Patch antenna

Abstract

A patch antenna is provided with: a first radiating element; a second radiating element positioned so as to surround the first radiating element; and at least one power feeding unit positioned between the first radiating element and the second radiating element in a plan view.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to patch antennas. Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a patch antenna including two radiating elements that respond to radio waves of different frequency bands, and a power feeding section is provided for each of the two radiating elements.

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 4205571 Summary of the invention

[0006] However, in the patch antenna described in Patent Document 1, the shape of the radiating element is restricted by the position of the feeder, and thus the degree of freedom in designing the patch antenna is low.

[0007] One example of an object of the present invention is to increase the degree of freedom in designing a patch antenna. Other objects of the present invention will become apparent from the description of this specification.

[0008] One embodiment of the present invention is a patch antenna comprising: a first radiating element; a second radiating element positioned so as to surround the first radiating element; and at least one feeding portion positioned between the first radiating element and the second radiating element in a plan view.

[0009] One embodiment of the present invention is a patch antenna comprising: a dielectric; a first radiating element located on one side of the dielectric; a second radiating element located on the dielectric outside the first radiating element in a manner surrounding the first radiating element; and at least one feeding portion located on the dielectric between the first radiating element and the second radiating element.

[0010] One embodiment of the present invention is a patch antenna comprising: a dielectric; at least one feeding portion located on the dielectric; a first radiating element located on one side of the dielectric; and a second radiating element located on the dielectric outside the first radiating element, wherein the at least one feeding portion is located outside the second radiating element.

[0011] According to the above aspect of the present invention, the degree of freedom in designing the patch antenna can be improved. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] Figure 1 It is a top view of the patch antenna 10 according to the first embodiment.

[0013] Figure 2It is a perspective view of the patch antenna 10 according to the first embodiment.

[0014] Figure 3A It is a top view of a patch antenna 10X according to a first comparative example.

[0015] Figure 3B It is a top view of a patch antenna 10Y according to a second comparative example.

[0016] Figure 3C It is a top view of a patch antenna 10Z according to a third comparative example.

[0017] Figure 4A : is a graph showing an example of the frequency characteristics of the patch antenna 10X, the patch antenna 10Y, and the patch antenna 10Z.

[0018] Figure 4B : is a graph showing an example of the frequency characteristics of the patch antenna 10 .

[0019] Figure 5A This is an overview of the width GP in the patch antenna 10 .

[0020] Figure 5B This is a graph showing an example of the result when the width GP is changed.

[0021] Fig. 6A It is a perspective view of a patch antenna 10A according to a first modification.

[0022] Figure 6B It is a perspective view of a patch antenna 10B according to a second modification.

[0023] Figure 7 It is a top view of a patch antenna 10C according to a third modification.

[0024] Fig. 8A It is a perspective view of a patch antenna 10D according to a fourth modification.

[0025] Figure 8B It is a perspective view of a patch antenna 10E according to a fifth modification.

[0026] Fig.9A It is a top view of a patch antenna 10F according to a sixth modification.

[0027] Fig. 9B It is a top view of a patch antenna 10G according to the seventh modification.

[0028] Fig. 9C It is a top view of a patch antenna 10H according to the eighth modification.

[0029] Fig. 10A It is a perspective view of a patch antenna 10I according to a ninth modification.

[0030] Fig. 10B It is a perspective view of a patch antenna 10J according to a tenth modification.

[0031] Fig.11A This is a perspective view of a state before the power feeding section 15 is assembled to the dielectric 14 , relating to a first example of the assembly procedure of the patch antenna 10 .

[0032] Fig. 11B This is a perspective view showing a state in which the power feeding section 15 is assembled to the dielectric 14 in relation to the first example of the assembly procedure of the patch antenna 10 .

[0033] Fig.12 It is an enlarged perspective view of the vicinity of the pin hole 36 of the dielectric 14 .

[0034] Fig.13A This is a perspective view of a state before the power feeding section 15 is assembled to the dielectric 14 , relating to a second example of the assembly procedure of the patch antenna 10 .

[0035] Fig. 13B This is a perspective view showing a state in which the power feeding section 15 is assembled to the dielectric 14 in relation to the second example of the assembly procedure of the patch antenna 10 .

[0036] Fig. 13C This is an explanatory diagram showing a state before the power feeding unit 15 is inserted into the pin hole 36 in the first example of the method of fixing the dielectric 14 and the power feeding unit 15 .

[0037] Fig.13D It is an explanatory diagram showing a state after the power feeding unit 15 is inserted into the pin hole 36 in the first example of the method of fixing the dielectric 14 and the power feeding unit 15 .

[0038] Fig.13E It is an explanatory diagram showing a state of fixing the power feeding unit 15 and the dielectric body 14 in a first example of a method of fixing the dielectric body 14 and the power feeding unit 15 .

[0039] Fig.13F This is an explanatory diagram showing a state before the power feeding unit 15 is inserted into the pin hole 36 in the second example of the method of fixing the dielectric 14 and the power feeding unit 15 .

[0040] Figure 13G This is an explanatory diagram showing a state after the power feeding unit 15 is inserted into the pin hole 36 in the second example of the method of fixing the dielectric 14 and the power feeding unit 15 .

[0041] Fig.13H It is an explanatory diagram showing a state of fixing the power feeding unit 15 and the dielectric body 14 in a second example of the method of fixing the dielectric body 14 and the power feeding unit 15 .

[0042] Fig.14AThis is an example of a current distribution diagram in the patch antenna 10H.

[0043] Fig. 14B This is another example of the current distribution diagram in the patch antenna 10H.

[0044] Fig.15A This is a first example of a circuit diagram of the patch antenna 10 .

[0045] Fig. 15B This is a second example of a circuit diagram of the patch antenna 10 .

[0046] Fig. 15C This is a third example of the circuit diagram of the patch antenna 10 .

[0047] Fig.16 It is an exploded perspective view of the antenna device 100 according to the first embodiment.

[0048] Fig.17 It is a top view of the patch antenna 20 according to the second embodiment.

[0049] Fig.18 1 is a top view of a patch antenna 20X according to a comparative example.

[0050] Fig.19 1 is a top view of a patch antenna 20A according to a modified example.

[0051] Fig. 20 It is a plan view of the antenna device 200 according to the second embodiment.

[0052] Fig.21A It is a top view of an antenna device 200X according to a first comparative example.

[0053] Fig. 21B It is a top view of an antenna device 200Y according to a second comparative example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0054] At least the following matters are clarified from the description of this specification and the drawings.

[0055] Below, while referring to the attached Figure 1 The same or equivalent components, members, and the like shown in the respective drawings are denoted by the same reference numerals, and duplicate descriptions are appropriately omitted.

[0056] ==First Embodiment==

[0057] Figure 1 It is a top view of the patch antenna 10 according to the first embodiment. Figure 2 It is a perspective view of the patch antenna 10 according to the first embodiment.

[0058] <<Definition of direction, etc.>>

[0059] First, refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 , directions in the patch antenna 10, etc. (X direction, Y direction, and Z direction) are defined.

[0060] Directions parallel to and orthogonal to the surface of the first radiating element 12 (described later) of the patch antenna 10 are defined as the "+X direction" and the "+Y direction". Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 1 , the +X direction and the +Y direction are also directions from a feeding section 15 (described later) toward the center 40 of the patch antenna 10. Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 1 , the normal direction of the first radiating element 12 with respect to the surface is defined as “+Z direction”.

[0061] The direction opposite to the +X direction is referred to as the “-X direction”. In addition, when both the +X direction and the -X direction are intended, or when only the “X direction” is used to represent either the +X direction or the -X direction, it may be referred to as the “X direction”. In addition, similarly to the -X direction and the X direction relative to the +X direction, the “-Y direction” and the “Y direction” relative to the +Y direction, and the “-Z direction” and the “Z direction” relative to the +Z direction are also defined.

[0062] Here, the “surface” of the first radiating element 12 refers to the surface of the first radiating element 12 on the opposite side to the surface on the dielectric 14 side when the first radiating element 12 is disposed on the dielectric 14 as described later. Furthermore, when the first radiating element 12 is formed of a conductor pattern in a substrate as described later, the “surface” of the first radiating element 12 refers to the surface on the side where the conductor pattern is formed in the substrate.

[0063] In addition, the "center 40" of the patch antenna 10 is at Figure 1 In the top view as shown, it is the geometric center of the outer edge shape of the patch antenna 10 (here, the outer edge shape of the dielectric 14 described later). Here, the "outer edge portion 41" of the patch antenna 10 in the top view is a region including the outer edge of the patch antenna 10 (here, the outer edge of the dielectric 14). Here, "top view" refers to a planar observation of the surface of the first radiating element 12, specifically, a way of observing the patch antenna 10 in the -Z direction.

[0064] As is clear from the fact that it is defined as the +Z direction, the "normal direction with respect to the surface" of the first radiating element 12 is a direction perpendicular to the surface of the first radiating element 12, and is a direction from the surface on the -Z direction side (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as "back surface") toward the surface (surface) on the +Z direction side. That is, the "normal direction with respect to the surface" of the first radiating element 12 is not two directions, namely, a direction from the back surface toward the surface of the first radiating element 12 and a direction from the surface toward the back surface, but is directed in a certain direction.

[0065] exist Figure 1 and Figure 2 In FIG. 1 , the directions of the +X direction, the +Y direction, and the +Z direction are indicated by arrowed lines to facilitate understanding of the direction of the patch antenna 10. However, the intersection of these arrowed lines does not mean the origin of the coordinate system.

[0066] The patch antenna 10 of the present embodiment is arranged so that the +Z direction becomes the zenith direction. Therefore, in the following description, the +Z direction is sometimes referred to as the "zenith direction" or the "upward direction", and the -Z direction is sometimes referred to as the "downward direction". In addition, the direction parallel to the XY plane (that is, the direction parallel to the surface of the first radiating element 12) is sometimes referred to as the "lateral direction", and the Z direction is sometimes referred to as the "longitudinal direction" or the "height direction".

[0067] The definitions of the above-mentioned directions and the like are common to other embodiments of the present specification unless otherwise specified.

[0068] <<Overview of the patch antenna 10>>

[0069] Next, refer again to the above Figure 1 and Figure 2 , an overview of the patch antenna 10 of this embodiment is described.

[0070] The patch antenna 10 is a planar antenna, for example, for radio waves of a frequency band used by a global positioning satellite system (GNSS: Global Navigation Satellite System). The patch antenna 10 of this embodiment is a so-called multi-band antenna that can handle radio waves of multiple frequency bands. Specifically, the patch antenna 10 of this embodiment can handle radio waves of two frequency bands, namely, the L1 band (1559MHz to 1610MHz band) and the L5 band (1164MHz to 1214MHz band).

[0071] However, the frequency band of radio waves that the patch antenna 10 supports may be a combination other than the combination of the two frequency bands L1 and L5. The frequency band of radio waves that the patch antenna 10 supports may be, for example, a combination of the two frequency bands L1 and L2 (1212 MHz to 1254 MHz bands), or a combination of the three frequency bands L1, L2, and L5.

[0072] Here, the target frequencies in each of the L1 band, the L2 band, and the L5 band are the center frequencies in the patch antenna 10 of this embodiment. The center frequency of the L1 band is 1575.42 MHz, the center frequency of the L2 band is 1227.60 MHz, and the center frequency of the L5 band is 1176.45 MHz. In the patch antenna 10, the shapes of the first radiating element 12 and the second radiating element 13 described later are designed based on the target frequencies.

[0073] Furthermore, the frequency band of radio waves that the patch antenna 10 responds to may include the L6 band (1273MHz to 1284MHz band) and the L band (1525MHz to 1559MHz band) obtained by further combining and correcting satellite signals of the L1 band, the L2 band, and the L5 band. In addition, the frequency band of radio waves that the patch antenna 10 responds to is not limited to the combination of the above-mentioned specific multiple frequency bands, but may be a combination of any multiple frequency bands. In addition, the patch antenna 10 may respond to radio waves of only one frequency band.

[0074] The communication standard and frequency band of radio waves that the patch antenna 10 supports are not limited to GNSS, but may be other communication standards and frequency bands. For example, the patch antenna 10 may also support radio waves of the frequency band used by the satellite digital audio broadcasting service (SDARS) or the frequency band used by V2X (Vehicle to Everything).

[0075] The patch antenna 10 includes a first radiating element 12, a second radiating element 13, a dielectric 14, and a feeder 15. In the following description, the first radiating element 12 and the second radiating element 13 may be collectively referred to as a "radiating element 11".

[0076] The radiation element 11 is a conductive member disposed on the dielectric 14. The outer edge shape of the radiation element 11 (here, the outer edge shape of the second radiation element 13 described later) is Figure 1The shape is a roughly quadrilateral shape when viewed from above as shown (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as a "roughly quadrilateral shape"). In addition, as described later, the outer edge shape of the dielectric 14 is also a roughly quadrilateral shape. Furthermore, the roughly quadrilateral formed by the outer edge shape of the radiating element 11 is smaller than the roughly quadrilateral formed by the outer edge shape of the dielectric 14. Here, "quadrilateral" refers to a shape formed by four sides, including, for example, a square, a rectangle, a trapezoid, a parallelogram, etc. In addition, with respect to the "roughly quadrilateral", for example, at least a portion of the corners may be cut off obliquely relative to the sides. Moreover, with respect to the "roughly quadrilateral", a cutout (a recessed portion) or a protruding portion (a protruding portion) may be provided on a portion of the side.

[0077] In the patch antenna 10 of this embodiment, the outer edge shape of the radiating element 11 is as follows: Figure 1 As shown, the shape of the radiating element 11 is a substantially square shape with equal length and width (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as a "substantially square shape"). However, the outer edge shape of the radiating element 11 may be a substantially rectangular shape with different lengths and widths (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as a "substantially rectangular shape"). In addition, "substantially square" and "substantially rectangular" are shapes included in the above-mentioned "substantially quadrilateral".

[0078] The outer edge shape of the radiating element 11 is not limited to a substantially rectangular shape, and may be, for example, circular, elliptical, polygonal, etc. The outer edge shape of the radiating element 11 may be any shape as long as it can cope with radio waves of a desired frequency band (here, L1 band and L5 band for GNSS).

[0079] The first radiating element 12 is a component located inside the radiating element 11, and the second radiating element 13 is a component located outside the radiating element 11. Here, "inside" refers to the side close to the center 40 on the surface of the patch antenna 10. In addition, "outside" refers to the side far from the center 40 on the surface of the patch antenna 10. In addition, the surface of the patch antenna 10 here refers to the surface of the radiating element 11 or the dielectric 14 (for example, the upper surface, the side surface).

[0080] In the patch antenna 10 of this embodiment, as Figure 1 As shown, the entire first radiating element 12 is located inside the entire second radiating element 13. In other words, the entire second radiating element 13 is located outside the entire first radiating element 12. However, a portion of the first radiating element 12 may be located outside the second radiating element 13.

[0081] In addition, in the patch antenna 10 of the present embodiment, the second radiating element 13 is Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown in FIG. 1 , the second radiating element 13 is positioned so as to surround the first radiating element 12. Specifically, the second radiating element 13 surrounds the first radiating element 12 with a gap (a gap region 30 described later) relative to the outer edge thereof. More specifically, Figure 1 In the plan view shown, the first radiating element 12 has a substantially square outer edge shape, and the second radiating element 13 is along a substantially square side larger than the outer edge shape (substantially square shape) of the first radiating element 12. The second radiating element 13 has a substantially square outer edge shape.

[0082] As described above, in the patch antenna 10 of the present embodiment, the outer edge shape of the first radiating element 12 and the outer edge shape of the second radiating element 13 are both substantially square. However, the outer edge shape of the first radiating element 12 and the outer edge shape of the second radiating element 13 may be different. The second radiating element 13 may be positioned so as to surround the first radiating element 12. For example, the outer edge shape of the first radiating element 12 may be substantially square, and the outer edge shape of the second radiating element 13 may be substantially rectangular or circular.

[0083] Furthermore, the second radiating element 13 is not limited to surrounding the entire periphery of the first radiating element 12, and a portion of the surrounding shape of the second radiating element 13 may be missing. Furthermore, the first radiating element 12 may protrude to the outside of the second radiating element 13 from the portion where the surrounding shape of the second radiating element 13 is missing.

[0084] The first radiating element 12 and the second radiating element 13 are each disposed on the dielectric 14. In the patch antenna 10 of the present embodiment, the first radiating element 12 and the second radiating element 13 are Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 1 , the first radiating element 12 and the second radiating element 13 are arranged on one surface of the dielectric 14 (here, the upper surface of the dielectric 14). However, the first radiating element 12 and the second radiating element 13 are not limited to being arranged on one surface of the dielectric 14, and the first radiating element 12 and the second radiating element 13 may be arranged on different surfaces of the dielectric 14. For details, the following will be used. Fig. 6A The patch antenna 10A of the first modified example shown in FIG. Figure 6B The patch antenna 10B of the second modified example shown, Fig. 8A The patch antenna 10D of the fourth variation shown in FIG. Figure 8B A patch antenna 10E according to the fifth modified example will be described.

[0085] In addition, the first radiating element 12 and the second radiating element 13 may be arranged not only on one surface of the dielectric 14, but also on two or more surfaces of the dielectric 14. Although not shown in the figure, for example, at least one of the first radiating element 12 and the second radiating element 13 may be arranged on both the upper surface and the side surface of the dielectric 14.

[0086] In addition, each of the first radiating element 12 and the second radiating element 13 may be formed by a conductor pattern on a substrate.

[0087] In the patch antenna 10 of this embodiment, as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, a slot region 30 is formed between the first radiating element 12 and the second radiating element 13. The slot region 30 is a region sandwiched by the first radiating element 12 and the second radiating element 13. As described above, since the first radiating element 12 and the second radiating element 13 are arranged in the dielectric 14, the dielectric 14 is exposed in the slot region 30.

[0088] In addition, in the patch antenna 10 of the present embodiment, the slot region 30 is Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the slot region 30 is formed along the sides of a substantially square around the first radiation element 12. However, the slot region 30 is not limited to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The shape shown may be formed so that at least a portion thereof is in a zigzag shape, a meandering shape, a curved shape, an arc shape, a sawtooth shape, a spiral shape, or a shape in which these shapes are combined.

[0089] The first radiating element 12 and the second radiating element 13 are arranged so as to be electrically coupled. Therefore, the width GP (refer to Figure 1 ) is determined in a range such that the first radiating element 12 and the second radiating element 13 are electrically coupled. Here, the “width GP” of the slot region 30 is the shortest distance from the outer end of the first radiating element 12 to the inner end of the second radiating element 13 in the direction from the inner side toward the outer side of the patch antenna 10 (or from the outer side toward the inner side of the patch antenna 10).

[0090] In the patch antenna 10 of the present embodiment, the width GP of the slot region 30 is as follows: Figure 1 As shown in FIG. 1 , the width GP of the slot region 30 is equal around the entire periphery of the first radiating element 12. However, the width GP of the slot region 30 may be unequal around the entire periphery of the first radiating element 12. For example, as described later Fig.9A As in the patch antenna 10F shown in the figure, the notch portion 31 may be provided to provide a portion having a width GP larger than other portions.

[0091] In the patch antenna 10 of the present embodiment, the first radiating element 12 corresponds to the radio wave of the L1 band for GNSS, and the second radiating element 13 corresponds to the radio wave of the L5 band for GNSS. That is, the first radiating element 12 has a shape corresponding to the desired radio wave of the L1 band, and the second radiating element 13 has a shape corresponding to the desired radio wave of the L5 band. In addition, the shape of the slot area 30 is also appropriately determined according to the shapes of the first radiating element 12 and the second radiating element 13. In addition, the first radiating element 12 may correspond to the radio wave of the L5 band for GNSS, and the second radiating element 13 may correspond to the radio wave of the L1 band for GNSS.

[0092] The dielectric 14 is a component formed of a dielectric material such as ceramic. The dielectric 14 is substantially quadrilateral in plan view. Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown in the figure, the first radiating element 12 and the second radiating element 13 are arranged. In addition, although not shown, a conductor pattern that functions as a ground conductor film (or ground conductor plate) is provided on the back side of the dielectric 14. The shape of the dielectric 14 is not limited to a substantially quadrilateral shape, and may be, for example, a circular shape, an elliptical shape, a polygonal shape, etc. In addition, the dielectric 14 may be a dielectric substrate, or may be a solid or hollow resin member.

[0093] The feeding section 15 is a conductive component including a feeding point. The feeding point is a location where a feeding line (not shown) feeds power to the first radiating element 12 and the second radiating element 13. In the patch antenna 10 of this embodiment, a structure is adopted in which two feeding lines are provided to feed power to the first radiating element 12 and the second radiating element 13, that is, a dual feeding method. Therefore, the patch antenna 10 of this embodiment is as follows: Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, there are two power feeders 15 .

[0094] However, the feeding method in the patch antenna 10 is not limited to the dual feeding method. For example, the patch antenna 10 may also adopt a quad feeding method. The patch antenna 10 adopting the quad feeding method has four feeding units 15. In addition, for example, the patch antenna 10 may also adopt a single feeding method. The patch antenna 10 adopting the single feeding method has one feeding unit 15.

[0095] In the patch antenna 10 of the present embodiment, at least one feeder 15 is disposed in a region other than the radiating element 11 (the first radiating element 12 and the second radiating element 13). Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, the dielectric 14 is located between the first radiating element 12 and the second radiating element 13 (i.e., the slot region 30). Furthermore, the power feeding section 15 is arranged so as to be electrically coupled with the first radiating element 12 and the second radiating element 13. Thus, the power feeding section 15 can feed power to the first radiating element 12 and the second radiating element 13.

[0096] Figure 1 and Figure 2 The positions of the two feeders 15 shown are just examples. The feeders 15 may be located at appropriate positions so that the first radiating element 12 and the second radiating element 13 can handle radio waves of desired frequency bands (here, L1 band and L5 band for GNSS).

[0097] As described above, in the patch antenna 10 of the present embodiment, Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 1 , the two feeding portions 15 are located in the dielectric 14 of the slot region 30. However, one of the two feeding portions 15 may be located in the dielectric 14 of the slot region 30, and the other may be located in the first radiating element 12 or the second radiating element 13. In other words, at least one feeding portion 15 may be arranged in a region other than the radiating element 11 (the first radiating element 12 and the second radiating element 13). In this case, the at least one feeding portion 15 may also be arranged as described below. Figure 7 The patch antenna 10C of the third modified example shown, Figure 8B As in the patch antenna 10E of the fifth modified example shown, the dielectric 14 is located outside the slot region 30.

[0098] <<Comparative Example Patch Antennas 10X to 10Z>>

[0099] Next, refer to Figure 3A to Figure 3C The patch antennas 10X to 10Z of the illustrated comparative examples are used to further describe the features of the patch antenna 10 of the present embodiment.

[0100] Figure 3A It is a top view of a patch antenna 10X according to a first comparative example. Figure 3B It is a top view of a patch antenna 10Y according to a second comparative example. Figure 3C It is a top view of a patch antenna 10Z according to a third comparative example.

[0101] exist Figure 3A In the patch antenna 10X of the first comparative example shown, unlike the patch antenna 10 of the present embodiment, the radiating element 11X only responds to radio waves of one frequency band. The patch antenna 10X does not have two radiating elements like the first radiating element 12 and the second radiating element 13 of the patch antenna 10 of the present embodiment, but has only one radiating element.

[0102] Here, as an example of an antenna device that supports multiple bands, there is a so-called patch antenna stacking type antenna device in which a plurality of patch antennas that support radio waves of different frequency bands are stacked. Therefore, even if a patch antenna that supports radio waves of only one frequency band, such as the patch antenna 10X of the first comparative example, is used, a patch antenna that supports radio waves of a frequency band different from that of the patch antenna 10X can be further stacked to form an antenna device that supports multiple bands.

[0103] However, in the case of a dual-feed patch antenna, especially when a hybrid circuit unit is required, since the stacked patch antennas need to work separately, more than two hybrid circuit units are required, resulting in a complex structure of the antenna device as a whole. In addition, by stacking the patch antennas, the height of the antenna device as a whole increases accordingly.

[0104] In contrast, the patch antenna 10 of the present embodiment has a structure in which two radiating elements, the first radiating element 12 for the L1 band for GNSS and the second radiating element 13 for the L5 band for GNSS, are arranged on a dielectric 14, and can cope with radio waves of multiple frequency bands. Therefore, the antenna device including the patch antenna 10 can be made into a simple structure as a whole. Moreover, there is no need to stack the patch antennas 10 in order to cope with radio waves of multiple frequency bands, and the antenna device as a whole can be made low-profile. In addition, in the patch antenna 10 of the present embodiment, even if a hybrid circuit unit is required, only one hybrid circuit unit is required, which can make the antenna device as a whole have a simple structure and reduce the number of components.

[0105] exist Figure 3B In the patch antenna 10Y of the second comparative example shown, similarly to the patch antenna 10 of the present embodiment described above, there are two radiating elements, namely the first radiating element 12Y and the second radiating element 13Y. In addition, in the patch antenna 10Y, for example, the first radiating element 12Y corresponds to the radio waves of the L1 band for GNSS, and the second radiating element 13Y corresponds to the radio waves of the L5 band for GNSS. Thus, unlike the patch antenna 10X of the first comparative example described above, it is not necessary to use a patch antenna stacking type antenna device, and the antenna device including the patch antenna 10Y can be made into a simple structure as a whole. However, in the patch antenna 10Y of the second comparative example, unlike the patch antenna 10 of the present embodiment described above, both the feeders 15 are arranged in the first radiating element 12Y.

[0106] In the patch antenna 10Y, unlike the patch antenna 10 of the present embodiment, the two feeders 15 each directly feed the first radiating element 12Y. Furthermore, the second radiating element 13Y is electrically coupled to the first radiating element 12Y. Thus, the patch antenna 10Y can operate in a manner that supports radio waves of multiple frequency bands through the first radiating element 12Y and the second radiating element 13Y.

[0107] in addition, Figure 3C The patch antenna 10Z of the third comparative example shown also has two radiating elements, the first radiating element 12Z for GNSS L1 band radio waves and the second radiating element 13Z for GNSS L5 band radio waves, similar to the patch antenna 10Y of the second comparative example. Therefore, even the patch antenna 10Z of the third comparative example does not need to be an antenna device of the patch antenna stacking type, unlike the patch antenna 10X of the first comparative example, and the antenna device including the patch antenna 10Z can be made into a simple structure as a whole. However, in the patch antenna 10Z of the third comparative example, unlike the patch antenna 10 of the present embodiment, both of the two feeders 15 are arranged in the second radiating element 13Z.

[0108] In the patch antenna 10Z, unlike the patch antenna 10 of the present embodiment, the two feeders 15 each directly feed the second radiating element 13Z. Furthermore, the first radiating element 12Z and the second radiating element 13Z are electrically coupled. Thus, the patch antenna 10Z can operate in a manner that supports radio waves of multiple frequency bands through the first radiating element 12Z and the second radiating element 13Z.

[0109] In the patch antenna 10Y of the second comparative example, the first radiating element 12Y and the second radiating element 13Y each have a shape corresponding to radio waves of a desired frequency band. Figure 3B As shown in FIG. 1 , if the feeder 15 is located at the first radiating element 12Y, the shape of the first radiating element 12Y is restricted by the position of the feeder 15. For example, when the shape of the first radiating element 12Y is changed in order to change the characteristics of the patch antenna 10Y or the like by changing the frequency band of the corresponding radio wave, the presence of the feeder 15 limits the range of options for changing the shape of the first radiating element 12Y.

[0110] In addition, in the patch antenna 10Z of the third comparative example, Figure 3C As shown, if the feeder 15 is located at the second radiating element 13Z, the shape of the second radiating element 13Z is restricted by the position of the feeder 15 .

[0111] In addition, as in the patch antenna 10Y of the second comparative example, if the first radiating element 12Y has the feeder 15, the difference between the distance between the feeder 15 and the first radiating element 12Y and the distance between the feeder 15 and the second radiating element 13Y becomes significant. As a result, the difference in impedance between the first radiating element 12Y and the second radiating element 13Y may become significant. The difference in impedance may become significant as the difference in gain between the first radiating element 12Y and the gain between the second radiating element 13Y (specifically, the difference in VSWR value).

[0112] In the patch antenna 10Z of the third comparative example, similarly, the difference between the gain in the first radiating element 12Z and the gain in the second radiating element 13Z (specifically, the difference in VSWR value) may become significant.

[0113] Therefore, in Figure 3B The patch antenna 10Y of the second comparative example shown in FIG. Figure 3C In the patch antenna 10Z of the third comparative example shown, the shapes of the radiating element 11Y and the radiating element 11Z are restricted by the position of the feeder 15 , so the degree of freedom in designing the patch antenna is low.

[0114] In contrast, in the patch antenna 10 of the present embodiment described above, at least one feeder 15 is Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the feeder 15 is arranged in a region other than the radiating element 11 (the first radiating element 12 and the second radiating element 13). Thus, even in the case where the shape of the first radiating element 12 or the second radiating element 13 is changed, the position of the feeder 15 is suppressed from being restricted. Therefore, by arranging at least one feeder 15 in a region other than the radiating element 11 (the first radiating element 12 and the second radiating element 13), the degree of freedom in designing the patch antenna 10 can be increased.

[0115] In the patch antenna 10 of the present embodiment described above, the feeder 15 is located in the dielectric 14 between the first radiating element 12 and the second radiating element 13 (i.e., the slot region 30). Thus, the difference between the distance between the feeder 15 and the first radiating element 12 and the distance between the feeder 15 and the second radiating element 13 can be reduced. Therefore, the difference in impedance between the first radiating element 12 and the second radiating element 13 can be reduced, and the difference in gain between the first radiating element 12 and the second radiating element 13 can be reduced.

[0116] Moreover, in Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the patch antenna 10 of the present embodiment shown, by adjusting at least one of the distance between the feeding portion 15 and the first radiating element 12 and the distance between the feeding portion 15 and the second radiating element 13, the characteristics of the radio waves in the frequency band corresponding to the first radiating element 12 and the characteristics of the radio waves in the frequency band corresponding to the second radiating element 13 can be adjusted.

[0117] Specifically, in Figure 1 and Figure 2In the patch antenna 10 of the present embodiment shown, when it is desired to improve the characteristics of radio waves in the frequency band that the first radiating element 12 supports, by reducing the distance between the feeder 15 and the first radiating element 12 (that is, by bringing the feeder 15 closer to the first radiating element 12), it is possible to improve the characteristics of radio waves in the frequency band that the first radiating element 12 supports. Conversely, when it is desired to improve the characteristics of radio waves in the frequency band that the second radiating element 13 supports, by reducing the distance between the feeder 15 and the second radiating element 13 (by bringing the feeder 15 closer to the second radiating element 13), it is possible to improve the characteristics of radio waves in the frequency band that the second radiating element 13 supports.

[0118] That is, in the patch antenna 10 of the present embodiment, the characteristics of the radio waves in the frequency band to which the first radiating element 12 corresponds and the characteristics of the radio waves in the frequency band to which the second radiating element 13 corresponds can be adjusted without changing the shapes of the first radiating element 12 and the second radiating element 13. Therefore, the dielectric 14 in which the feed section 15 is located between the first radiating element 12 and the second radiating element 13 (i.e., the slot region 30) can further improve the degree of freedom in design of the patch antenna 10.

[0119] <<Frequency Characteristics of Patch Antenna 10>>

[0120] Next, refer to Figure 4A and Figure 4B , frequency characteristics of the patch antennas 10X to 10Z of the comparative example and frequency characteristics of the patch antenna 10 of the present embodiment are described.

[0121] Figure 4A : is a graph showing an example of the frequency characteristics of the patch antenna 10X, the patch antenna 10Y, and the patch antenna 10Z.

[0122] exist Figure 4A In FIG. 1 , the horizontal axis represents frequency and the vertical axis represents voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR). As described above, the patch antenna 10X only responds to radio waves of one frequency band, while the patch antenna 10Y and the patch antenna 10Z respond to radio waves of two frequency bands. Figure 4A As shown, in the patch antenna 10X, there is one point where the VSWR characteristic is good, that is, a minimum value in the graph (solid line). In addition, in the patch antenna 10Y and the patch antenna 10Z, there are two points where the VSWR characteristic is good, that is, a minimum value in the graph (dashed line or single-dot chain line). In this way, the patch antenna 10X, the patch antenna 10Y, and the patch antenna 10Z have good characteristics in the predetermined frequency band.

[0123] Figure 4B : is a graph showing an example of the frequency characteristics of the patch antenna 10 .

[0124] exist Figure 4BIn the same figure, the horizontal axis represents frequency and the vertical axis represents voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR). Figure 4B As shown, the patch antenna 10 of the present embodiment has good characteristics in a predetermined frequency band, similarly to the patch antennas 10X to 10Z of the comparative examples. That is, the patch antenna 10 of the present embodiment has good characteristics in both the L1 band and the L5 band.

[0125] <<Verification of the Width GP of the Gap Region 30>>

[0126] Next, refer to Figure 5A and Figure 5B Verification of the width GP of the slot region 30 in the patch antenna 10 of the present embodiment will be described.

[0127] Figure 5A This is an overview of the width GP in the patch antenna 10 . Figure 5B This is a graph showing an example of the result when the width GP is changed.

[0128] like Figure 5A As shown in FIG. 1 , the width GP of the patch antenna 10 of the present embodiment was varied in 16 stages (No. 1 to No. 16) from 1 mm to 25.5 mm, and the VSWR was calculated for each of the patch antennas 10 of No. 1 to No. 16. Figure 5A In the table shown, for each of patch antennas 10 No. 1 to No. 16, the value of width GP and the value of width GP converted to the wavelength at the frequency of the L5 band (here, the center frequency) of the patch antenna 10 are described.

[0129] exist Figure 5B In the figure, the horizontal axis represents frequency and the vertical axis represents voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR). Figure 5B In the embodiment of the present invention, it is recorded that the width GP of the patch antenna 10 is changed to Figure 5A The calculation results (graph) are shown in the table with the values ​​(values ​​of the widths GP described in No. 1 to No. 16).

[0130] However, in Figure 5BIn the figure, only the results of the patch antennas 10 of No. 1, 7, and 15 are shown in the graph. Here, the result of the patch antenna 10 of No. 1 is shown by a single-point chain line, the result of the patch antenna 10 of No. 7 is shown by a dotted line, and the result of the patch antenna 10 of No. 15 is shown by a solid line. In addition, the minimum values ​​in the results of the patch antennas 10 of No. 1, 7, and 15 are indicated by ● (black circles). The results of other patch antennas 10 (No. 2 to 6, 8 to 14) are not shown in the graph, and only the minimum values ​​are indicated by ▲ (black triangles). In other words, the minimum values ​​indicated by ● (black circles) and ▲ (black triangles) indicate points where the VSWR characteristics are good.

[0131] like Figure 5B As shown, it can be seen that as the width GP increases, the minimum value of VSWR (● (black circle) mark and ▲ (black triangle) mark) moves toward the low band side. Also, it can be seen that as the width GP increases, the bandwidth becomes narrower.

[0132] In the patch antenna 10 of No. 16 (width GP = 25.5 mm, 1 / 10λ), Figure 5B The calculation result (graph) is not visible in the range of VSWR shown (1 to 11). Therefore, in order for the patch antenna 10 to operate in the desired frequency band, the width GP is preferably "greater than 0 and less than 1 / 10λ". That is, the maximum width of the slot region 30 sandwiched by the first radiating element 12 and the second radiating element 13 is preferably less than one tenth of the wavelength of the radio wave that the first radiating element 12 or the second radiating element 13 responds to.

[0133] <<Patch Antennas 10A to 10J of Modified Examples>>

[0134] In the patch antenna 10 of the present embodiment, the first radiating element 12 and the second radiating element 13 are arranged on one side of the upper surface of the dielectric 14. However, the first radiating element 12 and the second radiating element 13 are not limited to being arranged on one side of the upper surface of the dielectric 14. Fig. 6A The patch antenna 10A of the first modified example shown, and Figure 6B As in the patch antenna 10B of the second modified example shown, the second radiating element 13 is disposed on a different surface of the upper surface of the dielectric 14. This also increases the degree of freedom in designing the patch antenna 10.

[0135] Fig. 6A It is a perspective view of a patch antenna 10A according to a first modification. Figure 6B : is a perspective view of a patch antenna 10B according to a second modification. Fig. 6A and Figure 6B (described later Figure 7 , Fig. 8A and Figure 8BSimilarly, only one feeder 15 is shown.

[0136] like Fig. 6A As shown in FIG. 1 , the second radiating element 13 of the patch antenna 10A is arranged on a surface of the dielectric 14 which is parallel to the surface of the dielectric 14 on which the first radiating element 12 is arranged and is located on the −Z direction side of the surface on which the first radiating element 12 is arranged. In other words, the upper surface of the dielectric 14 is formed so that the surface of the inner region protrudes toward the +Z direction side compared to the surface of the outer region. Furthermore, the first radiating element 12 is arranged on the surface of the inner region of the dielectric 14, and the second radiating element 13 is arranged on the surface of the outer region of the dielectric 14.

[0137] like Figure 6B As shown in FIG. 1 , the second radiating element 13 of the patch antenna 10B is arranged on a surface of the dielectric 14 which is parallel to the surface of the dielectric 14 on which the first radiating element 12 is arranged and is located on the +Z direction side of the surface on which the first radiating element 12 is arranged. In other words, the upper surface of the dielectric 14 is formed so that the surface of the inner region is recessed toward the -Z direction side compared with the surface of the outer region. Furthermore, the first radiating element 12 is arranged on the surface of the inner region of the dielectric 14, and the second radiating element 13 is arranged on the surface of the outer region of the dielectric 14.

[0138] The above Fig. 6A and Figure 6B The surface of the dielectric 14 on which the first radiating element 12 is arranged and the surface of the dielectric 14 on which the second radiating element 13 is arranged are parallel to each other. However, one of the surface of the dielectric 14 on which the first radiating element 12 is arranged and the surface of the dielectric 14 on which the second radiating element 13 is arranged may be inclined relative to the other. Thus, one of the first radiating element 12 and the second radiating element 13 may be inclined relative to the other.

[0139] Specifically, for example, when the first radiating element 12 is parallel to the XY plane, the second radiating element 13 may be inclined with respect to the XY plane, or when the second radiating element 13 is parallel to the XY plane, the first radiating element 12 may be inclined with respect to the XY plane. In addition, both the first radiating element 12 and the second radiating element 13 may be inclined with respect to the XY plane and parallel to or intersecting with each other.

[0140] In the patch antenna 10 of the present embodiment, the feeder 15 is located between the first radiating element 12 and the second radiating element 13 (i.e., the slot region 30). However, the feeder 15 is not limited to being located in the slot region 30. Figure 7 As in the patch antenna 10C of the third modified example shown in FIG. 1 , the dielectric 14 is located outside the slot region 30. This also enables the degree of freedom in designing the patch antenna 10 to be improved.

[0141] Figure 7 It is a top view of a patch antenna 10C according to a third modification.

[0142] like Figure 7 As shown in FIG. 1 , the feeder 15 of the patch antenna 10C is located in the dielectric 14 outside the second radiating element 13. Furthermore, the feeder 15 is configured to be electrically coupled only to the second radiating element 13. Here, similarly to the patch antenna 10 described above, in the patch antenna 10C, the first radiating element 12 and the second radiating element 13 are also configured to be electrically coupled. Therefore, the feeder 15 can also feed the first radiating element 12 via the second radiating element 13.

[0143] In the patch antenna 10 of the present embodiment, both the first radiating element 12 and the second radiating element 13 are arranged on the upper surface of the dielectric 14. However, the configuration is not limited to that of both the first radiating element 12 and the second radiating element 13 on the upper surface of the dielectric 14. Fig. 8A The patch antenna 10D of the fourth modified example shown, and Figure 8B As in the patch antenna 10E of the fifth modified example shown, the second radiating element 13 is disposed at a location other than the upper surface of the dielectric 14. This also increases the degree of freedom in designing the patch antenna 10.

[0144] Fig. 8A It is a perspective view of a patch antenna 10D according to a fourth modification. Figure 8B It is a perspective view of a patch antenna 10E according to a fifth modification.

[0145] In the patch antenna 10D, as Fig. 8A As shown in FIG. 1 , the first radiating element 12 is arranged on the upper surface of the dielectric 14, and the second radiating element 13 is arranged on the side surface of the dielectric 14. In addition, the second radiating element 13 is positioned so as to surround the first radiating element 12. The feeder 15 of the patch antenna 10B is as shown in FIG. Fig. 8A As shown, the dielectric 14 is located between the first radiating element 12 and the second radiating element 13 (ie, the slot region 30).

[0146] As with the patch antenna 10D, in the patch antenna 10E, Figure 8B As shown in FIG. 1 , the first radiating element 12 is disposed on the upper surface of the dielectric 14, and the second radiating element 13 is disposed on the side surface of the dielectric 14. Furthermore, the second radiating element 13 is positioned so as to surround the first radiating element 12. The feeder 15 of the patch antenna 10E is shown in FIG. Figure 8B As shown, the dielectric 14 is located outside the second radiating element 13 (the side surface of the dielectric 14).

[0147] In the patch antenna 10 of the present embodiment described above, the width GP of the slot region 30 is uniform around the entire periphery of the first radiating element 12. However, Fig.9A The patch antenna 10F of the sixth variation shown, Fig. 9B The patch antenna 10G of the seventh variant shown and Fig. 9C As in the patch antenna 10H of the eighth modification shown in FIG. 1 , the notch 31 is formed in at least one of the first radiating element 12 and the second radiating element 13. This also increases the degree of freedom in designing the patch antenna 10.

[0148] Fig.9A It is a top view of a patch antenna 10F according to a sixth modification. Fig. 9B It is a top view of a patch antenna 10G according to the seventh modification. Fig. 9C It is a top view of a patch antenna 10H according to the eighth modification.

[0149] In the patch antenna 10F, as Fig.9A As shown, the second radiating element 13 is provided with a cutout portion 31 extending in a direction parallel to the width direction of the slot region 30. Here, the cutout portion 31 includes a cutout portion 32 where the feeder 15 is not arranged and a cutout portion 33 where the feeder 15 is arranged. In the patch antenna 10F, both the cutout portion 32 and the cutout portion 33 extend outward.

[0150] Similar to the patch antenna 10F, in the patch antenna 10G, Fig. 9B As shown in FIG. 1 , a notch portion 33 extending along the outside and having the feeder 15 arranged therein is formed in the second radiating element 13. In addition, in the patch antenna 10G, other notches 32 and 34 extending toward the inside are formed in the first radiating element 12. The feeder 15 is not arranged in the notch portion 32, and the feeder 15 is arranged in the notch portion 34. The notch portion 34 extends from the region in the slot region 30 where the feeder 15 is located.

[0151] Similar to the patch antenna 10G, in the patch antenna 10H, Fig. 9C As shown in FIG. 1 , a notch portion 32 extending inward is formed in the first radiating element 12. Furthermore, in the patch antenna 10H, a notch portion 35 is formed by cutting away the periphery of the feeder 15.

[0152] In the patch antennas 10F to 10H described above, the cutout 31 can be formed in at least one of the first radiating element 12 and the second radiating element 13 without being restricted by the position of the feeder 15. That is, the shape of the radiating element 11 is restrained from being restricted by the position of the feeder 15, and the degree of freedom in designing the patch antenna 10 can be increased.

[0153] As described above, the slot region 30 is formed between the first radiating element 12 and the second radiating element 13. The slot region 30 is defined in various shapes by the shape of the outer edge of the first radiating element 12 and the shape of the inner edge of the second radiating element 13. At this time, the shape of the outer edge of the first radiating element 12 and the shape of the inner edge of the second radiating element 13 may be the same shape (for example, the same substantially quadrilateral shape) or different shapes (for example, a substantially quadrilateral shape and a substantially circular shape).

[0154] Thus, the slot region 30 can be formed into various shapes. For example, the slot region 30 may be in a shape along a substantially quadrilateral outer shape as in the patch antenna 10 and the patch antennas 10A to 10G, or in a shape along a substantially circular outer shape as in the patch antenna 10H. The slot region 30 may be in a shape along an outer shape such as a circle, an ellipse, a polygon, or a combination thereof.

[0155] Fig. 10A It is a perspective view of a patch antenna 10I according to a ninth modification. Fig. 10B It is a perspective view of a patch antenna 10J according to a tenth modification.

[0156] like Fig. 10A As shown in FIG. 1 , the patch antenna 10I has a passive element 39. The passive element 39 is a conductive component disposed above the radiating element 11 and is a metal plate formed by sheet metal. Fig. 10A As shown, a passive element 39 is disposed above the radiating element 11 of the patch antenna 10I. The passive element 39 may also be held by a holding member (not shown) surrounding the radiating element 11. The patch antenna 10I can improve the axial ratio particularly at low elevation angles (e.g., in the range of 0 to 30 degrees) by including the passive element 39.

[0157] The patch antenna 10J has a non-feed element 39 similarly to the patch antenna 10I of the ninth modification. In the patch antenna 10J, Fig. 10B As shown, two passive elements 39 are arranged above the radiating element 11 of the patch antenna 10J. In addition, the two passive elements 39 may be held by a holding member (not shown) surrounding the radiating element 11. The patch antenna 10J can further improve the axial ratio at low elevation angles by having two passive elements 39.

[0158] <<Assembly Procedure of Patch Antenna 10>>

[0159] <Outline>

[0160] Next, the assembly procedure of the patch antenna 10 of the present embodiment is described. In the patch antennas 10X to 10Z of the above-mentioned comparative examples, the feeder 15 is arranged on the radiating element (11X, 11Y, 11Z). Therefore, in the patch antennas 10X to 10Z of the comparative examples, the feeder 15 and the radiating element (11X, 11Y, 11Z) are connected by soldering, thereby fixing the feeder 15 to the radiating element (11X, 11Y, 11Z).

[0161] In contrast, in the patch antenna 10 of the present embodiment, the feeder 15 is arranged in a region outside the radiating element 11 (the first radiating element 12 and the second radiating element 13). Specifically, the feeder 15 is located in the dielectric 14 between the first radiating element 12 and the second radiating element 13 (i.e., the slot region 30), and therefore, in the patch antenna 10 of the present embodiment, it is necessary to fix the feeder 15 and the dielectric 14. Hereinafter, the order of fixing the feeder 15 and the dielectric 14 in particular in the assembly order of the patch antenna 10 of the present embodiment will be described.

[0162] Fig.11A This is a perspective view of a state before the power feeding section 15 is assembled to the dielectric 14 , relating to a first example of the assembly procedure of the patch antenna 10 . Fig. 11B This is a perspective view showing a state in which the power feeding section 15 is assembled to the dielectric 14 in relation to the first example of the assembly procedure of the patch antenna 10 . Fig.12 It is an enlarged perspective view of the vicinity of the pin hole 36 of the dielectric 14 .

[0163] like Fig.11A As shown in FIG. 1 , a pin hole 36 for inserting the feeder 15 is pre-formed on the dielectric 14. The feeder 15 is inserted into the pin hole 36. Fig. 11B As shown, the feeder 15 and the dielectric 14 are fixed by a fixing portion 37. The fixing portion 37 is an adhesive or the like.

[0164] However, the method of fixing the power feeding unit 15 and the dielectric 14 is not limited to the case of fixing with an adhesive or the like. That is, the fixing unit 37 is not limited to insulating components such as adhesives, but may also include conductive components such as solder. Fig.12 As shown, a conductive component as a part of the fixing portion 37 may be pre-arranged around the pin hole 36 of the dielectric 14, and the feed portion 15 and the conductive component may be fixed by solder as a part of the fixing portion 37. Fig.12 Conductive components shown.

[0165] Fig.13A This is a perspective view of a state before the power feeding section 15 is assembled to the dielectric 14 , relating to a second example of the assembly procedure of the patch antenna 10 . Fig. 13B This is a perspective view showing a state in which the power feeding section 15 is assembled to the dielectric 14 in relation to the second example of the assembly procedure of the patch antenna 10 .

[0166] like Fig.13A As another example of the assembly procedure of the patch antenna 10, the feeder 15 may be fixed in advance on the substrate 38 for mounting the patch antenna 10. Fig. 13B As shown, the feeder 15 can be inserted into the pin hole 36 in such a manner that the patch antenna 10 covers the substrate 38 side. Fig.13A and Fig. 13B In the second example of the assembly procedure of the patch antenna 10 shown, the feeder 15 is fixed in advance, which improves the workability when assembling the patch antenna 10. In addition, by fixing the feeder 15 to the substrate 38 in advance, the patch antenna 10 can be easily positioned when placed on the substrate 38.

[0167] <Fixing method>

[0168] As described above, the feeder 15 and the dielectric 14 are fixed by the fixing portion 37 formed of an adhesive or a conductive member. The fixing method implemented by the fixing portion 37 is described in detail below. Fig.11A , Fig. 11B and Fig.12 The fixing method in the first example of the assembly procedure of the patch antenna 10 shown in FIG. 1 is described, but it can also be applied to Fig.13A and Fig. 13B The fixing method in the second example of the assembly procedure of the patch antenna 10 shown.

[0169] Fig. 13C This is an explanatory diagram showing a state before the power feeding unit 15 is inserted into the pin hole 36 in the first example of the method of fixing the dielectric 14 and the power feeding unit 15 . Fig.13D This is an explanatory diagram showing a state after the power feeding unit 15 is inserted into the pin hole 36 in the first example of the method of fixing the dielectric 14 and the power feeding unit 15 . Fig.13E It is an explanatory diagram showing a state of fixing the power feeding unit 15 and the dielectric body 14 in a first example of a method of fixing the dielectric body 14 and the power feeding unit 15 .

[0170] like Fig. 13C As shown in FIG. 1 , the feeder 15 inserted into the pin hole 36 of the dielectric 14 includes a head portion 51 and a body portion 52. The head portion 51 is a portion of the feeder 15 located on the +Z direction side. The feeder 15 is inserted into the pin hole 36 of the dielectric 14 (described later). Fig.13DIn the state of the dielectric body 14, the main body 52 is exposed on the +Z direction side of the dielectric body 14. The main body 52 is a portion of the power feeding unit 15 located on the -Z direction side and is inserted into the pin hole 36 of the dielectric body 14.

[0171] The dielectric 14 is provided with a pin hole 36 extending in the Z direction. In the first example of the method of fixing the dielectric 14 and the feeder 15, the inner diameter of the pin hole 36 is fixed in the Z direction, larger than the outer diameter of the main body 52 of the feeder 15, and smaller than the outer diameter of the head 51 of the feeder 15. Fig.13D As shown, the main body 52 can be inserted into the pin hole 36. When the main body 52 is inserted into the pin hole 36, the end of the head 51 on the +Z direction side is located above (on the +Z direction side) the surface of the dielectric 14 on the +Z direction side.

[0172] like Fig.13E As shown, the fixing portion 37 is arranged so as to cover the head portion 51. When the main body 52 is inserted into the pin hole 36 ( Fig.13D In the state shown in the figure, the end of the head 51 on the +Z direction side is located on the upper side (+Z direction side) compared with the upper surface 53 (the surface on the +Z direction side) of the dielectric 14, and therefore, the fixing portion 37 covering the head 51 is further located on the upper side (+Z direction side) compared with the position of the head 51.

[0173] In addition, the fixing portion 37 is also formed between the lower surface (surface on the -Z direction side) of the head portion 51 and the upper surface 53 (surface on the +Z direction side) of the dielectric 14 opposite to the head portion 51, and forms a bonding surface 55 between the feed portion 15 and the dielectric 14. Fig.13D In the state shown in the figure, the head 51 is located on the upper side (+Z direction side) compared to the surface on the +Z direction side of the dielectric 14 (the upper surface 53 of the dielectric 14), so the bonding surface 55 is not formed on the side surface of the head 51.

[0174] Fig.13F This is an explanatory diagram showing a state before the power feeding unit 15 is inserted into the pin hole 36 in the second example of the method of fixing the dielectric 14 and the power feeding unit 15 . Figure 13G This is an explanatory diagram showing a state after the power feeding unit 15 is inserted into the pin hole 36 in the second example of the method of fixing the dielectric 14 and the power feeding unit 15 . Fig.13H It is an explanatory diagram showing a state of fixing the power feeding unit 15 and the dielectric body 14 in a second example of the method of fixing the dielectric body 14 and the power feeding unit 15 .

[0175] like Fig.13FAs shown, in the second example of the method for fixing the dielectric 14 and the feeding unit 15, a head receiving portion 54 may be formed at the portion on the +Z direction side of the pin hole 36. The head receiving portion 54 is a portion that enlarges the inner diameter of the pin hole 36, and the inner diameter of the head receiving portion 54 is larger than the outer diameter of the head 51 of the feeding unit 15. Figure 13G As shown, the feeder 15 can be inserted into the pin hole 36 in such a manner that the main body 52 can be inserted into the pin hole 36 and the head 51 is located below the surface on the +Z direction side of the dielectric 14 (the upper surface 53 of the dielectric 14). Figure 13G In the figure, the entire head 51 is located below the surface on the +Z direction side of the dielectric 14 (the upper surface 53 of the dielectric 14), but a part of the head 51 may be located below the surface on the +Z direction side of the dielectric 14 (the upper surface 53 of the dielectric 14).

[0176] like Fig.13H As shown, the fixing portion 37 is arranged so as to cover the head portion 51. When the main body 52 is inserted into the pin hole 36 ( Figure 13G In the state shown in FIG. 1 , the head 51 is similar to the state in the first example ( Fig.13D Therefore, the fixing portion 37 covering the head 51 can also be arranged to be located on the lower side (-Z direction side) compared with the case shown in the first example. Fig.13H , the outer contour of the fixing portion 37 of the first example is shown by a dotted line. Thus, in the second example, the patch antenna 10 can be made lower in profile than in the first example. In the second example, the fixing portion 37 covering the head 51 is located below the upper surface 53 of the dielectric 14. That is, the fixing portion 37 is entirely accommodated in the head accommodating portion 54. However, a portion of the fixing portion 37 may be accommodated in the head accommodating portion 54.

[0177] In addition, the fixing portion 37 is also arranged between the lower surface (surface on the -Z direction side) of the head 51 and the bottom surface of the head receiving portion 54 opposite to the lower surface of the head 51, as in the case of the first example, to form a bonding surface 55 between the feed unit 15 and the dielectric 14. Moreover, in the case of the second example, the fixing portion 37 is also formed between the side surface of the head 51 and the inner side surface of the head receiving portion 54 opposite to the side surface of the head 51, unlike the case of the first example, and the bonding surface 56 is also formed on the side surface of the head 51. As a result, in the second example, the bonding area between the feed unit 15 and the dielectric 14 can be enlarged compared with the case of the first example, and the bonding strength between the feed unit 15 and the dielectric 14 can be improved.

[0178] <<Other>>

[0179] ·Electrical function of the power feeder 15

[0180] In the patch antenna 10 of the present embodiment and the patch antennas 10A to 10J of the modified examples, the feeder 15 is arranged to be electrically coupled to at least one of the first radiating element 12 and the second radiating element 13. Hereinafter, the electrical function of the feeder 15 to the first radiating element 12 and the second radiating element 13 will be described by taking the patch antenna 10H of the eighth modified example as an example.

[0181] Fig.14A This is an example of a current distribution diagram in the patch antenna 10H. Fig. 14B This is another example of the current distribution diagram in the patch antenna 10H.

[0182] exist Fig.14A , the current distribution at the upper surface of the patch antenna 10H is visually shown. Fig. 14B In the figure, the current distribution on the upper surface of the patch antenna 10H is shown, in particular, the direction of the current is visually shown. Fig.14A and Fig. 14B In each case, an example of a region with strong current is surrounded by a dotted line. Also, among the regions with strong current, an example of a region with strong current in the first radiating element 12 is referred to as region A1, and an example of a region with strong current in the second radiating element 13 is referred to as region A2. Regions A1 and A2 are also regions with a high degree of electrical coupling.

[0183] like Fig.14A and Fig. 14B As shown in FIG. 1 , the current is strong in the A1 region and the A2 region located on both sides of the slot region 30. That is, the power feeding section 15 feeds power to both the first radiating element 12 and the second radiating element 13 via the slot region 30. Therefore, the power feeding section 15 is arranged to be electrically coupled with the first radiating element 12 and the second radiating element 13, and acts on both radiating elements (the first radiating element 12 and the second radiating element 13) at the same time.

[0184] In the above description, the case of the patch antenna 10H is cited as an example of the electrical action performed by the feeder 15 on the first radiating element 12 and the second radiating element 13. However, the same is true for the patch antenna 10 of the present embodiment and the patch antennas of the modified examples other than the patch antenna 10H, and the feeder 15 is arranged to be electrically coupled with the first radiating element 12 and the second radiating element 13, and acts on both radiating elements (the first radiating element 12 and the second radiating element 13) at the same time.

[0185] Feeding circuit of patch antenna 10

[0186] As described above, the dual feeding method is adopted in the patch antenna 10 of the present embodiment. Hereinafter, an example of a feeding circuit of the patch antenna 10 adopting such a dual feeding method will be described.

[0187] Fig.15A This is a first example of a circuit diagram of the patch antenna 10 . Fig. 15B This is a second example of a circuit diagram of the patch antenna 10 . Fig. 15C This is a third example of the circuit diagram of the patch antenna 10 .

[0188] exist Figures 15A to 15C In FIG. 1 , a solid arrow indicates a path of a signal transmitted from antenna input unit 18A or antenna input unit 18B to antenna output unit 18C. In addition, a dotted arrow indicates a path of a signal transmitted from antenna input unit 18A or antenna input unit 18B to antenna output unit 18D.

[0189] exist Fig.15A The first example of the circuit diagram shown in Fig. 15B In the second example of the circuit diagram shown in FIG. 1 , a feeding circuit is shown which is composed of a combination of two circuit elements, an inductor L and a capacitor C. Fig. 15C In FIG. 1 , an example of using a hybrid coupler 19 is shown. Figures 15A to 15C As shown, signals input from antenna input section 18A or antenna input section 18B having a phase difference of 90 degrees are sent to antenna output section 18C or antenna output section 18D. Thus, patch antenna 10 can handle a desired circularly polarized wave corresponding to a frequency band for GNSS, for example.

[0190] The patch antenna 10 of the present embodiment described above can handle radio waves in the frequency band used for GNSS, for example. However, the patch antenna 10 can also handle radio waves in the frequency band used for SDARS, for example. Radio waves in the frequency band used for GNSS are right-hand circularly polarized waves, and radio waves in the frequency band used for SDARS are left-hand circularly polarized waves.

[0191] Here, in the patch antenna 10, the first radiating element 12 may correspond to right-hand circularly polarized waves, and the second radiating element 13 may correspond to left-hand circularly polarized waves. In the patch antenna 10, on the contrary, the first radiating element 12 may correspond to left-hand circularly polarized waves, and the second radiating element 13 may correspond to right-hand circularly polarized waves. Thus, the patch antenna 10 can correspond to radio waves of any multiple frequency bands, and the antenna device including the patch antenna 10 can be made into a simple structure as a whole.

[0192] <<Overview of Antenna Device 100>>

[0193] Fig.16 FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of the antenna device 100 according to the first embodiment. Fig.16 , a diagram showing a case 1 of the antenna device 100 described later being removed and moved to the +Z direction side is shown. Fig.16 In the figure, illustration of a holding member for holding a passive element 39 of a patch antenna 10K described later and a holding member for holding an antenna 50 described later are omitted.

[0194] The antenna device 100 of this embodiment is a so-called vehicle-mounted antenna device, for example, arranged on the roof of a vehicle. However, the location of the vehicle where the antenna device 100 is arranged can be appropriately changed according to the environmental conditions of the intended communication object, etc. The antenna device 100 can also be installed in various locations such as the upper part of the dashboard of the vehicle, the bumper, the license plate mounting part, the pillar part, the spoiler part, etc.

[0195] Here, "vehicle-mounted" means being able to be carried on a vehicle, and therefore is not limited to being installed on a vehicle, but also includes being taken into a vehicle or used in a vehicle. In addition, the antenna device 100 of this embodiment is configured to be used in a "vehicle" as a means of transportation with wheels, but is not limited thereto, and can also be used in, for example, flying objects such as drones, probes, construction machinery without wheels, agricultural machinery, ships, and other mobile objects.

[0196] exist Fig.16 In the figure, the +X direction is the front direction observed from the driver's seat of the vehicle equipped with the antenna device 100, the +Y direction is the right direction observed from the driver's seat of the vehicle equipped with the antenna device 100, and the +Z direction is the upper direction (zenith direction) observed from the driver's seat of the vehicle equipped with the antenna device 100.

[0197] The outer shape of the antenna device 100 of this embodiment (i.e., the outer shape of the housing 1 described later) is a fin shape (i.e., a shark fin shape) that rectifies the wind when the vehicle is running and reduces the fluid resistance. Specifically, the outer shape of the antenna device 100 of this embodiment is tapered in the front and becomes wider as it goes to the rear when viewed from above. In addition, the outer shape of the antenna device 100 of this embodiment is gradually narrowed from the mounting surface to the top of the vehicle in the left and right width when viewed from behind.

[0198] That is, the antenna device 100 of the present embodiment has a streamlined shape, which is a curved surface whose width becomes relatively narrower and whose height becomes lower as it moves toward the front end, and whose side surfaces also taper inwardly. However, the shape of the antenna device 100 is not limited thereto, and may be various shapes such as a cube, a rectangular parallelepiped, a cone, a pyramid, a sphere, etc., and these shapes may also be combined.

[0199] In addition, although Fig.16Although not shown in the figure, the antenna device 100 can be housed in a cavity between the roof panel of the vehicle and the roof lining on the top surface of the vehicle interior. In this case, the roof panel of the vehicle is made of, for example, an insulating resin so that the antenna device 100 can cope with radio waves. The antenna device 100 housed in the cavity between the roof panel of the vehicle and the roof lining on the top surface of the vehicle interior is fixed to the roof lining made of insulating resin by, for example, screws. However, the antenna device 100 housed in the cavity can also be fixed to the frame, roof panel, etc. of the vehicle. In addition, the roof panel of the vehicle can also be made of metal or carbon fiber reinforced plastic instead of resin. In the case where the roof panel of the vehicle is made of, for example, metal, a means for ensuring the directivity of the antenna possessed by the antenna device 100 can be adopted.

[0200] The antenna device 100 includes a housing 1 , a base 2 , a patch antenna 10K, and an antenna 50 .

[0201] The shell 1 is a component that forms a storage space for the patch antenna 10K and the antenna 50 together with the base 2. In the present embodiment, the shell 1 constitutes the upper side of the antenna device 100. In addition, in the present embodiment, the shell 1 is formed of an insulating resin material. However, the shell 1 may also be formed of a material other than the insulating resin material and that transmits radio waves. In addition, the shell 1 may also be composed of a portion of an insulating resin material and a portion of other materials that transmit radio waves, and these materials may be freely combined. In addition, the shell 1 is fixed to the base 2 by screws not shown. However, the shell 1 is not limited to being fixed by screws, and may also be fixed to the base 2 by snaps, welding, bonding, etc.

[0202] The base 2 is a component that forms a storage space for the patch antenna 10K and the antenna 50 together with the housing 1. In this embodiment, the base 2 constitutes the bottom surface of the antenna device 100. Fig.16 As shown, there are an insulating base 3 and a metal base 4.

[0203] The insulating base 3 is a plate-shaped member formed of an insulating resin material. However, the insulating base 3 may be formed of a material other than a resin material as long as it is insulating, and may have a shape other than a plate. The metal base 4 is attached to the insulating base 3 by screws (not shown).

[0204] The metal base 4 is a component that functions as a ground line of the antenna device 100. The metal base 4 is, for example, a plate-shaped component made of metal, and is a die-cast product of an aluminum alloy or the like. However, as long as the metal base 4 functions as a ground line, it may have a shape other than a plate-shaped shape, and may be made of sheet metal. Fig.16As shown, the substrate 5 to which the patch antenna 10K is connected and the substrate 7 to which the antenna 50 is connected are arranged. In other words, the patch antenna 10K is arranged on the metal base 4 via the substrate 5 , and the antenna 50 is arranged via the substrate 7 .

[0205] When the antenna device 100 is disposed on the roof of the vehicle, the metal base 4 is electrically connected to the roof. Thus, the metal base 4 functions as a ground line for the patch antenna 10K and the antenna 50 of the antenna device 100. The metal base 4 is an integrated metal base for the substrate 5 and the substrate 7, but may be configured as a metal base having a separate metal base for the substrate 5 and a separate metal base for the substrate 7. Even in the case of such a separate metal base, it functions appropriately as a ground line for the patch antenna 10K and the antenna 50.

[0206] In the above description, antenna device 100 is described as having base 2 as a member constituting the bottom surface of antenna device 100. Also, base 2 is described as having insulating base 3 and metal base 4 functioning as a ground. However, the structure of base 2 is not limited to the above.

[0207] For example, the base 2 may only have the metal base 4, or may have the insulating base 3, the metal base 4 and another metal base, or may be a metal plate instead of the metal base. In addition, the base 2 may also be composed of the insulating base 3 and a metal plate instead of the metal base.

[0208] The antenna device 100 according to the present embodiment can freely combine the components as a member constituting the bottom surface of the antenna device 100 and a member functioning as a ground.

[0209] In the present embodiment, the housing 1 and the base 2 accommodate the patch antenna 10K and the antenna 11. In other words, the housing 1 and the base 2 form a storage space for accommodating at least the patch antenna 10K and the antenna 50. However, the housing 1 and the base 2 may also accommodate components other than the patch antenna 10K and the antenna 50. In addition, in the present embodiment, the housing 1 and the base 2 constitute the outer shell of the shark fin antenna.

[0210] Patch Antenna 10K with Fig. 10B Similarly to the patch antenna 10I shown in FIG. 1 , two passive elements 39 are arranged above the radiating element 11 of the patch antenna 10K. However, each of the passive elements 39 is as follows: Fig.16 In the antenna device 100 of the present embodiment, the patch antenna 10K also has a hollowed-out inner region. The feeding section 15 is located in a region outside the radiating element 11 (here, the slot region 30 ), thereby increasing the degree of freedom in designing the patch antenna 10K.

[0211] like Fig.16As shown in FIG. 1 , the patch antenna 10K is disposed on a substrate 5 mounted on the upper surface of the metal base 4. Here, the patch antenna 10K is electrically connected to the substrate 5 via a feeder 15. The patch antenna 10K is connected to the substrate 5 via a matching circuit (not shown) mounted on the substrate 5. Fig.16 The coaxial cable 6 connection is shown.

[0212] Antenna 50 is an antenna for mobile communication, for example, used in V2X (Vehicle to Everything: vehicle-to-vehicle communication, road-to-vehicle communication). In addition, antenna 50 is an antenna for responding to linearly polarized radio waves. Sometimes linearly polarized waves are called vertically polarized waves, for example, when the polarization plane is perpendicular to the earth, and are called horizontally polarized waves when the polarization plane is horizontal to the earth. In addition, antenna 50 is a collinear array antenna (collinear antenna array). However, antenna 50 can also be, for example, a monopole antenna, a sleeve antenna, a dipole antenna, a slot array antenna, a Yagi antenna, a patch antenna, etc.

[0213] like Fig.16 As shown in FIG. 1 , the antenna 50 is arranged on the substrate 7 mounted on the upper surface of the metal base 4. Here, the antenna 50 is electrically connected to the substrate 7 at the feeding portion (not shown). Furthermore, the antenna 50 is connected to the substrate 7 via a matching circuit (not shown) mounted on the substrate 7. Fig.16 The circuit board 7 is connected to the coaxial cable 8 shown. Circuit elements and electronic components other than the matching circuit may be mounted on the substrate 7.

[0214] Here, the outer periphery of the matching circuit side (lower side) of the substrate 7 is electrically connected to the ground line of the antenna 50 side through a through hole, a via hole, etc. The outer periphery of the matching circuit side of the substrate 7 is subjected to conductive surface treatment such as solder leveling or gold plating.

[0215] As described above, the antenna device 100 includes the antenna 50 in addition to the patch antenna 10K, but may include an antenna other than the antenna 50 or may include only the patch antenna 10K.

[0216] ==Second Embodiment==

[0217] <<Overview of the Patch Antenna 20>>

[0218] Fig.17 It is a top view of the patch antenna 20 according to the second embodiment.

[0219] The patch antenna 20, like the patch antenna 10 of the first embodiment, includes a radiating element 21, a dielectric 24, a first feeder 26, and a second feeder 27. In the following description, the first feeder 26 and the second feeder 27 may be collectively referred to as a "feeder 25".

[0220] The radiating element 21 is a conductive component disposed on the dielectric 24. In the patch antenna 20 of this embodiment, unlike the patch antenna 10 of the first embodiment, the radiating element 21 only responds to radio waves of one frequency band. The radiating element 21 does not have two radiating elements like the first radiating element 12 and the second radiating element 13 of the patch antenna 10 of the first embodiment, but has only one radiating element. However, the radiating element 21 may also have the first radiating element and the second radiating element and respond to radio waves of multiple frequency bands, as in the patch antenna 10 of the first embodiment.

[0221] The dielectric 24 is a component formed of a dielectric material such as ceramic, similar to the patch antenna 10 of the first embodiment. The dielectric 24 has a substantially quadrilateral shape when viewed from above. However, the shape of the dielectric 24 is not limited to a substantially quadrilateral shape, and may be, for example, circular, elliptical, polygonal, etc. The details other than those described above of the dielectric 24 are the same as those of the dielectric 14 of the patch antenna 10 of the first embodiment, and therefore the description thereof is omitted.

[0222] Each of the first feeder 26 and the second feeder 27 is a conductive member including a feeding point. In the patch antenna 20 of the present embodiment, unlike the patch antenna 10 of the first embodiment, the first feeder 26 and the second feeder 27 are each arranged in the radiating element 21. However, similarly to the patch antenna 10 of the first embodiment, at least one of the first feeder 26 and the second feeder 27 may be arranged in a region other than the radiating element 21, for example, in the region of the dielectric 24.

[0223] In the patch antenna 20 of the present embodiment, Fig.17 In the plan view as shown, that is, when viewed from the normal direction of the radiating element 21, the first feeder 26 is located on the first diagonal line 43 of the radiating element 21. In addition, the second feeder 27 is located on the second diagonal line 44 of the radiating element 21.

[0224] Here, the first power feeder 26 being “located on the first diagonal line 43” means that the first diagonal line 43 intersects at least a portion of the first power feeder 26. Also, the second power feeder 27 being “located on the second diagonal line 44” means that the second diagonal line 44 intersects at least a portion of the second power feeder 27.

[0225] In addition, the "first diagonal line 43" and the "second diagonal line 44" are as follows Fig.17 As shown, it is a diagonal line in the approximately quadrilateral radiating element 21. The center 40 of the patch antenna 20 is the center of the approximately quadrilateral radiating element 21. In addition, since the radiating element 21 is also approximately square, the center 40 of the patch antenna 20 is also the intersection of the first diagonal line 43 and the second diagonal line 44.

[0226] The first diagonal line 43 and the second diagonal line 44 may be diagonal lines in the substantially quadrilateral dielectric body 24. In this case, the center 40 of the patch antenna 20 is the center of the substantially quadrilateral dielectric body 24.

[0227] In the patch antenna 20 of this embodiment, as Fig.17 As shown, the distance DC1 between the center 40 and the first feeder 26 is substantially equal to the distance DC2 between the center 40 and the second feeder 27 (DC1=DC2). However, the distance DC1 between the center 40 and the first feeder 26 may not be equal to the distance DC2 between the center 40 and the second feeder 27.

[0228] In the patch antenna 20 of the present embodiment, the first feeder 26 is located on the corner 42 side rather than the center 40 side on the first diagonal line 43. In addition, the second feeder 27 is located on the corner 42 side rather than the center 40 side on the second diagonal line 44. However, the first feeder 26 or the second feeder 27 may be located on the center 40 side rather than the corner 42 side.

[0229] <<Comparative Example Patch Antenna 20X>>

[0230] In the patch antenna 20 of the present embodiment, it is possible to easily ensure the isolation between the first power feeder 26 and the second power feeder 27. Fig.18 A patch antenna 20X according to the comparative example shown will be described.

[0231] Fig.18 1 is a top view of a patch antenna 20X according to a comparative example.

[0232] The patch antenna 20X of the comparative example has the same radiating element 21 and dielectric 24 as the patch antenna 20 of the present embodiment. However, in the patch antenna 20X, the first feeder 26 and the second feeder 27 are located on the first axis 16 and the second axis 17 which are different from the first diagonal line 43 and the second diagonal line 44, respectively.

[0233] Here, the "first axis 16" is an axis passing through the center 40 and parallel to the first side 45 of the substantially quadrilateral radiating element 21. In addition, the "second axis 17" is an axis passing through the center 40 and parallel to the second side 46 adjacent to the first side 45. The first axis 16 and the second axis 17 are axes orthogonal to each other.

[0234] In the patch antenna 20X of the comparative example, the first feeder 26 and the second feeder 27 are located on mutually orthogonal axes (the first axis 16 and the second axis 17), so that the phase difference in the circularly polarized wave of the patch antenna 20X becomes 90 degrees. However, in the patch antenna 20X, there is a limit to the distance DB between the two feeders (the first feeder 26 and the second feeder 27), and it is difficult to ensure the isolation between the two feeders.

[0235] That is, Fig.18 As shown, when the center of the first side 45 is set to the first center 47 and the center of the second side 46 adjacent to the first side 45 is set to the second center 48, with respect to the distance DB between the two feeding parts (the first feeding part 26 and the second feeding part 27), the length LB of the straight line connecting the first center 47 and the second center 48 becomes the maximum distance.

[0236] In contrast, in the patch antenna 20 of the present embodiment, as described above Fig.17 As shown, in the substantially quadrilateral radiating element 21, the length DA of the straight line connecting the first feeder 26 and the second feeder 27 is longer than the length LB of the straight line connecting the first center 47 and the second center 48 (i.e., the maximum value of the distance DB in the patch antenna 20X of the comparative example). Thus, the distance between the two feeders (the first feeder 26 and the second feeder 27) can be sufficiently set, and the isolation between the first feeder 26 and the second feeder 27 can be easily ensured.

[0237] <<Patch Antenna 20A of Modification>>

[0238] Fig.19 1 is a top view of a patch antenna 20A according to a modified example.

[0239] In the patch antenna 20A of the modification, for example, Fig.19 As shown, a quad feeding method may also be adopted. The patch antenna 20A adopting the quad feeding method has four feeding sections 25. That is, the patch antenna 20A has a third feeding section 28 and a fourth feeding section 29 in addition to the first feeding section 26 and the second feeding section 27. Here, the third feeding section 28 is located on the first diagonal line 43, and the fourth feeding section 29 is located on the second diagonal line 44.

[0240] In such a four-point feeding system, it is also possible to easily ensure the isolation between a plurality of (four in this case) feeding sections.

[0241] In the patch antenna 20A, as Fig.19As shown in FIG. 4 , the first power feeder 26 and the third power feeder 28 are located at positions that are line-symmetrical with respect to the second diagonal line 44. In addition, the second power feeder 27 and the fourth power feeder 29 are located at positions that are line-symmetrical with respect to the first diagonal line 43. However, the first power feeder 26 and the third power feeder 28 may not be line-symmetrical with respect to the second diagonal line 44, and the second power feeder 27 and the fourth power feeder 29 may not be line-symmetrical with respect to the first diagonal line 43.

[0242] <<Overview of antenna device 200>>

[0243] Fig. 20 It is a plan view of the antenna device 200 according to the second embodiment.

[0244] like Fig. 20 As shown, antenna device 200 includes patch antenna 20, patch antenna 20 and antenna 50. At this time, a first distance D1 between first power feeder 26 and antenna 50 and a second distance D2 between second power feeder 27 and other antenna 50 are substantially equal.

[0245] <<Antenna devices 200X and 200Y of comparative examples>>

[0246] The antenna device 200 of the present embodiment described above can suppress the influence on the characteristics of the patch antenna 20 and suppress the size of the antenna device 200. Fig.21A The antenna device 200X of the first comparative example shown in FIG. Fig. 21B An antenna device 200Y according to the second comparative example shown will be described.

[0247] Fig.21A It is a top view of an antenna device 200X according to a first comparative example. Fig. 21B It is a top view of an antenna device 200Y according to a second comparative example.

[0248] The antenna device 200X includes the patch antenna 20X of the comparative example and another antenna 50 relative to the patch antenna 20X. Fig.21A As shown, the first distance DX1 between the first feeder 26 and the other antenna 50 and the second distance DX2 between the second feeder 27 and the other antenna 50 are different. Therefore, the first feeder 26 and the second feeder 27 receive different degrees of electrical interference from the antenna 50, which affects the characteristics of the patch antenna 20X.

[0249] On the other hand, the antenna device 200Y includes the patch antenna 20Y and another antenna 50 relative to the patch antenna 20Y. Here, the patch antenna 20Y is a patch antenna obtained by rotating the patch antenna 20X by 90 degrees on the XY plane. Fig. 21BAs shown, the first distance DY1 between the first feeder 26 and the other antenna 50 and the second distance DY2 between the second feeder 27 and the other antenna 50 can be made substantially equal. However, the size of the patch antenna 20Y rotated 90 degrees in the Y direction is larger than the size of the patch antenna 20X of the first comparative example in the Y direction.

[0250] In contrast, in the antenna device 200 of the present embodiment, as described above, the first distance D1 between the first feeder 26 and the other antenna 50 and the second distance D2 between the second feeder 27 and the other antenna 50 are substantially equal. Furthermore, the size of the patch antenna 20 in the Y direction can be suppressed. That is, in the antenna device 200 of the present embodiment, the influence on the characteristics of the patch antenna 20 can be suppressed, and the size of the antenna device 200 can be suppressed.

[0251] ==Summary==

[0252] According to this specification, the following patch antennas are provided.

[0253] (Situation 1)

[0254] Aspect 1 includes: a first radiating element 12; a second radiating element 13 positioned so as to surround the first radiating element 12; and at least one feeder 15 positioned between the first radiating element 12 and the second radiating element 13 in a plan view.

[0255] According to the above aspect, the degree of freedom in designing the patch antenna can be improved.

[0256] (Situation 2)

[0257] In the second aspect, at least one feeder 15 is located in the slot region 30 formed between the first radiating element 12 and the second radiating element 13 .

[0258] According to the above aspect, the degree of freedom in designing the patch antenna can be improved.

[0259] (Situation 3)

[0260] Form 3 comprises: a dielectric 14; a first radiating element 12, which is located on one surface of the dielectric 14; a second radiating element 13, which is located on the dielectric 14 outside the first radiating element 12 in a manner surrounding the first radiating element 12; and at least one feeding section 15, which is located in the dielectric 14 between the first radiating element 12 and the second radiating element 13.

[0261] According to the above aspect, the degree of freedom in designing the patch antenna can be improved.

[0262] (Situation 4)

[0263] In aspect 4 , at least one feeder 15 is located in the slot region 30 formed between the first radiating element 12 and the second radiating element 13 .

[0264] According to the above aspect, the degree of freedom in designing the patch antenna can be improved.

[0265] (Situation 5)

[0266] State 5 comprises: a dielectric 14; at least one feeding portion 15, which is located on the dielectric 14; a first radiating element 12, which is located on one surface of the dielectric 14; and a second radiating element 13, which is located on the dielectric 14 outside the first radiating element 12, and at least one feeding portion 15 is located on the outside of the second radiating element 13.

[0267] According to the above aspect, the degree of freedom in designing the patch antenna can be improved.

[0268] (Situation 6)

[0269] In the state 6, the maximum width of the region sandwiched by the first radiating element 12 and the second radiating element 13 is smaller than one tenth of the wavelength of the radio wave to which the first radiating element 12 or the second radiating element 13 corresponds.

[0270] According to the above aspect, the degree of freedom in designing the patch antenna can be improved.

[0271] (Situation 7)

[0272] In aspect 7 , at least one feeder 15 is electrically coupled to the first radiating element 12 and the second radiating element 13 .

[0273] According to the above aspect, the degree of freedom in designing the patch antenna can be improved.

[0274] (Situation 8)

[0275] In the aspect 8 , all the feeding sections 15 including at least one feeding section 15 are located in the slot region 30 .

[0276] According to the above aspect, the degree of freedom in designing the patch antenna can be improved.

[0277] (Situation 9)

[0278] In the embodiment 9, a notch portion 31 extending in a direction parallel to the width direction of the slot region 30 is formed in at least one of the first radiating element 12 and the second radiating element 13 .

[0279] According to the above aspect, the degree of freedom in designing the patch antenna can be improved.

[0280] (Situation 10)

[0281] In the aspect 10 , the cutout portions 33 to 35 extend from a region in the slot region 30 where at least one feeder 15 is located.

[0282] According to the above aspect, the degree of freedom in designing the patch antenna can be improved.

[0283] The above-mentioned embodiments are for easy understanding of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. In addition, the present invention can be changed and improved without departing from the gist thereof, and the present invention also includes equivalents thereof.

[0284] Description of Reference Numerals

[0285] 10, 10A~10K, 10X~10Z, 20, 20A, 20X, 20Y patch antenna 11, 21 radiating element

[0286] 121st radiating element

[0287] 13. 2nd radiating element

[0288] 14, 24 dielectric

[0289] 15, 25 Feeder

[0290] 26 1st power feeder

[0291] 27 Second power supply unit

[0292] 28 3rd power feeder

[0293] 29 4th power feeder

[0294] 30 Gap Area

[0295] 31~35 incision

[0296] 40 Center

[0297] 42 corner

[0298] 431st diagonal

[0299] 44 2nd diagonal

[0300] 45 Side 1

[0301] 46 Side 2

[0302] 47 Center of side 1 (center of side 1)

[0303] 48 The center of the second side (the second center)

[0304] 50-day antenna

[0305] 100, 200, 200X, 200Y antenna units.

Claims

1. A patch antenna having: The first radiating element; a second radiating element positioned so as to surround the first radiating element; and At least one feeding portion is located between the first radiating element and the second radiating element in a plan view.

2. The patch antenna according to claim 1, wherein: The at least one feeding portion is located in a slot region formed between the first radiating element and the second radiating element.

3. A patch antenna having: dielectric; a first radiation element, which is located on one side of the dielectric body; a second radiating element located on the dielectric outside the first radiating element so as to surround the first radiating element; and At least one feeder is located in the dielectric between the first radiating element and the second radiating element.

4. The patch antenna according to claim 3, wherein: The at least one feeding portion is located in a slot region formed between the first radiating element and the second radiating element.

5. A patch antenna having: dielectric; at least one feeding portion, which is located in the dielectric body; a first radiation element located on one side of the dielectric body; and a second radiating element, which is located on the dielectric body outside the first radiating element, The at least one feeder is located outside the second radiating element.

6. The patch antenna according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The maximum width of a region sandwiched by the first radiating element and the second radiating element is smaller than one tenth of a wavelength of a radio wave to which the first radiating element or the second radiating element corresponds.

7. The patch antenna according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The at least one feeder is electrically coupled to the first radiating element and the second radiating element.

8. The patch antenna according to claim 2 or 4, wherein: All feeding portions including the at least one feeding portion are located in the gap area.

9. The patch antenna according to claim 2 or 4, wherein: A cutout portion extending in a direction parallel to a width direction of the slot region is formed in at least one of the first radiating element and the second radiating element.

10. The patch antenna according to claim 9, wherein: The cutout portion extends from a region of the slot region where the at least one feeding portion is located.

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