antenna

Abstract

Miniaturization and wide-angle of directivity of an antenna. An antenna has a first conductor plate and a second conductor plate arranged apart by a space inside the first conductor plate, the first conductor plate including a first U-shaped portion formed in a U shape by a first side portion, a second side portion facing the first side portion, and a first front portion connected between the first side portion and the second side portion, the second conductor plate including a second U-shaped portion formed in a U shape by a third side portion, a fourth side portion facing the third side portion, and a second front portion connected between the third side portion and the fourth side portion, the second front portion facing the first front portion, the first front portion having a slit dividing at least a portion of the first front portion into a first surface portion and a second surface portion, the first surface portion having a first power feeding point, and the second surface portion having a second power feeding point.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to antennas. Background Technology

[0002] In recent years, there has been a trend of service expansion utilizing high-speed / high-capacity wireless communication systems using microwave and millimeter wave frequency bands, such as the shift from 4G LTE to 5G (sub-6G). The frequency bands used are expanding from the 3GHz band to the 5-6GHz band. Furthermore, V2X (Vehicle to Everything) communication, including vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication and road-to-everything (Road-to-Everything) communication, is being used in various applications, such as narrowband communication in European ETC (Electronic Toll Collection System) systems using the 5.9GHz frequency band.

[0003] Antennas used for V2X communication sometimes require directivity from the vehicle's direction of travel to the vehicle's width direction (a direction ±90° relative to the direction of travel). As an antenna that meets such requirements, a vehicle antenna is known, comprising: a radiating plate facing the vehicle's direction of travel; and two elements separately arranged on both sides of the radiating plate in the vehicle's width direction (for example, see Patent Document 1).

[0004] Existing technical documents

[0005] Patent documents

[0006] Patent Document 1: International Publication No. 2019 / 208453 Summary of the Invention

[0007] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0008] In recent years, there has been a demand for further miniaturization of antennas with relatively wide-angle directivity as described above.

[0009] This disclosure provides an antenna that enables miniaturization and wide-angle directivity.

[0010] Technical solutions for solving the problem

[0011] In one aspect of this disclosure, an antenna is provided.

[0012] It includes a first conductor plate and a second conductor plate, wherein the second conductor plate is disposed at a distance from the inner side of the first conductor plate.

[0013] The first conductor plate includes a first U-shaped portion, which is formed into a U-shape by a first side portion, a second side portion opposite to the first side portion, and a first front portion connecting the first side portion and the second side portion.

[0014] The second conductor plate includes a second U-shaped portion, which is formed into a U-shape by a third side surface portion, a fourth side surface portion opposite to the third side surface portion, and a second front surface portion connecting the third side surface portion and the fourth side surface portion.

[0015] The second front face faces the first front face.

[0016] The first front face portion has a slit that divides at least a portion of the first front face portion into a first surface portion and a second surface portion.

[0017] The first surface portion has a first power supply point.

[0018] The second surface portion has a second power supply point.

[0019] Invention Effects

[0020] According to the antenna disclosed herein, miniaturization and wide-angle directivity can be achieved on both sides. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing an example of the antenna structure in the first embodiment.

[0022] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view on the ZX plane of an example of the antenna structure in the first embodiment.

[0023] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view on the ZX plane of a first modified example of the antenna in the first embodiment.

[0024] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view on the ZX plane of a second variation of the antenna in the first embodiment.

[0025] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view on the ZX plane of a third variation of the antenna in the first embodiment.

[0026] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view on the ZX plane of a third variation of the antenna in the first embodiment.

[0027] Figure 7 This is a perspective view showing an example of the antenna structure in the second embodiment.

[0028] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view of an example of the antenna structure in the second embodiment.

[0029] Figure 9 This is a perspective view showing an example of the antenna structure in the third embodiment.

[0030] Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional view of an example of the antenna structure in the third embodiment.

[0031] Figure 11 This is a perspective view showing an example of the antenna structure in the fourth embodiment.

[0032] Figure 12 This is a cross-sectional view of an example of the antenna structure in the fourth embodiment.

[0033] Figure 13 This is a perspective view showing an example of the antenna structure in the fifth embodiment.

[0034] Figure 14 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the antenna being mounted on a vehicle in each embodiment.

[0035] Figure 15 This is a three-dimensional diagram showing an example of the structure of an antenna in a comparison mode.

[0036] Figure 16 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the simulation results of the antenna's directivity in a comparison method.

[0037] Figure 17 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the simulation results of the antenna's directivity in the first embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0038] Hereinafter, the various embodiments involved in this disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Additionally, for ease of understanding, the scales of various parts in the drawings may sometimes differ from the actual scale. Shifts in directions such as parallel, right angle, orthogonal, horizontal, vertical, up / down, and left / right are permitted to a degree that does not impair the effectiveness of the embodiments. The shape of the corners is not limited to right angles and may also be arc-shaped with rounded corners. The X-axis direction, Y-axis direction, and Z-axis direction represent directions parallel to the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis, respectively. The X-axis direction, Y-axis direction, and Z-axis direction are orthogonal to each other. The XY plane, YZ plane, and ZX plane represent imaginary planes parallel to the X-axis and Y-axis directions, imaginary planes parallel to the Y-axis and Z-axis directions, and imaginary planes parallel to the Z-axis and X-axis directions, respectively.

[0039] The antennas of the various embodiments disclosed herein can be applied to, for example, V2X communication systems, 5G mobile communication systems, and vehicle radar systems, but are not limited to these systems. An example of a V2X communication system is the ETC system. The antennas of the various embodiments disclosed herein are suitable for use in frequency bands below 6 GHz (sub6) used in 5G, for example, suitable for transmitting and receiving radio waves in the 5.8 GHz or 5.9 GHz band (one or both of the transmitter and receiver). However, the antennas of the various embodiments disclosed herein are not limited to the frequency bands used in 5G (above 3.3 GHz), and can also be used in 4G LTE, millimeter-wave bands (30 GHz to 300 GHz), and microwaves.

[0040] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing an example of the antenna structure in the first embodiment. Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view on the ZX plane of an example of the antenna structure in the first embodiment. Figure 1 , 2 The antenna 101 shown includes an outer conductor plate 10 and an inner conductor plate 20. The conductor plate is not limited to a conductive plate-like member, but can also be a conductive film-like member. Furthermore, Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of an antenna whose ends (slot ends 31, 32) in the X-axis direction, which is equivalent to the length direction of slot 30, do not extend to end edges 17, 18. Additionally, in Figure 1 , Figure 2 Alternatively, a dielectric substrate (not shown) may be separately disposed and fixed on the outer side of the front portion 13 (the side opposite to the front portion 23 described later). Examples of such a dielectric substrate include a PCB (Printed Circuit Board) substrate containing epoxy resin. Particularly when a PCB substrate is provided on the outer side of the front portion 13, it is preferable that the front portion 13, formed of conductors, is planar along the XY plane, and the front portion 13 can be formed on either the first main surface or the second main surface (the side opposite to the first main surface) of the PCB substrate.

[0041] The outer conductor plate 10 is an example of the first conductor plate, and is disposed outside the inner conductor plate 20 at intervals. The outer conductor plate 10 has an external shape including a U-shaped portion. Figure 1 In the example shown, a U-shaped portion 14 is included. The outer conductor plate 10 can be any shape including the U-shaped portion, but it can also be an H-shaped or other shapes. The U-shaped portion 14 is an example of a first U-shaped portion, and it is arranged at intervals outside the U-shaped portion 24 of the inner conductor plate 20. Figure 1In the example shown, the U-shaped portion 14 has a three-dimensional U-shaped opening on both sides in the Y-axis direction and on the negative side in the Z-axis direction. In particular, the slit 30, which has a narrower opening area compared to the negative side opening in the Z-axis direction, is formed in a manner that opens on the positive side in the Z-axis direction.

[0042] exist Figure 1 In the example shown, the U-shaped portion 14 is a conductive portion formed in a U-shape by a side portion 11, a side portion 12 facing the side portion 11 in the X-axis direction, and a front portion 13 connecting the side portions 11 and 12. The side portions 11, 12, and 13 are all conductive plate-like or film-like portions. The side portion 11 is an example of a first side portion. The side portion 12 is an example of a second side portion. The front portion 13 is an example of a first front portion.

[0043] The inner conductor plate 20 is an example of a second conductor plate, and is disposed at a distance from the inner side of the outer conductor plate 10. The inner conductor plate 20 has an external shape including a U-shaped portion. Figure 1 In the example shown, a U-shaped portion 24 is included. The outer shape of the inner conductor plate 20 can be any shape including the U-shaped portion, but it can also be an H-shaped or other shapes. The U-shaped portion 24 is an example of a second U-shaped portion, and it is arranged at intervals inside the U-shaped portion 14 of the outer conductor plate 10. Figure 1 In the example shown, the U-shaped portion 24 has a three-dimensional U-shape with openings on both sides in the Y-axis direction and on the negative side in the Z-axis direction. Furthermore, in Figure 1 In the example shown, the term "inner side" means the negative side in the Z-axis direction.

[0044] exist Figure 1 In the example shown, the U-shaped portion 24 is a conductive portion formed in a U-shape by a side portion 21, a side portion 22 facing the side portion 21 in the X-axis direction, and a front portion 23 connecting the side portions 21 and 22. The front portion 23 faces the front portion 13 in the Z-axis direction. The side portions 21, 22, and 23 are all conductive plate-like or film-like portions. The side portion 21 is an example of a third side portion. The side portion 22 is an example of a fourth side portion. The front portion 23 is an example of a second front portion.

[0045] The front portion 13 has a slit 30 that divides at least a portion of the front portion 13 into a surface portion 15 and a surface portion 16. The slit 30 is an opening located at a position corresponding to the bottom of the U-shape of the U-shaped portion 14. The surface portion 15 is an example of a first surface portion. Figure 1 In the example shown, the conductive portion is located on the positive side of the gap 30 in the Y-axis direction. Surface portion 16 is an example of a second surface portion. Figure 1In the example shown, the conductive portion is located on the negative side of the Y-axis direction of the gap 30. Surface portion 15 has a power supply point 41, and surface portion 16 has a power supply point 42.

[0046] A pair of power supply points 41 and 42 are connected to power supply lines such as coaxial cables and planar waveguides (in... Figure 1 (Not shown in the diagram, details will be described later) The electrical connection points are as follows: Power supply point 41 is an example of a first power supply point, for example, electrically connected to the grounding part of the power supply line. Power supply point 42 is an example of a second power supply point, for example, electrically connected to the signal line of the power supply line. Alternatively, power supply point 41 may also be electrically connected to the signal line of the power supply line; in this case, power supply point 42 is electrically connected to the grounding part of the power supply line.

[0047] The antenna 101 has a structure in which the outer conductor plate 10 functions as a radiator for radiating radio waves, and the inner conductor plate 20 functions as a reflector for reflecting radio waves radiated from the outer conductor plate 10. Since the inner conductor plate 20, which functions as a reflector, is located inside the outer conductor plate 10, which functions as a radiator, the antenna 101 can be miniaturized compared to antennas (not shown) where a reflector or waveguide is located outside the radiator. Furthermore, by extending from both sides of the front portion 13, where the slit 30 is provided, a pair of side portions 11 and 12 can be used to widen the angle of the radio waves (beam) radiated from the outer conductor plate 10.

[0048] If the shape of the U-shaped portion 14 of the outer conductor plate 10 is symmetrical about the YZ plane, it is advantageous in terms of widening the directivity of the antenna 101 and stabilizing the antenna gain within the wide-angle range. If the shape of the U-shaped portion 24 of the inner conductor plate 20 is symmetrical about the YZ plane, it is advantageous in terms of widening the directivity of the antenna 101 and stabilizing the antenna gain within the wide-angle range. Figure 1 The overall shape formed by combining the U-shaped portions 14 and 24 at intervals, as illustrated, is symmetrical about the YZ plane. This is more advantageous in terms of widening the directivity of the antenna 101 and stabilizing the antenna gain over the wide-angle range. If the U-shaped portions 14 and 24 are similar, this is also advantageous in terms of widening the directivity of the antenna 101 and stabilizing the antenna gain over the wide-angle range.

[0049] The end edge 17, which serves as the boundary between the front portion 13 and the side portion 11, is an example of the first edge between the first front portion and the first side portion. Figure 1 In the example shown, the side portion 11 is bent at end edge 17 relative to the front portion 13. End edge 18, which forms the boundary between the front portion 13 and the side portion 12, is an example of a second edge between the first front portion and the second side portion. Figure 1In the example shown, the side portion 12 is bent at the end edge 18 relative to the front portion 13.

[0050] End edge 27, which serves as the boundary between the front portion 23 and the side portion 21, is an example of the third edge between the second front portion and the third side portion. Figure 1 In the example shown, the side portion 21 bends at end edge 27 relative to the front portion 23. End edge 28, which forms the boundary between the front portion 23 and the side portion 22, is an example of the fourth edge between the second front portion and the fourth side portion. Figure 1 In the example shown, the side portion 22 is bent at the end edge 28 relative to the front portion 23.

[0051] End edges 17 and 18 may each include at least one line segment. This allows for a wider-angle directivity of the antenna 101. Figure 1 In the example shown, end edge 17 is a line segment extending from the upper edge 10a of the outer conductor plate 10 to the lower edge 10b of the outer conductor plate 10, and end edge 18 is a line segment extending from the upper edge 10a of the outer conductor plate 10 to the lower edge 10b of the outer conductor plate 10. End edges 17 and 18 may also comprise multiple line segments by bending at one or more locations, or may be composed solely of curves.

[0052] exist Figure 1 In the example shown, the line segment of end edge 17 is approximately parallel to the line segment of end edge 18. This allows for a wider directivity angle of the antenna 101. Alternatively, the line segment of end edge 17 may not be approximately parallel to the line segment of end edge 18. For example, if the front portion 13 of the outer conductor plate 10 is trapezoidal when viewed from the front (a trapezoid with the upper edge 10a and the lower edge 10b parallel), a wider directivity angle of the antenna 101 can still be achieved.

[0053] exist Figure 1 In the example shown, the slot 30 extends in a direction intersecting both end edges 17 and 18. Therefore, in the transmission and reception of radio waves having a polarization plane perpendicular to the extension direction (length direction) of the slot 30, the antenna gain of antenna 101 is further improved. Figure 1 As shown, if the slot 30 extends in a direction that is approximately orthogonal to both end edges 17 and 18, the antenna gain is further improved.

[0054] exist Figure 1In the example shown, the front portion 13 is approximately orthogonal to both the side portions 11 and 12. Therefore, the directivity of the antenna 101 can be widened in a plane (in this example, the ZX plane) that is approximately orthogonal to all three sides (the front portion 13, side portions 11, and side portions 12). Furthermore, even if the front portion 13 is only approximately orthogonal to one of the side portions 11 and 12, a wide-angle directivity of the antenna 101 can still be achieved. Alternatively, a wide-angle directivity of the antenna 101 can be achieved even if the front portion 13 is not approximately orthogonal to either side portion 11 or 12.

[0055] exist Figure 1 In the example shown, the front portion 23 is approximately parallel to the front portion 13. This makes it easier to design the directional pattern of the antenna 101. Furthermore, even if the front portion 23 is not approximately parallel to the front portion 13, a wide-angle directional pattern of the antenna 101 can still be achieved.

[0056] exist Figure 1 In the example shown, the front portion 23 is approximately orthogonal to both the side portions 21 and 22. Therefore, the directivity of the antenna 101 can be widened in a plane (in this example, the ZX plane) that is approximately orthogonal to all three sides (the front portion 23, side portions 21, and side portions 22). Furthermore, even if the front portion 23 is only approximately orthogonal to one of the side portions 21 and 22, a wide-angle directivity of the antenna 101 can still be achieved. Alternatively, a wide-angle directivity of the antenna 101 can be achieved even if the front portion 23 is not approximately orthogonal to either side portion 21 or 22.

[0057] exist Figure 1 In the example shown, side portion 11 is approximately parallel to side portion 21 facing side portion 11, and side portion 12 is approximately parallel to side portion 22 facing side portion 12. This simplifies the design of the directional pattern of antenna 101. Furthermore, even if side portion 11 is not approximately parallel to side portion 21, a wide-angle directional pattern of antenna 101 can be achieved; similarly, even if side portion 12 is not approximately parallel to side portion 22, a wide-angle directional pattern of antenna 101 can still be achieved.

[0058] exist Figure 1In this design, the size of the outer conductor plate 10, which is approximately orthogonal to the length direction of the slot 30, is defined as L1, and the size of the inner conductor plate 20, which is also approximately orthogonal to the length direction of the slot 30, is defined as L2. Ideally, L2 should be at least 0.75 times and less than 1.5 times L1. If it is at least 0.9 times and less than 1.25 times L1, miniaturization of the antenna 101 and wide-angle directivity can be easily achieved, which is preferable. If L2 is less than 0.75 times L1, the surface area of ​​the inner conductor plate 20 reflecting the electromagnetic waves radiated from the outer conductor plate 10 becomes narrower, potentially reducing the antenna gain of the antenna 101. If L2 exceeds 1.5 times L1, the portion of the inner conductor plate 20 extending from the outer conductor plate 10 becomes larger when viewed from the side, making miniaturization of the antenna 101 difficult. There is a trade-off between miniaturization of the antenna 101 and increased antenna gain; an antenna 101 can be constructed to achieve this trade-off according to specified specifications.

[0059] Furthermore, when viewed from the side, the inner conductor plate 20 may also have a portion extending from the outer conductor plate 10. This portion extending from the outer conductor plate 10... Figure 1 The portion extending in the negative Z-axis direction or the portion extending in the Y-axis direction can be either the portion extending in the negative Z-axis direction or the portion extending in the Y-axis direction. As a result, although miniaturization of the antenna 101 becomes more difficult, the antenna gain of the antenna 101 is improved because the surface area of ​​the inner conductor plate 20 that reflects the radio waves radiated from the outer conductor plate 10 is increased.

[0060] Alternatively, when viewed from the side, the outer conductor plate 10 can completely overlap with the inner conductor plate 20. Thus, when viewed from the side, the inner conductor plate 20 does not extend from the outer conductor plate 10, thereby enabling miniaturization of the antenna 101.

[0061] Additionally, for input impedance matching of antenna 101, slot 30 can also extend to both side portion 11 and side portion 12. Figure 1In the example shown, the slot 30 has a slot end 31 that connects to the side portion 11 at end edge 17 and a slot end 32 that connects to the side portion 12 at end edge 18. Furthermore, even if the slot 30 does not reach one or both of the side portions 11 and 12, the directivity of the antenna 101 can still be widened. In this case, one or both of the slot ends 31 and 32 are located within the front portion 13. Alternatively, even if the slot 30 extends into one or both of the side portions 11 and 12, the directivity of the antenna 101 can still be widened. In this case, the slot end 31 may also be located within the side portion 11, and the slot end 32 may also be located within the side portion 12. Moreover, even if the slot 30 extends to the end edge of one or both of the side portions 11 and 12, the directivity of the antenna 101 can still be widened. In this case, the gap end 31 can also be located on the end edge of the side portion 11 (e.g., the opposite side of the end edge 17), and the gap end 32 can also be located on the end edge of the side portion 12 (e.g., the opposite side of the end edge 18).

[0062] exist Figure 1 In the example shown, power supply points 41 and 42 are located near the central portion 35 of the slot 30. Therefore, compared to positions where power supply points 41 and 42 are located away from the central portion 35, the directivity of the antenna 101 can be widened. The slot 30 has a pair of long sides 33 and 34 extending in its length direction. If power supply point 41 is located near the central portion 35 of long side 33 and power supply point 42 is located near the central portion 35 of long side 34, the directivity of the antenna 101 can be widened. Figure 1 In the example shown, the central portion 35 includes the midpoint of the length direction of the gap 30, from the gap end 31 to the gap end 32. Furthermore, the term "nearby of the central portion 35" refers to the vicinity of the intersection of an imaginary line extending from this midpoint in a direction substantially orthogonal to the length direction of the gap 30 and parallel to the front portion 13, and the vicinity of the intersection of this imaginary line with the long side 33, and the vicinity of the intersection of this imaginary line with the long side 34. Additionally, for example, when the total length of the gap 30 is set to 100%, the vicinity of the central portion 35 can be a range of 40% to 60% of the length from the gap end 31 (towards the gap end 32), or it can be a range of 45% to 55% of the length.

[0063] exist Figure 1In the example shown, when the outer conductor plate 10 is viewed from the front, the front portion 13 is approximately rectangular, and the slot 30 is approximately rectangular. In this shape of outer conductor plate 10, the size of the surface portion 15 in the direction approximately orthogonal to the length direction of the slot 30 is set as W1, and the size of the surface portion 16 in the direction approximately orthogonal to the length direction of the slot 30 is set as W2. At this time, W2 only needs to be 0.1 times or more and 10 times or less than W1, preferably 0.2 times or more and 9.0 times or less than W1, and more preferably 0.3 times or more and 8.0 times or less than W1. When W2 is 0.1 times or more and 10 times or less than W1, the directivity of the antenna 101 can be widened.

[0064] Furthermore, the shape of the front portion 13 is set to be approximately rectangular when the outer conductor plate 10 is viewed from the front, the size of the outer conductor plate 10 in the direction approximately orthogonal to the length direction of the gap 30 is set to L1, and the effective wavelength of the radio waves transmitted and received by the antenna 101 in the dielectric is set to λ. g At this point, L1 only needs to be 0.1 × λ. g Above and 0.6×λ g The following is acceptable, preferably 0.15×λ. g Above and 0.55×λ g Hereinafter, 0.20×λ is more preferred. g Above and 0.50×λ g Below. When L1 is 0.1×λ g Above and 0.6×λ g The following approach achieves both wide-angle directivity and miniaturization of the antenna 101.

[0065] Effective wavelength λ g The wavelength represents the wavelength that takes into account the influence of the dielectric constant of the dielectric material (e.g., housing, substrate, etc.) surrounding and inside the antenna 101.

[0066] exist Figure 2 In this design, the distance between the side portion 11 and the side portion 21 facing the side portion 11 is set as d1, the distance between the side portion 12 and the side portion 22 facing the side portion 12 is set as d2, and the effective wavelength of the radio waves transmitted and received by the antenna 101 in the dielectric is set as λ. g At this point, at least one of d1 and d2 only needs to be 0.05 × λ. g Above and 0.5×λ g The following is acceptable, preferably 0.07×λ. g Above and 0.4×λ g Hereinafter, 0.09×λ is more preferred. g Above and 0.3×λ g The following applies when at least one of d1 and d2 is 0.05 × λ. gAbove and 0.5×λ g The following approach achieves both wide-angle and miniaturized directivity of antenna 101. Furthermore, both d1 and d2 only need to be 0.05 × λ. g Above and 0.5×λ g The following is acceptable, preferably 0.07×λ. g Above and 0.4×λ g Hereinafter, 0.09×λ is more preferred. g Above and 0.3×λ g the following.

[0067] exist Figure 2 In this design, the distance between the front face portion 13 and the front face portion 23 is set as d3, and the effective wavelength of the radio waves transmitted and received by the antenna 101 in the dielectric is set as λ. g At this point, d3 only needs to be greater than 0 and equal to 0.3 × λ. g The following is acceptable, preferably 0.02×λ. g Above and 0.28×λ g Hereinafter, 0.04×λ is more preferred. g Above and 0.26×λ g Below. When d3 is greater than 0 and is 0.3 × λ g The following can enable the antenna 101 to have a wide-angle directivity.

[0068] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view on the ZX plane of a first modified example of the antenna in the first embodiment. Even if one of the front portion 13 and the front portion 23 has a curved surface, the directivity of the antenna 101 can be widened. In this case, it is preferable that both the front portion 13 and the front portion 23 are curved. Figure 3 As shown, having a curved surface allows for a wider directional angle of antenna 101 compared to a method with a curved surface.

[0069] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view on the ZX plane of a second variation of the antenna in the first embodiment. Even if one of the front face portion 13 and the front face portion 23 has multiple planar portions, the directivity of the antenna 101 can be widened. In this case, it is preferable that both the front face portion 13 and the front face portion 23 have multiple planar portions, as this allows for a wider directivity angle of the antenna 101 compared to a configuration where only one has multiple planar portions. Figure 4 In the example shown, both front face portion 13 and front face portion 23 are composed of three planar portions.

[0070] In addition, Figure 3 and Figure 4In the example shown, side portions 11 and 12 are two-dimensional planes, but even if at least one of side portions 11 and 12 has a curved surface, the directivity of the antenna 101 can be widened. Similarly, side portions 21 and 22 are two-dimensional planes, but even if at least one of side portions 21 and 22 has a curved surface, the directivity of the antenna 101 can be widened.

[0071] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view on the ZX plane of the third variation of the antenna in the first embodiment. Even if one of the U-shaped portion 14 and the U-shaped portion 24 is an arc shape, the directivity of the antenna 101 can be widened. In this case, it is preferable that both the U-shaped portion 14 and the U-shaped portion 24 are arc shapes, as this allows for a wider directivity of the antenna 101 compared to having only one arc shape.

[0072] When the U-shaped portion 14 is arc-shaped, for example, when viewing the U-shaped portion 14 from above (viewpoint from the Y-axis direction), the front portion 13 can also be defined as the arc-shaped portion from the slit end 31 to the slit end 32 in the U-shaped portion 14. When viewing the U-shaped portion 14 from above, the side portion 11 can also be defined as the arc-shaped portion in the U-shaped portion 14 on the side opposite to the front portion 13 relative to the slit end 31. When viewing the U-shaped portion 14 from above, the side portion 12 can also be defined as the arc-shaped portion in the U-shaped portion 14 on the side opposite to the front portion 13 relative to the slit end 32.

[0073] When the U-shaped portion 24 is an arc shape, for example, when viewing the U-shaped portion 24 from above (viewpoint from the Y-axis direction), the front portion 23 can also be defined as the arc portion of the U-shaped portion 24 from intersection point 58 to intersection point 59. Intersection point 58 refers to the point where the straight line 54, which is orthogonal to the tangent passing through the slit end 31, intersects the U-shaped portion 24, and intersection point 59 refers to the point where the straight line 55, which is orthogonal to the tangent passing through the slit end 32, intersects the U-shaped portion 24. When viewing the U-shaped portion 24 from above, the side portion 21 can also be defined as the arc portion of the U-shaped portion 24 on the opposite side from the front portion 23 relative to intersection point 58. When viewing the U-shaped portion 24 from above, the side portion 22 can also be defined as the arc portion of the U-shaped portion 24 on the opposite side from the front portion 23 relative to intersection point 59.

[0074] Figure 6 and Figure 5The same view is a cross-sectional view on the ZX plane of the third variation of the antenna in the first embodiment. When the U-shaped portion 14 is an arc shape, the definitions of the front portion 13, side portion 11, and side portion 12 may differ from the definitions described above. Let θ be the angle at which the tangent 51 at the tangent point 56 and the tangent 52 at the tangent point 57 of the U-shaped portion 14 intersects the tangent 53 at the bottom point 50 of the U-shaped portion 14. In this case, when viewing the U-shaped portion 14 from above, the front portion 13 can also be defined as the arc portion of the U-shaped portion 14 from the tangent point 56 to the tangent point 57, where θ (absolute value) satisfies 0° or more and 45° or less. When viewing the U-shaped portion 14 from above, the side portion 11 can also be defined as the arc portion of the U-shaped portion 14 on the side opposite to the front portion 13 relative to the tangent point 56. When viewed from above, the side portion 12 can also be defined as the arc portion of the U-shaped portion 14 that is opposite to the front portion 13 relative to the tangent point 57.

[0075] When the U-shaped portion 24 is an arc shape, when viewed from above, the front portion 23 can also be defined as the arc portion of the U-shaped portion 24 from intersection point 58 to intersection point 59. Intersection point 58 refers to the point where the line 54, which is orthogonal to the tangent 51 passing through the tangent point 56, intersects the U-shaped portion 24, and intersection point 59 refers to the point where the line 55, which is orthogonal to the tangent 52 passing through the tangent point 57, intersects the U-shaped portion 24. When viewed from above, the side portion 21 can also be defined as the arc portion of the U-shaped portion 24 on the opposite side from the front portion 23 relative to intersection point 58. When viewed from above, the side portion 22 can also be defined as the arc portion of the U-shaped portion 24 on the opposite side from the front portion 23 relative to intersection point 59.

[0076] like Figures 1-6 As shown, if the front part 23 has a conductive surface after projecting the power supply points 41 and 42 onto the outer conductor plate 10 when viewed from the front, the directivity of the antenna 101 can be widened.

[0077] In addition, the inner conductor plate 20 can be a grounded conductor or a passive conductor that is neither grounded nor powered. By effectively functioning as a reflector, the directivity of the antenna 101 can be widened.

[0078] Figure 7 This is a perspective view showing an example of the antenna structure in the second embodiment. Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view of an example of the antenna structure in the second embodiment. In the second embodiment, descriptions of the same structure and effects as in the above embodiment are omitted by referring to the above description.

[0079] Figure 7 , 8The antenna 102 shown includes a coaxial cable 60 electrically connected to power supply points 41 and 42. The coaxial cable 60 is an example of a power supply line. Figure 7 , 8 In the example shown, the outer conductor 61, which serves as the grounding part of the coaxial cable 60, is electrically connected to the power supply point 41, and the inner conductor 62, which serves as the signal line of the coaxial cable 60, is electrically connected to the power supply point 42.

[0080] When a portion of the coaxial cable 60 passes between the front portion 13 and the front portion 23, the robustness of the directivity of the antenna 102 relative to the coaxial cable 60 is improved compared to, for example, a portion of the coaxial cable 60 passing through the positive side of the front portion 13 in the Z-axis direction (not shown). To achieve a wide-angle directivity for the antenna 102, the coaxial cable 60 is preferably wired such that its leading edge enters the gap between the front portion 13 and the front portion 23 from the positive side to the negative side in the Y-axis direction or from the negative side to the positive side in the Y-axis direction. The coaxial cable 60 may also be wired such that its leading edge enters the gap between the side portion 11 and the side portion 21 from the negative side to the positive side in the Z-axis direction.

[0081] The outer conductor 61 is electrically connected to the inner surface of the front portion 23 side of the surface portion 15. The inner conductor 62, when viewed from the front, traverses the gap 30 along the Y-axis and is electrically connected to the inner surface of the front portion 23 side of the surface portion 16.

[0082] Figure 9 This is a perspective view showing an example of the antenna structure in the third embodiment. Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional view of an example of the antenna structure in the third embodiment. In the third embodiment, descriptions of the same structure and effects as in the above embodiments are omitted by referring to the above description.

[0083] Figure 9 , 10 The antenna 103 shown includes a coaxial cable 60 electrically connected to power supply points 41 and 42. The coaxial cable 60 is an example of a power supply line. Figure 9 , 10 In the example shown, the outer conductor 61, which serves as the grounding part of the coaxial cable 60, is electrically connected to the power supply point 41, and the inner conductor 62, which serves as the signal line of the coaxial cable 60, is electrically connected to the power supply point 42.

[0084] Similar to the second embodiment described above, a portion of the coaxial cable 60 passes between the front portion 13 and the front portion 23. Figure 9 , 10In the example shown, the front face 23 has an opening 29 for the coaxial cable 60 to pass through. By allowing the coaxial cable 60 to pass through the opening 29, a portion of the coaxial cable 60 can be wired to the inside of the inner conductor plate 20, thereby suppressing the influence of the coaxial cable 60 on the antenna 103 and stabilizing its directivity.

[0085] When the opening 29 is located at the center of gravity of the front part 23, the influence of the coaxial cable 60 on the antenna 103 can be further suppressed, and the directivity is more stable.

[0086] The front end of the coaxial cable 60 contacts the inner surface of the front face portion 23 side of the surface portion 15. The outer conductor 61 is electrically connected to the surface portion 15. When the outer conductor plate 10 is viewed from the front, the inner conductor 62 crosses the gap 30 along the Y-axis direction and is electrically connected to the outer surface of the surface portion 16 on the side opposite to the front face portion 23.

[0087] Figure 11 This is a perspective view showing an example of the antenna structure in the fourth embodiment. Figure 12 This is a cross-sectional view of an example of the antenna structure in the fourth embodiment. In the fourth embodiment, descriptions of the same structure and effects as in the above embodiments are omitted by referring to the above description.

[0088] Figure 11 , 12 The antenna 104 shown has a coplanar line 63 electrically connected to power supply points 41 and 42. The coplanar line 63 is an example of a power supply line, and more specifically, an example of a planar waveguide. Figure 11 , 12 In the example shown, the coplanar line 63 has a dielectric substrate 64 on which strip conductors 65 and ground planes 66a, 66b are formed. The dielectric substrate 64 is arranged parallel to the ZX plane in such a way that it is located between a pair of long sides 33, 34 of the gap 30 when the outer conductor plate 10 is viewed from the front.

[0089] The strip conductor 65 is a signal line formed on the surface of the dielectric substrate 64 on the positive side in the Y-axis direction. The strip conductor 65 has one end electrically connected to the inner conductor of the coaxial cable 60 and the other end electrically connected to the power supply point 41 via a connecting conductor 67c. The connecting conductor 67c is a conductor sheet extending in the Y-axis direction.

[0090] Ground planes 66a and 66b are grounding portions formed on the surface of the dielectric substrate 64 on the positive side in the Y-axis direction, and are formed on both sides of the strip conductor 65 with gaps. Ground plane 66a has one end electrically connected to the external conductor of the coaxial cable 60 and the other end electrically connected to the first power supply portion 42a of the power supply point 42 via the connecting conductor 67a. Ground plane 66b has one end electrically connected to the external conductor of the coaxial cable 60 and the other end electrically connected to the second power supply portion 42b of the power supply point 42 via the connecting conductor 67b. Connecting conductors 67a and 67b are conductor strips extending in the Y-axis direction on both sides of the connecting conductor 67c in the X-axis direction.

[0091] A portion of the coplanar line 63, similar to the second and third embodiments described above, passes between the front face portion 13 and the front face portion 23. Figure 11 , 12 In the example shown, the dielectric substrate 64 is a U-shaped substrate disposed in the space between the outer conductor plate 10 and the inner conductor plate 20, and is arranged parallel to the ZX plane. The inner conductor plate 20 can be a grounded conductor grounded to the ground plane 66a, or it can be a passive conductor that is neither grounded nor powered. By effectively functioning as a reflector, the directivity of the antenna 104 can be widened.

[0092] In addition, planar waveguides are not limited to coplanar lines; they can also be microstrip lines or other transmission lines.

[0093] Figure 13 This is a perspective view showing an example of the antenna structure in the fifth embodiment. In the fifth embodiment, descriptions of the same structure and effects as in the above embodiments are omitted by referring to the above description.

[0094] Figure 13 The antenna 105 shown may also include a matching circuit 68, which matches the impedance between a power supply point 42 connected to the inner conductor 62 of the signal line (which is part of the coaxial cable 60) and a power supply point 41 connected to the outer conductor 61 of the ground portion (which is part of the coaxial cable 60). The matching circuit 68 has at least one impedance element Z (e.g., an inductor, capacitor, etc.). The antennas in the above embodiments may also include a matching circuit 68. Furthermore, in Figure 13 On the outer side of the front portion 13 (the side opposite to the front portion 23), a dielectric substrate (not shown) can be additionally disposed. This dielectric substrate can also be a PCB substrate containing epoxy resin. For example, Figure 13 The antenna 105 shown can also be formed by the conductor on the front side 13 of the outer conductor plate 10 being formed by the conductor on the first main surface of the PCB substrate, and the matching circuit 68 having inductors, capacitors and other components arranged on the second main surface of the PCB substrate (the side opposite to the first main surface).

[0095] in addition, Figure 13 The antenna 105 shown can also have both the front portion 13 of the outer conductor 10 and the matching circuit 68 disposed on the first main surface of the PCB substrate. In addition, when the PCB substrate is provided on the outside of the front portion 13, the front portion 13 is preferably planar along the XY plane.

[0096] Figure 14 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the antenna being mounted on a vehicle in each embodiment. Figure 14 The antenna system 100 shown includes a front windshield 71, a rear windshield 72, a front antenna 111 mounted on the front windshield 71, and a rear antenna 112 mounted on the rear windshield 72. The front windshield 71 and the rear windshield 72 are examples of windows of a vehicle. The front antenna 111 and the rear antenna 112 are examples of antennas in various embodiments such as antenna 101.

[0097] The front portion 13 of the front antenna 111 is preferably inclined (inclination angle β) at a rate of ±15° or less relative to a vertical plane 91 perpendicular to the horizontal plane 90. This increases the antenna gain in the direction parallel to the horizontal plane 90 (the direction towards the front of the vehicle), and further increases the antenna gain in the vehicle width direction because the side portions 11 and 12 are arranged separately on both sides of the vehicle width. On the other hand, when the front portion 13 of the front antenna 111 is inclined at more than ±15° relative to the vertical plane 91 perpendicular to the horizontal plane 90, the balance of antenna gain in the direction parallel to the horizontal plane 90 is disrupted; that is, the difference between the gain in the vehicle's travel direction and the gain in the vehicle width direction may increase.

[0098] Similarly, the front portion 13 of the rear antenna 112 is preferably inclined (inclination angle β) at a rate of ±15° or less relative to the vertical plane 91 perpendicular to the horizontal plane 90. This increases the antenna gain in the direction parallel to the horizontal plane 90 (the direction to the rear of the vehicle), and because the side portions 11 and 12 are arranged separately on both sides in the vehicle width direction, the antenna gain in the vehicle width direction is also increased. On the other hand, when the front portion 13 of the rear antenna 112 is inclined at more than ±15° relative to the vertical plane 91 perpendicular to the horizontal plane 90, the balance of antenna gain in the direction parallel to the horizontal plane 90 is disrupted; that is, the difference between the gain in the vehicle's travel direction and the gain in the vehicle width direction may increase.

[0099] The front face portion 13 of the front antenna 111 is preferably inclined at ±10° or less relative to a vertical plane 91 perpendicular to the horizontal plane 90, and more preferably inclined at ±5° or less. Similarly, the front face portion 13 of the rear antenna 112 is preferably inclined at ±10° or less relative to a vertical plane 91 perpendicular to the horizontal plane 90, and more preferably inclined at ±5° or less.

[0100] The front antenna 111 can be directly or indirectly mounted on the windshield 71, such that the front portion 13 is located at the front of the vehicle relative to the front portion 23, and the rear antenna 112 can be directly or indirectly mounted on the rear windshield 72, such that the front portion 13 is located at the rear of the vehicle relative to the front portion 23. Thus, the front antenna 111 increases the antenna gain in the area from the front of the vehicle in the width direction, and the rear antenna 112 increases the antenna gain in the area from the rear of the vehicle in the width direction. Therefore, the antenna gain in a 360° direction centered on the vehicle 80 can be improved.

[0101] Furthermore, the front face portion 23 of the front antenna 111 is preferably inclined (inclination angle α) at ​​±15° or less relative to the vertical plane 91, which is perpendicular to the horizontal plane 90. This increases the antenna gain in the direction parallel to the horizontal plane 90 (the direction towards the front of the vehicle), and because the side portions 21 and 22 are separately arranged on both sides in the vehicle width direction, the antenna gain in the vehicle width direction is also increased. The same applies to the inclination angle α of the front face portion 23 of the rear antenna 112.

[0102] Furthermore, the phrase "set at 0° relative to the vertical plane 91" means "set parallel to the vertical plane 91".

[0103] In addition, Figure 14 In the antenna system 100 shown, one vehicle antenna is directly or indirectly mounted on each of the front windshield 71 and the rear windshield 72. However, the antenna system 100 may also include at least two of the windshields 71, the rear windshield 72, and the side windows 73, and at least one antenna directly or indirectly mounted on each of the at least two windows.

[0104] Figure 15 This is a three-dimensional diagram showing an example of the structure of an antenna in a comparison mode. Figure 15 The antenna shown has two conductor plates 210 and 220 arranged at a distance from each other, with conductor plate 210 having a slot 230. The antenna is powered at power supply points 241 and 242 on both sides of the slot 230.

[0105] Figure 16 This indicates that under the condition of a vertically polarized wave with a frequency of 5.9 GHz, Figure 15A figure showing an example of the simulation results of the antenna's directivity in the ZX plane in one of the comparison methods. Figure 15 The antenna shown has a half-peak width of 52.5°, which is relatively narrow.

[0106] In addition, Figure 16 When simulating, if the unit is set to mm, then Figure 15 The dimensions of each part of the antenna are,

[0107] D 11 :20;

[0108] D 12 :27;

[0109] D 13 :45;

[0110] D 14 :45;

[0111] D 15 :2;

[0112] D 16 :17;

[0113] D 17 :13.

[0114] on the other hand, Figure 17 This indicates that under the condition of a vertically polarized wave with a frequency of 5.9 GHz, Figure 1 , 2 The figure shows an example of the simulation results of the directivity of the antenna 101 in the ZX plane in the first embodiment. The half-width at half maximum (FWHM) of the antenna 101 is 138.0°, which is greater than that of a comparative antenna ( Figure 15 The antenna shown is wide. That is, it enables wide-angle directivity of the antenna.

[0115] In addition, Figure 17 In the simulation, if the unit is set to mm, then the dimensions of each part of antenna 101 are:

[0116] L1: 20;

[0117] L2: 20;

[0118] D1: 2;

[0119] D2: 14;

[0120] D3: 17;

[0121] D4: 10;

[0122] D5: 3.

[0123] At this time, the length D3 of the gap 30 in the longitudinal direction is the same as the distance between the end edge 17 and the end edge 18 of the front part 13.

[0124] The above describes the implementation methods, but the technology disclosed herein is not limited to the above-described implementation methods. Various modifications and improvements, such as combinations, substitutions, and other variations, are possible with some or all of the other implementation methods.

[0125] Furthermore, the entire contents of the description, scope of protection, drawings, and abstract of Japanese Patent Application No. 2020-204527, filed on December 9, 2020, are incorporated herein by reference and are incorporated as a disclosure of the present invention.

[0126] Label Explanation

[0127] 10. Outer conductor plate;

[0128] 10a Upper edge;

[0129] 10b Lower edge;

[0130] Side views 11, 12, 21, and 22;

[0131] 13, 23 front face;

[0132] 14, 24 U-shaped parts;

[0133] Surface parts 15 and 16;

[0134] Edges 17, 18, 27, and 28;

[0135] 20 Inner conductor plate;

[0136] 20a Upper end;

[0137] 20b lower end;

[0138] 29. Opening;

[0139] 30 gaps;

[0140] 31, 32; (The last part is a typo and can be left as is.)

[0141] 33, 34 (long sides);

[0142] 35. Central Department;

[0143] Power supply points 41 and 42;

[0144] 50 bottom point;

[0145] Tangent points 56 and 57;

[0146] Tangents at points 51, 52, and 53;

[0147] Lines 54 and 55;

[0148] Intersection of 58 and 59;

[0149] 60mm coaxial cable;

[0150] 61. External conductor;

[0151] 62. Internal conductor;

[0152] 63. Coplanar lines;

[0153] 64. Dielectric substrate;

[0154] 65. Strip conductor;

[0155] 66a and 66b are ground contact points;

[0156] 67a, 67b, and 67c are connecting conductors;

[0157] 68. Matching circuit;

[0158] 71. Front windshield;

[0159] 72. Rear windshield;

[0160] 73. Side window glass;

[0161] 80 vehicles;

[0162] 90° horizontal plane;

[0163] 91. Vertical plane;

[0164] 100 antenna system;

[0165] 101 antennas;

[0166] 111 Front antenna;

[0167] 112 rear antenna;

[0168] 210 and 220 conductor plates;

[0169] 230 gap;

[0170] Power supply points 241 and 242.

Claims

1. An antenna comprising a first conductor plate and a second conductor plate, the second conductor plate being disposed at an inner side of the first conductor plate with a space therebetween, the first conductor plate including a first U-shaped portion formed in a U shape by a first side portion, a second side portion facing the first side portion, and a first front portion connected between the first side portion and the second side portion, the second conductor plate including a second U-shaped portion formed in a U shape by a third side portion, a fourth side portion facing the third side portion, and a second front portion connected between the third side portion and the fourth side portion, the second front portion facing the first front portion, the first U-shaped portion having the same orientation as the second U-shaped portion, the first front portion having a slit that divides at least a portion of the first front portion into a first surface portion and a second surface portion, the first surface portion having a first feeding point, the second surface portion having a second feeding point, one of the first feeding point and the second feeding point being electrically connected to a ground portion of a power supply line when the other is electrically connected to a signal line of the power supply line.

2. The antenna according to claim 1, wherein at least one line segment is included in each of a first edge between the first front portion and the first side portion and a second edge between the first front portion and the second side portion.

3. The antenna according to claim 2, wherein the line segment of the first edge is parallel to the line segment of the second edge.

4. The antenna according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the slit extends in a direction intersecting both the first edge and the second edge.

5. The antenna according to claim 4, wherein the slit extends in a direction orthogonal to both the first edge and the second edge.

6. The antenna according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first front portion is orthogonal to both the first side portion and the second side portion.

7. The antenna according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the second front portion is parallel to the first front portion.

8. The antenna according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the second front portion is orthogonal to both the third side portion and the fourth side portion.

9. The antenna according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first side portion is parallel to the third side portion facing the first side portion, the second side portion is parallel to the fourth side portion facing the second side portion.

10. The antenna according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein when a dimension of the first conductor plate in a direction orthogonal to a length direction of the slit is set to LI and a dimension of the second conductor plate in the direction orthogonal to the length direction of the slit is set to L2, L2 is 0.75 times or more and 1.5 times or less of LI.

11. The antenna according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein The second conductor plate has a portion that protrudes from the first conductor plate when the first conductor plate is viewed from the side.

12. The antenna according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein The first conductor plate and the second conductor plate overlap each other entirely when the first conductor plate is viewed from the side.

13. The antenna according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein The slot extends at least to both the first side portion and the second side portion.

14. The antenna according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein The first power feeding point and the second power feeding point are located in the vicinity of the central portion of the slot.

15. The antenna according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein The first front portion is rectangular when the first conductor plate is viewed from the front, The slot is oblong when the first conductor plate is viewed from the front, When a dimension of the first surface portion in a direction orthogonal to the length direction of the slot is set as Wl and a dimension of the second surface portion in a direction orthogonal to the length direction of the slot is set as W2, W2 is 0.1 times or more and 10 times or less of Wl.

16. The antenna according to claim 15, wherein When the size of the first conductor plate in a direction orthogonal to the length direction of the slit is set to L1 and the effective wavelength of the transmitted and received electric wave in the dielectric is set to λ g , L1 is 0.1 x λ g or more and 0.6 x λ g or less.

17. The antenna according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein In a case where the interval between the first side surface portion and the third side surface portion facing the first side surface portion is set to d1, the interval between the second side surface portion and the fourth side surface portion facing the second side surface portion is set to d2, and the effective wavelength of the transmitted and received electric wave in the dielectric is set to λ g At least one of d1 and d2 is 0.05 x λ g The above and 0.5 x λ g The above and 0.5 x λ 18. The antenna according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein When the interval between the first front surface portion and the second front surface portion is set to d3, and the effective wavelength of the transmitted and received electric wave in the dielectric is set to λ g d3 is greater than 0 and 0.3 x λ g is less than 0.7 x λ.

19. The antenna according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein The antenna has a power feeding line that is electrically connected to the first power feeding point and the second power feeding point, The second front portion has an opening through which the power feeding line passes.

20. The antenna according to claim 19, wherein The opening is located at the center of gravity of the second front portion.

21. The antenna according to claim 19, wherein The power feeding line is a coaxial cable.

22. The antenna according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein The second front portion has a conductor surface at a portion that projects the first power feeding point and the second power feeding point when the first conductor plate is viewed from the front.

23. The antenna according to claim 22, wherein The antenna has a power feeding line that is electrically connected to the first power feeding point and the second power feeding point, A portion of the power feeding line passes between the first front portion and the second front portion.

24. The antenna according to claim 23, wherein The power feeding line is a coaxial cable.

25. The antenna according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein The second conductor plate is a passive conductor.

26. The antenna according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein The antenna has a planar waveguide that is electrically connected to the first power feeding point and the second power feeding point, A portion of the planar waveguide passes between the first front portion and the second front portion.

27. The antenna according to claim 26, wherein The second conductor plate is a passive conductor.

28. The antenna according to claim 26, wherein The planar waveguide has a ground portion that is electrically connected to the second conductor plate.

29. The antenna according to claim 26, wherein the planar waveguide is a coplanar line.

30. The antenna according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the antenna transmits and receives a frequency of an electric wave of 3.3 GHz or more and 6 GHz or less.

31. The antenna according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the antenna is disposed in a vehicle so that the first and second front surface portions are inclined within ±15° with respect to a vertical plane that is perpendicular to a horizontal plane.

32. The antenna according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the antenna is disposed on an inner side of at least one of a front windshield and a rear windshield of a vehicle.

33. An antenna comprising a first conductor plate and a second conductor plate, the second conductor plate being disposed on an inner side of the first conductor plate with a gap, the first conductor plate includes a first U-shaped portion formed in a U shape by a first side surface portion, a second side surface portion facing the first side surface portion, and a first front surface portion connected between the first side surface portion and the second side surface portion, the second conductor plate includes a second U-shaped portion formed in a U shape by a third side surface portion, a fourth side surface portion facing the third side surface portion, and a second front surface portion connected between the third side surface portion and the fourth side surface portion, the second front surface portion faces the first front surface portion, the first front surface portion has a slit that divides at least a portion of the first front surface portion into a first surface portion and a second surface portion, the first surface portion has a first power feeding point, the second surface portion has a second power feeding point, when one of the first and second power feeding points is electrically connected to a ground portion of a power supply line, the other power feeding point is electrically connected to a signal line of the power supply line, In a case where the interval between the first side surface portion and the third side surface portion facing the first side surface portion is set to d1, the interval between the second side surface portion and the fourth side surface portion facing the second side surface portion is set to d2, and the effective wavelength of the transmitted and received electric wave in the dielectric is set to λ g At this time, at least one of d1 and d2 is 0.05 x λ g and 0.5 x λ g or less.

34. An antenna comprising a first conductor plate and a second conductor plate, the second conductor plate being disposed on an inner side of the first conductor plate with a gap, the first conductor plate includes a first U-shaped portion formed in a U shape by a first side surface portion, a second side surface portion facing the first side surface portion, and a first front surface portion connected between the first side surface portion and the second side surface portion, the second conductor plate includes a second U-shaped portion formed in a U shape by a third side surface portion, a fourth side surface portion facing the third side surface portion, and a second front surface portion connected between the third side surface portion and the fourth side surface portion, the second front surface portion faces the first front surface portion, the first front surface portion has a slit that divides at least a portion of the first front surface portion into a first surface portion and a second surface portion, the first surface portion has a first power feeding point, the second surface portion has a second power feeding point, when one of the first and second power feeding points is electrically connected to a ground portion of a power supply line, the other power feeding point is electrically connected to a signal line of the power supply line, the antenna includes a planar waveguide electrically connected to the first and second power feeding points, A portion of the planar waveguide is between the first and second major faces.

35. The antenna of claim 34, wherein, The second conductor plate is passive.

36. The antenna of claim 34, wherein, The planar waveguide has a ground connected electrically to the second conductor plate.

37. The antenna of any of claims 34-36, wherein, The planar waveguide is a coplanar line.

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