0085] In detail, each of the first capacitive loading elements 140 has at least a portion having a meander shape in a first direction, and has an inclined portion 147 at the front end, first engagement pieces 148a and 148b, a locking protrusion 149, a first fastening hole 150, and an extension portion 151.

[0086] The meandering shape is a shape including at least one folded portion, i.e., at least one meandering shape. When a meandering-shaped capacitance loading element is attached to the vehicle-mounted antenna device 100, the direction and length of extension of each portion constituting the meandering shape are expressed by the magnitude of each component of, for example, first and second directions intersecting each other and a third direction perpendicular to these directions.

[0087] The electrical length of the conductor formed in a meandering shape can be adjusted by adjusting the number of portions along the main direction included in the meandering shape and the lengths of these portions.

[0088] The first direction is a direction along the main surface of the base 107, and corresponds to the front-rear direction in this embodiment.

[0089] More specifically, as can be seen by referring to Figure 2, the meandering shape of the first capacitive loading element 140 is formed in a serpentine shape that includes roughly vertical conductors and front-to-back conductors, and extends forward while sloping slightly downward from above, then extends backward, extends downward a short distance, extends forward a long distance, extends downward a short distance, extends backward, and then extends upward.

[0090] In the meander shape of the first capacitance loading element 140, when the area of ​​the conductor in the front-to-back direction is compared with the area of ​​the conductor in the up-to-down direction, the area of ​​the conductor in the front-to-back direction is larger than the area of ​​the conductor in the up-to-down direction. Therefore, the meander shape included in the first capacitance loading element 140 is a meander shape that is mainly composed of conductors in the front-to-back direction.

[0091] That is, in this embodiment, the first direction is the front-rear direction, and in the first capacitance loading element 140 shown in Fig. 3, the conductor forming the first capacitance loading element 140 extends in the front-rear direction and has a folded portion in the up-down direction. Such a configuration is the first capacitance loading element 140 having a meander shape in the first direction.

[0092] When viewed from the side, the inclined portion 147 is inclined rearward from top to bottom. This allows the distance to the fourth antenna element 125, which is provided in front, to be greater than when the inclined portion 147 is not provided. This ensures isolation of the fourth antenna element 125 and makes it possible to improve the antenna gain of the fourth frequency band provided by the fourth antenna element 125.

[0093] The first engagement piece 148a is a portion that extends forward from the front lower end of the inclined portion 147, and is engaged with the first engagement piece fitting portion 134a by being inserted into the first engagement piece fitting portion 134a through the opening of the first engagement piece fitting portion 134a.

[0094] The first engagement piece 148b is a portion that extends downward from the lower rear end portion of the inclined portion 147, and is engaged with the first engagement piece fitting portion 134b by being inserted into the first engagement piece fitting portion 134b through the opening of the first engagement piece fitting portion 134b.

[0095] The locking projection 149 is a portion that projects downward from the front end of the conductor that is inclined downward and forward at the top, and is locked by fitting into the locking groove 131 .

[0096] The first fastening hole 150 is a hole that penetrates in the left-right direction, and when the first engagement pieces 148a, 148b and the locking protrusion 149 are respectively positioned in the first engagement piece fitting portions 134a, 134b and the locking groove portion 131, they are positioned to the side of the first connecting conductor 139.

[0097] The extension part 151 is a part that extends rearward from the upper end of the rearmost part of the meandering shape that extends in the vertical direction. By providing the extension part 151, the first capacitive loading element 140 can be made larger without interfering with other antenna elements, and therefore the antenna gain in the first frequency band can be improved.

[0098] As described above, the first capacitance loading element 140 has a relatively complex shape including a meandering shape. By adopting such a complex shape, the natural frequency of the first capacitance loading element 140 as a structure increases. As a result, the frequency of vibration noise (so-called rattle noise) generated from the first capacitance loading element 140 due to vibrations caused by the running of a vehicle to which the antenna device 100 is attached can be set outside the human audible range. Therefore, it is possible to reduce discomfort during use without providing a reinforcing member or the like to prevent rattle noise.

[0099] The first fastener 141 is a bolt, a screw, or the like made of a conductor such as metal. The first fastener 141 is threadedly engaged with the first connecting conductor 139 by passing through the first fastening hole 150 and screwing into the first connecting conductor 139.

[0100] As a result, the left and right first capacitance loading elements 140 are fixed to the left and right first element mounting portions 129 by the first fasteners 141 that are screwed into the first connecting conductors 139 from the left and right. At this time, the left and right first capacitance loading elements 140 are electrically connected via the first fasteners 141 and the first connecting conductors 139.

[0101] Here, since the first engagement piece 148 and the locking protrusion 149 of the first antenna element 122 are locked in the first engagement piece fitting portion 134 and the locking groove portion 131, respectively, only one first fastener 141 is required to fix the first capacitance loading element 140 to the inner case 121. Since there is no need to provide multiple fasteners, the number of parts in the entire antenna device 100 can be reduced. This makes it possible to facilitate assembly of the antenna device 100 and reduce manufacturing costs.

[0102] First holder 142 is a member made of radio wave-transmitting synthetic resin. As shown in the left side view of Fig. 7, first holder 142 includes a flat plate portion 152, a protrusion pair portion 153, a first metal fitting attachment portion 154, a first protrusion portion 155, and a co-fastening boss portion 156.

[0103] The flat plate portion 152 is a flat plate-shaped portion that extends in the front-rear and up-down directions.

[0104] The projection pair 153 is a portion that protrudes to the left and is provided in pairs in the up-down direction. Each projection pair 153 is inclined downward and rearward when viewed from the side.

[0105] The first metal fitting attachment portion 154 is provided at the upper front end of the flat plate portion 152, and forms a notched groove that is open to the left.

[0106] The first protrusion 155 is a portion that protrudes downward from the lower front end of the flat plate portion 152 and is fitted into the third through-hole 111 .

[0107] The co-tightening boss portion 156 is a portion in which a hole extending upward from the lower end surface is provided, and in this embodiment, is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape and is provided at the lower rear end.

[0108] Second circuit board 143 is a board on which circuits are provided, and is attached to first holder 142 by fitting protrusion pairs 153 into the pair of cutouts, respectively, as shown in Fig. 3. This defines the relative positions of second circuit board 143 and first holder 142 in the up-down and front-rear directions. Second circuit board 143 is inclined so that the more upward it is positioned, the more forward it is. This allows second circuit board 143 to be smaller in relation to the mounted components than, for example, when second circuit board 143 is rectangular, and therefore enables a reduction in the manufacturing cost of antenna device 100.

[0109] 8, the lower end of second circuit board 143 includes board protrusion 157 that protrudes downward. Board protrusion 157 is fitted into fourth through-hole 112 and is, for example, soldered to first circuit board 104. In this way, second circuit board 143 is fixed to and electrically connected to first circuit board 104.

[0110] At least one filter circuit is provided in an upper region 158a and a lower region 158b of the second circuit board 143. In this embodiment, the region 158a is generally above the lower end of the lower projection pair portion 153. The region 158b is generally below the lower end of the lower projection pair portion 153.

[0111] Examples of the filter circuit include the following first to fourth circuits.

[0112] The first circuit, which is provided in, for example, area 158a, prevents harmonics generated by first antenna element 122 from flowing into second antenna element 123. That is, the first circuit corresponds to a first filter circuit that reduces the influence of harmonics in the first frequency band on the second frequency band.

[0113] In detail, the first circuit blocks harmonics in the second frequency band generated by the first antenna element 122, improving isolation and suppressing interference with the second antenna element 123. This makes it possible to prevent deterioration of the antenna gain of the second antenna element 123 due to harmonics, and allows the first antenna element 122 and the second antenna element 123 to be arranged close to each other.

[0114] The second circuit is a circuit that blocks the passage of signals in a second frequency band and is provided, for example, in region 158a or region 158b. That is, the second circuit functions as a first filter circuit or a second filter circuit. The second filter circuit is a circuit that exhibits the function of shifting the frequency band of harmonics of the first frequency band to a frequency band different from the second frequency band, or the function of reducing signals of harmonics of the first frequency band.

[0115] The second frequency band is a frequency band different from the first frequency band and is radio waves transmitted and received by the second antenna element 123. The signal blocked by the second circuit may be either a signal generated by radio waves radiated from the second antenna element 123 or a signal generated by radio waves transmitted from a base station.

[0116] By providing such a second circuit in region 158a or region 158b, it is possible to improve isolation in the second frequency band between first antenna element 122 and second antenna element 123. As a result, even if first antenna element 122 and second antenna element 123 are arranged close to each other, it is possible to prevent deterioration in the antenna gain of second antenna element 123.

[0117] The third circuit is a circuit that shifts the frequency band of harmonics generated by the first antenna element 122. In detail, the third circuit can shift the harmonics of the second frequency band generated by the first antenna element 122 to a frequency band different from the second frequency band by adding a filter circuit.

[0118] The third circuit is provided in region 158a or region 158b. That is, the third circuit functions as a first filter circuit or a second filter circuit. This suppresses interference with the second antenna element and makes it possible to prevent deterioration of the antenna gain of the second antenna element.

[0119] By providing the first to third circuits, it is possible to prevent signals of the second frequency band from entering the circuit for the first frequency band due to capacitive coupling between second antenna element 123 and first antenna element 122. In other words, the first to third circuits can also be called reflective filters, and since they reflect signals from the second frequency band that enter the circuit for the first frequency band, it is possible to maintain good antenna gain by preventing signals of the second frequency band from entering the circuit for the first frequency band.

[0120] The first to third circuits described above can be realized by filters having the circuit configurations shown in Figs. 9(a) to 9(d), for example. Fig. 9(a) is a diagram showing an example of the circuit configuration of an inductor self-resonant filter. Fig. 9(b) is a diagram showing an example of the circuit configuration of a parallel resonance filter. Fig. 9(c) is a diagram showing an example of the circuit configuration of a filter that combines self-resonant and parallel resonance types. Fig. 9(d) is a diagram showing an example of the circuit configuration of a filter in which two or more parallel resonance filters are connected in parallel to widen the bandwidth of the parallel resonance filter.

[0121] 10(a) and 10(b) are diagrams showing examples of the circuit configuration of the fourth circuit. The fourth circuit is a filter circuit for attenuating the second frequency band signal radiated from the second antenna element 123 or received from the base station, and prevents the second frequency band signal from entering the first frequency band circuit, thereby preventing noise from being mixed into the first frequency band circuit and malfunctioning of the first frequency band circuit.

[0122] The fourth circuit is provided in the vicinity of the second through-hole 110 of the first circuit board 104 .

[0123] Since the fourth circuit may lower the impedance of the second element or attenuate the second frequency band, it is desirable to combine it with the first to third circuits, and it is even more desirable to connect the first to third circuits in series with the fourth circuit.

[0124] 3, first helical element 144 is made of a conductor wound in a spiral shape around a winding axis, and at least a portion of it is located between first capacitive loading element 140 and third antenna element 124. The winding axis of first helical element 144 according to this embodiment is oriented in the vertical direction.

[0125] Specifically, first helical element 144 is positioned generally between upper and lower protrusion pairs 153. The upper end of first helical element 144 is connected to one of the first circuit, second circuit, and third circuit provided in region 158a of second circuit board 143.

[0126] The lower end of first helical element 144 is connected to either the second circuit or the third circuit provided in region 158b of second circuit board 143. As a result, one or both of the second circuit and the third circuit provided in region 158b is connected in series between first helical element 144 and the circuit provided on first circuit board 104.

[0127] The first spring contact fitting 145 is a member integrally constructed from metal, and includes a first held portion 159, a first connecting portion 160, and a first contact portion 161, as shown in the oblique view of FIG.

[0128] The first held portion 159 is fixed to the first holder 142 by being press-fitted into the first metal fitting attachment portion 154.

[0129] In detail, the first held portion 159 includes first to third flat plate portions 159a to 159c facing in three different directions.

[0130] No. 1 flat plate The first portion 159a is a flat plate-shaped portion extending in the up-down direction and the front-rear direction. flat plate The front end and side surfaces of the portion 159a come into contact with the first metal fitting attachment portion 154, thereby determining the position of the first spring contact metal fitting 145 relative to the first holder 142 in the front-rear and left-right directions.

[0131] No. 2 flat plateThe portion 159b is a flat plate-shaped portion extending in the front-rear and left-right directions. flat plate The lower surface of the portion 159b comes into contact with the first metal fitting attachment portion 154, thereby determining the vertical position of the first spring contact metal fitting 145 relative to the first holder 142.

[0132] Third flat plate The portion 159c is a flat plate-shaped portion extending in the front-rear and left-right directions. flat plate The rear surface of the portion 159c comes into contact with the first metal fitting attachment portion 154, thereby determining the position of the first spring contact metal fitting 145 relative to the first holder 142 in the front-rear direction.

[0133] In this way, the first held portion 159 defines the position of the first spring contact fitting 145 relative to the first holder 142 in all directions.

[0134] First connection portion 160 is a portion that protrudes to the left. First connection portion 160 passes through a notch or through-hole provided near the upper end and front end of second circuit board 143, and can therefore be easily fixed to second circuit board 143 by soldering.

[0135] The first contact point portion 161 is a portion that extends obliquely upward and forward. The base end portion of the first contact point portion 161 is curved to contact the first held portion 159 (the second flat plate The first contact portion 161 is elastically connected to the rear end of the contact portion 159b.

[0136] When first antenna element 122 is placed in inner case 121 and base 107 and inner case 121 is screwed to base 107, first contact portion 161 comes into contact with first connecting conductor 139 and is pressed from above. When first contact portion 161 is pressed from above, it repels due to its elastic force, so first contact portion 161 and first connecting conductor 139 are securely in contact with each other and electrically connected at first contact point 162 shown in FIG.

[0137] As a result, the first capacitance loading element 140 is electrically connected to the second circuit board 143 through the first fastener 141, the first connecting conductor 139, and the first spring contact fitting 145. As a result, the first circuit provided in the region 158a is connected in series between the first capacitance loading element 140 and the first helical element 144.

[0138] By arranging first spring contact fitting 145 in the vicinity of first helical element 144, it is possible to reduce the electrical length and ensure electrical connection with a simple configuration, thereby improving the antenna gain and reducing manufacturing costs.

[0139] Furthermore, with first spring contact fitting 145, the resonant frequency of the circuit including first contact portion 161 can be easily adjusted by adjusting the length of first contact portion 161. This reduces the mutual interference between first antenna element 122 and second antenna element 123, and improves the antenna gain of each.

[0140] The tip of the first contact portion 161 may have a folded-back structure. This increases the distance between the first contact portion 161 and the second antenna element 123, and also adjusts the resonant frequency. This reduces the mutual interference between the first antenna element 122 and the second antenna element 123, and improves the antenna gain of each.

[0141] (Configuration of second antenna element 123) At least a portion of the second antenna element 123 is located between the first capacitive loading element 140 and the base 107, and transmits and receives radio waves in a second frequency band different from the first frequency band. The second frequency band is, for example, a frequency band higher than the first frequency band.

[0142] The polarization of the radio wave received by the second antenna element 123 is in a second direction that intersects with the first direction, which is the direction of the meandering shape included in the first antenna element 122.

[0143] The second antenna element 123 according to this embodiment transmits and receives telephone radio waves (700 MHz to 2.7 GHz). Because telephone radio waves are vertically polarized waves, the polarization of the telephone radio waves intersects with the first direction (front-to-back direction) according to this embodiment.

[0144] In detail, the second antenna element 123 is a conductor made by, for example, punching, and uses, for example, zinc-plated steel (SECC), etc. By using zinc-plated steel, it is possible to ensure rust resistance, rigidity, conductivity, and solder wettability.

[0145] The second antenna element 123 is not limited to a conductor punched from zinc-plated steel, but may also be a component such as a substrate on which a conductor pattern is formed, or a resin on which a conductor is formed using an MID (Molded Interconnect Device), etc.

[0146] As shown in the enlarged front view of Figure 12(a) and the enlarged left side view of Figure 12(b), the second antenna element 123 includes a flat plate portion 163 having a generally rectangular shape, and an attachment protrusion portion 164 protruding downward from the lower end of the flat plate portion 163.

[0147] As shown in FIGS. 12(a) and 12(b), the inner case 121 has a rib 165 on the upper part of the inner wall corresponding to the position where the second antenna element 123 is disposed.

[0148] The rib 165 is a relatively thin, flat portion extending in the left-right direction, and is provided with a tapered slit 166 that is open downwards, approximately in the center in the left-right direction. The tapered slit 166 is inclined so that the spacing in the left-right direction narrows toward the top, and the upper end has a narrow spacing that allows the upper end of the second antenna element 123 to fit loosely.

[0149] By providing tapered slit 166, second antenna element 123 can be easily guided into the narrow spaced region at the upper end when attaching second antenna element 123. Therefore, even if there is a manufacturing error, second antenna element 123 can be easily positioned at a predetermined position in the left-right direction relative to inner case 121.

[0150] In this way, by providing the tapered slit 166 in the rib 165, the front, rear, left and right positions of the second antenna element 123 relative to the inner case 121 can be easily positioned in predetermined positions, thereby improving workability.

[0151] Furthermore, when second antenna element 123 is placed at a predetermined position in inner case 121, the upper end of tapered slit 166 presses the upper edge of flat plate portion 163 from above. This makes it possible to easily position second antenna element 123 at a predetermined position in the front-to-rear direction relative to inner case 121. This eliminates the need to provide an additional dedicated case for second antenna element 123 for positioning second antenna element 123 at a predetermined position, thereby reducing manufacturing costs.

[0152] Furthermore, the rib 165 in which the tapered slit 166 is provided is a relatively thin resin wall, and therefore has little electrical effect on the second antenna element 123. This makes it possible to reinforce the strength of the inner case 121 while preventing a decrease in gain.

[0153] The upper end of tapered slit 166 (a portion within a predetermined range from the upper end) may be spaced apart so that the upper end of second antenna element 123 can be press-fitted. This allows second antenna element 123 to be held by being sandwiched from the left and right by the upper end of tapered slit 166. This makes it possible to reduce vibration noise caused by vibration of antenna element 123 when a vehicle equipped with antenna device 100 is traveling, for example.

[0154] The mounting protrusion 164 is fitted into the second through-hole 110 and fixed to the first circuit board 104. For example, soldering may be used for the fixing. Therefore, zinc-plated steel (SECC), which is compatible with solder and relatively inexpensive, is suitable as the material for the second antenna element 123. By making the second antenna element 123 from zinc-plated steel, soldering becomes easier, improving workability and reducing manufacturing costs.

[0155] As described above, at least a portion of the second antenna element 123 according to this embodiment is located between the first capacitance loading element 140 and the base 107. That is, the second antenna element 123 and the first capacitance loading element 140 are positioned so that they at least partially overlap each other in the front-to-rear direction. This allows the second antenna element 123 and the first capacitance loading element 140 to be disposed close to each other while suppressing interference therebetween. Therefore, it is possible to miniaturize the antenna device 100 while ensuring isolation between the first antenna element 122 and the second antenna element 123.

[0156] The first capacitance loading elements 140 are shaped to match the shape of the first element mounting portion 129, and are curved to bulge outward, as can be seen from Fig. 2. That is, the left first capacitance loading element 140 is curved to bulge upward and left, and the left first capacitance loading element 140 is curved to bulge upward and right.

[0157] By making each of the first capacitance loading elements 140 bulge in this way, the distance between the second antenna elements 123 arranged inside the left and right first capacitance loading elements 140 can be increased compared to when each is flat. This makes it possible to reduce interference between each of the first capacitance loading elements 140 and the second antenna elements 123.

[0158] The first capacitive loading element 140 may be formed by bending a metal plate so that the upper side is convex.

[0159] (Configuration of third antenna element 124) The third antenna element 124 is located behind the first antenna element 122 and transmits and receives radio waves in a third frequency band that is different from both the first and second frequency bands. The third frequency band is, for example, a frequency band higher than the first frequency band. The second frequency band is a frequency band that includes frequencies higher than the third frequency band.

[0160] The third antenna element 124 according to this embodiment receives radio waves in at least one of the DAB (Digital Audio Broadcast) BAND III frequency band (174-240 MHz) and the L-Band frequency band (1452-1492 MHz).

[0161] The third antenna element 124 includes a second connecting conductor 167 attached to the inner case 121, left and right second capacitance loading elements 168, and a second fastener 169. The third antenna element 124 further includes a second holder 170 attached to the first circuit board 104, and a second helical element 171, a second spring contact fitting 172, and a lower terminal 187 attached to the second holder 170.

[0162] The second connecting conductor 167 has a configuration similar to that of the first connecting conductor 139 (see FIG. 5), and is disposed in the second conductor insertion hole 133. The second connecting conductor 167 has a simple configuration, which makes it possible to reduce manufacturing costs.

[0163] Each of the second capacitive loading elements 168 is a conductor disposed on the second element mounting portion 132 and has a shape that matches the shape of the second element mounting portion 132.

[0164] That is, each of the second capacitance loading elements 168 is a conductor curved to match the shape of the second element mounting portion 132. When viewed from the side, the shape formed by the outer edge of each of the second capacitance loading elements 168 is approximately rectangular, as shown in the left side view of FIG.

[0165] Second capacitance loading element 168 does not resonate in the third frequency band by itself, but functions as a capacitance loading element that adds (loads) earth capacitance to second helical element 171, which will be described later. This makes it possible to improve the antenna gain of third antenna element 124.

[0166] In particular, in this embodiment, two second capacitance loading elements 168 are provided. This makes it possible to improve the antenna gain of the third antenna element 124 compared to when there is one second capacitance loading element 168.

[0167] The second capacitance loading element 168 is disposed in the second element mounting portion 132, and is therefore provided outside the inner case 121. As a result, the second capacitance loading element 168 is positioned higher in the vertical direction compared to when the second capacitance loading element 168 is provided inside the inner case 121, and therefore the antenna gain of the third antenna element 124 can be improved.

[0168] Here, it is desirable that the second capacitive loading element 168 be placed as far back as possible and be placed at a predetermined distance or more from each of the other antenna elements 122, 123, and 125. This makes it possible to suppress interference between the third antenna element 124 and each of the other antenna elements 122, 123, and 125. As a result, it is possible to ensure isolation between the third antenna element 124 and each of the other antenna elements 122, 123, and 125. It is also possible to ensure compatibility with media received by each of the antenna elements 122 to 125.

[0169] It is desirable that the thickness of each of the second capacitance loading elements 168 is thinner than the step of the second step portion 137. In the assembly process, it is possible to prevent the worker's work gloves or clothes from getting caught on the second capacitance loading element 168, and also to prevent deformation of the second capacitance loading element 168 caused by the worker's work gloves or clothes getting caught. This makes it possible to improve work efficiency and prevent damage to parts.

[0170] Each of the second capacitive loading elements 168 is made by, for example, punching, and is preferably made of stainless steel, which makes it possible to achieve both rust resistance, rigidity, and electrical conductivity.

[0171] More specifically, each of the second capacitive loading elements 168 has at least a part of a meandering shape in the second direction, and includes front and rear second engagement pieces 173a, 173b and a second fastening hole 174.

[0172] The second direction is different from the first direction, and corresponds to the up-down direction in this embodiment.

[0173] More specifically, as can be seen by referring to Figure 2, the meandering shape of the second capacitive loading element 168 is formed in a serpentine shape that includes roughly vertical conductors and front-to-back conductors, and extends long from the upper front to the lower front, then extends shortly to the rear, extends long upward, extends shortly to the rear, and extends long downward.

[0174] In the meander shape of the second capacitive loading element 168, when the area of ​​the conductor in the front-to-back direction is compared with the area of ​​the conductor in the up-to-down direction, the area of ​​the conductor in the up-to-down direction is larger than the area of ​​the conductor in the front-to-back direction. Therefore, the meander shape included in the second capacitive loading element 168 is a meander shape that is mainly composed of conductors in the up-to-down direction.

[0175] That is, in this embodiment, the first direction is the front-rear direction, and the second direction is the up-down direction. hand 3, the conductor forming the second capacitance loading element 168 extends in the vertical direction and has a folded portion in the front-to-back direction. This configuration is defined as the second capacitance loading element 168 having a meander shape in the second direction.

[0176] In this way, the first capacitance loading element 140 and the second capacitance loading element 168 include meandering shapes in different directions, which improves the isolation between the first capacitance loading element 140 and the second capacitance loading element 168. This makes it possible to improve the antenna gain of each of the first antenna element 122 and the third antenna element 124.

[0177] In each of the second capacitive loading elements 168, the forward-most conductor of the meandering conductors extends upward, and its upper end is shorter than the vertical length of the other portions, thereby improving isolation from the first capacitive loading element 140 and enabling an improvement in the antenna gain in the third frequency band.

[0178] The front and rear second engagement pieces 173a, 173b extend downward from the lower end portions near the front and rear ends, respectively. The second engagement pieces 173a, 173b are inserted into the second engagement piece fitting portions 136a, 136b, and are thereby locked into the second engagement piece fitting portions 136a, 136b.

[0179] The second fastening hole 174 is a hole that penetrates in the left-right direction, and is positioned to the side of the second connecting conductor 167 when the front and rear second engaging pieces 173a, 173b are placed in the front and rear second engaging piece fitting portions 136a, 136b, respectively.

[0180] As described above, the second capacitance loading element 168 has a relatively complex shape including a meandering shape. By adopting such a complex shape, the natural frequency of the second capacitance loading element 168 as a structure increases. As a result, similar to the first capacitance loading element 140, it is possible to reduce discomfort during use without providing a reinforcing member or the like to prevent chatter noise.

[0181] The second fastener 169 is a bolt, a screw, or the like made of a conductor such as metal. The second fastener 169 is threadedly engaged with the second connecting conductor 167 by passing through the second fastening hole 174 and screwing into the second connecting conductor 167.

[0182] As a result, the left and right second capacitance loading elements 168 are fixed to the left and right second element mounting portions 132 by the second fasteners 169 that screw into the second connecting conductors 167 from the left and right. At this time, the left and right second capacitance loading elements 168 are electrically connected via the second fasteners 169 and the second connecting conductors 167.

[0183] The front and rear second engagement pieces 173a, 173b of the second capacitance loading element 168 are engaged with the front and rear second engagement piece fitting portions 136a, 136b and the engagement groove portion 131, respectively, so only one second fastener 169 is required to fix the second capacitance loading element 168 to the inner case 121. Since there is no need to provide multiple fasteners, the number of parts in the entire antenna device 100 can be reduced. This makes it easier to assemble the antenna device 100 and reduces manufacturing costs.

[0184] Furthermore, the first capacitance loading element 140 and the second capacitance loading element 168 attached to the inner case 121 have their lower ends positioned at approximately the same position in the up-down direction. Generally, as the area of ​​the capacitance loading element increases, the frequency characteristics of the antenna become broader and the antenna gain in the frequency band used can be improved. On the other hand, if the bandwidth is broadened by expanding the capacitance loading element downward in the vertical direction, the stray capacitance to the ground increases, and the antenna gain gradually decreases.

[0185] In this embodiment, the lower ends of the capacitance loading elements 140, 168 are set at a fixed distance from the first circuit board 104. This ensures maximum antenna gain for the first antenna element 122 and the third antenna element 124 within the inner case area.

[0186] Furthermore, by setting the lower ends of the first capacitance loading element 140 and the second capacitance loading element 168 in approximately the same position at a certain distance from the first circuit board 104, interference with the low elevation angle characteristics of the fourth antenna element 125 is suppressed, thereby improving the antenna gain of the fourth antenna element 125.

[0187] The second holder 170 is a member made of synthetic resin that is radio wave transparent, and includes an element mounting portion 178, a second metal fitting mounting portion 179, a first base engaging leg portion 180a, a second base engaging leg portion 180b, and a fixing leg portion 181, as shown in the left side view of Figure 14(a).

[0188] The element mounting portion 178 is a cylindrical or elliptical cylindrical portion provided approximately in the center in the vertical direction.

[0189] The second metal fitting attachment portion 179 is provided above the element attachment portion 178, and includes a groove at its upper end that opens toward the left.

[0190] As shown in the oblique views of Figures 14(b) and (c), the first base engagement leg 180a and the second base engagement leg 180b extend downward generally parallel to each other from the rear of the lower end of the element mounting portion 178 in the vicinity thereof, and their respective tips are inserted into the fifth through hole 113.

[0191] The first base engagement leg 180a includes an elastic portion 180a_1 and a claw 180a_2 provided at the tip of the elastic portion 180a_1. When the elastic portion 180a_1 is placed in the fifth through-hole 113, the claw 180a_2 at the tip is engaged with the periphery of the lower end of the fifth through-hole 113 in the first circuit board 104.

[0192] The upper surface of the claw 180a_2 is inclined downward so as to gradually protrude to the right, and when the claw 180a_2 is inserted into the fifth through-hole 113, the elasticity of the elastic portion 180a_1 presses the claw 180a_2 into contact with the peripheral portion of the lower end of the fifth through-hole 113. This allows the upper surface of the claw 180a_2 and the peripheral portion of the lower end of the fifth through-hole 113 to be reliably in contact with each other without creating a gap therebetween. Therefore, even if there is dimensional variation due to manufacturing errors or the like, the second holder 170 can be fixed to the first circuit board 104 without rattle.

[0193] 14(c), the lower end of the second base engaging leg 180b passes through the fifth through-hole 113 and comes into contact with the upper surface of the base 107. As shown in the perspective view of FIG.

[0194] Providing such base engagement legs 180a and 180b eliminates the need for a structure for screw fixing to attach second holder 170. Therefore, the configuration of antenna device 100 can be simplified.

[0195] The fixing leg 181 extends downward and forward from near the lower end of the element mounting portion 178, and has a disk-shaped tip 181a. The tip 181a is disposed above the fourth through-hole 112, between the co-fastening boss 156 and the first circuit board 104.

[0196] As a result, by passing a screw or bolt from below first circuit board 104 through fourth through-hole 112 and the tip of fixing leg 181 and screwing it into the hole of co-fastening boss 156, second holder 170 and first holder 142 are fastened together and fixed to first circuit board 104. This makes it possible to reduce the number of parts of antenna device 100 and reduce manufacturing costs.

[0197] 3, second helical element 171 is made of a conductor wound in a spiral shape around a winding axis, and is fixed to element mounting portion 178. The winding axis of second helical element 171 according to this embodiment faces the same vertical direction as first helical element 144.

[0198] As described above, element mounting portion 178 has a cylindrical or elliptical cylindrical shape. By configuring second helical element 171 to have a cylindrical or elliptical cylindrical shape that corresponds to the shape of element mounting portion 178, second helical element 171 can be easily attached to element mounting portion 178 by press-fitting or the like. This eliminates the need to employ thermal welding, screws, or the like to attach second helical element 171, making it possible to reduce manufacturing costs.

[0199] The second spring contact fitting 172 is a member integrally formed from metal, and has the same configuration as the first spring contact fitting 145 (see FIG. 11). That is, the second spring contact fitting 172 includes a second held portion 182, a second connecting portion 183, and a second contact portion 184 that correspond to the first held portion 159, the first connecting portion 160, and the first contact portion 161, respectively.

[0200] The second held portion 182 is fixed to the second holder 170 by being press-fitted into the second metal fitting attachment portion 179. Like the first held portion 159, the second held portion 182 has flat plate portions facing three different directions, thereby defining the position of the second spring contact metal fitting 172 in all directions relative to the second holder 170.

[0201] Second connection portion 183 is a portion that protrudes to the left. By winding the vicinity of the upper end of the conducting wire that constitutes second helical element 171 around second contact portion 183, second helical element 171 can be easily electrically connected.

[0202] According to this embodiment, by providing connecting portions 160 and 183, spring contact fittings 145 and 172 having the same structure can be easily electrically connected to both second circuit board 143 and second helical element 171.

[0203] The second contact portion 184 is a portion that extends obliquely upward and forward. The base end of the second contact portion 184 is curved and connected to the second held portion 182, so that the second contact portion 184 has elasticity.

[0204] When third antenna element 124 is placed in inner case 121 and base 107 and inner case 121 is screwed to base 107, second contact portion 184 comes into contact with second connecting conductor 167 and is pressed from above. When second contact portion 184 is pressed from above, it repels due to its elastic force, so second contact portion 184 and second connecting conductor 167 come into reliable contact and are electrically connected at second contact point 185 shown in FIG.

[0205] As a result, the second capacitive loading element 168 is electrically connected to the second helical element 171 through the second fastener 169 , the second connecting conductor 167 , and the second spring contact fitting 172 .

[0206] By arranging second spring contact fitting 172 in the vicinity of second helical element 171, it is possible to reduce the electrical length and ensure electrical connection with a simple configuration, thereby improving the antenna gain and reducing manufacturing costs.

[0207] Furthermore, the first spring contact fitting 145 and the second spring contact fitting 172 can have the same structure and can therefore be shared components, which makes it possible to reduce manufacturing costs.

[0208] As shown in Fig. 3, the positions of first helical element 144 and second helical element 171 according to this embodiment do not completely match but are shifted relative to each other in the up-down direction when viewed from the side. Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 15, the positions of first helical element 144 and second helical element 171 in the left-right direction also do not completely match but are shifted relative to each other when viewed from above. Preferably, first helical element 144 and second helical element 171 are shifted such that the positions of one or both of the up-down direction and the left-right direction are completely different (do not match) from each other.

[0209] In this way, by positioning first helical element 144 and second helical element 171 so that at least a portion of their positions in the up-down direction and left-right direction are shifted from each other, the distance between first helical element 144 and second helical element 171 can be increased.

[0210] This reduces the mutual interference between first helical element 144 and second helical element 171, making it possible to suppress a decrease in the antenna gain of first antenna element 122 and third antenna element 124.

[0211] Lower terminal 187 is fitted into the lower end of second holder 170, and is fixed by soldering or the like such that the portion protruding downward is electrically connected to first circuit board 104. Furthermore, the lower end of second helical element 171 is wound around the portion protruding to the left above first circuit board 104. In this way, second helical element 171 is electrically connected to first circuit board 104 via lower terminal 187. Note that various circuits may be interposed between second helical element 171 and first circuit board 104.

[0212] (Configuration of the fourth antenna element 125) The fourth antenna element 125 transmits and receives radio waves in a fourth frequency band that is different from any of the first to third frequency bands.

[0213] The fourth antenna element 125 according to this embodiment receives radio waves in the frequency band of around 1.5 GHz of the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS). The GNSS is a type of satellite signaling system that includes GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, and Quasi-Zenith Satellite System (QZSS). star A general term for positioning systems. The fourth antenna element 125 transmits and receives circularly polarized radio waves.

[0214] The fourth antenna element 125 is a planar antenna, and is fixed to the first circuit board 104 with an adhesive or the like.

[0215] In the antenna device 100 according to this embodiment, the first antenna element 122 and the second antenna element 123 are positioned behind the fourth antenna element 125, and further behind them the third antenna element 124 is positioned.

[0216] Generally, when first helical element 144 approaches third antenna element 124, the isolation between third antenna element 124 and the circuit for the first frequency band deteriorates. Also, when first helical element 144 approaches second helical element 171, the isolation between the circuits for the first frequency band and the third frequency band deteriorates.

[0217] In this embodiment, the first helical element 144 is located between the first capacitive loading element 140 and the third antenna element 124 in the front-to-rear direction. This prevents deterioration of the isolation between the third antenna element 124 and the circuit for the first frequency band, and also prevents deterioration of the isolation between the circuits for the first frequency band and the third frequency band. This makes it possible to improve the antenna gain of the third antenna element 124.

[0218] Since the antenna device 100 has a streamlined shape, the height (vertical length) increases the further rearward it is, and therefore, by positioning the third antenna element 124 at the rearmost position, the vertical length of the third antenna element 124 can be increased. This makes it possible to improve the antenna gain of the third frequency band provided by the third antenna element 124.

[0219] In this embodiment, antenna device 100 accommodates four antenna elements 122 to 125 in a streamlined housing, and can receive radio waves of five types of media. Generally, when elements for transmitting and receiving radio waves of media are placed on the glass, back door, etc. of a vehicle, the cost of those parts becomes high. Antenna device 100 can transmit and receive radio waves of five types of media while suppressing the increase in the cost of vehicle parts, thereby lowering the price of the vehicle to which it is attached and reducing overall costs.

[0220] In the antenna device 100, the wiring of the antenna elements 122 to 125 is output via one connector 105. This makes it possible to easily mount the device on a vehicle.

[0221] The antenna device 100 is preferably mounted on a vehicle via a resin pad P (see FIG. 1). The dielectric constant of the outer pad can suppress unwanted resonance occurring in the base 107, and can suppress a decrease in the antenna gain of each of the antenna elements 122 to 125.

[0222] When the antenna device 100 of this embodiment is operated, the first voltage point 175 at which the first capacitance loading element 140 has the maximum voltage is located at the upper end of the first capacitance loading element 140, slightly forward of the rear end, as shown in Figure 3.

[0223] Also, the second voltage point 176 where the second capacitive loading element 168 has the maximum voltage is located at the upper front end and lower rear end of the second capacitive loading element 168 .

[0224] As can be seen in FIG. 3, the minimum distance between the first voltage point 175 and the second voltage point 176 is greater than the distance between the adjacent ends of the first capacitive loading element 140 and the second capacitive loading element 168 .

[0225] The near ends of the first capacitance loading element 140 and the second capacitance loading element 168 are the end of the first capacitance loading element 140 on the third antenna element side and the end of the second capacitance loading element 168 on the first antenna element side.

[0226] By making the distance between the first voltage point 175 and the second voltage point 176 larger than the distance between the adjacent ends of the first capacitance loading element 140 and the second capacitance loading element 168 as described above, it is possible to suppress interference between the first antenna element 122 and the third antenna element 124. Therefore, it becomes possible to arrange the first antenna element 122 and the third antenna element 124 close to each other while maintaining the antenna gain of the elements.

[0227] [Variation 1] In the first embodiment, the first antenna element 122 has been described as receiving AM and FM broadcast radio waves. The second antenna element 123 has been described as transmitting and receiving telephone radio waves. The third antenna element 124 has been described as receiving DAB radio waves. The fourth antenna element 125 has been described as receiving GNSS radio waves.

[0228] However, the radio waves transmitted and received by the antenna elements 122 to 125 are not limited to these.

[0229] For example, the second antenna element 123 may transmit and receive radio waves for WiFi or MIMO (Multiple-Input-Multiple-Output) (for example, 2.4 GHz band or 5 GHz band), radio waves for GNSS, radio waves for SDARS (Satellite-Digital-Audio-Radio-Service) (2.3 GHz band), and radio waves for V2X (Vehicle to X; Vehicle to Everything) (5.9 GHz band). When the second antenna element 123 receives radio waves for GNSS, the fourth antenna element 125 may not be provided, and the fourth antenna element 125 may transmit and receive radio waves for SDARS.

[0230] For example, the third antenna element 124 may transmit and receive radio waves for Digital Terrestrial Television Broadcasting (DTTB) (470 MHz to 710 MHz) and V2X.

[0231] [Variation 2] In the first embodiment, an example was described in which the first capacitance loading element 140 and the second capacitance loading element 168 are each provided in pairs on the left and right, but one or both of the first capacitance loading element 140 and the second capacitance loading element 168 may be provided in only one, for example, on only one of the left and right sides.

[0232] By combining one or both of the first capacitance loading element 140 and the second capacitance loading element 168 into one element, the configuration of the antenna device 100 can be simplified and made thinner.

[0233] [Second embodiment] Fig. 16 is a left side view of an antenna device 200 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Similar to Fig. 3 according to the first embodiment, Fig. 16 shows the inside of the housing space with the antenna case 101 and the inner case 121 removed at approximately the center in the left-right direction.

[0234] As shown in the figure, the antenna device 200 includes a first antenna element 222 instead of the first antenna element 122 according to the first embodiment. Except for this, the antenna device 200 may be configured similarly to the antenna device 100 according to the first embodiment.

[0235] The first antenna element 222 differs from the first antenna element 122 according to the first embodiment in that the first contact portion 161 is electrically connected at a first connection point 286a provided at the lower rear of the first capacitive loading element 140. Except for this point, the first antenna element 222 may be configured similarly to the first antenna element 122 according to the first embodiment.

[0236] The electrical connection between the first contact portion 161 and the first capacitive loading element 140 according to this embodiment may be achieved by, for example, pressure contact such as spring connection or soldering.

[0237] According to this embodiment, the first voltage point 175 is located at a position generally similar to that of the first embodiment. In contrast, the second voltage point 276 is located at a position generally similar to the second voltage point 176 located at the rear of the second voltage point 176 according to the first embodiment. Therefore, the distance between the first voltage point 175 and the second voltage point 276 can be made greater than the minimum distance in the first embodiment.

[0238] This makes it possible to further suppress interference between the first antenna element 222 and the third antenna element 124. Therefore, it becomes possible to further improve the antenna gain of the first antenna element 222 and the third antenna element 124.

[0239] [Variation 3] 16, the first contact portion 161 may be electrically connected at a first connection point 286b provided on the lower front side of the first capacitance loading element 140. This also results in two first voltage points 175 extending above the first capacitance loading element 140, thereby achieving the same effect as the second embodiment.

[0240] [Third embodiment] Fig. 17 is a left side view of an antenna device 300 according to a third embodiment of the present invention. Similar to Fig. 3 according to the first embodiment, Fig. 17 shows the inside of the housing space with the antenna case 101 and the inner case 121 removed at approximately the center in the left-right direction.

[0241] As shown in the figure, the antenna device 300 does not include the second antenna element 123. Except for this, the antenna device 300 may be configured similarly to the antenna device 100 according to the first embodiment.

[0242] This embodiment also provides the same effects as the first embodiment, except for the effects related to the second antenna element 123.

[0243] [Fourth embodiment] Fig. 18 is a left side view of an antenna device 400 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. Similar to Fig. 3 according to the first embodiment, Fig. 18 shows the inside of the housing space with the antenna case 101 and the inner case 121 removed at approximately the center in the left-right direction.

[0244] As shown in the figure, the antenna device 400 includes a first antenna element 422 instead of the first antenna element 122 according to the first embodiment. Except for this, the antenna device 400 may be configured similarly to the antenna device 100 according to the first embodiment.

[0245] Furthermore, the first antenna element 422 includes a first helical element 444 instead of the first helical element 144 according to the first embodiment. Except for this, the first antenna element 422 may be configured similarly to the first antenna element 122 according to the first embodiment.

[0246] First helical element 444 has its winding axis oriented in the front-to-rear direction.

[0247] The front end of first helical element 444 is connected to one of the first circuit, second circuit, and third circuit provided in region 158a of second circuit board 143. That is, it is connected in series between first capacitive loading element 140 and first helical element 444. As a result, the first circuit provided in region 158a is connected in series between first capacitive loading element 140 and first helical element 444.

[0248] Furthermore, the rear end of first helical element 444 is connected to either the second circuit or the third circuit provided in region 158b of second circuit board 143. As a result, one or both of the second circuit and the third circuit provided in region 158b is connected in series between first helical element 144 and the circuit provided on first circuit board 104.

[0249] Except for these points, first helical element 444 may be configured similarly to first helical element 144 according to the first embodiment.

[0250] According to the present embodiment, the winding axes of first helical element 444 and second helical element 171 are perpendicular to each other. As a result, the magnetic fluxes of first helical element 444 and second helical element 171 are perpendicular to each other, and therefore, mutual interference is suppressed as shown in FIG.

[0251] 19 is a diagram showing the relationship between the amount of isolation (vertical axis; unit: dB) between first helical element 444 and second helical element 171 and frequency (horizontal axis; unit: MHz). The dotted line indicates the relationship between the amount of isolation between first helical element 444 and second helical element 171 and frequency according to this embodiment. The solid line indicates the relationship between the amount of isolation between first helical element 144 and second helical element 171 and frequency according to the first embodiment.

[0252] In this way, it is possible to suppress interference between the first antenna element 122 and the third antenna element 124. Therefore, it is possible to further improve the antenna gain of the first antenna element 122 and the third antenna element 124.

[0253] [Variation 4] The winding axes of first helical element 444 and second helical element 171 are not limited to being orthogonal, but may be in any direction as long as they intersect. The third embodiment is an example of this modified example.

[0254] This modification also makes it possible to reduce the interference between the first antenna element 122 and the third antenna element 124 more than in the first embodiment. Therefore, it becomes possible to further improve the antenna gain of the first antenna element 122 and the third antenna element 124.

[0255] [Fifth embodiment] Fig. 20 is a left side view of an antenna device 500 according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. Similar to Fig. 3 according to the first embodiment, Fig. 20 shows the inside of the housing space with the antenna case 101 and the inner case 121 removed at approximately the center in the left-right direction.

[0256] As shown in the figure, the antenna device 500 includes a third antenna element 524 instead of the third antenna element 124 according to the first embodiment. Except for this, the antenna device 500 may be configured similarly to the antenna device 100 according to the first embodiment.

[0257] Furthermore, the third antenna element 524 includes a second capacitance loading element 568 instead of the second capacitance loading element 168 according to the first embodiment. Except for this, the third antenna element 524 may be configured similarly to the third antenna element 124 according to the first embodiment.

[0258] The meandering shape of the second capacitance loading element 568 is mainly composed of vertical conductors, similar to the second capacitance loading element 168 according to the first embodiment, but its detailed configuration differs from that of the second capacitance loading element 168 according to the first embodiment.

[0259] The meandering shape of the second capacitive loading element 568 extends long from the lower front to the upper side, then extends a short distance to the rear, a long distance to the lower side, a short distance to the rear, and a long distance to the upper side, in that order.

[0260] Except for the details of the meandering shape, the second capacitive loading element 568 may be configured similarly to the second capacitive loading element 168 according to the first embodiment.

[0261] According to this embodiment, the first voltage point 175 is located at approximately the same position as in the first embodiment. In contrast, the second voltage point 576 is located at the lower front and upper rear portions of the second capacitive loading element 568, as shown in Fig. 20. Therefore, the minimum distance between the first voltage point 175 and the second voltage point 576 can be made larger than the minimum distance in the first embodiment.

[0262] This makes it possible to further suppress interference between the first antenna element 122 and the third antenna element 524. Therefore, it becomes possible to further improve the antenna gain of the first antenna element 122 and the third antenna element 524.

[0263] [Sixth embodiment] Fig. 21 is a left side view of an antenna device 600 according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. Similar to Fig. 3 according to the first embodiment, Fig. 21 shows the inside of the housing space with the antenna case 101 and the inner case 121 removed at approximately the center in the left-right direction.

[0264] As shown in the figure, the antenna device 600 includes a first antenna element 622 instead of the first antenna element 122 according to the first embodiment. Except for this, the antenna device 600 may be configured similarly to the antenna device 100 according to the first embodiment.

[0265] Furthermore, the first antenna element 622 includes a first capacitance loading element 640 instead of the first capacitance loading element 140 according to the first embodiment. Except for this, the first antenna element 622 may be configured similarly to the first antenna element 122 according to the first embodiment.

[0266] The meandering shape of the first capacitance loading element 640 is mainly composed of conductors in the front-to-back direction, similar to the first capacitance loading element 140 according to the first embodiment, but its detailed configuration differs from that of the first capacitance loading element 140 according to the first embodiment.

[0267] That is, the meandering shape of the first capacitance loading element 640 extends forward while inclining slightly downward from above, then extends backward, extends downward a short distance, extends forward a long distance, extends downward a short distance, and extends backward again. In this way, the first capacitance loading element 140 according to the first embodiment has a conductor that extends upward and is further connected to the conductor that extends backward at the bottom, whereas the first capacitance loading element 640 does not have this conductor that extends upward.

[0268] Except for the details of the meandering shape, the first capacitive loading element 622 may be configured similarly to the first capacitive loading element 140 according to the first embodiment.

[0269] According to this embodiment, the first voltage point 675 is located at the lower rear portion of the first capacitive loading element 640. The second voltage point 176 is located at approximately the same position as in the first embodiment. Therefore, the minimum distance between the first voltage point 675 and the second voltage point 176 can be made larger than the minimum distance in the first embodiment.

[0270] This makes it possible to further suppress interference between the first antenna element 622 and the third antenna element 124. Therefore, it becomes possible to further improve the antenna gain of the first antenna element 622 and the third antenna element 124.

[0271] [Seventh embodiment] Fig. 22 is a left side view of an antenna device 700 according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention. Similar to Fig. 3 according to the first embodiment, Fig. 22 shows the inside of the housing space with the antenna case 101 and the inner case 121 removed at approximately the center in the left-right direction.

[0272] As shown in the figure, the antenna device 700 includes a first antenna element 622 according to the sixth embodiment and a third antenna element 524 according to the fifth embodiment, which replace the first antenna element 122 and the third antenna element 124 according to the first embodiment, respectively. Except for these, the antenna device 700 may be configured similarly to the antenna device 100 according to the first embodiment.

[0273] According to this embodiment, the first voltage point 675 is located at a position generally similar to that of the sixth embodiment, and the second voltage point 576 is located at a position generally similar to that of the fifth embodiment. Therefore, the minimum distance between the first voltage point 675 and the second voltage point 576 is generally similar to the minimum distance in the first embodiment.

[0274] This makes it possible to suppress interference between the first antenna element 622 and the third antenna element 524 to the same extent as in the first embodiment. Therefore, it becomes possible to improve the antenna gain of the first antenna element 622 and the third antenna element 524.

[0275] [Eighth embodiment] Fig. 23 is a left side view of an antenna device 800 according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention. Similar to Fig. 3 according to the first embodiment, Fig. 23 shows the inside of the housing space with the antenna case 101 and the inner case 121 removed at approximately the center in the left-right direction.

[0276] As shown in the figure, the antenna device 800 includes a first antenna element 822 instead of the first antenna element 122 according to the first embodiment. Furthermore, the antenna device 800 does not include the second antenna element 123. Except for these points, the antenna device 800 may be configured similarly to the antenna device 100 according to the first embodiment.

[0277] The first antenna element 822 includes a first capacitance loading element 840 instead of the first capacitance loading element 140 according to the first embodiment. Except for this, the first antenna element 822 may be configured similarly to the first antenna element 122 according to the first embodiment.

[0278] The first capacitance loading element 840 differs from the first capacitance loading element 140 according to the first embodiment in its meandering shape. Except for this, the first capacitance loading element 840 may be configured similarly to the first capacitance loading element 140 according to the first embodiment.

[0279] The meandering shape of the first capacitive loading element 840 is formed in a serpentine shape that includes roughly vertical and front-to-rear conductors, and extends from the lower front to the rear, then extends upward, and extends rearward while tilting slightly upward, repeating this shape pattern three times, then extends rearward and then extends upward again. The repeated shape patterns located further rearward have larger vertical sizes.

[0280] In such a meander shape of the first capacitance loading element 840, the overall length of the vertical conductor portion is longer than the overall length of the vertical conductor portion of the front-rear direction. Therefore, unlike the first capacitance loading element 140 according to the first embodiment, the meander shape included in the first capacitance loading element 840 is a meander shape mainly composed of vertical conductors. That is, in this embodiment, the meander shapes of the first capacitance loading element 840 and the second capacitance loading element 168 are oriented in the same direction.

[0281] According to this embodiment, the first capacitance loading element 840 can reduce the influence of radio waves radiated at a low elevation angle from the fourth antenna element 125 more than the first capacitance loading element 140 according to the first embodiment. Therefore, it is possible to further improve the antenna gain of the first antenna element 822.

[0282] [Ninth embodiment] Fig. 24 is a left side view of an antenna device 900 according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention. Similar to Fig. 3 according to the first embodiment, Fig. 24 shows the inside of the housing space with the antenna case 101 and the inner case 121 removed at approximately the center in the left-right direction.

[0283] As shown in the figure, the antenna device 900 includes a first antenna element 822 according to the eighth embodiment instead of the first antenna element 122 according to the first embodiment, and a third antenna element 924 instead of the third antenna element 124 according to the first embodiment. In addition, the antenna device 900 does not include the second antenna element 123.

[0284] Except for these, the antenna device 900 may be configured similarly to the antenna device 100 according to the first embodiment.

[0285] The third antenna element 924 includes a second capacitance loading element 968 instead of the second capacitance loading element 168 according to the first embodiment. The second contact portion 184 of the second capacitance loading element 968 is electrically connected to a second connection point 987 provided approximately in the center of the lower end of the second capacitance loading element 968. Except for these points, the third antenna element 924 may be configured similarly to the third antenna element 124 according to the first embodiment.

[0286] For the electrical connection between the second contact portion 184 and the second capacitive loading element 968 according to this embodiment, for example, conductors that are soldered or pressure-welded to each other may be used.

[0287] The second capacitive loading element 968 differs from the second capacitive loading element 168 according to the first embodiment in its meandering shape. Except for this, the second capacitive loading element 968 may be configured similarly to the second capacitive loading element 168 according to the first embodiment.

[0288] The meandering shape of the second capacitive loading element 968 is formed in a serpentine shape that includes roughly vertical conductors and front-to-back conductors, extending from the lower front to the rear, then upward, forward, upward, and rear.

[0289] In the meander shape of the second capacitance loading element 968, the overall length of the front-to-rear conductor portion is longer than the overall length of the up-to-down conductor portion. Therefore, the meander shape included in the second capacitance loading element 968 is different from the second capacitance loading element 168 according to the first embodiment, and is mainly composed of conductors in the front-to-rear direction.

[0290] As described above, the meander shape included in the first capacitance loading element 840 is a meander shape that is mainly composed of conductors in the vertical direction. Therefore, in this embodiment, the meander shapes of the first capacitance loading element 840 and the second capacitance loading element 968 are oriented in different directions.

[0291] The first voltage point 875 is the front end of the first capacitive loading element 840. The second voltage point 976 is the upper rear end. Therefore, in this embodiment, the distance between the first voltage point 875 and the second voltage point 976 is greater than the minimum distance in the first embodiment.

[0292] This makes it possible to further suppress interference between the first antenna element 822 and the third antenna element 924. Therefore, it becomes possible to further improve the antenna gain of the first antenna element 822 and the third antenna element 924.

[0293] [Tenth embodiment] Fig. 25 is a left side view of an antenna device 1000 according to a tenth embodiment of the present invention. Similar to Fig. 3 according to the first embodiment, Fig. 25 shows the antenna case 101 and Bii The inside of the storage space is shown with the inner case 121 removed at approximately the center in the left-right direction.

[0294] As shown in the figure, the antenna device 1000 includes a first antenna element 1022 instead of the first antenna element 122 according to the first embodiment, and a third antenna element 1024 instead of the third antenna element 124 according to the first embodiment. The antenna device 1000 also includes a fifth antenna element 1088.

[0295] Except for these, the antenna device 1000 may be configured similarly to the antenna device 100 according to the first embodiment.

[0296] The first antenna element 1022 is No. 1 Implementation In a positive manner The first antenna element 1022 includes a first capacitance loading element 1040 and a second circuit board 1043 in place of the first capacitance loading element 140 and the second circuit board 143, respectively. The first antenna element 1022 does not include the first holder 142 and the first helical element 144.

[0297] As shown in the figure, the first capacitance loading element 1040 has a meander shape in the front-to-back direction at the front and a meander shape in the up-to-down direction at the rear. The area of ​​the meander shape at the front is larger than the area of ​​the meander shape at the rear, so the first capacitance loading element 1040 as a whole has a meander shape in the front-to-back direction.

[0298] The second circuit board 1043 is provided upright on the first circuit board 104 of the antenna base 102 , and is electrically interposed between the first circuit board 104 and the first capacitive loading element 1040 .

[0299] Except for these, the first antenna element 1022 may be configured similarly to the first antenna element 122 according to the first embodiment.

[0300] The third antenna element 1024 includes a second capacitance loading element 168 similar to that of the first embodiment. A fifth antenna element 1088 is connected to the second capacitance loading element 168 of this embodiment instead of the second helical element 171 of the first embodiment.

[0301] The fifth antenna element 1088 is connected in series with the second capacitive loading element 168 of the third antenna element 1024, and transmits and receives radio waves in a higher frequency band than the third antenna element.

[0302] Fig. 26 is a left side view of the antenna device 1000 according to the tenth embodiment, and shows a state in which the second capacitance loading element 168 has been removed from the left side view shown in Fig. 25 for ease of understanding. As shown in the figure, the fifth antenna element 1088 is connected in series to the second capacitance loading element 168 via a trap coil 1090 provided at a fifth connection point 1089.

[0303] By loading the trapping coil 1090 to the fifth connection point 1089, the frequencies of the fifth antenna element 1088 and the third antenna element 1024 are separated. In particular, low-frequency current passes through the fifth antenna element 1088 and is fed to the third antenna element 1024. Since the impedance of the trapping coil 1090 becomes high, high-frequency current hardly flows beyond the fifth connection point 1089.

[0304] In this case, the fifth antenna element 1088 also operates as a two-stage array antenna, for example, as a collinear array antenna.

[0305] The fifth antenna element 1088 forms a horizontal plane directivity using a two-stage array antenna, and by operating the second capacitive loading element 168 as a reflector, it is possible to further bias the directivity toward the rear of the vehicle.

[0306] It is also possible to form an element that serves as a reflector on second circuit board 1043, thereby providing a further bias in the directionality toward the rear of the vehicle.

[0307] The fifth antenna element 1088 is used at a higher frequency than the frequency band transmitted and received by the third antenna element 1024. Examples of applications of the radio waves transmitted and received by the fifth antenna element 1088 include WiFi, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), V2X, and Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS).

[0308] In this embodiment, an example has been shown in which the fifth antenna element 1088 operates as a two-stage array antenna, but this is not limited to this, and the fifth antenna element 1088 may also be a monopole antenna, a dipole antenna, etc.

[0309] [Eleventh embodiment] Fig. 27 is a left side view of an antenna device 1100 according to an eleventh embodiment of the present invention. Similar to Fig. 3 according to the first embodiment, Fig. 27 shows the inside of the housing space with the antenna case 101 removed at approximately the center in the left-right direction.

[0310] The antenna device 1100 is an antenna device for AM / FM / GNSS / DTTB.

[0311] The antenna device 1100 includes a first antenna element 1122, a third antenna element 1124, and a fourth antenna element 1125 that replace the first antenna element 122, the third antenna element 124, and the fourth antenna element 125, respectively, of embodiment 1. Furthermore, the antenna device 1100 does not include the inner case 121 and the second antenna element 123.

[0312] Except for these, the antenna device 1100 may be configured similarly to the antenna device 100 according to the first embodiment.

[0313] The first antenna element 1122 receives AM / FM broadcast waves as radio waves in a first frequency band, the third antenna element 1124 receives DTTB radio waves as radio waves in a second frequency band, and the fourth antenna element 1125 receives GNSS radio waves as radio waves in a fourth frequency band.

[0314] These antenna elements 1122, 1124, 1125 are arranged in the accommodation space in the order of fourth antenna element 1125, first antenna element 1122, and third antenna element 1124 from the front side of the vehicle.

[0315] In detail, the first antenna element 1122 includes a first capacitance loading element 1140, a first holder 1142, and a second circuit board 1143 that replace the first capacitance loading element 140, the first holder 142, and the second circuit board 143, respectively, of embodiment 1. The first antenna element 1122 further includes an element holder 1191.

[0316] As shown in the figure, the first capacitive loading element 1140 is divided into two parts, a front part and a back part.

[0317] The front first capacitance loading element 1140 has a meander shape in which the bottom ends and top ends of adjacent conductor elements are alternately connected and gaps are provided between adjacent conductor elements. The rear first capacitance loading element 1140 has a meander shape in the up-down direction in which the top ends of adjacent conductor elements are connected and gaps are provided between adjacent conductor elements. Therefore, the first capacitance loading element 1140 as a whole has a meander shape in the up-down direction.

[0318] The first capacitive loading element 1140 is fixed to the antenna base 102 by being held by an element holder 1191 fixed to the antenna base 102 .

[0319] First holder 1142 is fixed to antenna base 102 and holds first helical element 144, similar to first holder 142 according to embodiment 1. First helical element 144 is electrically connected to first capacitive loading element 1140.

[0320] Second circuit board 1143 is fixed to antenna base 102 and is electrically connected to first helical element 144 .

[0321] Except for these, the first antenna element 1122 may be configured generally similarly to the first antenna element 122 according to the first embodiment.

[0322] The third antenna element 1124 includes a second capacitance loading element 1168 and a second holder 1170 that replace the second capacitance loading element 168 and the second holder 170 of the first embodiment. The third antenna element 1124 further includes a feeding element 1193 and a third circuit board 1194. The third antenna element 1124 does not include the second helical element 171.

[0323] As shown in the figure, the second capacitance loading element 1168 is not a meandering shape but is a generally flat or curved plate-like conductor. The second capacitance loading element 1168 is held behind the first capacitance loading element 1140 by an element holder 1191 shared with the first capacitance loading element 1140, and is fixed to the antenna base 102.

[0324] The second holder 1170 is fixed to the antenna base 102, and has a feed element 1193 attached thereto. The feed element 1193 is electrically connected to the second capacitive loading element 1168.

[0325] The third circuit board 1194 is fixed to the antenna base 102 and is electrically connected to the power supply element 1193 .

[0326] Except for these, the third antenna element 1124 may be configured generally similarly to the third antenna element 124 according to the first embodiment.

[0327] The fourth antenna element 1125 is an antenna unit for GNSS, and is composed of a patch antenna, a PCB (polychlorinated biphenyl) holder, a shield cover, and the like.

[0328] The polarization of the second frequency band is horizontally polarized. The meandering shape included in the first capacitive loading element 1140 is oriented in the vertical direction as described above, and is in a direction that intersects with the polarization of the second frequency band. This suppresses interference between the first antenna element 1122 and the third antenna element 1124, as in the other embodiments. Therefore, as shown in the figure, it is possible to ensure the antenna gain of the third antenna element 1124 even if the first antenna element 1122 and the third antenna element 1124 are arranged closely to each other.

[0329] [Twelfth embodiment] Fig. 28 is a left side view of an antenna device 1200 according to a twelfth embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 29 is a perspective view of the antenna device 1200 in a state where the antenna case 101 is not attached. Fig. 30 is a side view of the antenna device 1200 in a state where the antenna case 101 is not attached.

[0330] The antenna device 1200 according to this embodiment includes a first circuit board 1204, an inner case 1221, a first antenna element 1222, a second antenna element 1223, and a third antenna element 1224, which replace the first circuit board 104, the inner case 121, the first antenna element 122, the second antenna element 123, and the third antenna element 124 according to the first embodiment, respectively. Except for these, the antenna device 1200 according to this embodiment may be configured generally similarly to the antenna device 100 according to the first embodiment.

[0331] (Configuration of first circuit board 1204) First circuit board 1204 may be configured similarly to first circuit board 104 according to embodiment 1, except that the configuration for attaching antenna elements 1222 to 1224 differs from that of first circuit board 104 according to embodiment 1.

[0332] The differences between first circuit board 1204 and first circuit board 104 will be described in relation to antenna elements 1222-1224.

[0333] (Configuration of inner case 1221) 28 to 32, in addition to the configuration of the inner case 121 according to the first embodiment, the inner case 1221 further includes locking claws 1295, third engagement piece fitting portions 1296, and fourth engagement piece mounting portions 1297 in left and right first element mounting portions 1229 on which first capacitive loading elements 1240 (described later) are respectively arranged. Note that the locking groove portions 131 according to this embodiment do not penetrate in the left-right direction but are separated into left and right portions.

[0334] Fig. 31 is an exploded perspective view showing a part of inner case 1221 according to this embodiment and first capacitance loading element 1240. Fig. 32 is a perspective view showing first capacitance loading element 1240 attached to inner case 1221 according to this embodiment.

[0335] The locking claw 1295 includes a claw for locking the first capacitive loading element 1240. The third engagement piece fitting portion 1296 is provided at the upper rear end of the first element mounting portion 1229, and is surrounded on the front, rear, left and right sides by wall surface portions, thereby forming an upwardly open space. The fourth engagement piece mounting portion 1297 is provided on the third engagement piece fitting portion 1296, and forms an exposed surface facing outward (in this embodiment, an exposed surface that is parallel to the front, rear and up and down directions).

[0336] In addition, Figure 31 shows the locking claw 1295, third engagement piece fitting portion 1296, and fourth engagement piece mounting portion 1297 provided on the left first element mounting portion 1229, but it is preferable that these portions 1295 to 1297 are also provided approximately symmetrically on the right first element mounting portion 1229.

[0337] (Configuration of the first antenna element 1222) The first antenna element 1222 includes a first capacitance loading element 1240, a first holder 1242, a second circuit board 1243, and a first spring contact fitting 1245, which replace the first capacitance loading element 140, the first holder 142, the second circuit board 143, and the first spring contact fitting 145 according to the first embodiment. Except for these, the first antenna element 1222 may be configured similarly to the first antenna element 122 according to the first embodiment.

[0338] As shown in FIGS. 29 to 32, the first capacitance loading element 1240 has a shape that extends further forward than the first capacitance loading element 140 according to the first embodiment. The first capacitance loading element 1240 has a first engagement piece 1248a instead of the first engagement piece 148a according to the first embodiment. Furthermore, the first capacitance loading element 1240 has a locking recess 1298, a third engagement piece 1299, and a fourth engagement piece 1300. Except for these, the first capacitance loading element 1240 may be configured similarly to the first capacitance loading element 140 according to the first embodiment.

[0339] The first engagement piece 1248a has a different shape from the first engagement piece 148a according to the first embodiment, and extends downward from the front lower end of the inclined portion 147.

[0340] The first engagement piece 1248a is fitted into the first engagement piece fitting portion 134a through the opening of the first engagement piece fitting portion 134a, similar to the first engagement piece 148a according to the first embodiment. Note that the shape of the first engagement piece fitting portion 134a may be changed to a shape different from that of the first embodiment depending on the shape of the first engagement piece 1248a.

[0341] The locking recess 1298 forms an inward recess in a portion extending in the front-to-rear direction of the meander-shaped first capacitance loading element 1240. That is, in the left first capacitance loading element 1240, the locking recess 1298 forms a recess facing rightward, and in the right first capacitance loading element 1240, the locking recess 1298 forms a recess facing leftward.

[0342] The locking recess 1298 can be attached to the first element mounting portion 1229 by snap-fitting it into the locking claw 1295. When the locking recess 1298 is attached to the first element mounting portion 1229, it is locked by the locking claw 1295 so as not to move upward.

[0343] The third engagement piece 1299 is provided to extend downward from near the upper end of a portion that extends forward while sloping slightly downward from above in the meandering-shaped first capacitive loading element 1240. The third engagement piece 1299 is fitted into the third engagement piece fitting portion 1296.

[0344] The fourth engagement piece 1300 is provided to extend downward behind the third engagement piece 1299. The fourth engagement piece 1300 is a small, flat plate that is parallel in the front-to-back and up-down directions, and when attached to the first element attachment portion 1229, one surface comes into surface contact with the fourth engagement piece attachment portion 1297.

[0345] By providing the locking recess 1298, the third engaging piece 1299 and the fourth engaging piece 1300, the first capacitive loading element 1240 can be firmly held by the inner case 1221.

[0346] 28 and 33 to 36, the first holder 1242 includes a second circuit board mounting portion 1252, a projection pair portion 1253, a first metal fitting mounting portion 1254, a first protruding portion 155, and a co-fastening boss portion 1256, which replace the flat plate portion 152, the projection pair portion 153, the first metal fitting mounting portion 154, the first protruding portion 155, and the co-fastening boss portion 156 according to the first embodiment. Except for these, the first holder 1242 may be configured similarly to the first holder 142 according to the first embodiment.

[0347] Fig. 33 is a perspective view showing first holder 1242, second antenna element 1223, second holder 1270 (described in detail below), and fourth antenna element 125 attached to first circuit board 1204 according to this embodiment. Fig. 34 is a left side view showing first holder 1242, second antenna element 1223, second holder 1270 (described in detail below), and fourth antenna element 125 attached to first circuit board 1204 according to this embodiment.

[0348] Fig. 35 is a left side view of first holder 1242 according to this embodiment. Fig. 36 is a left side view of first holder 1242 to which second circuit board 1243 and first helical element 144 are attached according to this embodiment.

[0349] The second circuit board attachment portion 1252 is a portion where a second circuit board 1243, which has a different shape from the second circuit board 143 according to the first embodiment, is attached. The second circuit board attachment portion 1252 has a different shape from the flat plate portion 152 according to the first embodiment, and when viewed from the left, has a generally flat plate shape with the upper right and lower portions cut out, and is provided with reinforcing ribs.

[0350] The projection pair 1253 is a portion that protrudes to the left, and is composed of the lower projection of the projection pair 153 according to the first embodiment and a projection provided opposite to the lower projection.

[0351] The first metal fitting mounting part 1254 is a part that extends in the front-to-rear direction. The first metal fitting mounting part 1254 according to this embodiment is a roughly prismatic part that is made up of lower and left and right wall parts and forms a hollow space that is open at the top. Note that the first metal fitting mounting part 1254 only needs to extend in the front-to-rear direction, and may be, for example, part of a hollow columnar wall part, or may be a solid columnar part.

[0352] The first protrusion 1255 is a portion that protrudes downward from the lower front end of the second circuit board attachment portion 1252 , similar to the first protrusion 155 of the first embodiment, and is fitted into the third through-hole 111 .

[0353] The co-tightening boss portion 1256 is a portion in which a hole extending upward from the lower end surface is provided, and is generally cylindrical, similar to the first protrusion portion 155 of the first embodiment. In this embodiment, the co-tightening boss portion 1256 is provided at approximately the center in the front-to-rear direction or at a lower portion rearward of the center.

[0354] The first spring contact fitting 1245 is a member integrally formed from metal, and includes a first held portion 1259, a first connecting portion 1260, and a first contact portion 1261, as shown in FIGS.

[0355] 37 and 38 are perspective views of the first holder 1242 to which the first spring contact fitting 1245 according to this embodiment is attached, viewed from different directions.

[0356] The first held portion 1259 is a portion that forms a hole extending in the front-rear direction. 2 59 is configured to fit together with the first metal fitting attachment portion 1254.

[0357] The first connecting portion 1260 is a portion that extends downward from the first held portion 1259. The lower end of the first connecting portion 1260 is disposed so as to contact the second circuit board 1243, and is soldered to the second circuit board 1243. This ensures electrical continuity between the first connecting portion 1260 and the second circuit board 1243.

[0358] The first contact portion 1261 is a portion that extends obliquely upward and forward, similar to the first contact portion 161 according to the first embodiment.

[0359] When first antenna element 1222 is arranged on inner case 1221 and base 107 and inner case 1221 is screwed to base 107, first contact portion 1261 comes into contact with first connecting conductor 139 and is pressed from above. When pressed from above, first contact portion 1261 repels due to its elastic force, so first contact portion 1261 reliably comes into contact with first connecting conductor 139 at first contact point 1262 and is electrically connected, as shown in FIGS.

[0360] The first contact point 1262 according to this embodiment has a protrusion that protrudes upward. This protrusion has an arc shape when viewed in the extending direction. By providing such a protrusion, the first contact point 1262 can make contact with the first connecting conductor 139 more stably.

[0361] Such a first held portion 1259 is fixed to the first holder 1242 by fitting into the first metal fitting attachment portion 1254, as shown in Fig. 39. Fig. 39 is a diagram showing a method for attaching the first spring contact metal fitting 1245 to the first holder 1242. Note that the first held portion 1259 may be press-fitted into the first metal fitting attachment portion 1254.

[0362] 40, second circuit board 1243 is attached to second circuit board attachment portion 1252 of first holder 1242 by fitting into protrusion pair portion 1253 from the left. Figure 40 is a diagram showing a method for attaching second circuit board 1243 to first holder 1242.

[0363] Each end of first helical element 144 is inserted into a through-hole in the left-right direction provided in second circuit board 1243, and soldered to second circuit board 1243. The through-holes for inserting each end of first helical element 144 may be circular, but may also be oriented in a predetermined direction (for example, up and down). direction ) is preferably an elongated hole having a length of . By using an elongated through-hole, first helical element 144 can be easily provided on second circuit board 1243 regardless of variations in the shape of first helical element 144.

[0364] (Configuration of second antenna element 1223) 28, 33 to 34, and 41, the second antenna element 1223 is made by processing a metal plate (metal plate), and includes a flat plate portion 1263 and a plurality of attachment protrusions 1264 protruding downward from the lower end of the flat plate portion 1263. Fig. 41 is a left side view of the second antenna element 1223 according to this embodiment.

[0365] The flat plate portion 1263 includes a first notch portion 1301 provided at the upper right when viewed from the left, a second notch portion 1302 provided at the lower left when viewed from the left, and a reinforcing structure portion 1303.

[0366] The first cutout portion 1301 and the second cutout portion 1302 are portions that form a cutout shape.

[0367] By providing the first notch portion 1301, the outer edge of the flat plate portion 1263 can be spaced further away from the power supply portion (first connecting conductor 139 in this embodiment) of the first capacitive loading element 1240 than when the first notch portion 1301 is not provided. This improves the isolation between the first antenna element 1122 and the second antenna element 1223.

[0368] Furthermore, by providing a cutout-shaped portion at the lower end of flat plate portion 1263, such as second cutout portion 1302, the outer edge of flat plate portion 1263 can be spaced further away from the reference potential on first circuit board 1204 than in the case where second cutout portion 1302 is not provided. This reduces the capacitive coupling between second antenna element 1223 and the reference potential, and improves transmission and reception efficiency.

[0369] The reinforcing structure 1303 is a portion for reinforcing the flat plate portion 1263. The reinforcing structure 1303 according to this embodiment is generally On the edge The reinforcement structure 1303 is formed by, for example, drawing or beading. By providing the reinforcement structure 1303, the strength of the second antenna element 1223 can be improved compared to when the reinforcement structure 1303 is not provided, and the second antenna element 1223 can be made to stand on its own with respect to the first circuit board 1204.

[0370] Each of the multiple mounting protrusions 1264 is a portion that protrudes downward, as shown in Figures 41 and 42. Figure 42 is a perspective view of the rear portion of first circuit board 1204 as seen from below.

[0371] The multiple mounting protrusions 1264 are fitted into second through holes provided in the first circuit board 1204 corresponding to each of them, and are fixed to the first circuit board 1204. To fix each of the mounting protrusions 1264, for example, soldering may be used, as in the first embodiment.

[0372] Furthermore, clinching may be used to fasten a portion of mounting protrusion 1264. Clinching is a method of fastening by twisting a quadrilateral portion of mounting protrusion 1264 that protrudes from first circuit board 1204 so as to rotate it about the up-down direction. By using clinching, the number of parts can be reduced compared to fastening using screws or the like, and fastening is easier than soldering.

[0373] (Configuration of third antenna element 1224) 33-34, the third antenna element 1224 includes a second holder 1270, a second spring contact fitting 1272, and a lower terminal 1287, which replace the second holder 170, the second spring contact fitting 172, and the lower terminal 187 according to the first embodiment, respectively. Except for these, the third antenna element 1224 may be configured similarly to the third antenna element 124 according to the first embodiment.

[0374] As shown in Fig. 43, the second holder 1270 includes a second metal fitting mounting portion 1279 and a second base engagement leg 1280b that replace the second metal fitting mounting portion 179 and the second base engagement leg 180b according to the first embodiment. Furthermore, the second holder 1270 includes a lower terminal mounting portion 1304 behind the fixing leg 181 and generally below the element mounting portion 178. Except for these, the second holder 1270 may be configured similarly to the second holder 170 according to the first embodiment. Here, Fig. 43 is a perspective view of the second holder 1270 according to this embodiment.

[0375] The second metal fitting mounting portion 1279 is a portion that extends in the front-to-rear direction. The second metal fitting mounting portion 1279 according to this embodiment is a generally prismatic portion that is made up of lower and left and right wall portions and forms a hollow space that is open at the top. Note that the second metal fitting mounting portion 1279 only needs to extend in the front-to-rear direction, and may be, for example, part of a hollow columnar wall portion, or may be a solid columnar shape.

[0376] The second base engagement leg 1280b is provided at the rear lower end of the second holder 1270, and the vicinity of its tip is disposed within the fifth through-hole 113 (see FIG. 42). Note that, like the first base engagement leg 180a, the second base engagement leg 1280b may include an elastic portion and a claw provided at the tip of the elastic portion, thereby being engaged with the periphery of the lower end of the fifth through-hole 113.

[0377] The lower terminal attachment portion 1304 is a portion to which the lower terminal 1287 is attached. In this embodiment, the lower terminal attachment portion 1304 forms a roughly rectangular parallelepiped space that is open downward and to the right.

[0378] The second spring contact fitting 1272 is a member integrally formed from metal, and has the same configuration as the first spring contact fitting 1245. That is, the second spring contact fitting 1272 includes a second held portion 1282, a second connecting portion 1283, and a second contact portion 1284 provided with a second contact point 1285, which correspond to the first held portion 1259, the first connecting portion 1260, and the first contact portion 1261 provided with the first contact point 1262, respectively.

[0379] The second held portion 1282 is a portion that forms a hole that extends in the front-rear direction. The second held portion 1282 is configured to fit with the second metal fitting attachment portion 1279.

[0380] Second connecting portion 1283 is a portion extending rightward from second held portion 1282. By winding the vicinity of the upper end of the conducting wire that constitutes second helical element 171 around second contact portion 1283, second helical element 171 can be easily electrically connected to second connecting portion 1283.

[0381] The second contact portion 1284 is a portion that extends obliquely upward and forward, similar to the second contact portion 184 according to the first embodiment.

[0382] When the third antenna element 1224 is disposed on the inner case 1221 and the base 107 and the inner case 1221 is screwed to the base 107, the second contact portion 1284 comes into contact with the second connecting conductor 167 and is pressed from above. When pressed from above, the second contact portion 1284 repels due to its elastic force, and therefore, like the first contact portion 1261 and the first connecting conductor 139, the second contact portion 1284 reliably comes into contact with the second connecting conductor 167 at the second contact point 1285 and is electrically connected (see FIG. 37 ).

[0383] The second contact point 1285 according to this embodiment has a protrusion that protrudes upward. This protrusion is arc-shaped when viewed in the direction of extension. By providing such a protrusion, the second contact point 1284 can make contact with the second connection conductor 167 more stably.

[0384] The lower terminal 1287 is a terminal attached to the lower terminal attachment portion 1304. As shown in the perspective view of Fig. 44 , the lower terminal 1287 includes a flat first terminal wall portion 1305 extending in the front-to-rear direction, a second terminal wall portion 1306 and a third terminal wall portion 1307 extending rearward from the front end and rear end portions of the first terminal wall portion 1305, respectively, and a protrusion portion 1308 protruding downward.

[0385] As shown in FIG. 44 , second terminal wall portion 1306 includes spring piece 1306a protruding forward. Therefore, when lower terminal 1287 is fitted into lower terminal mounting portion 1304, the elastic force of the spring piece fixes lower terminal 1287 to lower terminal mounting portion 1304. The lower end of second helical element 171 is wound around element mounting portion 1306b protruding to the right from second terminal wall portion 1306 above first circuit board 1204 and connected by soldering or the like. In this way, second helical element 171 is electrically connected to first circuit board 1204 via lower terminal 1287. Note that various circuits may be interposed between second helical element 171 and first circuit board 1204.

[0386] With such a second holder 1270, as shown in Fig. 45, the second held portion 1282 is fitted into the second fitting attachment portion 1279, thereby fixing the second spring contact fitting 1272 to the second holder 1270. Fig. 45 is a diagram showing a method for attaching the second spring contact fitting 1272 to the second holder 1270. The second held portion 1282 may be press-fitted into the second fitting attachment portion 1279.

[0387] 46, lower terminal 1287 is fixed to second holder 1270 by being fitted into lower terminal attachment portion 1304 from below. FIG. 46 is a diagram showing a method for attaching lower terminal 1287 to second holder 1270.

[0388] Furthermore, the portion of protrusion 1308 that protrudes downward from first circuit board 1204 is fixed to first circuit board 1204 by soldering or the like in a state in which it is electrically connected to first circuit board 1204.

[0389] As in the first embodiment, the first circuit board 1204, the tip portion 181a, and the co-fastening boss portion 1256 are fastened together by a co-fastening screw 1309 that is inserted into the co-fastening boss portion 1256 from below the first circuit board 1204 through the fourth through-hole 112 and the tip portion 181a. This fixes the first holder 1242 and the second holder 1270 to the first circuit board 1204.

[0390] As with the first embodiment, this embodiment also makes it possible to reduce the size of the antenna device 1200 and ensure isolation between the multiple antenna elements 1222 to 1224 and 125 arranged in a narrow space.

[0391] [Variation 5] The width and pitch of the meandering pattern of the first capacitive loading element 1240, the height of the second antenna element 1223, etc. may be changed as appropriate.

[0392] For example, Fig. 47 is a diagram showing the antenna characteristics of the second antenna element 1223 when the meandering pattern width of the first capacitance loading element 1240 is 4 mm and the pitch is 2 mm. Fig. 48 is a diagram showing the antenna characteristics of the second antenna element 1223 when the meandering pattern width of the first capacitance loading element 1240 is 3 mm and the pitch is 3 mm. In each of Figs. 47 and 48, the horizontal axis represents frequency and the vertical axis represents VSWR (voltage standing wave ratio). By changing the width and pitch of the meandering pattern, unwanted resonance can be deflected downward, making it possible to accommodate radio waves from a specific region.

[0393] Furthermore, by adjusting (for example, increasing) the height of the second antenna element 1223, it becomes possible to accommodate radio waves from a specific region.

[0394] [Modifications 6 and 7] The antenna device may further include other antenna elements. 49 to 50, the antenna device according to the sixth modification includes a V2X antenna 1310a as a fifth antenna element in addition to the configuration of the antenna device 1200 according to the twelfth embodiment. The V2X antenna 1310a according to the sixth modification is a quarter-wavelength monopole antenna.

[0395] Here, Fig. 49 is a perspective view showing a state in which antenna case 101 is not attached to the antenna device according to Modification 6, with inner case 1221 omitted. Fig. 50 is a left side view showing a state in which antenna case 101 is not attached to the antenna device according to Modification 6, with inner case 1221 omitted.

[0396] 51 to 54, the antenna device according to the seventh modification includes a V2X antenna 1310b as a fifth antenna element in addition to the configuration of the antenna device 1200 according to the twelfth embodiment. The V2X antenna 1310b according to the seventh modification is a collinear array antenna.

[0397] Here, Fig. 51 is a perspective view showing a state in which the antenna case 101 is not attached to the antenna device according to Modification 7, with the inner case 1221 omitted. Fig. 52 is a left side view showing a state in which the antenna case 101 is not attached to the antenna device according to Modification 7, with the inner case 1221 omitted. Fig. 53 is an enlarged perspective view showing the vicinity of the V2X antenna 1310b according to Modification 7, with the inner case 1221 omitted.

[0398] The V2X antenna is not limited to a quarter-wave monopole antenna, but may be a monopole antenna such as a collinear array antenna or a helical antenna. The V2X antenna may also be a dipole antenna, a dipole array antenna, a slit antenna, a slot antenna, a sleeve antenna, or the like.

[0399] Although not shown, directivity control may be performed to improve gain in a desired direction of the V2X antenna by arranging a parasitic element that acts as a director or reflector. Furthermore, to extend the communication distance of V2X, a bidirectional amplifier, a front-end module, a communication device, etc. may be mounted on the circuit board.

[0400] Furthermore, by using a V2X antenna that is a linear, rod-shaped, or plate-shaped conductor antenna whose length is longer than its width (long and thin), interference between the rear capacitance loading element 168, 568, 968, 1168 and the V2X antenna can be reduced. This allows the rear capacitance loading element 168, 568, 968, 1168 and at least a portion (partial or all) of the V2X antenna to be arranged overlapping each other when viewed from the left and right. This allows the antenna device to be made smaller.

[0401] The telephone antenna (TEL antenna, telematics antenna) and the V2X antenna may be replaced with other communication antennas such as a Wi-Fi antenna, a keyless entry antenna, etc. Furthermore, other communication antennas may be additionally provided in the antenna device.

[0402] The patch antenna serving as the fourth antenna element 125, 1125 is a GNSS antenna that receives multiple frequencies (a GNSS antenna that supports at least two of the frequencies for obtaining position information, such as the L1 band, L2 band, L5 band, and L6 band). The patch antenna may be a single-layer patch antenna, or a multi-layer, stacked, or multi-stage patch antenna.

[0403] The patch antenna may have more than one feed, and the circuit board may include a combiner that combines signals from multiple feeds.

[0404] Although not shown, a parasitic element may be placed above the radiation surface of the patch antenna in order to improve the gain or axial ratio or to control the directivity.

[0405] By changing the shape of the capacitance loading element of an AM / FM broadcast antenna or by configuring a filter within that element, the electrical length of the capacitance loading element can be controlled, and the directivity of the GNSS antenna can be controlled to the desired characteristics. As a specific example, the capacitance loading element of an AM / FM broadcast antenna can be configured from multiple segments, with the segments connected to each other by filters. This makes it possible to place the GNSS antenna below the capacitance loading element.

[0406] In this case, an antenna for receiving a different frequency may be placed in front of the GNSS patch antenna. For example, a receiving antenna such as a GNSS patch antenna for a band different from SDARS and GNSS, or a communication antenna for Wi-Fi, V2X, etc. may be placed in front of the GNSS patch antenna.

[0407] Although not shown, the substrate that holds the antenna element and helical element may be held or fixed by an insulating holder to accommodate positioning, vibration, and impact. A holder may be provided for each element, or may be formed integrally for multiple elements. Furthermore, by providing a structure for holding or fixing the substrate to components that make up the antenna device, such as antenna case 101 and inner cases 121 and 1221, the case may also function as a holder for holding the substrate.

[0408] [Variation 8] The method of providing the antenna may be changed as appropriate. For example, the third antenna elements 124, 524, 924, 1024, 1124, and 1224 may be configured by a conductor pattern provided on a substrate.

[0409] For example, the antenna device according to the eighth modification includes a second antenna element 1423 that is a telephone antenna provided on a second circuit board 1443, as shown in FIGS.

[0410] Fig. 54 is a perspective view showing a state in which the antenna case is not attached to the antenna device according to Modification 8. Fig. 55 is a left side view showing a state in which the antenna case is not attached to the antenna device according to Modification 8. Fig. 56 is an enlarged perspective view of the vicinity of second antenna element 1423 according to Modification 8.

[0411] Second circuit board 1443 corresponds to second circuit board 143 according to the first embodiment extended forward, and also has the function of first holder 142. That is, in the antenna device according to modification 8, first holder 142 does not have to be provided, and second circuit board 1443 holds first helical element 144. In addition, first helical element 144 is connected to first connecting conductor 139 via conductor 1401.

[0412] The second antenna element 1423 is configured by a conductor pattern provided on the second circuit board 1443 .

[0413] According to this modification, second antenna element 1423 can be configured integrally with substrate 1443 that holds first helical element 144 of the AM / FM broadcast antenna. This makes it possible to prevent changes in characteristics due to misalignment between first helical element 144 and second antenna element 1423, and to maintain stable performance.

[0414] 54 and 55, second antenna element 1423 according to this modification includes base end 1423a extending in a direction (upward in this modification) toward first circuit board 1204, and two arms 1423b and 1423c that branch off from the vicinity of base end 1423a and extend in a strip shape to surround a space. The "space" refers to the area surrounded by two arms 1423b and 1423c.

[0415] Of the two arms 1423b, 1423c, the portions facing first circuit board 1204 (the lower end portion of arm 1423b that slopes upward and forward, and the lower end portion of arm 1423c that slopes upward and backward) form an acute angle with first circuit board 1204. That is, the angle is greater than 0 degrees and less than 90 degrees. Furthermore, by forming the arms in a band shape that is wider than a line shape, the two frequency bands, low and high, can be made wider.

[0416] Here, "strip-like" refers to a shape that has a uniform width but has a length that is large relative to the width. In this example, the width is set to approximately 3 mm or more due to constraints such as the use of the LTE frequency band and the fact that the installation space for the two arms 1423b and 1423c cannot be large because the antenna device is an in-vehicle antenna device. However, if the above constraints do not need to be taken into consideration, the width is preferably 5 mm or more, and more preferably 7 mm or more.

[0417] The width of the arms 1423b and 1423c may increase continuously or stepwise from the base end 1423a to the tip, or may be uniform. When viewed from the base end 1423a along a virtual vertical line, the area of ​​one of the two arms 1423b and 1423c may be larger than the other.

[0418] The tip of each of the arm portions 1423b and 1423c is an open end. The "open end" refers to a portion at the end of which no other conductors or the like exist (open end).

[0419] The open end of front arm 1423b protrudes rearward, and the distance to the ground increases toward the rear so as to fit along the inner surface of inner case 1221. The open end of rear arm 1423c includes a portion that is approximately parallel to first circuit board 1204 in order to load capacitance to the ground while ensuring radiation resistance. The open ends of two arms 1423b, 1423c are brought close to each other, forming an opening of a space that faces upward and rearward.

[0420] The base end 1423a is electrically connected to the first circuit board 1204, and thus also serves as a power supply for the two arms 1423b and 1423c. Therefore, the two arms 1423b and 1423c, each of which includes an open end, can be operated as antennas. In detail, the arm 1423b, which has a long element length, operates as an antenna for low band, and the arm 1423, which has a short element length, operates as an antenna for low band. c Each of the arms 1423b and 1423c may be operated as a single antenna.

[0421] If second antenna element 1423 having such a shape is formed from sheet metal by, for example, hollowing out or cutting out a single metal plate, there is a risk that the strength will be reduced.

[0422] According to this modification, second antenna element 1423 is formed by providing a conductor pattern on second circuit board 1443. Therefore, even if second antenna element 1423 has a shape that would reduce the strength if it were made of sheet metal, it can be provided without reducing the strength, thereby improving the degree of freedom in design. It also becomes easier to achieve a wider bandwidth and improved gain for second antenna element 1423.

[0423] This configuration in which an antenna is provided using a conductor pattern on a substrate may be used in a DAB helical element or a V2X antenna, or elements that are arranged nearby may be formed on a common substrate.

[0424] Furthermore, one or more antennas, one or more helical elements, etc. provided in the antenna device may be configured separately on multiple boards. One such example is an antenna device including a board on which helical elements for a telephone and an AM / FM broadcast antenna are provided, and a board on which a DAB helical element and a V2X antenna are provided.

[0425] Generally, adjacent elements are most susceptible to influence, so positioning of adjacent elements is important. However, when adjacent elements are configured separately, design can be difficult as the elements may end up being too close or too far apart compared to the original design. In addition, misalignment of elements may occur due to manufacturing errors, etc. As a result, the antenna characteristics may change and the elements may interfere with each other.

[0426] By forming adjacent elements with conductor patterns on a common substrate, misalignment does not occur, preventing changes in characteristics and reducing interference, etc. Furthermore, when configured with multiple substrates, warping of the substrate, which can occur with large substrates, is less likely to occur, improving assembly ease and optimizing costs.

[0427] Furthermore, since the elements are formed on the substrate, it is easy to provide filters on the substrate using chip components, conductor patterns, etc. As a result, it is easy to ensure isolation between multiple antenna elements. It is also easy to achieve the effect of reducing the inflow and outflow of unwanted signals outside the desired band.

[0428] Although the embodiments and modifications of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these. The present invention includes modifications of the embodiments, further modifications of the modifications, combinations of the embodiments and the modifications, and further modifications of the combinations.

[0429] According to the present specification, the following aspects are provided. (Aspect 1) Aspect 1 is Case and a base that forms a storage space together with the case; a first antenna element accommodated in the accommodation space and configured to at least transmit or receive radio waves in a first frequency band; a second antenna element that is accommodated in the accommodation space and that at least transmits or receives radio waves in a second frequency band different from that of the first antenna element; The first antenna element is an in-vehicle antenna device, and at least a part of the first antenna element has a meander shape in a first direction that intersects with the polarization of the second antenna element. According to the first aspect, the first antenna element and the second antenna element receive radio waves in different frequency bands, and the first antenna element has at least a portion of a meandering shape in a first direction that intersects with the polarization of the second antenna element. This makes it possible to suppress interference between the first antenna element and the second antenna element even when they are arranged closely to each other. This makes it possible to miniaturize the in-vehicle antenna device while ensuring isolation between multiple antenna elements arranged in a narrow space. (Aspect 2) Aspect 2 is The in-vehicle antenna device according to aspect 1 further includes a third antenna element accommodated in the accommodation space and configured to transmit or receive at least radio waves in a third frequency band different from the first frequency band and the second frequency band. According to the second aspect, radio waves of at least three types of media can be received. Generally, when elements for receiving radio waves of media are placed on the glass, back door, etc. of a vehicle, the cost of those parts becomes high. According to the second aspect, the antenna device 100 can receive radio waves of four types of media while suppressing the increase in the cost of vehicle parts, thereby lowering the price of the vehicle to which it is attached and reducing overall costs. (Aspect 3) Aspect 3 is The third antenna element has at least a part of a meandering shape. 10 is an in-vehicle antenna device according to aspect 2. According to the third aspect, the third antenna element can function as a capacitance loading plate that adds (loads) capacitance to the earth to the helical element connected thereto, thereby improving the antenna gain of the first antenna element 122. (Aspect 4) Aspect 4 is The meander shape of the third antenna element is a meander shape in a second direction different from a first direction of the meander shape of the first antenna element. 10 is an in-vehicle antenna device according to aspect 3. According to the fourth aspect, the distance between the closest positions of the first and second capacitance loading elements can be increased to reduce interference between the first and second capacitance loading elements, thereby improving the antenna gain of each of the first and third antenna elements. (Aspect 5) Aspect 5 is the first antenna element has a first capacitive loading element; a distance between a first voltage point at which the voltage of the first antenna element is maximum and a second voltage point at which the voltage of the third antenna element is maximum is greater than a distance between an end of the first capacitance loading element on the third antenna element side and an end of the second capacitance loading element on the first antenna element side; The in-vehicle antenna device according to any one of aspects 2 to 4. According to the fifth aspect, it is possible to suppress interference between the first antenna element 122 and the third antenna element 124. Therefore, it is possible to improve the antenna gain of the first antenna element 122 and the third antenna element 124. (Aspect 6) Aspect 6 is The meandering shape of the third antenna element is a meandering shape in a second direction that is substantially the same as the direction of polarization of the second antenna element. The vehicle-mounted antenna device according to aspect 3 or 4. According to the sixth aspect, the distance between the closest positions of the first and second capacitance loading elements can be increased to reduce interference between the first and second capacitance loading elements, thereby improving the antenna gain of each of the first and third antenna elements. (Aspect 7) Aspect 7 is the first antenna element includes a first capacitive loading element and a first helical element; When the front side of the vehicle is defined as the front, the third antenna element is located behind the first antenna element, At least a portion of the first helical element is located between the first capacitive loading element and the third antenna element. The in-vehicle antenna device according to any one of aspects 2 to 6. According to the seventh aspect, it is possible to suppress deterioration of isolation between the third antenna element and the circuit for the first frequency band, and also suppress deterioration of isolation between the circuits for the first frequency band and the second frequency band, thereby improving the antenna gain of the first antenna element, the second antenna element, and the third antenna element. (Aspect 8) Aspect 8 is the third antenna element includes a second capacitive loading element and a second helical element; the direction of the winding axis of the first helical element and the direction of the winding axis of the second helical element intersect with each other. 10 is an in-vehicle antenna device according to aspect 7. According to the eighth aspect, the magnetic fluxes of the first helical element and the second helical element intersect, thereby suppressing mutual interference between them and also suppressing mutual interference between the first antenna element and the third antenna element, thereby further improving the antenna gain of the first antenna element and the third antenna element. (Aspect 9) Aspect 9 is further comprising at least one filter circuit provided between the first capacitive loading element and the base; The at least one filter circuit is a circuit that blocks signals in the second frequency band (BEF), a circuit that shifts a frequency band of harmonics of the first frequency band, or a circuit that reduces signals in the first frequency band. The vehicle-mounted antenna device according to aspect 7 or 8. According to the ninth aspect, since a filter circuit is provided, it is possible to reduce noise in the signal within the first antenna element or its influence, thereby further improving the reception sensitivity of the first antenna element. (Aspect 10) Aspect 10 is the at least one filter circuit includes a first filter circuit that reduces influence of harmonics of the first frequency band on the second frequency band; the first filter circuit is connected in series between the first capacitive loading element and the first helical element. 13 is an in-vehicle antenna device according to aspect 9. According to the tenth aspect, the isolation between the first antenna element and the second antenna element in the second frequency band is improved by inserting a filter circuit, and a decrease in the gain of the second antenna element is suppressed. The filter circuit to be inserted here is configured as a parallel resonant circuit. , th The impedance reaches a maximum in the frequency band 2. Furthermore, since the signal of the second frequency band is prevented from flowing into the first antenna element, 1This makes it possible to improve the reception sensitivity of the frequency band. (Aspect 11) Aspect 11 is The at least one filter circuit 1 a second filter circuit that shifts a frequency band of a harmonic of the first frequency band to a frequency band different from a second frequency band, or that reduces a signal of a harmonic of the first frequency band; the second filter circuit is connected in series between the capacitive loading element and the first helical element, or between the first helical element and a circuit provided on the base. The in-vehicle antenna device according to aspect 9 or 10. According to aspect 11, it is possible to effectively reduce the noise itself or the influence of the noise on the signal in the first antenna element, thereby further improving the reception sensitivity of the first antenna element. (Aspect 12) Aspect 12 is At least a portion of the second antenna element is located between the first capacitive loading element and the base. The in-vehicle antenna device according to any one of aspects 2 to 11. According to the twelfth aspect, the second antenna element and the first capacitive loading element can be arranged close to each other while suppressing interference between them, thereby making it possible to miniaturize the in-vehicle antenna device while ensuring isolation between the first antenna element and the second antenna element.

[0430] This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2020-196868, filed on November 27, 2020, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein in its entirety. [Explanation of symbols]

[0431] 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000, 1100, 1200 Antenna equipment 101 Antenna Case 102 Antenna Base P Pad 103 Capture section 104,1204 1st circuit board 105 Connector 106 O-ring 107 Base 107a Conductive base 108 Neck 109 First through hole 110 Second through hole 111 Third Through Hole 112 Fourth Through Hole 113 5th Through Hole 114 Front protrusion 115 Rear protrusion 117 Pre-lock holder 118 volts 119 Vehicle fixing claw member 120 sealing material 121,1221 Inner case 122, 222, 422, 622, 822, 1022, 1122, 1222 First antenna element 123, 1223, 1423 Second antenna element 124,524,924,1024,1124,1224 Third antenna element 125,1125 4th antenna element 126 Streamlined part 127 Connecting wall 128 Base mounting part 129 First element mounting part 130 First conductor insertion section 131 Locking groove 132 Second element mounting portion 133 Second conductor insertion hole 134a, 134b First engagement piece fitting portion 135 First step 136a, 136b Second engagement piece fitting portion 137 Second step 138 Base mounting screw 139 First connecting conductor 140,640,840,1040,1140,1240 First capacitive loading element 141 First fastener 142,1142,1242 First holder 143,1043,1143,1243,1443 2nd circuit board 144,444 First helical element 145,1245 First spring contact fitting 147 Slope 148a,148b 1st engagement piece 149 Locking protrusion 150 1st fastening hole 151 Extension section 152,1252 Flat plate part 153,1253 Protrusion pair 154,1254 First metal fitting attachment part 155,1255 1st protrusion 156,1256 Co-tightening boss part 157 Board protrusion 158a,158b area 159,1259 1st held part 159a 1st flat plate part 159b 2nd flat plate part 159c 3rd flat plate section 160,1260 First connection part 161,261a,261b,1261 1st contact part 162,1262 First Contact Point 163,1263 Flat plate part 164,1264 Mounting protrusion 165 Ribs 166 Tapered slit 167 Second connecting conductor 168,568,968,1168 Second capacitive loading element 169 Second Fastener 170, 1170, 1270 Second holder 171 Second Helical Element 172,1272 Second spring contact fitting 173,173a,173b Second engagement piece 174 2nd fastening hole 175,675,975 First voltage point 176,276,576,976 Second voltage point 178 Element mounting part 179,1279 Second bracket mounting part 180 Base locking claw 180a First base engagement leg 180b,1280b 2nd base engagement leg 180a_1 Elastic part 180a_2 Claw 181 Fixed leg 181a,181b Tip 182,1282 2nd held part 183,1283 Second connection part 184,1284 Second contact part 185,1285 Second Contact Point 187,1287 Lower terminal 286a, 286b First connection point 987 Second Connection Point 1088 5th Antenna Element 1089 Third Connection Point 1090 trap coil 1191 Element holder 1193 Power Supply Element 1194 Third circuit board 1280b_1 Elastic part 1280b_2 Nails 1295 Locking claw 1296 Third engagement piece fitting portion 1297 Fourth engagement piece mounting part 1298 Locking recess 1299 Third engagement piece 1300 Fourth engagement piece 1301 1st notch 1302 Second notch 1303 Reinforcement structure 1304 Lower terminal mounting part 1305 1st terminal wall 1306 2nd terminal wall 1307 3rd terminal wall 1308 Protrusion 1309 Co-tightening screw 1310a, 1310b Fifth antenna element 1401 Conductor

Claims

1. a first antenna element that transmits or receives radio waves in a first frequency band and includes a first capacitive loading element and a first helical element; a third antenna element that at least transmits or receives radio waves in a third frequency band different from the first frequency band, At least a portion of the first helical element is located between the first capacitive loading element and the third antenna element. Vehicle antenna device.

2. a first antenna element that at least transmits or receives radio waves in a first frequency band; a second antenna element configured to at least transmit or receive radio waves in a second frequency band different from the first frequency band; the first antenna element has at least a part of a meander shape in a first direction intersecting the polarization of the second antenna element; the portion of the first antenna element that does not have a meandering shape is located between the portion of the first antenna element that has a meandering shape and the second antenna element; Vehicle antenna device.

3. Case and a base that forms a storage space together with the case; a first antenna element accommodated in the accommodation space and configured to at least transmit or receive radio waves in a first frequency band; a second antenna element accommodated in the accommodation space and configured to at least transmit or receive radio waves in a second frequency band different from the first frequency band; a third antenna element that is accommodated in the accommodation space and that transmits or receives at least radio waves in a third frequency band that is different from the first frequency band and the second frequency band; the first antenna element has at least a part of a meander shape in a first direction intersecting the polarization of the second antenna element; the first antenna element includes a first capacitive loading element and a first helical element; When the front side of the vehicle is defined as the front, the third antenna element is located behind the first antenna element, At least a portion of the first helical element is located between the first capacitive loading element and the third antenna element. Vehicle antenna device.

4. Case and a base that forms a storage space together with the case; a second antenna element that transmits or receives radio waves in a second frequency band different from the first frequency band and the third frequency band; the first antenna element, the second antenna element, and the third antenna element are accommodated in the accommodation space; the first antenna element has at least a part of a meander shape in a first direction intersecting the polarization of the second antenna element; When the front side of the vehicle is defined as the front, the third antenna element is located behind the first antenna element. The vehicle-mounted antenna device according to claim 1 .

5. Case and a base that forms a storage space together with the case; a third antenna element that transmits or receives radio waves in a third frequency band different from the first frequency band and the second frequency band; the first antenna element, the second antenna element, and the third antenna element are accommodated in the accommodation space; the first antenna element includes a first capacitive loading element and a first helical element; When the front side of the vehicle is defined as the front, the third antenna element is located behind the first antenna element, The vehicle-mounted antenna device according to claim 2 .

6. the third antenna element has at least a part of a meandering shape; The vehicle-mounted antenna device according to any one of claims 3 to 5.

7. the meandering shape of the third antenna element is a meandering shape in a second direction different from the first direction of the meandering shape of the first antenna element; 7. The vehicle-mounted antenna device according to claim 6.

8. The meandering shape of the third antenna element is a meandering shape in a second direction that is substantially the same as the direction of polarization of the second antenna element.

8. The vehicle-mounted antenna device according to claim 6 or 7.

9. the third antenna element includes a second capacitive loading element and a second helical element; the direction of the winding axis of the first helical element and the direction of the winding axis of the second helical element intersect with each other. The vehicle-mounted antenna device according to any one of claims 3 to 8.

10. further comprising at least one filter circuit provided between the first capacitive loading element and the base; the at least one filter circuit is a circuit that blocks signals in the second frequency band, a circuit that shifts a frequency band of harmonics of the first frequency band, or a circuit that reduces signals in the first frequency band of harmonics. The vehicle-mounted antenna device according to any one of claims 3 to 9.

11. the at least one filter circuit includes a first filter circuit that reduces influence of harmonics of the first frequency band on the second frequency band; the first filter circuit is connected in series between the first capacitive loading element and the first helical element. The vehicle-mounted antenna device according to claim 10.

12. the at least one filter circuit includes a second filter circuit that shifts a frequency band of a harmonic of the first frequency band to a frequency band different from the second frequency band or reduces a signal of a harmonic of the first frequency band; the second filter circuit is connected in series between the first helical element and a circuit provided on the base. The vehicle-mounted antenna device according to claim 10 or 11.

13. At least a portion of the second antenna element is located between the first capacitive loading element and the base. The vehicle-mounted antenna device according to any one of claims 3 to 12.

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