Antenna device and array antenna device

Abstract

This antenna device is provided with: a reflecting plate; and an antenna element which extends vertically from the reflecting plate and is bent at a right angle. The length of a portion of the antenna element extending perpendicularly from the reflecting plate is about 1 / 4 of the wavelength of the radiated waveguide, and the length of a portion of the antenna element extending by bending at a right angle is about 1 / 4 or more and about 1 / 2 or less of the wavelength of the waveguide.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an antenna device and an array antenna device. Background Art

[0002] In recent years, research on mobile communication using high-frequency signals such as millimeter-wave bands or sub-terahertz bands has been actively carried out.

[0003] The main beam direction of the antenna of a terminal and the main beam direction of the antenna of a base station such as an access point (AP) vary depending on the movement of the user and cannot be determined in a certain direction. Therefore, a communication module that radiates in various directions is required.

[0004] In the control of the radiation direction, a phased array is often used. For a single antenna constituting a phased array, in order to cover as many directions as possible, for example, it is preferable to have isotropic radiation characteristics.

[0005] The antenna device disclosed in Patent Document 1 expands the radiation pattern of radio waves in a direction parallel to the substrate surface by combining a dipole and a monopole. For example, as shown in A of FIG. 426 of Patent Document 1, a radiation pattern is formed in the direction of the first end portion (90-degree direction) of the substrate, and a radiation pattern is also formed in the direction of the second end portion (-90-degree direction) on the side opposite to the first end portion.

[0006] Prior Art Documents

[0007] Patent Documents

[0008] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2020-507230 Summary of the Invention

[0009] Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0010] However, in Patent Document 1, although the radiation pattern of radio waves is expanded in a direction parallel to the substrate surface, there is a problem that radio waves cannot be radiated with high intensity in a direction perpendicular to the substrate surface. [[ID=3�]]

[0011] A non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure helps to provide an antenna device that radiates radio waves with a wide-angle radiation pattern.

[0012] Solution to the Problem

[0013] An antenna device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes: a reflector; and an antenna element that extends perpendicularly from the reflector and is bent at a right angle, wherein the length of the portion of the antenna element that extends perpendicularly from the reflector is about 1 / 4 of the waveguide wavelength to be radiated, and the length of the portion of the antenna element that extends while being bent at a right angle is about 1 / 4 or more and about 1 / 2 or less of the waveguide wavelength.

[0014] An array antenna device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a plurality of antenna devices. Among them, each antenna device includes: a reflector; and an antenna element that extends vertically from the reflector and is bent at a right angle. The length of the part of the antenna element that extends vertically from the reflector is about 1 / 4 of the waveguide wavelength of the radiated wave, and the length of the part of the antenna element that extends after being bent at a right angle is more than about 1 / 4 and less than about 1 / 2 of the waveguide wavelength.

[0015] In addition, these broad or specific embodiments can be implemented by a system, a device, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, or a recording medium, or can be implemented by any combination of a system, a device, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, and a recording medium.

[0016] Advantages of the Invention

[0017] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the antenna device can radiate radio waves with a wide-angle radiation pattern.

[0018] More advantages and effects of an embodiment of the present disclosure will be clarified by the specification and the drawings. These advantages and / or effects are provided by several embodiments, as well as the features described in the specification and the drawings, but it is not necessary to provide all of them in order to obtain one or more of the same features. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0019] Figure 1 It is a diagram illustrating an example of radio wave radiation of a communication device.

[0020] Figure 2 It is a diagram illustrating an example of beam scanning.

[0021] Figure 3 It is a side cross-sectional view of an inverted L antenna.

[0022] Figure 4 It is a side cross-sectional view of the antenna device according to the first embodiment.

[0023] Figure 5 It is a side cross-sectional view of the antenna device according to the second embodiment.

[0024] Figure 6 It is a side cross-sectional view of the antenna device according to the third embodiment.

[0025] Figure 7 It is a side cross-sectional view of the antenna device according to the fourth embodiment.

[0026] Figure 8 It is a diagram of observing the layers in the stacked substrate of the antenna device according to the fifth embodiment from above.

[0027] Figure 9It is a perspective view of a part inside a substrate of an antenna device according to the fifth embodiment.

[0028] Figure 10 It is a view of the layers inside a stacked substrate of an antenna device according to the sixth embodiment as viewed from above.

[0029] Figure 11 It is a perspective view of a part inside a substrate of an antenna device according to the sixth embodiment.

[0030] Figure 12 It is a side cross-sectional view of an antenna device included in an array antenna device according to the seventh embodiment.

[0031] Figure 13 It is Figure 12 a top view of the antenna device.

[0032] Figure 14 It is a top view of an array antenna device according to the seventh embodiment.

[0033] Figure 15 It is a view showing the simulation result of the radiation pattern of the array antenna device. Specific Embodiments

[0034] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with appropriate reference to the drawings. However, sometimes overly detailed descriptions may be omitted. For example, sometimes the detailed description of well-known matters or the repeated description of substantially the same structures may be omitted. This is to avoid making the following description unnecessarily lengthy and to make it easy for those skilled in the art to understand.

[0035] In addition, the purpose of providing the drawings and the following description is to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand the present disclosure, and there is no intention to limit the subject matter described in the claims.

[0036] <First Embodiment>

[0037] Figure 1 It is a view illustrating an example of radio wave radiation of the communication device 1. The communication device 1 can be, for example, a portable terminal such as a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or a laptop computer. In addition, the communication device 1 can also be, for example, a base station such as an AP of a wireless LAN (Local Area Network).

[0038] Figure 1 It shows a perspective view of the communication device 1. The communication device 1 has communication modules 1a to 1d inside. The communication modules 1a to 1d are arranged, for example, on each side of a quadrilateral substrate so that the communication device 1 can radiate radio waves in all directions.

[0039] The main beam directions of the antennas of communication modules 1a to 1d vary due to the movement of communication device 1 and cannot be determined in a specific direction. Therefore, it is required that communication modules 1a to 1d radiate radio waves in various directions.

[0040] In the control of the radiation direction of radio waves, phased arrays are often used. For a single antenna that constitutes a phased array, in order to cover as many directions as possible, for example, it is preferable to have isotropic radiation characteristics.

[0041] Figure 2 It is a diagram illustrating an example of beam scanning. As Figure 2 shown, communication module 2 includes antenna element 2a, RFIC (Radio Frequency Integrated Circuit) 2b, transmission line 2c, and substrate 2d.

[0042] Antenna element 2a is formed on the upper surface of substrate 2d. In Figure 2 the example, eight antenna elements 2a are formed.

[0043] RFIC 2b is disposed on the back surface of substrate 2d. In Figure 2 the example, two RFIC 2bs are disposed.

[0044] Transmission line 2c is formed in substrate 2d and connects antenna element 2a and RFIC 2b. Substrate 2d is a dielectric substrate.

[0045] Communication module 2 (RFIC 2b) scans the beam as shown by arrow A2a in Figure 2 by adjusting the amplitude and phase of antenna element 2a.

[0046] Figure 3 It is a side sectional view of inverted-L antenna 3. As Figure 3 shown, inverted-L antenna 3 includes antenna element 3a, reflector 3b, excitation source 3c, and substrate 3d. In Figure 3 it, as shown by arrow A3a, the radiation pattern of inverted-L antenna 3 is also shown.

[0047] Antenna element 3a has an L-shaped configuration. Antenna element 3a extends from the back surface of substrate 3d to the upper surface and is bent by 90 degrees to be formed on the upper surface of substrate 3d. The length of the L-shaped antenna element 3a is λ / 4. λ is the wavelength of the radiated radio wave.

[0048] Reflector 3b is formed as a whole on the back surface of substrate 3d. Reflector 3b is connected to ground.

[0049] On the back surface side of substrate 3d, excitation source 3c is connected to one end of antenna element 3a. Excitation source 3c feeds antenna element 3a.

[0050] The substrate 3d is a dielectric substrate. In order to enable the substrate 3d to be accommodated in the housing of a communication device such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal, when the radio wave is a radio wave of several GHz or less, the thickness of the substrate 3d is λ / 10 or less.

[0051] When the thickness of the substrate 3d is λ / 10 or less with respect to the wavelength, the current flowing through the antenna element 3a on the upper surface of the substrate 3d cancels out the current (virtual current) flowing through the reflector 3b. Therefore, the portion extending from the back surface to the upper surface of the substrate 3d of the antenna element 3a becomes a portion contributing to radio wave radiation. Thus, as Figure 3 shown by the arrow A3a, the inverted L antenna 3 has an 8-shaped directivity. In other words, a radiation pattern of radio waves is formed in a direction parallel to the substrate surface.

[0052] As described above, for a single antenna constituting a phased array, in order to be able to cover as many directions as possible, for example, an isotropic radiation characteristic is preferable. However, the antenna device of Patent Document 1 and Figure 3 the inverted L antenna 3 shown expand the radiation pattern of radio waves in a direction parallel to the substrate surface, but cannot radiate radio waves with high intensity in a direction perpendicular to the substrate surface (the normal direction of the substrate). Therefore, in the present disclosure, an antenna device and an array antenna device that also form a radiation pattern in the normal direction of the substrate are provided.

[0053] Figure 4 is a side cross-sectional view of the antenna device 4 of the first embodiment. As Figure 4 shown, the antenna device 4 includes an antenna element 4a, a reflector 4b, an excitation source 4c, and a substrate 4d. In Figure 4 , as shown by the arrow A4a, the radiation pattern of the antenna device 4 is also shown.

[0054] The antenna element 4a is, for example, rod-shaped and has a shape bent in an L shape. The antenna element 4a extends vertically from the back surface of the substrate 4d to the upper surface and is bent by 90 degrees to be formed on the upper surface of the substrate 4d.

[0055] In the L-shaped antenna element 4a, the portion extending from the back surface of the substrate 4d to the upper surface (the first antenna element portion) has, for example, a columnar shape. The length of the first antenna element portion is 1 / 4 of the waveguide wavelength (the wavelength inside the dielectric) λg. The first antenna element portion can be formed by a through hole, for example.

[0056] In the L-shaped antenna element 4a, the portion formed on the upper surface of the substrate 4d (the second antenna element portion) has, for example, an elongated quadrilateral shape (for example, refer to Figure 13(the hatched portion). The length of the second antenna element portion is equal to or greater than λg / 4 and equal to or less than λg / 2. The second antenna element portion may be formed of copper foil.

[0057] The reflector 4b is formed over the entire surface on the back surface of the substrate 4d. The reflector 4b is connected to the ground. The reflector 4b may be formed of copper foil.

[0058] The second antenna element portion is formed so as to overlap the reflector 4b when the substrate 4d is viewed from the upper surface side (in a manner of being located above the reflector 4b). In other words, the second antenna element portion is formed in parallel with the surface of the reflector 4b. The distance between the reflector 4b and the second antenna element portion is λg / 4.

[0059] On the back surface side of the substrate 4d, the excitation source 4c is disposed at one end of the antenna element 4a. The excitation source 4c feeds the antenna element 4a. The excitation source 4c may also be regarded as a feeding point. The feeding point may refer to a transmission line for transmitting power and a connection point with the antenna element 4a.

[0060] The substrate 4d is a dielectric substrate. For example, the thickness of the substrate 4d is set such that the length of the first antenna element portion of the antenna element 4a is λg / 4. In addition, when the radio wave is in the millimeter wave band or the sub-terahertz wave band, the thickness of the substrate 4d is, for example, several hundreds of μ to several mm, which is the thickness that can be accommodated in the housing of a communication device such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal.

[0061] When compared with Figure 3 the inverted L antenna 3 shown, when the thickness of the substrate 4d is relatively thick with respect to the wavelength and the length of the first antenna element portion of the antenna element 4a is λg / 4, the current flowing in the second antenna element portion of the antenna element 4a is not canceled by the current flowing in the reflector 4b and can be strengthened with each other. As a result, the radio wave is radiated intensively in the normal direction of the substrate 4d ( Figure 4 the up and down direction). That is, the second antenna element portion of the antenna element 4a contributes to the radiation of the radio wave in the normal direction of the substrate 4d. Therefore, as Figure 4 shown by the arrow A4a, the antenna device 4 can radiate radio waves in the direction parallel to the surface of the substrate 4d and in the normal direction of the substrate 4d, and can form a wide-angle radiation pattern.

[0062] <Summary of the First Embodiment>

[0063] As described above, the antenna device 4 includes a reflector 4b and an antenna element 4a that extends perpendicularly from the reflector 4b and is bent at a right angle. The length of the portion of the antenna element 4a that extends perpendicularly from the reflector 4b (the first antenna element portion) is approximately 1 / 4 of the waveguide wavelength of the radiated wave. The length of the portion of the antenna element 4a that extends after being bent at a right angle (the second antenna element portion) is greater than approximately 1 / 4 and less than approximately 1 / 2 of the waveguide wavelength. Accordingly, the antenna device 4 can radiate an electric wave in a direction parallel to the plane of the substrate 4d and in the normal direction of the substrate 4d, and can form a wide-angle radiation pattern.

[0064] <Second Embodiment>

[0065] In the second embodiment, a laminated substrate (multi-layer substrate) is used as the substrate.

[0066] Figure 5 is a side cross-sectional view of the antenna device 5 of the second embodiment. As Figure 5 shown, the antenna device 5 includes an antenna element 5a, a reflector 5b, a transmission line 5c, a ground 5d, a via pad 5e, a via 5f, and a substrate 5g.

[0067] The substrate 5g is a dielectric substrate. In Figure 5 the example, the substrate 5g is an 8-layer laminated substrate with copper foil. In Figure 5 the description, from the upper surface of the substrate 5g toward the bottom surface, they are sequentially referred to as the first layer, the second layer,..., the eighth layer. In the substrate 5g, via pads 5e are formed within the substrate 5g, and vias 5f are laminated above and below the via pads 5e. The via pads 5e and the vias 5f can be formed of copper.

[0068] The antenna element 5a has an L-shaped bent configuration. The antenna element 5a extends perpendicularly from the fourth layer to the first layer of the substrate 5g and is bent 90 degrees to be formed on the upper surface of the substrate 5g.

[0069] In the L-shaped antenna element 5a, the portion that extends perpendicularly from the fourth layer to the first layer of the substrate 5g (the first antenna element portion) is formed by the via 5f. The length of the first antenna element portion is λg / 4.

[0070] In the L-shaped antenna element 5a, the portion formed on the first layer of the substrate 5g (the second antenna element portion) has, for example, an elongated quadrilateral shape (for example, refer to Figure 13 the hatched portion). The length of the second antenna element portion is greater than λg / 4 and less than λg / 2. The second antenna element portion can be formed of copper foil.

[0071] The reflector 5b is formed over the entire surface on the 4th and 5th layers of the substrate 5g. The reflector 5b of the two layers is connected by the through-hole 5f. The reflector 5b is connected to the ground. The reflector 5b is Figure 5 formed of two layers in the example, but may be formed of one layer, or may be formed of three or more layers. The reflector 5b may be formed of copper foil.

[0072] The second antenna element portion is formed in such a manner as to overlap with the reflector 5b (in a manner of being located above the reflector 5b) when viewed from the upper surface side of the substrate 5g. In other words, the second antenna element portion is formed in a plane parallel to the surface of the reflector 5b. The distance between the reflector 5b and the second antenna element portion is λg / 4.

[0073] The transmission line 5c is formed on the 7th layer of the substrate 5g. The transmission line 5c may be a strip line. One end of the transmission line 5c is connected to the first antenna element portion of the antenna element 5a via the through-hole 5f, and the other end is connected to, for example, an RFIC (not shown). The transmission line 5c supplies power from the RFIC to the antenna element 5a. In addition, the transmission line 5c transmits the power of the radio wave received by the antenna element 5a to the RFIC. The transmission line 5c may be formed of copper foil.

[0074] The ground 5d is formed over the entire surface on the 8th layer of the substrate 5g. The ground 5d may be formed of copper foil.

[0075] As Figure 5 shown, the first antenna element portion of the antenna element 5a may be constituted by the through-hole of the substrate 5g. The reflector 5b may be formed in the substrate 5g. Thus, similarly, the antenna device 5 can radiate radio waves in the direction parallel to the surface of the substrate 5g and in the normal direction of the substrate 5g, and can form a wide-angle radiation pattern.

[0076] <Summary of the Second Embodiment>

[0077] As described above, the reflector 5b and the portion (the first antenna element portion) extending from the reflector 5b of the antenna element 5a are formed inside the substrate 5g, and the portion (the second antenna element portion) of the antenna element 5a that extends by being bent at a right angle is formed on the surface of the substrate 5g. According to this structure, similarly, the antenna device 5 can form a wide-angle radiation pattern.

[0078] <Third Embodiment>

[0079] In the third embodiment, the portion (the second antenna element portion) parallel to the substrate surface of the antenna element is formed inside the substrate (dielectric).

[0080] [[ID= is a side cross-sectional view of the antenna device 6 of the third embodiment. As ​As shown, the antenna device 6 includes an antenna element 6a, a reflector 6b, a transmission line 6c, a ground 6d, a via pad 6e, a via 6f, and a substrate 6g.

[0081] The substrate 6g is a dielectric substrate. In ​ the example of, the substrate 6g is an 8-layer stacked substrate. In ​ the description of, from the upper surface of the substrate 6g toward the bottom surface, they are sequentially referred to as the first layer, the second layer, …, the eighth layer. In the substrate 6g, a via pad 6e is formed within the substrate 6g, and vias 6f are stacked above and below the via pad 6e. The via pad 6e and the vias 6f can be formed of copper.

[0082] The antenna element 6a has a shape bent in an L shape. The antenna element 6a extends from the fifth layer of the substrate 6g to the second layer, is bent 90 degrees, and is formed in the second layer within the substrate 6g.

[0083] In the L-shaped antenna element 6a, the portion extending from the fifth layer of the substrate 6g to the second layer (the first antenna element portion) is formed by the via 6f. The length of the first antenna element portion is λg / 4.

[0084] In the L-shaped antenna element 6a, the portion formed in the second layer of the substrate 6g (the second antenna element portion) has, for example, an elongated quadrilateral shape (for example, refer to the hatched portion in ​ ). The second antenna element portion is formed within the substrate 6g. The length of the second antenna element portion is equal to or greater than λg / 4 and equal to or less than λg / 2. The second antenna element portion can be formed of copper foil.

[0085] The reflector 6b is formed over the entire surface on the fifth and sixth layers of the substrate 6g. The two-layer reflector 6b is connected by the via 6f. The reflector 6b is connected to the ground. The reflector 6b is ​ composed of two layers in the example of, but may also be composed of one layer, or may be composed of three or more layers. The reflector 6b can be formed of copper foil.

[0086] The second antenna element portion is formed so as to overlap the reflector 6b (in a manner located above the reflector 6b) when viewed from the upper surface side of the substrate 6g. In other words, the second antenna element portion is formed parallel to the surface of the reflector 5b. The distance between the reflector 5b and the second antenna element portion is λg / 4.

[0087] The transmission line 6c is formed on the seventh layer of the substrate 6g. The transmission line 6c can be a strip line. One end of the transmission line 6c is connected to the first antenna element portion of the antenna element 6a via a via hole 6f, and the other end is connected to an RFIC (not shown), for example. The transmission line 6c supplies power from the RFIC to the antenna element 6a. In addition, the transmission line 6c transmits the power of the radio wave received by the antenna element 6a to the RFIC. The transmission line 6c can be formed of copper foil.

[0088] The ground 6d is formed in a planar shape on the eighth layer of the substrate 6g. The ground 6d can be formed of copper foil.

[0089] As ​ shown, the second antenna element portion of the antenna element 6a can be formed inside the substrate 6g. Thus, similarly, the antenna device 6 can radiate radio waves in the direction parallel to the surface of the substrate 6g and in the normal direction of the substrate 6g, and can form a wide-angle radiation pattern.

[0090] <Summary of the Third Embodiment>

[0091] As described above, the portion (second antenna element portion) of the antenna element 6a that extends by being bent at a right angle is formed inside the substrate 6g. According to this structure, similarly, the antenna device 6 can form a wide-angle radiation pattern.

[0092] <Fourth Embodiment>

[0093] In the fourth embodiment, the excitation source (feed point) is arranged at the bent portion of the L-shaped antenna element.

[0094] ​ is a side cross-sectional view of the antenna device 7 of the fourth embodiment. As ​ shown, the antenna device 7 includes an antenna element 7a, a reflector 7b, an excitation source 7c, and a substrate 7d. In ​ it, as shown by the arrow A7a, the radiation pattern of the antenna device 7 is also shown.

[0095] The antenna element 7a has a shape bent in an L shape. The antenna element 7a extends perpendicularly from the back surface of the substrate 7d to the upper surface, and is bent by 90 degrees to be formed on the upper surface of the substrate 7d.

[0096] In the L-shaped antenna element 7a, the portion (first antenna element portion) extending from the back surface of the substrate 7d to the upper surface has a columnar shape, for example. The length of the first antenna element portion is λg / 4. The first antenna element portion can be formed of a via hole, for example.

[0097] In the L-shaped antenna element 7a, the portion (second antenna element portion) formed on the upper surface of the substrate 7d has an elongated quadrilateral shape (for example, refer to​ (the hatched portion). The length of the second antenna element portion is equal to or greater than λg / 4 and equal to or less than λg / 2. The second antenna element portion may be formed of copper foil.

[0098] The reflector 7b is formed over the entire surface on the back surface of the substrate 7d. The reflector 7b is connected to the ground. The reflector 7b may be formed of copper foil.

[0099] The second antenna element portion is formed so as to overlap the reflector 7b when the substrate 7d is viewed from the upper surface side (in a manner of being located above the reflector 7b). In other words, the second antenna element portion is formed in parallel with the surface of the reflector 7b. The distance between the reflector 7b and the second antenna element portion is λg / 4.

[0100] On the upper surface side of the substrate 7d, the excitation source 7c is disposed at the bent portion of the antenna element 7a. The excitation source 7c feeds the antenna element 7a.

[0101] The substrate 7d is a dielectric substrate. For example, the thickness of the substrate 7d is set such that the length of the first antenna element portion of the antenna element 7a is λg / 4. In addition, when the radio wave is in the millimeter wave band or the sub-terahertz wave band, the thickness of the substrate 7d is, for example, several hundred μ to several mm, which is the thickness that can be accommodated in the housing of a communication device such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal.

[0102] It may be that, as ​ shown, the excitation source 7c is disposed at the bent portion of the antenna element 7a. As ​ indicated by the arrow A7a, the antenna device 7 can radiate radio waves in the direction parallel to the surface of the substrate 4d and in the normal direction of the substrate 4d, and can form a wide-angle radiation pattern.

[0103] <Summary of the Fourth Embodiment>

[0104] As described above, the excitation source 7c is disposed at the portion where the antenna element 7a is bent at a right angle. According to this structure, similarly, the antenna device 6 can form a wide-angle radiation pattern.

[0105] <Fifth Embodiment>

[0106] In the fifth embodiment, the antenna element is formed of a slit.

[0107] ​ is a view of the layer 8a in the laminated substrate of the antenna device 8 of the fifth embodiment as viewed from above. The antenna device 8 includes a layer 8a and an antenna element 8b.

[0108] The layer 8a is a continuous copper foil. The layer 8a is connected to the ground.

[0109] The antenna element 8b is formed by forming an L-shaped slit (groove) in the layer 8a. In other words, a part of the antenna element 8b is in a state where the copper foil is missing in an L shape. The slit can also be referred to as a "slot".

[0110] ​ It is a perspective view showing a part inside the substrate 8c of the antenna device 8 according to the fifth embodiment. In ​ , the same reference numerals are assigned to the same structural elements as ​ those.

[0111] The layer 8a is formed parallel to the surface (upper surface) of the substrate 8c. The reflector 8d is in a planar shape and is formed perpendicular to the surface of the layer 8a. For example, the reflector 8d may be formed by connecting a plurality of through holes extending perpendicular to the surface of the layer 8a into a planar shape. The reflector 8d is connected to the ground.

[0112] The reflector 8d has an opening. The slit-shaped antenna element 8b formed in the layer 8a passes through the opening formed in the reflector 8d.

[0113] The excitation source (not shown) is disposed on the opposite side of the antenna element 8b across the reflector 8d. The power (electric field) radiated from the excitation source propagates in the slit-shaped antenna element 8b. Thereby, radio waves are radiated from the antenna element 8b.

[0114] In the L-shaped antenna element 8b, the length of the portion (first antenna element portion) extending perpendicularly from the reflector 8d is λg / 4. In the L-shaped antenna element 8b, the length of the portion (second antenna element portion) formed parallel to the surface of the reflector 8d is equal to or greater than λg / 4 and equal to or less than λg / 2.

[0115] The second antenna element portion is formed parallel to the surface of the reflector 8d. The distance between the reflector 8d and the second antenna element portion is λg / 4.

[0116] As ​ and ​ shown, the antenna element 8b can be formed by a slit. Thus, similarly, the antenna device 8 can radiate radio waves in the direction parallel to the surface of the substrate 8c and in the normal direction of the substrate 8c, and can form a wide-angle radiation pattern.

[0117] <Summary of the Fifth Embodiment>

[0118] As described above, the antenna element 8b is formed by a slit, and the reflector 8d is formed by connecting through holes extending linearly. According to this structure, similarly, the antenna device 8 can form a wide-angle radiation pattern.

[0119] <Sixth Embodiment>

[0120] In the sixth embodiment, the feeding line (transmission line) is formed by a slit.

[0121] ​ This is a view of the layers in the laminated substrate of the antenna device 9 in the sixth embodiment as observed from above. In ​ it, the same reference numerals are assigned to the same structural elements as ​ those. Hereinafter, the parts different from ​ those will be described.

[0122] As ​ shown, the feeding line 9a is formed in parallel with the first antenna element part of the antenna element 8b. The length of the feeding line 9a is shorter than that of the first antenna element part of the antenna element 8b. For example, its length can be half of the length of the first antenna element part.

[0123] The feeding line 9a is constituted by forming a slit (groove) linearly in the layer 8a. In other words, a part of the feeding line 9a is in a state where the copper foil is linearly missing.

[0124] ​ This is a perspective view of a part inside the substrate 8c of the antenna device 9 in the sixth embodiment. In ​ it, the same reference numerals are assigned to the same structural elements as ​ those. Hereinafter, the parts different from ​ those will be described.

[0125] The reflector 8d has an opening. The opening is formed between the antenna 8b and the feeding line 9a.

[0126] The excitation source (not shown) is disposed on the opposite side of the antenna element 8b across the reflector 8d. The power (electric field) radiated from the excitation source propagates to the antenna element 8b via the slit-shaped feeding line 9a. Thereby, radio waves are radiated from the antenna element 8b.

[0127] <Summary of the Sixth Embodiment>

[0128] As described above, the feeding line 9a is formed by a slit. According to this structure, similarly, the antenna device 8 can form a wide-angle radiation pattern.

[0129] <Seventh Embodiment>

[0130] In the seventh embodiment, an array antenna device including a plurality of antenna devices will be described.

[0131] ​ This is a side cross-sectional view of the antenna device 10 included in the array antenna device in the seventh embodiment. In ​ it, the same reference numerals are assigned to the same structural elements as ​The same structural elements are labeled with the same reference numerals. Hereinafter, the parts different from ​ will be described. For the antenna device 10, the x, y, and z axes shown in ​ are set.

[0132] The antenna device 10 has an L-shaped antenna element 10a. ​ The second antenna element part of the antenna element 5a shown in is formed on the first layer of the substrate 5g so as to extend in the +y-axis direction from the bent L-shaped part, but ​ The second antenna element part of the antenna element 10a shown in is formed on the first layer of the substrate 5g so as to extend in the +x-axis direction from the bent L-shaped part.

[0133] ​ The antenna device 5 shown in has a two-layer reflector 5b, but ​ The antenna device 10 shown in has a three-layer reflector 10b.

[0134] ​ is ​ a top view of the antenna device 10. In ​ , the same structural elements as ​ are labeled with the same reference numerals. In ​ , the through holes 5f (first antenna element part) and transmission lines 5c formed in the substrate 5g are shown by dashed lines. ​ The dashed circle A13a shown in indicates the boundary between the presence and absence of the reflector 10b. For example, the inside of the circle A13a is the part where the reflector 10b is not formed, and the outside of the circle A13a is the part where the reflector 10b is formed.

[0135] As already described using ​ , the second antenna element part of the antenna element 10a extends in the +x-axis direction from the bent L-shaped part. The second antenna element part of the antenna element 10a is connected to the transmission line 5c via the through hole 5f constituting the first antenna element part.

[0136] ​ is a top view of the array antenna device 11 according to the seventh embodiment. In ​ , the same structural elements as ​ are labeled with the same reference numerals.

[0137] As ​ shown, the array antenna device 11 is an array antenna device in which the antenna devices 10 are arrayed. In the example of ​ , the array antenna device 11 has 16 antenna devices 10. The number of antenna devices 10 is not limited to 16.

[0138] The antenna device 10 is formed near the linearly extending end portion of the substrate 5g. The antenna devices 10 are formed in a row along the linearly extending end portion of the substrate 5g. The second antenna element portion of the antenna device 10 is formed in parallel with the linear end portion of the substrate 5g. In other words, the second antenna element portion of the antenna device 10 is formed such that its length direction faces the x-axis direction. Further in other words, the second antenna element portion of the antenna device 10 is formed in parallel with the array direction of the antenna device 10.

[0139] The array antenna device 11 can control the beam direction by changing the amplitude and phase of the antenna device 10. In addition, the array antenna device 11 can form a wide-angle radiation pattern by changing the amplitude and phase of the antenna device 10.

[0140] <Summary of the Seventh Embodiment>

[0141] As described above, the array antenna device 11 includes a plurality of antenna devices 10. The antenna device 10 includes a reflector 10b and an antenna element 10a that extends perpendicularly from the reflector 10b and is bent at a right angle. The length of the portion of the antenna element 10a that extends perpendicularly from the reflector 10b (the first antenna element portion) is approximately 1 / 4 of the waveguide wavelength of the radiated wave. The length of the portion of the antenna element 10a that extends after being bent at a right angle (the second antenna element portion) is greater than or equal to approximately 1 / 4 and less than or equal to approximately 1 / 2 of the waveguide wavelength. Thus, the antenna device 4 can radiate radio waves in a direction parallel to the plane of the substrate 5g and in the normal direction of the substrate 5g, and can form a wide-angle radiation pattern.

[0142] <Simulation>

[0143] Hereinafter, a simulation of the radiation pattern of the array antenna device 11 described in the seventh embodiment will be described.

[0144] ​ is a diagram showing the simulation results of the radiation pattern of the array antenna device 11. ​ Shows the simulation results of the radiation pattern of a 150 GHz radio wave. The amplitude and phase of each antenna device 10 of the array antenna device 11 were adjusted, and the radiation pattern was simulated.

[0145] ​ The radiation pattern A15a on the left side of shows the radiation pattern of the array antenna device 11 on the xz plane. 0 degrees of the radiation pattern A15a corresponds to the +z axis direction of the array antenna device 11, and 90 degrees corresponds to the +x axis direction.

[0146] ​The radiation pattern A15b on the right side represents the radiation pattern of the array antenna device 11 on the yz plane. The 0-degree phase of the radiation pattern A15a corresponds to the +z-axis direction of the array antenna device 11, and the 90-degree phase corresponds to the +y-axis direction.

[0147] As shown in the radiation pattern A15b, the array antenna device 11 radiates radio waves intensively in the substrate normal direction (0-degree direction). In addition, the array antenna device 11 also radiates radio waves intensively in the substrate horizontal direction. That is, the array antenna device 11 forms a wide-angle radiation pattern.

[0148] In the case where the antenna device 10 is arranged as ​ shown, as ​ shown, good simulation results (wide-angle radiation pattern) can be obtained. However, the arrangement of the antenna device 10 of the array antenna device 11 is not limited to the ​ example. The direction of the second antenna element part of the antenna device 10 can be appropriately changed according to the usage (application) situation of the array antenna device 11. For example, ​ the second antenna element part of the antenna device 10 shown can also be formed parallel to the y-axis direction. In addition, for example, ​ the directions of the second antenna element parts of the antenna device 10 shown can also be different from each other.

[0149] As described above, although the embodiments have been described with reference to the drawings, the present disclosure is not limited to this example. Those skilled in the art can clearly conceive various modification examples or correction examples within the scope described in the claims. It should be understood that these modification examples or correction examples also belong to the technical scope of the present disclosure. In addition, the structural elements in the embodiments can be arbitrarily combined without departing from the gist of the present disclosure. In addition, the embodiments can also be combined.

[0150] The values such as the lengths and angles described above can also include values that are approximately equal thereto. For example, “λg / 4” can be replaced with “λg / 4 or approximately λg / 4”.

[0151] Each structural element used in the description of the above embodiments can be partially or wholly implemented as an LSI (Large Scale Integration) which is an integrated circuit. The LSI can be composed of individual chips, or can be composed of one chip in a manner that includes part or all of the functional elements. The LSI can also include data input and output. Depending on the degree of integration, the LSI is sometimes also referred to as “IC (Integrated Circuit)”, “system LSI”, “ultra-large LSI”, “extra-large LSI”.

[0152] Furthermore, if, with the progress of semiconductor technology or the derivation of other technologies, an integrated circuit technology that replaces LSI emerges, it is of course possible to use this technology to achieve the integration of functional blocks. There is also the possibility of applying biotechnology and so on.

[0153] The present disclosure can be implemented in all kinds of devices, equipment, and systems (collectively referred to as "communication devices") having a communication function. Non-limiting examples of communication devices include: telephones (mobile phones, smartphones, etc.), tablet computers, personal computers (PCs) (laptop computers, desktop computers, notebook computers, etc.), cameras (digital cameras, digital video cameras, etc.), digital players (digital audio / video players, etc.), wearable devices (wearable cameras, smartwatches, tracking devices, etc.), game consoles, e-book readers, remote health / telemedicine (remote healthcare / medical prescription) devices, transportation vehicles or means of transportation with communication functions (automobiles, airplanes, ships, etc.), and combinations of the above various devices.

[0154] The communication device is not limited to portable or movable devices, and also includes all kinds of devices, equipment, and systems that cannot be carried or are fixed. For example, it includes: smart home devices (home appliances, lighting devices, smart meters or gauges, control panels, etc.), vending machines, and all other "Things" that can exist on the IoT (Internet of Things) network.

[0155] Communication includes not only data communication carried out through cellular systems, wireless LAN (Local Area Network) systems, communication satellite systems, etc., but also data communication carried out through combinations of these systems.

[0156] In addition, the communication device includes infrastructure devices that communicate with or control the above-mentioned various non-limiting devices, such as base stations, access points, and all other devices, equipment, and systems.

[0157] The content contained in U.S. Provisional Patent Application 63 / 478078 filed on December 30, 2022 is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety into the present application.

[0158] Industrial Applicability

[0159] The present disclosure is useful for antenna devices and array antenna devices that radiate radio waves with a wide-angle radiation pattern.

[0160] Description of Reference Numerals

[0161] 4 Antenna device

[0162] 4a Antenna element

[0163] 4b Reflector

[0164] 4c Excitation source

[0165] 4d Substrate

Claims

1. An antenna device, characterized in that, Comprising: A reflector; and An antenna element that extends perpendicularly from the reflector and is bent at a right angle, The length of the portion of the antenna element that extends perpendicularly from the reflector is approximately 1 / 4 of the radiated waveguide wavelength, The length of the portion of the antenna element that extends while being bent at a right angle is more than approximately 1 / 4 and less than approximately 1 / 2 of the waveguide wavelength.

2. The antenna device according to claim 1, wherein The excitation source is disposed at the end of the antenna element on the reflector side.

3. The antenna device according to claim 1, wherein The excitation source is disposed at the portion of the antenna element that is bent at a right angle.

4. The antenna device according to claim 1, wherein The reflector and the portion of the antenna element that extends perpendicularly from the reflector are formed inside a laminated substrate, The portion of the antenna element that extends while being bent at a right angle is formed on the surface or inside of the laminated substrate.

5. The antenna device according to claim 4, wherein The portion of the antenna element that extends perpendicularly from the reflector is formed by a through hole, The reflector and the portion of the antenna element that extends while being bent at a right angle are formed by copper foil.

6. The antenna device according to claim 1, wherein The antenna element is formed by a slit.

7. The antenna device according to claim 6, wherein The reflector is formed by connecting through holes that extend linearly.

8. The antenna device according to claim 1, wherein The antenna element radiates radio waves in the millimeter wave band or the sub-terahertz wave band.

9. An array antenna device having a plurality of antenna devices, wherein the array antenna device is characterized in that The antenna device comprises: A reflector; and An antenna element that extends perpendicularly from the reflector and is bent at a right angle, The length of the portion of the antenna element that extends perpendicularly from the reflector is approximately 1 / 4 of the radiated waveguide wavelength, The length of the portion of the antenna element that extends while being bent at a right angle is more than approximately 1 / 4 and less than approximately 1 / 2 of the waveguide wavelength.

10. The array antenna device according to claim 9, wherein The plurality of antenna devices are arranged linearly, The portions of the plurality of antenna devices that extend while being bent at a right angle are formed in a manner parallel to the arrangement direction of the plurality of antenna devices.

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