Antenna and Components

Abstract

An antenna is configured to be soldered to a circuit board. The antenna includes a main portion, at least one soldering terminal, and at least one fixing portion. The main portion has a certain height in the vertical direction. When the soldering terminal is soldered to the circuit board, the main portion is at least partially located below the soldering terminal in the vertical direction. The soldering terminal extends from the main portion along a horizontal plane perpendicular to the vertical direction. When the soldering terminal is soldered to the circuit board, the fixing portion is fixed to the circuit board at a position different from the position of the soldering terminal. The portion of the present invention protruding outward from the circuit board has a reduced size.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an antenna configured to be attached to a circuit board. Background Art

[0002] See Figure 25 , JPA2013 - 183204 (Patent Document 1) discloses an antenna 900 of this type. Each antenna 900 is fixed to the reflective surface 952 of the reflector 950 or the circuit board 950 by a fixing bracket 960 and bolts 970.

[0003] In an antenna such as the antenna 900 of Patent Document 1, the portion of the antenna protruding outward from the circuit board needs to have a reduced size. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an antenna in which the portion protruding outward from the circuit board has a reduced size.

[0005] One aspect of the present invention provides an antenna configured to be soldered to a circuit board. The antenna includes a main portion, at least one soldering terminal, and at least one fixing portion. The main portion has a certain height in the vertical direction. When the soldering terminal is soldered to the circuit board, the main portion is at least partially located below the soldering terminal in the vertical direction. The soldering terminal extends from the main portion along a horizontal plane perpendicular to the vertical direction. When the soldering terminal is soldered to the circuit board, the fixing portion is fixed to the circuit board at a position different from the position of the soldering terminal.

[0006] The antenna of the present invention is configured such that when the soldering terminal is soldered to the circuit board, the main portion is at least partially located below the soldering terminal in the vertical direction. Therefore, the antenna of the present invention is configured such that when the antenna is attached to the circuit board, a part of the main portion is located within the thickness of the circuit board. In other words, the portion of the antenna of the present invention protruding outward from the circuit board has a reduced size.

[0007] The object of the present invention and a more complete understanding of its structure can be understood by studying the following description of the preferred embodiments and referring to the drawings. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008] Figure 1 is a perspective bottom view showing components according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0009] Figure 2 is showing Figure 1 a perspective top view of the components.

[0010] Figure 3 is showing Figure 1 a bottom view of the components.

[0011] Figure 4 is a top view of the component shown Figure 1 below.

[0012] Figure 5 is a front view of the component shown Figure 1 below.

[0013] Figure 6 is a rear view of the component shown Figure 1 below.

[0014] Figure 7 is a side view of the component shown Figure 1 below.

[0015] Figure 8 is a perspective view showing the method of assembling the component shown Figure 1 below. The antenna is not attached to the circuit board in the figure.

[0016] Figure 9 is a perspective bottom view of the component according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 10 is a perspective top view of the component shown Figure 9 below.

[0018] Figure 11 is a bottom view of the component shown Figure 9 below.

[0019] Figure 12 is a top view of the component shown Figure 9 below.

[0020] Figure 13 is a front view of the component shown Figure 9 below.

[0021] Figure 14 is a rear view of the component shown Figure 9 below.

[0022] Figure 15 is a side view of the component shown Figure 9 below.

[0023] Figure 16 is a perspective view showing the method of assembling the component shown Figure 9 below. The antenna is not attached to the circuit board in the figure.

[0024] Figure 17 is a perspective bottom view of the component according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 18 is a perspective top view of the component shown Figure 17 below.

[0026] Figure 19 is a view showingFigure 17 Bottom view of the component

[0027] Figure 20 shows Figure 17 Top view of the component

[0028] Figure 21 shows Figure 17 Front view of the component

[0029] Figure 22 shows Figure 17 Rear view of the component

[0030] Figure 23 shows Figure 17 Side view of the component

[0031] Figure 24 is a perspective view illustrating a method of assembling the Figure 17 component. The antenna is not attached to the circuit board in the figure.

[0032] Figure 25 is a perspective view showing the antenna of Patent Document 1. In the figure, the antenna is attached to the reflector.

[0033] While the present invention admits of various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof are shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail herein. However, it should be understood that the drawings and the detailed description thereof are not intended to limit the present invention to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the present invention is intended to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims. Detailed Description of the Invention

[0034] [First Embodiment]

[0035] As Figure 1 shown, the component 800 according to the first embodiment of the present invention includes a circuit board 700 and an antenna 100.

[0036] As Figure 8 shown, the circuit board 700 of the present embodiment is formed with an opening 710. The opening 710 penetrates the circuit board 700 in the vertical direction. In the present embodiment, the vertical direction is the Z direction. Further, the vertical direction is also referred to as the up-and-down direction. Specifically, it is assumed that the upward direction is the positive Z direction and the downward direction is the negative Z direction. As Figure 1 and Figure 8 shown, the circuit board 700 has an upper surface 720 and a lower surface 730. The upper surface 720 of the circuit board 700 is formed with pads 722, 724. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. The upper surface 720 of the circuit board 700 should be formed with at least one pad 722.

[0037] See Figure 8, the antenna 100 of this embodiment is made of metal. As Figure 2 shown, the antenna 100 is mounted on the circuit board 700. More specifically, the antenna 100 is soldered to the circuit board 700.

[0038] As Figure 8 shown, the antenna 100 includes a main part 200, two soldering terminals 300, and two fixing parts 400. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. The antenna 100 should include a main part 200, at least one soldering terminal 300, and at least one fixing part 400.

[0039] As Figure 8 shown, the main part 200 of this embodiment has a certain height in the vertical direction or the up and down direction. The main part 200 can be formed by bending a metal plate. Additionally, the main part 200 can have any three-dimensional shape, such as a cylindrical shape or a rectangular shape. As Figure 7 shown, when the soldering terminal 300 is soldered to the circuit board 700, the main part 200 is at least partially located below the soldering terminal 300 in the vertical direction. As Figure 1 shown, the main part 200 extends at least partially to the lower side of the circuit board 700 through the opening 710.

[0040] As described above, the antenna 100 of this embodiment is configured such that when the soldering terminal 300 is soldered to the circuit board 700, the main part 200 is at least partially located below the soldering terminal 300 in the vertical direction. Therefore, the antenna 100 of this embodiment is configured such that when the antenna 100 is attached to the circuit board 700, a part of the main part 200 is located within the thickness of the circuit board 700. In other words, the size of the part of the antenna 100 protruding outward from the circuit board 700 is reduced.

[0041] As Figure 5 shown, the main part 200 has a frame body 220, two facing parts 230, two first coupling parts 226, 227, two second coupling parts 228, and a third coupling part 229. Specifically, the frame body 220 has a slit 222.

[0042] As Figure 5As shown, the housing 220 of the present embodiment defines the lower end of the main portion 200 in the vertical direction. The housing 220 has a substantially plate-like shape. More specifically, the housing 220 has a substantially plate-like shape in a plane perpendicular to the front-rear direction. In the present embodiment, the front-rear direction is the X direction. Specifically, the front is the positive X direction, and the rear is the negative X direction. The housing 220 defines the opposite ends of the main portion 200 in the left-right direction. In the present embodiment, the left-right direction is the Y direction. Specifically, it is assumed that the right is the positive Y direction, and the left is the negative Y direction. When the welding terminal 300 is welded to the circuit board 700, the housing 220 is located below the lower surface 730 of the circuit board 700 in the vertical direction. When the welding terminal 300 is welded to the circuit board 700, the housing 220 is not located within the thickness of the circuit board 700.

[0043] As Figure 8 shown, the first coupling portion 226 of the present embodiment extends upward in the vertical direction from the upper end of the housing 220. The first coupling portion 226 couples the housing 220 and one of the welding terminals 300 to each other. As Figure 2 shown, when the welding terminal 300 is welded to the circuit board 700, a part of the first coupling portion 226 is positioned above the upper surface 720 of the circuit board 700 in the vertical direction. When the welding terminal 300 is welded to the circuit board 700, another part of the first coupling portion 226 is located within the thickness of the circuit board 700. In other words, when the welding terminal 300 is welded to the circuit board 700, the rear part of the first coupling portion 226 is located within the opening 710 of the circuit board 700. Referring to Figure 5 , the center of gravity of the antenna 100 is located below the first coupling portion 226 in the vertical direction.

[0044] As Figure 8 shown, the first coupling portion 227 of the present embodiment extends upward in the vertical direction from the lower end of the housing 220. The first coupling portion 227 couples the housing 220 and the remaining one of the welding terminals 300 to each other. As Figure 2 shown, when the welding terminal 300 is welded to the circuit board 700, a part of the first coupling portion 227 is positioned above the upper surface 720 of the circuit board 700 in the vertical direction. When the welding terminal 300 is welded to the circuit board 700, another part of the first coupling portion 227 is located within the thickness of the circuit board 700. In other words, when the welding terminal 300 is welded to the circuit board 700, the rear part of the first coupling portion 227 is located within the opening 710 of the circuit board 700.

[0045] As Figure 8 shown, the second coupling portion 228 of the present embodiment extends upward in the vertical direction from the upper end of the housing 220. The second coupling portion 228 couples the housing 220 and the fixing portion 400 to each other. As Figure 2As shown, when the welding terminal 300 is welded to the circuit board 700, a part of the second coupling portion 228 is positioned above the upper surface 720 of the circuit board 700 in the vertical direction. When the welding terminal 300 is welded to the circuit board 700, another part of the second coupling portion 228 is located within the thickness of the circuit board 700. In other words, when the welding terminal 300 is welded to the circuit board 700, the rear part of the second coupling portion 228 is located within the opening 710 of the circuit board 700. Referring to Figure 5 , the center of gravity of the antenna 100 is located below the second coupling portion 228 in the vertical direction.

[0046] As Figure 8 shown, the third coupling portion 229 of this embodiment extends upward in the vertical direction from the upper end of the housing 220. As Figure 2 shown, when the welding terminal 300 is welded to the circuit board 700, a part of the third coupling portion 229 is positioned above the upper surface 720 of the circuit board 700 in the vertical direction. When the welding terminal 300 is welded to the circuit board 700, another part of the third coupling portion 229 is located within the thickness of the circuit board 700. In other words, when the welding terminal 300 is welded to the circuit board 700, the rear part of the third coupling portion 229 is located within the opening 710 of the circuit board 700. Refer to Figure 5 , the center of gravity of the antenna 100 is located below the third coupling portion 229 in the vertical direction.

[0047] As Figure 5 shown, the two facing portions 230 of this embodiment extend inwardly from opposite ends of the slit 222 in a plane perpendicular to the front-rear direction. Each facing portion 230 extends inwardly in the vertical direction from the end of the slit 222. More specifically, each facing portion 230 extends upward in the vertical direction from the end of the slit 222. The two facing portions 230 are parallel to each other. When the welding terminal 300 is welded to the circuit board 700, each facing portion 230 is positioned below the lower surface 730 of the circuit board 700 in the vertical direction. When the welding terminal 300 is welded to the circuit board 700, no facing portion 230 is located within the thickness of the circuit board 700.

[0048] As Figure 2As shown, the main part 200 has an upper end 210 in the vertical direction, and each welding terminal 300 of this embodiment extends from the upper end 210 of the main part 200. Each welding terminal 300 extends from the main part 200 along a horizontal plane perpendicular to the vertical direction. In other words, each welding terminal 300 extends from the main part 200 along a horizontal plane parallel to the circuit board 700. In this embodiment, the horizontal direction is the XY direction. One of the welding terminals 300 extends from the first coupling part 226 of the main part 200 along a horizontal plane perpendicular to the vertical direction, and the remaining one of the welding terminals 300 extends from the first coupling part 227 of the main part 200 along the horizontal plane. More specifically, one of the welding terminals 300 extends outward from the first coupling part 226 of the main part 200 in the front-back direction, and the remaining one of the welding terminals 300 extends outward from the first coupling part 227 of the main part 200 in the front-back direction. Refer to Figure 7 , the center of gravity of the antenna 100 is located below the welding terminals 300 in the vertical direction.

[0049] As Figure 2 shown, the welding terminals 300 are fixed on the upper surface 720 of the circuit board 700. When the antenna 100 is attached to the circuit board 700, each of the welding terminals 300 is fixed to the circuit board 700 at a position different from any of the positions of the fixing parts 400. More specifically, the welding terminals 300 correspond to the fixing parts 400 respectively, and when the antenna 100 is attached to the circuit board 700, each welding terminal 300 is fixed on the circuit board 700 at a position located outward in the left-right direction beyond the corresponding fixing part 400. The welding terminals 300 are fixed to the circuit board 700 by soldering. More specifically, the welding terminals 300 are fixed to the pads 722 by soldering.

[0050] As Figure 2 shown, when the antenna 100 is attached to the circuit board 700, each welding terminal 300 is located above the upper surface 720 of the circuit board 700 in the up-down direction. In other words, when the antenna 100 is attached to the circuit board 700, none of the welding terminals 300 is located within the thickness of the circuit board 700.

[0051] As Figure 2 shown, each fixing part 400 of this embodiment extends from the upper end 210 of the main part 200. Each fixing part 400 extends from the main part 200 along a horizontal plane perpendicular to the vertical direction. In other words, each fixing part 400 extends from the main part 200 along a horizontal plane parallel to the circuit board 700. The fixing part 400 extends from the second coupling part 228 of the main part 200 along the horizontal plane. More specifically, the fixing part 400 extends outward from the second coupling part 228 of the main part 200 in the front-back direction. Refer toFigure 7 The center of gravity of the antenna 100 is located vertically below the fixed portion 400.

[0052] As Figure 2 shown, the fixed portion 400 is fixed on the upper surface 720 of the circuit board 700. When the welding terminal 300 is welded to the circuit board 700, each fixed portion 400 is fixed to the circuit board 700 at a position different from any position of the welding terminal 300. More specifically, when the welding terminal 300 is welded to the circuit board 700, each fixed portion 400 is fixed to the circuit board 700 at a position located inward in the left - right direction beyond the position of the corresponding welding terminal 300. The fixed portion 400 is fixed to the circuit board 700 by welding. More specifically, the fixed portion 400 is fixed to the pad 724 of the circuit board 700 by welding. The fixed portion 400 may or may not be electrically connected to the pad 724.

[0053] As Figure 2 shown, when the antenna 100 is attached to the circuit board 700, each fixed portion 400 is located above the upper surface 720 of the circuit board 700 in the up - down direction. In other words, when the antenna 100 is attached to the circuit board 700, none of the fixed portions 400 is located within the thickness of the circuit board 700.

[0054] As Figure 8 shown, the antenna 100 of this embodiment includes two mounting groups 500. Each mounting group 500 is composed of a welding terminal 300 and a fixed portion 400.

[0055] As Figure 8 shown, the antenna 100 of this embodiment further includes an adsorption portion 600.

[0056] As Figure 4 shown, the adsorption portion 600 is located between the two mounting groups 500. As Figure 8 shown, the adsorption portion 600 of this embodiment is coupled to the third coupling portion 229 in the up - down direction. In other words, the third coupling portion 229 couples the adsorption portion 600 and the housing 220 to each other. The adsorption portion 600 extends outward in the front - back direction from the upper end of the third coupling portion 229. The adsorption portion 600 has a plane perpendicular to the vertical direction. As Figure 7 shown, the adsorption portion 600 is located above the welding terminal 300 in the vertical direction. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. The adsorption portion 600 should be configured such that, in the vertical direction, the adsorption portion 600 is located at the same position as the welding terminal 300 or above the welding terminal 300. The adsorption portion 600 defines the upper end of the antenna 100.

[0057] As Figure 2As shown, when the antenna 100 is attached to the circuit board 700, the adsorption portion 600 is located above the upper surface 720 of the circuit board 700 in the vertical direction. In other words, when the antenna 100 is attached to the circuit board 700, the adsorption portion 600 is not located within the thickness of the circuit board 700.

[0058] Since the antenna 100 of this embodiment has the above-mentioned adsorption portion 600, the entire antenna 100 can be lifted by picking up the adsorption portion 600 using a vacuum chuck. Therefore, the antenna 100 of this embodiment is easy to handle in an automatic component feeding system.

[0059] [Second Embodiment]

[0060] As Figure 9 shown, the 800A component according to the second embodiment of the present invention includes a circuit board 700A and an antenna 100A. For the directions and orientations in this embodiment, the same expressions as in the first embodiment will be used below.

[0061] As Figure 16 shown, the circuit board 700A of this embodiment is formed with an opening 710A. The opening 710A has a cutout shape. Specifically, the opening 710A penetrates the circuit board 700A in the vertical direction and opens at one end in the front-rear direction. As Figure 9 and Figure 16 shown, the circuit board 700A has an upper surface 720A and a lower surface 730A. The upper surface 720A of the circuit board 700A is formed with pads 722A, 724A. However, the present invention is not limited to this. At least one pad 722A should be formed on the upper surface 720A of the circuit board 700A.

[0062] See Figure 16 , the antenna 100A of this embodiment is made of metal. As Figure 10 shown, the antenna 100A is attached to the circuit board 700A. More specifically, the antenna 100A is soldered to the circuit board 700A.

[0063] As Figure 16 shown, the antenna 100A of this embodiment includes a main portion 200A, two solder terminals 300A, and two fixing portions 400A. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The antenna 100A should include a main portion 200A, at least one solder terminal 300A, and at least one fixing portion 400A.

[0064] As Figure 16 shown, the main portion 200A of this embodiment has a certain height in the vertical direction or the up-down direction. As Figure 15 shown, when the solder terminal 300A is soldered to the circuit board 700A, the main portion 200A is at least partially located below the solder terminal 300A in the vertical direction.Figure 10 As shown, the main part 200A extends at least partially through the opening 710A to the lower side of the circuit board 700A.

[0065] As described above, the antenna 100A of the present embodiment is configured such that when the welding terminal 300A is welded to the circuit board 700A, the main part 200A is at least partially located below the welding terminal 300A in the vertical direction. Therefore, the antenna 100A of the present embodiment is configured such that when the antenna 100A is attached to the circuit board 700A, a part of the main part 200A is positioned within the thickness of the circuit board 700A. In other words, the size of the part of the antenna 100A of the present embodiment protruding outward from the circuit board 700A is reduced.

[0066] As Figure 14 and 16 shown, the main part 200A has a frame body 220A, two first coupling parts 226, 227, two second coupling parts 228A, and a third coupling part 229. Specifically, the frame body 220A has a slit 222A. The first coupling part 226 couples the frame body 220A and one of the welding terminals 300 to each other. The first coupling part 226 and the third coupling part 229 of the present embodiment have the same structure as the first coupling part 226 and the third coupling part 229 of the first embodiment. Therefore, their detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0067] As Figure 14 shown, the frame body 220A of the present embodiment defines the opposite ends of the main part 200A in the left - right direction. When the welding terminal 300A is welded to the circuit board 700A, the frame body 220A is located below the lower surface 730A of the circuit board 700A in the vertical direction. When the welding terminal 300A is welded to the circuit board 700A, the frame body 220A is not located within the thickness of the circuit board 700A.

[0068] As Figure 13 and 14 shown, the first coupling part 227 of the present embodiment extends upward in the vertical direction from the lower end of the frame body 220A. The first coupling part 227 couples the frame body 220A and the remaining welding terminals among the welding terminals 300A to each other. As Figure 10 shown, when the welding terminal 300A is welded to the circuit board 700A, a part of the first coupling part 227 is located above the upper surface 720A of the circuit board 700A in the vertical direction. When the welding terminal �00A is welded to the circuit board 700A, another part of the first coupling part 227 is located within the thickness of the circuit board 700A. In other words, when the welding terminal 300A is welded to the circuit board 700A, the latter part of the first coupling part 227 is positioned within the opening 710A of the circuit board 700A.

[0069] As Figure 16 shown, the second coupling portion 228A of the present embodiment defines the lower end of the antenna 100A in the vertical direction. The second coupling portion 228A defines the front end of the antenna 100A in the front-rear direction. The second coupling portion 228A extends downward from the lower end of the housing 220A, bends and extends forward, bends and extends upward, extends outward in the left-right direction, and then bends and extends backward.

[0070] See Figure 14 , the center of gravity of the antenna 100A is located below the first coupling portion 226 in the vertical direction. The center of gravity of the antenna 100A is located below the third coupling portion 229 in the vertical direction.

[0071] As Figure 16 shown, the main portion 200A has an upper end 210A in the vertical direction, and each welding terminal 300A of the present embodiment extends from the upper end 210A of the main portion 200A. As Figure 10 shown, each welding terminal 300A extends from the main portion 200A along a horizontal plane perpendicular to the vertical direction. In other words, each welding terminal 300A extends from the main portion 200A along a horizontal plane parallel to the circuit board 700A. One of the welding terminals 300A extends from the first coupling portion 226 of the main portion 200A along a horizontal plane perpendicular to the vertical direction, and the remaining one of the welding terminals 300A extends from the first coupling portion 227 of the main portion 200A along the horizontal plane. Specifically, one of the welding terminals 300A extends inward from the first coupling portion 226 of the main portion 200A in the front-rear direction, and the remaining one of the welding terminals 300A extends inward from the first coupling portion 227 of the main portion 200A in the front-rear direction. More specifically, one of the welding terminals 300A extends backward from the first coupling portion 226 of the main portion 200A in the front-rear direction, and the remaining one of the welding terminals 300A extends backward from the first coupling portion 227 of the main portion 200A in the front-rear direction. Refer to Figure 15 , the center of gravity of the antenna 100A is located below the welding terminal 300A in the vertical direction.

[0072] As Figure 10As shown, each welding terminal 300A is fixed to the upper surface 720A of the circuit board 700A. When the antenna 100A is attached to the circuit board 700A, each welding terminal 300A is fixed to the circuit board 700A at a position different from any position of the fixing portion 400A. More specifically, when the antenna 100A is attached to the circuit board 700A, each welding terminal 300A is fixed to the circuit board 700A at a position located inward in the left - right direction beyond one of the fixing portions 400A. The welding terminal 300A is fixed to the circuit board 700A by soldering. More specifically, the welding terminal 300A is fixed to the pad 722A by soldering.

[0073] As Figure 10 shown, when the antenna 100A is attached to the circuit board 700A, each welding terminal 300A is positioned above the upper surface 720A of the circuit board 700A in the up - down direction. In other words, when the antenna 100A is attached to the circuit board 700A, none of the welding terminals 300A is located within the thickness of the circuit board 700A.

[0074] As Figure 16 shown, each fixing portion 400A of the present embodiment extends from the upper end 210A of the main portion 200A. As Figure 10 shown, the fixing portion 400A extends from the main portion 200A along a horizontal plane. In other words, the fixing portion 400A extends from the main portion 200A along a horizontal plane parallel to the circuit board 700A. The fixing portion 400A extends along the horizontal plane in a direction different from the extending direction of the welding terminal 300A. The fixing portion 400A extends outward in the left - right direction from the main portion 200A. The fixing portion 400A extends from the second coupling portion 228A of the main portion 200A along a horizontal plane. More specifically, the fixing portion 400A extends outward in the left - right direction from the second coupling portion 228A of the main portion 200A. Refer to Figure 15 , the center of gravity of the antenna 100A is located below the fixing portion 400A in the up - down direction.

[0075] As Figure 12As shown, the fixing portion 400A of the present embodiment is fixed on the upper surface 720A of the circuit board 700A. When the welding terminal 300A is welded to the circuit board 700A, each fixing portion 400A is fixed to the circuit board 700A at a position different from any position of the welding terminal 300A. More specifically, when the welding terminal 300A is welded to the circuit board 700A, one of the fixing portions 400A is fixed to the circuit board 700A at a position located outward in the left - right direction beyond any one of the welding terminals 300A. The fixing portion 400A is fixed to the circuit board 700A by welding. More specifically, the fixing portion 400A is fixed to the pad 724A of the circuit board 700A by welding. The fixing portion 400A may or may not be electrically connected to the pad 724A.

[0076] As Figure 10 shown, when the antenna 100A is mounted on the circuit board 700A, each fixing portion 400A is located above the upper surface 720A of the circuit board 700A in the up - down direction. In other words, when the antenna 100A is attached to the circuit board 700A, none of the fixing portions 400A is located within the thickness of the circuit board 700A.

[0077] As Figure 16 shown, the antenna 100A of the present embodiment includes two mounting groups 500A. Each mounting group 500A is composed of a welding terminal 300A and a fixing portion 400A.

[0078] As Figure 16 shown, the antenna 100A of the present embodiment further includes an adsorption portion 600. The adsorption portion 600 of the present embodiment has a structure similar to that of the adsorption portion 600 of the first embodiment. Therefore, its detailed description is omitted.

[0079] The antenna 100A of the present embodiment has the above - mentioned adsorption portion 600. Therefore, similar to the antenna 100 of the first embodiment, the entire antenna 100A can be lifted by picking up the adsorption portion 600 using a vacuum chuck. Therefore, similar to the antenna 100 of the first embodiment, the antenna 100A of the present embodiment is easy to handle in an automatic component feeding system.

[0080] [Third Embodiment]

[0081] As Figure 24 shown, the assembly 800B according to the second embodiment of the present invention includes a circuit board 700B and an antenna 100B. For the directions and orientations in this embodiment, the same expressions as those in the first embodiment will be used below.

[0082] As Figure 24As shown, an opening 710 is formed in the circuit board 700B of this embodiment. The opening 710 of this embodiment has a structure similar to that of the opening 710 of the first embodiment. Therefore, its detailed description is omitted. As Figure 17 and Figure 24 shown, the circuit board 700B has an upper surface 720B and a lower surface 730. Pads 722B, 724B are formed on the upper surface 720B of the circuit board 700B. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. At least one pad 722B is formed on the upper surface 720B of the circuit board 700B.

[0083] See Figure 24 , the antenna 100B of this embodiment is made of metal. As Figure 18 shown, the antenna 100B of this embodiment is mounted on the circuit board 700B. More specifically, the antenna 100B is soldered to the circuit board 700B.

[0084] As Figure 24 shown, the antenna 100B of this embodiment includes a main portion 200B, two welding terminals 300B, and two fixing portions 400B. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. The antenna 100B should include a main portion 200B, at least one welding terminal 300B, and at least one fixing portion 400B.

[0085] As Figure 24 shown, the main portion 200B of this embodiment has a certain height in the vertical direction or the up and down direction. As Figure 23 shown, when the welding terminal 300B is soldered to the circuit board 700B, the main portion 200B is at least partially located below the welding terminal 300B in the vertical direction. As Figure 17 shown, the main portion 200B extends at least partially through the opening 710 to the lower side of the circuit board 700B.

[0086] As described above, the antenna 100B of this embodiment is configured such that when the welding terminal 300B is soldered to the circuit board 700B, the main portion 200B is at least partially located below the welding terminal 300B in the vertical direction. Therefore, the antenna 100B of this embodiment is configured such that when the antenna 100B is attached to the circuit board 700B, a part of the main portion 200B is located within the thickness of the circuit board 700B. In other words, the size of the portion of the antenna 100B of this embodiment that protrudes outward from the circuit board 700B is reduced.

[0087] As Figure 24 shown, the main portion 200B of this embodiment has an upper portion 250 and a lower portion 270.

[0088] As Figure 21 and 22As shown, the upper part 250 of the present embodiment is located above the lower part 270 in the vertical direction. The upper part 250 has an upper frame portion 252 and two second coupling portions 254. Specifically, the upper frame portion 252 has a slit 2522.

[0089] As Figure 24 shown, the upper frame portion 252 of the present embodiment has a flat plate shape. More specifically, the upper frame portion 252 has a flat plate shape in a plane perpendicular to the front-rear direction. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. The upper frame portion 252 can be formed by bending a metal plate. In addition, the upper frame portion 252 can have any three-dimensional shape, such as a cylindrical shape or a rectangular shape. As Figure 22 shown, the slit 2522 is located at the upper end of the upper frame portion 252 in the up-down direction. When the welding terminal 300B is welded to the circuit board 700B, the upper frame portion 252 is located above the upper surface 720B of the circuit board 700B in the vertical direction. When the welding terminal 300B is welded to the circuit board 700B, the upper frame portion 252 is not located within the thickness of the circuit board 700B.

[0090] See Figure 22 and 24 , the two second coupling portions 254 are bent at opposite ends of the slit 2522 to extend forward from the slit 2522, and further bent to extend downward from the slit 2522. The second coupling portions 254 are respectively connected to the fixing portions 400B. In other words, the second coupling portions 254 couple the upper frame portion 252 and the fixing portion 400B to each other. The center of gravity of the antenna 100B is located below the second coupling portions 254 in the vertical direction. As Figure 18 shown, when the welding terminal 300B is welded to the circuit board 700B, each second coupling portion 254 is located above the upper surface 720B of the circuit board 700B in the vertical direction. When the welding terminal 300B is welded to the circuit board 700B, the second coupling portions 254 are not located within the thickness of the circuit board 700B.

[0091] As Figure 24 shown, the lower part 270 of the present embodiment is located below the upper part 250 in the up-down direction. The lower part 270 has a flat plate shape. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. The lower part 270 can be formed by bending a metal plate. In addition, the lower part 270 can have any three-dimensional shape, such as a cylindrical shape or a rectangular shape. The lower part 270 has a lower frame portion 271 and two first coupling portions 273, 274.

[0092] As Figure 22As shown, the lower frame portion 271 of the present embodiment defines the lower end of the main portion 200B. Additionally, the lower frame portion 271 defines the opposite ends of the main portion 200B in the left - right direction. The lower frame portion 271 is coupled to the upper frame portion 252. When the welding terminal 300B is welded to the circuit board 700B, a part of the lower frame portion 271 is within the thickness of the circuit board 700B.

[0093] As Figure 24 shown, the first coupling portion 273 of the present embodiment is located at the left end of the lower frame portion 271 in the left - right direction. The first coupling portion 273 extends from the lower frame portion 271 in the vertical direction. Specifically, the first coupling portion 273 extends upward from the lower frame portion 271 in the up - down direction. The upper end of the first coupling portion 273 is the upper end 272 of the lower portion 270 in the vertical direction. The first coupling portion 273 couples the lower frame portion 271 and one of the welding terminals 300B to each other. The center of gravity of the antenna 100B is located below the first coupling portion 273 in the vertical direction. As Figure 18 shown, when the welding terminal 300B is welded to the circuit board 700B, a part of the first coupling portion 273 is within the thickness of the circuit board 700B.

[0094] As Figure 21 shown, the first coupling portion 274 of the present embodiment extends upward from the lower end of the lower frame portion 271 in the up - down direction. The upper end of the first coupling portion 274 is the upper end 272 of the lower portion 270 in the vertical direction. The first coupling portion 274 couples the lower frame portion 271 and the remaining one of the welding terminals 300B to each other. Referring to Figure 21 and 24 , when the welding terminal 300B is welded to the circuit board 700B, a part of the first coupling portion 274 is above the upper surface 720B of the circuit board 700B in the up - down direction. When the welding terminal 300B is welded to the circuit board 700B, another part of the first coupling portion 274 is within the thickness of the circuit board 700B. In other words, when the welding terminal 300B is welded to the circuit board 700B, the latter part of the first coupling portion 274 is within the opening 710 of the circuit board 700B.

[0095] As Figure 18As shown, the welding terminals 300B of this embodiment extend from the main part 200B along a horizontal plane in the vertical direction. In other words, each welding terminal 300B extends from the main part 200B along a horizontal plane parallel to the circuit board 700B. One of the welding terminals 300B extends from the first coupling part 273 of the main part 200B along a horizontal plane perpendicular to the vertical direction, and the remaining one of the welding terminals 300B extends from the first coupling part 274 of the main part 200B along a horizontal plane. More specifically, one of the welding terminals 300B extends outward from the first coupling part 273 of the main part 200B in the front-rear direction, and the remaining one of the welding terminals 300B extends outward from the first coupling part 274 of the main part 200B in the front-rear direction. As Figure 24 shown, the welding terminals 300B extend from the upper end 272 of the lower part 270. Refer to Figure 23 , the center of gravity of the antenna 100B is located below the welding terminals 300B in the vertical direction.

[0096] As Figure 18 shown, the welding terminals 300B are fixed on the upper surface 720B of the circuit board 700B. When the antenna 100B is attached to the circuit board 700B, each welding terminal 300B is fixed on the circuit board 700B at a position different from any position of the fixing part 400B. More specifically, referring to Figure 18 and 20 , when the antenna 100B is attached to the circuit board 700B, each welding terminal 300B is fixed on the circuit board 700B at a position located to the left in the left-right direction compared to any one of the fixing parts 400B. In other words, in the state where the antenna 100B is attached to the circuit board 700B, each welding terminal 300B is fixed on the circuit board 700B at a position located on the leftmost side or to the left of the left fixing part 400B in the left-right direction. The welding terminals 300B are fixed to the circuit board 700B by soldering. More specifically, the welding terminals 300B are fixed to the pads 722B by soldering.

[0097] As Figure 18 shown, when the antenna 100B is attached to the circuit board 700B, each welding terminal 300B is located above the upper surface 720B of the circuit board 700B in the up-down direction. In other words, when the antenna 100B is attached to the circuit board 700B, none of the welding terminals 300B are located within the thickness of the circuit board 700B.

[0098] As Figure 18 shown, the fixing parts 400B of this embodiment extend from the second coupling parts 254 respectively. These fixing parts 400B extend from these second coupling parts 254 in the vertical direction. The fixing parts 400B extend downward from the second coupling parts 254 in the up-down direction. Refer toFigure 23 , the center of gravity of the antenna 100B is located below the fixed part 400B in the vertical direction.

[0099] As Figure 18 shown, each fixed part 400B of this embodiment is fixed on the upper surface 720B of the circuit board 700B. When the welding terminal 300B is welded to the circuit board 700B, each fixed part 400B is fixed to the circuit board 700B at a position different from any position of the welding terminal 300B. More specifically, referring to Figure 18 and Figure 20 , when the welding terminal 300B is welded to the circuit board 700B, each fixed part 400B is fixed to the circuit board 700B at a position positioned to the right in the left-right direction beyond any one of the welding terminals 300B. In other words, in the welding state of the welding terminals 300B on the circuit board 700B, each fixed part 400B is fixed to the circuit board 700B at the rightmost position in the left-right direction or at a position where the right welding terminal 300B is positioned to the right. The fixed part 400B is fixed to the circuit board 700B by welding. More specifically, the fixed part 400B is fixed to the pad 724B of the circuit board 700B by welding. The fixed part 400B may or may not be electrically connected to the pad 724B.

[0100] As Figure 18 shown, when the antenna 100B is attached to the circuit board 700B, each fixed part 400B is located above the upper surface 720B of the circuit board 700B in the up-down direction. In other words, when the antenna 100B is attached to the circuit board 700B, none of the fixed parts 400B are located within the thickness of the circuit board 700B.

[0101] As Figure 24 shown, the antenna 100B of this embodiment further includes an adsorption part 600B.

[0102] As Figure 24 shown, each adsorption part ⑥00B of this embodiment is a part of the second coupling part 254. The adsorption part 600B has a plane perpendicular to the vertical direction. As Figure 18 shown, the adsorption part 600B is located above the welding terminal 300B in the vertical direction. The adsorption part 600B defines the upper end of the antenna 100B.

[0103] As Figure 21 shown, when the antenna 100B is installed on the circuit board 700B, each adsorption part 600B is located above the upper surface 720B of the circuit board 700B in the up-down direction. In other words, when the antenna 100B is attached to the circuit board 700B, none of the adsorption parts 600B are located within the thickness of the circuit board 700B.

[0104] Since the antenna 100B of this embodiment has the above-described adsorption portion 600B, the entire antenna 100B can be lifted by picking up the adsorption portion 600B using a vacuum chuck. Therefore, the antenna 100B of this embodiment is easy to handle in an automatic component feeding system.

[0105] Although the present invention has been described in detail by way of examples, the present invention is not limited thereto, and various modifications and replacement forms are possible. In addition, the above-described embodiments and variations can be combined.

[0106] Although the content of what is considered to be the preferred embodiment of the present invention has been described, those skilled in the art will recognize that other and further modifications can be made thereto without departing from the spirit of the present invention, and it is intended to claim all such embodiments that fall within the true scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An antenna configured to be welded to a circuit board formed with an opening, characterized in that the opening penetrates the circuit board in the vertical direction; the antenna includes a main portion, at least one welding terminal, and at least one fixing portion; the main portion has a certain height in the vertical direction; when the welding terminal is welded to the circuit board, at least a part of the main portion is located below the welding terminal in the vertical direction; the welding terminal extends from the main portion along a horizontal plane perpendicular to the vertical direction; when the welding terminal is welded to the circuit board, the fixing portion is fixed to the circuit board at a position different from the position of the welding terminal; and when the welding terminal is welded to the circuit board, at least a part of the main portion extends to the lower side of the circuit board through the opening.

2. The antenna according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fixing portion is configured to be fixed to the circuit board by welding.

3. The antenna according to claim 2, characterized in that, The fixing portion extends from the main portion along the horizontal plane.

4. The antenna according to claim 1, characterized in that the main portion has an upper end in the vertical direction; and each of the welding terminal and the fixing portion extends from the upper end of the main portion.

5. The antenna according to claim 1, characterized in that the antenna has an adsorption portion; and in the vertical direction, the adsorption portion is located at the same position as the welding terminal or above the welding terminal.

6. The antenna according to claim 5, wherein The at least one welding terminal includes two welding terminals; The at least one fixing portion includes two fixing portions; The antenna includes two mounting groups; each mounting group is composed of the welding terminal and the fixing portion; and the adsorption portion is located between the two mounting groups.

7. The antenna according to claim 1, characterized in that the main portion has an upper part and a lower part; the lower part is located below the upper part in the vertical direction; the lower part has an upper end in the vertical direction; and the welding terminal extends from the upper end of the lower part.

8. The antenna according to claim 7, characterized in that, The lower part has a plate-like shape.

9. The antenna according to claim 7, characterized in that the antenna further includes an adsorption portion; and the adsorption portion is located above the welding terminal in the vertical direction.

10. The antenna according to claim 1, characterized in that The center of gravity of the antenna is located below the welding terminal in the vertical direction.

11. An assembly including a circuit board and an antenna, the circuit board is formed with an opening, and the antenna is attached to the circuit board, characterized in that the circuit board has an upper surface in the vertical direction; at least one pad is formed on the upper surface of the circuit board; the antenna includes a main portion, at least one welding terminal, and at least one fixing portion; at least a part of the main portion extends to the lower side of the circuit board through the opening; the welding terminal extends from the main portion along a horizontal plane parallel to the circuit board; the welding terminal is welded to the pad; and the fixing portion is fixed to the upper surface of the circuit board.

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