Wireless module

Abstract

To provide a radio module capable of facilitating work to a substrate or the like housed in a housing.SOLUTION: A wireless module includes a first substrate including an antenna that performs at least one of transmission and reception of a radio frequency signal, a second substrate that handles a baseband signal having a frequency lower than a frequency of the radio frequency signal, and a housing that includes a case and a cover combined with each other and that houses the first substrate and the second substrate. The housing can be detachably divided into a plurality of parts. The plurality of portions include a first portion that houses at least a portion of the first substrate and a second portion that houses at least a portion of the second substrate.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a wireless module. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a wireless device that includes a substrate, an antenna, and a housing that houses these. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 4577224 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In this type of device, it may be necessary to perform adjustments, inspections, setting changes, part replacements, etc. on the circuit boards, etc. In such cases, the housing must be disassembled and opened to perform the above-mentioned work. However, in the case of the above-mentioned device, opening the housing can be time-consuming, and there is a problem in that even minor tasks such as adjustment and inspection require a lot of work.

[0005] An object of one aspect of the present invention is to provide a wireless module that can facilitate work on a board or the like housed in a housing. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A wireless module according to a first aspect of the present invention comprises a first substrate having an antenna for at least one of transmitting and receiving high-frequency signals, a second substrate for handling baseband signals at a lower frequency than the high-frequency signals, and a housing having a case and cover combined with each other and accommodating the first substrate and the second substrate, wherein the housing can be detachably divided into a plurality of parts, and the plurality of parts include a first part accommodating at least a portion of the first substrate and a second part accommodating at least a portion of the second substrate.

[0007] According to the first aspect of the present invention, when minor work such as adjustment or inspection is performed on only one of the first and second boards, the cover and case can be separated for only one of the first and second parts, which reduces the amount of work required compared to separating the cover and case for the entire housing.

[0008] A second aspect of the present invention is a wireless module of the first aspect, wherein the first part comprises a first case part that is a part of the case and a first cover part that is a part of the cover, and the second part comprises a second case part that is another part of the case and a second cover part that is another part of the cover, one of the first cover part and the first case part has a first protrusion that protrudes due to a difference in length with the other, and one of the second case part and the second cover part has a second protrusion that protrudes due to a difference in length with the other, and the first part and the second part can be joined by aligning the first protrusion and the second protrusion facing each other.

[0009] A third aspect of the present invention is the wireless module of the first or second aspect, wherein the first portion has a surrounding portion that surrounds the antenna in a plan view.

[0010] A fourth aspect of the present invention is the wireless module according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the first substrate and the second substrate are detachably connected via a connector.

[0011] A fifth aspect of the present invention is a wireless module of any one of the first to fourth aspects, wherein a first high-temperature element that supplies the high-frequency signal to the antenna is mounted on the first substrate, and a first heat dissipation sheet is provided between the case and the first high-temperature element in the opposing direction in which the case and the cover face each other.

[0012] A sixth aspect of the present invention is a wireless module according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein an opening is formed in the housing to expose at least one of a portion of the first substrate and a portion of the second substrate, and the opening can be opened and closed freely by a lid.

[0013] A seventh aspect of the present invention is the wireless module according to the sixth aspect, wherein the lid is made of metal. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] According to one aspect of the present invention, a wireless module can be provided that makes it easy to work on a board or the like housed in a housing. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of a wireless module according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the wireless module according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a wireless module according to a first embodiment. [Figure 4] 1 is an exploded cross-sectional view of a wireless module according to a first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a side view of a portion of the wireless module according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] 1 is an exploded side view of a wireless module according to a first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a front view of a wireless module according to a second embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a wireless module according to a second embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a partially exploded front view of a wireless module according to a second embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a wireless module according to a second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] Hereinafter, a wireless module according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0017] [Wireless module] (first embodiment) FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a wireless module 1 according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the wireless module 1. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the wireless module 1. FIG. 3 is a view showing a cross-section taken along line II in FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of an exploded wireless module 1. FIG. 4 is a view showing a cross-section taken along line II-II in FIG. 2.

[0018] 1 and 2, a wireless module 1 according to this embodiment includes a first substrate 10, a second substrate 20, and a housing C. The housing C includes a cover 30 and a case 40. The cover 30 and the case 40 are combined with each other in the thickness direction of the housing C. The housing C houses the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 20.

[0019] The housing C according to this embodiment has a rectangular outer shape in a plan view seen from the thickness direction of the housing C. The housing C (cover 30 and case 40) is formed of a metal such as aluminum or stainless steel. The first substrate 10 has a plurality of antennas A. Each antenna A transmits and receives high-frequency signals (RF signals) in the millimeter wave band, for example. It is sufficient that the antenna A is capable of at least one of transmission and reception.

[0020] (direction definition) In this embodiment, the direction in which the cover 30 and the case 40 face each other is referred to as the facing direction X. In this embodiment, the facing direction X is the thickness direction of the housing C. Hereinafter, the view from the facing direction X will be referred to as a plan view. A direction intersecting (e.g., perpendicular to) the facing direction X is referred to as the first direction Y. In this embodiment, the first direction Y is the direction in which the short sides of the housing C extend in a plan view. A direction intersecting (e.g., perpendicular to) both the facing direction X and the first direction Y is referred to as the second direction Z. In this embodiment, the second direction Z is also the direction in which the long sides of the housing C extend in a plan view. The direction from the case 40 toward the cover 30 along the facing direction X is referred to as the front side, and is represented by the +X direction in the drawings. The direction from the cover 30 toward the case 40 along the facing direction X is referred to as the rear side, and is represented by the -X direction in the drawings. One direction along the first direction Y is referred to as the right direction, and is represented as the +Y direction in the drawings. The direction opposite the +Y direction is referred to as the left direction, and is represented as the -Y direction in the drawings. One direction along the second direction Z is referred to as the up direction, and is represented as the +Z direction in the drawings. The direction opposite the +Z direction is referred to as the down direction, and is represented as the -Z direction in the drawings. The YZ plane is a plane defined by the first direction Y and the second direction Z.

[0021] 1, the cover 30 according to this embodiment is in the form of a plate extending along the YZ plane. The cover 30 has a passage portion 31 and a terminal hole 32 formed therein.

[0022] The passing portion 31 is a portion that passes electromagnetic waves transmitted and received by the antenna A. In other words, the passing portion 31 is a portion that prevents electromagnetic waves from electromagnetically interfering with the cover 30. The passing portion 31 according to this embodiment is a hole (opening) that penetrates the cover 30 in the facing direction X. In this embodiment, the two passing portions 31 are arranged with an interval in the second direction Z. The two passing portions 31 are referred to as a first passing portion 31A and a second passing portion 31B, respectively. The first passing portion 31A is located above the second passing portion 31B. The passing portion 31 is not limited to a through hole (opening). As long as the electromagnetic waves transmitted and received by the antenna A can pass through the cover 30, the configuration of the passing portion 31 can be changed as appropriate.

[0023] The positions of the two passing portions 31 correspond to the positions of the two antenna groups G1 and G2 of the first substrate 10. That is, the position of the first passing portion 31A corresponds to the position of the first antenna group G1. The position of the second passing portion 31B corresponds to the position of the second antenna group G2.

[0024] A beam portion 30b is formed on the cover 30. The beam portion 30b is a portion of the cover 30 that is located between the two passing portions 31. The beam portion 30b extends linearly in the first direction Y. The beam portion 30b separates the two passing portions 31 in the second direction Z. As shown in FIG. 3 , the beam portion 30b is in contact with the first substrate 10, for example, in the opposing direction X.

[0025] 1, the terminal holes 32 according to this embodiment are provided at the lower end of the cover 30. The terminal holes 32 penetrate the cover 30 in the facing direction X and open downward. The terminal holes 32 correspond to the positions of the external terminals 22 provided on the second substrate 20.

[0026] 3, the case 40 according to this embodiment includes a base 41, a peripheral wall 42, a partition wall 43, a first heat dissipation section 44, and a second heat dissipation section 45. The base 41 is plate-shaped and extends along the YZ plane. In plan view, the base 41 has a rectangular shape with long sides extending along the Z direction.

[0027] The peripheral wall portion 42 protrudes toward the front side (+X side) from the outer peripheral edge of the base portion 41. In other words, the peripheral wall portion 42 is provided upright on the outer peripheral edge of the base portion 41. The peripheral wall portion 42 according to this embodiment has a U-shape that is convex toward the upper side (+Z side) in a plan view. The peripheral wall 42 according to this embodiment includes a top wall 42a and a pair of side walls 42b (see FIG. 1). The top wall 42a extends along the upper short side (+Z side) of the base 41. The side walls 42b extend from both ends of the top wall 42a along the long sides of the base 41.

[0028] The partition wall 43 is erected at the center of the base 41 in the second direction Z. The partition wall 43 extends in the first direction Y and connects the centers of the pair of side wall portions 42b in the second direction Z. As a result, the partition wall 43 divides the space surrounded by the base 41 and the peripheral wall portion 42 into an upper space SP1 (first space) and a lower space SP2 (second space).

[0029] The upper space SP1 is a space above (on the +Z side of) the partition wall portion 43. The upper space SP1 is surrounded by the top wall portion 42a, a pair of side wall portions 42b (see FIG. 1), and the partition wall portion 43. The top wall portion 42a, the pair of side wall portions 42b (see FIG. 1), and the partition wall portion 43 form an "enclosure portion." The upper space SP1 encompasses at least a portion of the first substrate 10 in a plan view. The upper space SP1 according to this embodiment encompasses a portion of the first substrate 10 in a plan view.

[0030] The upper space SP1 includes at least a part of the antenna groups G1 and G2 (see FIG. 1) in a plan view, and preferably includes the entire antenna groups G1 and G2 (see FIG. 1) in a plan view.

[0031] The lower space SP2 is a space located below (on the -Z side of) the partition wall portion 43. The lower space SP2 is surrounded by a pair of side wall portions 42b (see FIG. 1) and the partition wall portion 43. The lower space SP2 encompasses the second substrate 20 in a plan view.

[0032] The first heat dissipation portion 44 is located in the center of the upper space SP1 in a plan view. The first heat dissipation portion 44 has a shape that protrudes from the base portion 41 toward the front side (+X side). The first heat dissipation sheet 61 contacts the tip surface of the first heat dissipation portion 44.

[0033] The second heat dissipation section 45 is located in the center of the lower space SP2 in a plan view. The second heat dissipation section 45 has a shape that protrudes from the base 41 toward the front side (+X side). In this embodiment, the amount by which the second heat dissipation section 45 protrudes from the base 41 is smaller than the amount by which the first heat dissipation section 44 protrudes from the base 41. In other words, in the facing direction X, the distance between the tip surface (the end surface on the front side, the surface on the +X side) of the second heat dissipation section 45 and the base 41 is shorter than the distance between the tip surface (the end surface on the front side, the surface on the +X side) of the first heat dissipation section 44 and the base 41. The tip surface of the second heat dissipation section 45 is in contact with the second heat dissipation sheet 62.

[0034] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the housing C can be divided into multiple parts. The multiple parts of the housing C include a first part 1A and a second part 1B. The housing C according to this embodiment can be divided into the first part 1A and the second part 1B. The first part 1A and the second part 1B are detachable. That is, the first part 1A and the second part 1B can be separated and joined together.

[0035] In this embodiment, the housing C can be divided into two parts (first part 1A and second part 1B), but the number of parts into which the housing is divided is not limited to two. The number of parts into which the housing is divided can be any number equal to or greater than two. For example, the housing can be divided into three or more parts, including the first part and the second part.

[0036] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the first portion 1A includes a first case portion 40A and a first cover portion 30A. The first case portion 40A is a part of the case 40. The first case portion 40A includes an upper portion of the base portion 41, an upper portion of the peripheral wall portion 42 (see FIG. 2), a partition wall portion 43, and a first heat dissipation portion 44. The "upper portion of the base portion 41" is a rectangular portion that includes the upper end portion (+Z end portion) of the base portion 41. The "upper portion of the peripheral wall portion 42" includes the top wall portion 42a and the upper portion of the side wall portion 42b (portion that includes the upper end portion (+Z end portion)) (see FIG. 2). The first case portion 40A includes the top wall portion 42a, part of the side wall portion 42b (see FIG. 2), and the partition wall portion 43, and therefore encompasses the upper space SP1.

[0037] The first cover portion 30A is a part of the cover 30. The first cover portion 30A is a portion that includes the upper end portion (+Z end portion) of the cover 30. The first cover portion 30A includes a passing portion 31.

[0038] The first cover portion 30A is formed longer in the second direction Z than the first case portion 40A. The upper end portion (+Z end portion) of the first cover portion 30A is located at the same position in the second direction Z as the upper end portion (+Z end portion) of the first case portion 40A. Therefore, a portion including the lower end portion (-Z end portion) of the first cover portion 30A protrudes downward (toward the -Z side) from the lower end portion (-Z end portion) 40Aa (end portion) of the first case portion 40A. This portion is referred to as the "first protruding portion 30C." The first protruding portion 30C is a part of the first cover portion 30A and is formed due to the difference in length between the first cover portion 30A and the first case portion 40A.

[0039] The first portion 1A accommodates at least a portion of the first substrate 10. The first portion 1A may accommodate a portion of the first substrate 10, or may accommodate the entire first substrate 10.

[0040] The second portion 1B includes a second case portion 40B and a second cover portion 30B. The second case portion 40B is another part of the case 40. The second case portion 40B according to this embodiment is the portion of the case 40 excluding the first case portion 40A (i.e., the other portion of the case 40). The second case portion 40B includes a lower portion of the peripheral wall portion 42 (see FIG. 2) and a second heat dissipation portion 45. The "lower portion of the peripheral wall portion 42" is the lower portion of the side wall portion 42b (a portion including the lower end portion (-Z end portion)) (see FIG. 2). The second case portion 40B encompasses a portion of the lower space SP2.

[0041] The second cover portion 30B is another part of the cover 30. The second cover portion 30B according to this embodiment is the portion of the cover 30 excluding the first cover portion 30A (i.e., the other portion of the cover 30). The second cover portion 30B is a portion that includes the lower end portion (-Z end portion) of the cover 30.

[0042] The second case portion 40B is formed longer in the second direction Z than the second cover portion 30B. The lower end portion (-Z end portion) of the second case portion 40B is located at the same position in the second direction Z as the lower end portion (-Z end portion) of the second cover portion 30B. Therefore, a portion including the upper end portion (+Z end portion) of the second case portion 40B protrudes upward (toward the +Z side) from the upper end portion (+Z end portion) 30Ba (end portion) of the second cover portion 30B. This portion is referred to as the "second protrusion portion 40C." The second protrusion portion 40C is a part of the second case portion 40B and is formed due to the difference in length between the second case portion 40B and the second cover portion 30B.

[0043] The second portion 1B accommodates at least a portion of the second substrate 20. The second portion 1B may accommodate a portion of the second substrate 20, or may accommodate the entire second substrate 20.

[0044] The first portion 1A and the second portion 1B are joined together with the first protruding portion 30C and the second protruding portion 40C facing each other in the facing direction X (see FIG. 3).

[0045] A first feeding element (first high-temperature element) 11 is mounted on the first substrate 10. In this embodiment, the multiple antennas A configure two antenna groups including a first antenna group G1 and a second antenna group G2 (see FIG. 1).

[0046] Each antenna A belonging to the first antenna group G1 is, for example, a transmitting antenna that transmits electromagnetic waves to the outside of the wireless module 1. Each antenna A belonging to the second antenna group G2 is, for example, a receiving antenna that receives electromagnetic waves from the outside of the wireless module 1. The arrangement and function of each antenna A can be changed as needed. For example, each antenna A belonging to the first antenna group G1 may be a receiving antenna, and each antenna A belonging to the second antenna group G2 may be a transmitting antenna. The wireless module 1 may have one or three or more antenna groups.

[0047] The first feed element 11 supplies a high-frequency signal (RF signal) to each antenna A. Specifically, the first feed element 11 supplies the high-frequency signal (RF signal) to each antenna A through a signal layer L1 (described later) or the like. For example, an RFIC (Radio Frequency Integrated Circuit) or the like can be used as the first feed element 11. The first substrate 10 is also referred to as an RFIC substrate or an RF substrate. Although detailed illustration is omitted, peripheral components other than the first feed element 11 and the antenna A may be mounted on the first substrate 10.

[0048] The first substrate 10 according to this embodiment has a structure in which a main portion 10A and a reinforcing portion 10B are stacked in an opposing direction X. The reinforcing portion 10B is stacked on the front side (+X side) of the main portion 10A. The first feed element 11 is mounted on the main portion 10A. The first feed element 11 is provided on the back side (-X side) of the main portion 10A.

[0049] The reinforcing portion 10B reinforces the main portion 10A and protects the antenna A. The reinforcing portion 10B according to this embodiment is a thin plate-like member made of a low-loss dielectric. The material of the low-loss dielectric and the dimensions (thickness) of the reinforcing portion 10B are preferably selected so as not to adversely affect the transmission and reception of electromagnetic waves by the antenna A. The reinforcing portion 10B may also have the role of improving the gain of electromagnetic waves.

[0050] The first substrate 10 extends along the YZ plane. The first substrate 10 according to this embodiment is fixed to the housing C so as to be sandwiched between the cover 30 and the case 40 in the facing direction X. Specifically, the first substrate 10 according to this embodiment is sandwiched between the cover 30 and the peripheral wall portion 42 and the partition wall portion 43 of the case 40 in the facing direction X. As a result, a portion of the first substrate 10 is located in an upper space SP1 of the case 40.

[0051] The first substrate 10 includes a first connector 51 (connector). In other words, the first connector 51 is mounted on the first substrate 10. The first connector 51 is provided in a position close to the bottom end (-Z end) of the first substrate 10. The first connector 51 protrudes from the first substrate 10 toward the back side (-X side).

[0052] The second substrate 20 includes a second connector 52 (connector). In other words, the second connector 52 is mounted on the second substrate 20. The second connector 52 is provided in a position close to the upper end (+Z end) of the second substrate 20. The second connector 52 protrudes from the second substrate 20 toward the front side (+X side).

[0053] The first substrate 10 and the second substrate 20 are detachably connected via a first connector 51 and a second connector 52. The first connector 51 and the second connector 52 are inter-substrate connectors that electrically connect the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 20. Specifically, the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 20 are electrically connected by the first connector 51 and the second connector 52 being directly electrically connected. In other words, the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 20 are electrically connected by the first connector 51 and the second connector 52 being mechanically and electrically connected.

[0054] When the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 20 are electrically connected, the first connector 51 and the second connector 52 are located in the lower space SP2. Note that the first connector 51 may be a male connector and the second connector 52 may be a female connector, or the first connector 51 may be a female connector and the second connector 52 may be a male connector.

[0055] The second substrate 20 is a substrate that handles baseband signals with frequencies lower than the high-frequency signals transmitted and received by the antenna A of the first substrate 10. The second substrate 20 is also called a baseband substrate or a BB substrate. The second substrate 20 is, for example, a glass epoxy substrate.

[0056] The second substrate 20 is electrically connected to the first substrate 10 via a first connector 51 and a second connector 52. The second substrate 20 extends along the YZ plane. In the facing direction X, the second substrate 20 and the first substrate 10 are disposed at different positions. Specifically, in the facing direction X, the distance between the second substrate 20 and the base 41 is shorter than the distance between the first substrate 10 and the base 41.

[0057] In a plan view, the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 20 at least partially overlap. Specifically, in the illustrated example, the lower end (-Z end) of the first substrate 10 and the upper end (+Z end) of the second substrate 20 overlap in a plan view. The first connector 51 and the second connector 52 are provided in the portion where the two substrates 10, 20 overlap in this way.

[0058] The second substrate 20 according to this embodiment is provided with a second power supply element (second high-temperature element) 21 and an external terminal 22. The external terminal 22 is, for example, a terminal for supplying power to the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 20. The external terminal 22 is exposed to the outside of the housing C through a terminal hole 32 in the cover 30 (see FIG. 1).

[0059] The second feed element 21 supplies a baseband signal (BB signal) to the first feed element 11 via the first connector 51 and the second connector 52. For example, a BBIC (Base Band Integrated Circuit) or the like can be used as the second feed element 21. The second feed element 21 is provided on the rear side (-X side) of the second substrate 20. Although not shown in detail, peripheral components other than the second feed element 21 and the external terminal 22 may be mounted on the second substrate 20.

[0060] The first heat dissipation sheet 61 is disposed between the first heat dissipation portion 44 and the first power supply element 11 in the facing direction X. The first heat dissipation sheet 61 is in contact with both the first power supply element 11 and the first heat dissipation portion 44 in the facing direction X. The first heat dissipation sheet 61 absorbs heat from the first power supply element 11 and dissipates the absorbed heat to the first heat dissipation portion 44.

[0061] The first heat dissipation sheet 61 may have radio wave absorbing properties. Specifically, the first heat dissipation sheet 61 may have radio wave absorbing properties in the centimeter wave band to millimeter wave band. An example of the first heat dissipation sheet 61 having radio wave absorbing properties is an EMI countermeasure sheet.

[0062] The second heat dissipation sheet 62 is disposed between the second heat dissipation portion 45 and the second power supply element 21 in the facing direction X. The second heat dissipation sheet 62 is in contact with both the second power supply element 21 and the second heat dissipation portion 45 in the facing direction X. The second heat dissipation sheet 62 absorbs heat from the second power supply element 21 and dissipates the absorbed heat to the second heat dissipation portion 45.

[0063] The cover 30 and the case 40 are fixed to each other by fixing screws SC1 and SC2. The fixing screws SC1 and SC2 have a threaded portion SCa and a head portion SCb fixed to one end of the threaded portion SCa. A male thread is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the threaded portion SCa. The head portion SCb has a larger diameter than the threaded portion SCa.

[0064] The fixing screws SC2 fix the case 40 to the cover 30. The case 40 according to this embodiment has a plurality of through holes H2b. Each through hole H2b penetrates the case 40 in the opposing direction X. A fixing screw SC2 is inserted into each through hole H2b. In this embodiment, each through hole H2b is formed in the peripheral wall portion 42 of the case 40.

[0065] The cover 30 has threaded holes H2c into which the fixing screws SC2 are inserted. The cover 30 has the same number of threaded holes H2c as the through holes H2b. The positions of the threaded holes H2c correspond to the positions of the through holes H2b. The inner circumferential surface of the threaded holes H2c is formed with a female thread that screws into the male thread of the threaded portion SCa of the fixing screw SC2.

[0066] When fixing the case 40 to the cover 30, the threaded portion SCa of the fixing screw SC2 is inserted through the through hole H2b and then screwed into the screw hole H2c. When the fixing screw SC2 is further screwed in with the head SCb of the fixing screw SC2 abutting against the case 40, the head SCb presses the case 40 against the cover 30. This pressing force fixes the case 40 to the cover 30.

[0067] Fig. 5 is a side view of a part of the wireless module 1. Fig. 6 is a side view of the wireless module 1 in Fig. 5 in an exploded state. 5 and 6, the housing C can be separated into a first portion 1A and a second portion 1B. The first portion 1A and the second portion 1B can be recombined.

[0068] The first protrusion 30C of the cover 30 and the second protrusion 40C of the case 40 are coupled to face each other in the opposing direction X. The first protrusion 30C and the second protrusion 40C are fixed to each other by one or more fixing screws SC1.

[0069] The fixing screw SC1 fixes the second protrusion 40C to the first protrusion 30C. The second protrusion 40C according to this embodiment has a plurality of through holes H1b. Each through hole H1b penetrates the second protrusion 40C in the opposing direction X. A fixing screw SC1 is inserted into each through hole H1b. In the second case portion 40B according to this embodiment, each through hole H1b is formed in the peripheral wall portion 42.

[0070] The first protrusion 30C has threaded holes H1c into which the fixing screws SC1 are inserted. The cover 30 has the same number of threaded holes H1c as the through holes H1b. The positions of the threaded holes H1c correspond to the positions of the through holes H1b. The inner circumferential surface of the threaded holes H1c is formed with a female thread that screws into the male thread of the threaded portion SCa of the fixing screw SC1.

[0071] When fixing the second protrusion 40C to the first protrusion 30C, the threaded portion SCa of the fixing screw SC1 is inserted through the through hole H1b and screwed into the screw hole H1c. When the fixing screw SC1 is further screwed in with the head SCb of the fixing screw SC1 abutting against the second protrusion 40C, the head SCb presses the second protrusion 40C toward the first protrusion 30C. This pressing force fixes the second protrusion 40C to the first protrusion 30C.

[0072] To separate the housing C into the first portion 1A and the second portion 1B, the fixing screw SC1 is removed from the housing C to release the connection between the first portion 1A and the second portion 1B.

[0073] To join the first part 1A and the second part 1B, after combining the first part 1A and the second part 1B, the case 40 and the cover 30 are joined together using the fixing screw SC1.

[0074] [Working on wireless modules] In the wireless module 1, for example, at least one of the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 20 may require adjustment, inspection, setting change, part replacement, or other work.

[0075] When work needs to be done on only one of the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 20, the portion of the first portion 1A and the second portion 1B that houses the target substrate can be separated from the other portions, and the cover 30 and the case 40 can be separated for only this portion. For example, when work is to be done on only the first substrate 10 of the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 20, the first portion 1A and the second portion 1B are separated. The first cover portion 30A and the first case portion 40A of the first portion 1A are separated. This exposes the first substrate 10, and work can be done on the first substrate 10. After the work is completed, the first cover portion 30A and the first case portion 40A are joined together, and then the first portion 1A and the second portion 1B are joined together.

[0076] [Advantages of the wireless module according to the first embodiment] According to the wireless module 1 of this embodiment, the housing C can be separated into a first portion 1A and a second portion 1B. Therefore, for example, when minor work such as adjustment or inspection needs to be performed on only one of the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 20, the cover 30 and the case 40 can be separated for only one of the first portion 1A and the second portion 1B, and the work can be performed. This reduces the amount of work required compared to separating the cover 30 and the case 40 for the entire housing C.

[0077] In the wireless module 1, the first portion 1A has a first protrusion 30C. The second portion 1B has a second protrusion 40C. The first protrusion 30C and the second protrusion 40C can be coupled to each other while facing each other in the opposing direction X. This increases the area of ​​the coupled portion between the first portion 1A and the second portion 1B, allowing the first portion 1A and the second portion 1B to be stably fixed together.

[0078] The first portion 1A has an enclosure (top wall 42a, side wall 42b, and partition wall 43) that surrounds the upper space SP1 that contains the antenna A in a plan view. The enclosure surrounds the antenna A in a plan view. This makes it possible to suppress leakage of electromagnetic waves transmitted and received by the antenna A. It also makes it possible to reduce the influence of external electromagnetic waves on the antenna A.

[0079] The first substrate 10 and the second substrate 20 are detachably connected via a first connector 51 and a second connector 52. Therefore, the first portion 1A and the second portion 1B can be easily separated (see FIG. 4).

[0080] In the wireless module 1, the first heat dissipation sheet 61 can dissipate heat from the first power supply element 11 to the case 40. Therefore, the temperature rise of the first substrate 10 can be suppressed.

[0081] [Wireless Module] (Second Embodiment) FIG. 7 is a front view of a wireless module 101 according to the second embodiment. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the wireless module 101. FIG. 8 is a view showing a cross section taken along III-III in FIG. 7. FIG. 9 is a front view of a portion of the wireless module 101 in an exploded state. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the wireless module 101. FIG. 10 is a view showing a cross section taken along IV-IV in FIG. 9. The same reference numerals are used for components common to the wireless module 1 of the first embodiment (see FIG. 1), and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0082] 7 and 8, the wireless module 101 includes a first substrate 10, a second substrate 20, and a housing C1. The housing C1 includes a cover 130 and a case 40 (see FIG. 1). The wireless module 101 differs from the wireless module 1 according to the first embodiment (see FIG. 1) in that the cover 130 is used instead of the cover 30.

[0083] The housing C1 can be separated into a first portion 1A and a second portion 101B. The first portion 1A and the second portion 101B are detachable. That is, the first portion 1A and the second portion 101B can be separated and joined together.

[0084] The second portion 101B includes a second case portion 40B and a second cover portion 130B. The second portion 101B accommodates at least a portion of the second substrate 20.

[0085] 9 and 10, an opening 33 is formed in the second cover portion 130B. The opening 33 penetrates the second cover portion 130B in the facing direction X. The opening 33 is formed, for example, in a rectangular shape. The opening 33 may be, for example, in a rectangular shape having long sides along the second direction Z.

[0086] The opening 33 is formed to allow access to the second substrate 20. For example, the opening 33 is located at a position overlapping at least a portion of the second substrate 20 in a plan view. The opening 33 exposes a portion of the second substrate 20. Therefore, the above-mentioned operations (adjustment, inspection, setting change, part replacement, etc.) can be performed on the second substrate 20 through the opening 33.

[0087] The opening 33 is closed by the lid body 50 so as to be freely opened and closed. The lid body 50 is formed in a plate shape. The lid body 50 is placed on the front side (+X side) of the second cover part 130B to cover the opening 33. The area of ​​the lid body 50 is larger than the area of ​​the opening 33. The lid body 50 is formed in, for example, a rectangular shape. The lid body 50 may be, for example, a rectangular shape having long sides along the second direction Z.

[0088] The lid 50 is made of metal such as aluminum, stainless steel, etc. Therefore, leakage of electromagnetic waves through the opening 33 can be suppressed.

[0089] As shown in Fig. 10, the lid 50 has a plurality of through holes H3d. Each through hole H3d penetrates the lid 50 in the thickness direction. A fixing screw SC3 is inserted into each through hole H3d. The fixing screw SC3 has a threaded portion SCa and a head portion SCb fixed to one end of the threaded portion SCa. A male thread is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the threaded portion SCa. The head portion SCb has a larger diameter than the threaded portion SCa.

[0090] The second cover portion 130B has threaded holes H3c into which the fixing screws SC3 are inserted. The second cover portion 130B has the same number of threaded holes H3c as the through holes H3d. The positions of the threaded holes H3c correspond to the positions of the through holes H3d. The inner circumferential surfaces of the threaded holes H3c are formed with female threads that screw into the male threads of the threaded portions SCa of the fixing screws SC3.

[0091] A security screw (special screw) can be used as the fixing screw SC3. The security screw has a structure that makes it impossible to operate it without a special dedicated tool. The dedicated tool has a specially shaped engaging portion (e.g., a convex portion) unlike general-purpose tools such as a flathead screwdriver, a Phillips head screwdriver, a hex wrench, or a wrench. The head SCb of the fixing screw SC3 has an engaged portion (e.g., a concave portion) that corresponds to the engaging portion of the dedicated tool. The engaged portion has a special shape, such as a triangular, pentagonal, star, or irregular shape. The engaging portion of a general-purpose tool cannot engage with the engaged portion of the fixing screw SC3, so the fixing screw SC3 cannot be operated with a general-purpose tool. The use of a security screw makes it difficult to remove the cover 50. This improves the security of the wireless module 101.

[0092] In the wireless module 101 according to this embodiment, the opening 33 is formed in the second cover part 130B, but the position where the opening is formed is not limited to the second cover part 130B. The opening may be formed in the first cover part 30A. When the opening is formed in the first cover part 30A, the opening exposes a portion of the first substrate 10. Therefore, the above-mentioned operations (adjustment, inspection, setting change, component replacement, etc.) can be performed on the first substrate 10 through the opening. It is sufficient that the opening exposes at least one of a portion of the first substrate 10 and a portion of the second substrate 20.

[0093] [Advantages of the wireless module according to the second embodiment] The wireless module 101 according to this embodiment achieves the same effects as the wireless module 1 according to the first embodiment, and also achieves the following effect. In the wireless module 101, an opening 33 that exposes at least a portion of the second substrate 20 is formed in the second cover part 130B. Therefore, the above-mentioned work (adjustment, inspection, setting change, part replacement, etc.) can be performed on the second substrate 20 through the opening 33. Therefore, the work can be made less labor-intensive than when the cover 30 and the case 40 are separated.

[0094] The technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0095] As shown in FIG. 2, in the wireless module 1 according to the first embodiment, the first cover portion 30A has a first protrusion 30C, and the second case portion 40B has a second protrusion 40C. However, the structures of the first and second protrusions are not limited to this. The first case portion may have a first protrusion that protrudes from an end of the first cover portion due to a difference in length between the first case portion and the second cover portion. The second cover portion may have a second protrusion that protrudes from an end of the second case portion due to a difference in length between the second case portion and the first cover portion. Even in this configuration, the first and second portions can be joined by aligning the first and second protrusions facing each other.

[0096] The first protrusion may be formed on one of the first cover part and the first case part and may be a part that protrudes due to the difference in length with the other. The second protrusion may be formed on one of the second case part and the second cover part and may be a part that protrudes due to the difference in length with the other. When the first protrusion is formed on the first cover part, the second protrusion is formed on the second case part. When the first protrusion is formed on the first case part, the second protrusion is formed on the second cover part. When the first protrusion is formed on one of the cover part and the case part, the second protrusion is formed on the other of the cover part and the case part.

[0097] The housing C (cover 30 and case 40) is preferably made of metal, but does not have to be made of metal. For example, the housing C may be made of resin or the like. If the housing C is made of resin, the cover 30 does not have to have an opening formed as the passing portion 31. In this case, the passing portion 31 may be the cover 30 itself. The lid 50 is preferably made of metal, but does not have to be made of metal.

[0098] In addition, it is possible to replace the components in the above-described embodiments with well-known components as appropriate, and the above-described embodiments and variations may be combined as appropriate, without departing from the spirit of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0099] DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1,101...wireless module 1A...first portion 1B,101B...second portion 10...first substrate 11...first power supply element (first high-temperature element) 20...second substrate 30,130...cover 30A...first cover portion 30B,130B...second cover portion 30Ba...upper end portion (end portion) of second cover portion 30B 30C...first protrusion 33...opening 40...case 40A...first case portion 40Aa...lower end portion (end portion) of first case portion 40A 40B...second case portion 40C...second protrusion 42a...top wall portion (enclosure portion) 42b...side wall portion (enclosure portion) 43...partition wall portion (enclosure portion) 50...lid body 51...first connector (connector) 52...second connector (connector) 61...first heat dissipation sheet A...Antenna C, C1...Housing SP1...Upper space (first space) X...Facing direction

Claims

1. a first substrate having an antenna for at least one of transmitting and receiving a high frequency signal; a second board that handles baseband signals having frequencies lower than the high-frequency signals; a housing having a case and a cover combined with each other and accommodating the first substrate and the second substrate; Equipped with The housing can be detachably divided into a plurality of parts, The plurality of portions include a first portion that accommodates at least a portion of the first substrate and a second portion that accommodates at least a portion of the second substrate. Wireless module.

2. the first portion includes a first case portion that is a part of the case and a first cover portion that is a part of the cover, the second portion includes a second case portion that is another part of the case and a second cover portion that is another part of the cover, One of the first cover portion and the first case portion has a first protruding portion that protrudes due to a difference in length from the other, One of the second case portion and the second cover portion has a second protruding portion that protrudes due to a difference in length from the other, The first portion and the second portion are connectable with each other by arranging the first protrusion and the second protrusion facing each other. The wireless module according to claim 1 .

3. The first portion has a surrounding portion that surrounds the antenna in a plan view. The wireless module according to claim 1 .

4. The first substrate and the second substrate are detachably connected via a connector. The wireless module according to claim 1 .

5. a first high-temperature element that supplies the high-frequency signal to the antenna is mounted on the first substrate; a first heat dissipation sheet is provided between the case and the first high-temperature element in the opposing direction in which the case and the cover face each other; The wireless module according to claim 1 .

6. an opening is formed in the housing to expose at least one of a portion of the first substrate and a portion of the second substrate; The opening is openable and closable by a lid. The wireless module according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The lid is made of metal. The wireless module according to claim 6.

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