Vehicle-mounted antenna device

Abstract

The antenna vibrator (200) comprises: a first vibrator (210) having a first feeding section and a first vibrator component (210a) and a second vibrator component (210b) arranged across the first feeding section; and a second vibrator (220) having a second feeding section and a third vibrator component (220a) and a fourth vibrator component (220b) arranged across the second feeding section, at least a portion of the first vibrator (210) is opposite to at least a portion of the second vibrator (220), and one of the first vibrator component (210a) and the second vibrator component (210b) is arranged at an angle relative to the other of the first vibrator component (210a) and the second vibrator component (210b).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle-mounted antenna device. Background Art

[0002] In recent years, antenna devices used in GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) such as GPS (Global Positioning System) have been developed. In particular, in recent years, for the purpose of obtaining high-precision position information in a short time such as ADAS (Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems), a GNSS antenna that can handle a wide range of bands in multiple bands including L1 band (1559MHz to 1610MHz), L band (1525MHz to 1559MHz), L5 band (1164MHz to 1214MHz), L2 band (1212MHz to 1254MHz) and L6 band (1273MHz to 1284MHz) has been required.

[0003] Patent Documents 1 and 2 describe a stacked patch antenna. The antenna includes a first patch antenna and a second patch antenna. The first patch antenna is stacked on the second patch antenna. The center frequency of the first patch antenna is adjusted to a frequency used in SDARS (Satellite Digital Audio Radio Service) (e.g., 2.320 GHz to 2.345 GHz). The center frequency of the second patch antenna is adjusted to a frequency used in GPS (e.g., 1.575 GHz).

[0004] Patent document 3 describes a GPS patch antenna. The antenna includes a dielectric plate, a first antenna disposed on the dielectric plate and corresponding to the L1 band, and a second antenna disposed on the dielectric plate and corresponding to the L2 band. The dielectric plate is a square plate having a size of 40 mm in length, 40 mm in width, and 4 mm in height. The dielectric constant of the dielectric plate is 6.8. The first antenna and the second antenna are formed in a ring shape. The first antenna is located inside the ring of the second antenna. Patent document 3 describes that according to the antenna, a high gain of 0 dBic or more and a low axial ratio of 5 dB or less are obtained in the L1 band and the L2 band.

[0005] Patent document 4 describes a multi-band GNSS patch antenna. The antenna includes a dielectric plate, a first conductive plate disposed on one surface side of the dielectric plate, and a second conductive plate disposed on the opposite surface side of the one surface of the dielectric plate. A notch is formed on the outer periphery of the second conductive plate. Patent document 4 describes that by adjusting various conditions such as the shape of the notch of the second conductive plate, the antenna can cope with 1.15 GHz, 1.56 GHz, 1.17645 GHz, and 1.57542 GHz.

[0006] Prior art literature

[0007] Patent Literature

[0008] Patent Document 1: U.S. Patent No. 7277056

[0009] Patent Document 2: U.S. Patent No. 7528780

[0010] Patent Document 3: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-182362

[0011] Patent Document 4: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-041240 Summary of the invention

[0012] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0013] As mentioned above, for various purposes such as ADAS, a GNSS antenna that can cope with a wide range of bands in multiple bands including the L1 band, L band, L5 band, L2 band, and L6 band is required. In addition, due to various requirements for a storage base, etc., it is hoped that such a GNSS antenna can be miniaturized. However, in the case of coping with a wide-band band by using the patch antenna described in patent documents 1 to 4, there is a situation where the size of the patch antenna needs to be increased, and thus there is a situation where miniaturization of the patch antenna is difficult to achieve. In addition, for example, according to the patch antenna described in patent document 3, the L1 band and the L2 band are set to the resonant frequency and the antenna is optimized. Therefore, high gain and low axial ratio are obtained in the L1 band and the L2 band. In contrast, in bands different from the L1 band and the L2 band, high gain such as 0 dBic or more and low axial ratio such as 5 dB or less cannot be obtained. Furthermore, in this patch antenna, the antenna is optimized by setting the L1 band and the L2 band as the resonant frequencies, the antenna is miniaturized, and the range of the band that the antenna can handle is narrowed.

[0014] One example of an object of the present invention is to miniaturize a GNSS antenna that supports a wide range of bands in a multi-band system including the L1 band, the L band, the L5 band, the L2 band, and the L6 band. Other objects of the present invention are apparent from the description of this specification.

[0015] Solutions to Solve Problems

[0016] One embodiment of the present invention is a vehicle-mounted antenna device, comprising an antenna element, the antenna element being operable in at least two frequency bands including L1 band, L band, L5 band, L2 band, and L6 band, receiving circularly polarized waves,

[0017] The antenna element has:

[0018] a first vibrator including a first power feeding section and a first vibrator component and a second vibrator component disposed with the first power feeding section interposed therebetween; and

[0019] a second vibrator including a second power feeding section and a third vibrator component and a fourth vibrator component arranged with the second power feeding section interposed therebetween;

[0020] At least a portion of the first vibrator is opposed to at least a portion of the second vibrator.

[0021] One of the first vibrator member and the second vibrator member is arranged at an angle with respect to the other of the first vibrator member and the second vibrator member.

[0022] Effects of the Invention

[0023] According to the above aspects of the present invention, it is possible to miniaturize a GNSS antenna that supports a wide range of bands among multiple bands including the L1 band, the L band, the L5 band, the L2 band, and the L6 band. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] Figure 1 It is a perspective view of the vehicle-mounted antenna device according to the embodiment.

[0025] Figure 2 is from Figure 1 Diagram of the cover and ground plate removed.

[0026] Figure 3 It is used to illustrate Figure 2 This is a diagram showing details of how the first vibrator member and the second vibrator member are each tilted with respect to a direction parallel to the mounting surface of the chassis in the example shown.

[0027] Figure 4 Yes means Figure 3 Figure 1 of the first variant example.

[0028] Figure 5 Yes means Figure 3 Figure 2 of the second variant.

[0029] Figure 6 Yes means Figure 3 Figure 3 of the third variant.

[0030] Figure 7It is a diagram for explaining the details of the region between the opposing parts of the first transducer and the second transducer.

[0031] Figure 8 Yes means Figure 2 A block diagram of a first example of the details of the circuit portion shown.

[0032] Fig. 9 Yes means Figure 2 A block diagram of a second example of the details of the circuit portion shown.

[0033] Fig.10 Yes means Figure 2 A block diagram of a third example of the details of the circuit portion shown.

[0034] Fig.11 Yes means Figure 2 A block diagram of a fourth example of the details of the circuit portion shown.

[0035] Fig.12 Yes means Figure 2 A block diagram of a fifth example of the details of the circuit portion shown.

[0036] Fig.13 Yes means Figure 2 A block diagram of a sixth example showing details of a circuit portion.

[0037] Fig.14 Yes means Figure 2 1 is a block diagram of a seventh example of the details of the circuit unit 300 shown.

[0038] Fig.15 1 is a top view of the first stacked patch antenna of Comparative Example 1.

[0039] Fig.16 yes Fig.15 A side view of the first stacked patch antenna is shown.

[0040] Fig.17 This is a perspective view of the second stacked patch antenna of Comparative Example 2.

[0041] Fig.18 : is an antenna element ( Figure 2 ) is a graph of the frequency characteristics of gain and axial ratio at 1100MHz to 1700MHz.

[0042] Fig.19 The first stacked patch antenna ( Fig.15 and Fig.16 ) is a graph of the frequency characteristics of gain and axial ratio at 1100MHz to 1700MHz.

[0043] Fig. 20The second stacked patch antenna ( Fig.17 ) is a graph of the frequency characteristics of gain and axial ratio at 1100MHz to 1700MHz. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0044] Hereinafter, the embodiments of the present invention will be described using the drawings. In all the drawings, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be appropriately omitted.

[0045] In this specification, unless otherwise specified, ordinal numbers such as "1st", "2nd", and "3rd" are used only to distinguish structures with the same name and do not indicate specific characteristics of the structures (for example, order or importance).

[0046] Figure 1 It is a perspective view of the vehicle-mounted antenna device 10 according to the embodiment. Figure 2 is from Figure 1 FIG. 5 shows a diagram in which the cover 500 and the ground plate 600 are removed.

[0047] exist Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the first direction X is the front-rear direction of the vehicle-mounted antenna device 10. The positive direction of the first direction X (the direction indicated by the arrow indicating the first direction X) is the front direction of the vehicle-mounted antenna device 10. The negative direction of the first direction X (the opposite direction to the direction indicated by the arrow indicating the first direction X) is the rear direction of the vehicle-mounted antenna device 10. The second direction Y is the left-right direction of the vehicle-mounted antenna device 10. The second direction Y intersects with the first direction X, specifically, is orthogonal. The positive direction of the second direction Y (the direction indicated by the arrow indicating the second direction Y) is the left direction of the vehicle-mounted antenna device 10 when viewed from the rear of the vehicle-mounted antenna device 10 (the negative direction of the first direction X). The negative direction of the second direction Y (the opposite direction to the direction indicated by the arrow indicating the second direction Y) is the right direction of the vehicle-mounted antenna device 10 when viewed from the rear of the vehicle-mounted antenna device 10 (the negative direction of the first direction X). The third direction Z is the up-down direction of the vehicle-mounted antenna device 10. The third direction Z intersects with both the first direction X and the second direction Y, and is specifically orthogonal. The positive direction of the third direction Z (the direction indicated by the arrow indicating the third direction Z) is the upward direction of the vehicle-mounted antenna device 10. The negative direction of the third direction Z (the opposite direction to the direction indicated by the arrow indicating the third direction Z) is the downward direction of the vehicle-mounted antenna device 10. The same applies to the subsequent figures.

[0048] use Figure 1 and Figure 2 The outline of the vehicle-mounted antenna device 10 will be described.

[0049] like Figure 2As shown in FIG. 1 , the vehicle-mounted antenna device 10 includes a base 100, an antenna element 200, a circuit unit 300, a first feeder line 410, and a second feeder line 420. Figure 1 As shown, the vehicle-mounted antenna device 10 further includes a cover 500 .

[0050] exist Figure 1 In the example shown, the vehicle-mounted antenna device 10 is arranged on the ground plate 600. In the present embodiment, the ground plate 600 is the roof of the car. That is, the vehicle-mounted antenna device 10 is installed on the upper surface side of the roof (ground plate 600) of the car. When the vehicle-mounted antenna device 10 is installed on the roof of the car, the positive direction of the first direction X becomes the forward direction of the car, and the negative direction of the first direction X becomes the backward direction of the car. As described in detail later, when the vehicle-mounted antenna device 10 (antenna vibrator 200) is arranged on the ground plate 600, the antenna vibrator 200 can work well as a GNSS antenna compared to the case where the vehicle-mounted antenna device 10 (antenna vibrator 200) is not arranged on the ground plate 600. However, the ground plate 600 on which the vehicle-mounted antenna device 10 is installed is not limited to the roof of the car.

[0051] The base 100 includes a first base member 110 and a second base member 120. The first base member 110 and the second base member 120 have thickness in the vertical direction (third direction Z) of the vehicle-mounted antenna device 10. The first base member 110 is formed of an insulating material such as resin. The second base member 120 is located on the first base member 110. The second base member 120 is formed of a conductive material such as metal. The length of each of the first base member 110, the second base member 120, and the base 100 in the front-rear direction (first direction X) of the vehicle-mounted antenna device 10 is longer than the length of each of the first base member 110, the second base member 120, and the base 100 in the left-right direction (second direction Y) of the vehicle-mounted antenna device 10.

[0052] The base 100 may be composed of only the second base member 120 or the second base member 120 and a metal plate. Furthermore, the base 100 may be composed of the first base member 110 and a metal plate or the first base member 110, the second base member 120 and a metal plate.

[0053] The antenna element 200 is mounted on the mounting surface 122 of the base 100 (the second base member 120) via the first feeder 410 and the second feeder 420. The first feeder 410 and the second feeder 420 will be described in detail later. The antenna element 200 can operate in frequency bands including the L1 band (1559 MHz to 1610 MHz), the L band (1525 MHz to 1559 MHz), the L5 band (1164 MHz to 1214 MHz), the L2 band (1212 MHz to 1254 MHz) and the L6 band (1273 MHz to 1284 MHz), and receive circularly polarized waves. For example, the gain and axial ratio of the antenna element 200 in the L1 band, the L band, the L5 band, the L2 band and the L6 band are respectively 2.0 dBic or more and 4.0 dB or less. The antenna element 200 may not be able to operate in all of the L1 band, the L band, the L5 band, the L2 band, and the L6 band, but may be able to operate in at least two of these bands.

[0054] The antenna element 200 includes two elements, namely, a first element 210 and a second element 220 .

[0055] The first vibrator 210 includes two vibrator element sections, namely, a first vibrator element 210a and a second vibrator element 210b. The second vibrator 220 includes two vibrator element sections, namely, a third vibrator element 220a and a fourth vibrator element 220b.

[0056] The first vibrator member 210a includes two arms, namely, a first arm 212a and a second arm 212b. The second vibrator member 210b includes two arms, namely, a third arm 212c and a fourth arm 212d. The third vibrator member 220a includes two arms, namely, a fifth arm 222a and a sixth arm 222b. The fourth vibrator member 220b includes two arms, namely, a seventh arm 222c and an eighth arm 222d.

[0057] As described in detail later, the first arm 212a, the second arm 212b, the third arm 212c, and the fourth arm 212d include a first portion 214a, a second portion 214b, a third portion 214c, and a fourth portion 214d, respectively. As described in detail later, the fifth arm 222a, the sixth arm 222b, the seventh arm 222c, and the eighth arm 222d include a fifth portion 224a, a sixth portion 224b, a seventh portion 224c, and an eighth portion 224d, respectively.

[0058] The first vibrator component 210a and the second vibrator component 210b of the first vibrator 210 and the third vibrator component 220a and the fourth vibrator component 220b of the second vibrator 220 are each formed of a conductive plate, specifically, sheet metal. The first vibrator component 210a and the second vibrator component 210b of the first vibrator 210 have a portion that works as a self-similar antenna or an antenna based on the same. The third vibrator component 220a and the fourth vibrator component 220b of the second vibrator 220 have a portion that works as a self-similar antenna or an antenna based on the same. "Self-similar antenna" is an antenna that is similar in shape even if the proportion (size ratio) is changed, such as a biconical antenna, a butterfly node antenna, etc. The details of the portion that works as a self-similar antenna or an antenna based on the same will be described later.

[0059] The circuit unit 300 is mounted on the mounting surface 122 of the base 100. The circuit unit 300 includes, for example, an integrated circuit (IC). The circuit unit 300 is electrically connected to the first vibrator 210 and the second vibrator 220 via the first feeding line 410 and the second feeding line 420, respectively.

[0060] The lower end of the first feeder 410 (the end on the negative direction side of the third direction Z) and the lower end of the second feeder 420 (the end on the negative direction side of the third direction Z) are physically and electrically connected to the circuit unit 300 via, for example, solder. The upper end of the first feeder 410 (the end on the positive direction side of the third direction Z) and the upper end of the second feeder 420 (the end on the positive direction side of the third direction Z) are physically and electrically connected to the first oscillator 210 and the second oscillator 220, respectively, via, for example, solder. The first feeder 410 and the second feeder 420 are, for example, coaxial lines. The first feeder 410 extends parallel to the height direction of the vehicle-mounted antenna device 10 between the lower end of the first feeder 410 and the upper end of the first feeder 410. The second feeder 420 extends parallel to the height direction of the vehicle-mounted antenna device 10 between the lower end of the second feeder 420 and the upper end of the second feeder 420.

[0061] In this embodiment, the first feeder 410 and the second feeder 420 are supporting bodies for supporting the first vibrator 210 and the second vibrator 220 on the mounting surface 122 of the base 100. However, the method of supporting the first vibrator 210 and the second vibrator 220 on the mounting surface 122 of the base 100 is not limited to this example.

[0062] The length of each of the first feeder 410 and the second feeder 420 in the height direction of the vehicle-mounted antenna device 10 is approximately λ / 4 (λ: wavelength at the operating frequency of the antenna element 200). Approximately λ / 4 does not only mean strictly λ / 4, but also means a length slightly deviated from λ / 4 (for example, a length within the range of ±λ / 10 relative to λ / 4). In addition, the operating frequency of the antenna element 200 is, for example, the central frequency in the L1 band, the L band, the L5 band, the L2 band, and the L6 band. However, the operating frequency of the antenna element 200 may not be the central frequency in these bands, but may be a frequency deviated from the central frequency. The length of each of the first feeder 410 and the second feeder 420 in the height direction of the vehicle-mounted antenna device 10 is approximately λ / 4. In addition, when the vehicle-mounted antenna device 10 is arranged on the ground plate 600, the antenna element 200 can operate more effectively as a GNSS antenna than when the vehicle-mounted antenna device 10 is not arranged on the ground plate 600. However, the vehicle-mounted antenna device 10 may not be disposed on the ground plate 600 .

[0063] The cover 500 is mounted on the upper surface side of the first base member 110 of the base 100, and covers the second base member 120 of the base 100, the antenna element 200, the circuit unit 300, the first feeder 410, and the second feeder 420. The cover 500 and the base 100 may be mounted by fixing means such as bolts, or by fixing means such as welding or bonding. As will be described in detail later, in the present embodiment, the length of the antenna element 200 in the left-right direction of the vehicle-mounted antenna device 10 is shortened compared to the case where the first and second pendulum components 210a, 210b of the antenna element 200 are arranged in parallel with the mounting surface 122 of the base 100. Therefore, the length of the cover 500 in the left-right direction of the vehicle-mounted antenna device 10 can be shortened compared to the case where the first and second pendulum components 210a, 210b are arranged in parallel with the mounting surface 122 of the base 100.

[0064] Next, use Figure 2 The shape of the first transducer 210 will be described in detail.

[0065] The first pendulum component 210a and the second pendulum component 210b are opposite to each other in a predetermined direction, specifically, in the left-right direction of the vehicle-mounted antenna device 10. Specifically, the first pendulum component 210a is located on the left side of the second pendulum component 210b, and the second pendulum component 210b is located on the right side of the first pendulum component 210a. However, the relative direction of the first pendulum component 210a and the second pendulum component 210b is not limited to the left-right direction of the vehicle-mounted antenna device 10, and may be, for example, the front-back direction of the vehicle-mounted antenna device 10. In addition, in the height direction of the vehicle-mounted antenna device 10, the first pendulum 210 is located above the second pendulum 220. However, in the height direction of the vehicle-mounted antenna device 10, the first pendulum 210 may be located below the second pendulum 220.

[0066] The first vibrator 210 has a first power feeding portion which is a portion connected to the upper end of the first power feeding line 410. The first vibrator member 210a and the second vibrator member 210b each have a first base end portion where the first vibrator member 210a and the second vibrator member 210b are closest to each other and include the first power feeding portion. The first center portion which is a substantially midpoint between the first base end portion of the first vibrator member 210a and the first base end portion of the second vibrator member 210b is the first power feeding portion of the first vibrator 210. The “substantially midpoint” does not only mean a strict midpoint between the first base end portion of the first vibrator member 210a and the first base end portion of the second vibrator member 210b, but also means a point which is slightly deviated from the strict midpoint (for example, less than 5% of the distance between the first base end portion of the first vibrator member 210a and the first base end portion of the second vibrator member 210b).

[0067] The first arm 212a and the second arm 212b of the first pendulum member 210a are arranged in the front-to-back direction of the vehicle-mounted antenna device 10. Specifically, the first arm 212a is located in front of the second arm 212b, and the second arm 212b is located in the rear of the first arm 212a. The first arm 212a and the second arm 212b extend from the first base end of the first pendulum member 210a in directions away from each other. In addition, the third arm 212c and the fourth arm 212d of the second pendulum member 210b are arranged in the front-to-back direction of the vehicle-mounted antenna device 10. Specifically, the third arm 212c is located in front of the fourth arm 212d, and the fourth arm 212d is located in the rear of the third arm 212c. The third arm 212c and the fourth arm 212d extend from the first base end of the second pendulum member 210b in directions away from each other. Furthermore, the first arm portion 212a and the third arm portion 212c are arranged in the left-right direction of the vehicle-mounted antenna device 10. In addition, the second arm portion 212b and the fourth arm portion 212d are arranged in the left-right direction of the vehicle-mounted antenna device 10. The first oscillator 210 is formed by symmetrically joining the first oscillator component 210a and the second oscillator component 210b with the first power feeding portion of the first oscillator 210 as the center. Alternatively, the first oscillator component 210a and the second oscillator component 210b may be formed integrally.

[0068] The ends of the first arm 212a and the second arm 212b of the first vibrator component 210a (the ends on the opposite side of the first base end) are spaced apart from each other and open. That is, the ends of the first arm 212a and the second arm 212b of the first vibrator component 210a each have an open end. The open ends of the first vibrator component 210a are formed to ensure that the area of ​​the first vibrator 210 is above a certain level in order to ensure the use in the low frequency domain, especially the lower frequency domain. In the present embodiment, the open ends of the first vibrator component 210a have an L shape. However, the shape of the open ends of the first vibrator component 210a is not limited to the L shape, and may also be, for example, a trapezoid, a rhombus, an ellipse, a circle, a triangle, etc. The same shapes as those described above for the ends of the first arm 212a and the second arm 212b of the first pendulum member 210a can be applied to the ends of the third arm 212c and the fourth arm 212d of the second pendulum member 210b.

[0069] The width of each of the first arm 212a, the second arm 212b, the third arm 212c, and the fourth arm 212d increases as it goes from the first base end portion toward the respective ends of the first arm 212a, the second arm 212b, the third arm 212c, and the fourth arm 212d. Therefore, the width of each of the first arm 212a, the second arm 212b, the third arm 212c, and the fourth arm 212d in a region far from the first base end portion is wider than the width of each of the first arm 212a, the second arm 212b, the third arm 212c, and the fourth arm 212d in a region near the first base end portion. In addition, the interval between the first arm portion 212a and the third arm portion 212c increases continuously or stepwise from the first base end of the first vibrator component 210a or the first base end of the second vibrator component 210b toward the end of the first arm portion 212a or the end of the third arm portion 212c. Therefore, the interval between the first arm portion 212a and the third arm portion 212c in a region far from the first base end of the first vibrator component 210a or the first base end of the second vibrator component 210b is wider than the interval between the first arm portion 212a and the third arm portion 212c in a region close to the first base end of the first vibrator component 210a or the first base end of the second vibrator component 210b. Similarly, the interval between the second arm 212b and the fourth arm 212d increases continuously or stepwise from the first base end of the first vibrator component 210a or the first base end of the second vibrator component 210b toward the end of the second arm 212b or the end of the fourth arm 212d. Therefore, the interval between the second arm 212b and the fourth arm 212d in the area far from the first base end of the first vibrator component 210a or the first base end of the second vibrator component 210b is wider than the interval between the second arm 212b and the fourth arm 212d in the area close to the first base end of the first vibrator component 210a or the first base end of the second vibrator component 210b. In this manner, the first arm 212 a , the second arm 212 b , the third arm 212 c , and the fourth arm 212 d of the first transducer 210 operate as a self-similar antenna or an antenna similar thereto.

[0070] In the present embodiment, the first vibrator component 210a is formed in a substantially C-shape. The substantially C-shape is a shape formed by, for example, cutting off a portion of a substantially circular shape such as a circle or an ellipse. The first vibrator component 210a has an opening formed between the first arm portion 212a and the second arm portion 212b by the substantially C-shape. The first vibrator component 210a may also be formed in a substantially U-shape, a substantially V-shape, or a substantially n-shape. The substantially U-shape is a shape formed by, for example, cutting off a portion of a substantially quadrilateral and rounding the opposite side of the portion of the substantially quadrilateral. The substantially V-shape is a shape formed by, for example, cutting off a portion of a substantially triangle or a portion of a substantially quadrilateral such as a trapezoid whose upper side is relatively short relative to the lower side. The substantially n-shape is a shape formed by, for example, cutting off a portion of a substantially quadrilateral such as a rectangle, a square, a trapezoid whose upper side is relatively long relative to the lower side. The same is true for the shape of the second vibrator component 210b. The first transducer member 210 a and the second transducer member 210 b are arranged so that the opening of the first transducer member 210 a and the opening of the second transducer member 210 b face opposite sides to each other.

[0071] If used Figure 3 As described later, the first vibrator component 210a and the second vibrator component 210b are inclined at substantially equal angles from the direction parallel to the mounting surface 122 of the base 100 (the second direction Y) toward the side where the mounting surface 122 of the base 100 is located (the negative direction side of the third direction Z). In this way, one of the first vibrator component 210a and the second vibrator component 210b is arranged at an angle relative to the other of the first vibrator component 210a and the second vibrator component 210b. Substantially equal angles do not only mean that the angle at which the first vibrator component 210a is inclined relative to the direction parallel to the mounting surface 122 is strictly equal to the angle at which the second vibrator component 210b is inclined relative to the direction parallel to the mounting surface 122, but also mean that they are slightly different in angle (for example, less than ±5 degrees).

[0072] In the present embodiment, the length of the first pendulum 210 in the relative direction of the first pendulum component 210a and the second pendulum component 210b can be shortened compared to a case where one of the first pendulum component 210a and the second pendulum component 210b is not arranged obliquely with respect to the other of the first pendulum component 210a and the second pendulum component 210b, for example, a case where the first pendulum component 210a and the second pendulum component 210b are arranged parallel to the mounting surface 122 of the base 100. Therefore, the vehicle-mounted antenna device 10 can be miniaturized. In addition, in the present embodiment, the length of the first pendulum 210 in the height direction of the vehicle-mounted antenna device 10 can be shortened compared to a case where the first pendulum component 210a and the second pendulum component 210b are inclined toward the opposite side (positive direction side of the third direction Z) to the side where the mounting surface 122 is located. Moreover, in the present embodiment, compared with the case where the angle at which the first vibrator component 210a is inclined relative to the direction parallel to the mounting surface 122 is different from the angle at which the second vibrator component 210b is inclined relative to the direction parallel to the mounting surface 122, the radiation directivity of the antenna vibrator 200 in the upward direction (the positive direction of the third direction Z) can be enhanced.

[0073] In the present embodiment, the first vibrator component 210a is arranged on a plane inclined toward the positive direction of the second direction Y relative to the third direction Z. However, the first vibrator component 210a may not be arranged on the plane. For example, the first vibrator component 210a may be at least partially bent or folded when viewed from the positive direction or the negative direction of the first direction X. The same is true for the second vibrator component 210b.

[0074] Next, use Figure 2 The shape of the second vibrator 220 will be described in detail. In the present embodiment, the size of the outer edge connecting the second vibrator 220 (hereinafter referred to as "outer edge size") is substantially equal to the outer edge size of the first vibrator 210. That is, the first vibrator 210 and the second vibrator 220 have substantially the same shape. "Outer edge size is substantially equal" not only means that the outer edge size of the second vibrator 220 is strictly equal to the outer edge size of the first vibrator 210, but also means that the outer edge size of the second vibrator 220 is, for example, not less than 95% and not more than 105% of the outer edge size of the first vibrator 210. However, the outer edge size of the second vibrator 220 may be different from the outer edge size of the first vibrator 210.

[0075] The fifth portion 224a, the sixth portion 224b, the seventh portion 224c, and the eighth portion 224d are arranged in a state rotated by approximately 90 degrees relative to the third portion 214c, the fourth portion 214d, the first portion 214a, and the second portion 214b, respectively. "Approximately 90 degrees" does not only mean that the rotation angle of the first vibrator 210 relative to the second vibrator 220 is strictly 90 degrees, but also means a slight deviation from 90 degrees (for example, less than ±2.5 degrees).

[0076] The third pendulum member 220a and the fourth pendulum member 220b are arranged in the front-rear direction of the vehicle-mounted antenna device 10. Specifically, the third pendulum member 220a is located in front of the fourth pendulum member 220b, and the fourth pendulum member 220b is located behind the third pendulum member 220a.

[0077] The second vibrator 220 has a second power feeding portion which is a portion connected to the upper end of the second feeder line 420. The third vibrator member 220a and the fourth vibrator member 220b each have a second base end portion where the third vibrator member 220a and the fourth vibrator member 220b are closest to each other and include the second power feeding portion. The second center portion which is a substantially midpoint between the second base end portion of the third vibrator member 220a and the second base end portion of the fourth vibrator member 220b is the second power feeding portion of the second vibrator 220. The “substantially midpoint” does not only mean a strict midpoint between the second base end portion of the third vibrator member 220a and the second base end portion of the fourth vibrator member 220b, but also means a point which is slightly deviated from the strict midpoint (for example, less than 5% of the distance between the second base end portion of the third vibrator member 220a and the second base end portion of the fourth vibrator member 220b).

[0078] The fifth arm 222a and the sixth arm 222b of the third pendulum member 220a are arranged in the left-right direction of the vehicle-mounted antenna device 10. Specifically, the fifth arm 222a is located on the left side of the sixth arm 222b, and the sixth arm 222b is located on the right side of the fifth arm 222a. The fifth arm 222a and the sixth arm 222b extend from the second base end of the third pendulum member 220a in directions away from each other. In addition, the seventh arm 222c and the eighth arm 222d of the fourth pendulum member 220b are arranged in the left-right direction of the vehicle-mounted antenna device 10. Specifically, the seventh arm 222c is located on the left side of the eighth arm 222d, and the eighth arm 222d is located on the right side of the seventh arm 222c. The seventh arm 222c and the eighth arm 222d extend from the second base end of the fourth pendulum member 220b in directions away from each other. Furthermore, the fifth arm portion 222a and the seventh arm portion 222c are arranged in the front-rear direction of the vehicle-mounted antenna device 10. In addition, the sixth arm portion 222b and the eighth arm portion 222d are arranged in the front-rear direction of the vehicle-mounted antenna device 10. The second oscillator 220 is formed by symmetrically joining the third oscillator component 220a and the fourth oscillator component 220b with the second power feeding portion of the second oscillator 220 as the center. Alternatively, the third oscillator component 220a and the fourth oscillator component 220b may be formed integrally.

[0079] The ends of the fifth arm 222a and the sixth arm 222b of the third vibrator component 220a (the ends on the opposite side of the second base end) are spaced apart from each other and open. That is, the ends of the fifth arm 222a and the sixth arm 222b of the third vibrator component 220a each have an open end. The open ends of the third vibrator component 220a are formed to ensure that the area of ​​the second vibrator 220 is above a certain level in order to ensure a low frequency domain, especially to enable use in a lower frequency domain. In the present embodiment, the open ends of the third vibrator component 220a have an L shape. However, the shape of the open ends of the third vibrator component 220a is not limited to the L shape, and may also be, for example, a trapezoid, a rhombus, an ellipse, a circle, a triangle, etc. The same shapes as those described above for the ends of the fifth arm 222a and the sixth arm 222b of the third transducer member 220a can be applied to the ends of the seventh arm 222c and the eighth arm 222d of the fourth transducer member 220b.

[0080] The width of each of the fifth arm 222a, the sixth arm 222b, the seventh arm 222c, and the eighth arm 222d increases as it goes from the second base end portion toward the respective distal ends of the fifth arm 222a, the sixth arm 222b, the seventh arm 222c, and the eighth arm 222d. Therefore, the width of each of the fifth arm 222a, the sixth arm 222b, the seventh arm 222c, and the eighth arm 222d in the region far from the second base end portion is wider than the width of each of the fifth arm 222a, the sixth arm 222b, the seventh arm 222c, and the eighth arm 222d in the region near the second base end portion. In addition, the interval between the fifth arm portion 222a and the seventh arm portion 222c increases continuously or stepwise from the second base end of the third vibrator component 220a or the second base end of the fourth vibrator component 220b toward the end of the fifth arm portion 222a or the end of the seventh arm portion 222c. Therefore, the interval between the fifth arm portion 222a and the seventh arm portion 222c in the region far from the second base end of the third vibrator component 220a or the second base end of the fourth vibrator component 220b is larger than the interval between the fifth arm portion 222a and the seventh arm portion 222c in the region close to the second base end of the third vibrator component 220a or the second base end of the fourth vibrator component 220b. Similarly, the interval between the sixth arm portion 222b and the eighth arm portion 222d increases continuously or stepwise from the second base end of the second vibrator component 210b or the second base end of the fourth vibrator component 220b toward the end of the sixth arm portion 222b or the end of the eighth arm portion 222d. Therefore, the interval between the sixth arm portion 222b and the eighth arm portion 222d in the region far from the second base end of the third vibrator component 220a or the second base end of the fourth vibrator component 220b is larger than the interval between the sixth arm portion 222b and the eighth arm portion 222d in the region close to the second base end of the third vibrator component 220a or the first base end of the fourth vibrator component 220b. In this manner, the fifth arm 222a, the sixth arm 222b, the seventh arm 222c, and the eighth arm 222d of the second transducer 220 operate as a self-similar antenna or an antenna based on the self-similar antenna.

[0081] In the case where the first oscillator 210 and the second oscillator 220 each include a portion that operates as a self-similar antenna or an antenna based on the self-similar antenna, the antenna oscillator 200 operates as, for example, a tapered slot antenna in a relatively high frequency band, and operates as, for example, a loop antenna in a relatively low frequency band. In addition, in a specific frequency band in the middle of the relatively high frequency band and the relatively low frequency band, the antenna oscillator 200 operates as a dipole antenna. In addition, in the frequency band between the relatively high frequency band, the relatively low frequency band, and the middle frequency band, the antenna oscillator 200 operates as a composite antenna in a state where the working principles of these antennas are combined. Therefore, it is possible to stably operate in a wide frequency band with one antenna oscillator.

[0082] In this embodiment, the third and fourth transducer members 220a and 220b are each formed in, for example, a substantially C-shape, a substantially U-shape, a substantially V-shape, or a substantially n-shape as described above for the first transducer member 210a.

[0083] The change rate (increase rate) of the width of each arm of the second vibrator 220 from the second base end to the end of each arm may be different from the change rate (increase rate) of the width of each arm of the first vibrator 210 from the first base end to the end of each arm. For example, the above-mentioned change rate (increase rate) for the width of each arm of the second vibrator 220 may be smaller than the above-mentioned change rate (increase rate) for the width of each arm of the first vibrator 210.

[0084] The first arm portion 212a and the fifth arm portion 222a include opposing portions, namely, a first portion 214a and a fifth portion 224a. The first portion 214a of the first vibrator member 210a and the fifth portion 224a of the third vibrator member 220a are opposed to each other. Specifically, the first portion 214a of the first vibrator member 210a and the fifth portion 224a of the third vibrator member 220a are opposed to each other in substantially parallel.

[0085] The second arm portion 212b and the seventh arm portion 222c include opposing portions, namely, the second portion 214b and the seventh portion 224c. The second portion 214b of the first vibrator member 210a and the seventh portion 224c of the fourth vibrator member 220b are opposed to each other. Specifically, the second portion 214b of the first vibrator member 210a and the seventh portion 224c of the fourth vibrator member 220b are opposed to each other in substantially parallel.

[0086] The third arm portion 212c and the sixth arm portion 222b include opposing portions, namely, the third portion 214c and the sixth portion 224b. The third portion 214c of the first vibrator member 210a and the sixth portion 224b of the third vibrator member 220a are opposed to each other. Specifically, the third portion 214c of the first vibrator member 210a and the sixth portion 224b of the third vibrator member 220a are opposed to each other in substantially parallel.

[0087] The fourth arm portion 212d and the eighth arm portion 222d include opposing portions, namely, the fourth portion 214d and the eighth portion 224d. The fourth portion 214d of the first vibrator member 210a and the eighth portion 224d of the fourth vibrator member 220b are opposed to each other. Specifically, the fourth portion 214d of the first vibrator member 210a and the eighth portion 224d of the fourth vibrator member 220b are opposed to each other in substantially parallel.

[0088] The fact that the various parts of the first vibrator 210 and the various parts of the second vibrator 220 are approximately parallel to each other not only means that the various parts of the first vibrator 210 and the various parts of the second vibrator 220 are strictly parallel to each other, but also means that one of the various parts of the first vibrator 210 and the various parts of the second vibrator 220 is inclined at a slight angle (for example, less than ±2.5 degrees) from a direction parallel to the other of the various parts of the first vibrator 210 and the various parts of the second vibrator 220.

[0089] As described above, at least a portion of the first oscillator 210 faces at least a portion of the second oscillator 220. More specifically, a cutout ring (a shape in which a portion of the ring is cut away and faces each other) is formed between the facing portions of the first oscillator 210 and the second oscillator 220, that is, between the first portion 214a of the first oscillator 210 and the fifth portion 224a of the second oscillator 220, between the second portion 214b of the first oscillator 210 and the seventh portion 224c of the second oscillator 220, between the third portion 214c of the first oscillator 210 and the sixth portion 224b of the second oscillator 220, and between the fourth portion 214d of the first oscillator 210 and the eighth portion 224d of the second oscillator 220. Therefore, the band that the antenna oscillator 200 can handle can be expanded to the relatively low frequency band side.

[0090] In addition, as described above, the first pendulum component 210a is arranged in a state rotated by approximately 90 degrees relative to the second pendulum component 210b. In this case, the direction of the polarized wave of the first pendulum 210 is orthogonal to the direction of the polarized wave of the second pendulum 220. Specifically, since the first pendulum 210 and the second pendulum 220 have approximately the same shape, there is almost no difference in the amplitude and phase of the linear polarized wave of the first pendulum 210 and the linear polarized wave of the second pendulum 220, which are orthogonal to each other, and the antenna element 200 receives the circularly polarized wave.

[0091] Next, use Figures 3 to 6 , which illustrates the inclination of the first vibrator component 210a and the second vibrator component 210b relative to the direction parallel to the mounting surface 122 of the base 100. Figures 3 to 6 As described later, at least one of the first vibrator component 210a and the second vibrator component 210b can be tilted from a direction parallel to the mounting surface 122 of the base 100 toward the side where the mounting surface 122 is located (the negative direction side of the third direction Z) or the opposite side to the side where the mounting surface 122 is located (the positive direction side of the third direction Z). Thus, one of the first vibrator component 210a and the second vibrator component 210b can be arranged at an angle with respect to the other of the first vibrator component 210a and the second vibrator component 210b.

[0092] Figure 3 It is used to illustrate Figure 2FIG. 1 is a diagram showing details of the inclination of each of the first vibrator member 210 a and the second vibrator member 210 b with respect to a direction parallel to the mounting surface 122 of the base 100 in the example shown.

[0093] exist Figure 3 The schematic diagram shows the vehicle-mounted antenna device 10 ( Figure 1 or Figure 2 ), a portion of the base 100, the first oscillator 210 and the second oscillator 220 of the antenna oscillator 200, and the first feeder 410 and the second feeder 420. Figure 3 In FIG. 1 , the dotted line passing through the upper ends of the first feeding line 410 and the second feeding line 420 indicates a direction parallel to the mounting surface 122 of the base 100 . Figure 3 θ1 represents an angle at which the first vibrator member 210 a is inclined with respect to a direction parallel to the mounting surface 122 of the base 100 . Figure 3 θ2 represents the angle at which the second vibrator member 210 b is tilted relative to the direction parallel to the mounting surface 122 of the base 100 . Figure 3 The second vibrator 220 is not shown. As described above, the first vibrator 210 and the second vibrator 220 are arranged in substantially parallel relation to each other. Figure 3 The matters described are described later. Figures 4 to 6 The same is true in .

[0094] As mentioned above, in Figure 3 ( Figure 2 ), the angle θ1 at which the first vibrator component 210a is inclined relative to the direction parallel to the mounting surface 122 of the base 100 and the angle θ2 at which the second vibrator component 210b is inclined relative to the direction parallel to the mounting surface 122 of the base 100 are substantially equal. The angle θ1 and the angle θ2 are each, for example, greater than 0 degrees and less than or equal to 70 degrees. Figures 4 to 6 In the same manner, unless otherwise specified, the angle θ1 and the angle θ2 are, for example, greater than 0 degrees and less than or equal to 70 degrees. When the angle θ1 and the angle θ2 are each within the above range, the reduction in the characteristics (for example, gain or axial ratio) of the antenna element 200 when the first pendulum component 210a and the second pendulum component 210b are arranged parallel to each other can be sufficiently suppressed within an allowable range, and the length of the first pendulum 210 in the relative direction of the first pendulum component 210a and the second pendulum component 210b can be shortened.

[0095] Figure 4 Yes means Figure 3 Figure 1 of the first variant example.

[0096] The first vibrator member 210a and the second vibrator member 210b are inclined at different angles from a direction parallel to the mounting surface 122 of the base 100 toward the side where the mounting surface 122 of the base 100 is located. Figure 4 In the example shown, the first vibrator member 210 a is inclined at an angle θ1 parallel to the mounting surface 122 of the base 100 , which is larger than the angle θ2 parallel to the mounting surface 122 of the base 100 .

[0097] An angle θ1 at which the first vibrator member 210 a is inclined relative to the direction parallel to the mounting surface 122 of the base 100 may be smaller than an angle θ2 at which the second vibrator member 210 b is inclined relative to the direction parallel to the mounting surface 122 of the base 100 .

[0098] In this modified example as well, the length of the first pendulum 210 in the relative direction of the first pendulum component 210a and the second pendulum component 210b can be shortened compared to a case where one of the first pendulum component 210a and the second pendulum component 210b is not arranged obliquely with respect to the other of the first pendulum component 210a and the second pendulum component 210b, for example, a case where the first pendulum component 210a and the second pendulum component 210b are arranged parallel to the mounting surface 122 of the base 100. In addition, in this modified example as well, the length of the first pendulum 210 in the vehicle-mounted antenna device 10 ( Figure 1 or Figure 2 In this modification, by adjusting the angles at which the first and second oscillator components 210a and 210b are tilted relative to the direction parallel to the mounting surface 122 of the base 100, the radiation directivity of the antenna element 200 can be tilted from the upper direction to the desired direction.

[0099] Figure 5 Yes means Figure 3 Figure 2 of the second variant.

[0100] The first vibrator member 210a and the second vibrator member 210b are inclined from a direction parallel to the mounting surface 122 toward a side opposite to the side where the mounting surface 122 is located. Figure 5In the example shown, the angle θ1 at which the first vibrator member 210a is inclined relative to the direction parallel to the mounting surface 122 of the base 100 and the angle θ2 at which the second vibrator member 210b is inclined relative to the direction parallel to the mounting surface 122 of the base 100 are substantially equal. However, the angle θ1 at which the first vibrator member 210a is inclined relative to the direction parallel to the mounting surface 122 of the base 100 and the angle θ2 at which the second vibrator member 210b is inclined relative to the direction parallel to the mounting surface 122 of the base 100 may be different.

[0101] In this modification, the antenna element 200 can be shortened in comparison with the case where both the first pendulum member 210a and the second pendulum member 210b are arranged parallel to the mounting surface 122 of the base 100. Figure 1 or Figure 2 ) in the left-right direction.

[0102] Figure 6 Yes means Figure 3 Figure 3 of the third variant.

[0103] The first vibrator member 210a is arranged parallel to the mounting surface 122 of the base 100, while the second vibrator member 210b is inclined from a direction parallel to the mounting surface 122 of the base 100 toward the side where the mounting surface 122 of the base 100 is located. The first vibrator member 210a may be inclined from a direction parallel to the mounting surface 122 of the base 100 toward the side opposite to the side where the mounting surface 122 of the base 100 is located.

[0104] In this modification, as well, the distance between the antenna element 200 and the vehicle-mounted antenna device 10 ( Figure 1 or Figure 2 ) in the left-right direction.

[0105] Figure 7 This is a diagram for explaining details of a region between opposing portions of the first transducer 210 and the second transducer 220 . Figure 7 The figure shows a cross-sectional view of the first portion 214 a of the first oscillator 210 and the fifth portion 224 a of the second oscillator 220 in a direction perpendicular to the front-rear direction of the vehicle-mounted antenna device 10 .

[0106] The vehicle-mounted antenna device 10 includes an insulator 230. The insulator 230 is disposed between the first portion 214a of the first oscillator 210 and the fifth portion 224a of the second oscillator 220. The insulator 230 is, for example, a resin. The insulator 230 can suppress contact between the first portion 214a of the first oscillator 210 and the fifth portion 224a of the second oscillator 220. In addition, the insulator 230 also serves as a spacer for adjusting the width of the region (gap) between the first portion 214a of the first oscillator 210 and the fifth portion 224a of the second oscillator 220.

[0107] The insulator 230 is disposed not only between the first portion 214a of the first vibrator 210 and the fifth portion 224a of the second vibrator 220, but also between other opposing portions of the first vibrator 210 and the second vibrator 220, that is, between the second portion 214b of the first vibrator 210 and the seventh portion 224c of the second vibrator 220, between the third portion 214c of the first vibrator 210 and the sixth portion 224b of the second vibrator 220, and between the fourth portion 214d of the first vibrator 210 and the eighth portion 224d of the second vibrator 220. In addition, the insulator 230 may not be disposed in all of the four regions, but may be disposed in at least one of the four regions.

[0108] Figure 8 Yes means Figure 2 FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a first example of details of the circuit unit 300 shown in FIG.

[0109] The circuit portion 300 has a first-stage amplifier 312, a first bandpass filter (first BPF) 322, a second bandpass filter (second BPF) 324, two second-stage amplifiers 314 (a first second-stage amplifier 314a and a second second-stage amplifier 314b) and two attenuators 330 (a first attenuator 330a and a second attenuator 330b).

[0110] The first feeder 410 and the second feeder 420 are electrically connected to the circuit section 300 via a mixing circuit 430. The mixing circuit 430 gives a phase difference of 90 degrees to the signal sent to the first feeder 410 connected to the first oscillator 210 and the signal sent to the second feeder 420 connected to the second oscillator 220. In addition, the mixing circuit 430 combines the signal from the first feeder 410 and the signal from the second feeder 420. The mixing circuit 430 is provided on, for example, the lower surface (the surface on the negative direction side of the third direction Z) of the circuit section 300. In this example, the lower end (the end on the negative direction side of the third direction Z) of each of the first feeder 410 and the second feeder 420 is connected to the mixing circuit 430. In the present embodiment, the mixing circuit 430 exists in the circuit section 300. However, the mixing circuit 430 may also exist in a region different from the inside of the circuit section 300. In addition, the hybrid circuit 430 includes a low-pass filter section that gives a phase difference of, for example, -45 degrees to the signal and has a predetermined characteristic impedance (for example, 50Ω), and a high-pass filter section that gives a phase difference of +45 degrees to the signal and has a predetermined characteristic impedance (for example, 50Ω). By using these low-pass filter sections and high-pass filter sections, a phase difference of 90 degrees is given to the signal to the first feeder 410 and the signal to the second feeder 420. By using the hybrid circuit 430, the antenna element 200 can receive circularly polarized waves.

[0111] The circuit unit 300 functions as an LNA (Low Noise Amplifier). Specifically, first, the signal sent from the first feeder 410 and the second feeder 420 and synthesized by the mixing circuit 430 is amplified by the first stage amplifier 312. The signal amplified by the first stage amplifier 312 is sent to the first BPF 322 and the second BPF 324. The first BPF 322 allows signals of, for example, the L1 band and the L band to pass through. The second BPF 324 allows signals of, for example, the L5 band, the L2 band, and the L6 band to pass through. The signal extracted by the first BPF 322 is amplified by the first second stage amplifier 314a, and then sent to the first cable 510a via the first attenuator 330a. On the other hand, the signal passed from the second BPF 324 is amplified by the second second stage amplifier 314b, and then sent to the second cable 510b via the second attenuator 330b.

[0112] Fig. 9 Yes means Figure 2 2 is a block diagram showing a second example of the details of the circuit unit 300 shown in FIG. Fig. 9 The examples shown are identical to Figure 8 The example shown is the same. That is, in Fig. 9In the example shown, the signal transmitted from the first feeder 410 and the second feeder 420 and synthesized by the mixer 430 is transmitted to the first BPF 322 and the second BPF 324 connected in parallel. The signal passed through the first BPF 322 and the signal passed through the second BPF 324 are amplified by the first stage amplifier 312, further amplified by the second stage amplifier 314, and transmitted to the cable 510 via the attenuator 330.

[0113] Fig.10 Yes means Figure 2 1 is a block diagram of a third example of the details of the circuit unit 300 shown. Fig.10 The example shown is similar to the example shown in FIG. 1 except that the first BPF 322 and the second BPF 324 connected in parallel are arranged between the first stage amplifier 312 and the second stage amplifier 314. Fig. 9 The example shown is the same. That is, in Fig.10 In the example shown, the signal transmitted from the first feeder 410 and the second feeder 420 and synthesized by the mixer 430 is amplified by the first stage amplifier 312 and transmitted to the first BPF 322 and the second BPF 324. The signal passed through the first BPF 322 and the signal passed through the second BPF 324 are amplified by the second stage amplifier 314 and transmitted to the cable 510 via the attenuator 330.

[0114] Fig.11 Yes means Figure 2 1 is a block diagram of a fourth example of the details of the circuit unit 300 shown. Fig.11 The example shown is similar to the example shown in FIG. 1 except that the first stage amplifier 312 and the second stage amplifier 314 are arranged between the mixing circuit 430 and the first BPF 322 and the second BPF 324 connected in parallel. Fig. 9 The example shown is the same. That is, in Fig.11 In the example shown, the signal transmitted from the first feeder 410 and the second feeder 420 and synthesized by the mixer 430 is amplified by the first stage amplifier 312, further amplified by the second stage amplifier 314, and transmitted to the first BPF 322 and the second BPF 324. The signal passed through the first BPF 322 and the signal passed through the second BPF 324 are transmitted to the cable 510 via the attenuator 330.

[0115] Fig.12 Yes means Figure 2 1 is a block diagram of a fifth example of the details of the circuit unit 300 shown. Fig.12 The example shown has two amplifier stages ( Fig. 9 The first stage amplifier 312 and the second stage amplifier 314) become only one stage amplifier (amplifier 310) and no attenuator 330 is provided ( Fig. 9 ) Fig. 9The example shown is the same. That is, in Fig.12 In the example shown, the signals sent from the first feeder 410 and the second feeder 420 and combined by the mixer 430 are sent to the first BPF 322 and the second BPF 324. The signals passed through the first BPF 322 and the second BPF 324 are amplified by the amplifier 310 and sent to the cable 510.

[0116] Fig.13 Yes means Figure 2 1 is a block diagram of a sixth example of the details of the circuit unit 300 shown. Fig.13 The example shown is similar to the example shown in FIG. 1 except that the amplifier 310 is arranged between the mixing circuit 430 and the first BPF 322 and the second BPF 324 connected in parallel. Fig.12 The example shown is the same. That is, in Fig.13 In the example shown, the signals sent from the first feeder 410 and the second feeder 420 and combined by the mixer 430 are amplified by the amplifier 310 and sent to the first BPF 322 and the second BPF 324. The signals passing through the first BPF 322 and the second BPF 324 are directly sent to the cable 510.

[0117] Fig.14 Yes means Figure 2 1 is a block diagram of a seventh example of the details of the circuit unit 300 shown. Fig.14 In the example shown, except for replacing the first BPF 322 and the second BPF 324 ( Fig.10 ) and other aspects other than those configured with BPF320, Fig.10 The example shown is the same. That is, in Fig.14 In the example shown, the signal transmitted from the first feeder 410 and the second feeder 420 and synthesized by the mixer 430 is amplified by the first stage amplifier 312 and transmitted to the BPF 320. The BPF 320 passes, for example, signals of the L1 band and the L band, and signals of the L5 band, the L2 band, and the L6 band. The signal extracted by the BPF 320 is amplified by the second stage amplifier 314 and transmitted to the cable 510 via the attenuator 330.

[0118] exist Figures 8 to 13 In the example shown, the electrical path from the BPF (first BPF 322) for extracting the signals of the L1 band and the L band and the electrical path from the BPF (second BPF 324) for passing the signals of the L5 band, the L2 band, and the L6 band are branched from each other. Figures 9 to 13 In the example shown, the first BPF 322 and the second BPF 324 are connected in parallel. Figures 8 to 13 In the example shown, Fig.14As shown, compared with the case where signals of L1 band and L band, and signals of L5 band, L2 band and L6 band pass through a single BPF (BPF320), the gain and axial ratio in L1 band, L band, L5 band, L2 band and L6 band can be improved.

[0119] In addition, Figures 8 to 14 In the example shown, the circuit unit 300 includes an amplifier and a bandpass filter at the subsequent stage of the hybrid circuit 430 with respect to the antenna element 200. Therefore, the circuit unit 300 can function as an LNA.

[0120] Fig.15 FIG. 1 is a top view of a first stacked patch antenna 910 according to Comparative Example 1. FIG.

[0121] Fig.16 yes Fig.15 A side view of the first stacked patch antenna 910 is shown.

[0122] The first stacked patch antenna 910 includes a first patch antenna 912 and a second patch antenna 914. The second patch antenna 914 is stacked on the first patch antenna 912. The first patch antenna 912 and the second patch antenna 914 each have a substantially circular shape when viewed from above the first stacked patch antenna 910. The dimensions of the first stacked patch antenna 910 are a length L1 of 41 mm, a width W1 of 41 mm, and a height H1 of 13 mm.

[0123] Fig.17 FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a second stacked patch antenna 920 according to Comparative Example 2. FIG.

[0124] The second stacked patch antenna 920 includes a third patch antenna 922 and a fourth patch antenna 924. The fourth patch antenna 924 is stacked on the third patch antenna 922. The third patch antenna 922 and the fourth patch antenna 924 have a substantially square shape when viewed from above the second stacked patch antenna 920. The dimensions of the first stacked patch antenna 910 are a length L2 of 80 mm, a width W2 of 80 mm, and a height H2 of 7.45 mm.

[0125] Fig.18 The antenna element 200 ( Figure 2 ) is a graph of the frequency characteristics of gain and axial ratio at 1100MHz to 1700MHz. Fig.19 The first stacked patch antenna 910 ( Fig.15 and Fig.16 ) is a graph of the frequency characteristics of gain and axial ratio at 1100MHz to 1700MHz. Fig. 20 The second stacked patch antenna 920 ( Fig.17 ) is a graph of the frequency characteristics of gain and axial ratio at 1100MHz to 1700MHz.

[0126] exist Figures 18 to 20 In the graph, the horizontal axis shows the frequency. The vertical axis on the left side of the graph shows the gain (dBic), and the solid line in the graph shows the frequency characteristics of the gain. The vertical axis on the right side of the graph shows the axial ratio (dB), and the dotted line in the graph shows the frequency characteristics of the axial ratio. In the graph, the area between the thick vertical line at a frequency of approximately 1165MHz and the thick vertical line at a frequency of approximately 1285MHz is the L5 band, the L2 band, and the L6 band. In the graph, the area between the thick vertical line at a frequency of approximately 1525MHz and the thick vertical line at a frequency of approximately 1610MHz is the L1 band and the L band.

[0127] The dimensions of the antenna element 200 of the embodiment are: length 70 mm ( Figure 2 The first direction X), width is 35mm ( Figure 2 The second direction Y), height is 42mm ( Figure 2 That is, when viewed from the height direction (third direction Z) of the antenna element 200, the space required for installing the antenna element 200 can be estimated to be 2450 mm. 2 The area of ​​the rectangle is 70 mm (first direction X) × 35 mm (second direction Y) . In contrast, according to the above description, when observing from the height direction of the first stacked patch antenna 910 of comparison method 1, the space required for setting the first stacked patch antenna 910 can be estimated to be 1681 mm 2 When the second stacked patch antenna 920 of Comparative Example 2 is viewed from the height direction, the space required for installing the second stacked patch antenna 920 can be estimated to be 6400 mm. 2 The area of ​​the rectangle is (80mm×80mm).

[0128] According to the frequency characteristics of the first stacked patch antenna 910 of Comparative Example 1 ( Fig.19 ) and the frequency characteristics of the second stacked patch antenna 920 of comparison method 2 ( Fig. 20 ) comparison, in order to obtain sufficient performance in both gain and axial ratio in the stacked patch antenna in the L1 band, L band, L5 band, L2 band and L6 band (gain is 2.0dBic or more, axial ratio is 4.0dB or less), it can be said that at least 6400mm is required when viewed from the height direction of the stacked patch antenna. 2 A rectangular space with an area of ​​(a space required for installing the second stacked patch antenna 920 of the comparison method 2). On the other hand, according to the frequency characteristics of the embodiment ( Fig.15 ), in the antenna element 200 of the embodiment, when viewed from the height direction of the linear element 200, through 2450mm 2 In a rectangular space with an area of ​​, sufficient performance in both gain and axial ratio in the L1 band, L band, L5 band, L2 band, and L6 band (gain is 2.0 dBic or more, axial ratio is 4.0 dB or less) can be obtained. It can be seen from this that in the antenna element 200 of the embodiment, it can be said that in a space smaller than that of the stacked patch antenna, sufficient performance in both gain and axial ratio in the L1 band, L band, L5 band, L2 band, and L6 band (gain is 2.0 dBic or more, axial ratio is 4.0 dB or less) can be obtained.

[0129] As mentioned above, although embodiment and modification of this invention were demonstrated referring drawings, these are illustrations of this invention, and various structures other than what was described above can also be adopted.

[0130] In the present embodiment, the first and second oscillators 210 and 220 of the antenna element 200 are physically supported on the mounting surface 122 of the base 100 via the first and second feeder wires 410 and 420. However, the first and second oscillators 210 and 220 of the antenna element 200 may be physically supported on the mounting surface 122 of the base 100 via an insulating block such as a resin block.

[0131] In the present embodiment, the first and second elements 210 and 220 of the antenna element 200 are formed of sheet metal. However, the first and second elements 210 and 220 of the antenna element 200 may be formed of conductive patterns patterned on an insulating block such as a resin block.

[0132] In this embodiment, the vehicle-mounted antenna device 10 includes a base 100, an antenna element 200, a circuit unit 300, a first feeder 410, and a second feeder 420. However, it may include one or more other antenna elements, for example, an antenna element for LTE (Long Term Evolution), an antenna element for V2X (Vehicle-to-Everything), etc.

[0133] In the present embodiment, the first feeding line 410 and the second feeding line 420 are coaxial lines, but may be microstrip lines provided on a substrate.

[0134] According to the present description, the following scheme is provided.

[0135] (Solution 1)

[0136] Solution 1 is a vehicle-mounted antenna device, comprising an antenna element, the antenna element being capable of operating in at least two frequency bands including L1 band, L band, L5 band, L2 band, and L6 band, and receiving circularly polarized waves.

[0137] The antenna element has:

[0138] a first vibrator including a first power feeding section and a first vibrator component and a second vibrator component disposed with the first power feeding section interposed therebetween; and

[0139] a second vibrator including a second power feeding section and a third vibrator component and a fourth vibrator component arranged with the second power feeding section interposed therebetween;

[0140] At least a portion of the first vibrator is opposed to at least a portion of the second vibrator.

[0141] One of the first vibrator member and the second vibrator member is arranged at an angle with respect to the other of the first vibrator member and the second vibrator member.

[0142] According to the first embodiment, the length of the first vibrator in the relative direction of the first vibrator component and the second vibrator component can be shortened compared to the case where one of the first vibrator component and the second vibrator component is arranged without an angle relative to the other of the first vibrator component and the second vibrator component. In addition, according to the first embodiment, a part of the first vibrator is opposite to a part of the second vibrator. Therefore, the band that the antenna vibrator can cope with can be expanded. Therefore, the vehicle-mounted antenna device that copes with a wide range of bands in the multi-band including the L1 band, the L band, the L5 band, the L2 band, and the L6 band can be miniaturized.

[0143] (Solution 2)

[0144] Solution 2 In the vehicle-mounted antenna device described in Solution 1,

[0145] The first vibrator component comprises a first portion and a second portion.

[0146] The second vibrator member comprises a third portion and a fourth portion.

[0147] The third vibrator component comprises a fifth portion and a sixth portion.

[0148] The fourth vibrator component comprises a seventh portion and an eighth portion.

[0149] The first portion of the first vibrator member is opposed to the fifth portion of the third vibrator member.

[0150] The second portion of the first vibrator member is opposed to the seventh portion of the fourth vibrator member.

[0151] The third portion of the second vibrator member is opposite to the sixth portion of the third vibrator member.

[0152] The fourth portion of the second vibrator member faces the eighth portion of the fourth vibrator member.

[0153] According to the second aspect, since the respective parts of the first pendulum member face the respective parts of the second pendulum member, the band that the antenna element can handle can be expanded to a relatively low frequency band side.

[0154] (Solution 3)

[0155] Solution 3 In the vehicle-mounted antenna device described in Solution 2,

[0156] The first vibrator and the second vibrator have substantially the same shape.

[0157] The fifth portion, the sixth portion, the seventh portion, and the eighth portion are each arranged in a state of being rotated by approximately 90 degrees with respect to the third portion, the fourth portion, the first portion, and the second portion.

[0158] According to Scheme 3, the direction of the polarized wave of the first oscillator is orthogonal to the direction of the polarized wave of the second oscillator. Specifically, since the first oscillator and the second oscillator have substantially the same shape, there is almost no difference in amplitude and phase between the linearly polarized wave of the first oscillator and the linearly polarized wave of the second oscillator, which are orthogonal to each other, and the antenna oscillator receives the circularly polarized wave.

[0159] (Solution 4)

[0160] Aspect 4 is the vehicle-mounted antenna device according to any one of aspects 1 to 3,

[0161] The first and second diverter members of the first diverter and the third and fourth diverter members of the second diverter each have a portion that operates as a self-similar antenna or an antenna that is a standard thereof.

[0162] According to scheme 4, the antenna element works as, for example, a tapered slot antenna in a relatively high frequency band, and works as, for example, a loop antenna in a relatively low frequency band. In addition, in a specific frequency band in the middle of the relatively high frequency band and the relatively low frequency band, the antenna element works as a dipole antenna. In addition, in the frequency bands between the relatively high frequency band, the relatively low frequency band, and the middle frequency band, the antenna element works as a composite antenna in a state where the working principles of these antennas are combined. Therefore, even though it is a single antenna element, it can work stably over a wide frequency range.

[0163] (Scheme 5)

[0164] Aspect 5 is the vehicle-mounted antenna device according to any one of aspects 1 to 4,

[0165] The first vibrator member, the second vibrator member, the third vibrator member, and the fourth vibrator member each have an opening.

[0166] The first vibrator member and the second vibrator member are arranged so that the opening of the first vibrator member and the opening of the second vibrator member face opposite sides to each other.

[0167] The third vibrator member and the fourth vibrator member are arranged such that the opening of the third vibrator member and the opening of the fourth vibrator member face opposite sides to each other.

[0168] According to the fifth aspect, when the first, second, third and fourth element members each have a portion that operates as a self-similar antenna or an antenna equivalent thereto, the antenna elements can operate stably over a wide frequency range.

[0169] (Scheme 6)

[0170] Aspect 6 is the vehicle-mounted antenna device according to any one of aspects 1 to 5,

[0171] Each of the first vibrator member, the second vibrator member, the third vibrator member, and the fourth vibrator member is formed in any one of a substantially C-shape, a substantially U-shape, a substantially V-shape, and a substantially n-shape.

[0172] According to the sixth aspect, since the shapes of the first, second, third and fourth element members correspond to shapes that operate as self-similar antennas or antennas based thereon, the antenna elements can operate stably over a wide frequency range.

[0173] (Scheme 7)

[0174] Aspect 7 is the vehicle-mounted antenna device according to any one of aspects 1 to 6,

[0175] An insulator is provided at at least one location between the first vibrator and the second vibrator.

[0176] According to claim 7, the insulator can suppress contact between the facing portions of the first and second vibrators. In addition, the insulator also serves as a spacer for adjusting the width of the region (gap) between the facing portions of the first and second vibrators.

[0177] (Scheme 8)

[0178] Aspect 8 is the vehicle-mounted antenna device according to any one of aspects 1 to 7,

[0179] A mounting surface for mounting the antenna element is provided,

[0180] At least one of the first vibrator member and the second vibrator member is inclined from a direction parallel to the mounting surface toward a side where the mounting surface is located or a side opposite to the side where the mounting surface is located.

[0181] According to the eighth aspect, one of the first vibrator member and the second vibrator member can be arranged at an angle with respect to the other of the first vibrator member and the second vibrator member.

[0182] (Scheme 9)

[0183] Solution 9 In the vehicle-mounted antenna device described in Solution 8,

[0184] The first vibrator member and the second vibrator member are inclined at substantially the same angle from a direction parallel to the mounting surface toward a side where the mounting surface is located or a side opposite to the side where the mounting surface is located.

[0185] According to the ninth aspect, compared with a case where the first pendulum member is tilted at a different angle from the second pendulum member in a direction parallel to the mounting surface, the upward radiation directivity of the antenna element can be increased.

[0186] (Scheme 10)

[0187] Scheme 10 In the vehicle-mounted antenna device described in Scheme 8,

[0188] The first vibrator member and the second vibrator member are inclined at different angles from a direction parallel to the mounting surface toward a side where the mounting surface is located or a side opposite to the side where the mounting surface is located.

[0189] According to the tenth aspect, by adjusting the angle at which the first and second pendulum members are tilted relative to the direction parallel to the mounting surface, the radiation directivity of the antenna element can be tilted from the upward direction toward a desired direction.

[0190] (Scheme 11)

[0191] Scheme 11 In the vehicle-mounted antenna device described in Scheme 9 or 10,

[0192] The first vibrator member and the second vibrator member are inclined at an angle greater than 0 degrees and less than or equal to 70 degrees with respect to a direction parallel to the mounting surface.

[0193] According to Scheme 11, the reduction in the characteristics of the antenna vibrator (for example, gain or axial ratio) relative to the case where the first vibrator component and the second vibrator component are arranged parallel to each other can be fully suppressed within an allowable range, and the length of the first vibrator in the relative direction of the first vibrator component and the second vibrator component can be shortened.

[0194] (Scheme 12)

[0195] Aspect 12 is the vehicle-mounted antenna device according to any one of aspects 1 to 11,

[0196] The antenna element is arranged on a ground plate.

[0197] According to the twelfth aspect, the antenna element can function more effectively as a GNSS antenna compared to a case where the antenna element is not disposed on the ground plate.

[0198] (Scheme 13)

[0199] Aspect 13 is the vehicle-mounted antenna device according to any one of aspects 1 to 12,

[0200] The device further includes a mixing circuit configured to provide a phase difference of 90 degrees between a signal transmitted to the first transducer and a signal transmitted to the second transducer.

[0201] According to Scheme 13, the antenna element is capable of receiving circularly polarized waves through the hybrid circuit.

[0202] (Scheme 14)

[0203] Scheme 14 In the vehicle-mounted antenna device described in Scheme 13,

[0204] The antenna element further includes a circuit section at the rear stage of the hybrid circuit.

[0205] The circuit unit includes an amplifier and a bandpass filter.

[0206] According to claim 14, the circuit unit functions as an LNA.

[0207] This application claims priority based on Japanese patent application No. 2020-011871, filed on January 28, 2020, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0208] Description of Reference Numerals

[0209] 10 Vehicle-mounted antenna device

[0210] 100 Base

[0211] 110 1st base part

[0212] 120 2nd base part

[0213] 122 Mounting surface

[0214] 200 Antenna element

[0215] 210 1st Vibrator

[0216] 210a First vibrator component

[0217] 210b Second vibrator component

[0218] 212a1st arm

[0219] 212b Second arm

[0220] 212c Third arm

[0221] 212d 4th arm

[0222] 214a Part 1

[0223] 214b Part 2

[0224] 214c Part 3

[0225] 214d Part 4

[0226] 220 Second Vibrator

[0227] 220a The third vibrator component

[0228] 220b Fourth vibrator component

[0229] 222a5th arm

[0230] 222b6th arm

[0231] 222c7th arm

[0232] 222d 8th arm

[0233] 224a Part 5

[0234] 224b Part 6

[0235] 224c Part 7

[0236] 224d Part 8

[0237] 230 Insulator

[0238] 300 Circuit Department

[0239] 310 Amplifier

[0240] 312 Section 1 Amplifier

[0241] 314 Section 2 Amplifier

[0242] 314a 1st 2nd stage amplifier

[0243] 314b Second Section 2 Amplifier

[0244] 320BPF

[0245] 322nd 1BPF

[0246] 324th 2BPF

[0247] 330 Attenuator

[0248] 330a 1st attenuator

[0249] 330b 2nd attenuator

[0250] 410 No.1 Feeder

[0251] 420 No. 2 Feeder

[0252] 430 Hybrid Circuit

[0253] 500 hood

[0254] 510 Cable

[0255] 510a 1st cable

[0256] 510b 2nd cable

[0257] 600 ground plate

[0258] 910 1st layer stacked patch antenna

[0259] 912 No.1 Patch Antenna

[0260] 914 2nd patch antenna

[0261] 920 2nd layer stacked patch antenna

[0262] 922 3rd Patch Antenna

[0263] 924 4th Patch Antenna

[0264] X 1st direction

[0265] Y 2nd direction

[0266] Z 3rd direction.

Claims

1. A vehicle-mounted antenna device, characterized in that: The invention comprises an antenna element, which can operate in at least two frequency bands including L1 band, L band, L5 band, L2 band and L6 band, and receive circularly polarized waves. The antenna element has: a first vibrator including a first power feeding section and a first vibrator component and a second vibrator component disposed with the first power feeding section interposed therebetween; and a second vibrator including a second power feeding section and a third vibrator component and a fourth vibrator component arranged across the second power feeding section, At least a portion of the first vibrator faces at least a portion of the second vibrator. One of the first vibrator member and the second vibrator member is arranged at an angle with respect to the other of the first vibrator member and the second vibrator member. The first vibrator component includes a first portion and a second portion. The second vibrator component includes a third portion and a fourth portion. The third vibrator component comprises a fifth portion and a sixth portion. The fourth vibrator component has a seventh portion and an eighth portion, The first portion of the first vibrator member faces the fifth portion of the third vibrator member, The second portion of the first vibrator member faces the seventh portion of the fourth vibrator member, The third portion of the second vibrator member faces the sixth portion of the third vibrator member, The fourth portion of the second vibrator member faces the eighth portion of the fourth vibrator member.

2. The vehicle-mounted antenna device according to claim 1, wherein: The first vibrator and the second vibrator have substantially the same shape. The fifth portion, the sixth portion, the seventh portion, and the eighth portion are each arranged in a state of being rotated by approximately 90 degrees with respect to the third portion, the fourth portion, the first portion, and the second portion.

3. The vehicle-mounted antenna device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The first pendulum member and the second pendulum member of the first pendulum, and the third pendulum member and the fourth pendulum member of the second pendulum each have a portion that operates as a self-similar antenna or an antenna similar to the self-similar antenna.

4. The vehicle-mounted antenna device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The first vibrator component, the second vibrator component, the third vibrator component, and the fourth vibrator component each have an opening. The first vibrator member and the second vibrator member are arranged so that the opening of the first vibrator member and the opening of the second vibrator member face opposite sides to each other. The third pendulum member and the fourth pendulum member are arranged such that the opening of the third pendulum member and the opening of the fourth pendulum member face opposite sides to each other.

5. The vehicle-mounted antenna device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The first vibrator member, the second vibrator member, the third vibrator member, and the fourth vibrator member are each formed in any one of a substantially C-shape, a substantially U-shape, a substantially V-shape, and a substantially n-shape.

6. The vehicle-mounted antenna device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: An insulator is provided at at least one location between the first vibrator and the second vibrator.

7. The vehicle-mounted antenna device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: A mounting surface is provided for mounting the antenna element. At least one of the first vibrator member and the second vibrator member is inclined from a direction parallel to the mounting surface toward a side where the mounting surface is located or a side opposite to the side where the mounting surface is located.

8. The vehicle-mounted antenna device according to claim 7, characterized in that: The first vibrator member and the second vibrator member are inclined at substantially equal angles from a direction parallel to the mounting surface toward a side where the mounting surface is located or a side opposite to a side where the mounting surface is located.

9. The vehicle-mounted antenna device according to claim 7, characterized in that: The first vibrator member and the second vibrator member are inclined at different angles from a direction parallel to the mounting surface toward a side where the mounting surface is located or a side opposite to the side where the mounting surface is located.

10. The vehicle-mounted antenna device according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that: The first vibrator member and the second vibrator member are inclined at an angle greater than 0 degrees and less than or equal to 70 degrees with respect to a direction parallel to the mounting surface.

11. The vehicle-mounted antenna device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The antenna element is arranged on a ground plate.

12. The vehicle-mounted antenna device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The device further includes a mixing circuit configured to provide a phase difference of 90 degrees between a signal transmitted to the first transducer and a signal transmitted to the second transducer.

13. The vehicle-mounted antenna device according to claim 12, wherein: The antenna element further includes a circuit unit at the rear stage of the hybrid circuit. The circuit unit includes an amplifier and a bandpass filter.

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