Antenna module

Abstract

In an antenna module (10), a support member (20) has an outer wall (24) and an inner wall (26) that constitute a housing groove (22). The main body (42) of the coil (40) is at least partially housed in the housing groove (22) of the support member (20). The support member (20) has: a first flange section (281) protruding from the outer wall (24) in a first orientation; and a second flange portion (283) protruding from the outer wall (24) in a second orientation. A part of the main body portion (42) of the coil (40) is located below the first flange portion (281) and the second flange portion (283) in plan view. The magnetic sheet (60) is attached to the upper part of the outer wall (24) so as to partially cover the main body part (42) of the coil (40).

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application with application number 202480007053.8, the original application being filed on November 5, 2024, and the invention being entitled "Antenna Module". Technical Field

[0002] This invention relates to antenna modules. Background Technology

[0003] The antenna module (antenna coil) disclosed in Patent Document 1 has a coil (coil body), a magnetic sheet (resin-bonded soft magnet), and a support member (coil housing).

[0004] In the antenna module of Patent Document 1, the supporting member has a frame shape and a receiving portion formed into a groove along its outline. Furthermore, a magnetic sheet and a coil are housed within the receiving portion. The magnetic sheet is located on the bottom side of the receiving portion, and the coil is located on the top side of the magnetic sheet, i.e., on the opening side of the receiving portion.

[0005] Existing technical documents

[0006] Patent documents

[0007] Patent document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2006-339757. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The problem the invention aims to solve

[0009] In the antenna module of Patent Document 1, the magnetic sheet is located on the lower side of the coil, but if the usage state of the antenna module is considered, there is also a situation where it is desirable to place the magnetic sheet on the upper side of the coil.

[0010] Furthermore, while the antenna module in Patent Document 1 uses coil-side terminals located on the coil housing to connect to the outside, there is also a requirement to use a flexible printed circuit board (FPC) for connecting the coil to the outside.

[0011] In addition, when using FPC, there is a requirement to connect the FPC to the coil before mounting the coil to the support member.

[0012] The purpose of this invention is to provide an antenna module that meets the above requirements and can perform the desired antenna characteristics.

[0013] Solution for solving the problem

[0014] One aspect of the present invention is to provide an antenna module having a support member and a coil, wherein,

[0015] The coil has a main body.

[0016] The support member has: an outer wall and an inner wall forming a receiving groove; at least one first flange; and at least one second flange.

[0017] The at least one first flange portion protrudes from the outer wall in a first orientation orthogonal to the vertical direction.

[0018] The at least one second flange protrudes from the outer wall toward a second orientation that is opposite to the first orientation.

[0019] The main body portion of the coil is at least partially housed within the receiving groove.

[0020] A portion of the main body of the coil is located below the first flange and the second flange when viewed from above.

[0021] Invention Effects

[0022] According to one aspect of the present invention, an antenna module can be provided in which a coil pre-connected to a flexible printed circuit board (FPC) is mounted on a support member, and a magnetic sheet is disposed on the upper side of the coil, thereby providing an antenna module having desired antenna characteristics.

[0023] By referring to the accompanying drawings and studying the following description of the preferred embodiments, the object of the invention can be correctly understood, and its structure can be understood more fully. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of an antenna module illustrating one embodiment of the present invention. The end of the coil is not connected to the connection pads of the FPC.

[0025] Figure 2 It is shown Figure 1 A top view of the antenna module.

[0026] Figure 3 It is shown Figure 1 A bottom view of the antenna module.

[0027] Figure 4 It is shown Figure 2 A sectional view of the antenna module along line AA.

[0028] Figure 5 It is shown Figure 2 BB line cross-sectional view of the antenna module.

[0029] Figure 6 It is shown Figure 2 CC-line cross-sectional view of the antenna module.

[0030] Figure 7 It is shown Figure 1 The front view of the antenna module.

[0031] Figure 8 It is shown Figure 7 DD-line cross-sectional view of the antenna module.

[0032] Figure 9 It shows from Figure 1 The antenna module has a top view showing the state of the magnetic sheet removed.

[0033] Figure 10 It is shown Figure 1 A perspective view of the antenna module, specifically the antenna module in the state before the retaining part of the supporting member is thermally riveted.

[0034] Figure 11 It is shown Figure 10 A cross-sectional view of the antenna module. The cut location is... Figure 5 The cut position corresponds to the cut position. Detailed Implementation

[0035] This invention can be implemented in various modifications and methods. As an example, a specific embodiment as shown in the accompanying drawings will be described in detail below. The drawings and embodiments do not limit the invention to the specific embodiments disclosed. All modifications, equivalents, and substitutions made within the scope of the appended claims are included in the scope of this invention.

[0036] Reference Figure 1 An antenna module 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a support member 20, a coil 40, a flexible printed circuit board (hereinafter referred to as FPC) 50, and a magnetic sheet 60.

[0037] As from Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 7 As can be understood, the support member 20 is generally plate-shaped, having an upper surface 201 orthogonal to the vertical direction and a lower surface 203 opposite to the upper surface 201. The support member 20 is made of, for example, insulating resin. In this embodiment, the vertical direction is the Z direction. The +Z direction is upward, and the -Z direction is downward. Furthermore, the vertical direction in this specification is provided for ease of explanation and does not necessarily correspond to the vertical direction.

[0038] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, in this embodiment, the support member 20 has a generally rectangular shape when viewed from above. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The shape of the support member 20 is not particularly limited, and it may also be other shapes such as circular or racetrack-shaped when viewed from above.

[0039] Reference Figure 9 A receiving groove 22 is formed on the upper surface 201 of the support member 20. Specifically, the support member 20 has an outer wall 24 and an inner wall 26 constituting the receiving groove 22. In this embodiment, the receiving groove 22 is formed along the outer shape of the support member 20 and has a rectangular annular shape. The width of the receiving groove 22 is greater than the diameter of the covering wire of the coil 40. For example, when the diameter of the covering wire is 0.18 mm, the width of the receiving groove 22 can be 0.2 to 1.275 mm.

[0040] like Figure 9 As shown, in this embodiment, the outer wall 24 of the support member 20 has: a first outer wall portion 241 and a second outer wall portion 243 extending in a first horizontal direction; and a third outer wall portion 245 and a fourth outer wall portion 247 extending in a second horizontal direction orthogonal to the first horizontal direction. The third outer wall portion 245 connects one end of the first outer wall portion 241 and the second outer wall portion 243 to each other. Furthermore, the fourth outer wall portion 247 connects the other ends of the first outer wall portion 241 and the second outer wall portion 243 to each other. In this embodiment, the first horizontal direction is the X direction, and the second horizontal direction is the Y direction.

[0041] like Figure 9 As shown, the inner wall 26 has: a first inner wall portion 261 and a second inner wall portion 263 extending in a first horizontal direction; and a third inner wall portion 265 and a pair of fourth inner wall portions 267 extending in a second horizontal direction. The first inner wall portion 261 faces the first outer wall portion 241 and, together with the first outer wall portion 241, partially defines the receiving groove 22. The second inner wall portion 263 faces the second outer wall portion 243 and, together with the second outer wall portion 243, partially defines the receiving groove 22. The third inner wall portion 265 faces the third outer wall portion 245 and, together with the third outer wall portion 245, partially defines the receiving groove 22. The fourth inner wall portion 267 faces the fourth outer wall portion 247 and, together with the fourth outer wall portion 247, partially defines the receiving groove 22.

[0042] As from Figure 9 As can be understood, the coil 40 has: a main body 42 formed by winding a covering wire; and a pair of end portions 44 extending from the main body 42. The main body 42 of the coil 40 is at least partially housed in a receiving groove 22 of the support member 20. The end portions 44 of the coil 40 extend towards the inner periphery of the main body 42 and are connected to the FPC 50. In this embodiment, the main body 42 has a rounded quadrilateral shape when viewed from above, having a first side 421, a second side 423, a third side 425, and a fourth side 427. However, the invention is not limited to this. The shape of the main body 42 may also be other shapes such as circular or racetrack-shaped when viewed from above.

[0043] like Figure 9As shown, the support member 20 has a plurality of flanges 28. Specifically, the support member 20 has at least one first flange 281, at least one second flange 283, and at least one third flange 285. These flanges 28 protrude upward toward the receiving groove 22, making it difficult for the main body 42 of the coil 40 to dislodge from the receiving groove 22. The amount of protrusion of the flanges 28 also depends on the width of the receiving groove 22, but is, for example, 0.2 to 0.8 mm when the diameter of the covered wire is 0.18 mm.

[0044] like Figure 9 As shown, at least one first flange portion 281 protrudes from the outer wall 24 toward the inner wall 26. More specifically, at least one first flange portion 281 protrudes from the outer wall 24 toward a first orientation orthogonal to the vertical direction. In this embodiment, the first flange portion 281 protrudes from the first outer wall portion 241 toward the first orientation. In this embodiment, the first orientation is the -Y direction. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the number of first flange portions 281 is one. However, the invention is not limited thereto. There may also be two or more first flange portions 281.

[0045] like Figure 9 As shown, at least one second flange portion 283 also protrudes from the outer wall 24 toward the inner wall 26. Specifically, at least one second flange portion 283 protrudes from the outer wall 24 toward a second orientation, which is opposite to the first orientation. In this embodiment, the second flange portion 283 protrudes from the second outer wall portion 243 toward the second orientation. In this embodiment, the second orientation is the +Y direction. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the number of second flange portions 283 is one. However, the invention is not limited to this. The number of second flange portions 283 may also be two or more. Furthermore, the number of second flange portions 283 may differ from the number of first flange portions 281.

[0046] like Figure 9 As shown, at least one third flange portion 285 also protrudes from the outer wall 24 toward the inner wall 26. Specifically, at least one third flange portion 285 protrudes from the outer wall 24 toward a third position, which is orthogonal to the vertical direction and to both the first and second positions. In this embodiment, the third flange portion 285 protrudes from the third outer wall portion 245 toward the third position. In this embodiment, the third position is the -X direction. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the number of third flange portions 285 is one. However, the invention is not limited to this. The number of third flange portions 285 may also be two or more. On the other hand, the third flange portion 285 is not essential in the invention, and therefore may be omitted.

[0047] Reference Figure 4The lower surface of the first flange portion 281, in a cross-section along the plane defined by the first orientation (-Y direction) and the vertical direction, has a shape that gradually decreases towards the first orientation. Therefore, when the main body portion 42 of the coil 40 housed in the receiving groove 22 moves from the receiving groove 22 towards the extraction direction, the main body portion 42 of the coil 40 is subjected to a force towards the second orientation from the first flange portion 281, making it difficult to extract from the receiving groove 22. Similarly, the lower surface of the second flange portion 283, in a cross-section along the plane defined by the second orientation and the vertical direction, has a shape that gradually decreases towards the second orientation (+Y direction). Therefore, when the main body portion 42 of the coil 40 housed in the receiving groove 22 moves from the receiving groove 22 towards the extraction direction, the main body portion 42 of the coil 40 is subjected to a force towards the first orientation from the second flange portion 283, making it difficult to extract from the receiving groove 22. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The first flange portion 281 may also have a shape that gradually decreases in direction toward the first orientation in a cross-section along a surface defined by the first orientation and the vertical direction. Similarly, the second flange portion 283 may have a shape that gradually decreases in direction toward the second orientation in a cross-section along a surface defined by the second orientation and the vertical direction.

[0048] Reference Figure 8 The lower surface of the third flange portion 285, in a cross-section along the plane defined by the third third position (-X direction) and the vertical direction, has a shape that gradually decreases towards the third third position. The third flange portion 285 can also make it difficult for the main body portion 42 of the coil 40 to be dislodged from the receiving groove 22. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. The third flange portion 285, like the first flange portion 281 and the second flange portion 283, can also have a shape that gradually decreases towards the third third position in a cross-section along the plane defined by the third third position and the vertical direction.

[0049] Reference Figure 6 and Figure 8 The support member 20 is provided with an opening 249 that communicates with the receiving groove 22. The opening 249 is formed on the lower part of the outer wall 24. In this embodiment, the opening 249 is formed on the lower part of the fourth outer wall portion 247. In addition, in this embodiment, the opening 249 also extends to the lower surface 203.

[0050] like Figure 9 As shown, the support member 20 also has two protrusions 30. The protrusions 30 protrude from the outer wall 24 toward the inner wall 26. Specifically, the protrusions 30 protrude from the outer wall 24 toward a fourth position, which is the opposite of the third position. In this embodiment, the protrusions 30 protrude from the fourth outer wall portion 247 of the outer wall 24 toward the fourth position. In this embodiment, the fourth position is the +X direction. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the two protrusions 30 are located in the second horizontal direction, sandwiching the opening 249 (see reference). Figure 6 and Figure 8 The two protrusions 30 are positioned in the second horizontal direction at the location that sandwiches the lead-out portion 54 of the FPC 50 that extends through the opening 249. The amount of protrusion of the protrusions 30 also depends on the width of the receiving groove 22, but is, for example, 0.2 to 0.8 mm when the diameter of the covered wire is 0.18 mm. However, the protrusions 30 are not necessary in this invention.

[0051] like Figure 8 As shown, the lower surface of the protrusion 30 has a shape that gradually decreases in direction towards the fourth position in a cross-section defined by the fourth position (+X direction) and the vertical direction. The protrusion 30 also makes it difficult for the main body 42 of the coil 40 to detach from the receiving groove 22. The protrusion 30 as a whole can also have a shape that gradually decreases in direction towards the fourth position in a cross-section defined by the fourth position and the vertical direction.

[0052] like Figure 9 As shown, a first recess 271, a second recess 273, and a third recess 275 are provided on the inner wall 26 of the support member 20. The first recess 271, the second recess 273, and the third recess 275 correspond to the first flange portion 281, the second recess 273, and the third flange portion 285, respectively. Specifically, the first recess 271 is located on the first orientation (-Y direction) side of the corresponding first flange portion 281 and is recessed towards the first orientation. Furthermore, the second recess 273 is located on the second orientation (+Y direction) side of the corresponding second flange portion 283 and is recessed towards the second orientation. The third recess 275 is located on the third orientation (-X direction) side of the corresponding third flange portion 285 and is recessed towards the third orientation. The first recess 271, the second recess 273, and the third recess 275 facilitate the reception of the main body portion 42 of the coil 40 within the receiving groove 22. However, the third recess 275 is not essential in this invention.

[0053] Reference Figure 3 In this embodiment, a plurality of intersecting ribs 32 and recesses 34 located between adjacent ribs 32 are formed on the lower surface 203 of the support member 20. The ribs 32 include ribs extending along a first horizontal direction and ribs extending along a second horizontal direction. The recesses 34 have a rectangular shape when viewed from below and are recessed upwards. The presence of the recesses 34 reduces the amount of resin required to form the support member 20, thus reducing costs.

[0054] like Figure 3As shown, in this embodiment, a first confirmation window 361, a second confirmation window 363, and a third confirmation window 365 are formed on the lower surface 203 of the support member 20. The first confirmation window 361, the second confirmation window 363, and the third confirmation window 365 correspond to the first flange portion 281, the second flange portion 283, and the third flange portion 285, respectively. The first confirmation window 361, the second confirmation window 363, and the third confirmation window 365 are used to observe and confirm the coil 40. In other words, the main body portion 42 of the coil 40 housed in the receiving groove 22 can be observed and confirmed through the first confirmation window 361, the second confirmation window 363, and the third confirmation window 365, respectively.

[0055] like Figure 9 As shown, in this embodiment, the FPC 50 has a generally T-shaped shape when viewed from above. Specifically, the FPC 50 has a connecting portion 52 extending in a second horizontal direction and a lead-out portion 54 extending in a first horizontal direction. However, the invention is not limited thereto. The FPC 50 only needs to have the lead-out portion 54, and its shape is not particularly limited.

[0056] like Figure 9 As shown, a pair of conductor patterns 501 are formed on the upper surface of FPC 50. The conductor patterns 501 extend from the connection portion 52 to the lead-out portion 54. The end 44 of the coil 40 is connected to the connection pads included in the conductor patterns 501.

[0057] As from Figure 2 , Figure 5 as well as Figure 8 As such, the connecting portion 52 of the FPC 50 is fixed to the support member 20. In this embodiment, the connecting portion 52 of the FPC 50 is fixed to the support member 20 by thermal riveting. The lead-out portion 54 of the FPC 50 passes through the opening 249 formed in the support member 20 and extends at least partially outside the support member 20. In this embodiment, the lead-out portion 54 of the FPC 50 extends toward a third location.

[0058] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 as well as Figure 7 As shown, the magnetic sheet 60 is a rectangular sheet when viewed from above. The magnetic sheet 60 is composed of at least metallic magnetic powder and an adhesive (resin) that bonds it together. The magnetic sheet 60 is mounted on the upper part of the outer wall 24 in such a way that it partially covers the main body 42 of the coil 40.

[0059] The following is mainly based on Figure 9 The manufacturing steps of antenna module 10 are explained.

[0060] First, prepare the support component 20, coil 40, FPC 50, and magnetic sheet 60.

[0061] Next, solder end 44 of coil 40 to the connection pad of FPC50.

[0062] Next, the FPC50 is installed on the support member 20. At this time, the lead-out portion 54 of the FPC50 passes through the opening 249 of the support member 20 (see reference). Figure 8 The coil 40 extends partially outward toward the third position (-X direction) to the outside of the support member 20. Simultaneously, the fourth side 427 of the main body 42 of the coil 40 is received in the receiving groove 22. By pulling the lead-out portion 54 of the FPC 50 toward the third position, the fourth side 427 of the main body 42 of the coil 40 approaches the fourth outer wall portion 247 of the outer wall 24, at least partially located below the protrusion 30. Furthermore, since no protrusion 30 is provided on the fourth inner wall portion 267, when the fourth side 427 of the main body 42 of the coil 40 is received in the receiving groove 22, the coil 40 will not be pressed against the protrusion 30, thus preventing damage to its coating.

[0063] As from Figure 10 and Figure 11 As can be understood, multiple through holes 56 are formed in the FPC 50. On the other hand, multiple retaining portions 38 are formed in the support member 20, each corresponding to one of the through holes 56. Each retaining portion 38 is initially cylindrical. When the FPC 50 is mounted on the support member 20, the retaining portion 38 of the support member 20 is inserted into its corresponding through hole 56 in the FPC 50. Subsequently, the retaining portion 38 of the support member 20 is deformed by thermal riveting. Figure 5 As shown, the deformed retaining part 38 has: an insertion part 381 that is inserted into the corresponding through hole 56; and a fixing part 383 located above the insertion part 381, which has a larger dimension in the horizontal direction than the through hole 56. Moreover, due to the presence of the fixing part 383, the FPC 50 is fixed to the support member 20.

[0064] Next, the first side 421 and the second side 423 of the main body portion 42 of the coil 40 are bent inward in the second horizontal direction (X direction), and are received in the receiving groove 22 of the support member 20 by the first recess 271 and the second recess 273. When the external force is removed, the first side 421 and the second side 423 of the main body portion 42 of the coil 40 attempt to return to their original shape due to the restoring force, approaching the first outer wall portion 241 and the second outer wall portion 243 respectively, and moving downwards from the first flange portion 281 and the second flange portion 283 respectively. At this time, the third side 425 of the main body portion 42 of the coil 40 is located inward in the first horizontal direction than the third flange portion 285.

[0065] Next, using a clamp or similar device, the coil 40 is moved as a whole toward the fourth direction (+X direction). This movement of the coil 40 is performed such that the third side 425 of the main body 42 of the coil 40 is at least partially located below the third flange 285, and the fourth side 427 is received in the receiving groove 22 and at least partially located below the protrusion 30. Furthermore, this is done so that the third side 425 of the main body 42 of the coil 40 does not contact the third inner wall 265. To enable this process, in this embodiment, the distance in the first horizontal direction between the protrusion 30 and the third flange 285 is shorter than the length (outer diameter) of the main body 42 of the coil 40 in the first horizontal direction. Furthermore, the distance between the inner walls 26 of the receiving groove 22 in the first horizontal direction is shorter than the inner dimension (inner diameter) of the main body 42 of the coil 40 in the first horizontal direction.

[0066] Finally, magnetic sheet 60 (refer to) Figure 1 It is installed on the upper surface 201 of the support member 20. In detail, the magnetic sheet 60 is installed on the upper part of the outer wall 24 by means of adhesive or the like, in a manner that partially covers the main body 42 of the coil 40.

[0067] As from Figure 2 , Figure 6 as well as Figure 8 As can be understood, in the completed antenna module 10, the lead-out portion 54 of the FPC 50 passes through the lower side of the coil 40, through the opening 249, and extends to the outside of the support member 20. With this structure, although the coil 40 is partially located above the lead-out portion 54 of the FPC 50, the main body portion 42 of the coil 40 is not directly subjected to force from the lead-out portion 54. This is because the fourth outer wall portion 247 of the outer wall 24 restricts the deformation and movement of the lead-out portion 54. Therefore, for example, when mounting the antenna module 10 on a substrate (not shown), even if the lead-out portion 54 deforms or moves due to external force, the main body portion 42 of the coil 40 will not move within the receiving groove 22 or detach from the receiving groove 22. Furthermore, since the movement of the main body portion 42 of the coil 40 is restricted, the positional relationship between the main body portion 42 of the coil 40 and the magnetic sheet 60 can be maintained.

[0068] As from Figure 9 Understandably, when viewed from above, a portion of the main body 42 of the coil 40 is located below the respective first flange 281 and second flange 283. This structure prevents or inhibits the main body 42 of the coil 40 from moving within or falling out of the receiving groove 22. As a result, as from... Figure 4Therefore, regardless of the orientation in which the antenna module 10 is mounted on the substrate (not shown), the distance between the main body 42 of the coil 40 and the magnetic sheet 60 can be kept constant. For example, even if the antenna module 10 is mounted on the substrate upside down, the distance between the main body 42 of the coil 40 and the magnetic sheet 60 can be kept constant. In this way, an antenna module with the desired antenna characteristics can be obtained.

[0069] As from Figure 9 As can be understood, in this embodiment, when viewed from above, a portion of the main body 42 of the coil 40 is located below the respective third flange 285 and protrusion 30. The third flange 285 and protrusion 30, like the first flange 281 and the second flange 283, can prevent or suppress movement of the main body 42 of the coil 40, maintaining the positional relationship between the main body 42 of the coil 40 and the magnetic sheet 60. In this way, an antenna module with more reliable desired antenna characteristics can be obtained.

[0070] The present invention has been described above with examples of several embodiments, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments and various modifications and alterations can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, although in the above embodiments the magnetic sheet 60 covers approximately half of the upper surface 201 of the support member 20, the present invention is not limited thereto. The magnetic sheet 60 may also cover the entire upper surface 201 of the support member 20.

[0071] This invention is based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-192242, filed with the Japan Patent Office on November 10, 2023, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0072] The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described, but those skilled in the art will recognize that modifications can be made to the embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present invention, and such modifications are also within the scope of the present invention.

[0073] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0074] 10: Antenna module;

[0075] 20: Supporting components;

[0076] 201: Top surface;

[0077] 203: Lower surface;

[0078] 22: Reception slot;

[0079] 24: Outer wall;

[0080] 241: First outer wall portion;

[0081] 243: Second outer wall portion;

[0082] 245: Third outer wall portion;

[0083] 247: Fourth outer wall portion;

[0084] 249: Opening;

[0085] 26: Inner wall;

[0086] 261: First inner wall portion;

[0087] 263: Second inner wall portion;

[0088] 265: Third inner wall portion;

[0089] 267: Fourth inner wall portion;

[0090] 271: first concave part;

[0091] 273: second concave part;

[0092] 275: The third recess;

[0093] 28: Flange portion;

[0094] 281: First flange portion;

[0095] 283: Second flange portion;

[0096] 285: Third flange portion;

[0097] 30: protrusion;

[0098] 32: Rib;

[0099] 34: Depression;

[0100] 361: First confirmation window;

[0101] 363: Second confirmation window;

[0102] 365: Third confirmation window;

[0103] 38: Maintaining section;

[0104] 381: Inserted part;

[0105] 383: Fixing part;

[0106] 40: Coil;

[0107] 42: Main body;

[0108] 421: First side;

[0109] 423: Second side;

[0110] 425: Third side;

[0111] 427: Fourth side;

[0112] 44: end;

[0113] 50: Flexible printed circuit board (FPC);

[0114] 501: Conductor pattern;

[0115] 52: Connecting part;

[0116] 54: Introduction section;

[0117] 56: Through hole;

[0118] 60: Magnetic sheet.

Claims

1. An antenna module, It has supporting components and coils. The coil has a main body. The support member has: an outer wall and an inner wall forming a receiving groove; at least one first flange; and at least one second flange. The at least one first flange portion protrudes from the outer wall in a first orientation orthogonal to the vertical direction. The at least one second flange protrudes from the outer wall toward a second orientation that is opposite to the first orientation. The main body portion of the coil is at least partially housed in the receiving groove. A portion of the main body of the coil is located below the first flange and the second flange when viewed from above.

2. The antenna module according to claim 1, wherein, The support member further has at least one third flange protruding from the outer wall toward a third position, the third position being orthogonal to the vertical direction and to both the first and second positions. A portion of the main body of the coil is located below the third flange when viewed from above.

3. The antenna module according to claim 1, wherein, The inner wall of the support member is provided with a first recess and a second recess. The first recess and the second recess correspond to the first flange and the second flange, respectively. The first recess is located on the first orientation side of the corresponding first flange portion and is recessed towards the first orientation. The second recess is located on the second orientation side of the corresponding second flange portion and is recessed towards the second orientation.

4. The antenna module according to claim 1, wherein, The support member has an upper surface with the receiving groove formed thereon and a lower surface opposite to the upper surface. A confirmation window is formed on the lower surface, which allows observation and confirmation that the coil is housed in the receiving slot.

5. The antenna module according to claim 1, wherein, The first flange portion, in a cross-section along the surface defined by the first orientation and the vertical direction, has a shape that gradually decreases in direction towards the first orientation. The second flange portion has a shape that gradually decreases in direction toward the second orientation in a cross section along the surface defined by the second orientation and the vertical direction.

6. The antenna module according to claim 1, wherein, The antenna module also has a magnetic sheet. The magnetic sheet is mounted on the upper part of the outer wall in such a way that it partially covers the main body of the coil.

7. The antenna module according to claim 1, wherein, The antenna module also has a flexible printed circuit board. The coil also has an end, The end is connected to the flexible printed circuit board. The flexible printed circuit board has lead-out sections. The lead-out portion extends to the outside of the support member in a third direction, the third direction being orthogonal to the vertical direction and orthogonal to both the first and second directions.

8. The antenna module according to claim 7, wherein, Multiple through holes are formed in the flexible printed circuit board. The support member has a plurality of retaining portions corresponding to the through hole. The retaining part has: an insertion part that is inserted into the corresponding through hole; and a fixing part located above the insertion part, having a size larger than the through hole in a horizontal direction orthogonal to the vertical direction.

9. The antenna module according to claim 7 or 8, wherein, The supporting member is provided with an opening that communicates with the receiving groove. The opening is formed on the lower part of the outer wall. The lead-out portion passes through the lower side of the coil, through the opening, and extends to the outside of the support member.

10. The antenna module according to claim 7 or 8, wherein, The portion of the coil is located above the lead-out portion. The support member also has two protrusions that project from the outer wall in a fourth direction, opposite to the third position. The two protrusions are located at the position that clamps the lead-out portion. A portion of the main body of the coil is located below the two protrusions when viewed from above.

11. The antenna module according to any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein, The support member has an upper surface with the receiving groove formed thereon and a lower surface opposite to the upper surface. The lower surface has a plurality of intersecting ribs and recesses located between adjacent ribs.

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